Image processing apparatus, medical image system, and program

Abstract

To enable an engineer or the like to grasp the processing state of a medical image without going back and forth between a plurality of devices.SOLUTION: An image processing workstation according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that is connected to an imaging control apparatus that controls a medical image capturing apparatus and a medical image management system including a medical image management apparatus and a medical image reproducing apparatus via a communication network constructed in a medical facility, receives a medical image transmitted from the imaging control apparatus, performs image processing on the received medical image, and outputs an image processing result to an output destination including the medical image management apparatus. The controller of the image processing workstation manages status information indicating a processing status of the medical image received from the imaging control apparatus, and provides the status information to at least one external apparatus used in a step upstream of reception of the medical image by the image processing apparatus in a workflow from imaging reservation of the medical image to display of an image processing result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device, an imaging control device, a medical image system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Recent technological advances have led to improved quality of medical images generated by medical imaging devices. This has led to an increase in the volume of medical image data. However, this increase in volume has resulted in longer image transfer times between devices and image processing times than before. In particular, in dynamic imaging diagnosis, the time required from the completion of imaging until a doctor can make a diagnosis varies greatly depending on the purpose of the examination, as does the imaging time, image processing performed, and the number of image processing results generated. This makes it more difficult for doctors to plan their daily work compared to traditional examinations, and being able to grasp the status of the image processing results until they arrive is a challenge for efficiently performing work.

[0003] Furthermore, many pieces of equipment are installed in the limited space within the radiology department, and technicians (radiography technicians) are required to use multiple pieces of equipment, but these are not always installed along appropriate traffic lines, forcing technicians to move back and forth between pieces of equipment, which is also an issue. For example, the radiology information system (RIS) and radiography control devices are placed in front of the radiography room, but the control terminals for image inspection devices and image processing workstations (image processing devices) are often placed away from the radiography room because they are not directly related to the radiography process. However, having to move back and forth between multiple pieces of equipment while working interferes with the efficient performance of the primary job of radiography.

[0004] In addition, reducing the workload of the radiography itself is also an issue for busy technicians, and in order to make each radiography task more efficient, it is necessary to reduce the number of steps and eliminate unnecessary work and operations. For example, if an image needs to be retaken due to an error in image processing after the scan, the scan must be performed quickly before the patient returns or goes home, so the radiography work itself must be made more efficient.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image examination terminal that displays information on whether a medical image has been examined or viewed, with the aim of making it easy to understand the condition of medical images taken with a modality and enabling doctors to smoothly perform their interpretation work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-252079 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, by displaying whether an image has been inspected or viewed, it is possible to grasp the inspection status and viewing status of each medical image. However, in order to display the inspection status and viewing status of each medical image, it is necessary to operate an inspection terminal, and it is not possible to eliminate the hassle of technicians having to go back and forth between multiple terminals to operate.

[0008] For example, in the current operational situation of dynamic image processing workstations, because they are often used for research purposes, the dynamic image processing workstations are often installed near the imaging control devices that technicians use for their regular work, but for future clinical use, due to installation space reasons, it is being considered to install the dynamic image processing workstations in locations away from the imaging control devices (for example, in server rooms).In such an operation, if the technology of Patent Document 1 is applied to the dynamic image processing workstation, the technician will have to go back to the dynamic image processing workstation each time to check the processing status of medical images in the dynamic image processing workstation, which will cause problems such as a temporary stop of dynamic radiation imaging of the subject, reducing imaging efficiency, and reducing the technician's work efficiency.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to enable technicians and the like to grasp the processing status of medical images without having to go back and forth between multiple devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the image processing device of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: An image processing device that is connected to an imaging control device that controls a medical image imaging device and a medical image management system that includes a medical image management device and a medical image playback device via a communication network established within a medical facility, receives medical images transmitted from the imaging control device, performs image processing on the received medical images, and outputs the image processing results to an output destination that includes the medical image management device, a management unit for managing status information indicating a processing status of the medical image received from the imaging control device; a providing means for providing the status information to one or more external devices connected via the communication network and used in processes upstream of the reception of medical images by the image processing device in a workflow from reservation of medical image capture to display of image processing results; Equipped with.

[0011] The invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, The external device includes at least one of the imaging control device, a Radiology Information System (RIS), a Hospital Information System (HIS), a wearable display, and a terminal device connected to the imaging control device.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 is the invention described in claim 1 or 2, The status information is information in which at least one of the reception status of the medical image, the image processing status, and the output status of the image processing result is associated with the image attendant information of the medical image.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The management means updates the status information at least at one of the following times: when reception of the medical image begins, when reception is completed, when image processing begins, when image processing is completed, when output of the image processing results begins, when output is completed, and when an error occurs.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, The management means manages the status information in at least one unit of examination, series, or image.

[0015] The invention described in claim 6 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, The providing means provides the status information at at least one of the following times: when reception of the medical image begins, when reception is completed, when image processing begins, when image processing is completed, when output of the image processing results begins, when output is completed, when an error occurs, when status information is requested from the external device, when status information is requested from the external device by manual operation, and at regular time intervals.

[0016] The invention described in claim 7 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, The providing means provides the status information in at least one unit of an examination unit, a series unit, or an image unit.

[0017] The invention described in claim 8 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7, When a request for status information is received from the external device, the providing means provides the status information by sending the status information via file linkage, by sending the status information via a dedicated protocol, or by the external device directly referencing the status information stored in a specified memory area of ​​the memory unit.

[0018] The invention described in claim 9 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 8, generating means for generating additional information to be provided to the external device together with the status information; The providing means provides the additional information together with the status information.

[0019] The invention described in claim 10 is the invention described in claim 9, The additional information includes at least one of information regarding image processing of the medical image, information regarding imaging errors, a predicted image processing time, and a predicted output time of the image processing result.

[0020] The invention described in claim 11 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 10, The medical image is a dynamic image.

[0021] The invention described in claim 13 is An imaging control device connected to the image processing device according to claim 9 or 10 via a communication network, The image processing device further includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image capture control device based on the additional information provided by the image processing device.

[0022] The medical image system of the invention described in claim 14 comprises: an image processing device according to claim 9 or 10; an imaging control device connected to the image processing device via a communication network, the imaging control device including a control unit that controls an operation of the imaging control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device; Includes.

[0023] The program of the invention described in claim 15 is a medical image management system including a medical image management device and a medical image playback device; and a computer of an image processing device connected to the medical image management system via a communication network established within a medical facility, the computer receiving medical images transmitted from the medical image management device, performing image processing on the received medical images, and outputting the image processing results to an output destination including the medical image management device; a management means for managing status information indicating the processing status of the medical image received from the imaging control device; a providing means for providing the status information to one or more external devices connected via the communication network and used in at least a process upstream of reception of the medical image by the image processing device in a workflow from reservation of photographing of the medical image to display of the image processing result; Function as.

