Medical image processing apparatus and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present application provides a medical image processing apparatus and a working method thereof, which can reflect a user's preference for images recorded in a report and reduce the burden of report production. An input accepting section (23) accepts a user's designated input of a medical image displayed on a first display screen (30a) of a display (30). An image selecting section (26) acquires a selected image (40) selected from a plurality of medical images (12) according to a designated image category as a category assigned to a designated image (35) and a non-designated image category as a category assigned to a non-designated image (38). The selected image (40) is displayed on a second display screen (30b) of the display (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus and its operating method for acquiring report supplementary images attached to a report. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical field, during endoscopic or ultrasound examinations, doctors diagnose patients while operating the equipment. After the diagnosis, endoscopists and other doctors select images for reporting from the still images acquired during the examination. Patent Document 1 describes a method for selecting images to be attached to the report from images obtained by a capsule endoscope, where images are displayed as a summary image for easy selection.

[0003] Previous technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2009 / 008125 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] As mentioned above, the task of selecting images for the report after examination is automated by AI (Artificial Intelligence), and the report generation device is equipped with a function to automatically select images suitable for the report, thereby reducing the workload of doctors as users.

[0008] However, if AI fails to appropriately select images that doctors deem should be included in reports, it creates the hassle of revising automatically generated reports, failing to alleviate the workload. Since images to be included in reports may vary depending on user preferences, such as specific lighting patterns, particular compositions, or the user's subjective "best" image, it's difficult to use AI to automatically select them uniformly. Therefore, the goal is to reflect user preferences and reduce the workload of report creation.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a medical image processing device and its operating method, which can reflect the user's preferences for images recorded in reports and reduce the burden of report production.

[0010] means for solving technical problems

[0011] The medical image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a processor that performs the following processing: acquiring multiple medical images, classifying the multiple medical images into multiple categories, displaying the multiple medical images in a view on a first display screen of a monitor, receiving specified input from a user for the medical images displayed on the first display screen, determining a specified image group including specified images of the specified medical images as specified input and a non-specified image group including non-specified images of the multiple medical images that have not been specified as input, acquiring a selected image selected from the multiple medical images based on the specified image category as the category assigned to the specified image and the non-specified image category as the category assigned to the non-specified image, and displaying the selected image in a view on a second display screen of the monitor.

[0012] The preferred image selection includes a first selected image chosen from the unspecified image group based on the relationship between a specified image category and unspecified image categories. Preferably, the relationship between the specified image category and unspecified image categories is one where the specified image category and the unspecified image categories are different. The preferred image selection also includes a second selected image, which is used to select all specified images contained within the specified image group.

[0013] The processor determines the diagnostic usefulness of the medical images, preferably by selecting images based on usefulness in addition to specifying image categories and non-specified image categories. Preferably, in the second display screen, the display method of the images corresponding to the specified images and the display method of the images corresponding to the non-specified images in the selected images are different.

[0014] Preferably, in the first display screen, the display method of each medical image differs according to its category, and / or in the second display screen, the display method of the selected image differs according to its category. Preferably, in the first display screen, each medical image is displayed with character or label information corresponding to its category, and / or in the second display screen, each selected image is displayed with character or label information corresponding to its category.

[0015] Preferably, in the first display screen, a single medical image among multiple medical images is displayed that meets specific conditions related to usefulness in terms of category and / or diagnosis.

[0016] The preferred processor performs the following processing: whenever a specified input is made, it updates the medical images displayed in a list on the first display screen according to the specified image category assigned to the specified image and the non-specified image category assigned to the non-specified image, and accepts the specified input for the updated medical images displayed in a list on the first display screen. Preferably, when a specified input is made for a specific specified image category, the processor updates the non-specified image that has been assigned the same non-specified image category as the specific specified image category by deleting it from the first display screen or changing its display mode.

[0017] The preferred processor displays specified image information on the display as information related to the specified image. The specified image information includes at least information indicating the position of the part corresponding to the specified image in a character or visual manner, or information indicating the number of specified images in a character or visual manner.

[0018] Preferred categories are information related to parts of the subject. Preferred categories are information related to whether the image contains a region of interest. Preferred categories are information related to whether the image contains processing equipment or the type of processing equipment contained therein. Preferred categories are information related to the distribution of dyes or stains in the image.

