Medical information system, medical imaging device, information processing method, program product and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a medical information system, a medical imaging device, an information processing method, a program product, and a recording medium capable of confirming and selecting an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to an inspection instruction of an inspection instruction. A medical information system includes: an information system that generates an inspection instruction including an inspection instruction for an image diagnostic inspection; and a medical imaging device that captures a medical image of a subject according to the inspection instruction, wherein the medical imaging device includes: a storage device that stores the inspection instruction by pre-establishing a corresponding association with one or more imaging protocols; and one or more processors that obtain the inspection instruction from the information system and execute a process of displaying the inspection instruction of the obtained inspection instruction and one or more imaging protocols pre-established a corresponding association with the inspection instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical information system, a medical imaging device, an information processing method and a program. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a photography assisting device comprising: a determination unit that determines photography conditions when performing photography of the patient using a medical imaging device in the form of a photography protocol readable by the medical imaging device based on patient information related to the patient, instruction information for entrusting the patient to undergo photography, and content of instruction information related to the implementation of photography produced based on the instruction information; and an output unit that outputs the photography protocol determined by the determination unit to the medical imaging device.

[0003] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a group of patient information, examination instructions, and reasons for changes in examination instructions acquired in the past is used as learning data, and a radiographic protocol used in the learning data is used as teacher data for machine learning, thereby creating a learned model that infers radiographic protocols from a group of patient information, examination instructions, and reasons for changes in examination instructions. Furthermore, during operation, the group of reasons for changes is input into the learned model on the side of the image diagnosis department information management system, and a radiographic protocol is obtained as an output, and the radiographic protocol is sent to the medical imaging device.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-187542

[0005] The preparation of inspection instructions has become a major workload for doctors who are busy with reading images, etc., and the preparation of instructions requires accuracy and a light burden. On the other hand, the staff responsible for inspection, such as radiologists who operate medical imaging devices used for image diagnostic examinations, carefully confirm the doctor's inspection instructions to avoid selecting the wrong imaging protocol due to human error, which is a heavy burden. In addition, with the development of imaging technology in recent years, the content of inspections has diversified, and imaging protocols have tended to increase and become more complicated. Staff responsible for inspections who lack knowledge or experience sometimes do not know which imaging protocol to choose. At this time, although the staff responsible for inspections who lack knowledge or experience can also ask experienced technicians or doctors directly, they are sometimes unable to get rid of the situation due to their busy schedules, so confirmation may take time. As a result, there are issues such as delayed start of inspections.

[0006] According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, the burden on doctors who issue inspection instructions in a radiology information system (RIS) is reduced. However, the staff responsible for the inspection needs to confirm that the received imaging protocol is appropriate, and sometimes the content of the imaging protocol is appropriately updated or changed, so it is not enough to reduce the burden on the staff responsible for the inspection or prevent mistakes. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention is completed in view of such a situation, and its purpose is to provide a medical information system, a medical imaging device, an information processing method and a program that can confirm and select an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instructions of an examination instruction.

[0008] The medical information system involved in the first embodiment of the present invention is a medical information system that includes an information system for generating an examination instruction including an examination instruction of an image diagnostic examination and a medical imaging device for capturing a medical image of a subject according to the examination instruction, wherein the medical imaging device includes: a storage device that stores the examination instruction in a pre-established correspondence relationship with one or more imaging protocols; and one or more processors that obtain the examination instruction from the information system and execute processing to display the examination instruction of the obtained examination instruction and one or more imaging protocols that are pre-established in a correspondence relationship with the examination instruction.

[0009] According to the first method, the examination instruction is pre-associated with one or more imaging protocols and stored in a storage device of the medical imaging device. In the medical imaging device that has obtained the examination instruction from the information system, the examination instruction specified in the examination instruction and the one or more imaging protocols pre-associated with the examination instruction can be displayed. Thus, an operator such as a staff member in charge of the examination can confirm and select an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction of the examination instruction.

[0010] The medical information system according to the second aspect may be configured such that, in the medical information system according to the first aspect, one or more processors execute the following processing:

[0011] A setting screen for accepting a setting operation for associating one or more imaging protocols corresponding to the inspection instruction is displayed.

[0012] The medical information system involved in the third embodiment can be the following structure in the medical information system involved in the first embodiment or the second embodiment: one or more processors perform the following temporary registration processing: the identification information determined by the type of examination instruction and the multiple imaging protocols related to the examination part based on the examination instruction are established in correspondence and stored in the storage device.

[0013] The medical information system involved in the fourth embodiment can be the following structure in the medical information system involved in the third embodiment: one or more processors perform the following processing: when temporarily registering the inspection instruction of the inspection instruction obtained from the information system, multiple imaging protocols corresponding to the identification information are displayed, and a screen urging the operator to select any imaging protocol is displayed.

[0014] The medical information system involved in the fifth aspect may be a medical information system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, and may be structured as follows: one or more processors execute the following formal registration processing: the identification information determined by the type of examination instruction is associated with a camera protocol and stored in a storage device.

[0015] The medical information system involved in the sixth embodiment can be the following structure in the medical information system involved in the fifth embodiment: one or more processors perform the following processing: when the inspection instruction of the inspection instruction obtained from the information system is formally registered, the camera protocol that is uniquely associated with the identification information is displayed, and the automatic selection of the camera protocol that is uniquely associated is performed.

[0016] The medical information system according to the seventh aspect may be configured as follows in the medical information system of any one of the first to sixth aspects: the examination instruction includes cooperation information indicating whether cooperation between the information system and the medical imaging device is required.