[0024] The program of the invention described in claim 16 is a computer of an imaging control device connected to the image processing device according to claim 9 or 10 via a communication network, The image processing device functions as a control device that controls the operation of the image capture control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it becomes possible for a technician or the like to grasp the processing status of a medical image without having to go back and forth between a plurality of devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a medical image system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging control device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image processing workstation of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medical image system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medical image system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status display screen. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medical image system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medical image system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up such as a dialogue display. [Figure 8A] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medical image system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medical image system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of operation control based on additional information in the imaging control device. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of operation control based on additional information in the imaging control device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of status information displayed on a wearable display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0028] First Embodiment [Configuration of medical image system 100] First, the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the system configuration of a medical image system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the medical image system 100 is configured to include a medical image capturing device 1, a capturing control device 2, an image processing workstation (image processing device) 3, a medical image management device 4, and a medical image playback device 5. These devices 1 to 5 are connected to each other via a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) established within a medical facility so that they can transmit and receive data to and from each other. The number of each device is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a HIS (Hospital Information System) and a RIS (Radiology Information System), not shown, are also connected to the communication network N, and the above-mentioned devices 1 to 5 are also connected to the HIS and the RIS so as to be able to send and receive data to and from each other via the communication network N. The communication network N may be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or may include both.

[0029] The medical imaging device 1 and the imaging control device 2 are devices that constitute a medical imaging system. The medical imaging device 1 is a modality that captures images of a subject and generates digital medical image data. For example, a radiographic device capable of generating dynamic images by capturing dynamic images of a subject using radiation can be used as the medical imaging device 1. Dynamic imaging refers to obtaining multiple images showing the dynamic state of a subject by repeatedly irradiating the subject with pulsed radiation such as X-rays at predetermined time intervals (pulsed irradiation) or by continuously irradiating the subject with a low dose rate without interruption (continuous irradiation). A series of images obtained by dynamic imaging is called a dynamic image. Dynamic images include moving images, but do not include images obtained by capturing still images while displaying a moving image. Each of the multiple images that make up a dynamic image is called a frame image. The medical imaging device 1 is not limited to a radiographic device capable of capturing dynamic images, but may also be, for example, a radiographic device capable of capturing still radiographic images, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, etc.

[0030] The imaging control device 2 is a device (console) operated by a technician, and controls imaging by the medical imaging device 1 based on imaging order information. The imaging order information may be input by a user operation, or may be transmitted from an HIS or RIS (not shown). The imaging control device 2 also attaches image auxiliary information to the medical images generated by the medical imaging device 1 (for example, writes it as a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) header), and transmits the image to the image processing workstation 3 via the communication network N.

[0031] Here, the image-attached information includes patient information, examination information, series information, and image information (image attribute information). Patient information is various information related to the patient (subject) of the medical image, and includes, for example, information on items such as patient ID, patient name, date of birth, age, sex, height, and weight. Examination information is various information related to the examination, and includes, for example, information on items such as examination ID, examination date, examination time, technician name, requesting physician, interpreting physician, examination description, number of series, and number of images. Series information is various information related to the series included in the examination, and includes, for example, information on items such as imaging date and time, modality, body part, series description, laterality, series number, number of images, and AE title. Image information is various information related to the medical image, and includes, for example, information on items such as creation date and time, image number, image type, image size (number of pixels), frame number, and number of frames.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the imaging control device 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the imaging control device 2 is configured to include a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, etc., and each unit is connected via a bus 26.

[0033] The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory The CPU of the control unit 21 reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 22, expands them in the RAM, and performs centralized control of the operation of the imaging control device 2 in accordance with the expanded programs.

[0034] The storage unit 22 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 22 stores various programs executable by the control unit 21, parameters required for executing processing by the programs, data such as processing results, etc. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program code, and the control unit 21 sequentially executes operations in accordance with the program code.

[0035] The communication unit 23 includes a LAN adapter and the like, and controls data transmission and reception with external devices connected to the communication network N.

[0036] The operation unit 24 is configured with a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs instruction signals input by the user through key operations on the keyboard or mouse operations to the control unit 21. The operation unit 24 may also be provided with a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 25, and in this case, outputs instruction signals input via the touch panel to the control unit 21.

[0037] The display unit 25 is configured with a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and performs various displays according to instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 31.

[0038] The image processing workstation 3 is an image processing device that performs image processing (including analysis) at high speed on a large volume of medical images received from the imaging control device 2 and outputs at least the image processing results (processed images, etc.) to an output destination such as the medical image management device 4. Multiple image processing results may be generated from a single medical image. For example, the image processing workstation 3 may perform dynamic analysis processing on a dynamic image to generate an analysis result image as a processed image. However, the image processing workstation 3 is not limited to the analysis result image, and may also generate graphs and numerical values ​​through analysis and output them to an output destination such as the medical image management device 4. Furthermore, the image processing workstation 3 is not limited to performing dynamic analysis processing on dynamic images, and may also perform image processing on other types of medical images. In this embodiment, the image processing workstation 3 will be described as performing image processing on medical images and generating a processed image as the image processing result.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image processing workstation 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the image processing workstation 3 is configured to include a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, a display unit 35, etc., and each unit is connected via a bus 36.

[0040] The control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory ) etc. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 32, expands them in the RAM, and performs centralized control of the operation of the image processing workstation 3 in accordance with the expanded programs. The control unit 31 functions as the management means of the present invention. It also functions as the provision means in cooperation with the communication unit 33.

[0041] The storage unit 32 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 32 stores various programs executable by the control unit 31, parameters required for executing processing by the programs, data such as processing results, etc. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program code, and the control unit 31 sequentially executes operations in accordance with the program code.

[0042] The storage unit 32 also stores a status management table 321 that manages status information indicating the processing status of the medical image received from the imaging control device 2 in the image processing workstation 3. The status management table 321 is a table that stores status information that associates image attendant information of the medical image with a status indicating the processing status of the medical image (for example, at least one of the image reception status, image processing status, and output status of the image processing result).

