JP5416890B2 - Medical image observation system and medical image observation apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image observation system that stores and displays medical image data acquired by a medical image diagnostic apparatus, and a medical image observation apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a medical image observation system and a medical image observation apparatus that determine and execute processing relating to a medical image.

  Medical image data acquired by a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus is managed by a medical image management system (PACS) connected via a network. This medical image management system (PACS) is connected to a hospital information system (HIS) and a radiation information system (RIS) via a network. An operator such as a doctor can interpret a medical image by reading out desired medical image data from the medical image management system using a client terminal on the network (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The plurality of medical image data acquired by the medical image diagnostic apparatus is classified for each patient according to the DICOM standard, and the classification for each patient is further classified for each examination. The examination is composed of a series of medical image data, and the series includes a plurality of medical image data. When a plurality of medical image data are classified in such a structure, the patient is at the top and an examination on the patient is performed. The examination consists of a series of medical image data, and the series includes a plurality of medical image data. Become.

  When interpreting a medical image, the operator changes the conditions such as the gradation and enlargement ratio of the medical image so that the medical image is easy to interpret, and displays the medical image on the display device. In addition, medical images are arranged in series, and medical images are displayed on a display device by changing conditions such as gradation and enlargement ratio of the selected medical image. Conditions such as gradation and magnification are input via an input device such as a mouse installed in the client terminal.

  For example, a plurality of buttons representing processes executed on the medical image data are displayed on the display device, and the operator moves the mouse cursor to designate buttons representing desired processes. As a result, processing corresponding to the designated button is executed. For example, by rotating the mouse wheel, a process corresponding to the rotation amount is executed for the designated process.

  By the way, when a medical image is interpreted, a past medical image and a current medical image are compared. In this case, it is important to compare medical images acquired at the same imaging position. For example, it is important to display a past medical image acquired at a predetermined imaging position on a display device, and display the current medical image acquired at the same imaging position on the display device side by side with the past medical image. become.

  For example, when a button representing the “image turning” process is designated with the mouse cursor and the mouse hole is rotated, a plurality of medical images included in the same series are switched according to the order of the shooting positions according to the amount of rotation. It can be displayed on a display device. By this operation, it is possible to display past medical images acquired at the same photographing position and current medical images side by side, and comparatively interpret them.

  Furthermore, the past medical image and the current medical image can be switched and displayed simultaneously. This process will be referred to as “linked turning”. In this case, if the button indicating “link turn” is specified with the mouse cursor and then the mouse wheel is rotated, the past medical image and the current medical image are linked with each other, and each of them is included in the same series. The medical images can be sequentially switched and displayed on the display device. For example, a past medical image and a current medical image acquired at the same photographing position can be switched simultaneously and displayed on the display device.

JP-A-5-81156

  As described above, conventionally, buttons representing individual processes are displayed on a display device, the process is determined by designating a desired button, and then a predetermined operation is performed by an input device such as a mouse. And instructed the execution of the process. In order to execute another process, it is necessary to determine the process by designating another button.

  In the above-described example, if the button indicating “image turning” is specified and pressed by moving the mouse cursor and the process is executed, then “linked turning” is executed continuously. It is necessary to designate and press a button representing “and execute the process. As described above, when a desired process is executed, it is necessary for the operator to search for and specify a button representing the desired process each time. Therefore, the operation becomes complicated at the time of interpretation, and it is difficult to interpret efficiently. In particular, when a plurality of processes are executed continuously, when one process is completed, a button representing the next process is searched for and designated, and when the process is completed, a button representing the next process is continuously searched for and designated. Since it was necessary, the operation became complicated and it was difficult to interpret efficiently.

  The present invention solves the above problem, and provides a medical image observation system and a medical image observation apparatus that facilitate selection of a desired process when a desired process related to medical image data is executed. With the goal.

The invention according to claim 1 is a medical image observation system in which a medical image storage device that stores medical image data and a medical image observation device that receives and displays the medical image data are connected via a network, The medical image storage device receives medical image data from a medical image diagnostic device and stores it, a position on a screen where a medical image of a display device is displayed , and a process executed with respect to the medical image data The medical image observing apparatus reads desired medical image data from the display device and the medical image storage means, and based on the read medical image data a display processing means for displaying the medical image on the display device, receiving the designation position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, the condition storage Determining means for determining a process corresponding to the designated position according to the association stored in the stage, and the display processing means, when receiving the execution instruction for the determined process, The medical image observation system, wherein the determined process is executed on the read medical image data and displayed on the display device .

  According to the present invention, the position on the screen of the display device is associated with the process executed on the medical image data, and when a desired position is designated on the screen, the process corresponding to the designated position is performed. Execute. Thereby, since it is easy to specify a desired process regarding the medical image, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator at the time of interpretation and efficiently perform interpretation.

  A medical image management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a part of an in-hospital system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the medical image observation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in a hospital system, a medical image storage device (medical image server) 10, a medical image observation device (client terminal) 1, and a medical image photographing device 20 are connected via a network N. Has been. The medical image storage apparatus 10 includes a computer having a communication function, and data communication is possible via the network N. The medical image storage device 10 has a management function for registering medical image data and notifying the storage destination of medical image data, and manages medical image data by storing medical image data in a plurality of image storage devices. ing.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 acquires medical image data by imaging the inside of the subject. The medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that visualizes the inside of a subject by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus that visualize the inside of a subject by exposing X-rays. Or an MRI apparatus that generates a magnetic field and visualizes the inside of the subject. The medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 includes a computer having a communication function and can perform data communication via the network N.

  Further, an image generation apparatus (not shown) such as a 2D workstation or a 3D workstation may be connected to the network N. This image generation device performs image processing such as rendering processing on the medical image data acquired by the medical image diagnostic device 20, thereby providing medical images such as three-dimensional image data and MPR image data (arbitrary slice image data). Generate data.

  In this embodiment, the medical image observation apparatus 1 and the medical image storage apparatus 10 constitute an example of a medical image observation system. This medical image observation system is constructed using a hospital LAN or the like provided in a medical facility such as a hospital that communicates medical image data and its accompanying information according to the DICOM standard.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 attaches the accompanying information to the medical image data and outputs it. Here, medical image data with accompanying information is referred to as “DICOM image data”. The incidental information is configured to include examination date information, patient ID, examination ID, series ID, image ID that is a number unique to a medical image, and image attribute information according to the DICOM standard.

  Information such as patient ID, examination ID, series ID, image ID, and image attribute information is standardized in accordance with the DICOM standard. The patient ID is information that identifies a photographed patient. The inspection ID is information for specifying the inspection content. The series ID is information used for classification according to the imaged site, image generation time, slice thickness, presence or absence of a contrast agent, and the like.

  When a plurality of examinations are performed on a patient, an examination ID indicating each examination is attached to medical image data acquired in each examination, and the examination is classified for each examination. In addition, when a plurality of series are included in an examination, such as by photographing a plurality of parts, a series ID indicating each series is added to the medical image data acquired for each series. It is classified by each. That is, a plurality of medical image data attached with a certain patient ID is classified for each examination by examination ID, and further, for each examination, it is classified for each series by series ID.

  The image attribute information is information for specifying the type of medical image. Image attribute information includes, for example, modality name, station name, manufacturer model name, modality manufacturer, facility name, mounting version name, image type, AE title, software version, SOP class UID, protocol name, and device serial number. Or the information etc. which specify the site | part to be examined correspond.

  Next, the medical image observation apparatus 1 and the medical image storage apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the medical image storage apparatus 10 will be described, and then the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described.

[Medical image storage device 10]
When medical image data is generated by the medical image diagnostic measure 20, medical image data (DICOM image data) with additional information is transmitted from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 to the medical image storage apparatus 10 via the network N. .

  The image data receiving unit 11 of the medical image storage apparatus 10 receives DICOM image data transmitted via the network N. The image data receiving unit 11 outputs the received DICOM image data to the image data registration unit 12.

  The image data registration unit 12 outputs the received DICOM image data to the image data storage unit 14 and registers incidental information of the DICOM image data in the database 13.

  The database 13 stores the incidental information attached to the medical image data in association with the storage position information for specifying the storage destination of the medical image data in the image storage device. For example, the database 13 stores a patient ID, an examination ID, a series ID, an image ID, image attribute information, and storage position information in association with each other.

  Furthermore, the database 13 stores a setting information table in which image attribute information, a position on the screen of the display unit, and processing executed on medical image data are associated with each other. This setting information table is a table for determining processing to be executed on the medical image based on the image attribute of the medical image displayed on the display unit and the position designated on the screen of the display unit. is there. The database 13 may store a plurality of different setting information tables. In this case, identification information for distinguishing individual setting information tables is attached to each setting information table. For example, when the operator specifies the identification information, a desired setting information table is specified, and processing is determined according to the setting information table. The database 13 corresponds to an example of “condition storage means” of the present invention. An example of the setting information table is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting information table used in the medical image observation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The setting information table is configured by associating image attribute information 100 of medical images, setting area information 101, and processing information 102 with each other. The image attribute information 100 of the medical image is information for specifying the type of the medical image as described above. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the image attribute information 100 represents a modality name from which medical image data has been acquired. Specifically, “CT (abbreviation of X-ray CT apparatus)”, “MR (abbreviation of MRI apparatus)”, “CR (abbreviation of X-ray apparatus)”, etc. are applicable as modality names (image attribute information 100). To do.

  The setting area information 101 is information for specifying the position of the display unit on the screen. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the setting area information 101 is information for dividing the area occupied by the medical image displayed on the display unit into a plurality of individual areas and specifying the divided individual areas. Specifically, the individual area indicated by the setting area information 101 corresponds to “upper half of CT image”, “lower half of CT image”, and the like.

  The process information 102 is information for specifying a process to be executed on medical image data. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, “image turning” processing, “WW / WL adjustment” processing, and the like correspond to the processing indicated by the processing information 102. “Image turning” indicates, for example, a process of displaying a plurality of medical images belonging to the same series on the display unit in order according to an instruction from the operator. “WW / WL adjustment” indicates a process for adjusting WW (Window Width) / WL (Window Level) of medical image data.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, “CT” as the image attribute information 100, “upper half of the CT image” as the setting area information 101, and “image turning” as the processing information 102 are associated with each other. When the upper half area of the CT image is designated by the operator in a state where the CT image is displayed on the display unit, this association is performed as an “image turning” process. Is determined.

  Also, “CT” as image attribute information 100, “lower half of CT image” as setting area information 101, and “WW / WL adjustment” as processing information 102 are associated with each other. This association is performed when a lower half area of the CT image is designated by the operator in a state where the CT image is displayed on the display unit, as a process executed on the CT image, “WW (Window Width)” / WL (Window Level) adjustment "is determined.

  A specific example of the above association will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of association between a region occupied by a medical image and a set process. For example, one vertex of the area occupied by the CT image 110 is set as the origin (0, 0), the “image turning” process is associated with the upper half area 111, and the “WW / WL adjustment” process is performed with the lower half area 112. Are associated. The upper half area 111 and the lower half area 112 are specified by a coordinate system based on the origin (0, 0).

  Further, as shown in the setting information table of FIG. 3, setting area information 101 and processing information 102 are associated with image attribute information 100 other than CT.

  The image data storage unit 14 includes an image storage device including a plurality of HDDs, NAS (Network Attached Storage), and the like, receives DICOM image data from the image data registration unit 12, and stores it in a predetermined image storage device. The image data storage unit 14 communicates with the database 13 and notifies the database 13 of storage location information indicating a storage location of DICOM image data. The database 13 receives the storage position information from the image data storage unit 14 and stores the incidental information and the storage position information in association with each other. Further, when the DICOM image data is deleted or changed, the image data storage unit 14 communicates with the database 13 to correct the storage position information. The image data storage unit 14 corresponds to an example of the “medical image storage unit” of the present invention.