[0017] The medical information system involved in the 8th mode can be the following structure in the medical information system involved in the 7th mode: one or more processors perform the following processing: based on the cooperation information contained in the examination instruction obtained from the information system, control whether to display one or more camera protocols with pre-established corresponding associations.

[0018] The medical information system according to the ninth aspect may be configured such that, in the medical information system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the examination order includes identification information specified for the examination instruction.

[0019] The medical information system involved in the tenth embodiment may be configured as follows in the medical information system of any one of the first to ninth embodiments: a common symbol that cannot be changed between the information system and the medical imaging device is assigned to a pair of examination instructions and imaging protocols that have been pre-associated.

[0020] The medical imaging device involved in the 11th method is a medical imaging device that captures medical images of a subject based on an examination instruction including an examination instruction of an image diagnostic examination, wherein the medical imaging device includes: a storage device that stores the examination instruction in a pre-established correspondence relationship with one or more imaging protocols; and one or more processors that obtain the examination instruction and execute processing to display the examination instruction of the obtained examination instruction and one or more imaging protocols that are pre-established in a correspondence relationship with the examination instruction.

[0021] The medical imaging apparatus according to the eleventh aspect may be configured to include the same specific aspects as the medical information systems according to the second to tenth aspects.

[0022] The information processing method involved in the 12th method is an information processing method that enables an information system that generates an examination instruction including an examination instruction of an image diagnostic examination and a medical imaging device that captures a medical image of a subject according to the examination instruction to cooperate, wherein the information processing method includes the following steps: one or more processors of the medical imaging device pre-establish a corresponding association between the examination instruction and one or more imaging protocols and store them in a storage device; and one or more processors obtain the examination instruction from the information system and execute processing to display the examination instruction of the obtained examination instruction and one or more imaging protocols that have been pre-established a corresponding association with the examination instruction.

[0023] The information processing method according to the twelfth aspect may be configured to include the same specific aspects as the medical information systems according to the second to tenth aspects.

[0024] The program involved in the 13th method is a program that enables a computer to realize the function of cooperating between an information system that generates an examination instruction including an examination instruction for an image diagnostic examination and a medical imaging device that captures a medical image of a subject according to the examination instruction, wherein the program enables the computer to realize the following functions: pre-establishing a correspondence between the examination instruction and one or more imaging protocols and storing them in a storage device; and obtaining the examination instruction from the information system, and displaying the obtained examination instruction and one or more imaging protocols that have been pre-established a correspondence with the examination instruction.

[0025] The program according to the thirteenth aspect can be configured to include the same specific aspects as the medical information system according to the second to tenth aspects.

[0026] A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium (computer-readable medium) which is a tangible object such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, and a magnetic disk on which the program according to the thirteenth aspect is recorded is also included in the present invention.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm and select an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the inspection instruction of the inspection order. According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the inspection staff operating the medical imaging device, and it is possible to suppress the selection error of the imaging protocol and realize the efficiency of the inspection business. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of an exemplary medical information system.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus as an example of a medical imaging apparatus.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a console unit.

[0032] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the operation of the RIS and the medical imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for associating each imaging protocol stored in the medical imaging device with the examination instruction displayed on the RIS.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen when an examination instruction and an imaging protocol are uniquely associated with each other.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen on the RIS side when creating an inspection instruction.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a command detail screen displayed on the RIS side.

[0037] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a subject registration confirmation screen displayed on the display device of the medical imaging apparatus that has received an examination instruction.

[0038] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a system including a RIS and a medical imaging device.

[0039] Fig.11 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the medical imaging device involved in this embodiment.

[0040] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the operation of registering a subject in a medical imaging apparatus that has received an examination instruction.

[0041] Explanation of symbols

[0042] 2-medical information system, 4-hospital information system (HIS), 6-radiology information system (RIS), 10-medical imaging device, 11-MRI device, 12-measurement unit, 12a-imaging space, 14-bed, 14a-top board, 16-console unit, 20-information processing device, 22-input device, 24-display device, 30-picture management system (PACS), 35-network, 42-command detail button, 52-combo box, 60-subject registration confirmation screen, 62-work list display area, 64-registration information display area, 70, 72-dotted box, 74-icon, 75-imaging protocol, 110-presetting unit, 112-storage unit, 11 3-examination instruction acquisition unit, 114-cooperation determination unit, 116-subject registration confirmation screen generation unit, 118-display control unit, 120-correspondence table of examination instructions displayed on RIS and RIS protocol ID 122-imaging protocol data, 124-correspondence association information between RIS protocol ID and imaging protocol 126-temporary registration data, 128-formal registration data, 202-processor, 204-memory, 206-storage device, 208-input and output interface, 210-bus, S11~S20-processing steps in the medical imaging device, S61~S63-processing steps in the RIS, S101~S107-processing steps for subject registration in the medical imaging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0044] [Example of the structure of a medical information system]

[0045] Figure 1 This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of an exemplary medical information system 2. The medical information system 2 is an information processing system introduced into a medical facility such as a hospital, and includes a hospital information system (HIS) 4, a radiology information system (RIS) 6, a medical imaging device 10, and a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) 30.

[0046] The HIS 4 is a system for managing various operations of the entire medical facility. The HIS 4 may include a plurality of systems such as an electronic medical record system, a medical order system, and a medical accounting system.

[0047] RIS6 is a system for managing the work of the radiology department (radiology department). RIS6 cooperates with HIS4 to perform processes such as scheduling examinations for diagnostic imaging examinations, preparing examination instructions, and managing examination results.