[0043] Here, the status management table 321 stores status information in at least one unit of examination, series, region, or image, and the control unit 31 manages the status information (in the unit stored in the status management table 321) using the status management table 321. The unit by which the status information is managed may be determined in advance, or may be set by the user by operating the operation unit 34. When managing status information on an examination basis, the status management table 321 stores status information that, for example, associates information on predetermined items of patient information + examination information contained in the image ancillary information of a received medical image with a status indicating the processing status for the entire medical image to which that examination information is attached (including processed images obtained by image processing the medical image to which that examination information is attached). When managing status information on a series basis, the status management table 321 stores status information that, for example, associates information on predetermined items of patient information + examination information + series information contained in the image ancillary information of a received medical image with a status indicating the processing status for the entire medical image to which that series information is attached (including processed images obtained by image processing the medical image to which that series information is attached). When managing status information on a part-by-part basis, the status management table 321 stores status information that associates, for example, information on predetermined items of patient information + examination information + part information contained in the image-attached information with a status indicating the processing status for the entire medical image to which that part information is attached (including processed images obtained by image processing the medical image to which that part information is attached). When managing status information on an image-by-image basis, the status management table 321 stores status information in which, for example, predetermined items of patient information, examination information, series information, and image information contained in the image-attaching information are associated with a status indicating the processing status of the medical image to which that image information is attached. Note that after the start of image processing, it is also necessary to manage the status of processed images obtained by image processing the received medical images as the processing status of the received medical images, and therefore status information for each processed image (for each type of image processing (algorithm)) is also stored.

[0044] The communication unit 33 includes a LAN adapter and the like, and controls data transmission and reception with external devices connected to the communication network N.

[0045] The operation unit 34 is configured with a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs instruction signals input by the user through key operations on the keyboard or mouse operations to the control unit 31. The operation unit 34 may also be provided with a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 35, and in this case, outputs instruction signals input via the touch panel to the control unit 31.

[0046] The display unit 35 is configured with a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and performs various displays according to instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 31.

[0047] The medical image management device 4 and the medical image playback device 5 are devices that constitute a medical image management system (PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication System). The medical image management device 4 is a server that has an image DB (Data Base) and stores and manages medical images (including processed images). The medical image management device 4 is configured with a control unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, an operation unit, and a display unit (none of which are shown). The medical image reproducing device 5 is a terminal device (client terminal) for doctors to view medical images and processed images, and in response to a request from a doctor to obtain a medical image, obtains and displays (reproduces) the medical image from the medical image management device 4. The medical image reproducing device 5 is configured with a control unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, an operation unit, and a display unit (none of which are shown).

[0048] [Operation of Medical Imaging System 100] Next, the operation of the medical image system 100 in this embodiment will be described. 4A and 4B are flow diagrams showing an example of the operation of the medical image system 100 in this embodiment. 4A and 4B show the flow of the operation of the medical image system 100 for medical images of one examination. The operation of the medical image system 100 will be described below with reference to 4A and 4B. 4A and 4B, for simplicity, only one type of image processing is performed on the received medical image and there is only one output destination, but if multiple types of image processing are performed, the timing at which step S7 and subsequent steps are performed will differ for each type of image processing. Also, if there are multiple output destinations for one processed image, the timing at which step S13 and subsequent steps are performed will differ for each output destination.

[0049] When a medical image of an examination is generated by the medical imaging device 1 and the operation unit 24 in the imaging control device 2 instructs the transmission of the medical image (step S1), the control unit 21 transmits the generated medical image to the image processing workstation 3 via the communication unit 23 (step S2).

[0050] In the image processing workstation 3, when the medical image transmitted from the imaging control device 2 is received by the communication unit 33 (step S3), the control unit 31 stores (stores) the received medical image in the memory unit 32 (step S4).

[0051] Next, the control unit 31 determines the type of image processing (including analysis) to be performed on the received medical image and the output destination of the image (step S5). In this embodiment, the received medical image and its processed image can be output to the output destination, and in step S5, the output destination of the medical image and its processed image is determined, but it is also possible to output only the processed image, which is the result of image processing, to the output destination, and in step S5, it is also possible to determine only the output destination of the processed image, which is the result of image processing (the same applies to the second and third embodiments). The type of image processing (algorithm) and the image output destination may be determined in response to a user operation, or may be determined automatically by the control unit 31 based on image supplementary information of the medical image or by analyzing the medical image. Multiple types of image processing may be performed on one medical image. Also, an output destination may be determined for each image, or multiple output destinations may be determined for one image. Examples of image output destinations include, but are not limited to, the medical image management device 4 and a Web (World Wide Web) image distribution device provided in the image processing workstation 3. The output destination may be determined between steps S12 and S13. The determined information is temporarily stored in the RAM of the control unit 31 or the like.

[0052] Next, the control unit 31 registers status information for managing the status of the received medical image and the processed image thereof in the status management table 321 (step S6). For example, the control unit 31 registers (updates) status information in the status management table 321, which associates information on the necessary items in the image ancillary information of the received medical image according to the unit for managing the status information with a status indicating the current processing status. After the start of image processing, the status of the processed image generated by image processing of the received medical image must also be managed as part of the processing status of the received medical image. Therefore, if status information is managed on an image-by-image basis, status information for each processed image is also registered. As the status at step S6, for example, "reception completed" is registered for the received medical image, and "-" (not applicable) is registered for the processed image. Note that the status is managed for each output destination, but the same status is registered for all output destinations up to the status of "image processing completed."

[0053] Next, the control unit 31 starts to perform the type of image processing determined in step S6 on the received medical image (step S7), and updates the status information (step S8). For example, if status information is managed by examination, series, or region, the status in the status information for the examination, series, or region related to the medical image for which image processing has started is updated to "image processing started (or image processing in progress)." If status is managed by image, the status in the status information for the processed image corresponding to the type of image processing that has started is updated to "image processing started (or image processing in progress)."

[0054] Next, the control unit 31 monitors for errors in the started image processing, and if an error occurs (step S9; YES), updates the status information (step S10). For example, if status information is managed by examination, series, or region, the status in the status information for the examination, series, or region related to the medical image in which the image processing error occurred is updated to "image processing error." If status is managed by image, the status in the status information for the processed image corresponding to the type of image processing in which the image processing error occurred is updated to "image processing error." The control unit 31 repeats steps S9 to S11 until the image processing is completed (step S11; NO).

[0055] When the image processing is completed (step S11; YES), the control unit 31 updates the status information (step S12). For example, if status information is managed on an image-by-image basis, the status in the status information for a processed image for which image processing has been completed is updated to “image processing completed.” If status information is managed on an examination, series, or site-by-site basis, the status in the status information is updated to “image processing completed” when all image processing for all relevant medical images is completed. The generated processed image is provided with image attendant information in which, for example, the type of image processing (algorithm) is added to the image attendant information of the medical image before image processing.

[0056] When the image processing is completed, the control unit 31 causes the communication unit 33 to start outputting (transmitting) the image to the output destination determined in step S5 (step S13), and updates the status information (step S14). For example, when status information is managed by examination, series, or region, the status of the output destination where image output has started in the status information of the examination, series, or region related to the medical image or processed image for which image output has started is updated to "output started (or outputting in progress)." When status is managed by image, the status of the output destination where image output has started in the status information of the medical image or processed image for which image output has started is updated to "output started (or outputting in progress)."

