Medical assistance device, medical assistance method, and program

Abstract

Provided are a medical assistance device, a medical assistance method, and a program that allow the temporal relationship between continuous information and discrete information to be identified. The medical assistance device comprises a processor. The processor: acquires examination data including at least one of endoscopic examination and treatment, the examination data including continuous information of one or more continuous states continuous in time on the same time axis from the start to the end of examination, and one or more pieces of discrete information on the same time axis; generates, on the basis of the examination data, chart information including the time axis from the start to the end of examination, continuous region information, and discrete region information, the continuous region information indicating a change in the continuous state of examination on the same time axis in a manner indicating continuity from the examination start time to a change start time and from the change start time to a change end time or a next change start time, and the discrete region information indicating the time of generation of the discrete information; and outputs the chart information.

Description

Medical support device, medical support method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical support device, a medical support method, and a program for analyzing endoscopic procedure information.

[0002] Traditionally, in medical settings, when a medical procedure such as an examination or surgery is performed, the details are recorded as a document by the doctor or other medical professional involved in the procedure and stored as an attachment to the patient's medical record. These records include charts and photographs showing data output from various devices used during the procedure. Furthermore, these records often contain a wide variety of data in chronological order, and not all information is necessarily recorded. In many cases, information related to medical procedures is not centralized, but is stored separately in each department.

[0003] For this reason, in Patent Document 1, information related to medical procedures is detected, and the detected information is linked to time information and stored. In this technology, information detected by a sensor that detects information related to surgery is linked to time information and stored in a server, and the information stored by the server is presented as multiple line graphs or the like arranged on the same screen in chronological order.

[0004] Patent No. 2004-280455

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, time series information is merely displayed as continuous information that is continuous over time, and no consideration is given to discrete information such as medical procedures and treatments that occur discretely during medical care, making it impossible to grasp the temporal relationship between continuous information and discontinuous information.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a medical support device, a medical support method, and a program that are capable of grasping the temporal relationship between continuous information and discontinuous information.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the medical support device according to the present disclosure is a medical support device equipped with a processor, wherein the processor acquires examination data including at least one of an examination and a treatment using an endoscope, the examination data including continuous information of one or more continuous states that are temporally successive on the same time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination, and one or more discrete pieces of discrete information on the same time axis, and generates chart information based on the examination data, the chart information including: a time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination; continuous area information that displays the continuous states in a manner that indicates that changes in the continuous states of the examination on the same time axis are continuous from the examination start time to the change start time, from the change start time to the change end time, or from the change start time to the next change start time; and discrete area information that displays the time at which the discrete information occurred, and outputs the chart information.

[0008] In addition, in the medical support device according to the present disclosure, the processor generates the chart information by displaying the discrete region information in a display area different from that of the continuous region information.

[0009] In addition, in the medical support device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor generates the chart information by displaying the discrete region information on the same time axis that coincides with the same time in the continuous region information.

[0010] In addition, in the medical support device according to the present disclosure, the processor generates the chart information by displaying the continuous area information and the discrete area information on the same time axis in the same color.

[0011] In addition, in the medical support device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor acquires a plurality of different test data, generates the chart information for each of the plurality of test data, and displays the plurality of chart information in parallel.

[0012] In addition, in the medical support device of the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, at least one of the multiple test data is test data linked to a group of experienced doctors who meet specified conditions or a doctor who performed a test that meets specified conditions.

[0013] In addition, in the medical support device of the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the examination data includes one or more of release log information having the time when the endoscope took the image, examination end information having the time when the examination of the subject by the endoscope ended, endoscopic disconnection event log information having the time when the endoscope was disconnected from the control device, startup log information having the time when the endoscope was started up, examination start information having the time when the examination of a new subject started, and endoscope connection log information having the time when the endoscope was connected to the control device, and the processor sets the end time in the chart information to any of the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information, the time of the release log information just before the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information, the time of the release log information just before the time of the examination end information, the time of the release log information just before the time of the startup log information, the time of the release log information just before the time of the examination start information, or the time of the release log information just before the time of the endoscope connection log information.

[0014] In addition, in the medical support device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor generates the continuous region information by varying the Y-axis value or the X-axis value of the continuous information and placing symbols indicating the start and end of the examination, and displays the discrete region information on the same time axis that coincides with the same time in the continuous region information.

[0015] In addition, in the medical support device according to the present disclosure, the processor generates the chart information in which the Y axis is made different for each different piece of continuous area information.

[0016] In addition, in the medical support device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the continuous information is observation light log information including the observation type and time of the observation mode of the observation light that the endoscope irradiates onto the subject, and the discrete information is release log information that has at least the time when the endoscope took the image.

[0017] Furthermore, a medical support method according to the present disclosure is a medical support method executed by a medical support device having a processor, in which the processor acquires examination data including at least one of an examination and a treatment using an endoscope, the examination data including continuous information of one or more continuous states that are temporally successive on a same time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination, and one or more discrete pieces of discrete information on the same time axis, and generates chart information based on the examination data, the chart information including: a time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination; continuous area information that displays the continuous states in a manner that indicates that changes in the continuous states of the examination on the same time axis are continuous from the examination start time to the change start time, from the change start time to the change end time, or from the change start time to the next change start time; and discrete area information that displays the times at which the discrete information occurred, and outputs the chart information.

[0018] In addition, in the medical support method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor generates the chart information by displaying the discrete region information on the same time axis that coincides with the same time in the continuous region information.