[0048] The medical imaging device 10 is an inspection device for taking medical images of a subject undergoing an image diagnostic examination. The specific form of the medical imaging device 10 may be, for example, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, a breast X-ray imaging device, an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray fluoroscopic diagnostic device, an endoscope device, or other various inspection devices. Figure 1 10 is representatively shown in the figure, but the medical information system 2 may include a plurality of medical imaging devices 10. The types and numbers of medical imaging devices 10 may be variously combined according to medical facilities.

[0049] The PACS 30 is a computer system that stores and manages various data including examination images obtained by image diagnosis examination using the medical imaging device 10. The PACS 30 includes a large-capacity external storage device and a database management program. The PACS 30 may include, for example, a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) server that operates in accordance with the DICOM standard.

[0050] The HIS 4, RIS 6, medical imaging device 10, and PACS 30 are connected to each other so as to be communicable via a network 35. The network 35 may be, for example, a local area network within a medical facility. A part of the network 35 may be a wide area network.

[0051] The PACS 30 receives various data including images generated by the medical imaging device 10 via the network 35, and stores and manages the data in a recording medium such as a large-capacity external storage device. The PACS 30 communicates with other devices such as the HIS 4 and the RIS 6 via the network 35, and transmits and receives various data including examination images. The storage format of the image data in the PACS 30 and the communication between the devices via the network 35 are based on the DICOM protocol, for example.

[0052] [Example of medical imaging device 10: MRI device]

[0053] Figure 2It is a stereoscopic diagram schematically showing the structure of an MRI device 11 as an example of a medical imaging device 10. The MRI device 11 includes a measuring unit 12 including a frame, a bed 14, and a console unit 16. The measuring unit 12 and the bed 14 are arranged in an imaging room, and the console unit 16 is arranged in an operating room. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the MRI device 11 includes a gradient magnetic field power supply unit, an RF (Radio Frequency) amplifier unit, a helium compressor unit, a control unit, and the like. These units not shown in the figure are stored in a frame as a unit or a plurality of units, and are arranged in a machine room. In addition, some or all of these units can be arranged in the operating room.

[0054] Although the detailed structure of the measuring unit 12 is not shown in the figure, the measuring unit 12 includes a static magnetic field generating magnet, a gradient magnetic field coil, an RF irradiation coil, and an RF receiving coil. The static magnetic field generating magnet is, for example, a superconducting magnet, which generates a static magnetic field in the imaging space 12a of the gantry. The gradient magnetic field coil gives a magnetic field gradient to the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field generating magnet. The RF irradiation coil generates a high-frequency magnetic field to the measurement area of ​​the subject. The RF receiving coil receives a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal generated from the measurement area of ​​the subject.

[0055] In addition, the detailed configuration of each part of the measuring unit 12 and the operating principle of the MRI apparatus 11 are well-known technologies, and thus a specific description thereof will be omitted here.

[0056] The bed 14 includes a top board 14a on which a subject undergoing diagnostic imaging is placed. The top board 14a can be moved vertically, in a direction (forward direction) to enter the imaging space 12a of the gantry, and in a direction (rearward direction) to exit the imaging space 12a by a driving device (not shown).

[0057] The console unit 16 includes an information processing device 20, an input device 22, and a display device 24. The console unit 16 functions as a control device that controls the control unit of the machine room to control the measurement unit 12 and each part of the bed 14, and performs MRI imaging for acquiring NMR signals. In addition, the console unit 16 functions as a device that performs various data processing including image reconstruction processing based on the NMR signals acquired from the measurement unit 12 and communication processing through the network 35, display of processing results, and storage of data.

[0058] The NMR signal obtained from the measuring unit 12 is subjected to signal processing and then to digital image processing, and a reconstructed image is displayed on the display device 24 of the console unit 16 .

[0059] [Hardware Configuration Example of the Console Unit 16]

[0060] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the console unit 16. The console unit 16 is configured using a computer. The computer applicable to the console unit 16 may be a personal computer, a workstation, or a server computer. In addition, the processing function of the console unit 16 may be implemented by a computer system including a plurality of computers.

[0061] The information processing device 20 of the console unit 16 includes a processor 202 , a memory 204 as a main storage device, a storage device (storage) 206 as an auxiliary storage device, an input / output interface 208 , and a bus 210 .

[0062] The processor 202 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 202 may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In addition, the information processing device 20 may also include a processor such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0063] The processor 202 is connected to the memory 204 , the storage device 206 , the input / output interface 208 , the input device 22 , and the display device 24 via a bus 210 .

[0064] The memory 204 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 204 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 206 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the storage device 206 may also include an external storage device such as a removable disk.

[0065] Programs and data for implementing various functions of the MRI apparatus 11 are stored in the storage device including the memory 204 and the storage device 206. The processor 202 implements various functions by executing the programs stored in the memory 204. The processor 202 centrally controls various devices and units included in the various parts of the information processing device 20 and the MRI apparatus 11, and performs various processes.

[0066] The input / output interface 208 includes a communication interface that can be connected to the network 35 and a connection interface that can be connected to an external device. As a connection interface that can be connected to an external device, for example, a universal serial bus (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (HDMI is a registered trademark), etc. can be applied.

[0067] The processor 202 communicates with various devices of the MRI apparatus 11 via the input / output interface 208 , thereby transmitting and receiving necessary information.

[0068] The input device 22 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, numeric keys, and various switch buttons. The input device 22 may also include a voice input device. Furthermore, the input device 22 may also be a touch panel input device integrally formed with the display screen of the display device 24.