  In response to a request from a client terminal such as the medical image observation apparatus 1, the image data transmission unit 15 reads DICOM image data corresponding to the request from the image data storage unit 14 and transmits it to the requesting client terminal. The image data receiving unit 11 and the image data transmitting unit 15 are configured by a network adapter such as a LAN or a modem, for example, and transmit data to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 or the medical image observation apparatus 1 connected to the network N. Data is received from the diagnostic imaging apparatus 20 or the medical image observation apparatus 1.

[Medical image observation apparatus 1]
Next, the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. In order to obtain medical image data of a desired patient from the medical image storage device 10, the operator inputs a patient ID that identifies the desired patient using a user interface (UI) 8. In addition to the patient ID, a medical ID data included in a specific test or a medical image data included in a specific series may be acquired by inputting a test ID or a series ID. The image data information acquisition unit 2 receives the patient ID from the user interface 8 (UI), communicates with the database 13, and acquires storage position information obtained by associating the patient ID. Then, the image data information acquisition unit 2 outputs the acquired storage position information to the image data acquisition unit 3.

  The image data acquisition unit 3 requests the image data transmission unit 15 to acquire DICOM image data stored in the storage destination indicated by the storage position information. The image data transmission unit 15 reads the DICOM image data stored in the storage destination indicated by the storage position information from the image data storage unit 14 and transmits it to the image data acquisition unit 3. Thereby, the medical image observation apparatus 1 acquires DICOM image data in which the patient ID designated by the operator is attached as the accompanying information.

  For example, when a plurality of examinations are performed on a desired patient, the plurality of DICOM image data acquired by the medical image observation apparatus 1 includes the DICOM image data acquired in each examination. That is, the plurality of DICOM image data acquired by the medical image observation apparatus 1 includes a plurality of DICOM image data with different examination IDs. For example, when comparing and interpreting past medical images and current medical images, a plurality of DICIOM image data with different examination IDs are acquired and displayed on the display unit 81. When the patient ID and the examination ID are designated, the medical image observation apparatus 1 acquires DICOM image data in which the designated patient ID and examination ID are attached as supplementary information.

  When a plurality of series are included in each examination, the plurality of DICOM image data acquired by the medical image observation apparatus 1 includes the DICOM image data acquired in each series. That is, the plurality of DICOM image data acquired by the medical image observation apparatus 1 includes a plurality of DICOM image data with different series IDs. When the patient ID, the examination ID, and the series ID are specified, the medical image observation apparatus 1 acquires DICOM image data that includes the designated patient ID, examination ID, and series ID as incidental information. Will do.

  The image data acquisition unit 3 outputs the DICOM image data acquired from the medical image storage device 10 to the image data information acquisition unit 2. The image data information acquisition unit 2 stores the acquired DICOM image data in the storage unit 4.

  The control unit 7 includes a display processing unit 71 and a processing determination unit 72. The display processing unit 71 reads DICOM image data from the storage unit 4 and causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image based on the DICOM image data. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may perform predetermined image processing on the DICOM image data and display a medical image on the display unit 81. For example, the display processing unit 71 may perform processing according to the designated WW or WL on the DICOM image data to display a medical image on the display unit 81, or change the enlargement ratio of the medical image to display the display unit 81. May be displayed.

  For example, when only one examination is performed on a desired patient and only one series is included in the examination, the storage unit 4 stores DICOM image data included in the series. . The display processing unit 71 reads the DICOM image data included in the series from the storage unit 4 and causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image based on the DICOM image data. For example, the display processing unit 71 converts a medical image based on the DICOM image data acquired at the earliest time out of a plurality of DICOM image data included in the series, or DICOM image data acquired at a predetermined photographing position. The medical image based is displayed on the display unit 81.

  In addition, when a plurality of examinations are performed on a desired patient, or when each examination includes a plurality of series, the storage unit 4 stores DICOM image data included in each examination, DICOM image data included in the series is stored. In this case, the display processing unit 71 reduces the medical images of each series and displays them as a list on the display unit 81 (thumbnail display). When the operator designates a desired medical image from the list using the operation unit 82, the display processing unit 71 enlarges the designated medical image and causes the display unit 81 to display the enlarged medical image. By this designation, the series or examination to which the desired medical image belongs is designated. In addition, the image ID of the medical image designated by the operator is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5.

  Upon receiving the image ID from the display processing unit 71, the analysis unit 5 reads the DICOM image data attached with the image ID from the storage unit 4, and extracts the image attribute information attached to the DICOM image data. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs the extracted image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6. For example, the analysis unit 5 extracts image attribute information such as a modality name from the DICOM image data, and outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  When only one examination is performed on a desired patient and only one series is included in the examination, the analysis unit 5 reads the DICOM image data included in the series from the storage unit 4. . Then, the analysis unit 5 extracts image attribute information from the DICOM image data and outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  As described above, the analysis unit 5 extracts the image attribute information attached to the medical image data displayed on the display unit 81 and outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 communicates with the database 13 and acquires setting area information and processing information associated with the image attribute information received from the analysis unit 5 from the database 13 by referring to the setting information table. Then, the setting information acquisition unit 6 outputs the acquired setting area information and processing information to the processing determination unit 72 of the control unit 7. For example, when the modality name as the image attribute information represents “CT”, in the example of the setting information table illustrated in FIG. 3, the setting information acquisition unit 6 performs processing with the setting area information 101 corresponding to “CT”. Information 102 is obtained from the database 13. Then, the setting information acquisition unit 6 outputs the setting area information 101 and the processing information 102 corresponding to “CT” to the processing determination unit 72.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself from the database 13 and output the setting information table and the image attribute information to the process determination unit 72. For example, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG. 3 from the database 13 and output it to the processing determination unit 72.

  The image data acquisition unit 3 and the setting information acquisition unit 6 are configured by a network adapter such as a LAN or a modem, for example, and transmit data to the medical image observation apparatus 1 connected to the network N. Also, the medical image observation apparatus 1 Receive data from.

  The process determining unit 72 performs a process to be executed on the medical image data based on the position designated by the operator on the screen of the display unit 81 and the setting area information and the process information received from the setting information acquiring unit 6. decide. For example, when an arbitrary position is specified on the screen of the display unit 81, coordinate information of the specified position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the control unit 7. When receiving the coordinate information of the designated position, the process determining unit 72 determines a process corresponding to the position in accordance with the setting area information and the process information. Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information indicating the determined process to the display processing unit 71. The display processing unit 71 executes the process determined by the process determining unit 72.

  Further, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the process determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table, so that the position is designated on the screen of the display unit 81. A corresponding process may be determined.

  The user interface 8 (UI) includes a display unit 81 and an operation unit 82. The display unit 81 includes a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and displays a medical image. The operation unit 82 includes an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and receives input from the operator.

  The control unit 7 includes a so-called CPU and a storage device (not shown) such as a ROM and a RAM. The storage device stores a display processing program for executing the function of the display processing unit 71 and a processing determination program for executing the function of the processing determination unit 72. By executing the display processing program, the CPU displays a medical image on the display unit 81 or executes a predetermined process to display the medical image on the display unit 81. In addition, the CPU determines a process corresponding to the position designated by the operator by executing the process determination program.

  The analysis unit 5 includes a so-called CPU and a storage device (not shown) such as a ROM and a RAM. The storage device stores an analysis program for executing the function of the analysis unit 5. When the CPU executes the analysis program, image attribute information is extracted from the medical image data.

  Here, a specific example of processing by the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a screen showing a medical image displayed on the display unit. Here, a case where a CT image acquired by an X-ray CT apparatus is displayed as a medical image will be described.

  The display processing unit 71 reads DICOM image data from the storage unit 4 and causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image based on the DICOM image data. For example, the display processing unit 71 reduces a plurality of series of medical images and displays the list 128 on the display unit 81 (thumbnail display). Then, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to specify a desired medical image in the list 128. By this designation, the series or examination to which the desired medical image belongs is designated. For example, the operator operates a mouse as the operation unit 82 to designate a desired medical image (desired series) with the mouse cursor 123. The display processing unit 71 accepts the designation, enlarges the designated medical image, and causes the display unit 81 to display the enlarged medical image. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, a CT image is designated, and the display processing unit 71 receives the designation and enlarges the CT image 120 to be displayed on the display unit 81. Further, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5.

  The analysis unit 5 reads DICOM image data with the image ID attached as auxiliary information from the storage unit 4 and extracts image attribute information. The setting information acquisition unit 6 communicates with the medical image storage device 10, acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the image attribute information from the database 13, and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. For example, when the image attribute information indicates “CT”, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires the setting area information and the processing information associated with the image attribute information “CT” and sends them to the processing determination unit 72. Output.

  Then, the operator designates a desired position in the area occupied by the CT image 120 on the screen 81a by the operation unit 82. For example, the operator operates the mouse as the operation unit 82 to designate an arbitrary position on the CT image 120 with the mouse cursor 123. When a desired position is designated by the mouse cursor 123, coordinate information of the designated position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the process determining unit 72 of the control unit 7. For example, with one of the vertices of the CT image 120 displayed on the display unit 81 as the origin (0, 0), the coordinate information of the designated position in the area occupied by the CT image 120 is output to the control unit 7. .

  The process determining unit 72 determines a process to be executed on the CT image based on the coordinate information of the designated position, the setting area information acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6 and the process information. For example, when the position designated by the mouse cursor 123 is included in the upper half area 121 of the CT image 120, the process determination unit 72 determines the process relating to the medical image data to “image turning”. When the position designated by the mouse cursor 123 is included in the lower half region 122 of the CT image 120, the process determining unit 72 determines the process relating to the medical image data to “WW / WL adjustment”. Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information representing the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71. The process determining unit 72 corresponds to an example of “determining means” of the present invention.

  The display processing unit 71 executes the process determined by the process determining unit 72. For example, when the “image turning” process is determined by the process determination unit 72 and the mouse wheel of the mouse (operation unit 82) is rotated by the operator, the display processing unit 71 rotates the rotation from the user interface (UI) 8. The CT images 120 included in the same series are switched according to the order of the imaging positions and displayed on the display unit 81 according to the rotation amount.

  When the processing determination unit 72 determines the “WW / WL adjustment” process, the display processing unit 71 receives an adjustment amount from the user interface (UI) 8 and, according to the adjustment amount, the WW (Window Width). ), WL (Window Level) is changed, and image processing is performed on DICOM data. Then, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image based on DICOM data in which WW / WL is changed. Note that the display processing unit 71 may perform image processing on individual DICOM image data included in the series, or may perform image processing on designated DICOM image data.

  Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG. 3 from the database 13 and output the setting information table and the image attribute information to the process determination unit 72. In this case, the process determination unit 72 determines a process corresponding to the position designated on the screen of the display unit 81 by referring to the setting information table.

  As described above, the medical image displayed on the display unit 81 is divided into a plurality of individual areas, the individual areas are associated with the processes, and the process corresponding to the position designated on the medical image is executed. This makes it easy to specify a desired process. That is, the operator determines the process by designating a desired position on the medical image displayed on the display unit 81. Therefore, the operator searches for a button representing a desired process from among the buttons representing individual processes. There is no need to press it. As a result, the burden on the operator at the time of interpretation can be reduced, and interpretation can be performed efficiently.

  For example, the operator can designate a desired process simply by operating the operation unit 82 (mouse) and moving the mouse cursor to a position associated with the desired process on the medical image. . As a result, it becomes easy to specify a desired process, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the display processing unit 71 may cause the display unit 81 to display buttons 124 to 127 representing processing executed on the medical image data. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a button (for example, the button 124) representing the processing determined by the processing determination unit 72 so that it can be distinguished from other buttons. For example, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display the button 124 by blinking or changing the color. As a result, the operator can recognize the set process separately from other processes.

