Modal device, information processing method, program product, storage medium, and medical information system

Abstract

The invention provides a modal device capable of generating an inspection instruction according to latest protocol information, an information processing method, a program product, a storage medium, and a medical information system including the modal device. A modality device that captures a medical image of a subject in accordance with an examination instruction, in which the modality device includes: a storage device that stores a photography protocol; and one or more processors that execute a process of providing intra-modal information including changed information to the information system in a format specified between the information system that generates the inspection command and the modal device when a combination of intra-imaging protocol sequences of an imaging protocol comprising a combination of a plurality of sequences is changed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] When performing image diagnostic examinations in medical facilities such as hospitals, users such as doctors generate examination instructions through the Radiology Information System (RIS), the RIS accepts a request from a modality and sends the examination instructions from the RIS to the modality, and users such as examination technicians view the examination instructions using the modality and perform imaging operations on patients.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a photography assisting device comprising: a determination unit that determines photography conditions when performing photography of the patient using a modality in a manner that can read a photography protocol of the modality based on patient information related to the patient, instruction information for entrusting the patient to be photographed, and content of instruction information related to the implementation of the photography created based on the instruction information; and an output unit that outputs the photography protocol determined by the determination unit to the modality.

[0004] 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. Then, when in operation, the group of reasons for changes is input into the learned model on the RIS side, and a radiographic protocol is obtained as an output, and the radiographic protocol is sent to the modality. In addition, Patent Document 1 describes a structure for updating the correspondence between the examination instructions and the radiographic protocol when the radiographic protocol sent from the RIS is inconsistent with the radiographic protocol actually used, for example, when the radiographic protocol on the modality side has been changed.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-187542

[0006] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is checked whether the imaging protocol sent from the RIS after imaging is consistent with the imaging protocol actually used on the modality side. Therefore, there is a problem that the RIS cannot grasp the protocol change on the modality side until imaging under the changed protocol occurs. If the RIS does not grasp the latest protocol, it cannot issue an appropriate inspection instruction. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a modality device, an information processing method, a program, and a medical information system including the modality device that can generate examination instructions based on the latest protocol information.

[0008] The modal device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention is a modal device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination instruction, and the modal device includes: a storage device that stores an imaging protocol; and one or more processors that execute a process of providing intra-modal information including changed information to an information system in accordance with a format specified between an information system that generates an examination instruction and the modal device when a combination of sequences within an imaging protocol composed of a combination of multiple sequences is changed.

[0009] According to the first aspect, when a combination of intra-protocol sequences of an imaging protocol stored in a modality device is changed, (changed) intra-modality information including the changed information is provided from the modality device to the information system in accordance with a format defined between the modality device and the information system. Thus, the information system can generate an inspection command using the provided latest intra-modality information.

[0010] The description of providing information to an information system includes the concept of setting the information system to be in a state where the information can be obtained, regardless of whether the information is actually obtained on the information system side.

[0011] The modal device according to the second aspect may be configured as follows: in the modal device according to the first aspect, the process of providing the intra-modal information to the information system includes the process of storing the intra-modal information in a storage area accessible to the information system in accordance with a format.

[0012] The storage area accessible to the information system may be provided in the modal device, in the information system, or in another device other than these.

[0013] The modal device according to a third aspect may be configured as follows: in the modal device according to the second aspect, when the one or more processors store new information in the storage area, they notify the information system.

[0014] The modality device according to a fourth aspect may be configured as follows: in the modality device of any one of the first to third aspects, one or more processors provide information of a sequence that can be added to the imaging protocol to the information system.

[0015] The modality device according to a fifth aspect may be configured as follows: in the modality device according to the fourth aspect, one or more processors associate the addable sequence with the applicable examination site and provide the associated sequences to the information system.

[0016] The modal device involved in the sixth embodiment can be constructed as follows: in the modal device of any one of the first to fifth embodiments, photographic protocol information that specifies a combination of intra-protocol sequences of a photographic protocol is stored in a storage device, and when one or more processors obtain an inspection instruction including information on intra-protocol sequences that is different from the combination of intra-protocol sequences included in the photographic protocol information in the storage device, they create a photographic protocol consisting of the combination of intra-protocol sequences specified in the inspection instruction as a new photographic protocol, and store the new photographic protocol in the storage device.