[0019] In a method of operating a medical image processing apparatus having a processor, the processor performs the following steps: acquiring multiple medical images; classifying the multiple medical images into multiple categories; displaying the multiple medical images in a view on a first display screen of a monitor; receiving specified input from a user for the medical images displayed on the first display screen; determining a specified image group including specified images of the medical images that are specified input and a non-specified image group including non-specified images of the multiple medical images that are not specified input; acquiring a selected image selected from the multiple medical images based on the specified image category assigned to the specified image and the non-specified image category assigned to the non-specified image; and displaying the selected image in a view on a second display screen of the monitor.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the present invention, the images recorded in the report can reflect the user's preferences and reduce the burden of report production. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship with medical image processing devices and endoscope systems.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram representing the functions of a medical image processing device.

[0024] Figure 3 It is an image that represents a summary of medical images displayed on the first display screen.

[0025] Figure 4 It is an image representing a specified image and a non-specified image at a specified input completion time.

[0026] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram related to the acquisition of selected images.

[0027] Figure 6It is an image that represents a list of selected images displayed on the second display screen.

[0028] Figure 7 This refers to images displayed differently in the selected images compared to the specified image and images that do not correspond to the specified image.

[0029] Figure 8 It is an image diagram representing characters related to the categories assigned to each selected image.

[0030] Figure 9 It is an image that represents a list of specific medical images displayed on the first display screen.

[0031] Figure 10 It is an image representing the screen used to create the report.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a flowchart representing a series of steps to select an attached image for a report.

[0033] Figure 12 It is an image that represents a list of specific medical images displayed on the first display screen.

[0034] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram that shows the positional information of characters related to a specified image and the corresponding parts of the specified image.

[0035] Figure 14 It is an image diagram that uses characters and bar counting to represent the number of specified images. Detailed Implementation

[0036] [First Implementation]

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the medical image processing device 10 is connected to the endoscope system 11. The endoscope system 11 acquires a large number of medical images 12 using a light source device 11a, an endoscope 11b, and a processor device 11c. The light source device 11a supplies illumination light to the endoscope 11b for illuminating the body. The endoscope 11b illuminates the body with the illumination light, receives and captures the reflected light from the body, thereby acquiring endoscopic images of the body. The processor device 11c performs image processing on the endoscopic images from the endoscope 11b and displays them on an endoscopic display (not shown). The endoscope system 11 is connected to the medical image processing device 10 and sends the acquired endoscopic images as medical images 12 to the medical image processing device 10.

[0038] In the medical image processing apparatus 10, programs related to various processes are assembled in a program memory (not shown). The medical image processing apparatus 10 is equipped with a central control unit (not shown) consisting of a processor. The central control unit executes the programs in the program memory, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the medical image processing apparatus 10 performs the functions of an image acquisition unit 20, an image classification unit 21, a display control unit 22, an input receiving unit 23, an image group determination unit 24, a usefulness determination unit 25, an image selection unit 26, and a report generation device 27. Furthermore, the medical image processing apparatus 10 is equipped with a display 30 for displaying various images.

[0039] The medical image processing apparatus 10 performs the process of selecting medical images from the medical images obtained by the endoscope system 11 to be added to the report produced by the report production apparatus 27, i.e., report-attached images.

[0040] The image acquisition unit 20 acquires multiple medical images 12 from the endoscope system 11 and sends them to the image classification unit 21. The image classification unit 21 acquires the image information of the medical images 12 sent from the image acquisition unit 20, and performs category information acquisition and image quality information calculation. According to the acquired category information, the medical images 12 are classified into various categories.

[0041] The classification categories are any one or a combination of the following: the location of the image being photographed, the presence and type of lesions as part of the area of ​​interest, the usage status of the treatment instruments, and the distribution status of the dye. In terms of image quality information, information such as brightness, noise, and blur level are acquired and appended to the medical image 12. Image information is extracted by learning a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) model. The learned CNN model is obtained by learning from a group of images comprising at least multiple medical images 12. Preferably, the category information and image quality information acquired during imaging and appended to the medical image 12 by the endoscope system 11 take precedence over the information extracted by the learned CNN model.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the display control unit 22 displays a plurality of medical images 12 in a single view on the first display screen 30a of the display 30. By displaying a plurality of medical images 12 in this way, the user can select one. In addition, the medical images 12 displayed in a single view on the first display screen 30a are preferably medical images 12 that have been classified into multiple categories by the image classification unit 21, or unclassified medical images 12 that have not been classified into multiple categories by the image classification unit 21.