  Further, the display processing unit 71 may display a button 124 representing the determined process in the vicinity of the position designated by the operator or in a preset position. In this way, the operator can recognize the set process by displaying the button 124 in the vicinity of the designated position or in a preset position, distinguishing from other buttons. . Further, the display processing unit 71 may display the button 124 on the display unit 81 by making the button 124 translucent.

  In this embodiment, the setting information table is stored in the database of the medical image storage device 10. As another example, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store a setting information table. In this case, the setting information table is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the medical image observation apparatus 1. Then, when the process determination unit 72 receives the image attribute information from the analysis unit 5 and further receives the coordinate information from the user interface 8, the processing determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table stored in the storage unit, thereby specifying the specified position. The process corresponding to is determined.

[Modification]
The setting information table in the above-described embodiment is an example, and processing to be executed on medical image data can be determined using various setting information tables. In the modification, another example of the setting information table will be described.

(Modification 1)
First, the operation of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the first modification. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of association between a region occupied by a medical image and a set process. In the first modification, a case where a plurality of medical images are displayed side by side on the display unit 81 will be described.

(Setting Information Table According to Modification 1)
The setting information table shown in FIG. 6 is configured by associating image attribute information combination information 200, setting area information 201, and processing information 202. The image attribute information combination information 200 is information for specifying a combination of a plurality of image attribute information. One piece of image attribute information may also be included in the combination information 200 of the image attribute information. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the image attribute information is represented by modality names, and the combination information 200 represents a combination of these modality names. This setting information table is a table for determining processing to be executed for a plurality of medical images when a plurality of medical images are displayed side by side on the display unit 81.

  The setting area information 201 is information for specifying the position of the display unit on the screen, as in the above-described embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the setting area information 201 is information for dividing an area occupied by a plurality of medical images displayed on the display unit into a plurality of individual areas and specifying the divided individual areas. . Specifically, the individual area indicated by the setting area information 201 corresponds to “upper half of CT image and MR image”, “lower half of CT image and MR image”, and the like.

  The process information 202 is information for specifying a process to be executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment. For example, “Linked turning 1” links medical images acquired at an imaging position set in advance by an operator when a plurality of medical images included in different examinations and series are displayed side by side on the display unit. This is a process of displaying on the display unit. “Linked turning 2” is a state where a plurality of medical images included in different examinations or series are displayed on the display unit, and the medical images acquired at the same photographing position are linked to each other and displayed on the display unit. It is a process to make.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, “CT, MR” as combination information 200 of image attribute information, “CT image and upper half of MR image” as setting area information 201, and “image turning” as processing information 202 are included. It is associated. This association is executed with respect to the CT image or MR image when the CT image or the upper half area of the MR image is designated by the operator while the CT image and the MR image are displayed side by side on the display unit. As the processing to be performed, “image turning” processing is determined.

  A specific example of the above association will be described with reference to FIG. For example, for the CT image 210, one vertex of the area occupied by the CT image 210 is set as the origin (0, 0). For the MR image 220, one vertex of the area occupied by the MR image 220 is set as the origin (0, 0). An “image turning” process is associated with the upper half area 211 of the CT image 210 and the MR image 220, and a “WW / WL adjustment” process is associated with the lower half area 212.

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 1)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram of a screen showing a medical image displayed on the display unit. Similar to the above-described embodiment, when a patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 sends DICOM image data with the patient ID attached as additional information from the medical image storage device 10. Acquired and stored in the storage unit 4. For example, when a plurality of examinations are performed on the patient, the plurality of DICOM image data acquired by the medical image observation apparatus 1 includes a plurality of medical image data with different examination IDs. When a plurality of series are included in each examination, the plurality of DICOM image data acquired by the medical image observation apparatus 1 includes a plurality of DICOM image data with different series IDs. When the patient ID, the examination ID, and the series ID are specified, the medical image observation apparatus 1 acquires DICOM image data that includes the designated patient ID, examination ID, and series ID as incidental information. Will do.

  Then, the display processing unit 71 reads the DICOM image data from the storage unit 4 and causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image based on the DICOM image data. For example, the display processing unit 71 reduces a plurality of series of medical images and displays the list 128 on the display unit 81 (thumbnail display). Then, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to specify a desired medical image in the list 128. By this designation, the series or examination to which the desired medical image belongs is designated. For example, a desired medical image (desired series) is designated by the mouse cursor 123 by operating the mouse as the operation unit 82. The display processing unit 71 accepts the designation, enlarges the designated medical image, and causes the display unit 81 to display the enlarged medical image. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, a CT image and an MR image are designated, and the display processing unit 71 receives the designation and enlarges the CT image 230 and the MR image 240 to be displayed on the display unit 81. Further, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5.

  The analysis unit 5 reads the DICOM image data attached with the image ID from the storage unit 4, extracts image attribute information, and outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6. In the first modification, since two medical images are designated, the analysis unit 5 reads DICOM image data with different image IDs from the storage unit 4 and extracts respective image attribute information. The setting information acquisition unit 6 communicates with the medical image storage device 10, acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the combination of image attribute information from the database 13, and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. For example, when the combination information of the image attribute information indicates “CT, MR”, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information associated with the combination information “CT, MR”. To the processing determination unit 72. Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG.

  Then, the operator designates a desired position in the area occupied by the CT image 230 and the MR image 240 on the screen 81a by the operation unit 82. For example, by operating a mouse as the operation unit 82, an arbitrary position on the CT image 230 is designated by the mouse cursor 123. When a desired position is designated by the mouse cursor 123, coordinate information of the designated position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the process determining unit 72 of the control unit 7. For example, with one of the vertices of the CT image 230 displayed on the display unit 81 as the origin (0, 0), the coordinate information of the position designated by the mouse cursor 123 is output to the control unit 7.

  The process determining unit 72 determines a process to be executed on the CT image and the MR image based on the coordinate information of the designated position, the setting area information acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6 and the process information. For example, when the position designated by the mouse cursor 123 is included in the upper half region 231 of the CT image 230, the process determining unit 72 determines the process related to the medical image data as “image turning”. Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information representing the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71.

  The display processing unit 71 executes the process determined by the process determining unit 72. For example, when the “image turning” process is determined by the process determination unit 72 and the mouse wheel of the mouse (operation unit 82) is rotated by the operator, the display processing unit 71 rotates the rotation from the user interface (UI) 8. The CT image 230 included in the same series is switched according to the order of the imaging positions and displayed on the display unit 81 according to the rotation amount.

  Note that the display processing unit 71 executes the determined process only on DICOM image data included in the series of medical images specified by the operator. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may execute the determined processing on DICOM image data included in all series of medical images displayed on the display unit 81. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the CT image 230 is designated by the mouse cursor 123, the display processing unit 71 determines the processing determined only for DICOM image data included in the series of CT images 230. Execute. Further, the display processing unit 71 may perform the determined process on the DICOM image data included in the series of CT images 230 and the DICOM image data included in the series of MR images 240.

  Specifically, when the determined process is “image turning”, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to switch only the CT images included in the series of CT images 230 according to the order of the imaging positions. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may switch the CT image included in the series of CT images 230 and the MR image included in the series of MR images 240 in accordance with the order of imaging positions and display them on the display unit 81.

  Further, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the process determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table, so that the position is designated on the screen of the display unit 81. A corresponding process may be determined.

  As described above, even when a plurality of medical images are displayed on the display unit 81, a desired process can be easily specified as in the above-described embodiment. For example, when comparing and interpreting a past medical image and a current medical image, a predetermined process is associated with each predetermined area of each medical image, so it is only necessary to specify an area on the medical image. It is possible to execute processing for comparative interpretation. Thereby, efficient comparative interpretation can be performed.

  Further, the display processing unit 71 may cause the display unit 81 to display buttons 124 to 127 representing processing executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment. And the display process part 71 displays the button showing the process determined by the process determination part 72 so that it can identify with another button. Also in the first modification, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table.

  As in the above-described embodiment, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, when the process determining unit 72 receives the image attribute information from the analyzing unit 5 and further receives the coordinate information from the user interface 8, the process determining unit 72 refers to the setting information table stored in the storage unit, thereby The processing corresponding to the combination of and the designated position is determined.

(Modification 2)
Next, operations of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the second modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the association between the screen of the display unit and the set process.

  In the above-described embodiment and the first modification, the area occupied by the medical image displayed on the display unit 81 is divided into a plurality of individual areas, and processing executed on the medical image data is associated with each individual area. . On the other hand, in the second modification, the screen (display area) of the display unit 81 is divided into a plurality of individual display areas (individual areas), and processing executed on medical image data is handled in each individual display area. Attached.

(Setting information table according to modification 2)
The setting information table shown in FIG. 9 is configured by associating image attribute information combination information 300, setting area information 301, and processing information 302. The image attribute information combination information 300 is information for specifying a combination of a plurality of image attribute information. One piece of image attribute information may also be included in the combination information 300 of the image attribute information. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the image attribute information is represented by modality names, and the combination information 300 represents a combination of these modality names.

  The setting area information 301 is information for dividing the display area of the display unit into a plurality of individual display areas (individual areas) and specifying the divided individual display areas. Specifically, the individual display area indicated by the setting area information 301 corresponds to “upper half of display area of display unit”, “lower half of display area of display unit”, and the like.

  The process information 302 is information for specifying a process to be executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, “CT” as the combination information 300 of the image attribute information, “upper half of the display area of the display unit” as the setting area information 301, and “image turning” as the processing information 302 are associated with each other. It has been. When the upper half area of the display area (screen) of the display unit is designated by the operator in a state where the CT image is displayed on the display unit, this association is performed as “ This shows that the “image turning” process is determined.

  Also, “CT, MR” as the combination information 300 of the image attribute information, “upper half of the display area of the display unit” as the setting area information 301, and “image turning” as the processing information 302 are associated with each other. . This association is executed with respect to the CT image or the MR image when the operator designates the upper half of the display area (screen) of the display unit while the CT image and the MR image are displayed on the display unit. As the process to be performed, it is shown that the “image turning” process is determined.

  A specific example of the association described above will be described with reference to FIG. For example, one vertex of the screen 81a (display area) of the display unit 81 is set as the origin (0, 0). An “image turning” process is associated with the upper half area 310 of the screen 81a (display area), and a “WW / WL adjustment” process is associated with the lower half area 311. The upper half area 310 and the lower half area 311 are specified by a coordinate system based on the origin (0, 0).

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 2)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. As in the above-described embodiment, when the patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 uses the DICOM image data with the patient ID as incidental information as a medical image storage device. 10 and stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a plurality of series of medical images as thumbnails, and the operator designates a desired medical image (desired series) using the operation unit 82.

  The display processing unit 71 enlarges the medical image designated by the operator and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image. Here, a case where a CT image is designated will be described. In response to the designation, the display processing unit 71 enlarges the CT image and causes the display unit 81 to display the CT image. Further, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5.

  The analysis unit 5 reads the DICOM image data attached with the image ID output from the display processing unit 71 from the storage unit 4, and extracts image attribute information from the DICOM image data. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the combination of image attribute information from the medical image storage device 10, and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. For example, when the combination information of the image attribute information indicates “CT”, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires the setting area information and the processing information associated with the combination information “CT” and determines the process. To the unit 72. Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG.

  Then, the operator designates a desired position in the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 through the operation unit 82. For example, by operating the mouse as the operation unit 82, an arbitrary position in the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 is designated by the mouse cursor. The coordinate information of the designated position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the process determining unit 72 of the control unit 7. For example, the coordinate information of the position designated by the mouse cursor is output to the control unit 7 with one of the vertices of the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 as the origin (0, 0).