[0057] Next, the control unit 31 monitors for errors in the started image output, and if an error occurs (step S15; YES), updates the status information (step S16). For example, when status information is managed by examination, series, or region, the status of the output destination where the image output error occurred in the status information of the examination, series, or region related to the medical image or processed image where the output error occurred is updated to "output error." When status is managed by image, the status of the output destination where the image output error occurred in the status information of the medical image or processed image where the image output error occurred is updated to "output error." The control unit 31 repeats steps S15 to S17 until the image output is completed (step S17; NO).

[0058] When the image output is completed (step S17; YES), the control unit 31 updates the status information (step S18). For example, if status information is managed on an image-by-image basis, the status of the output destination for which image output has been completed in the status information for the medical image or processed image for which image output has been completed is updated to "output completed." If status information is managed on an examination-by-examination, series-by-series, or site-by-site basis, when image output for all applicable medical images and all processed images for each output destination is completed, the status of the output destination for which image output has been completed in that status information is updated to "output completed."

[0059] When the medical image management device 4 receives the medical image and the processed image from the image processing workstation 3 (step S19), it acquires the image attendant information of the received medical image and the processed image, and stores the received image and its image attendant information in the image DB (step S20).

[0060] When a user such as a doctor operates the operation unit of the medical image playback device 5 to instruct the display of status information of medical images (step S21), the control unit of the medical image playback device 5 requests the image processing workstation 3 to send the status information (step S22). For example, each screen displayed by the medical image playback device 5 displays a status display button to instruct the image processing workstation 3 to display status information, and by pressing this status display button, it is possible to easily instruct the display of status information.

[0061] In the image processing workstation 3, when a request to send status information is received from the medical image reproducing device 5, the control unit 31 reads out the status information stored in the status management table 321 and provides (transmits) it to the medical image reproducing device 5 via the communication unit 33 (step S23). Methods for providing the status information to an external device such as the medical image reproducing device 5 include transmission by file linkage and transmission by a dedicated protocol. Alternatively, in the image processing workstation 3, a dedicated storage area accessible from an external device may be provided in the storage unit 32 or the like, and the control unit 31 may store the status information in this dedicated storage area so that the status information can be directly referenced by an external device such as the medical image reproducing device 5. The status information is provided in units managed in the status management table 321 (at least one of examination units, series units, region units, and image units).

[0062] When the medical image reproducing device 5 acquires the status information, the control unit of the medical image reproducing device 5 stores (updates) the received status information in the storage unit, and displays the status information on the display unit (step S24). The status information may be displayed on a dedicated status display screen, on an existing examination list screen, or as a pop-up dialog box, etc. The content of the status information may also be notified by voice.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the status display screen 351. FIG. 5 shows an example in which status information is provided for each examination, each series, and each image, and status information 351a for each examination, status information 351b for each series, and status information 351c for each image are displayed. In the status information by examination 351a, a status 3511 of all medical images included in the examination is displayed in association with patient information and examination information for identifying the examination. When status information for one examination is selected in this status information by examination 351a, detailed status information for the selected examination is displayed. FIG. 5 shows an example in which status information by series 351b and status information by image 351c are displayed. In the status information by series 351b, a status 3512 of all medical images included in the series is displayed in association with the series information of the selected examination. In addition, in the status information by image 351b, a status 3513 of each image is displayed in association with the image information of each image corresponding to the selected series.

[0064] Status 3511 to 3513 use icons to display the image processing status and the output status of the image processing results (processed images) for each output destination. Note that the image reception status is omitted here, but the image reception status may also be displayed. In Fig. 5, a check mark icon indicates that image processing or image output has been completed. An icon with an x ​​inside a circle indicates that an error has occurred. An hourglass icon indicates that processing is in progress. An arrow icon indicates that the task is reserved (processing has not yet started). A dotted line icon indicates that there is no reservation.

[0065] In this way, the status indicating the processing status of the medical image in the image processing workstation 3 is displayed on the medical image reproducing device 5, so the doctor operating the medical image reproducing device 5 can grasp the processing status in the image processing workstation 3 without going to the image processing workstation 3. As a result, the doctor can efficiently perform his / her work such as diagnosis. In addition, status information is managed and provided by one or more of the following units: examination unit, series unit, region unit, and image unit, allowing users to check status information in a unit that is easy to manage.

[0066] In the medical image playback device 5, when a user such as a doctor operates the operation unit to specify the conditions for the medical image to be displayed and instructs the display of the medical image (step S25), the control unit of the medical image playback device 5 requests the medical image management device 4 to send the medical image that meets the specified conditions, and acquires the medical image (step S26). When the medical image management device 4 receives a request to send a medical image from the medical image reproducing device 5, it reads out a medical image that meets the specified conditions from the image DB and transmits it to the medical image reproducing device 5 via the communication unit.

[0067] When the medical image is acquired in the medical image reproducing device 5, the control unit causes the display unit to display the acquired medical image (step S27).

[0068] 4A to 4B, a case has been described in which a user issues a request to display status information from the medical image playback device 5, but the user can also issue a display instruction for status information from the imaging control device 2 or the medical image management device 4 to display the status information. For example, a status display button for instructing the image processing workstation 3 to display status information is displayed on each screen displayed by the imaging control device 2, and by pressing this status display button, the user, i.e., a technician, can easily instruct the image processing workstation 3 to display the status information. In response to the user's instruction to display the status, the control unit 21 of the imaging control device 2 may request the image processing workstation 3 to transmit the status information, obtain the status information provided (transmitted) from the image processing device 3, and display the information on the status display screen (see FIG. 5), or may display the information on an existing examination list screen, or may display the information in a pop-up such as a dialog display, or may notify the user by voice.

[0069] In this way, status information indicating the processing status of medical images at the image processing workstation 3 is displayed on the imaging control device 2, so the technician operating the imaging control device 2 can understand the processing status at the image processing workstation 3 without having to go to the image processing workstation 3. As a result, the technician can efficiently perform imaging work. For example, if there is a failure in image processing, the technician can know this without going to the image processing workstation 3, so it is possible to quickly re-imaging the image before the patient goes home, thereby making imaging work more efficient.

[0070] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was given in which status information managed by the image processing workstation 3 is provided in response to a request from an external device connected to the image processing workstation 3 via a communication network N, such as an imaging control device 2 or a medical image playback device 5.In the second embodiment, a case is described in which the status information is transmitted (provided) from the image processing workstation 3 to an external device via the communication network N at a predetermined timing.

[0071] The configuration of the medical image system 100 and each device in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description will be used to explain the operation of the medical image system 100 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control unit 31 functions as the management means of the present invention. Furthermore, the control unit 31 functions as the provision means of the present invention in cooperation with the communication unit 33.