[0069] Various instructions and information inputted by the operator via the input device 22 are inputted into the information processing device 20. The operator uses the input device 22 and the display device 24 to interactively operate the MRI apparatus 11.

[0070] The display device 24 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (organic electro-luminescence: 0EL (organic electroluminescence)) display or a projector, or a suitable combination thereof. The display device 24 is connected to the information processing device 20 via the bus 210. On the display device 24, various information is displayed in addition to the inspection image captured by the MRI device 11. The display device 24 is used as a part of the UI (User Interface) when receiving input from the input device 22. In addition, the display device 24 is not limited to one, and it can also be in the form of a multi-display having a plurality of display devices.

[0071] [Overview of a structure that assists in confirming and selecting an imaging protocol corresponding to an inspection order]

[0072] In the medical information system 2 including the medical imaging device 10 involved in this embodiment, a structure for assisting confirmation and selection of an imaging protocol corresponding to an examination instruction is installed. In addition, in this embodiment, an example of generating an examination instruction by RIS6 and sending the examination instruction from RIS6 to the medical imaging device 10 is described, but it is not limited to RIS6. For example, a structure in which an examination instruction is generated by other information systems such as the medical order system of HIS4 and sent to the medical imaging device 10 can also be adopted. RIS6 is an example of an information system.

[0073] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the operation of the RIS 6 and the medical imaging apparatus 10 in this embodiment. Users such as doctors and radiographers basically work according to the following sequence ([1] → [2] → [3]).

[0074] [1] Preset

[0075] First, before receiving the inspection instruction from the RIS6, the medical imaging device 10 sets the inspection instruction and one or more imaging protocols that are expected to be selected for the inspection instruction in advance. The setting of the corresponding association is called "presetting". The term "establishing a corresponding association" can also be translated as "establishing an association" or "associating". The presetting is basically implemented by the user and the application staff at the beginning of the device operation.

[0076] On the display device 24 of the medical imaging apparatus 10, a setting screen (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The operator inputs the required information through the setting screen and sets the examination instruction to establish a corresponding association with the imaging protocol. The corresponding association information indicating the corresponding relationship between the examination instruction and the desired imaging protocol is stored in the storage device in the medical imaging device 10 by presetting.

[0077] In addition, the corresponding association information set by presetting is sometimes updated by the operator as needed after the initial setting. For example, there may be a situation where the imaging protocol used in the clinic is changed, or the imaging protocol selected for the examination instruction is to be changed. Therefore, in order to meet such requirements, the medical imaging device 10 has a structure that can change the corresponding association at any time in the setting screen before the examination begins. The medical imaging device 10 accepts an operation for changing (correcting) the preset setting content.

[0078] Furthermore, by sharing the correspondence information registered in advance with the RIS 6 , the RIS 6 side can create an inspection command using the correspondence information.

[0079] [2] Create inspection instructions

[0080] When performing diagnostic imaging, an inspection order is created on the RIS6 side. The doctor who requests the inspection inputs the information required for the inspection, such as the examinee information, inspection purpose, inspection site, inspection instructions, and imaging protocol, from the screen of the RIS6 terminal to create the inspection order (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8). When making the inspection instruction, the pre-set corresponding association information can be used. The imaging protocol suitable for the inspection instruction can be specified according to the corresponding association information. The inspection instruction made is sent from the RIS6 to the medical imaging device 10.

[0081] [3] Examination instructions and confirmation of imaging protocols on the medical imaging device 10 side at the start of the examination

[0082] On the side of the medical imaging device 10 that receives the examination instruction, information including the examination instruction specified in the examination instruction and the imaging protocol associated with the examination instruction is displayed on the display device 24. Thus, an operator such as a radiographer operating the medical imaging device 10 can confirm on the screen of the display device 24 that there is no problem with the examination instruction specified by the doctor and the selected imaging protocol (refer to Fig. 9 ).

[0083] When a specific imaging protocol is pre-set and uniquely associated with the inspection instruction specified in the received inspection instruction, the medical imaging device 10 can automatically select an imaging protocol suitable for the inspection instruction of the inspection instruction from the pre-set corresponding association information. In addition, when multiple imaging protocols are associated with the inspection instruction, the medical imaging device 10 displays the selection candidates of the multiple imaging protocols associated with the inspection instruction on the display device 24 according to the pre-set corresponding association information, and can display a screen urging the operator to select an appropriate imaging protocol from these selection candidates. The operator selects an imaging protocol from the displayed selection candidates, and the imaging protocol suitable for the inspection is determined.

[0084] [2] and [3] are performed at each inspection. [1] is performed at the time of initial setting or when a setting change is required thereafter. A further specific example is shown below for further explanation.

[0085] [About internal processing related to presets]

[0086] Regarding the information related to the examination command, a specific example of the structure of cooperation based on the identification information when the RIS 6 and the medical imaging device 10 cooperate with each other will be described.

[0087] RIS6 and medical imaging device 10 usually communicate in accordance with the DICOM standard. Therefore, in order to enable RIS6 and medical imaging device 10 to jointly identify information content, it is predetermined how to use DICOM tags to make them cooperate. In addition, it is not necessary to use the DICOM standard, but an example using the DICOM standard is described here.

[0088] In the present embodiment, an example in which tag A and tag B among DICOM tags are used for cooperation between the RIS 6 and the medical imaging apparatus 10 will be described.