  The process determining unit 72 is executed for the CT image based on the coordinate information of the position designated on the display area (screen) of the display unit 81, the setting area information acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6, and the processing information. Determine the processing to be performed. For example, when the position designated by the mouse cursor is included in the upper half area of the display area (screen) of the display unit 81, the process determining unit 72 determines the process related to the medical image data to “image turning”. . Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information indicating the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71. The display processing unit 71 executes the processing determined by the processing determination unit 72 as in the above-described embodiment.

  Further, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the process determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table, so that the position is designated on the screen of the display unit 81. A corresponding process may be determined.

  As described above, even when the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 is divided into a plurality of display areas and processing is associated with each display area (screen), the desired processing is performed as in the above-described embodiment. Specification becomes easy.

  As in the first modification described above, when a plurality of medical images are displayed on the display unit 81, the display processing unit 71 applies only to DICOM image data included in the series of medical images specified by the operator. Execute the determined process. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may execute the determined processing on DICOM image data included in all series of medical images displayed on the display unit 81.

  Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display a button representing the process executed on the medical image data, and displays the button representing the determined process in distinction from the other buttons. It may be displayed on the part 81.

  Further, similarly to the embodiment described above, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, when the process determining unit 72 receives the image attribute information from the analyzing unit 5 and further receives the coordinate information from the user interface 8, the process determining unit 72 refers to the setting information table stored in the storage unit, thereby The processing corresponding to the combination of and the designated position is determined.

(Modification 3)
Next, operations of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the third modification. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the association between the screen of the display unit and the set process.

  In the third modification, the screen (display area) of the display unit 81 is divided into a plurality of individual display areas (individual information), and processing executed on medical image data is associated with each individual display area. The position where the image is displayed is associated.

(Setting information table according to modification 3)
The setting information table shown in FIG. 11 is configured by associating display area information 400, image attribute information 401, setting area information 402, and processing information 403. The display area information 400 is information indicating a position where a medical image is displayed on the display unit. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the display area information 400 is specified by the coordinates of the screen of the display unit. For example, when the size of the display area of the display unit is “(1024, 1024)”, the display area indicated by the display area information 400 corresponds to “(0, 0) − (512, 512)”.

  The image attribute information 401 is information for specifying the type of medical image, as in the above-described embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the image attribute information is represented by a modality name.

  Similarly to the second modification, the setting area information 402 is information for dividing the display area of the display unit into a plurality of individual display areas and specifying the divided individual display areas. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the setting area information 402 is specified by the coordinates of the screen of the display unit. For example, when the size of the display area of the display unit is “(1024, 1024)”, the individual display areas indicated by the setting area information 402 are “(0, 0) − (512, 256)”, “(0 , 256)-(512, 512) ".

  The processing information 403 is information for specifying processing to be executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, “(0,0) − (512,512)” as the display area information 400, “CT” as the image attribute information 401, and “(0,0) − as the setting area information 402”. (512, 256) "and" image turning "as the processing information 403 are associated with each other. This association is performed in the state where the CT image is displayed in the upper left half area of the display unit, and “(0, 0) − (512, 256)” in the display area (screen) of the display unit by the operator. When an area is specified, “image turning” processing is determined as processing to be executed on the CT image.

  A specific example of the above-described association will be described with reference to FIG. For example, one vertex of the screen 81a (display area) of the display unit 81 is set as the origin (0, 0). Then, in a state where the CT image 420 is displayed in the upper left half area 410 of the screen 81a, the “image turning” is associated with the area “(0, 0) − (512, 256)”. “WW / WL adjustment” is associated with the area (0,256) − (512,512) ”.

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 3)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. As in the above-described embodiment, when the patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 uses the DICOM image data with the patient ID as incidental information as a medical image storage device. 10 and stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a plurality of series of medical images as thumbnails, and the operator designates a desired medical image (desired series) using the operation unit 82.

  The display processing unit 71 enlarges the medical image designated by the operator and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image. Here, a case where a CT image is designated will be described. In response to the designation, the display processing unit 71 enlarges the CT image and causes the display unit 81 to display the CT image. When the display position of the CT image on the screen of the display unit 81 is designated by the operator, the display processing unit 71 displays the CT image at the designated position. For example, when the upper left half of the display area of the display unit 81 is designated, the display processing unit 71 displays a CT image at that position. Further, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5. Further, the coordinate information (display area information) of the position where the CT image is displayed is output from the control unit 7. The control unit 7 outputs the display area information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The analysis unit 5 acquires the DICOM image data attached with the image ID output from the display processing unit 71 from the storage unit 4, and extracts image attribute information from the DICOM image data. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the image attribute information and display area information from the medical image storage device 10 and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. For example, when the image attribute information indicates “CT” and the display area information indicates “(0, 0) − (512, 512)”, the setting information acquisition unit 6 displays the image attribute information and the display area information. The setting area information and the processing information associated with are acquired and output to the processing determination unit 72. In addition, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG.

  Then, the operator designates a desired position in the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 through the operation unit 82. For example, by operating the mouse as the operation unit 82, an arbitrary position in the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 is designated by the mouse cursor. The coordinate information of the designated position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the process determining unit 72 of the control unit 7.

  The process determining unit 72 determines a process to be executed on the CT image based on the coordinate information of the position specified on the screen of the display unit 81, the setting area information acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6, and the process information. To do. For example, in a state where the CT image is displayed in the upper left half area of the display unit 81, the position designated by the mouse cursor is “(0, 0) − (512, 256)” on the screen of the display unit 81. ”Is included in the area“ ”, the process determination unit 72 determines“ image turning ”as the process related to the medical image data. Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information indicating the process corresponding to the determined position to the display processing unit 71. The display processing unit 71 executes the processing determined by the processing determination unit 72 as in the above-described embodiment.

  Further, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the process determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table, so that the position is designated on the screen of the display unit 81. A corresponding process may be determined.

  Furthermore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, the process determination unit 72 receives the image attribute information from the analysis unit 5, and further receives the coordinate information indicating the position where the medical image is displayed and the coordinate information indicating the position specified by the mouse cursor as the user interface. 8, the process corresponding to the designated position is determined by referring to the setting information table stored in the storage unit.

  As in the first modification described above, when a plurality of medical images are displayed on the display unit 81, the display processing unit 71 applies only to DICOM image data included in the series of medical images specified by the operator. Execute the determined process. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may execute the determined processing on DICOM image data included in all series of medical images displayed on the display unit 81. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 71 may display the button representing the process determined by the process determination unit 72 on the display unit 81 in distinction from the other buttons.

(Modification 4)
Next, operations of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the fourth modification.

  In the modified example 4, the area occupied by the medical image displayed on the display unit is divided into a plurality of individual areas, and a plurality of processes executed on the medical image data are associated with the divided individual areas.

(Setting information table according to modification 4)
The setting information table shown in FIG. 13 is configured by associating image attribute information 500, setting area information 501, processing information 502, and switching conditions 503. The setting area information 501 is information for specifying the individual areas divided by dividing the area occupied by the medical image displayed on the display unit into a plurality of individual areas, as in the above-described embodiment.

  The processing information 502 corresponding to each setting area information 501 includes one or more processes. That is, the processing information 502 may include one process or a plurality of processes. For example, when the image attribute information 500 is “CT” and the setting area information 501 is “the upper half of the CT image”, the processing information 502 includes “1. Image turning” and “2. Enlarging rate adjustment”. , And “3. Rotation” are associated with each other. The switching condition 503 is information indicating a condition for switching the plurality of processes. For example, each time the mouse is double-clicked, the three processes are switched.

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 4)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. As in the above-described embodiment, when the patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 uses the DICOM image data with the patient ID as incidental information as a medical image storage device. 10 and stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a plurality of series of medical images as thumbnails, and the operator designates a desired medical image (desired series) using the operation unit 82.

  The display processing unit 71 enlarges the medical image designated by the operator and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image. Here, a case where a CT image is designated will be described. In response to the designation, the display processing unit 71 enlarges the CT image and causes the display unit 81 to display the CT image. Further, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5.

  The analysis unit 5 acquires the DICOM image data with the image ID output from the display processing unit 71 as additional information from the storage unit 4, and extracts image attribute information from the DICOM image data. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information, processing information, and switching conditions corresponding to the image attribute information from the medical image storage device 10, and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. For example, when the image attribute information indicates “CT”, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires the setting area information and the processing information associated with the image attribute information “CT” and acquires the processing determination unit 72. Output to. Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG.

  Then, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to specify a desired position of the area occupied by the CT image displayed on the display unit 81. For example, by operating the mouse as the operation unit 82, an arbitrary position of the CT image displayed on the display unit 81 is designated by the mouse cursor. The coordinate information of the designated position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the process determining unit 72 of the control unit 7.

  The process determining unit 72 performs a process to be executed on the CT image based on the coordinate information of the position specified on the CT image and the setting area information, the process information, and the switching condition acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6. decide. For example, when the position designated by the mouse cursor is included in the upper half area of the CT image, the process determining unit 72 determines the process for the medical image data as “1. image turning”. Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information indicating the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71. The display processing unit 71 executes the processing determined by the processing determination unit 72 as in the above-described embodiment.

  Further, when the mouse as the operation unit 82 is operated and double-clicked, the process determination unit 72 recognizes the double-click and switches the process to be executed on the medical image data according to the process information and the switching condition. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the process determining unit 72 determines that the process for the medical image data is “2. enlargement ratio adjustment” instead of “1. image turning”, and displays processing information indicating the process. To 71. The display processing unit 71 executes a process of “2. enlargement ratio adjustment” instead of the process of “1. image turning”.

  When the position designated by the mouse cursor is included in the lower half area of the CT image, the process determining unit 72 determines the process for the medical image data as “1. WW / WL adjustment”. And the process determination part 72 switches the process with respect to medical image data according to the setting information table shown in FIG. For example, the process determination unit 72 measures time, and when a time (for example, 50 seconds) specified in the switching condition 503 of the setting information table has elapsed, the medical image data is replaced with “1. WW / WL adjustment”. Is determined to be “2. Rotation”. Then, the process determination unit 72 outputs process information indicating the “2. Rotation” process to the display processing unit 71. The display processing unit 71 executes “2. Rotation” processing instead of “1. WW / WL adjustment”. Note that the time defined in the switching condition 503 can be changed to an arbitrary time by the operator.

  As described above, it is easy to select a desired process by switching the process related to medical image data according to a predetermined switching condition. For example, when a plurality of processes are switched and executed, there is no need to search for and press a button representing a desired process each time among buttons representing individual processes. Therefore, the labor of selecting a desired process can be saved, and the burden on the operator at the time of interpretation can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to perform interpretation efficiently.

  For example, it is preferable to set the order of a plurality of processes included in the processing information 502 in the order according to the procedure at the time of interpretation of a medical image. As a result, at the time of interpretation of a medical image, it is possible to sequentially execute the process according to a procedure required at the time of interpretation only by giving an instruction for switching the process.

  Further, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the process determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table, so that the position is designated on the screen of the display unit 81. A corresponding process may be determined, and the process may be switched according to the switching condition.

  Further, similarly to the embodiment described above, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, when the process determination unit 72 receives the image attribute information from the analysis unit 5 and further receives the coordinate information from the user interface 8, it is designated by referring to the setting information table stored in the storage unit. The process corresponding to the position is determined.

  Similar to the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 71 may display the button representing the process determined by the process determination unit 72 on the display unit 81 in distinction from the other buttons.

(Modification 5)
Next, operations of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the fifth modification. In the fifth modification, a case where a plurality of medical images are displayed side by side on the display unit 81 will be described.