[0072] Figures 6A and 6B are flow diagrams showing an example of the operation of the medical image system 100 in the second embodiment. Figures 6A and 6B show the flow of the operation of the medical image system 100 for medical images of one examination. The operation of the medical image system 100 will be described below with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. 6A and 6B, for simplicity, only one type of image processing is performed on the received medical image and there is only one output destination, but if multiple types of image processing are performed, the timing at which step S44 and subsequent steps are performed will differ for each type of image processing. Also, if there are multiple output destinations for one processed image, the timing at which step S71 and subsequent steps are performed will differ for each output destination.

[0073] When a medical image of an examination is generated by the medical imaging device 1 and the operation unit 24 in the imaging control device 2 instructs the transmission of the medical image (step S31), the control unit 21 transmits the generated medical image to the image processing workstation 3 via the communication unit 23 (step S32).

[0074] In the image processing workstation 3, when the medical image transmitted from the imaging control device 2 is received by the communication unit 33 (step S33), the control unit 31 stores (stores) the received medical image in the memory unit 32 (step S34).

[0075] Next, the control unit 31 determines the type of image processing (including analysis) to be performed on the received medical image and the output destination of the image (step S35). The process of step S35 is similar to step S5 in FIG. 4A, and therefore the same explanation will be used.

[0076] Next, the control unit 31 registers status information for managing the status of the received medical image and the processed image thereof in the status management table 321 (step S36). The process of step S36 is the same as that of step S6 in Fig. 4A, and therefore the same explanation will be used. As the status, "reception completed" is registered.

[0077] Then, the control unit 31 transmits the registered status information to external devices (here, the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33 (step S37). The status information is transmitted (provided) in units managed in the status management table 321 (at least one of examination units, series units, region units, and image units).

[0078] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive status information from the image processing workstation 3 (steps S38 to S40), the control unit of each device stores the received status information in the status information storage area of ​​the memory unit, and manually or automatically displays the status information on the display unit (steps S41 to S43). The status information may be displayed on a dedicated status display screen as shown in FIG. 5, or may be displayed on an existing test list screen, or may be displayed in a pop-up 352 such as a dialogue display as shown in FIG. 7, or may be notified by voice.

[0079] Next, the control unit 31 starts performing the type of image processing determined in step S35 on the received medical image (step S44), and updates the status information (step S45). The processing in step S45 is similar to step S8 in Fig. 4A, so the explanation will be used here. The status is updated to "image processing started (or image processing in progress)." Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S46).

[0080] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive updated status information (S47 to S49), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image ancillary information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and displays the updated status information on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S50 to S52).

[0081] Next, the control unit 31 monitors for errors in the started image processing, and if an error occurs (step S53; YES), it updates the status information (step S54). The processing in step S54 is similar to step S10 in Fig. 4A, so the explanation will be used here. The status is updated to "image processing error." Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S55). The control unit 31 repeats steps S53 to S56 until the image processing is completed (step S56; NO). Note that once an error occurrence is detected and the status information of "image processing error" is transmitted, the status information is not transmitted again.

[0082] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive updated status information (S57 to S59), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image ancillary information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and displays the updated status information on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S60 to S62).

[0083] When the image processing is completed (step S56; YES), the control unit 31 updates the status information (step S63). The processing of step S63 is similar to that of step S12 in Fig. 4A, and therefore the description thereof will be cited. The status is updated to "image processing completed." Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33 (step S64).

[0084] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive updated status information (S65 to S67), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image ancillary information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and displays the updated status information on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S68 to S70).

[0085] Next, the control unit 31 causes the communication unit 33 to start outputting the medical image and the processed image to the output destination determined in step S35 (step S71), and updates the status information (step S72). The processing in step S72 is similar to step S14 in Fig. 4A, and therefore the same explanation is used. The status is updated to "output started (outputting)". Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S73).

[0086] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive updated status information (S74 to S76), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image ancillary information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and displays the updated status information on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S77 to S79).

[0087] Next, the control unit 31 monitors for image output errors, and if an error occurs (step S80; YES), it updates the status information (step S81). The processing of step S81 is similar to step S16 in FIG. 4A, so the explanation will be used here. The status is updated to "output error." Then, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to the external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S82). The control unit 31 repeats steps S80 to S83 until the image output is completed (step S83; NO). Note that once an error occurrence is detected and the status information of "output error" is transmitted, the status information is not transmitted again.

[0088] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive updated status information (S84 to S86), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image ancillary information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and displays the updated status information on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S87 to S89).

[0089] When the image output is completed (step S83; YES), the control unit 31 updates the status information (step S90). The process of step S90 is the same as that of step S18 in Fig. 4B, and therefore the description thereof will be used. The status is updated to "output completed."

[0090] When the medical image management device 4 completes receiving the medical image and processed image from the image processing workstation 3 (step S91), it acquires the image attendant information of the received medical image and processed image, and stores the received image and its image attendant information in the image DB (step S92).

[0091] After updating the status information, the control unit 31 transmits the updated status information to external devices (the imaging control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S93).

[0092] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive updated status information (S94 to S96), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image ancillary information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and displays the updated status information on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S97 to S99).

[0093] In this way, status information indicating the processing status of medical images in the image processing workstation 3 is provided to external devices such as the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5. This allows the technician operating the imaging control device 2 to understand the processing status in the image processing workstation 3 without having to go to the image processing workstation 3. As a result, the technician can perform imaging tasks efficiently. For example, if there is an error in image processing, the technician can immediately understand the error without having to go to the image processing workstation 3. This allows the technician to quickly re-photograph the image before the patient goes home, thereby improving the efficiency of imaging tasks. Furthermore, the doctor operating the medical image management device 4 or the medical image playback device 5 can understand the processing status in the image processing workstation 3 without having to go to the image processing workstation 3. As a result, the doctor can efficiently perform tasks such as diagnosis.

[0094] <Third embodiment> In the first and second embodiments, we have described the case where status information managed by the image processing workstation 3 is sent to an external device, but in the third embodiment, we will describe the case where additional information related to the status is sent along with the status information.

[0095] The configuration of the medical imaging system 100 and each device in the third embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description will be used to explain the operation of the medical imaging system 100 in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control unit 31 functions as the management unit and generation unit of the present invention. The control unit 31 also functions as the provision unit in cooperation with the communication unit 33.

[0096] Figures 8A and 8B are flow diagrams showing an example of the operation of the medical image system 100 in the third embodiment. Figures 8A and 8B show the flow of the operation of the medical image system 100 for medical images of one examination. The operation of the medical image system 100 will be described below with reference to Figures 8A and 8B. 8A and 8B, for simplicity, only one type of image processing is performed on the received medical image and there is only one output destination, but if multiple types of image processing are performed, the timing at which step S114 and subsequent steps are performed will differ for each type of image processing. Also, if there are multiple output destinations for one processed image, the timing at which step S141 and subsequent steps are performed will differ for each output destination.