[0019] Further, in the medical support method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor generates the chart information by displaying the continuous area information and the discrete area information on the same time axis in the same color.

[0020] In addition, in the medical support method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor acquires a plurality of different test data, generates the chart information for each of the plurality of test data, and displays the plurality of chart information in parallel.

[0021] In addition, in the medical support method disclosed herein, in the above disclosure, at least one of the multiple test data is test data linked to a group of experienced doctors who meet specified conditions or a doctor who performed a test that meets specified conditions.

[0022] Furthermore, the medical support method according to the present disclosure is the same as that disclosed above, wherein the examination data includes one or more of release log information having the time when the endoscope took the photograph, examination end information having the time when the examination of the subject by the endoscope ended, endoscopic disconnection event log information having the time when the endoscope was disconnected from the control device, startup log information having the time when the endoscope was started up, examination start information having the time when the examination of a new subject started, and endoscope connection log information having the time when the endoscope was connected to the control device, and the processor sets the end time in the chart information and the examination end time in the examination data selected in response to external operation to any of the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the examination end information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the startup log information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the examination start information, or the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the endoscope connection log information.

[0023] In addition, in the medical support method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor generates the continuous region information by varying the Y-axis value or the X-axis value of the continuous information and placing symbols indicating the start and end of the examination, and displays the discrete region information on the same time axis that coincides with the same time in the continuous region information.

[0024] Further, in the medical support method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor generates the chart information in which the Y-axis is made different for each different piece of continuous area information.

[0025] In addition, in the medical support method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the continuous information is observation light log information including the observation type and time of the observation mode of the observation light irradiated by the endoscope to the subject, and the discrete information is release log information having at least the time when the endoscope captured the image.

[0026] In addition, a program according to the present disclosure is a program to be executed by a medical support device provided with a processor, the program causing the processor to acquire examination data including at least one of an endoscopic examination and a treatment, the examination data including continuous information of one or more continuous states that are temporally successive on the same time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination, and one or more discrete pieces of discrete information on the same time axis, generate chart information based on the examination data, the chart information including: a time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination; continuous area information that displays the continuous states in a manner that indicates that changes in the continuous states of the examination on the same time axis are continuous from the examination start time to the change start time, from the change start time to the change end time, or from the change start time to the next change start time; and discrete area information that displays the times at which the discrete information occurred, and output the chart information.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an effect of being able to grasp the temporal relationship between continuous information and discontinuous information.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a medical support system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a medical support device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the medical support device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of chart information generated by a generation unit included in the medical support device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic explanation of adjustment of a time interval displayed in chart information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of chart information generated by a generation unit included in a medical support device according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of chart information generated by a generation unit included in a medical support device according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of chart information generated by a generation unit included in a medical support device according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a medical support device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the medical support device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating transitions of a UI screen displayed by a display unit included in a medical support device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of chart information generated by a generation unit based on the criteria selected in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical results based on a plurality of test data stored in an test DB by the medical support device. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of results of reading from the average value and distribution by an analysis unit included in the medical support device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of results of observation operation analysis by an analysis unit included in the medical support device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, each drawing referred to in the following description merely shows a schematic representation of the shape, size, and positional relationship to the extent that the contents of the present disclosure can be understood. In other words, the present disclosure is not limited to only the shape, size, and positional relationship exemplified in each drawing. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0030] (First Embodiment) [Overall Configuration of Medical Support System] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a medical support system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The medical support system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a plurality of endoscope management devices 10 １ ~10 ｎ (n=1 or more) and a medical support device 20. １ ~10 ｎ When referring to any of the above, it will be simply referred to as the endoscope management device 10.

[0031] The endoscope management device 10 records multiple patient data sets for multiple patients (subjects) in association with multiple pieces of examination data captured by endoscopes. The examination data includes one or more continuous states of information that are linked together on a time axis from the start to the end of the endoscopic examination, one or more discrete states of information that are linked together on the same time axis, and medical information. Furthermore, the examination data includes not only data based on an endoscopic examination of the subject's body cavity, but also data such as surgical data capturing images of endoscopic procedures and treatments using treatment tools, and data based on diagnoses using ultrasound probes, etc. Details of the continuous information, discrete information, and medical information will be described later. While FIG. 1 illustrates three endoscope management devices 10, this is not a limitation and more than three devices may be used, or one or more endoscope management devices 10 may be installed per facility. The endoscope management device 10 may be configured using, for example, a facility server or an endoscope server.

[0032] The medical support device 20 acquires and stores examination data, which is configured in a predetermined format and includes various information obtained when a subject is examined using an endoscope, from the endoscope management device 10 via the network N100. The medical support device 20 then processes the examination data into data that can be analyzed and visualized, and outputs the data to the endoscope management device 10, a PC, or a portable tablet device. The examination data is, for example, JED (Japan Endoscopic Database) format data or CSV data. JED is a database specialized for endoscopes, promoted by the Japan Society of Fire Extinguisher Endoscopy.

[0033] The endoscope management device 10 and the medical support device 20 are bidirectionally connected via a network N100. This network N100 may be configured to acquire endoscopic procedure information from the endoscope management device 10 via a storage medium such as a memory card, rather than via the network N100. The medical support device 20 may also be configured to perform part of its processing on a separate server (not shown) connected to the network.

[0034] [Functional Configuration of Medical Support Device] Next, the functional configuration of the medical support device 20 will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the medical support device 20. The medical support device 20 shown in Fig. 2 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a recording unit 24, an examination database 25 (hereinafter simply referred to as "examination DB 25"), a master database 26 (hereinafter simply referred to as "master DB 26"), and a control unit 27.