(Setting information table according to modification 5)
The setting information table shown in FIG. 14 is configured by associating a plurality of combination conditions 600 to 603, setting area information 604, and processing information 605. Each of the combination conditions 600 to 603 includes image attribute information of a medical image and information (display area information) indicating a position where the medical image is displayed on the display unit. Here, the display area information is specified by the coordinates of the screen of the display unit. For example, the size of the display area of the display unit is “(1024, 1024)”, and the position where the medical image is displayed is specified.

  Similarly to the second modification, the setting area information 604 is information for dividing the display area of the display unit into a plurality of individual display areas and specifying the divided individual display areas. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the setting area information 604 is specified by the coordinates of the screen of the display unit. For example, when the size of the display area of the display unit is “(1024, 1024)”, “(0, 0) − (1024, 256)” or the like corresponds to the individual display area indicated by the setting area information 604. .

  The process information 605 is information for specifying a process to be executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 14, combination condition 1 (image attribute: CT, display area: upper left half of screen), combination condition 2 (image attribute: MR, display area: upper right half of screen), combination condition 3 (image Attribute: PT (abbreviation of image acquired by PET apparatus), display area: lower left half of screen), “(0, 0)-(1024, 256)” as setting area information 604, and processing information 605 Are associated with the “image turning”. This association is performed in accordance with the combination condition 1, the combination condition 2, and the combination condition 3 in a state where each medical image is displayed in each display area, and “(0) in the display area (screen) of the display unit by the operator. , 0)-(1024, 256) "indicates that the" image turning "process is determined as the process to be performed on the CT image, MR image, or PT image.

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 5)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. As in the above-described embodiment, when the patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 uses the DICOM image data with the patient ID as incidental information as a medical image storage device. 10 and stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a plurality of series of medical images as thumbnails, and the operator designates a desired medical image (desired series) using the operation unit 82.

  The display processing unit 71 enlarges the medical image designated by the operator and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image. Here, a case where a CT image, an MR image, and a PT image are designated will be described. In response to the designation, the display processing unit 71 enlarges the CT image, MR image, and PT image and causes the display unit 81 to display them. When the display position of the CT image, MR image, and PT image on the screen of the display unit 81 is designated by the operator, the display processing unit 71 displays each medical image at the designated position. For example, when the upper left half of the display area of the display unit 81 is designated, the display processing unit 71 displays a CT image at that position. Further, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5. Further, coordinate information (display area information) of the position where the CT image, MR image, and PT image are displayed is output to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 outputs the display area information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The analysis unit 5 acquires the DICOM image data attached with the image ID output from the display processing unit 71 from the storage unit 4, and extracts image attribute information from the DICOM image data. In Modification 5, since three medical images are designated, the analysis unit 5 reads DICOM image data with different image IDs from the storage unit 4 and acquires respective image attribute information. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to a plurality of combination conditions composed of image attribute information and display area information from the medical image storage device 10 and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information associated with the combination conditions 1, 2, and 3 and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG.

  Then, the operator designates a desired position in the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 using the operation unit 82. For example, by operating the mouse as the operation unit 82, an arbitrary position in the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 is designated by the mouse cursor. The coordinate information of the designated position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the process determining unit 72 of the control unit 7.

  The process determining unit 72 determines a process to be performed on the medical image based on the coordinate information of the position specified on the screen of the display unit 81, the setting area information acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6, and the process information. To do. For example, the medical image displayed on the display unit 81 corresponds to the combination conditions 1 to 3 in the setting information table shown in FIG. 14, and the position specified by the mouse cursor is “ If it is included in the area of (0, 0)-(1024, 256) ”, the process determination unit 72 determines the process relating to the medical image data as“ image turning ”. Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information indicating the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71. The display processing unit 71 executes the processing determined by the processing determination unit 72 as in the above-described embodiment.

  In addition, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the process determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table so that the combination conditions 1 to N and the screen of the display unit 81 are displayed. Processing corresponding to the position specified above may be determined.

  Furthermore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, the process determination unit 72 receives the image attribute information from the analysis unit 5, and further receives the coordinate information indicating the position where the medical image is displayed and the coordinate information indicating the position specified by the mouse cursor as the user interface. 8, the process corresponding to the designated position is determined by referring to the setting information table stored in the storage unit.

  As in the first modification described above, when a plurality of medical images are displayed on the display unit 81, the display processing unit 71 applies only to DICOM image data included in the series of medical images specified by the operator. Execute the determined process. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may execute the determined processing on DICOM image data included in all series of medical images displayed on the display unit 81. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 71 may display the button representing the process determined by the process determination unit 72 on the display unit 81 in distinction from the other buttons.

[Modification 6]
Next, operations of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the sixth modification. In the sixth modification, a case where a plurality of medical images are displayed side by side on the display unit 81 will be described.

(Setting Information Table According to Modification 6)
The setting information table illustrated in FIG. 15 is configured by associating main conditions 700, combination conditions 701 to 703, setting area information 704, and processing information 705.

  The main condition 700 is a main condition among the conditions for determining processing information. For example, image attribute information of a key image (specific medical image) among a plurality of medical images displayed on the display unit and information (display area information) indicating a position where the medical image is displayed on the display unit are included. It consists of For example, a medical image specified by the operator among a plurality of medical images displayed on the display unit may be used as a key image (specific medical image), or a medical image of a main examination may be a key image (specific medical image). It is also good. For example, a medical image that is referred to when creating a report may be designated as a key image (specific medical image). The display area information is specified by the coordinates of the screen of the display unit. For example, the size of the display area of the display unit is “(1024, 1024)”, and the position where the medical image is displayed is specified.

  Each of the combination conditions 701 to 703 includes attribute information of a medical image and information (display area information) indicating a position where the medical image is displayed on the display unit. In particular, in the sixth modification, the combination conditions 701 to 703 indicate a relative relationship with the medical image of the main condition 700. For example, the combination conditions 701 to 703 include the relationship between the display positions of the main condition medical image and other medical images, and the time between the date and time when the main condition medical image was generated and the date and time when the other medical image was generated. It shows relationships.

  Here, the relationship of the time when the medical image is generated will be described. The time when the medical image is generated is determined based on incidental information attached to the medical image data. Since the incidental information includes date / time information indicating the date / time when the image was generated, the time when the medical image was generated is determined based on the date / time information. Then, the date and time when the main condition medical image is generated is compared with the date and time when another medical image is generated, and it is determined whether the other medical image belongs to a new medical image or a past medical image. To do. For example, a medical image generated after a certain period is a new medical image and a medical image generated before a certain period is a past medical image compared to the date and time when the medical image of the main condition is generated. Specifically, a medical image generated after 24 hours is set as a new medical image, and a medical image generated before 24 hours is set as a past medical image.

  The setting area information 704 is information for dividing the display area of the display unit into a plurality of individual display areas and specifying the divided individual display areas as in the second modification. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the setting area information 704 is specified by the coordinates of the screen of the display unit. Further, the processing information 705 is information for specifying processing to be executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, the main condition 700 (image attribute: CT), the combination condition 1 (the MR image is displayed on the left side of the screen than the main condition image), and the combination condition 2 (on the screen than the main condition image). 2), “(0,0)-(1024,256)” as setting area information 704 and “image turning” as processing information 705 are associated with each other. This association is performed in accordance with the main condition 700, the combination condition 1, and the combination condition 2 in a state where each medical image is displayed in the respective display area, and “(0 , 0)-(1024, 256) "indicates that the" image turning "process is determined as the process to be performed on the CT image, MR image, or PT image.

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 6)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. As in the above-described embodiment, when the patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 uses the DICOM image data with the patient ID as incidental information as a medical image storage device. 10 and stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a plurality of series of medical images as thumbnails, and the operator designates a desired medical image (desired series) using the operation unit 82.

  The display processing unit 71 enlarges the medical image designated by the operator and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image. Here, a case where a CT image, an MR image, and a PT image are designated will be described. In response to the designation, the display processing unit 71 enlarges the CT image, MR image, and PT image and causes the display unit 81 to display them. When the display position of the CT image, MR image, and PT image on the screen of the display unit 81 is designated by the operator, the display processing unit 71 displays each medical image at the designated position. For example, when the upper left half of the display area of the display unit 81 is designated, the display processing unit 71 displays a CT image at that position. Further, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to designate a key image (specific medical image) as a main condition among the three medical images displayed on the display unit 81. For example, a medical image to be referred to when creating a report is designated as a key image (specific medical image). Here, the CT image is designated as a key image (specific medical image).

  Then, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5. The display processing unit 71 performs analysis by adding specific image information indicating that the key image (specific medical image) is specified to the image ID of the medical image specified as the key image (specific medical image). Output to unit 5. Further, coordinate information (display area information) of the position where the CT image, MR image, and PT image are displayed is output to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 outputs the display area information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The analysis unit 5 acquires the DICOM image data attached with the image ID output from the display processing unit 71 from the storage unit 4, and extracts image attribute information from the DICOM image data. In Modification 5, since three medical images are designated, the analysis unit 5 reads DICOM image data with different image IDs from the storage unit 4 and acquires respective image attribute information. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6. Further, the analysis unit 5 attaches the specific image information to the image attribute information of the key image (specific medical image) and outputs the image information to the setting information acquisition unit 6. The setting information acquisition unit 6 uses image attribute information to which specific image information is attached and display area information of the medical image as main conditions. The setting information acquisition unit 6 uses the image attribute information of the medical image other than the main condition and the display area information of the medical image as a combination condition.

  The analysis unit 5 may extract date and time information from the DICOM image data read from the storage unit 4. Then, the analysis unit 5 determines the time relationship between the medical image of the main condition and another medical image based on the date / time information of each medical image. For example, the analysis unit 5 compares the date and time indicated by the date and time information of the medical image of the main condition with the date and time indicated by the date and time information of the other medical image and determines whether the other medical image belongs to a new medical image or the past. It is determined whether it belongs to a medical image. For example, the analysis unit 5 sets a medical image generated after a certain period as a new medical image compared to the date and time when the medical image of the main condition is generated, and uses the generated medical image acquired before the certain period. Let it be a past medical image. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs the time relationship information representing the time relationship with the main condition together with the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6. The setting information acquisition unit 6 uses the image attribute information of the medical image other than the main condition, the display area information of the medical image, and the time relation information indicating the time relation with the main condition as a combination condition.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the main condition and a plurality of combination conditions from the medical image storage device 10 and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information associated with the main condition 700 and the combination conditions 1 and 2, and outputs them to the processing determination unit 72. Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG.

  Then, the operator designates a desired position in the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 using the operation unit 82. For example, by operating the mouse as the operation unit 82, an arbitrary position in the display area (screen) of the display unit 81 is designated by the mouse cursor. The coordinate information of the designated position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the process determining unit 72 of the control unit 7.

  The process determining unit 72 determines a process to be performed on the medical image based on the coordinate information of the position specified on the screen of the display unit 81, the setting area information acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6, and the process information. To do. For example, the medical image displayed on the display unit 81 corresponds to the main condition 700 and the combination conditions 1 and 2 in the setting information table illustrated in FIG. 15, and the position designated by the mouse cursor is the position of the display unit 81. If it is included in the region “(0, 0) − (1024, 256)” on the screen, the process determining unit 72 determines the process related to the medical image data as “image turning”. Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information indicating the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71. The display processing unit 71 executes the processing determined by the processing determination unit 72 as in the above-described embodiment.

  If the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the process determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table, and displays the main condition, the combination conditions 1 to N, and the display. The processing corresponding to the position designated on the screen of the unit 81 may be determined.

  Furthermore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, the process determination unit 72 receives the image attribute information from the analysis unit 5, and further receives the coordinate information indicating the position where the medical image is displayed and the coordinate information indicating the position specified by the mouse cursor as the user interface. 8, the process corresponding to the designated position is determined by referring to the setting information table stored in the storage unit.