[0097] When a medical image of an examination is generated by the medical imaging device 1 and the operation unit 24 in the imaging control device 2 instructs the transmission of the medical image (step S101), the control unit 21 transmits the generated medical image to the image processing workstation 3 via the communication unit 23 (step S102).

[0098] In the image processing workstation 3, when the medical image transmitted from the imaging control device 2 is received by the communication unit 33 (step S103), the control unit 31 stores (stores) the received medical image in the memory unit 32 (step S104).

[0099] Next, the control unit 31 determines the type of image processing (including analysis) to be performed on the received medical image and the output destination of the image (step S105). The process of step S105 is similar to step S5 in FIG. 4A, and therefore the same explanation will be used.

[0100] Next, the control unit 31 registers status information for managing the status of the received medical image and the processed image thereof in the status management table 321 (step S106). The process of step S106 is the same as step S6 in Fig. 4A, and therefore the same explanation will be used. As the status, "reception completed" is registered.

[0101] Then, the control unit 31 generates additional information and transmits (provides) the registered status information and additional information to external devices (here, the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N by the communication unit 33 (step S107).

[0102] Here, the additional information is information to be transmitted to an external device together with the status information. The additional information may be automatically generated by the control unit 31, or may be generated based on comment information input by the user. Examples of comment information include requests from a user who has confirmed the received medical image to the photographer (for example, precautions to take when photographing). If there is no additional information to be transmitted together with the status information, transmission of the additional information may be omitted. For example, additional information to be transmitted along with the "reception complete" status information may include comment information that, when an operator checks the received medical image and determines that an imaging error has occurred (imaging failure), informs the photographer of the occurrence of the imaging error and the reason for the error. Examples of reasons for the imaging error include excessive or insufficient radiation dose in the medical image, positioning errors (body movement, loss of the diagnostic target area), grid moiré, artifacts, etc. Important points to note during imaging (e.g., please reduce the radiation dose) may also be included as additional information. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may automatically analyze the medical image to determine whether an imaging error has occurred, and, if it determines that an imaging error has occurred (imaging failure), generate additional information indicating the occurrence of the imaging error and the reason for the occurrence. In this way, by transmitting the fact that an imaging error has occurred and the reason for it to the imaging control device 2, the technician can immediately know that an imaging error has occurred and the reason for it without having to go to the image processing workstation 3, making the next action (for example, taking a retake) clear, which can contribute to overall work efficiency improvement. Also, by communicating points to be careful about when taking images, mistakes can be reduced when taking images, which can lead to work efficiency improvement.

[0103] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive updated status information and additional information (S108 to S110), the control unit of each device stores the received status information and additional information in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit, and displays the status information and additional information manually or automatically on the display unit (steps S111 to S113). The status information and additional information may be displayed on a dedicated status display screen (see Figure 5), on an existing test list screen, or in a pop-up dialog box (see Figure 7), or may be notified by voice.

[0104] Next, the control unit 31 starts performing the type of image processing determined in step S105 on the received medical image (step S114), and updates the status information (step S115). The processing in step S115 is similar to step S8 in Fig. 4A, so the description thereof is used here. The status is updated to "image processing started (or image processing in progress)." Then, the control unit 31 generates additional information and transmits the updated status information and additional information to external devices (the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S116).

[0105] For example, additional information to be transmitted together with the status information of "image processing started" may include a predicted image processing time calculated by the control unit 31. The predicted image processing time can be calculated, for example, by multiplying the processing time per image corresponding to the image size of the medical image to be processed by the number of frames. The processing time per image for each image size is pre-stored in the storage unit 32 for each type of image processing, for example. It is preferable that this processing time per image is measured each time image processing is performed by the image processing workstation 3, and the latest value is stored in the storage unit 32.

[0106] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive updated status information (S117 to S119), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image attendant information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit with the received status information, and adds the received additional information to the stored additional information (it may be overwritten; the same applies below).The updated status information and the added additional information are then manually or automatically displayed on the display unit (steps S120 to S122).

[0107] In this way, by transmitting the predicted image processing time to, for example, a medical image playback device 5, a doctor operating the medical image playback device 5 can know how much longer image processing will take, making it easier to plan diagnostic work and improving work efficiency.

[0108] Next, the control unit 31 monitors for errors in the started image processing, and if an error occurs (step S123; YES), it updates the status information (step S124). The processing in step S124 is similar to step S10 in Fig. 4A, so the description thereof will be used here. The status is updated to "image processing error." Then, the control unit 31 generates additional information and transmits the updated status information and additional information to external devices (the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S125).

[0109] For example, additional information to be transmitted along with the status information of "image processing error" may include the reason for the image processing error. The control unit 31 repeats steps S123 to S126 until the image processing is completed (step S126; NO). Note that once an error occurrence is detected and the status information of "image processing error" is transmitted, the status information is not transmitted again.

[0110] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S127-S129), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image attendant information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit with the received status information, and adds the received additional information to the stored additional information.The updated status information and the added additional information are then displayed on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S130-S132).

[0111] In this way, by transmitting the reason for the image processing error to, for example, the imaging control device 2, the technician operating the imaging control device 2 can know that an error has occurred and the reason for it, making the next action (re-imaging, etc.) clear, which in turn contributes to overall work efficiency.

[0112] When the image processing is completed (step S126; YES), the control unit 31 updates the status information (step S133). The processing of step S133 is the same as that of step S12 in Fig. 4A, and therefore the description thereof will be used. The status is updated to "image processing completed." Then, the control unit 31 generates additional information and transmits the updated status information and additional information to external devices (the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S134).

[0113] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S135 to S137), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image attendant information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and adds the received additional information to the stored additional information.The updated status information and the added additional information are then displayed on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S138 to S140).

[0114] Next, the control unit 31 causes the communication unit 33 to start outputting the medical image and the processed image (image processing result) to the output destination determined in step S105 (step S141), and updates the status information (step S142). The processing in step S142 is the same as step S14 in Fig. 4A, so the explanation will be used here. The status is updated to "output started (outputting)". Then, the control unit 31 generates additional information and transmits the updated status information and additional information to external devices (the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S143).

[0115] Examples of additional information to be transmitted together with the status information of "output started" include the predicted output time of the image processing result calculated by the control unit 31. The predicted output time of the image processing result can be calculated, for example, by (image size of the image to be transmitted x number of frames) ÷ transfer rate. The transfer rate is pre-stored in the storage unit 32. It is preferable to measure this transfer rate each time an image is transmitted by the image processing workstation 3, and store the latest value in the storage unit 32. In addition, if the image processing result is data other than an image, such as a graph or numerical values, the approximate data size of the image processing result can be stored in advance in the memory unit 32, and the data size of the image processing result can be calculated by dividing the data size by the transfer rate.