[0043] The input receiving unit 23 accepts at least the user's specified input regarding the medical image 12 displayed on the monitor 30. Specifically, such as... Figure 3As shown, a cursor 32 reflecting user operations such as mouse operation is displayed on the monitor 30. The user uses the cursor 32 to specify input to the medical image 12. Not only can one medical image be specified for input, but multiple images can also be specified for input. The input receiving unit 23 accepts the specified input specified by the cursor 32. When the specified input for the medical image is completed, the user uses the cursor 32 to operate the specified input completion icon 33. In addition, the specified medical image 12 is preferably displayed with a thick border 13 around its outer edge, or with a mark indicating specified input.

[0044] The image group determination unit 24 determines a designated image group that includes a designated image as a designated input medical image and a non-designated image group that includes a non-designated image as a medical image that is not a designated input from among a plurality of medical images acquired by the image acquisition unit 20. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, medical images 12 that have completed the specified input at the specified input completion time after receiving an instruction from the input receiving unit 23 are designated as designated images 35, and a designated image group 36 including these designated images 35 is determined. Furthermore, medical images 12 that have not been specified at the specified input completion time are designated as non-designated images 38, and a non-designated image group 39 including these non-designated images is determined.

[0045] In the usefulness determination unit 25, the diagnostic usefulness of the medical image 12 is determined based on the classification results and image quality information obtained by the image classification unit 21. The higher the diagnostic usefulness, the higher the likelihood that it is suitable as an additional image for a report. The usefulness evaluation is expressed, for example, by a grading evaluation. Medical images 12 that contain items such as lesions in the classification results and have low blur in the image quality evaluation can be evaluated as having high usefulness. In cases where there is no category information, high blur, excessive brightness, or excessive brightness, the usefulness decreases. The medical image 12 whose usefulness determination has been completed is sent to the image selection unit 26. The threshold for evaluating usefulness can be arbitrarily set by the user. In addition to the medical image 12, usefulness determination can also be performed on designated images 35 or non-designated images.

[0046] The image selection unit 26 acquires a selection image from a plurality of medical images 12 based on a designated image category (assigned to a designated image 35) and a non-designated image category (assigned to a non-designated image 38). More preferably, the image selection unit 26 acquires the selection image based not only on the designated image category and the non-designated image category, but also on the usefulness determined by the usefulness determination unit 25. Furthermore, the number of selection images is preferably set such that the sum of the number of designated images and the number of selection images is a specific number. Alternatively, the number of selection images can be set to a number specified by the doctor. Preferably, the input receiving unit 23 receives the image number setting.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the selected image 40 acquired by the image selection unit 26 preferably includes a first selected image 42 selected from the non-specified image group 39 based on the relationship between specified image categories and non-specified image categories. Preferably, the relationship between specified image categories and non-specified image categories is that the specified image categories and non-specified image categories are different. In this case, examples of the first selected image 42 could be "a non-specified image 38 of a different photographic location than specified image 35", "a non-specified image 38 that does not contain a lesion if specified image 35 contains a lesion", "a non-specified image 38 that is not using a treatment device if a treatment device is being used in specified image 35", and "a non-specified image 38 that is not undergoing pigment dispersal if pigment is being dispersed in specified image 35", etc. On the other hand, the selected image 40 preferably includes a second selected image 44, which is used to select all specified images 35 contained in the specified image group 36.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the display control unit 22 displays the selected image 40 on the second display screen 30b of the display 30. The user confirms the selected image 40, and if it is determined to be suitable as a supplementary image for use in the report creation device 27, the user uses the cursor 32 to operate the approval icon 46 displayed on the display 30. When the approval icon 46 is operated, the selected image 40 is sent to the report creation device 27 as a supplementary image for the report. On the other hand, if the selected image 40 is not approved as a supplementary image for the report, the user operates the disapproval icon 47. In this case, the display 30 switches to the first display screen 30a, switching to a state where it accepts the user's specified input.