[0035] Under the control of the control unit 27, the communication unit 21 transmits various types of information to the endoscope management device 10 via the network N100, and receives various types of information, such as examination data, from the endoscope management device 10. The communication unit 21 is configured using a communication module.

[0036] The input unit 22 receives various inputs in response to external operations and outputs them to the control unit 27. The input unit 22 is configured using buttons, a keyboard, switches, a touch panel, and the like.

[0037] The display unit 23 displays various information related to the medical support device 20 under the control of the control unit 27. The display unit 23 is configured using a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescent display (OLED), or the like.

[0038] The recording unit 24 records various information related to the medical support device 20. The recording unit 24 records various programs executed by the medical support device 20.

[0039] The examination DB 25 records multiple pieces of examination data that the medical support device 20 receives from the endoscope management device 10 via the network N100. The examination DB 25 is configured using a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The examination data includes one or more pieces of continuous information in a continuous state that are linked in time on the same time axis from the start to the end of the endoscopic examination, one or more pieces of discrete information that are discrete on the same time axis, and medical information.

[0040] The medical information includes the main physician (physician in charge) who performed the examination, the type of examination, the examination items, and the treatment.

[0041] The continuous information includes observation light log information including the observation type and time of the observation mode for identifying the observation light emitted by the endoscope during observation, endoscope operating time information, magnified observation log information for identifying magnified observation using the endoscope, AF log information for identifying the type of focus mode (e.g., depth stacking mode or continuous AF mode), the start time and end time or switching time of the observation mode in which the endoscope observed, endoscope type information, endoscope startup log information, endoscope connection log information in which the endoscope was connected to the control device, serial number, etc.

[0042] The discrete information includes release log information, freeze log information, focus log information, zoom log information, and various event log information. The release log information includes endoscopic image capture and the time of the endoscopic image capture. The freeze log information includes endoscopic freeze capture (image capture in which the latest observation image is temporarily stopped from updating) and the time of the endoscopic freeze. The focus log information includes the endoscope's focus position adjustment operation (information on whether the focus position of the endoscopic image is set to the normal pan focus setting or the near point) and the time when the endoscope's focus position was adjusted. The zoom log information includes the endoscope's zoom operation (normal angle of view or expanded angle of view) and the time when the zoom operation was performed. The various event log information includes events corresponding to various operations assigned to the endoscope's handle or foot switch and the time of the event. If the same event is assigned to the handle or the foot switch, the event information identifying whether it was performed on the handle or the foot switch is also included. For example, if a zoom command is assigned to both the handle and the foot switch, the information includes information for identifying whether the zoom operation is being performed on the handle or the foot switch, along with the timing of the continuous state change.

[0043] The master DB 26 is configured using an HDD, SSD, etc. The master DB 26 records master information that allows the control unit 27 (described later) to distinguish between continuous information and discrete information in the examination data. Specifically, the master DB 26 records, as master information, information that allows the control unit 27 (described later) to identify observation light log information, magnified observation log information, AF log information, switching time, endoscope type information, serial number, etc., included in the examination data. Furthermore, the master DB 26 records, as master information, information that allows the control unit 27 (described later) to identify release log information, freeze log information, focus log information, startup log information, endoscope connection log information, zoom log information, and various event log information included in the examination data.

[0044] The control unit 27 corresponds to the processor according to the present disclosure. The control unit 27 is realized using a processor having hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a memory serving as a temporary storage area used by the processor. The control unit 27 comprehensively controls the components constituting the medical support device 20. The control unit 27 includes an acquisition unit 271, a generation unit 272, and an output control unit 273.

[0045] The acquisition unit 271 acquires the examination data specified via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10 from the examination DB 25 .

[0046] The generation unit 272 generates chart information based on the test data acquired by the acquisition unit 271 and the master information recorded in the master DB 26. Specifically, the generation unit 272 generates chart information based on the test data acquired by the acquisition unit 271 and the master information recorded in the master DB 26. The chart information includes continuous area information that displays the continuous state in a manner indicating that changes in the continuous state of the test on the same time axis are continuous from the change start time to the change end time or the next change start time, and discrete area information that displays the occurrence time of the discrete information.

[0047] The output control unit 273 outputs the chart information generated by the generation unit 272 to the endoscope management device 10 via the display unit 23 or the communication unit 21 .

[0048] [Processing of Medical Support Device] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the medical support device 20. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the medical support device 20.

[0049] 3 , first, the acquiring unit 271 acquires the specified examination data from the examination DB 25 via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10 (step S101). For example, the acquiring unit 271 acquires the examination data linked to any of the doctor ID, procedure number ID, subject ID, and case ID from the examination DB 25 via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10.

[0050] Next, the generating unit 272 generates chart information based on the test data acquired by the acquiring unit 271 and the master information recorded in the master DB 26 (step S102).

[0051] 4 is a diagram showing an example of chart information generated by the generating unit 272. As shown in Fig. 4, based on the examination data acquired by the acquiring unit 271 and the master information recorded in the master DB 26, the generating unit 272 generates chart information including continuous area information that displays continuous states in a manner indicating that changes in continuous states of the examination on the same time axis continue from the change start time to the change end time or the next change start time, and discrete area information that displays the occurrence times of the discrete information.