[0089] A common symbol is added to tag A. The common symbol is an unchangeable symbol commonly used in RIS6 and the medical imaging device 10. In the medical imaging device 10, the common symbol is pre-set to establish a correspondence between the common symbol and the imaging protocol in the medical imaging device 10. The common symbol defines a specific symbol according to the type of examination instruction. For example, for an examination instruction called "brain routine", the common symbol "HNOi" is defined. The common symbol is an example of identification information and acts as an ID (Identification). In addition, in the DICOM standard, tag A is not determined as a tag containing a common symbol corresponding to the imaging protocol, but is determined independently in the present embodiment.

[0090] Information (e.g., a keyword string) is added to tag B to indicate that the collaboration object is a collaboration object. When the value of tag B is consistent with a specific keyword string, the value of tag A (common symbol) is used as a keyword to perform processing to select a camera protocol that is associated with the keyword in the medical imaging device 10. The information added to tag B is an example of collaboration information indicating whether collaboration is required. In addition, in the DICOM standard, tag B is not determined as a collaboration tag, but is determined independently in this embodiment.

[0091] [Example of GUI (Graphical User Interface) in Presets]

[0092] Figure 5 An example of a screen for associating each imaging protocol stored in the medical imaging device 10 with the examination instruction displayed on the RIS 6 is shown.

[0093] The medical imaging device 10 stores a table of RIS protocol IDs defined for each inspection instruction displayed on the RIS 6. The RIS protocol IDs are associated with the imaging protocols by presetting. The RIS protocol IDs are common symbols used by the RIS 6 and the medical imaging device 10.

[0094] Figure 5The list of selection candidates of the examination instructions shown is a mark of the name of the examination instruction displayed on RIS6, and the symbol in the bracket part such as "(HN01)" in the name of the examination instruction represents the RIS protocol ID defined for the examination instruction. For example, the RIS protocol ID "HN0 1" is defined for "(HN01) Brain Routine" as the examination instruction displayed on RIS6. And, the RIS protocol ID "HN02" is defined for "(HN02) Whole Brain Follow-up-Simple" as the examination instruction displayed on RIS6. The RIS protocol ID is equivalent to the common symbol described above. The name (mark) of the examination instruction displayed on RIS6 can be freely determined on the RIS6 side.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the examination instructions are classified by the type of the examination part. For the imaging protocol registered in the medical imaging device 10, multiple candidates of the examination instructions applicable to the imaging protocol according to the type of the corresponding examination part can be selected. The selection candidates of the examination instructions can be Figure 5 In the selection screen shown, settings are made for each imaging protocol in the medical imaging device 10. By this setting, the correspondence between the examination instruction and the imaging protocol is registered.

[0096] There are temporary registration and formal registration in the pre-settings. Temporary registration is a setting that establishes a correspondence between the RIS protocol ID and multiple imaging protocols related to the inspection part. In other words, the setting that associates multiple imaging protocols with the RIS protocol ID is called "temporary registration". Formal registration is a setting that uniquely associates one imaging protocol with the RIS protocol ID.

[0097] Figure 6 This is an example of the setting screen when the inspection instruction and the imaging protocol are uniquely associated (official registration). Figure 6 , an example is shown in which an imaging protocol named “Protocol 1” is associated with the examination instruction “(HN01) Brain Routine” shown in the first row of the list. Figure 6 The bracketed part "(Brain)" in the label "Protocol 1 (Brain)" indicates that the target part of the examination is the brain. In addition, in the imaging protocol named "Protocol 1", specific sequences and conditions are defined. Figure 6Other examination instructions shown below the second line of the , can also be uniquely set to specific imaging protocols. The pair of examination instructions and imaging protocols that are associated by formal registration can be identified by the RIS protocol ID that is a common symbol between the RIS6 and the medical imaging device 10. In addition, in order to identify the pair of examination instructions and imaging protocols, a common symbol (identification symbol) that can be commonly recognized by the RIS6 and the medical imaging device 10 can be given to the pair.

[0098] [Screen example of RIS6 when creating inspection instructions]

[0099] Figure 7 This is an example of the RIS screen when creating an inspection command. Figure 7 In the RIS screen shown, the doctor enters the information required for the examination. In addition, RIS6 can cooperate with the electronic medical record system and automatically obtain information such as the subject information from other systems. Figure 7 For example, if the instruction detail button 42 is pressed, the following screen is displayed: Figure 8 The command details screen is shown.

[0100] exist Figure 8 In the instruction details screen shown, the doctor specifies the examination part and imaging protocol that are consistent with the purpose of the examination. In the combo box 52 that receives the input of the examination instruction, the doctor can select the examination instruction that is consistent with the purpose of the examination. The name of the examination instruction displayed in the drop-down list of the combo box 52 is "Examination instructions displayed on RIS6". In the case where information related to the imaging protocol is coordinated between RIS6 and the medical imaging device 10, for example, if a pre-set examination instruction such as "(HN01) Brain Routine" is selected, an examination instruction containing information of the imaging protocol that establishes a corresponding association with the examination instruction can be produced. The examination instruction produced using the pre-set corresponding association information includes a keyword string indicating that it is a collaboration object that uses the corresponding association information (an example of collaboration information) and a RIS protocol ID used in common in RIS6 and the medical imaging device 10 (an example of a common symbol).

[0101] In addition, in the inspection instruction combo box 52 , inspection instructions are not limited to those registered in advance, and inspection instructions can be input in a free description form such as text input, for example.

[0102] [Example of confirmation and selection screen on the GUI of the medical imaging device 10 at the start of examination]

[0103] Fig. 91 is a diagram showing an example of a subject registration confirmation screen 60 displayed on the display device 24 of the medical imaging apparatus 10 that has received the examination instruction. The subject registration confirmation screen 60 includes a work list display area 62 and a registration information display area 64 .