  As in the first modification described above, when a plurality of medical images are displayed on the display unit 81, the display processing unit 71 applies only to DICOM image data included in the series of medical images specified by the operator. Execute the determined process. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may execute the determined processing on DICOM image data included in all series of medical images displayed on the display unit 81. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 71 may display the button representing the process determined by the process determination unit 72 on the display unit 81 in distinction from the other buttons.

[Modification 7]
Next, operations of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the modified example 7. In the modified example 7, a medical image acquired by a new examination (hereinafter may be referred to as “new examination”) and a medical image obtained by a past examination (hereinafter may be referred to as “past examination”). A case where images are displayed side by side on the display unit 81 will be described.

(Setting Information Table According to Modification 7)
The setting information table illustrated in FIG. 16 is configured by associating presence / absence 800 of related information, setting area information 801, and processing information 802.

  The presence / absence of related information 800 indicates the presence / absence of related information indicating whether there is another medical image related to a certain medical image. The related information is information for associating medical image data belonging to a certain examination or series with medical image data belonging to another examination or series. For example, it is information for associating medical image data belonging to a series of new examinations with medical image data belonging to a series of past examinations.

  Here, the process in which the related information is created will be described. For example, when a patient is imaged by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20, medical image data is generated by the imaging. A plurality of medical image data acquired by the examination is stored in the image data storage unit 14 of the medical image storage device 10 as described above. At this time, information including the imaging conditions of the examination is stored in the image data storage unit 14 in association with the patient ID, examination ID, series ID, and the like. For example, medical image data including imaging conditions is stored in the image data storage unit 14 in association with the patient ID, examination ID, series ID, and the like. The inspection at this stage is referred to as “past inspection” for convenience, and this imaging condition is referred to as “past imaging condition”.

  When a new examination (new examination) is performed on the patient, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 acquires information including past imaging conditions (for example, medical image data including imaging conditions) from the image data storage unit 14. To do. Specifically, the medical image capturing apparatus 20 transmits a patient ID for specifying the patient to the medical image storage apparatus 10 and stores information including past imaging conditions associated with the patient ID as a medical image. Obtained from the storage device 10.

  In the new examination, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 performs imaging according to past imaging conditions. The medical image data acquired in this new examination is stored in the image data storage unit 14 of the medical image storage device 10 as described above.

  Then, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 creates related information in which the medical image data of the new examination is associated with the medical image data of the past examination. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 creates related information in which information related to medical image data of a past examination is associated with information related to medical image data of a new examination. Specifically, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 associates the series ID of the series to which the medical image data of the previous examination belongs with the series ID of the series to which the medical image data of the new examination belongs, and creates related information indicating the association To do.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 attaches the related information to the medical image data of the new examination as supplementary information. Alternatively, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 may transmit the related information to the medical image storage apparatus 10 and store it in the image data storage unit 14 of the medical image storage apparatus 10. In this case, the patient ID, the examination ID of the new examination, the series ID, and the storage position information of the related information are associated with each other and managed in the database 13.

  As described above, the medical image data of the new examination and the medical image data of the past examination are associated with the related information. The number of associations is not limited. For example, when a plurality of examinations have been performed in the past, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 creates related information indicating the association between the medical image data of the new examination and the medical image data of the plurality of past examinations. Specifically, when two past examinations are performed, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 20 uses the new examination medical image data, the first past examination medical image data, and the second past examination medical image. Associate data and create related information that represents the association.

  When the medical image observation apparatus 1 displays a medical image based on medical image data belonging to a certain examination on the display unit 81, it is determined whether or not there is related information regarding the medical image data. When the related information exists, the medical image observation apparatus 1 acquires medical image data of the examination indicated by the related information from the medical image storage apparatus 10. For example, when related information is attached to medical image data belonging to a new examination, the medical image observation apparatus 1 acquires medical image data of a past examination indicated by the relevant information from the medical image storage apparatus 10. Then, the medical image observation apparatus 1 displays the medical image for the new examination and the medical image for the past examination on the display unit 81 side by side.

  Further, when the related information is stored in the medical image storage device 10, the medical image observation device 1 acquires the related information from the medical image storage device 10, and the medical image data of the past examination indicated by the related information is obtained. Obtained from the medical image storage apparatus 10. Then, the medical image observation apparatus 1 displays the medical image for the new examination and the medical image for the past examination on the display unit 81 side by side.

  The presence / absence 800 of related information illustrated in FIG. 16 indicates the presence / absence of related information regarding a medical image to be displayed on the medical image observation apparatus 1.

  The setting area information 801 is information for specifying the position of the display unit on the screen, as in the above-described embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the setting area information 801 is information for dividing the area occupied by the medical image displayed on the display unit into a plurality of individual areas and specifying the divided individual areas. Specifically, the individual area indicated by the setting area information 801 corresponds to “upper half of new examination image”, “lower half of past examination image”, and the like. In some cases, a new inspection or a past inspection includes a plurality of series. In this case, the “new inspection image” corresponds to a predetermined series of images included in the new inspection. Similarly, the “image of the past examination” corresponds to an image of a predetermined series included in the past examination. Similarly to the second modification, the setting area information 801 is information for dividing the display area of the display unit into a plurality of individual display areas (individual areas) and specifying the divided individual display areas. May be.

  Further, the processing information 802 is information for specifying processing to be executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, presence / absence of related information 800 (there is related information), “upper half of new examination image” as setting area information 801, and “image turning” as processing information 802 are associated with each other. ing. In this association, there is related information, and the medical image of the new examination and the medical image of the past examination are displayed side by side on the display unit, and the upper half area of the medical image of the new examination is displayed by the operator. When specified, this indicates that “image turning” processing is determined as processing to be executed on the medical image.

  As another example, presence / absence of related information 800 (there is related information), “lower half of past examination image” as setting area information 801, and “magnification adjustment” as processing information 802 are associated with each other. Yes. In this association, there is related information, and the medical image of the new examination and the medical image of the past examination are displayed side by side on the display unit, and the lower half area of the medical image of the past examination is displayed by the operator. When specified, it indicates that the process of “magnification adjustment” is determined as a process to be executed on the medical image of the past examination.

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 7)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. As in the above-described embodiment, when the patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 uses the DICOM image data with the patient ID as incidental information as a medical image storage device. 10 and stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a plurality of series of medical images as thumbnails, and the operator designates a desired medical image (desired series) using the operation unit 82. For example, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to specify a medical image for a new examination.

  The display processing unit 71 enlarges the medical image designated by the operator and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image. When the display position of the medical image on the screen of the display unit 81 is designated by the operator, the display processing unit 71 displays the medical image at the designated position.

  Then, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5. The analysis unit 5 acquires the DICOM image data attached with the image ID output from the display processing unit 71 from the storage unit 4, and identifies whether or not related information is attached to the DICOM image data. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs information indicating the presence / absence of related information to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  If the related information is attached to the DICOM image data, the analysis unit 5 outputs the related information to the display processing unit 71. The display processing unit 71 acquires the DICOM image data associated with the related information from the storage unit 4 and causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image based on the DICOM image data. At this time, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image designated by the operator and the associated medical image side by side.

  For example, when a medical image for a new examination is designated by the operator, the analysis unit 5 identifies whether or not related information is attached to the DICOM image data included in the new examination. When the related information is attached, the display processing unit 71 acquires the DICOM image data included in the past examination indicated by the related information from the storage unit 4, and displays the medical image based on the DICOM image data on the display unit 81. To display. At this time, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image of the new examination specified by the operator and the medical image of the past examination side by side. If the related information includes information on a plurality of past examinations, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image for a new examination and a medical image for a plurality of past examinations side by side.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the presence / absence of related information from the medical image storage device 10 and outputs the acquired information to the processing determination unit 72. Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG. For example, when related information is included in medical image data belonging to a new examination, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the case where related information exists from the medical image storage device 10. To the processing determination unit 72.

  Then, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to designate a desired position in the area occupied by the medical image for the new examination and the medical image for the past examination on the display unit 81. For example, by operating the mouse as the operation unit 82, an arbitrary position on the medical image of the new examination is designated by the mouse cursor. When a desired position is designated by the mouse cursor, coordinate information of the designated position is output from the user interface 8 (UI) to the process determining unit 72 of the control unit 7. For example, the coordinate information of the position designated by the mouse cursor is output to the control unit 7 with one vertex of the medical image of the new examination displayed on the display unit 81 as the origin (0, 0).

  The process determining unit 72 determines a process to be executed on the medical image based on the coordinate information of the designated position, the setting information area acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6 and the process information. For example, when the position designated by the mouse cursor is included in the upper half area of the medical image of the new examination designated by the operator, the process determining unit 72 changes the process related to the medical image data to “image turning”. decide. Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information representing the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71.

  Further, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the processing determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table to determine the presence / absence of related information and the screen of the display unit 81. The processing corresponding to the position specified in (1) may be determined.

  Furthermore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, when the process determination unit 72 receives the presence / absence of related information from the analysis unit 5 and further receives coordinate information indicating the position designated by the mouse cursor from the user interface 8, the setting information stored in the storage unit By referring to the table, the process corresponding to the designated position is determined.

  As in the first modification described above, when a plurality of medical images are displayed on the display unit 81, the display processing unit 71 applies only to DICOM image data included in the series of medical images specified by the operator. Execute the determined process. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may execute the determined processing on DICOM image data included in all series of medical images displayed on the display unit 81. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 71 may display the button representing the process determined by the process determination unit 72 on the display unit 81 in distinction from the other buttons.

  In addition, the image data information acquisition unit 2 may search the database 13 based on the image ID or series ID of the medical image specified by the operator. When the storage position information of the related information is managed in the database 13, the image data information acquisition unit 2 acquires the storage position information of the related information. In this case, the image data acquisition unit 3 acquires related information stored in the location indicated by the storage position information from the image data storage unit 14. Then, the display processing unit 71 acquires the DICOM image data of the past examination indicated by the related information from the storage unit 4 and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image of the past examination. The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the presence / absence of related information from the medical image storage device 10 and outputs the acquired information to the processing determination unit 72. When the related information is acquired by the image data acquisition unit 3, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the case where the related information exists from the medical image storage device 10, and determines processing. To the unit 72.

[Modification 8]
Next, operations of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the eighth modification. In the modified example 8, as in the modified example 7 described above, a case where the medical image acquired in the new examination and the medical image obtained in the past examination are displayed side by side on the display unit 81 will be described. Note that the modification 8 will be described on the assumption that the related information described above exists.

(Setting information table according to modification 8)
The setting information table illustrated in FIG. 17 is configured by associating content 810 of related information, setting area information 811, and processing information 812.

  The related information content 810 indicates the associated examination and the attribute of the medical image to be displayed. For example, the related information content 810 indicates that two series (examinations) of a new examination and a past examination are associated with each other, and the displayed medical image is a CT image. As another example, in the related information content 810, the new examination and two past examinations (the past examination 1 and the past examination 2) are associated, the image of the new examination is a CT image, and the image of the past examination 1 is an MR image. , And the image of the past examination 2 is an MR image.

  The setting area information 811 is information for specifying the position of the display unit on the screen, as in the above-described embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the setting area information 811 is information for dividing an area occupied by a medical image displayed on the display unit into a plurality of individual areas and specifying the divided individual areas. In some cases, a new inspection or a past inspection includes a plurality of series. In this case, the “new inspection image” corresponds to a predetermined series of images included in the new inspection. Similarly, the “image of the past examination” corresponds to an image of a predetermined series included in the past examination. The setting area information 811 is information for dividing the display area of the display unit into a plurality of individual display areas (individual areas) and specifying the divided individual display areas, as in the second modification. May be.