[0017] The modal device involved in the 7th mode can be constructed as follows: in the modal device involved in the 6th mode, one or more processors notify the operator of the modal device when saving a new photography protocol, and save the new photography protocol by assigning a new name different from the photography protocol name already saved in the storage device.

[0018] The modal device involved in the 8th mode can be constructed as follows: in the modal device of any one of the 1st mode to the 7th mode, the photography protocol information that specifies the combination of sequences within the photography protocol of the photography protocol and the sequence information that includes information on sequences that can be appended to the photography protocol are stored in a storage device, and one or more processors perform the following processing: providing the photography protocol information and the sequence information to the information system in accordance with the format, and when at least one of the photography protocol information and the sequence information has been changed, providing the changed information to the information system in accordance with the format.

[0019] A medical information system according to a ninth aspect includes: a modality device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects; and an information system for issuing an inspection instruction.

[0020] The information processing method involved in the 10th method is an information processing method executed by a modal device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination instruction, wherein the information processing method includes: a step in which one or more processors of the modal device store an imaging protocol in a storage device; and a step in which one or more processors execute processing in which, when a combination of sequences within a protocol of an imaging protocol composed of a combination of multiple sequences is changed, the modal information including the changed information is provided to the information system in accordance with a format specified between the information system that generates the examination instruction and the modal device.

[0021] The information processing method according to the tenth aspect may be configured to include the same specific aspects as the modal devices according to the second to eighth aspects.

[0022] The program involved in the 11th method is a program that enables a computer used in a modal device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination instruction to implement the following functions: storing an imaging protocol in a storage device; and when a combination of intra-protocol sequences of an imaging protocol composed of a combination of multiple sequences is changed, providing intra-modal information including the changed information to the information system in accordance with a format specified between the information system that generates the examination instruction and the modal device.

[0023] The program according to the eleventh aspect can be configured to include the same specific aspects as the modal devices according to the second to eighth aspects.

[0024] 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 eleventh aspect is recorded is also included in the present invention.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, the modality device can provide the latest information on the imaging protocol to the information system that issues the examination order. The information system can generate the examination order including the imaging protocol suitable for the examination purpose based on the latest information received from the modality device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of an exemplary medical information system.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus as an example of a modality apparatus.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a console unit.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the operation of the RIS and modal device in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a modal intra-information file.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of providing a modality intra-information file from a modality device.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the steps of a sequence comparison process within an imaging protocol executed by a modality device that has received an examination command.

[0034] Figure 8 : is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the console unit in this embodiment.

[0035] Explanation of symbols

[0036] 2- medical information system, 4- hospital information system (HIS), 6- radiology information system (RIS), 10- modality 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, 110- information receiving unit, 111- modality information providing unit, 112- storage unit, 113- examination instruction Acquisition unit, 114-photographic protocol search unit, 115-photographic protocol internal sequence comparison unit, 116-new photography protocol creation unit, 117-notification unit, 118-photographic protocol selection unit, 119-display control unit, 121-photographic protocol information, 122-sequence information, 125-modality internal information file, 202-processor, 204-memory, 206-storage device, 208-input and output interface, 210-bus, S101~S107-steps of the photography protocol internal sequence comparison processing in the modality device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] 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.

[0038] [Example of the structure of a medical information system]

[0039] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration 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 RIS 6 , a modality device 10 , and a picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) 30 .

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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, creating examination instructions, and managing examination results.

[0042] The modal device 10 is an inspection device for capturing medical images of an examinee who is undergoing an image diagnostic examination. The modal device 10 may be, for example, a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, a mammography 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 modality devices 10. The types and numbers of modality devices 10 may be variously combined for each medical facility.

[0043] The PACS 30 is a computer system that stores and manages various data including medical images obtained by image diagnostic examination using the modality 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.

[0044] The HIS 4, RIS 6, modality device 10, and PACS 30 are communicably connected via a network 35. The network 35 may be, for example, a local area network within a medical facility. A portion of the network 35 may be a wide area network.

[0045] The PACS 30 receives various data including images generated by the modality 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 medical 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.

[0046] [Example of modality device 10: MRI device]

[0047] Figure 2It is a stereoscopic diagram schematically showing the structure of an MRI device 11 as an example of a modal 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 a radiography room, and the console unit 16 is arranged in an operation 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, and a control unit. These units not shown in the figure are stored in a frame as a unit 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 operation room.

