Program, medical image processing device, medical image processing system, and medical image processing method

Abstract

This invention provides a program, a medical image management device, a medical image management system, and a medical image management method that enable more favorable selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals. [Solution] The program causes the control unit 31 (computer) of the medical image management device 3 to execute a reception step (S2) in which the operator receives input of patient information for an animal, an identification step (S3) in which the type of animal is identified based on the patient information, and a display control step (S27) in which the image of the animal is displayed on the image processing parameter selection screen based on the type of animal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing system, and a medical image processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a medical image management system is known in which a patient who has come to a medical facility is photographed by an operator such as a doctor or a technician using an image generation device such as a CR (Computed Radiography) imaging device or a DR (Digital Radiography) imaging device, and image processing such as gradation processing is performed so that the obtained image can be provided for diagnosis, and an image-processed image is output.

[0003] In relation to this, Patent Document 1 describes a small-scale diagnostic system including an image generation device and a control device that performs all of image processing, input of examination information, association of an image and examination information, and display of an image and examination information. In this small-scale diagnostic system, automatic recognition of a part is performed on a photographed image, image processing conditions are determined using image processing parameters corresponding to the part, image processing is performed using the image processing conditions, and a definitive photographed image for diagnosis can be generated. