Modality apparatus, information processing method, program, and medical information system

Abstract

To provide a modality apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a medical information system including the modality apparatus, which can generate an examination order on the basis of information on the latest protocol.SOLUTION: A modality apparatus for capturing a medical image of a subject according to an examination order includes: a storage device that stores an imaging protocol; and one or more processors that, in a case where a combination of intra-imaging protocol sequences of the imaging protocol consisting of a combination of a plurality of sequences is changed, execute processing of providing with intra-modality information including the changed information to an information system that generates the examination order in a format defined between the information system and the modality apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] When performing an imaging diagnostic examination in a medical facility such as a hospital, a user such as a doctor generates an examination order in a Radiology Information System (RIS), the RIS receives a request from a modality and sends the examination order from the RIS to the modality, where a user such as a medical technician performs the imaging work of the patient while looking at the examination order.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes an imaging support device that includes a determination unit that determines the imaging conditions when imaging a patient with a modality in the form of an imaging protocol that can be read by the modality based on the contents of patient information about the patient, order information for requesting imaging of the patient, and instruction information about performing the imaging created according to the order information, and an output unit that outputs the imaging protocol determined by the determination unit to the modality.

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a set of change factors of patient information, examination orders, and examination instructions acquired in the past is used as learning data, and machine learning is performed using the imaging protocol used in the learning data as teacher data to create a trained model that infers an imaging protocol from a set of change factors of patient information, examination orders, and examination instructions. During operation, the RIS inputs the set of change factors into the trained model, obtains the imaging protocol as an output, and transmits the imaging protocol to the modality. Patent Document 1 also describes a configuration that updates the correspondence between the examination order and the imaging protocol when the imaging protocol transmitted from the RIS does not match the imaging protocol actually used, for example, when the imaging protocol is changed on the modality side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-187542 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is confirmed whether the imaging protocol transmitted from the RIS after imaging matches the imaging protocol actually used on the modality side. Therefore, there is a problem that the RIS cannot grasp the change in the protocol on the modality side until imaging with the changed protocol occurs. If the RIS does not grasp the latest protocol, it cannot issue an appropriate examination order.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a modality device, an information processing method, a program, and a medical information system including a modality device that are capable of generating examination orders based on the latest protocol information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A modality device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination order, and includes a storage device that stores an imaging protocol, and one or more processors that perform processing to provide intra-modality information including the changed information to an information system that generates the examination order, in accordance with a format defined between the modality device and the information system, when a change is made to a combination of sequences within an imaging protocol of an imaging protocol consisting of a combination of a plurality of sequences.

[0009] According to the first aspect, when a change occurs in a combination of intra-protocol sequences of an imaging protocol stored in a modality device, intra-modality information including the changed information (after the change) is provided from the modality device to the information system in accordance with a format determined between the modality device and the information system. This enables the information system to generate an examination order using the latest intra-modality information provided.

[0010] The phrase "providing information to an information system" includes the concept of making the information system capable of acquiring the information, regardless of whether the information system has actually acquired the information.

[0011] The modality device of the second aspect may be configured such that, in the modality device of the first aspect, the process of providing intra-modality information to an information system includes a process of storing the intra-modality information in accordance with a format in a memory area accessible to the information system.

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

[0013] A modality device according to a third aspect may be configured such that, in the modality device according to the second aspect, the one or more processors notify the information system when new information is stored in the memory area.

[0014] A modality device according to a fourth aspect may be a modality device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein one or more processors are configured to provide information of sequences that can be added to the imaging protocol to an information system.

[0015] A modality device according to a fifth aspect may be configured in such a manner that, in the modality device according to the fourth aspect, the one or more processors associate addable sequences with applicable examination areas and provide them to the information system.

[0016] A modality device according to a sixth aspect may be configured such that, in a modality device of any one of the first to fifth aspects, imaging protocol information defining a combination of imaging protocol intra-sequences of an imaging protocol is stored in a storage device, and when one or more processors acquire an examination order including information on imaging protocol intra-sequences different from the combination of imaging protocol intra-sequences included in the imaging protocol information in the storage device, they create an imaging protocol consisting of the combination of imaging protocol intra-sequences specified in the examination order as a new imaging protocol, and store the new imaging protocol in the storage device.

[0017] A modality device according to a seventh aspect may be configured such that, in the modality device according to the sixth aspect, when a new imaging protocol is saved, the one or more processors notify the operator of the modality device and save the new imaging protocol by assigning a new name different from the imaging protocol name of the imaging protocol already saved in the storage device.

[0018] A modality device according to an eighth aspect may be configured such that, in a modality device of any one of the first to seventh aspects, imaging protocol information defining a combination of sequences within an imaging protocol of an imaging protocol and sequence information including information of sequences that can be added to the imaging protocol are stored in a storage device, and one or more processors provide the imaging protocol information and the sequence information to an information system according to a format, and when a change occurs in at least one of the imaging protocol information and the sequence information, provide the changed information to the information system according to 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 that issues an examination order.

[0020] An information processing method according to a tenth aspect is an information processing method executed by a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination order, and includes the steps of: one or more processors of the modality device storing an imaging protocol in a storage device; and, when there is a change in a combination of sequences within a protocol of an imaging protocol consisting of a combination of a plurality of sequences, the one or more processors executing a process of providing intra-modality information including the changed information to an information system in accordance with a format defined between the information system and the modality device.

[0021] The information processing method according to the tenth aspect may have a configuration including the same specific aspects as the modality devices according to the second to eighth aspects.

[0022] The program of the eleventh aspect is a program that enables a computer used in a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination order to realize the following functions: storing an imaging protocol in a storage device; and, when there is a change in the combination of sequences within an imaging protocol consisting of a combination of multiple sequences, providing intra-modality information including the changed information to an information system that generates the examination order in accordance with a format defined between the modality device and the information system.

[0023] The program according to the eleventh aspect may be configured to include the same specific aspects as the modality apparatuses according to the second to eighth aspects.

[0024] The present disclosure also includes a tangible non-transitory computer-readable recording medium (computer-readable medium) such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic disk on which the program according to the eleventh aspect is recorded. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present disclosure, a modality device can provide the latest information on imaging protocols to an information system that issues an examination order, and the information system can generate an examination order including an imaging protocol suitable for the examination purpose based on the latest information provided by the modality device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an exemplary medical information system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view that illustrates a schematic configuration of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, which is an example of a modality apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the console unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the operations performed by the RIS and the modality device in this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an intra-modality information file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method for providing an intra-modality information file from a modality device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a sequence comparison process within an imaging protocol executed by a modality apparatus that has received an examination order. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the console unit in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 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 designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0028] [Example of medical information system configuration] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an exemplary medical information system 2. The medical information system 2 is an information processing system introduced in 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.

[0029] The HIS 4 is a system that manages various operations throughout the entire medical facility, and may be configured to include a plurality of systems, such as an electronic medical record system, an ordering system, and a medical accounting system.

[0030] The RIS 6 is a system that manages the work of the radiology department (radiology division). The RIS 6 cooperates with the HIS 4 and performs processes such as reservation of imaging diagnostic examinations, creation of examination orders, and management of examination results.

[0031] The modality device 10 is an examination device that captures medical images of a subject undergoing an image diagnostic examination. Specific forms of the modality device 10 may include various examination devices, such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, a mammography device, an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray fluoroscopy diagnostic device, and an endoscope device. Although one modality device 10 is representatively illustrated in FIG. 1, the medical information system 2 may include multiple modality devices 10. There may be various combinations of types and numbers of modality devices 10 for each medical facility.

[0032] The PACS 30 is a computer system that stores and manages various data including medical images obtained by image diagnostic examinations using the modality device 10. The PACS 30 is equipped with a large-capacity external storage device and a database management program. The PACS 30 may be configured to include, for example, a DICOM server that operates according to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) specifications.

[0033] The HIS 4, the RIS 6, the modality device 10, and the PACS 30 are communicatively connected 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.

[0034] 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 RIS 6 via the network 35, and transmits and receives various data including medical images. The storage format of image data in the PACS 30 and the communication between the devices via the network 35 are based on, for example, the DICOM protocol.

[0035] [Example of modality device 10: MRI device] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an MRI apparatus 11, which is an example of the modality apparatus 10. The MRI apparatus 11 includes a measurement unit 12 including a gantry, a bed 14, and a console unit 16. The measurement unit 12 and the bed 14 are disposed in an imaging room, and the console unit 16 is disposed in an operation room. Although not shown, the MRI apparatus 11 also 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, are stored in a housing on a unit basis or a group of multiple units, and are disposed in a machine room. Note that some or all of these units may be disposed in the operation room.

[0036] Although the detailed configuration of the measurement unit 12 is not shown, the measurement 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, and generates a static magnetic field in the imaging space 12a of the gantry. The gradient magnetic field coil provides 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 for the measurement region of the subject. The RF receiving coil receives a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal generated from the measurement region of the subject.

[0037] Incidentally, the detailed configuration of each part of the measuring unit 12 and the operating principle of the MRI apparatus 11 are well-known techniques, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0038] The bed 14 includes a tabletop 14a on which a subject undergoing an imaging diagnostic test can be placed. The tabletop 14a can be moved by a drive device (not shown) in the vertical direction, in a direction (forward direction) entering the imaging space 12a of the gantry, and in a direction (backward direction) exiting the imaging space 12a.

[0039] 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 in the machine room to control the measurement unit 12 and each part of the bed 14, and executes MRI imaging to acquire NMR signals. The console unit 16 also functions as a device that processes various types of data, including a process of reconstructing an image based on the NMR signal acquired from the measurement unit 12 and a communication process via a network 35, displays the processing results, and stores data.

[0040] The NMR signal obtained from the measuring section 12 is subjected to signal processing and then digital image processing, and the reconstructed image is displayed on the display device 24 of the console unit 16 .

[0041] [Example of hardware configuration of console unit 16] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the console unit 16. The console unit 16 is configured using a computer. The computer applied to the console unit 16 may be a personal computer, a workstation, or a server computer. The processing function of the console unit 16 may be realized by a computer system including multiple computers.

[0042] The information processing device 20 of the console unit 16 includes a processor 202 , a memory 204 which is a main storage device, a storage 206 which is an auxiliary storage device, an input / output interface 208 , and a bus 210 .

[0043] The processor 202 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 202 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU). The information processing device 20 may further include a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (PLD).

[0044] The processor 202 is connected to the memory 204 , the storage 206 , the input / output interface 208 , the input device 22 , and the display device 24 via a bus 210 .

[0045] The memory 204 includes a random access memory (RAM). The memory 204 may include a read only memory (ROM). The storage 206 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination of a plurality of these. The storage 206 may also include an external storage device such as a removable disk.

[0046] The storage device including the memory 204 and the storage 206 stores programs, data, and the like that realize various functions of the MRI apparatus 11. The processor 202 realizes various functions by executing the programs stored in the memory 204. The processor 202 comprehensively controls each part of the information processing device 20 and various devices and units provided in the MRI apparatus 11, and performs various processes.

[0047] The input / output interface 208 includes a communication interface connectable to the network 35, and a connection interface connectable to an external device. As a connection interface connectable to an external device, for example, a Universal Serial Bus, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (HDMI is a registered trademark), etc. can be applied.

[0048] The processor 202 communicates with various devices of the MRI apparatus 11 via an input / output interface 208, thereby transmitting and receiving necessary information.

[0049] The input device 22 is configured with, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a numeric keypad, various switch buttons, etc. The input device 22 may include a voice input device. The input device 22 may also be a touch panel type input device that is integrated with the display screen of the display device 24.

[0050] Various instructions and information input by the operator via the input device 22 are input to the information processing device 20. The operator uses the input device 22 and the display device 24 to interactively operate the MRI apparatus 11.

[0051] The display device 24 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display, a projector, or an appropriate combination of these. The display device 24 is connected to the information processing device 20 via a bus 210. The display device 24 displays various information in addition to the examination image captured by the MRI device 11. The display device 24 is used as a part of a UI (User Interface) when receiving an input from the input device 22. The display device 24 is not limited to one, and a multi-display configuration having multiple display devices is also possible.

[0052] [Outline of mechanism for sharing the latest information on imaging protocols and sequences between the modality device 10 and the RIS 6] In this embodiment, in order to enable the RIS 6 to issue an accurate examination order, a means is provided for the RIS 6 to appropriately acquire the latest information on the imaging protocol and sequence in the modality device 10. In this embodiment, an example is described in which an examination order is generated by the RIS 6, and the RIS 6 transmits the examination order to the modality device 10 after receiving an examination order acquisition request from the modality device 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the RIS 6, and a configuration may be adopted in which an examination order is generated by another information system, such as an ordering system of the HIS 4, and the examination order is transmitted to the modality device 10. In this case, an information system instead of the RIS 6 may acquire intra-modality information provided by the modality device 10. The RIS 6 or the HIS 4 is an example of an information system.