[0048] 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 imparts 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The bed 14 includes a top plate 14a on which a subject undergoing diagnostic imaging is placed. The top plate 14a can be moved vertically, into the imaging space 12a of the gantry (forward direction), and out of the imaging space 12a (rearward direction) by a driving device (not shown).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 .

[0053] [Example of Hardware Configuration of Console Unit 16]

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 .

[0056] The processor 202 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 202 may 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).

[0057] 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 .

[0058] The memory 204 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 204 may 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. In addition, the storage device 206 may include an external storage device such as a removable disk.

[0059] 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 performs overall control of various devices and units included in the various parts of the information processing device 20 and the MRI apparatus 11, and performs various processes.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The processor 202 communicates with various devices of the MRI apparatus 11 via the input / output interface 208 , thereby transmitting and receiving necessary information.

[0062] 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 include a voice input device. In addition, the input device 22 may be a touch panel input device integrally formed with the display screen of the display device 24.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The display device 24 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (organic electro-luminescence: OEL (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. In addition to the inspection image captured by the MRI device 11, various information is displayed on the display device 24. 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 can be in the form of a multi-display having a plurality of display devices.

[0065] [Overview of a mechanism for sharing the latest information about imaging protocols and sequences between the modality device 10 and the RIS 6]

[0066] In the present embodiment, a device is provided that enables RIS6 to appropriately acquire the latest information related to the imaging protocol and sequence in the modal device 10, so that the examination instruction can be accurately issued in RIS6. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is described in which an examination instruction is generated by RIS6, and after receiving an examination instruction acquisition request from the modal device 10, the examination instruction is sent from RIS6 to the modal device 10, but it is not limited to RIS6. For example, a structure in which the examination instruction is generated by other information systems such as the medical order system of HIS4 and the examination instruction is sent to the modal device 10 can be adopted. In this case, the information in the modality provided by the modal device 10 can be acquired by the information system that replaces RIS6. RIS6 or HIS4 is an example of an information system.

[0067] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the operation of the RIS 6 and the modality device 10 in this embodiment. This system basically operates according to the following steps ([step 0] → [step 1] → [step 2] → [step 3] → [step 4]).

[0068] [Step 0] Detect when the sequence under the imaging protocol has been changed

[0069] First, before generating the examination instruction described in step 3 described later, on the modality device 10 side, it is detected that the sequence in the imaging protocol in the modality device 10 has been changed. Specifically, for example, in the case of (1) a new corresponding sequence being set in the imaging protocol due to the introduction of the modality device 10 to a hospital, etc., (2) a corresponding sequence in the imaging protocol being changed due to the replacement of the user of RIS6, i.e., for example, the radiologist, (3) the update of the modality device 10, (4) the case of step 4 described later, etc., the modality device 10 detects that the sequence in the imaging protocol in the modality device 10 has been changed. Figure 5 The modality information file in the image is rewritten, and the sequence information in the photography protocol before and after the rewrite is compared and determined to be different.

[0070] An imaging protocol is composed of a combination of a plurality of sequences. A sequence included in an imaging protocol is referred to as a sequence within an imaging protocol. The modality device 10 is provided with information on sequences applicable to each examination site, and a plurality of imaging protocols composed of a combination of various sequences can be predefined.

[0071] [Step 1] Provide information within the modal

[0072] The modality device 10 provides the RIS6 with information on additional sequences not included in the imaging protocol and applicable examination sites in association with each other, in addition to the imaging protocol information and the imaging protocol sequence information stored in the storage device of the modality device 10 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6).

[0073] Information related to imaging protocols and sequences stored in the storage device of the modality device 10 is called intra-modality information. The modality device 10 provides the intra-modality information to the RIS 6 in accordance with the format specified between the modality device 10 and the RIS 6. The intra-modality information provided from the modality device 10 to the RIS 6 is the latest intra-modality information at that time.

[0074] [Step 2] Check instruction generation

[0075] On the RIS 6 side, the inspection instruction is generated using the information provided from the modality device 10 in step 1 .

[0076] [Step 3] Check the command sent

[0077] The inspection instruction generated in the RIS 6 is transmitted from the RIS 6 to the modality device 10 in response to an acquisition request from the modality device 10 .

[0078] [Step 4] Comparison of sequence information within the imaging protocol

[0079] The modality device 10 side that receives the examination instruction compares the sequence information in the imaging protocol between the examination instruction and the modality. If the two are different, the imaging protocol specified in the examination instruction is automatically saved as a new imaging protocol. In this case, the modality device 10 notifies the operator and saves the new imaging protocol with an alias different from the imaging protocol name of the imaging protocol already saved in the modality device 10 (see Figure 7 ).

[0080] That is, the modality device 10 compares the imaging protocol sequence information stored in the modality device 10 with the imaging protocol sequence information in the examination instruction acquired from the RIS 6. If the two are different, the imaging protocol specified in the examination instruction is automatically created as a new imaging protocol. After notifying the operator of the modality device 10, the created imaging protocol is given an imaging protocol name different from the existing imaging protocol in the modality device 10 and automatically saved.

[0081] The notification format to the operator is not particularly limited as long as it is a presentation of information notifying that the imaging protocol specified in the acquired examination order is different from the imaging protocol held in the modality device 10 and is stored as a new imaging protocol.

[0082] The intra-modality information including the new imaging protocol information saved in step 4 is provided to RIS6 in step 1.

[0083] The above [Step 2] to [Step 4] are performed every time during each inspection. [Step 0] and [Step 1] are performed when the information in the modality changes. Figure 4The method of step 0, step 1 and step 4 shown is an example of the information processing method in the present invention.

[0084] [Example of how to provide information within a modal]

[0085] The modality device 10 provides the intra-modality information to the RIS 6 in accordance with the format specified between the modality device 10 and the RIS 6. The modality device 10 provides the intra-modality information in the form of a file in accordance with a specified file format, for example.

[0086] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a modal information file. Figure 5 , an example of providing the imaging protocol information and sequence information within the imaging protocol, and sequence information that can be added and changed in the modality device 10 through an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file is shown. The file includes, for each examination site, the name of the imaging protocol associated with a series of screenings for each disease or healthy person, information on which sequence (sequence within the imaging protocol) is included under the imaging protocol, and a list of sequences that can be added and set.

[0087] exist Figure 5 In the name parts such as "examination part A", "disease A", and "sequence A", specific names are recorded respectively. The sequence name can be set to an abstract name such as "diffusion-enhanced image", so that the RIS6 side can easily determine which sequence it is.

[0088] Furthermore, since the additional sequence predetermines the target examination part, it is desirable to associate the target examination part with the additional sequence and provide information from the modality device 10 to the RIS 6 so that the relationship between the target examination part and the additionally modifiable additional sequence can be understood.

[0089] In addition, Figure 5 In the example shown, although the imaging protocol associated with a series of screenings for various diseases or healthy persons under the examination site (corresponding to the examination site) is described, it is not limited to this. The imaging protocol can be directly associated with the examination site or can be associated with the disease name regardless of the examination site.

[0090] And, in Figure 5 In the example of XML file, the information is not limited to XML file, and information can be provided in other formats that can be read by the RIS 6 side. The XML format is an example of a format defined between the RIS 6 and the modality device 10.

[0091] Figure 62 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of providing a modality internal information file from the modality device 10. The processor 202 of the modality device 10 outputs the modality internal information file to a location accessible to the RIS6, such as a shared folder SF. The shared folder SF storing the modality internal information file may be set in the storage device of the modality device 10, may be set in the storage device on the RIS6 side, or may be set in the storage device of another device (system) other than these. The shared folder SF is an example of a storage area accessible to the RIS6.

[0092] The processor 202 of the modality device 10 may have a mechanism to notify the RIS 6 when the intra-modality information file is saved in the shared folder SF. The RIS 6 can access the shared folder SF to obtain the latest intra-modality imaging protocol information and sequence information.

[0093] When the combination of sequences within the photographic protocol of the photographic protocol changes, the processor 202 of the modal device 10 saves the modal information file including the changed information in the shared folder SF. In addition, the creation of a new photographic protocol is equivalent to the change in the combination of sequences within the photographic protocol of the photographic protocol. Furthermore, when at least one of the photographic protocol information and sequence information within the modal device 10 changes, for example, when a part of the plurality of photographic protocols retained in the modal device 10 is deleted, when the name of the photographic protocol of the existing photographic protocol is changed, when an appendable sequence is added, or when a part of the plurality of appendable sequences retained in the modal device 10 is deleted, the processor 202 saves the modal information file including the changed information in the shared folder SF.

[0094] The modal information file in the shared folder SF can be updated to the latest file or the previous file can be kept and the latest file can be saved by the processor 202. As long as the RIS6 can obtain the latest information from the shared folder SF, the processor 202 can provide the changed information in the form of a differential file in a predetermined format.

[0095] The RIS 6 generates an inspection instruction using the information provided from the modality device 10 .

[0096] [Flow of sequence comparison processing within imaging protocol in modality device 10]

[0097] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the intra-imaging protocol sequence comparison process executed by the modality device 10 that has received the examination command.

[0098] In step S101 , the processor 202 searches the imaging protocols (intra-modality imaging protocols) held in the modality device 10 to see whether there is an imaging protocol designated in the examination instruction.

[0099] In step S102, it is determined whether the sequence in the imaging protocol is consistent with the information in the examination order in the modality.

[0100] If the result of the determination in step S102 is "yes", that is, if the result of the determination in step S102 is that the intra-imaging protocol sequence specified in the inspection command is consistent with the intra-imaging protocol sequence held in the modality device 10, the processor 202 transfers to step S103.

[0101] In step S103, the processor 202 selects an existing imaging protocol corresponding to the designation of the examination instruction.

[0102] On the other hand, when the determination result of step S102 is "No", that is, when the determination result of step S102 is that the sequence within the imaging protocol specified in the inspection instruction is inconsistent with the sequence within the imaging protocol maintained in the modality device 10, the processor 202 transfers to step S104.

[0103] In step S104 , the processor 202 creates a new imaging protocol consisting of the sequence specified in the examination instruction.

[0104] In step S105 , the processor 202 assigns a new name to the created new imaging protocol and automatically saves it.

[0105] In step S106, the processor 202 notifies the operator of the modality device 10 that the new imaging protocol is saved with the imaging protocol name "<new name>". In addition, before the new imaging protocol is saved based on step S105, the operator may be shown <new name> and notified of the saving of the new imaging protocol, and the new imaging protocol may be saved after the notification.

[0106] In step S107 , the processor 202 automatically selects the new imaging protocol as the imaging protocol to be used for the examination instruction of the examination order.

[0107] After step S103 or step S107, end Figure 7 Flowchart of the process. Figure 7 The flowchart may be implemented for each received inspection instruction.

[0108] [Functional Structure of the Console Unit 16]

[0109] Figure 81 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the console unit 16 in the present embodiment. The console unit 16 includes an information receiving unit 110, an intra-modality information providing unit 111, a storage unit 112, an examination instruction acquiring unit 113, an imaging protocol searching unit 114, an intra-imaging protocol sequence comparing unit 115, a new imaging protocol creating unit 116, a notifying unit 117, an imaging protocol selecting unit 118, and a display controlling unit 119.

[0110] The information receiving unit 110, the intra-modal information providing unit 111, the examination instruction acquiring unit 113, the imaging protocol searching unit 114, the intra-imaging protocol sequence comparing unit 115, the new imaging protocol creating unit 116, the notifying unit 117, the imaging protocol selecting unit 118, and the display controlling unit 119 may be configured as follows: Figure 3 The processor 202 shown executes the instructions stored in the memory 204 to achieve the above. The storage unit 112 may include Figure 3 The memory 204 and storage device 206 are shown as storage devices.

[0111] The information receiving unit 110 receives input of information via the input device 22 and performs processing according to the received information. For example, the information receiving unit 110 receives instructions to change imaging protocol information or sequence information and stores the changed information in the storage unit 112.

[0112] The intra-modality information providing unit 111 performs processing for providing information on the imaging protocol and sequence stored in the storage unit 112 to the RIS 6 .

[0113] The storage unit 112 stores imaging protocol information 121 and sequence information 122. The imaging protocol information 121 includes a plurality of imaging protocols for each examination site. Each imaging protocol defines one or more sequences. The sequence information 122 includes information on additional sequences that can be added and modified for each examination site.

[0114] Furthermore, the storage unit 112 stores the modality in-information file 125 generated by the modality in-information providing unit 111 .