[0052] Specifically, the generation unit 272 first generates, based on the observation light log information included in the examination data and the master information recorded in the master DB 26, continuous region information A1, A2, A3, and A4, which indicate changes in the continuous state of the examination for each observation light on the same time axis, from the examination start time to the change start time, from the change start time to the change end time, or from the change start time to the next change start time. The continuous region information A1 is a band-shaped time period during endoscopic white light observation (WLI) within a series of examinations, during which the structural color enhancement function mode (TXI: Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging) is off (TXI-OFF). This image enhancement mode optimizes the three elements of the structure, color, and brightness of the mucosal surface of the subject. The continuous region information A2 and A4 are band-shaped time periods during endoscopic white light observation within a series of examinations, during which the structural color enhancement function mode is on (TXI-ON). The continuous region information A3 has a band-like shape indicating the time period of endoscopic narrow band imaging (NBI) within a series of examination times.

[0053] Furthermore, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P1 by generating multiple discrete region information R1-R4 in identifiable shapes in regions above each of the continuous region information A1-A4 on the same time axis in the inspection data. Here, each of the discrete region information R1-R4 indicates a discrete event that occurred on the time axis (time period) of each of the continuous region information A1-A4, such as the operation time (release timing) of a release operation. Furthermore, each of the discrete region information R1E, ​​discrete region information R2E, discrete region information R3E, and discrete region information R4E in the discrete region information R1-R4 indicates the operation time of the final release operation among multiple release operations that occurred on the time axis of each of the continuous region information A1-A4. Furthermore, the generation unit 272 generates each of the discrete region information R1-R4 in the same color (represented by the same hatching in FIG. 4 ) as each of the continuous region information A1-A4 on the same time axis.

[0054] This makes it easy for the user to understand which observation light was used to perform an event (release) near the boundary of continuous information by checking discrete region information R1E, ​​discrete region information R2E, discrete region information R3E, and discrete region information R4E.

[0055] Furthermore, the user can easily visually grasp the proximity and concentration of the release operation timing relative to the observation light switching timing. For example, within the time axis of continuous region information A4, there are four occurrences of discrete region information R4, but the user can easily grasp that the doctor in charge of the examination concentrated the release operations with the endoscope immediately after switching from NBI observation to WLI observation, and then performed a single release operation with the endoscope just before the end of the examination based on discrete region information R4E.

[0056] The generating unit 272 may change the time axis of the chart information in accordance with the operation content input via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10 .

[0057] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the adjustment of the time interval displayed in the chart information. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the generator 272 may generate chart information by shortening the examination data to a specified time in accordance with the operation input via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10. Specifically, the generator 272 generates chart information P1 for the total examination time T1 from the start time to the end time of the examination data. However, the generator 272 may generate chart information P2 for the examination data within a specified time T2 (2:00 to 3:00) in accordance with the operation input via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10. This allows the position (time) of discrete information displayed closely together as one continuous piece of information on the time axis to be more accurately and easily grasped.

[0058] 3, the description of step S103 and subsequent steps will be continued. In step S103, the output control unit 273 outputs the chart information generated by the generation unit 272 to the endoscope management device 10 via the display unit 23 or the communication unit 21. After step S103, the medical support device 20 ends this processing.

[0059] According to the first embodiment described above, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P1 based on the test data acquired by the acquisition unit 271 and the master information recorded by the master DB 26. The chart information P1 includes continuous area information that displays the continuous state in a manner that indicates that changes in the continuous state of the test on the same time axis are continuous from the change start time to the change end time or the next change start time, and discrete area information that displays the occurrence time of the discrete information. This makes it possible to grasp the temporal relationship between the continuous information and the discontinuous information.

[0060] Furthermore, according to embodiment 1, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P1 by displaying the discrete region information R1 to R4 in a display area different from that of the continuous region information A1 to A4, making it easier for the user to visually grasp the proximity and degree of concentration of the observation light switching timing at the timing of the release operation.

[0061] Furthermore, according to embodiment 1, the generation unit 272 generates each of the discrete region information R1 to R4 in the same color as each of the continuous region information A1 to A4 over the same time period, making it easy for the user to visually grasp the proximity and degree of concentration of the observation light switching timing at the timing of the release operation.

[0062] (First Modification of First Embodiment) Next, a first modification of First Embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of chart information generated by the generating unit 272 according to the first modification of First Embodiment.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P3 by superimposing a portion of multiple identifiable bar-shaped discrete area information B1 to B4 (displayed as white) on the display area of ​​each of the continuous area information A1 to A4 on the same time axis in the test data.

[0064] Furthermore, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P3 in such a way that each of the multiple discrete area information B1 to B4 that protrudes outside the display area of ​​the continuous area information A1 to A4 is displayed in the same color as each of the continuous area information A1 to A4 on the same time axis in the inspection data, so that the bar-shaped discrete area information B1 to B4 protrudes.

[0065] This makes it easy for the user to understand which observation light was used for an event (release) near the boundary of continuous information.Furthermore, it becomes easy for the user to visually understand the proximity of the release timing to the observation light switching timing and the degree of concentration.

[0066] According to the first modification of the first embodiment described above, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P3 in such a manner that each of the multiple discrete region information B1 to B4 that extends beyond the display area of ​​the continuous region information A1 to A4 is displayed as a bar-shaped piece of discrete region information B1 to B4 in the same color as the color of each of the continuous region information A1 to A4 on the same time axis in the inspection data, making it easy for the user to understand which observation light was used to perform an event (release) near the boundary of the continuous information.

[0067] (Second Modification of First Embodiment) Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of chart information generated by the generating unit 272 according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7 , the generation unit 272 generates two pieces of chart information P4 and P5 based on the examination data of two different doctors acquired by the acquisition unit 271. For example, one of these two doctors is an experienced doctor and the other is a junior doctor. The experienced doctor is, for example, a specialist, a doctor with many years of service, or a supervising doctor. The junior doctor is, for example, a doctor with approximately three years of experience, a trainee, or the like. Specifically, the acquisition unit 271 acquires the examination data of each doctor ID corresponding to the experienced doctor and the junior doctor from the examination DB 25 in accordance with the operation content input via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10.

[0069] The generation unit 272 generates two pieces of chart information P4 and P5 based on the two pieces of examination data for each of the doctor IDs corresponding to the experienced doctor and the junior doctor acquired by the acquisition unit 271. In this case, the output control unit 273 arranges the two pieces of chart information P4 and P5 generated by the generation unit 272 in parallel and outputs them to the endoscope management device 10 via the display unit 23 or the communication unit 21.

[0070] This allows the user to easily understand which observation light was used to perform an event (release operation) near the boundary between consecutive pieces of information while comparing the two chart information P4 and P5 of two doctors with different levels of experience. Furthermore, the user can easily visually understand the proximity and concentration of the release operation timing relative to the observation light switching timing.

[0071] According to the second modification of the first embodiment described above, the generation unit 272 generates two pieces of chart information P4 and P5 based on two pieces of examination data, one for a doctor ID corresponding to an experienced doctor and the other for a junior doctor, acquired by the acquisition unit 271. Therefore, the user can easily understand which observation light was used to perform an event (release operation) near the boundary of consecutive pieces of information by comparing the two pieces of chart information P4 and P5 of two doctors with different levels of experience.

[0072] In the second modification of the first embodiment, the chart information to be compared can be automatically selected based on the following factors: When a user operates the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10 to select the examination data of a certain doctor, the acquisition unit 271 selects and acquires the examination data of an experienced doctor that meets predetermined conditions from the examination DB 25. Specifically, the examination DB 25 is configured in advance with an experienced doctor group (experienced doctor group ID), the IDs of each doctor belonging to the experienced doctor group, and the examination data linked to the experienced doctor group. When a doctor ID belonging to the experienced doctor group is input, the acquisition unit 271 selects and acquires the examination data linked to the experienced doctor group to which the doctor ID belongs from the examination DB 25. Alternatively, the user may manually select an experienced doctor group. In this case, the acquisition unit 271 selects and acquires the examination data linked to the experienced doctor group from the examination DB 25. Furthermore, the examination DB 25 may store a group of experienced physicians, the years of service of the physicians included in the group, and the qualifications and titles (e.g., supervising physicians), in advance, linked to the examination data. The acquisition unit 271 may select and acquire examination data from the examination DB 25 based on the years of service, qualifications (e.g., supervising physicians), and titles entered by the user through the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 271 may select and acquire examination data linked to the physician with the longest years of service among the physicians performing examinations that meet the specified conditions. Here, the specified conditions that meet the conditions are a match in one or a combination of two or more of the following: examination type, examination items, examination time, and procedure. Note that the examination time does not need to match exactly; a certain tolerance, for example, approximately ±20%, may be set.

[0073] In the second modification of the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 271 acquires the examination data of each of the doctor IDs corresponding to the experienced doctor and the junior doctor from the examination DB 25 in accordance with the operation content input via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10. However, the number of doctors is not limited to two, and the examination data of multiple doctors may be acquired, and multiple chart information may be generated based on each of the multiple examination data performed by each of the multiple doctors. Of course, in addition to the experienced doctor and the junior doctor, mid-career doctors, etc. may also be provided.

[0074] (Third Modification of First Embodiment) Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of chart information generated by the generating unit 272 according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0075] 8 , the generation unit 272 generates chart information P6 in which each piece of continuous region information A11 to A14 on the same time axis in the examination data has a different Y-axis value or X-axis value for each type of continuous information, and symbols (triangle icons) indicating the start and end of the examination are arranged. Specifically, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P6 in which the vertical axis represents observation light and the horizontal axis represents examination time, and the continuous region information A11 to A14 on the same time axis is arranged for each examination type. Furthermore, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P6 by superimposing a portion of a plurality of identifiable bar-shaped discrete region information (open diamond icons) on the display area of ​​each piece of continuous region information A11 to A14 on the same time axis in the examination data.

[0076] According to the third modification of the first embodiment described above, the generation unit 272 generates chart information P6 in which the Y-axis value or the X-axis value of each piece of continuous region information A11 to A14 on the same time axis in the examination data is changed for each type of continuous information, and symbols (triangle icons) indicating the start and end of the examination are arranged, so that it is easy to grasp which observation light was used for an event (release operation) near the boundary of the continuous information.

[0077] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. In the above-described embodiment 1, chart information was generated without considering the test end time in the test data. However, in embodiment 2, generation of chart information will be described when the test data does not include test end information indicating the end or when the test time of the test data is longer than the expected time. Below, the functional configuration of the medical support device according to embodiment 2 will be described, followed by the processing executed by the medical support device according to embodiment 2. Note that the same components as those in the medical support device 20 according to embodiment 1 above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0078] [Functional Configuration of Medical Support Device] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a medical support device according to embodiment 2. The medical support device 20A shown in Fig. 9 includes a control unit 27A instead of the configuration of the control unit 27 of the medical support device 20 according to embodiment 1 described above. The control unit 27A further includes a determination unit 274 and an analysis unit 275 in addition to the functional configuration of the control unit 27 according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0079] The determination unit 274 refers to the master information recorded in the master DB 26 and determines whether or not the test data acquired by the acquisition unit 271 includes test end information indicating the end of the test.

[0080] The analysis unit 275 acquires analysis information using test statistics and the like based on a plurality of test data recorded in the test DB 25 .

[0081] [Processing of Medical Support Device] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the medical support device 20 A. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the medical support device 20 A.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, first, the acquisition unit 271 acquires the examination data specified via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10 from the examination DB 25 (step S201).

[0083] Next, the determination unit 274 references the master information recorded in the master DB 26 and determines whether the examination data acquired by the acquisition unit 271 includes examination end information indicating the end of the examination (step S202). Specifically, the determination unit 274 determines whether the examination data includes either examination end log information indicating the end of the examination or stop log information indicating the end of the endoscope. If the examination data does not include either examination end log information indicating the end of the examination or stop log information indicating the end of the endoscope, the determination unit 274 determines that the examination data does not include examination end information indicating the end of the examination. If the determination unit 274 determines that the examination end information is included (step S202: Yes), the medical support device 20A proceeds to step S204, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination unit 274 determines that the examination end information is not included (step S202: No), the medical support device 20A proceeds to step S203, which will be described later.

[0084] In step S203, the determination unit 274 refers to the master information recorded in the master DB 26, and executes an examination end time determination process to determine the examination end time of the examination data and set the examination end information based on various information included in the examination data acquired by the acquisition unit 271. Specifically, the determination unit 274 refers to the master information recorded in the master DB 26, determines whether the examination data includes any of the following determination conditions, and determines the examination end time using any of the determination conditions to set the examination end information.

[0085] First, the determination unit 274 determines whether or not there is endoscopic disconnection event log information (determination condition 1) indicating that the endoscope is disconnected or detached from the control device. Here, the endoscopic disconnection event log information is an event occurring when the endoscope is detached from the control device that controls the endoscope, and is log information indicating that bidirectional communication between the endoscope and the control device has been interrupted. If the endoscopic disconnection event log information is present in the examination data acquired by the acquisition unit 271, the determination unit 274 determines that the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information is the examination end time and sets this endoscopic disconnection event log information as examination end information.

[0086] Next, if there is no endoscope disconnection event log information in the examination data acquired by the acquisition unit 271, the determination unit 274 determines the time of the most recent release log information (determination condition 2) in the event log information indicating the start of the next use of the endoscope, or the time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the time of that release log information, as the examination end time, and sets this determined time as the examination end information. Event log information indicating the start of the next use of the endoscope includes startup information that indicates the start of the endoscope or the control device to which the endoscope is connected, examination start information that indicates the start of an examination of a new subject, and endoscope connection information that indicates the connection of the endoscope to the control device, etc.

[0087] In addition, when the examination data includes the scope connection event and the immediately preceding release log information in the event log information indicating the start of the next use of the endoscope, the judgment unit 274 may compare the time from the time of the first release log information included in the examination data to the time of the last release log information with each of judgment condition 1, judgment condition 2, and the time of the release log information immediately preceding the event log information indicating the start of the next use, and determine that the time that satisfies the predetermined conditions is the examination end time.

[0088] For example, if condition A is set to 10 minutes from the time of the first release log information included in the examination data to the time of the last release log information, and condition B is set to 60 minutes from the time of the first release log information to the time of the endoscopic cutting event log information, when the preset condition is (B / A) > 1.5, judgment condition 1 is adopted and the endoscopic cutting event log information is set as the examination end information.

[0089] Furthermore, if the endoscope is left connected to the control device for a while after the end of the examination and then is removed from the control device, "endoscope disconnection" will occur some time after the actual end of the examination. For this reason, the determination unit 274 may determine and set the release immediately before the endoscope disconnection event log information included in the examination data as the end of the examination.

[0090] In this way, the determination unit 274 determines whether or not any of the above determination conditions is included in the test data acquired by the acquisition unit 271, and determines the test end time using any of the determination conditions to set the test end information. After step S203, the medical support device 20A proceeds to step S204.

[0091] Steps S204 and S205 correspond to steps S102 and S103, respectively, in Fig. 3. After step S205, the medical support device 20A ends this process.

[0092] According to the second embodiment described above, time when no endoscopic examination is actually being performed can be excluded from the chart information, allowing the user to easily read information from the part where the original information is present.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, even if the endoscope is disconnected from the control device, highly accurate chart information can be generated even if time has passed since the actual end of the examination.

[0094] (Variation 1 of Embodiment 2) Next, Variation 1 of Embodiment 2 will be described. In the above-described Embodiment 2, the determination unit 274 determines whether or not any of a plurality of determination conditions included in the test data is included, and automatically determines the test end time using any of the determination conditions to set the test end information. However, in Variation 1 of Embodiment 2, the user can manually select the test end time criterion.

[0095] 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating transitions of the UI screen displayed by the display unit 23. As shown in Fig. 11, when an instruction signal for instructing the display of a menu screen for selecting an examination end time standard is input via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10, the output control unit 273 displays a pop-up menu K1 on the display unit 23 or the endoscope management device 10 ((a) of Fig. 11).

[0096] The user selects a desired criterion from the examination end time reference cell K2 in the pop-up menu K1 via the input unit 22 or the endoscope management device 10. For example, if the user selects the final release as the examination end time reference from the examination end time reference cell K2 ((b) in FIG. 11), the generation unit 272 generates chart information of the examination time based on the time of the final release log information included in the examination data acquired by the acquisition unit 271.