[0053] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the operation of the RIS 6 and the modality device 10 in this embodiment. This system basically operates in the following procedure ([Step 0] → [Step 1] → [Step 2] → [Step 3] → [Step 4]).

[0054] [Step 0] Detect that the sequence under the imaging protocol has been changed First, the modality device 10 detects that a sequence under an imaging protocol in the modality device 10 has been changed before generating an examination order described in step 3 described later. In detail, in the following cases, for example, (1) when a new corresponding sequence is set in the imaging protocol due to a new delivery of the modality device 10 to a hospital or the like, (2) when a corresponding sequence in the imaging protocol is changed due to a change in a user of the RIS 6, for example, a radiologist, (3) when the modality device 10 is updated, and (4) in the case of step 4 described later, the modality device 10 detects that the intra-modality information file in Fig. 5 described later has been rewritten, and compares and determines whether sequence information in the imaging protocol is different before and after the rewriting.

[0055] An imaging protocol is composed of a combination of multiple sequences. A sequence included in an imaging protocol is called a sequence within the imaging protocol. The modality device 10 has information on sequences applicable to each examination site, and can define multiple imaging protocols consisting of various combinations of sequences.

[0056] [Step 1] Providing information within modality In addition to the imaging protocol information and sequence information within the imaging protocol stored in the storage device of the modality device 10, the modality device 10 provides to the RIS 6 information on sequences that can be added that are not included in the imaging protocol, in association with the applicable examination areas (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0057] 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 a format determined 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.

[0058] [Step 2] Generate inspection order At the RIS 6 side, an examination order is generated using the information provided by the modality device 10 in step 1.

[0059] [Step 3] Send inspection order The examination order 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 .

[0060] [Step 4] Comparison of sequence information within the imaging protocol The modality device 10 side that receives the examination order compares the sequence information in the imaging protocol between the examination order and the modality, and if they are different, automatically saves the imaging protocol specified in the examination order as a new imaging protocol. In this case, the modality device 10 notifies the operator and saves the new imaging protocol with a different name from the imaging protocol name of the imaging protocol already saved in the modality device 10 (see FIG. 7).

[0061] That is, the modality device 10 compares the sequence information in the imaging protocol held in the modality device 10 with the sequence information in the imaging protocol in the examination order acquired from the RIS 6, and if the two are different, automatically creates the imaging protocol designated in the examination order as a new imaging protocol. This created new imaging protocol is notified to the operator of the modality device 10, and is automatically saved with an imaging protocol name different from the existing internal imaging protocols.

[0062] The notification to the operator need only be to present information informing the operator that the imaging protocol specified in the acquired examination order is different from the imaging protocol stored in the modality device 10 and that it will be saved as a new imaging protocol, and the form of the notification is not particularly limited.

[0063] The intra-modality information, including the information of the new imaging protocol stored by step 4, is provided to the RIS 6 by step 1.

[0064] The above-mentioned [Step 2] to [Step 4] are performed for each examination. [Step 0] and [Step 1] are performed when a change occurs in the intra-modality information. The method including steps 0, 1, and 4 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of an information processing method in the present disclosure. Further specific examples are described below.

[0065] [Example of how to provide information within a modality] The modality device 10 provides the intra-modality information to the RIS 6 in accordance with a format determined between the modality device 10 and the RIS 6. For example, the modality device 10 provides the intra-modality information by a file in a predetermined file format.

[0066] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an intra-modality information file. Fig. 5 shows an example in which imaging protocol information and intra-imaging protocol sequence information in the modality device 10, as well as additionally modifiable sequence information, are provided by an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file. This file includes, for each examination site, information on the name of an imaging protocol linked to a complete screening of each disease or healthy person, information on what sequences (sequences within an imaging protocol) are included under that imaging protocol, and a list of sequences that can be set as additional information.

[0067] Specific names are written in the name parts such as "Examination site A", "Disease A", and "Sequence A" in Fig. 5. The sequence name may be an abstract name such as "diffusion weighted image" so that the RIS 6 can easily determine what kind of sequence it is.