[0049] As described above, before the automatic selection of the report supplementary image, the user selects the second selection image 44, and then the first selection image 42 is automatically selected. The selection image 40, which includes the first selection image 42 and the second selection image 44, is used as the report supplementary image in the report production device 27. This can reflect the preferences of the doctor as the user and reduce the burden of report production work.

[0050] Furthermore, preferably in the second display screen 30b, the display mode of the image corresponding to the designated image 35 in the selected image 40 is different from the display mode of the image corresponding to the non-designated image 38. For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, there is a way to display a thick border 51 on the outer edge of the image 50 corresponding to the specified image 35, while on the other hand, there is a way to not display a thick border 51 on the image 52 corresponding to the non-specified image 38.

[0051] Furthermore, preferably in the first display screen 30a, the display mode of each medical image 12 differs according to the category, and preferably in the second display screen 30b, the display mode of each selected image 40 differs according to the category. For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the second display screen 30b, each selected image 40 is assigned a character 54 corresponding to its category. These category-corresponding characters include the site name, lesion name, light source used, and whether or not treatment based on a treatment device was performed. Furthermore, category-corresponding labeling information can also be assigned to each selected image 40 for display. This category-corresponding labeling information includes markings such as the site name, lesion name, light source used, and whether or not treatment based on a treatment device was performed. For example, when using a superior endoscope, the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum can be designated as "area 1," "area 2," and "area 3" according to the insertion order. Additionally, in the first display screen 30a, it is preferable to assign category-corresponding characters or labeling information to each medical image 12 for display using the same method as in the second display screen 30b.

[0052] Furthermore, regarding the display method of the medical image 12 or selected image 40 corresponding to the category, as described above, it can also be done without using characters or labels. For example, in the first display screen 30a or the second display screen 30b, the display position of the medical image 12 or selected image 40 can be changed according to the category. For example, when displaying the medical image or selected image 40 in a row direction (vertical), it is preferable to display different categories of medical images 12 or selected images 40 in one or more row units. As a result, the selection (specified input) of the medical image 12 by the user in the first display screen 30a becomes easier, and in the second display screen 30b, it is easier to grasp the category of the image group recorded in the report.

[0053] Additionally, in the first display screen 30a, such as Figure 9As shown, it is preferable to display a specific medical image 55 from among a plurality of medical images 12 that meets specific conditions related to category and / or diagnostic usefulness. The input receiving unit 23 accepts the user's specified input for the specific medical image 55 displayed on the first display screen 30a. As described above, instead of displaying all medical images, only the specific medical image 55 is displayed at a glance, thereby reducing the burden on the user caused by specified input. As a specific condition, it is preferable to include at least one of the following: images included in the same category are either fewer than a certain number or images with high diagnostic usefulness. In addition, medical images 56 other than the specific medical image 55 are not the subject of the specified input. In this case, as a way to display medical images 56 other than the specific medical image 55, it is preferable to either keep them displayed on the first display screen 50a with lower visual recognition than the specific medical image 55 (e.g., displayed in light gray), or completely exclude them from the first display screen 50a (not displayed).

[0054] In the report production device 27, such as Figure 10 As shown, a report is created using the report creation screen 48 displayed on the monitor 30. In addition to automatically attaching the selected image 40, the report creation screen 48 automatically inputs pre-entered patient information, user information, etc. The user inputs diagnostic opinions in the diagnostic opinion input field 49, and the report is created.

[0055] Next, according to Figure 11 The flowchart describes a series of processes for selecting supplementary images for the report. The image acquisition unit 20 acquires multiple medical images 12 from the endoscope system 11. The image classification unit 21 classifies each medical image 12 into multiple categories. The display control unit 22 displays a list of the multiple medical images on the first display screen 30a of the monitor 30. The input receiving unit 23 accepts user input for the medical images displayed on the first display screen 30a. When the user's input is completed, the input completion icon 33 is activated.

[0056] When the input completion icon 33 is activated, the image group determination unit 24 determines a designated image group 36 that includes the designated image 35 of the medical image 12 as the designated input, and a non-designated image group 39 that includes the non-designated images 38 of the multiple medical images 12 that are not designated inputs. The image selection unit 26 obtains a selection image 40 from the multiple medical images 12 based on the designated image category assigned to the designated image 35 and the non-designated image category assigned to the non-designated image 38. The display control unit 22 displays a list of the selection images 40 on the second display screen 30b of the display 30.