[0116] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S144 to S146), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image attendant information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and adds the received additional information to the stored additional information.The updated status information and the added additional information are then displayed on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S147 to S149).

[0117] In this way, by transmitting the predicted output time of the image processing results to, for example, a medical image playback device 5, a doctor operating the medical image playback device 5 can know how long it will take for the image processing results to arrive, making it easier to plan diagnostic work and improving work efficiency.

[0118] Next, the control unit 31 monitors for output errors, and if an error occurs (step S150; YES), it updates the status information (step S151). The process of step S151 is similar to step S16 in Fig. 4A, so the description thereof will be used here. The status is updated to "output error." Then, the control unit 31 generates additional information and transmits the updated status information and additional information to external devices (the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step 152). Examples of additional information to be sent along with the "output error" status information include the reason for the error. The control unit 31 repeats steps S150 to S153 until the image output is completed (step S153; NO). Note that once an error occurrence is detected and the status information of "output error" is transmitted, the status information is not transmitted again.

[0119] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S154 to S156), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image attendant information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and adds the received additional information to the stored additional information.The updated status information and the added additional information are then displayed on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S157 to S159).

[0120] In this way, by transmitting the occurrence of an output error and the reason for it to, for example, a medical image playback device 5, a doctor operating the medical image playback device 5 can know that an output error has occurred and the reason for it, and can therefore plan diagnostic work taking into account the occurrence of an output error, thereby making work more efficient.

[0121] When the image output is completed (step S153; YES), the control unit 31 updates the status information (step S160). The process of step S160 is the same as step S18 in Fig. 4B, so the explanation will be used here. The status is updated to "output completed."

[0122] When the medical image management device 4 completes receiving the medical image and processed image from the image processing workstation 3 (step S161), the control unit of each device acquires the image attendant information of the received medical image and processed image, and stores the received image and its image attendant information in the image DB (step S162).

[0123] After updating the status information, the control unit 31 generates additional information and transmits the updated status information and additional information to external devices (the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5) connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 (step S163).

[0124] When the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5 receive the updated status information and additional information (S164 to S166), the control unit of each device updates the status information having the same image attendant information stored in the status information storage area of ​​the storage unit using the received status information, and adds the received additional information to the stored additional information.The updated status information and the added additional information are then displayed on the display unit manually or automatically (steps S167 to S169).

[0125] In this way, status information indicating the processing status of medical images in the image processing workstation 3 and its additional information are provided to external devices such as the imaging control device 2, medical image management device 4, and medical image playback device 5. Therefore, for example, a technician operating the imaging control device 2 can grasp the processing status in the image processing workstation 3 without traveling to the image processing workstation 3. Furthermore, the additional information allows the technician to grasp imaging failures and points requiring attention. As a result, imaging work can be performed efficiently. For example, if an image loss occurs, the technician can immediately grasp the fact and the reason for the image loss without traveling to the image processing workstation 3. This allows for quick re-imaging before the patient returns home, thereby improving the efficiency of imaging work. Furthermore, a doctor operating the medical image management device 4 or the medical image playback device 5 can grasp the processing status of medical images in the image processing workstation 3 and the arrival time of images, without traveling to the image processing workstation 3. As a result, doctors can perform their work, such as diagnosis, efficiently.

[0126] If a medical image is mis-taken or an image processing error occurs, it is necessary to notify the technician as soon as possible and have the image retaken. Therefore, the control unit 21 of the imaging control device 2 may act as a control means of the present invention and control the operation of the imaging control device 2 based on the status information and additional information received from the image processing workstation 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0127] For example, when an examination screen corresponding to status information received from the image processing workstation 3 is displayed on the display unit 25, the control unit 21 may display the status information and additional information of the received status information on the examination screen. For example, if the received status information is "image processing error" and the additional information is the reason for the error such as "missing lung field," the control unit 21 will display, on the examination screen displayed on the display unit 25, as shown by symbol 353 in Figure 9, the shooting conditions of the medical image that caused the image processing error (here, chest video PA), the fact that the image processing failed (image processing: NG), and the reason for that (reason: missing lung field). Furthermore, for example, if the received status information is "image processing in progress" and the additional information is the estimated image processing time, the control unit 21 calculates the remaining time for image processing based on the estimated image processing time, and displays, on the examination screen displayed on the display unit 251, as shown by the symbol 354, the medical image shooting conditions (here, chest video LAT), the fact that image processing is in progress (image processing: in progress), and the estimated remaining time (estimated time: 1 minute remaining), etc.

[0128] Alternatively, if the additional information is the reason for a shooting error or an image processing error, the control unit 21 displays on the examination screen the shooting conditions for the medical image with the shooting error or the medical image for which image processing has failed and a message urging reshooting, as shown by reference numeral 355 in Fig. 10, and also automatically creates shooting order information for the medical image for which image processing has failed, and displays a shooting button 356 for instructing the medical image capturing device 1 to reshoot the generated shooting order information. This allows the technician to know the need for reshooting, and further allows for a smooth transition to reshooting without the cumbersome task of issuing shooting order information, contributing to improved work efficiency.

[0129] As described above, the control unit 31 of the image processing workstation 3 manages status information indicating the processing status of medical images received from the imaging control device 2, and provides the status information to external devices connected via the communication network N, including at least the imaging control device 2. Therefore, a technician operating the imaging control device 2 can grasp the processing status at the image processing workstation 3 without going to the image processing workstation 3. As a result, the technician can efficiently perform imaging tasks. For example, if there is an error in image processing, the technician can immediately grasp the fact without going to the image processing workstation 3, which makes it possible to quickly re-imaging the image before the patient goes home, thereby improving the efficiency of imaging tasks. Furthermore, a doctor operating the medical image management device 4 or the medical image playback device 5 can grasp the processing status at the image processing workstation 3 without going to the image processing workstation 3. As a result, the doctor can efficiently perform tasks such as diagnosis.

[0130] The above-described embodiment is a preferred example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0131] For example, in the above embodiment, the status information was described as information indicating the reception status of medical images at the image processing workstation 3, the image processing status, and the output status of the image processing results, but it is sufficient if it includes at least one of the reception status, image processing status, and output status of the image processing results.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the control unit 31 updates the status information at each of the following times: when reception of a medical image is completed, when image processing begins, when image processing is completed, when output of the image processing results begins, when output of the image processing results is completed, and when an error occurs. However, this is not limited to this. For example, if the image processing workstation 3 is configured to be able to acquire image-attached information for a medical image generated in an examination before starting reception of the medical image generated in that examination, status information for the medical image of that examination may be generated in advance based on the acquired image-attached information before receiving the medical image of that examination. The status information may also be updated when reception of the medical image begins. While it is preferable to update the status information at all of the above times, it is sufficient to update the status information at at least one of the times.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the control unit 31 as a providing means transmits (provides) status information to an external device connected via the communication network N via the communication unit 33 at the following times: when reception of a medical image is completed, when image processing is started, when image processing is completed, when an error occurs, when output of image processing results is started, when output of image processing results is completed, and when status information is requested from the external device. However, this is not limited to this. For example, if a configuration is available in which image-related information generated in an examination can be acquired before receiving the medical image, status information for the medical image may be generated in advance before receiving the medical image, and the status information may be updated and provided to the external device even when reception of the medical image begins. Furthermore, while it is preferable to provide status information to the external device at all of the above times, it is sufficient to provide it at at least one of the times. Furthermore, the status information may be provided to an external device when a request to provide the status information to an external device is made by a manual operation on the image processing workstation 3, or at regular time intervals.