[0068] In addition, since the target examination area for each additional sequence is determined in advance, it is desirable for the modality device 10 to provide information by associating the target examination area with the additional sequence so that the RIS 6 can understand the relationship between the target examination area and the additional sequence that can be added or changed.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 5, the imaging protocol linked to each disease (corresponding to the examination site) or to a complete screening of healthy individuals under the examination site is explained, but this is not limited to this, and the imaging protocol may be linked directly to the examination site or may be linked to the disease name regardless of the examination site.

[0070] 5, an XML file is illustrated, but the information may be provided in any other format that can be read by the RIS 6. The XML format is an example of a format determined between the RIS 6 and the modality device 10.

[0071] 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method for providing an intra-modality information file from the modality device 10. The processor 202 of the modality device 10 outputs the intra-modality information file to a location accessible by the RIS 6, such as a shared folder SF. The shared folder SF in which the intra-modality information file is stored may be provided in a storage device of the modality device 10, or in a storage device on the RIS 6 side, or may be provided in a storage device of another device (system) other than these. The shared folder SF is an example of a storage area accessible by the RIS 6.

[0072] The processor 202 of the modality device 10 may have a mechanism for notifying the RIS 6 when storing an intra-modality information file 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.

[0073] When a combination of sequences within an imaging protocol of an imaging protocol is changed, the processor 202 of the modality device 10 stores an intra-modality information file including the changed information in the shared folder SF. Note that when a new imaging protocol is created, this corresponds to a case where a combination of sequences within an imaging protocol of an imaging protocol is changed. In addition, when at least one of the imaging protocol information and the sequence information in the modality device 10 is changed, for example, when a part of a plurality of imaging protocols held in the modality device 10 is deleted, when an imaging protocol name of an existing imaging protocol is changed, when an addable sequence is added, or when a part of a plurality of addable sequences held in the modality device 10 is deleted, the processor 202 stores an intra-modality information file including the changed information in the shared folder SF.

[0074] The intra-modality information file in the shared folder SF may be updated to the latest file by the processor 202, or the latest file may be saved while leaving the previous file. It is sufficient for the RIS 6 to obtain the latest information from the shared folder SF, and the processor 202 may provide the changed information as a difference file according to a predetermined format.

[0075] The RIS 6 generates an examination order using the information provided by the modality device 10 .

[0076] [Flow of sequence comparison process within imaging protocol in modality device 10] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sequence comparison process within the imaging protocol executed by the modality apparatus 10 that has received an examination order.

[0077] In step S101, the processor 202 searches among 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 order.

[0078] In step S102, it is determined whether the sequence in the imaging protocol is consistent between the modality and the examination order information.

[0079] If the judgment result of step S102 is Yes, that is, if the judgment result of step S102 is that the sequence within the imaging protocol specified in the examination order matches the sequence within the imaging protocol stored in the modality device 10, the processor 202 proceeds to step S103.

[0080] In step S103, the processor 202 selects an existing imaging protocol that corresponds to the specification of the examination order.

[0081] On the other hand, if the judgment result of step S102 is No, that is, if the judgment result of step S102 is that the sequence within the imaging protocol specified in the examination order does not match the sequence within the imaging protocol stored in the modality device 10, the processor 202 proceeds to step S104.

[0082] In step S104, the processor 202 creates a new imaging protocol consisting of a sequence specified in the examination order.

[0083] In step S105, the processor 202 automatically saves the created new imaging protocol with a new name.

[0084] In step S106, the processor 202 notifies the operator of the modality device 10 that the new imaging protocol has been saved with the imaging protocol name of “<new name>.” Note that, before saving the new imaging protocol in step S105, the processor 202 may notify the operator that the new imaging protocol is to be saved by indicating the <new name>, and save the new imaging protocol after the notification.

[0085] In step S107, the processor 202 automatically selects this new imaging protocol as the imaging protocol to be used for the examination instruction of the examination order.

[0086] After step S103 or step S107, the flowchart in Fig. 7 ends. The flowchart in Fig. 7 may be performed for each received examination order.

[0087] [Functional configuration of the console unit 16] 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the console unit 16 in this embodiment. The console unit 16 includes an information receiving unit 110, an intra-modality information providing unit 111, a storage unit 112, an examination order 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 control unit 119.

[0088] Each of the information receiving unit 110, the intra-modality information providing unit 111, the examination order obtaining 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 control unit 119 may be realized by the processor 202 shown in Fig. 3 executing the instructions stored in the memory 204. The storage unit 112 may be a storage device including the memory 204 and the storage 206 shown in Fig. 3.