[0115] The modality information providing unit 111 generates a modality information file 125 based on the imaging protocol information 121 and the sequence information 122. Figure 5 As described in , the modal information file 125 can be an XML file.

[0116] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated example, a shared folder SF is provided in the storage unit 112 , and the modal information file 125 is stored in the shared folder SF.

[0117] When at least a part of the imaging protocol information 121 and the sequence information 122 is updated, the intra-modality information providing unit 111 updates the intra-modality information file 125 based on the latest information. Thus, the latest intra-modality information is provided from the modality device 10 to the RIS 6 .

[0118] The examination instruction acquisition unit 113 acquires the examination instruction from the RIS 6. The imaging protocol search unit 114 searches the imaging protocol specified in the acquired examination instruction from the imaging protocol information 121. The imaging protocol internal sequence comparison unit 115 receives the search result of the imaging protocol search unit 114, and compares the imaging protocol internal sequence in the modality device 10 extracted by the search with the sequence combining the imaging protocol internal sequence information and the change sequence information specified in the examination instruction, and determines whether they are consistent or inconsistent.

[0119] When the intra-imaging protocol sequence comparison unit 115 determines that the comparison result is inconsistent, the new imaging protocol creation unit 116 creates a new imaging protocol consisting of the sequence specified by the examination command, assigns a new imaging protocol name to the new imaging protocol, and stores it in the storage unit 112 .

[0120] The notification unit 117 performs processing to notify the operator that a new imaging protocol is stored. The information notified to the operator is displayed on the display device 24 via the display control unit 119. Furthermore, when new information is stored in the shared folder SF, the notification unit 117 performs processing to notify the RIS 6.

[0121] The imaging protocol selection unit 118 performs processing for selecting an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the inspection instruction according to the information of the inspection instruction. When the imaging protocol selection unit 118 determines that the imaging protocol is consistent from the comparison result of the imaging protocol internal sequence comparison unit 115, the imaging protocol selection unit 118 selects the existing imaging protocol stored in the storage unit 112. When the imaging protocol selection unit 118 determines that the imaging protocol is inconsistent from the comparison result of the imaging protocol internal sequence comparison unit 115, the imaging protocol selection unit 118 selects the new imaging protocol newly created by the new imaging protocol creation unit 116.

[0122] The display control unit 119 generates a display signal necessary for display output on the display device 24 , and performs display control on the display device 24 .

[0123] 《About the hardware structure of each processing unit》

[0124] Figure 8The hardware structure of the processing unit (processing unit) that performs various processes, such as the information receiving unit 110, the intra-modality information providing unit 111, the examination instruction acquiring unit 113, the imaging protocol searching unit 114, the intra-imaging protocol sequence comparing unit 115, the new imaging protocol creating unit 116, the notifying unit 117, the imaging protocol selecting unit 118 and the display controlling unit 119 shown, is, for example, various processors as shown below.

[0125] The 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 execute specific processing, such as dedicated circuits.

[0126] 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, the first method is as follows: as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, one processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the processor functions as multiple processing units. The second method is as follows: as represented by a system on chip (SoC), a processor that uses one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip to implement the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units. In this way, various processing units are composed of more than one of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0127] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit (circuitry) formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0128] [Effects of implementation methods]

[0129] According to the medical information system 2 including the modality device 10 and the RIS 6 according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0130] [1] The modality device 10 can provide the RIS 6 that issues an examination command with the latest information on the imaging protocol in the modality device 10. The RIS 6 can use the latest information received from the modality device 10 to issue an examination command including an appropriate examination instruction.

[0131] [2] In the modal device 10, the settings related to the imaging protocol can be changed at any time, so that changes in the imaging protocol or changes in clinical conditions after the system starts operating can be flexibly responded to. Information including the changed settings is provided from the modal device 10 to the RIS6 each time a change occurs, so that the RIS6 side can use the latest setting information to generate appropriate examination instructions.

[0132] [3] Furthermore, when the modality device 10 acquires an examination instruction including an imaging protocol composed of a combination of sequences different from the imaging protocol stored in the modality device 10, the imaging protocol in the examination instruction can be automatically saved as a new imaging protocol, and information about the new imaging protocol can be provided to the RIS 6. Thus, it is easy to create an examination instruction including the designation of the new imaging protocol in the RIS 6, for example, reducing the burden on users such as doctors.