  Further, the processing information 812 is information for specifying processing to be executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, “new examination and one past examination are associated with each other and the image attribute is a CT image” as the related information content 810, “upper half of the image of the new examination” as the setting area information 811, Also, “image turning” as processing information 812 is associated. In this association, when the new examination and one past examination are associated with each other and the attribute of the medical image is a CT image, if the upper half area of the medical image of the new examination is designated by the operator, the medical examination is performed. This shows that the “image turning” process is determined as the process executed on the image.

  As another example, “New examination, past examination 1 and past examination 2 are associated as the contents 810 of related information, the image attribute of the new examination is a CT image, the image attribute of the past examination 1 is an MR image, and the past examination 2 Is associated with “CT image”, “lower half of image of past examination 2” as setting area information 811 and “magnification adjustment” as processing information 812. In this association, a new examination and two past examinations are associated with each other, the attribute of the medical image of the new examination is a CT image, the attribute of the medical image of the past examination 1 is an MR image, and the medical examination of the past examination 2 If the lower half area of the medical image of the past examination 2 is specified by the operator when the attribute of the image is a CT image, a process of “magnification adjustment” is determined as a process to be performed on the medical image. Which indicates that.

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 8)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. As in the above-described embodiment, when the patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 uses the DICOM image data with the patient ID as incidental information as a medical image storage device. 10 and stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a plurality of series of medical images as thumbnails, and the operator designates a desired medical image (desired series) using the operation unit 82. For example, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to specify a medical image for a new examination.

  The display processing unit 71 enlarges the medical image designated by the operator and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image. When the display position of the medical image on the screen of the display unit 81 is designated by the operator, the display processing unit 71 displays the medical image at the designated position.

  Then, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5. The analysis unit 5 acquires the DICOM image data attached with the image ID output from the display processing unit 71 from the storage unit 4, and identifies whether or not related information is attached to the DICOM image data. When the related information is attached to the DICOM image data, the analysis unit 5 outputs the related information to the display processing unit 71 and the setting information acquisition unit 6. Further, the analysis unit 5 extracts image attribute information from the DICOM image data associated with the related information, and outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6. The display processing unit 71 acquires the DICOM image data associated with the related information from the storage unit 4 and causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image based on the DICOM image data. At this time, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image designated by the operator and the associated medical image side by side.

  For example, when the related information indicates the association between the new examination, the past examination 1, and the past examination 2, the display processing unit 71 displays the DICOM image data included in the past examination 1 and the DICOM image included in the past examination 2. Data is acquired from the storage unit 4 and the medical image of the past examination 1 and the medical image of the past examination 2 are displayed on the display unit 81. At this time, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image of the new examination designated by the operator, the medical image of the past examination 1 and the medical image of the past examination 2 side by side.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the content of the related information from the medical image storage device 10 and outputs the acquired information to the processing determination unit 72. Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG. For example, the content of the related information is “New examination, past examination 1 and past examination 2 are associated, the image attribute of the new examination is a CT image, the image attribute of the past examination 1 is an MR image, and the image attribute of the past examination 2 is In the case of “CT image”, the setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the content of the related information from the medical image storage device 10 and outputs the acquired information to the processing determination unit 72.

  Then, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to designate a desired position in the area occupied by the medical image for the new examination and the medical image for the past examination on the display unit 81.

  The process determining unit 72 determines a process to be executed on the medical image based on the coordinate information of the designated position, the setting area information acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6 and the process information. For example, when the position designated by the mouse cursor is included in the lower half area of the medical image of the past examination 2, the process determination unit 72 determines the process relating to the medical image data to “magnification adjustment”. . Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information representing the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71.

  Further, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the processing determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table, so that the content of the related information and the screen of the display unit 81 are displayed. The processing corresponding to the position specified in (1) may be determined.

  Furthermore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, when the process determination unit 72 receives the related information from the analysis unit 5 and further receives the coordinate information indicating the position designated by the mouse cursor from the user interface 8, the processing determination unit 72 displays the setting information table stored in the storage unit. By referencing, the process corresponding to the designated position is determined.

  As in the first modification described above, when a plurality of medical images are displayed on the display unit 81, the display processing unit 71 applies only to DICOM image data included in the series of medical images specified by the operator. Execute the determined process. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may execute the determined processing on DICOM image data included in all series of medical images displayed on the display unit 81. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 71 may display the button representing the process determined by the process determination unit 72 on the display unit 81 in distinction from the other buttons.

  Similarly to the modified example 7, the image data information acquisition unit 2 searches the database 13 based on the image ID or series ID of the medical image specified by the operator, and the image data acquisition unit 3 stores the image data. The related information may be acquired from the unit 14.

[Modification 9]
Next, operations of the setting information table and the medical image observation apparatus 1 according to Modification 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting information table according to the modification 9. In Modification 9, as in Modifications 7 and 8, the case where the medical image acquired in the new examination and the medical image acquired in the past examination are displayed side by side on the display unit 81 will be described. In the modified example 9, as in the modified example 8, it is assumed that there is related information.

(Setting information table according to modification 9)
The setting information table shown in FIG. 18 includes associations of related information contents 820, presence / absence of key images 821, setting area information 822, and processing information 823.

  The related information content 820 indicates the associated examination and the attribute of the medical image to be displayed, as in the above-described modification 8.

  The presence / absence of a key image 821 indicates whether or not a key image (specific medical image) is included in a certain series (examination). For example, the presence / absence of a key image in a new examination series and the presence / absence of a key image in a past examination series are shown.

  The setting area information 822 is information for specifying the position of the display unit on the screen, as in the embodiment described above. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the setting area information 822 is information for dividing the area occupied by the medical image displayed on the display unit into a plurality of individual areas and specifying the divided individual areas. In some cases, a new inspection or a past inspection includes a plurality of series. In this case, the “new inspection image” corresponds to a predetermined series of images included in the new inspection. Similarly, the “image of the past examination” corresponds to an image of a predetermined series included in the past examination. The setting area information 822 is information for dividing the display area of the display unit into a plurality of individual display areas (individual areas) and specifying the divided individual display areas, as in the second modification. May be.

  Further, the processing information 823 is information for specifying processing to be executed on medical image data, as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, “the new examination and one past examination are associated with each other as the related information content 820, the image attribute is a CT image”, and the presence / absence of a key image 821 is “a key image exists in one series. And the other series has no key image ”,“ the upper half of the image included in the series including the key image ”as the setting area information 822, and“ image turning ”as the processing information 823 are associated with each other. . In this association, when the new examination and one past examination are associated with each other, the attribute of the medical image is a CT image, and the key image is included in one series, the operator adds the upper part of the medical image of the new examination. When half of the area is designated, the “image turning” process is determined as the process executed on the medical image.

  As another example, “new examination, past examination 1 and past examination 2 are associated as the contents 820 of related information, the image attribute of the new examination is a CT image, the image attribute of the past examination 1 is an MR image, and the past examination 2 "Image attribute of CT image", "Key image exists in new examination, key image does not exist in past examination 1, key image exists in past examination 2," as presence / absence of key image 821, setting area “Lower half of image of past examination 2” as information 822 and “magnification adjustment” as processing information 823 are associated with each other. In this association, a new examination and two past examinations are associated with each other, the attribute of the medical image of the new examination is a CT image, the attribute of the medical image of the past examination 1 is an MR image, and the medical examination of the past examination 2 When the image attribute is a CT image, a key image exists in the new examination and the past examination 2, and no key image exists in the past examination 1, the lower half area of the medical image of the past examination 2 is displayed by the operator. When specified, it indicates that the process of “magnification adjustment” is determined as the process to be executed on the medical image.

(Operation of Medical Image Observation Device 1 According to Modification 9)
Next, the operation of the medical image observation apparatus 1 will be described. As in the above-described embodiment, when the patient ID of a desired patient is input by the operation unit 82, the image data acquisition unit 3 uses the DICOM image data with the patient ID as incidental information as a medical image storage device. 10 and stored in the storage unit 4. Then, the display processing unit 71 displays a plurality of series of medical images as thumbnails, and the operator designates a desired medical image (desired series) using the operation unit 82. For example, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to specify a medical image for a new examination.

  The display processing unit 71 enlarges the medical image designated by the operator and causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image. When the display position of the medical image on the screen of the display unit 81 is designated by the operator, the display processing unit 71 displays the medical image at the designated position.

  Then, the image ID of the designated medical image is output from the display processing unit 71 to the analysis unit 5. The analysis unit 5 acquires the DICOM image data attached with the image ID output from the display processing unit 71 from the storage unit 4, and identifies whether or not related information is attached to the DICOM image data. When the related information is attached to the DICOM image data, the analysis unit 5 outputs the related information to the display processing unit 71 and the setting information acquisition unit 6. Further, the analysis unit 5 extracts image attribute information from the DICOM image data associated with the related information, and outputs the image attribute information to the setting information acquisition unit 6. The display processing unit 71 acquires the DICOM image data associated with the related information from the storage unit 4 and causes the display unit 81 to display a medical image based on the DICOM image data. At this time, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image designated by the operator and the associated medical image side by side.

  For example, when the related information indicates the association between the new examination, the past examination 1, and the past examination 2, the display processing unit 71 displays the DICOM image data included in the past examination 1 and the DICOM image included in the past examination 2. Data is acquired from the storage unit 4 and the medical image of the past examination 1 and the medical image of the past examination 2 are displayed on the display unit 81. At this time, the display processing unit 71 causes the display unit 81 to display the medical image of the new examination designated by the operator, the medical image of the past examination 1 and the medical image of the past examination 2 side by side.

  Further, the analysis unit 5 determines whether or not each examination (each series) includes a key image (specific medical image). That is, the analysis unit 5 determines whether or not a key image (specific medical image) is included in the examination (series) to which each of the DICOM image data associated by the related information belongs. For example, specific image information indicating a key image (specific medical image) is attached to the medical image data, and it is determined whether or not the key image is included based on the presence or absence of the specific image information. Then, the analysis unit 5 outputs the presence / absence of a key image in each examination (each series) to the setting information acquisition unit 6.

  The setting information acquisition unit 6 acquires setting area information and processing information corresponding to the content of related information and the presence / absence of a key image (specific medical image) from the medical image storage device 10 and outputs the acquired information to the processing determination unit 72. Further, the setting information acquisition unit 6 may acquire the setting information table itself shown in FIG. For example, the content of the related information is “New examination, past examination 1 and past examination 2 are associated, the image attribute of the new examination is a CT image, the image attribute of the past examination 1 is an MR image, and the image attribute of the past examination 2 is CT image ”and the presence / absence of the key image is“ the key image exists in the new examination and the past examination 2 and the key image does not exist in the past examination 1 ”, the setting information acquisition unit 6 The setting area information and the processing information corresponding to the contents of the related information and the presence / absence of the key image are acquired from the medical image storage device 10 and output to the processing determination unit 72.

  Then, the operator uses the operation unit 82 to designate a desired position in the area occupied by the medical image for the new examination and the medical image for the past examination on the display unit 81.

  The process determining unit 72 determines a process to be executed on the medical image based on the coordinate information of the designated position, the setting area information acquired by the setting information acquiring unit 6 and the process information. For example, when the position designated by the mouse cursor is included in the lower half area of the medical image of the past examination 2, the process determination unit 72 determines the process relating to the medical image data to “magnification adjustment”. . Then, the process determining unit 72 outputs process information representing the process corresponding to the designated position to the display processing unit 71.

  Further, when the setting information table is acquired from the database 13 by the setting information acquisition unit 6, the process determination unit 72 refers to the setting information table, so that the position is designated on the screen of the display unit 81. A corresponding process may be determined.

  Furthermore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the medical image observation apparatus 1 may store the setting information table. In this case, when the process determining unit 72 receives coordinate information indicating the position specified by the mouse cursor from the user interface 8, the process determining unit 72 corresponds to the specified position by referring to the setting information table stored in the storage unit. Determine the processing to be performed.