[0089] The information receiving unit 110 receives information input via the input device 22 and performs processing according to the received information. For example, the information receiving unit 110 receives an instruction to change imaging protocol information or sequence information, and stores the changed information in the storage unit 112.

[0090] The intra-modality information providing unit 111 performs processing for providing information regarding imaging protocols and sequences stored in the storage unit 112 to the RIS 6 .

[0091] 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. One or more sequences are defined for each imaging protocol. The sequence information 122 includes information on additional sequences that can be added or changed for each examination site.

[0092] Furthermore, the storage unit 112 stores an intra-modality information file 125 generated by the intra-modality information providing unit 111 .

[0093] The intra-modality information providing unit 111 generates an intra-modality information file 125 based on the imaging protocol information 121 and the sequence information 122. The intra-modality information file 125 may be, for example, an XML file, as described with reference to FIG.

[0094] In the example shown in FIG. 8, a shared folder SF is provided in the storage unit 112, and an intra-modality information file 125 is stored in the shared folder SF.

[0095] 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. As a result, the latest intra-modality information is provided from the modality device 10 to the RIS 6.

[0096] The examination order acquisition unit 113 acquires an examination order from the RIS 6. The imaging protocol search unit 114 searches for an imaging protocol specified in the acquired examination order from the imaging protocol information 121. The imaging protocol sequence comparison unit 115 receives the search result of the imaging protocol search unit 114, and performs a comparison process between the imaging protocol sequence in the modality device 10 extracted by the search and a sequence that is a combination of the imaging protocol sequence information and changed sequence information specified in the examination order, and determines whether they match or not.

[0097] When the comparison result of the imaging protocol intra-sequence comparison unit 115 determines that there is a mismatch, the new imaging protocol creation unit 116 creates a new imaging protocol consisting of the sequence specified in the examination order, gives this new imaging protocol a new name, and stores it in the memory unit 112.

[0098] The notification unit 117 performs a process of notifying the operator that a new imaging protocol has been saved. 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 a process of notifying the RIS 6.

[0099] The imaging protocol selection unit 118 performs a process of selecting an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction according to the examination order information. When the comparison result of the imaging protocol intra-sequence comparison unit 115 determines that there is a match, the imaging protocol selection unit 118 selects an existing imaging protocol stored in the storage unit 112. When the comparison result of the imaging protocol intra-sequence comparison unit 115 determines that there is a mismatch, the imaging protocol selection unit 118 selects a new imaging protocol newly created by the new imaging protocol creation unit 116.

[0100] The display control unit 119 generates a display signal required for display output to the display device 24 and controls the display of the display device 24 .

[0101] <Hardware configuration of each processing unit> The hardware structure of the processing units that execute various processes, such as the information receiving unit 110, the intra-modality information providing unit 111, the examination order acquisition unit 113, the imaging protocol search unit 114, the intra-imaging protocol sequence comparison unit 115, the new imaging protocol creation unit 116, the notification unit 117, the imaging protocol selection unit 118, and the display control unit 119 shown in FIG. 8, is, for example, various processors as shown below.

[0102] Various types of processors include CPUs, which are general-purpose processors that execute programs and function as various processing units, GPUs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which are processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and dedicated electrical circuits, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), which are processors with a circuit configuration designed specifically to execute specific processes.

[0103] A 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, a 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. Also, multiple processing units may be composed of one processor. As an example of multiple processing units being composed of one processor, first, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, there is a form in which one processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, as represented by a system on chip (SoC), there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units in one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, the various processing units are composed of one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0104] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0105] [Effects of the embodiment] 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.

[0106] [1] The modality device 10 can provide the RIS 6, which issues an examination order, with the latest information on the imaging protocol in the modality device 10. The RIS 6 can use the latest information provided by the modality device 10 to issue an examination order including an appropriate examination instruction.

[0107] [2] In the modality device 10, the settings related to the imaging protocol can be changed at any time, so that the system can flexibly respond to changes in the imaging protocol after the start of operation of the system and changes in clinical conditions. Information including the changed settings is provided from the modality device 10 to the RIS 6 every time a change is made, so that the RIS 6 can generate appropriate examination orders using the latest setting information.