[0133] [Variation]

[0134] In the above embodiment, the processor 202 of the modal device 10 executes the process of saving the modal information file 125 in the shared folder SF accessible to the RIS6, but the process of providing the modal information is not limited to this example. For example, the processor 202 may execute the following process: write the modal information into a medium and provide it to the RIS6, or send the modal information to the RIS6 via the network 35.

[0135] [About the programs that run the computer]

[0136] A program that enables a computer to implement part or all of the processing functions of the information processing device 20 in the modal device 10 involved in this embodiment can be recorded on a non-temporary information storage medium such as a CD, a disk or a semiconductor memory, or other tangible objects, namely a computer-readable medium, and the program can be provided through the information storage medium.

[0137] Furthermore, instead of providing the program by storing it in a non-transitory computer-readable medium as such a tangible object, it is also possible to provide the program signal by using a telecommunication line such as the Internet as a download service.

[0138] 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).

[0139] "other"

[0140] 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 modality device that captures medical images of a subject according to an examination instruction, wherein: The modal device includes: a storage device that stores a radiographic protocol; and one or more processors that execute a process of providing intra-modal information including the changed information to the information system in accordance with a format specified between the information system that generates the inspection instruction and the modal device when a combination of sequences within the radiographic protocol of the radiographic protocol composed of a combination of multiple sequences is changed.

2. The modal device according to claim 1, wherein: The process of providing the intra-modality information to the information system includes the process of storing the intra-modality information in a storage area accessible to the information system in accordance with the format.

3. The modal device according to claim 2, wherein: When storing new information in the storage area, the one or more processors notify the information system.

4. The modal device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors provide the information system with information of a sequence that can be added to the imaging protocol.

5. The modal device according to claim 4, wherein: The one or more processors associate the addable sequence with the applicable examination site and provide the associated sequence to the information system.

6. The modal device according to claim 1, wherein: The imaging protocol information defining the combination of the imaging protocol intra-sequence of the imaging protocol is stored in the storage device. When the one or more processors obtain the inspection instruction including information on intra-photographic protocol sequences that is different from the combination of intra-photographic protocol sequences included in the photographic protocol information in the storage device, they create, as a new photographic protocol, a photographic protocol consisting of the combination of intra-photographic protocol sequences specified in the inspection instruction, and save the new photographic protocol in the storage device.

7. The modal device according to claim 6, wherein: The one or more processors notify an operator of the modality device when storing the new imaging protocol, The new imaging protocol is stored by assigning a new name different from the imaging protocol name of the imaging protocol already stored in the storage device.

8. The modal device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage device stores imaging protocol information that specifies a combination of sequences within the imaging protocol of the imaging protocol and sequence information including information that can be added to the imaging protocol. The one or more processors perform the following processing: providing the imaging protocol information and the sequence information to the information system in accordance with the format, When at least one of the imaging protocol information and the sequence information is changed, the changed information is provided to the information system in accordance with the format.

9. A medical information system, comprising: The modal device of claim 1; and The information system that issues the inspection instruction.

10. An information processing method, which is performed by a modality device that captures medical images of a subject according to an examination instruction, wherein: The information processing method comprises: The step of one or more processors of the modality device storing the imaging protocol in a storage device; and The one or more processors execute a processing step of providing intra-modal information including the changed information to the information system in accordance with a format specified between the information system that generates the inspection instruction and the modal device when a combination of intra-protocol sequences of the photographic protocol composed of a combination of multiple sequences is changed.

11. A program product, comprising a program, which, when read by a computer, causes a computer used in a modality device for capturing medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination instruction to implement the following functions: storing the photography protocol in a storage device; and When a combination of intra-protocol sequences of the imaging protocol composed of a combination of a plurality of sequences is changed, intra-modal information including the changed information is provided to the information system in accordance with a format specified between the information system generating the examination instruction and the modal device.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program which, when read by a computer, causes a computer used in a modality device for capturing medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination instruction to implement the following functions: storing the photography protocol in a storage device; and When a combination of intra-protocol sequences of the imaging protocol composed of a combination of a plurality of sequences is changed, intra-modal information including the changed information is provided to the information system in accordance with a format specified between the information system generating the examination instruction and the modal device.

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