[0097] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of chart information generated by the generation unit 272 based on the criteria selected in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 12, the generation unit 272 generates continuous region information A4 in chart information P1 so that it ends with discrete region information R4E, which is the time of the final release. This allows the user to select appropriate chart information while checking the chart information that changes depending on the examination end time criteria selected.

[0098] In the case of Figure 11, if the examination data does not include examination end event information or endoscopic cutting event log information, the examination end event information and endoscopic cutting event in the examination end time reference cell K2 may be displayed on the display unit 23 or the endoscope management device 10 in an unselectable state.

[0099] According to the first modification of the second embodiment described above, the user can select an appropriate one while checking the chart information that changes depending on the examination end time criterion selected.

[0100] (Second Modification of Second Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a statistical result based on a plurality of test data stored in the test DB 25 by the medical support device.

[0101] The analysis unit 275 of the medical support device 20A handles the time required for the examination (examination time) as examination data. If examination end event information cannot be determined from the examination data, the examination time may be significantly longer than the actual examination time. For example, even if the last endoscopic examination on Friday lasted five minutes, if the user did not perform the examination end operation, turned off the endoscope, and then started it up on Monday morning, the examination time would include the 48 hours on Saturday and Sunday when the endoscope was not turned on. In this case, using the average value would result in an examination time that deviates from the actual situation. Therefore, it is appropriate to treat the median as a statistical quantity.

[0102] When calculating the median of the test time for multiple test data, the analysis unit 275 must obtain statistical values ​​(medians) from all of the test data, which can be a huge amount, which slows down the presentation of the results to the user. Note that statistical values ​​also include averages, maximums, and minimums, but the calculation process for these is lighter than for the median. The median is problematic because it requires heavy processing.

[0103] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the analysis unit 275 outputs statistical information P10 including the average value and the distribution of the data to the display unit 23 or the endoscope management device 10.

[0104] This allows the user to quickly obtain results and, based on the knowledge that the median is often between the mean and the mode, makes it easier for the user to grasp the approximate median from the deviation between the peak and mean of the distribution.

[0105] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the results of reading the average value and distribution by the analysis unit 275. For example, from the statistical information P11 shown in FIG. 14, a user can see that comparing the average values ​​for 2019 and 2020 for people in their 30s and younger, the examination time in 2019 was approximately twice that of 2020. However, when the user looks at the distribution of the statistical information P11, the user determines that the mode is the 10-minute bin, and that the bins from 45 minutes onward in 2019 are longer than those in 2020 compared to the other bins. Therefore, the user can infer that the median value in 2020 will be between 5 and 24 minutes. Furthermore, the user can see that the median value in 2019 is between 5 and 43 minutes, and that the bins from 45 minutes onward are longer, so the median is longer than in 2020, but not twice as long.

[0106] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an observation operation analysis result by the analysis unit 275. As shown in the observation operation analysis result P13 in FIG. 15 , when examination event data is treated as aggregate values ​​by examination type and physician skill, and knowledge is obtained about the frequency of observation light and release, it is possible to visualize aggregate values ​​related to physician operations, particularly differences due to skill, for examinations in which the examination time varies and the timing of various operations varies. Specifically, the analysis unit 275 can calculate the examination progress rate. For example, as shown in the observation operation analysis result P13 in FIG. 15 , the analysis unit 275 can calculate the progress rate when the event from the event considered to be the start of the examination to the event considered to be the end of the examination is set to 100%.

[0107] Furthermore, the analysis unit 275 can divide the examination progress rate into multiple bins and tally up the continuous state and number of releases selected for each bin. For example, the continuous state can be displayed as a percentage of the total number or a usage time ratio, and the number of releases can be displayed as an average value.

[0108] By standardizing and visualizing tests with different examination times in this way, it is possible to visually grasp the differences in trends due to physician skill (such as when to use special light observation and when to release it).

[0109] (Other Embodiments) Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the medical support system according to the above-mentioned embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, some components may be omitted from all of the components described in the medical support system according to the above-mentioned embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components described in the medical support system according to the above-mentioned embodiment of the present disclosure may be appropriately combined.

[0110] In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the medical support device is equipped with a DB, but this is not limited to this, and the medical support device and the DB on the server may be separate entities, and test data may be sent to the DB on the server.

[0111] In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the functions of the control unit may be realized by a plurality of servers.

[0112] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the medical support device includes a function for statistical or analytical analysis of test data, but for example, the statistical or analytical function may be provided in a separate server, and the analytical results may be obtained from this server through a service such as a subscription that provides periodic analysis.

[0113] Furthermore, in the medical support system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned "unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a control unit can be read as control means or a control circuit.

[0114] In addition, the program to be executed by the medical support system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is provided as file data in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB medium, or a flash memory.

[0115] In addition, the program executed by the medical support system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0116] In the description of the flowcharts in this specification, expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue" are used to clearly indicate the order of processing between steps, but the order of processing required to implement the present invention is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed within a consistent range. Furthermore, programs are not limited to those consisting of simple branching processing, and branching can be achieved by comprehensively determining more judgment items.

[0117] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that have undergone various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the disclosure of the present invention.