  As in the first modification described above, when a plurality of medical images are displayed on the display unit 81, the display processing unit 71 applies only to DICOM image data included in the series of medical images specified by the operator. Execute the determined process. In addition, the display processing unit 71 may execute the determined processing on DICOM image data included in all series of medical images displayed on the display unit 81. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 71 may display the button representing the process determined by the process determination unit 72 on the display unit 81 in distinction from the other buttons.

  Similarly to the modified example 7, the image data information acquisition unit 2 searches the database 13 based on the image ID or series ID of the medical image specified by the operator, and the image data acquisition unit 3 stores the image data. The related information may be acquired from the unit 14.

  Identification information for distinguishing individual tables is attached to the above-described embodiment and the setting information tables described in the first to ninth modifications. For example, when the operator specifies the identification information, a desired setting information table is specified, and processing is determined according to the setting information table. The association of the setting information table may be arbitrarily changed by the operator.

It is a block diagram which shows a part of hospital system. 1 is a block diagram of a medical image observation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the setting information table used for the medical image observation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of matching with the area | region which a medical image occupies, and the process set. It is a figure of the screen which shows the medical image displayed on a display part. It is a figure for demonstrating one example of the setting information table which concerns on the modification 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of matching with the area | region which a medical image occupies, and the process set. It is a figure of the screen which shows the medical image displayed on a display part. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting information table according to Modification 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of matching with the screen of a display part, and the process set. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting information table according to Modification 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of matching with the screen of a display part, and the process set. It is a figure for demonstrating one example of the setting information table which concerns on the modification 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an example of a setting information table according to Modification 5. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating one example of the setting information table which concerns on the modification 6. FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an example of a setting information table according to Modification 7. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating one example of the setting information table which concerns on the modification 8. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the setting information table which concerns on the modification 9. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medical image observation apparatus 2 Image data information acquisition part 3 Image data acquisition part 4 Memory | storage part 5 Analysis part 6 Setting information acquisition part 7 Control part 8 User interface (UI)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Medical image storage apparatus 11 Image data receiving part 12 Image data registration part 13 Database 14 Image data storage part 15 Image data transmission part 20 Medical image diagnostic apparatus 71 Display processing part 72 Process determination part 81 Display part 82 Operation part

Claims (24)

A medical image observation system in which a medical image storage device that stores medical image data and a medical image observation device that receives and displays the medical image data are connected via a network,
The medical image storage device includes:
Medical image storage means for receiving and storing medical image data from the medical image diagnostic apparatus;
Condition storage means for storing the position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed and the process executed on the medical image data in association with each other;
The medical image observation apparatus includes:
A display device;
Display processing means for reading desired medical image data from the medical image storage means and displaying a medical image based on the read medical image data on the display device;
Determining means for accepting designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and determining processing corresponding to the designated position in accordance with the correspondence stored in the condition storage means;
Have
The display processing means, when receiving an instruction to execute the determined process, executes the determined process on the read medical image data and displays the medical image data on the display device. Image observation system. The medical image storage means receives and stores medical image data accompanied by image attribute information for specifying the type,
The condition storage means stores the position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed, the process executed on the medical image data, and the image attribute information in association with each other,
The determination unit receives designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and attaches the medical image data displayed on the display device according to the association stored in the condition storage unit. The medical image observation system according to claim 1, wherein a process corresponding to the image attribute information being performed and the designated position is determined. The condition storage means stores a position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed, a process executed on the medical image data, and a combination of a plurality of different image attribute information in association with each other,
The display processing unit reads a plurality of medical image data from the medical image storage unit, arranges a plurality of medical images based on the plurality of medical image data, and displays them on the display device.
The determination unit receives a designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and a plurality of medical image data displayed on the display device according to the correspondence stored in the condition storage unit The medical image observation system according to claim 2, wherein a process corresponding to a combination of image attribute information attached to each of the two and the designated position is determined. The condition storage means includes a position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed, a plurality of processes executed on the medical image data, and a switching condition for switching and executing the plurality of processes. Memorize it,
The determination unit receives a designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and determines a process corresponding to the designated position according to the association stored in the condition storage unit. The medical image observation system according to claim 1, further comprising switching processing to be executed in accordance with the association stored in the condition storage unit when an instruction according to the switching condition is received. The condition storage unit divides the screen of the display device into a plurality of individual areas, and is executed with respect to the divided individual areas and the medical image data as positions on the screen where the medical image of the display apparatus is displayed. Are stored in association with each other,
The determination unit accepts designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and corresponds to an individual area including the designated position according to the association stored in the condition storage unit. The medical image observation system according to claim 1, wherein processing is determined. The condition storage means divides a region occupied by a medical image displayed on the display device into a plurality of individual regions, and the divided individual regions as positions on a screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed; Storing the process executed on the medical image data in association with the medical image data;
The determination means receives a designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the medical image displayed on the display device, and includes the designated position according to the correspondence stored in the condition storage means The medical image observation system according to claim 1, wherein processing corresponding to the individual area is determined. The condition storage means corresponds to a position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed, an arrangement relationship of a plurality of medical images displayed on the display device, and a process executed on the medical image data. Remember,
The display processing unit reads a plurality of medical image data from the medical image storage unit, arranges medical images based on the plurality of medical image data, and displays them on the display device.
The determination unit receives designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and according to the association stored in the condition storage unit, a plurality of medical images displayed on the display device The medical image observation system according to claim 1, wherein a process corresponding to an arrangement relationship and the designated position is determined. The condition storage means includes a position on the screen where the medical image of the display screen is displayed, an arrangement relationship between a specific medical image and other medical images among a plurality of medical images displayed on the display device, Storing the process executed on the medical image data in association with the medical image data;
The display processing unit reads a plurality of medical image data from the medical image storage unit, arranges medical images based on the plurality of medical image data, and displays them on the display device.
The determination means accepts designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, further accepts designation of a specific medical image among a plurality of medical images displayed on the display device, The processing corresponding to the arrangement relationship between the specific medical image and another medical image and the designated position is determined according to the association stored in the condition storage unit. The medical image observation system described in 1.   The display processing unit causes the display device to display a button indicating a process executed on the medical image data, and the display indicating the process determined by the determining unit is distinguishable from other buttons. The medical image observation system according to claim 1, wherein the medical image observation system is displayed on an apparatus.   The said display processing means performs the process determined by the said determination means with respect to the medical image currently displayed on the position designated on the screen of the said display apparatus. 10. The medical image observation system according to any one of 9 above. The medical image storage means stores a series of medical image data acquired by the medical image diagnostic apparatus as one series,
The display processing means performs the processing determined by the determining means on individual medical images included in a series to which a medical image displayed at a specified position on the screen of the display device belongs. The medical image observation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:   The display processing means sequentially switches the individual medical images included in the series to which the medical image displayed at the designated position on the screen of the display device belongs in accordance with the execution instruction of the determined processing. The medical image observation system according to claim 11, wherein the medical image is displayed on the display device.   The display processing unit reads medical image data included in a plurality of series from the medical image storage unit, displays at least one medical image based on the medical image data for each series, and displays the medical image on the display device, In response to the execution instruction of the determined process, the individual medical images included in the series to which the medical image displayed at the designated position on the screen of the display device belongs are sequentially switched and displayed on the display device. The medical image observation system according to claim 11.   The said display process means performs the process determined by the said determination means with respect to all the medical images currently displayed on the said display apparatus. Medical image observation system. The medical image storage means stores a series of medical image data acquired by the medical image diagnostic apparatus as one series,
The display processing means executes the processing determined by the determining means on medical images included in all series to which the medical images displayed on the display device belong. The medical image observation system according to claim 9.   The display processing unit reads medical image data included in a plurality of series from the medical image storage unit, displays at least one medical image based on the medical image data for each series, and displays the medical image on the display device, According to the determined execution instruction of the process, for all the series of medical images displayed on the display device, the individual medical images included in the individual series are sequentially switched and displayed on the display device. The medical image observation system according to claim 15, which is characterized by: The condition storage unit stores a position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed, presence / absence of related information associating a plurality of medical images with each other, and processing executed on the medical image data in association with each other. And
The display processing unit reads desired medical image data from the medical image storage unit, displays a medical image based on the desired medical image data on the display device, and further relates to related information relating to the desired medical image data Is present, the other medical image data associated with the desired medical image data according to the related information is read from the medical image storage means, and the medical image based on the other medical image data is read into the display device. Display
The determination unit receives designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and according to the association stored in the condition storage unit, the presence / absence of related information regarding the desired medical image data, The medical image observation system according to claim 1, wherein processing corresponding to the designated position is determined. The medical image diagnostic apparatus attaches related information indicating an association with the other medical image data to the acquired medical image data,
The display processing means, when the related information is attached to the desired medical image data, causes the display device to display a medical image based on the other medical image data,
The determining means determines the processing corresponding to the designated position by determining the presence or absence of the related information based on whether or not the related information is attached to the desired medical image data. The medical image observation system according to claim 17. The condition storage means stores a position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed, related information associating a plurality of medical images with each other, and processing executed on the medical image data in association with each other,
The display processing unit reads desired medical image data from the medical image storage unit, displays a medical image based on the desired medical image data on the display device, and further relates to related information relating to the desired medical image data Is present, the other medical image data associated with the desired medical image data according to the related information is read from the medical image storage means, and the medical image based on the other medical image data is read into the display device. Display
The determination unit receives designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and according to the association stored in the condition storage unit, related information regarding the desired medical image data, The medical image observation system according to claim 1, wherein a process corresponding to the designated position is determined. The condition storage means includes a position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed, related information associating a plurality of medical images, and a specific medical image included in the medical image displayed on the display device. Information indicating whether or not and processing executed on the medical image data are stored in association with each other,
The display processing unit reads desired medical image data from the medical image storage unit, displays a medical image based on the desired medical image data on the display device, and further relates to related information relating to the desired medical image data Is present, the other medical image data associated with the desired medical image data according to the related information is read from the medical image storage means, and the medical image based on the other medical image data is read into the display device. Display
The determination unit receives designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and the association indicated by the related information regarding the desired medical image data according to the association stored in the condition storage unit The medical image observation system according to claim 1, wherein processing corresponding to the presence / absence of the specific medical image in the medical image displayed on the display device and the designated position is determined. The medical image diagnostic apparatus attaches related information indicating an association with the other medical image data to the acquired medical image data,
The display processing means, when the related information is attached to the desired medical image data, causes the display device to display a medical image based on the other medical image data,
21. The medical image observation system according to claim 19, wherein the determining unit determines a process corresponding to the association indicated by the associated related information. A display device;
Display processing means for receiving medical image data acquired by the medical image diagnostic apparatus and displaying a medical image based on the received medical image data on the display device;
Condition storage means for storing a position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed and a process executed on the medical image data in association with each other;
Accepting a designation of position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, according to the association stored in the condition storage means, and determining means for determining a processing corresponding to the specified position,
Have
The display processing unit, when receiving an instruction to execute the determined process, executes the determined process on the received medical image data and displays the medical image on the display device. Observation device. The condition storage unit corresponds to a position on the screen where the medical image of the display device is displayed, a process executed with respect to the medical image data, and image attribute information for specifying a type of the medical image data. Remember,
The display processing unit receives medical image data with the image attribute information attached thereto, causes the display device to display a medical image based on the received medical image data,
The determination unit receives designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and attaches the medical image data displayed on the display device according to the association stored in the condition storage unit. 23. The medical image observation apparatus according to claim 22, wherein a process corresponding to the image attribute information being performed and the designated position is determined. The determination unit accepts designation of a position by moving a cursor on the medical image displayed on the screen of the display device, and moves the cursor to the designated position according to the correspondence stored in the condition storage unit. The medical image observation system according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein a corresponding process is determined.

Images