[0104] A work list corresponding to the inspection instruction received from the RIS 6 is displayed in the work list display area 62. Fig. 9 In the example, only the examination order of the newly registered subject (subject ID: P001) is shown, but in the work list display area 62, a list of the examination orders of a plurality of subjects can be displayed.

[0105] The work list display area 62 includes a column for displaying the reservation protocol code and a column for displaying the definition of the reservation protocol code, as shown by the portion surrounded by the dotted frame 70. The reservation protocol code is equivalent to the RIS protocol ID of the inspection instruction specified in the inspection instruction. The name of the inspection instruction corresponding to the RIS protocol ID of the inspection instruction specified in the inspection instruction is displayed in the column for displaying the reservation protocol code. The processor 202 converts the received RIS protocol ID into the name of the inspection instruction displayed on the RIS 6 and displays the name of the inspection instruction in the reservation protocol code column.

[0106] The reservation agreement code definer is equivalent to information (keyword string) used to indicate that it is a collaboration object. In the column displaying the reservation agreement code definer, when the received inspection instruction is a collaboration object, the keyword string of label A is displayed. It is sufficient to know that if the reservation agreement code definer is displayed, it is a collaboration object, and when it is not displayed, it is not a collaboration object, and it is not an object that prompts the user to confirm whether the information of the reservation agreement code definer is correct or not.

[0107] The registration information display area 64 displays detailed registration information related to the examination instruction of the subject selected in the work list. The registration information display area 64 includes a subject information display area, an examination part display area, and a protocol display area. Information identifying the subject and information related to the subject's attributes are displayed in the subject information display area. Information related to the examination part specified in the examination instruction is displayed in the examination part display area. The imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction specified in the examination instruction is displayed in the protocol display area.

[0108] like Fig. 9 As shown in the portion surrounded by the dotted frame 72, in the subject registration confirmation screen 60, the RIS protocol ID specified in the examination instruction is used as a keyword, and according to the pre-set settings, an icon 74 and an imaging protocol 75 representing the examination part of the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction are displayed.

[0109] If the RIS protocol ID specified in the inspection order has been officially registered, the selection of the officially registered imaging protocol 75 is automatically performed. If the RIS protocol ID specified in the inspection order has not been officially registered but has been temporarily registered, the imaging protocol is not automatically selected by selecting the first icon in the list of multiple icons 74 representing the inspection part. In this case, the setting screen for temporary registration (see Figure 5 ) and urges the operator to perform a selection operation for a designated imaging protocol.

[0110] [Operation based on RIS6 and medical imaging device 10]

[0111] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a system including the RIS 6 and the medical imaging apparatus 10 . Fig.10 The flowchart shown is an example of the information processing method in the present invention.

[0112] exist Fig.10 The right side of the figure shows the processing steps (steps S11 to S20) of the medical imaging device 10. Fig.10 The left side of RIS6 shows the processing steps (steps S62 to S63).

[0113] In step S11, the processor 202 of the medical imaging device 10 receives the preset operation and performs the setting of pre-establishing the correspondence between the examination instruction and the imaging protocol according to the setting operation performed by the operator. The correspondence information set by the preset setting includes the temporary registration data of the temporary registration and the formal registration data of the formal registration.

[0114] In step S12, the processor 202 of the medical imaging device 10 may be configured to be able to share the examination instructions corresponding to the preset settings in the RIS 6. Then, the processor 202 receives the examination instruction from the RIS 6 (step S13).

[0115] On the other hand, in step S61, the RIS 6 creates an examination order based on the operation of the doctor who requested the examination, etc. When creating the examination order, the RIS 6 and the medical imaging device 10 can cooperate by using the examination instruction information.

[0116] In step S62, RIS6 sends the created inspection instruction to the medical imaging device 10. Then, in step S63, RIS6 determines whether to create the next inspection instruction. In step S63, if RIS6 determines to continue the creation process of the next inspection instruction (if the determination result of step S63 is "yes"), RIS6 returns to step S61. On the other hand, in step S63, if RIS6 determines to end the creation process of the inspection instruction (if the determination result of step S63 is "no"), RIS6 ends the process. Fig.10 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0117] After the processor 202 of the medical imaging device 10 starts to receive the examination instruction in step S13, it determines whether the examination instruction is received in step S14. If the medical imaging device 10 does not receive the examination instruction from the RIS 6, that is, if the determination result of step S14 is "No", the processor 202 returns to step S13 and waits for the reception of the examination instruction from the RIS 6.

[0118] On the other hand, when the medical imaging apparatus 10 receives the examination instruction from the RIS 6 (when the determination result in step S14 is “YES”), the processor 202 proceeds to step S15 .

[0119] In step S15, the processor 202 displays a screen on which the operator can confirm the inspection instruction of the received inspection instruction and the corresponding imaging protocol (see Fig. 9 ). The operator can confirm whether the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction specified by the doctor is appropriate through the screen display. The processor 202 accepts operations such as changing or selecting the information displayed on the subject registration confirmation screen 60. The operator confirms whether there is an error in the content displayed in step S15, and when it is necessary to change or select the displayed content, the operator can perform operations such as changing or selecting in the subject registration confirmation screen 60.

[0120] In step S16, processor 202 determines whether to register the execution or reservation of the examination with the examination content displayed on subject registration confirmation screen 60. If the operator confirms the screen display and performs the operation of registering the execution or reservation of the examination, the determination result of step S16 becomes a "yes" determination, and the process moves to step S17.

[0121] In step S17 , the processor 202 performs subject registration for the examination by displaying the information contents on the subject registration confirmation screen 60 .