[0057] If the user approves the selected image 40 displayed in the overview as an additional image for the report, the approval icon 46 is activated. When the approval icon 46 is activated, the selected image 40 is sent to the report generation device 27 as an additional image for the report. On the other hand, if the user does not approve the selected image 40 as an additional image for the report, the disapproval icon 47 is activated. In this case, the display 30 switches to the first display screen 30a, switching to a state that accepts the user's specified input.

[0058] [Second Implementation]

[0059] In the second embodiment, whenever a user makes a specified input, the medical images displayed on the first display screen 30a are updated. Specifically, whenever a specified input is made, the display control unit 22 updates the medical images displayed on the first display screen 30a according to the specified image category and the non-specified image category. The input receiving unit 23 accepts the user's specified input for the updated medical images displayed on the first display screen 30a.

[0060] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, when the display control unit 22 provides input to a specified image X1 that has been assigned a specific specified image category X, it updates the first display screen 30a by deleting (not displaying) a non-specified image X2 that has been assigned the same non-specified image category X as the specified specified image category X. This reduces the number of images the user needs to check, thus alleviating the user's workload. Here, images deleted from the first display screen 30a along with the user's input are preferably, for example, "non-specified image X2 whose photographic part is the same as the specified image X1", "non-specified image X2 whose photographic part is close to the specified image X1", or "non-specified image X2 that is being processed or is dispersing pigment when the specified image X1 is an image being processed based on a processing device or an image that is dispersing pigment." Furthermore, regarding the non-specified image X2, in addition to not displaying it on the first display screen 30a, it is also possible to display it on the first display screen 30a even if its visual recognition is lower than that of the specified image X1 (e.g., displaying it in light gray).

[0061] [Third Implementation]

[0062] In the third embodiment, when a specified input is made, in order to easily grasp the user's work status, the display control unit 22 displays specified image information related to the specified image on the display 30. As specified image information, it is preferably information representing the location information of the part corresponding to the specified image in a character or visual manner. If the part corresponding to the specified image is the rectum, which is a designated location of the large intestine, for example... Figure 13As shown, it is preferable to display "rectum" as character position information 62 on the display 30, or to display a point 58 on the display 30, which indicates that the part corresponding to "rectum" has been specified in the schematic diagram 57 of the large intestine.

[0063] Furthermore, as specified image information, it is preferable to use information indicating the number of specified images 35 in a character or visual manner. For example, if the number of specified images 35 at the time of specified input is 4, then... Figure 14 As shown, it is preferable to display "4 images" as character information 59 on the display 30, or to display a length 60a corresponding to "4 images" on the display 30 in the count bar 60 indicating the number of images 35.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the hardware structure of the processing units that perform various processes, such as the image acquisition unit 20, image classification unit 21, display control unit 22, input receiving unit 23, image group determination unit 24, usefulness determination unit 25, image selection unit 26, and report generation device 27, is various processors as described below. These processors include general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays); processors whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, i.e., Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs); and processors with circuit structures specifically designed for performing various processes, i.e., dedicated circuits.

[0065] A processing unit can be composed of one of these various processors, or it can be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, a combination of CPUs and FPGAs, or a combination of CPUs and GPUs, etc.). Furthermore, a single processor can also constitute multiple processing units. As examples of a single processor constituting multiple processing units, firstly, there is a method where, as exemplified by a client or server computer, a combination of one or more CPUs and software constitutes a single processor, which functions as multiple processing units. Secondly, there is a method where, as exemplified by a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), a processor is used to implement the overall system functionality including multiple processing units using a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. Thus, various processing units are constructed using one or more of the aforementioned processors as hardware structures.