[0134] In addition, in the above embodiment, examples of statuses indicating the reception status, image processing status, and output status of the processing results of medical images include start of reception of medical images, reception completed, start of image processing, image processing completed, error occurrence, start of output of image processing results, and output completion of image processing results. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and for example, statuses such as reception successful, reception failed, image processing successful, image processing failed, output successful, and output failed may be provided.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 31 as a providing means was described as providing status information to the shooting control device 2, the medical image management device 4, and the medical image playback device 5 as an example, but the external devices to which the status information is provided are not limited to those shown in the embodiment. For example, the control unit 31 may provide the status information to one or more external devices connected via the communication network N and used in a process upstream of the image processing device 3 receiving the medical image in the workflow from reserving the medical image to displaying the image processing results. The "external devices used in a process upstream of the image processing device 3 receiving the medical image in the workflow from reserving the medical image to displaying the image processing results" includes at least one of the imaging control device 2, the RIS, the HIS, a wearable display worn by a technician connected via the communication network N, and a terminal device (e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA) terminal or a tablet terminal) connected to the imaging control device 2. Since the above external devices are primarily operated by technicians, providing status information from the image processing device 3 allows the technician to understand the processing status of the image processing workstation 3 without having to go to the image processing workstation 3, which contributes to improving work efficiency.

[0136] The image processing workstation 3 may also be configured to be connected to a wearable display worn by a doctor and an electronic medical record device via a communication network N. The image processing workstation 3 may then transmit (provide) status information to the wearable display or electronic medical record device, or provide status information in response to a request from these devices. Figure 11 shows an example of the status information provided from the image processing workstation 3 displayed on the wearable display.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the medical imaging apparatus 1 and the imaging control device 2 are described as being separate entities, but the imaging control device 2 may be provided within the medical imaging apparatus 1.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the medical image output destinations include the medical image management device 4 and a web-based image delivery device provided within the image processing workstation 3, but the web-based image delivery device may be provided outside the image processing workstation 3. Furthermore, the output destinations of medical images are not limited to the medical image management device 4 and the image delivery device. For example, status information may be displayed (output) on the display unit 35 of the image processing workstation 3.

[0139] In addition, in the above embodiment, the status information is sent directly from the image processing workstation 3 to the medical image reproducing device 5 via the communication unit 33, but the status information may also be sent (provided) to the medical image reproducing device 5 via the medical image management device 4.

[0140] In the above description, examples have been disclosed in which a hard disk or a semiconductor nonvolatile memory is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can also be used as other computer-readable media. Furthermore, carrier waves can also be used as a medium for providing data for the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0141] In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device constituting the medical image system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 100 Medical Imaging Systems 1 Medical imaging equipment 2. Shooting control device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Control section 25 Display section 26 Bus 3 Image Processing Workstations 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 321 Status Management Table 33 Communications Department 34 Control section 35 Display section 36 Bus 4 Medical image management device 5 Medical image playback device

Claims

1. An image processing device that is connected to an imaging control device that controls a medical image imaging device and a medical image management system that includes a medical image management device and a medical image playback device via a communication network established within a medical facility, receives medical images transmitted from the imaging control device, performs image processing on the received medical images, and outputs the image processing results to an output destination that includes the medical image management device, a management unit for managing status information indicating a processing status of the medical image received from the imaging control device; a providing means for providing the status information to one or more external devices connected via the communication network and used in processes upstream of the reception of medical images by the image processing device in a workflow from reservation of medical image capture to display of image processing results; An image processing device comprising:

2. The external device includes the imaging control device, a Radiology Information System (RIS), a Hospital Information System (HIS), a wearable display, and a 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the connected terminal devices.

3. 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the status information is information in which at least one of the reception status of the medical image, the image processing status, and the output status of the image processing result is associated with image-related information of the medical image.

4. An image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the management means updates the status information at at least one of the following times: when reception of the medical image begins, when reception is completed, when image processing begins, when image processing is completed, when output of the image processing result begins, when output is completed, and when an error occurs.

5. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management means manages the status information in at least one unit of an examination unit, a series unit, or an image unit.

6. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the providing means provides the status information at at least one of the following times: when reception of the medical image begins, when reception is completed, when image processing begins, when image processing is completed, when output of the image processing results begins, when output is completed, when an error occurs, when status information is requested from the external device, when status information is requested from the external device by manual operation, or at regular time intervals.

7. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides the status information in at least one unit of an examination unit, a series unit, or an image unit.

8. An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the providing means, when a request for status information is received from the external device, provides the status information by sending the status information via file linkage, by sending the status information via a dedicated protocol, or by the external device directly referencing the status information stored in a specified memory area of ​​the memory unit.

9. generating means for generating additional information to be provided to the external device together with the status information; 9. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides the additional information together with the status information.

10. The image processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the additional information includes at least one of information related to image processing of the medical image, information related to imaging errors, a predicted image processing time, and a predicted output time of the image processing result.

11. 11. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the medical image is a dynamic image.

12. 11. A photographing control device connected to the image processing device according to claim 9 or 10 via a communication network, an imaging control device comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the imaging control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device;

13. an image processing device according to claim 9 or 10; an imaging control device connected to the image processing device via a communication network, the imaging control device including a control unit that controls an operation of the imaging control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device; medical imaging systems, including

14. a medical image management system including a medical image management device and a medical image playback device; and a computer of an image processing device connected to the medical image management system via a communication network established within a medical facility, the computer receiving medical images transmitted from the medical image management device, performing image processing on the received medical images, and outputting the image processing results to an output destination including the medical image management device; a management means for managing status information indicating the processing status of the medical image received from the imaging control device; a providing means for providing the status information to one or more external devices connected via the communication network and used in at least a process upstream of reception of the medical image by the image processing device in a workflow from reservation of photographing of the medical image to display of the image processing result; A program to function as a

15. a computer of an imaging control device connected to the image processing device according to claim 9 or 10 via a communication network, a program for causing the imaging control device to function as a control means for controlling the operation of the imaging control device based on the additional information provided from the image processing device;

Images