[0122] On the other hand, if the determination result of step S16 is a "No" determination, the processor 202 transfers to step S18. In step S18, the processor 202 determines whether the operation and display of the change or selection received in the subject registration confirmation screen 60 are canceled. If the operator does not press the cancel button of the subject registration confirmation screen 60, the determination result of step S18 becomes a "No" determination, and returns to step S15. If the cancel button is pressed in the subject registration confirmation screen 60, the determination result of step S18 becomes a "Yes" determination, and transfers to step S19.

[0123] In step S19, the processor 202 cancels the accepted operation and the like from the subject registration confirmation screen 60 and moves to step S20. In step S20, the processor 202 determines whether the next examination instruction is accepted.

[0124] In step S20, when the processor 202 determines that the process of receiving the next inspection instruction is to be continued (the determination result of step S20 is "yes"), the processor 202 returns to step S13. On the other hand, in step S20, when the processor 202 determines that the process of receiving the inspection instruction is to be ended (the determination result of step S20 is "no"), the processor 202 ends the process. Fig.10 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0125] [Functional structure of medical imaging device 10]

[0126] Fig.11 The medical imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a block diagram showing a functional structure of the medical imaging apparatus 10. The medical imaging apparatus 10 includes a presetting unit 110, a storage unit 112, an examination instruction acquisition unit 113, a coordination determination unit 114, a subject registration confirmation screen generation unit 116, and a display control unit 118.

[0127] The preset unit 110 receives a preset operation via the input device 22 and performs a preset process of associating an examination instruction with an imaging protocol.

[0128] The storage unit 112 stores a correspondence table 120 between the inspection instructions displayed on the RIS 6 and the RIS protocol ID and imaging protocol data 122. The imaging protocol data includes data of a plurality of imaging protocols. In addition, the storage unit 112 stores correspondence association information 124 between the RIS protocol ID and the imaging protocol set by the presetting unit 110. The correspondence association information 124 includes temporary registration data 126 and formal registration data 128. The storage unit 112 may include Figure 3 The memory 204 and storage device 206 are shown as storage devices.

[0129] The inspection instruction acquisition unit 113 acquires the inspection instruction from the RIS 6. The cooperation determination unit 114 determines whether cooperation is necessary based on the information of the tag A and the tag B of the acquired inspection instruction.

[0130] The subject registration confirmation screen generation unit 116 generates the subject registration confirmation screen 60 based on the acquired examination instruction. When the acquired examination instruction is a cooperation object, the subject registration confirmation screen generation unit 116 uses the corresponding association information 124 of the RIS protocol ID and the imaging protocol stored in the storage unit 112 to generate the subject registration confirmation screen 60 including the display of the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction of the examination instruction.

[0131] The display control unit 118 generates a display signal necessary for display output on the display device 24 and performs display control on the display device 24. The display control unit 118 causes the display device 24 to display the subject registration confirmation screen 60 generated by the subject registration confirmation screen generator 116.

[0132] 《About the hardware structure of each processing unit》

[0133] Fig.11 The hardware structure of the processing unit (processing unit) that performs various processes, such as the pre-setting unit 110, the examination instruction acquisition unit 113, the cooperation judgment unit 114, the subject registration confirmation screen generation unit 116 and the display control unit 118 in the medical imaging device 10 shown is, for example, various processors as shown below.

[0134] Various processors include general-purpose processors such as CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that execute programs and function as various processing units; processors whose circuit structures can be changed after manufacturing, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs) and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits); and processors with circuit structures specifically designed to perform specific processing, such as dedicated circuits.

[0135] One processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same type or different types. For example, one processing unit may be composed of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU. In addition, multiple processing units may be composed of one processor. As an example of multiple processing units composed of one processor, first, there is the following method: as represented by computers such as clients or servers, one processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is the following method: as represented by a system on chip (SoC), a processor that implements the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units using one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used. In this way, various processing units are composed of more than one of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0136] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit (circuitry) formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0137] [Processing flow of subject registration in the medical imaging device 10]

[0138] Fig.12 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the medical imaging apparatus 10 when the examination instruction is received and the subject is registered.

[0139] In step S101, the processor 202 determines whether the tag B is a specific value and the tag A is not empty. This determination process is a process for determining whether to check the temporary registration data 126 based on the temporary registration function. When the tag B is a specific value and the tag A is not empty, the processor 202 transfers to step S102.

[0140] In step S102 , the processor 202 acquires the examination part of the imaging protocol that matches the received RIS protocol ID from the temporary registration data 126 .

[0141] In step S103, processor 202 determines whether or not the acquisition result in step S102 is not empty. The determination process in step S103 is a process for determining whether or not there is a temporary registration of the received RIS protocol ID.

[0142] As a result of the determination in step S103, if the acquisition result is not empty, the processor 202 proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the processor 202 determines whether there is a formal registration of the received RIS protocol ID.

[0143] As a result of the determination in step S104, if it is determined that there is formal registration, the processor 202 proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the processor 202 selects an imaging protocol that matches the received RIS protocol ID based on the formal registration data 128.

[0144] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the registration is not formally completed, processor 202 proceeds to step S106.

[0145] In step S106, the processor 202 displays a plurality of imaging protocols temporarily registered with the received RIS protocol ID. The processor 202 receives selection of an imaging protocol from the operator while displaying the screen.