[0108] [3] Furthermore, when the modality device 10 acquires an examination order including an imaging protocol consisting of a combination of sequences different from the imaging protocols stored in the modality device 10, the modality device 10 can automatically save the imaging protocol in the examination order as a new imaging protocol and provide information on the new imaging protocol to the RIS 6. This makes it easier to subsequently create examination orders including the specification of the new imaging protocol in the RIS 6, reducing the burden on users such as doctors.

[0109] [Modifications] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the processor 202 of the modality device 10 executes the process of storing the intra-modality information file 125 in the shared folder SF accessible to the RIS 6, but the process of providing the intra-modality information is not limited to this example. For example, the processor 202 may execute a process of writing the intra-modality information onto a medium so that it can be provided to the RIS 6, or a process of transmitting the intra-modality information to the RIS 6 via the network 35.

[0110] [Regarding programs that operate computers] A program that causes a computer to realize some or all of the processing functions of the information processing device 20 in the modality device 10 of this embodiment can be recorded on a computer-readable medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or other tangible, non-transitory information storage medium, and the program can be provided through this information storage medium.

[0111] In addition, instead of providing the program by storing it on such a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, it is also possible to provide the program signal as a download service using a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0112] Furthermore, some or all of the processing functions of the information processing device 20 may be realized by cloud computing, and may also be provided as SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0113] "others" The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 2 Medical Information Systems 4. Hospital Information System (HIS) 6 Radiology Information System (RIS) 10 Modality Equipment 11 MRI machine 12 Measurement section 12a Imaging space 14 Sleeper 14a Tabletop 16 Console unit 20 Information processing device 22 Input Devices 24 Display device 30 Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) 35 Network 110 Information Reception Department 111 Modality Information Section 112 Storage section 113 Inspection Order Acquisition Department 114 Imaging protocol search unit 115 Imaging protocol sequence comparison section 116 New Imaging Protocol Creation Department 117 Notification Department 118 Imaging protocol selection section 119 Display control section 121 Imaging Protocol Information 122 Sequence Information 125 Modality Information File 202 Processor 204 Memory 206 Storage 208 Input / Output Interface 210 Bus S101 to S107 Steps for comparing sequences in an imaging protocol in a modality device

Claims

1. A modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination order, A storage device that stores an imaging protocol; one or more processors that execute a process of providing intra-modality information including a change in a combination of sequences in the imaging protocol, the combination being a combination of a plurality of sequences, to the information system that generates the examination order, the intra-modality information including the changed information, in accordance with a format defined between the information system and the modality device; A modality device comprising:

2. The process of providing the intra-modality information to the information system comprises: storing the intra-modality information in accordance with the format in a storage area accessible by the information system; The modality device according to claim 1 .

3. The one or more processors: When new information is stored in the storage area, a notification is sent to the information system. The modality device according to claim 2 .

4. The one or more processors: providing information of a sequence that can be added to the imaging protocol to the information system; The modality device according to claim 1 .

5. The one or more processors: providing the additional sequence and the applicable examination region in association with each other to the information system; The modality device according to claim 4.

6. Imaging protocol information defining a combination of sequences within the imaging protocol is stored in the storage device; The one or more processors: when acquiring the examination order including information on an imaging protocol sequence different from a combination of imaging protocol sequences included in the imaging protocol information in the storage device, creating an imaging protocol consisting of a combination of imaging protocol sequences specified in the examination order as a new imaging protocol, and storing the new imaging protocol in the storage device; The modality device according to claim 1 .

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

8. Imaging protocol information defining a combination of sequences within the imaging protocol; sequence information including information of a sequence that can be added to the imaging protocol is stored in the storage device; The one or more processors: 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. The modality device according to claim 1 .

9. The modality device according to claim 1 ; an information system for issuing the test order; Healthcare information systems, including:

10. 1. An information processing method executed by a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination order, comprising: storing an imaging protocol in a storage device by one or more processors of the modality device; the one or more processors execute a process of providing intra-modality information including the changed information to an information system that generates the examination order in accordance with a format defined between the modality device and the information system when a change occurs in a combination of intra-protocol sequences of the imaging protocol, which is a combination of a plurality of sequences; An information processing method comprising:

11. A computer used in a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination order, A function of storing the imaging protocol in a storage device; a function of providing intra-modality information including a changed combination of sequences in the imaging protocol, the changed combination being made of a combination of a plurality of sequences, to the information system that generates the examination order in accordance with a format defined between the modality device and the information system; A program to achieve this.

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