[0118] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Medical support system 10 Endoscope management device 20, 20A Medical support device 21 Communication unit 22 Input unit 23 Display unit 24 Recording unit 25 Examination database 26 Master database 27, 27A Control unit 271 Acquisition unit 272 Generation unit 273 Output control unit 274 Determination unit 275 Analysis unit N100: Network

Claims

1. A medical support device having a processor, wherein the processor acquires examination data including at least one of an endoscopic examination and treatment, the examination data including continuous information of one or more continuous states that are successive in time on the same time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination, and one or more discrete pieces of discrete information on the same time axis, generates chart information based on the examination data, the chart information including: a time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination; continuous area information that displays the continuous states in a manner that shows that changes in the continuous states of the examination on the same time axis are successive from the examination start time to the change start time, from the change start time to the change end time, or from the change start time to the next change start time; and discrete area information that displays the times at which the discrete information occurred, and outputs the chart information.

2. A medical support device according to claim 1, wherein the processor generates the chart information by displaying the discrete region information in a display area different from that of the continuous region information.

3. A medical support device according to claim 1, wherein the processor generates the chart information by displaying the discrete area information on the same time axis that coincides with the same time in the continuous area information.

4. A medical support device according to claim 1, wherein the processor generates the chart information by displaying the continuous area information and the discrete information on the same time axis in the same color.

5. A medical support device according to claim 1, wherein the processor acquires a plurality of different test data, generates chart information for each of the plurality of test data, and displays the plurality of chart information in parallel.

6. A medical support device according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of test data is test data linked to a group of skilled doctors who meet predetermined conditions or to a doctor who has performed a test that meets predetermined conditions.

7. A medical support device according to claim 1, wherein the examination data includes one or more of release log information having the time an image was taken by the endoscope, examination end information having the time an examination of a subject by the endoscope ended, endoscopic disconnection event log information having the time the endoscope was disconnected from the control device, startup log information having the time the endoscope was started up, examination start information having the time an examination of a new subject began, and endoscope connection log information having the time the endoscope was connected to the control device, and the processor sets the end time in the chart information to any of the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the examination end information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the startup log information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the examination start information, or the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the endoscope connection log information.

8. A medical support device according to claim 1, wherein the processor generates the continuous area information by varying the Y-axis value or the X-axis value of the continuous information and arranging symbols indicating the start and end of an examination, and displays the discrete area information on the same time axis that coincides with the same time in the continuous area information.

9. A medical support device according to claim 8, wherein the processor generates the chart information with a different Y-axis for each different piece of continuous area information.

10. A medical support device according to claim 1, wherein the continuous information is observation light log information including the observation type and time of the observation mode of the observation light irradiated by the endoscope onto the subject, and the discrete information is release log information including at least the time when the endoscope took the image.

11. A medical support method executed by a medical support device having a processor, wherein the processor acquires examination data including at least one of an endoscopic examination and treatment, the examination data including continuous information of one or more continuous states that are temporally successive on the same time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination, and one or more discrete pieces of discrete information on the same time axis, generates chart information based on the examination data, the chart information including: a time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination; continuous area information that displays the continuous states in a manner that shows that changes in the continuous states of the examination on the same time axis are continuous from the examination start time to the change start time, from the change start time to the change end time, or from the change start time to the next change start time; and discrete area information that displays the times at which the discrete information occurred, and outputs the chart information.

12. A medical support method according to claim 11, wherein the processor generates the chart information by displaying the discrete region information in a display area different from that of the continuous region information.

13. A medical support method according to claim 11, wherein the processor generates the chart information by displaying the discrete area information on the same time axis that coincides with the same time in the continuous area information.

14. A medical support method according to claim 11, wherein the processor generates the chart information by displaying the continuous area information and the discrete information on the same time axis in the same color.

15. A medical support method according to claim 11, wherein the processor acquires a plurality of different test data, generates chart information for each of the plurality of test data, and displays the plurality of chart information in parallel.

16. A medical support method according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of test data is test data linked to a group of experienced doctors who meet predetermined conditions or to a doctor who has performed a test that meets predetermined conditions.

17. A medical support method according to claim 11, wherein the examination data includes one or more of release log information having the time an image was taken by the endoscope, examination end information having the time an examination of a subject by the endoscope ended, endoscopic disconnection event log information having the time the endoscope was disconnected from the control device, startup log information having the time the endoscope was started up, examination start information having the time an examination of a new subject began, and endoscope connection log information having the time the endoscope was connected to the control device, and the processor sets the end time in the chart information to any of the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information selected in response to an external operation, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the endoscopic disconnection event log information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the examination end information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the startup log information, the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the examination start information, or the time of the release log information immediately before the time of the endoscope connection log information.

18. A medical support method according to claim 11, wherein the processor generates the continuous region information by varying the Y-axis values ​​or X-axis values ​​of the continuous information and arranging symbols indicating the start and end of the examination, and displays the discrete region information on the same time axis that coincides with the same times in the continuous region information.

19. A medical support method according to claim 16, wherein the processor generates the chart information with a different Y-axis for each different piece of continuous area information.

20. A program to be executed by a medical support device equipped with a processor, the program causing the processor to: acquire examination data obtained by an endoscope, the examination data including continuous information of one or more continuous states that are temporally consecutive on the same time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination, and one or more discrete pieces of discrete information on the same time axis; generate chart information based on the examination data, the chart information including: a time axis from the start of the examination to the end of the examination; continuous area information that displays the continuous states in a manner that indicates that changes in the continuous states of the examination on the same time axis are continuous from the examination start time to the change start time, from the change start time to the change end time, or from the change start time to the next change start time; and discrete area information that displays the time at which the discrete information occurred; and output the chart information.

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