[0066] More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit composed of semiconductor components and other circuit elements. Furthermore, the hardware structure of the storage section is a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0067] Symbol Explanation

[0068] 10-Medical image processing device, 11-Endoscope system, 11a-Light source device, 11b-Endoscope, 11c-Processor device, 12-Medical image, 13-Browser frame, 20-Image acquisition unit, 21-Image classification unit, 22-Display control unit, 23-Input receiving unit, 24-Image group determination unit, 25-Usefulness determination unit, 26-Image selection unit, 27-Report generation device, 30-Display, 30a-First display screen, 30b-Second display screen, 32-Cursor, 33-Input completion icon, 35-Selected image, 36-Pointer Image group, 38 - Non-specified image, 39 - Non-specified image group, 40 - Selected image, 42 - First selected image, 44 - Second selected image, 46 - Approval icon, 47 - Disapproval icon, 48 - Report creation screen, 49 - Diagnostic opinion input field, 50, 52 - Image, 51 - Bold border, 54 - Character, 55 - Specific medical image, 56 - Image other than the specific medical image, 57 - Diagram of the large intestine, 58 - Dot, 59 - Character information, 60 - Number of images count bar, 62 - Character position information, X1 - Specified image, X2 - Non-specified image.

Claims

1. A medical image processing device, comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: Acquire multiple medical images, The multiple medical images are classified into multiple categories. The multiple medical images are displayed in a single view on the first screen of the monitor. Accept user input for medical images displayed on the first display screen. Determine a designated image group comprising designated images that are medical images used as the designated input, and a non-designated image group comprising non-designated images that are medical images among the plurality of medical images that were not used as the designated input. Based on the specified image category (assigned to the specified image) and the non-specified image category (assigned to the non-specified image), a selected image is obtained from the plurality of medical images. The selected images are displayed on the second display screen of the monitor.

2. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The selected image includes a first selected image, which is selected from the non-specified image group based on the relationship between the specified image category and the non-specified image category.

3. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The relationship between the specified image category and the unspecified image category is that the specified image category and the unspecified image category are different.

4. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The selected image includes a second selected image, which is used to select all the specified images contained in the specified image group.

5. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Determine the diagnostic usefulness of the medical images. In addition to the specified image category and the non-specified image category, the selected image is also obtained based on the usefulness.

6. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the second display screen, the display method of the image corresponding to the specified image in the selected image is different from the display method of the image corresponding to the non-specified image.

7. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the first display screen, the display method of each medical image varies according to the category, and / or in the second display screen, the display method of the selected image varies according to the category.

8. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, In the first display screen, each medical image is assigned a character corresponding to the category for display, and / or in the second display screen, each selected image is assigned a character corresponding to the category for display.

9. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, In the first display screen, each medical image is assigned a label information corresponding to the category for display, and / or in the second display screen, each selected image is assigned a label information corresponding to the category for display.

10. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first display screen shows a list of specific medical images that meet specific conditions related to their usefulness in terms of category and / or diagnosis.

11. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Whenever the specified input is made, the medical images displayed in the first display screen overview are updated according to the specified image category assigned to the specified image and the non-specified image category assigned to the non-specified image. The specified input is accepted for the updated medical images displayed in the first display screen.

12. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, When the specified input is given for a specific specified image category, the processor updates the non-specified image that has been assigned the same non-specified image category as the specific specified image category by deleting it from the first display screen or changing its display mode.

13. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor displays specified image information, which is information related to the specified image, on the display. The specified image information includes at least information that represents the location information of the part corresponding to the specified image in character form, or information that represents the number of specified images in character form.

14. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor displays specified image information, which is information related to the specified image, on the display. The specified image information includes at least information that visually represents the positional information of the part corresponding to the specified image, or information that visually represents the number of specified images.

15. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The category refers to information related to the parts of the subject being photographed.

16. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The category refers to information related to whether the image contains a region of interest.

17. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The category is information relating to whether the image contains treatment equipment or the type of treatment equipment contained therein.

18. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The category refers to information related to the distribution state of the dye in the image.

19. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The category refers to information related to the distribution of dyes in the image.

20. A method of operating a medical image processing apparatus, the medical image processing apparatus having a processor, the method of operating comprising the following steps executed by the processor: Acquire multiple medical images; The multiple medical images are classified into multiple categories; The multiple medical images are displayed in a single view on the first display screen of the monitor; Accept user input for medical images displayed on the first display screen; Determine a designated image group that includes a designated image that serves as the designated input, and a non-designated image group that includes a non-designated image that serves as a medical image among the plurality of medical images that did not receive the designated input; Based on the specified image category as the category assigned to the specified image and the non-specified image category as the category assigned to the non-specified image, obtain the selected image from the plurality of medical images; and The selected images are displayed on the second display screen of the monitor.

Images