[0146] On the other hand, the result of the determination in step S101, when the tag B is not a specific value, or when the tag A is blank, means that it becomes a method of receiving the previous inspection instruction. At this time, the processor 202 transfers to step S107. And, the result of the determination in step S103, when the acquisition result is blank, the processor 202 transfers to step S107. In step S107, the processor 202 becomes an action set on the medical imaging device side through the previous function. In addition, the previous function refers to the function of the previous medical imaging device that does not utilize the collaborative structure based on the RIS protocol ID installed by this embodiment. Specifically, for example, a favorites bar is displayed or a manual input screen is displayed, so that the operator can select the imaging protocol by himself.

[0147] After step S105, step S106 or step S107, end Fig.12 Flowchart of the process. Fig.12 The flowchart may be implemented for each received inspection instruction.

[0148] [Effects of implementation methods]

[0149] According to the medical information system 2 including the medical imaging device 10 and the RIS 6 according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0150] [1] The medical imaging device 10 can display the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction received from the RIS 6 at the beginning of the examination based on the pre-set corresponding association information. Thus, the operator of the medical imaging device 10 can easily confirm the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction specified by the doctor and can select an appropriate imaging protocol suitable for the examination instruction.

[0151] [2] According to this embodiment, the workload of the operator of the medical imaging device 10 can be reduced, and errors in the selection of imaging protocols can be suppressed. Furthermore, since an imaging protocol suitable for the examination instruction can be selected based on the pre-set corresponding association information, the examination can be started in advance after receiving the examination instruction, thereby avoiding the situation where the patient is kept waiting.

[0152] [3] Since the pre-set settings can be changed at any time, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in imaging protocol contents or changes in clinical conditions after the system starts operating.

[0153] [4] Examination instructions can be prepared using pre-set corresponding related information, thereby reducing the burden on doctors who prepare examination instructions.

[0154] [Regarding the program that makes the computer run]

[0155] A program that enables a computer to implement part or all of the processing functions of the information processing device 20 in the medical imaging device 10 involved in this embodiment can be recorded in a non-temporary information storage medium, i.e., a computer-readable medium, which is a tangible object such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory, and the program is provided through the information storage medium.

[0156] Furthermore, instead of providing the program by storing it in a non-transitory computer-readable medium which is such a tangible object, the program signal can be provided as a download service using telecommunication lines such as the Internet.

[0157] Furthermore, part or all of the processing functions in the information processing device 20 may be realized by cloud computing, and may also be provided as SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0158] "other"

[0159] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the technical concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A medical information system, comprising: an information system that generates an examination order including examination instructions for an image diagnostic examination; and a medical imaging device, which captures medical images of the subject according to the examination instruction, wherein: The medical imaging device comprises: A storage device that stores the inspection instruction in a pre-associated manner with one or more imaging protocols; and One or more processors acquire the inspection instruction from the information system and execute processing for displaying the inspection instruction of the acquired inspection instruction and the one or more imaging protocols associated with the inspection instruction in advance.

2. The medical information system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors perform the following processing: A setting screen is displayed for accepting a setting operation for establishing a corresponding association between the one or more imaging protocols corresponding to the inspection instruction.

3. The medical information system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors perform the following temporary registration process: The identification information determined according to the type of the examination instruction and a plurality of imaging protocols related to the examination part based on the examination instruction are associated with each other and stored in the storage device.

4. The medical information system according to claim 3, wherein: The one or more processors perform the following processing: when the inspection instruction of the inspection order acquired from the information system is temporarily registered, display the plurality of imaging protocols associated with the identification information and display a screen prompting the operator to select any imaging protocol.

5. The medical information system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors execute the following formally registered processing: The identification information determined according to the type of the inspection instruction is associated with one of the imaging protocols and stored in the storage device.

6. The medical information system according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more processors perform the following processing: when the inspection instruction of the inspection order obtained from the information system is officially registered, the imaging protocol uniquely associated with the identification information is displayed, and automatic selection of the imaging protocol uniquely associated is performed.

7. The medical information system according to claim 1, wherein: The examination instruction includes cooperation information indicating whether cooperation between the information system and the medical imaging device is required.

8. The medical information system according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more processors perform the following processing: based on the cooperation information included in the inspection instruction acquired from the information system, control whether to display the one or more imaging protocols associated in advance.

9. The medical information system according to claim 1, wherein: The inspection instruction includes identification information determined for the inspection instruction.

10. The medical information system according to claim 1, wherein: A common symbol that cannot be changed between the information system and the medical imaging device is assigned to the pair of the examination instruction and the imaging protocol that are associated in advance.

11. A medical imaging device that captures a medical image of a subject according to an examination instruction including an examination instruction for an image diagnostic examination, wherein: The medical imaging device comprises: A storage device that stores the inspection instruction in a pre-associated manner with one or more imaging protocols; and One or more processors acquire the inspection instruction from the information system and execute processing for displaying the inspection instruction of the acquired inspection instruction and the one or more imaging protocols associated with the inspection instruction in advance.

12. An information processing method, which causes an information system that generates an examination instruction including an examination instruction of an image diagnostic examination and a medical imaging device that captures a medical image of a subject according to the examination instruction to cooperate, wherein: The information processing method comprises the following steps: One or more processors of the medical imaging device pre-associate the inspection instructions with one or more imaging protocols and store them in a storage device; and The one or more processors acquire the inspection instruction from the information system and execute a process of displaying the inspection instruction of the acquired inspection instruction and the one or more imaging protocols associated with the inspection instruction in advance.

13. A program product comprising a program which, when read by a computer, causes the computer to implement the information processing method according to claim 12. 14 . A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon, which, when read by a computer, causes the computer to implement the information processing method according to claim 12 .

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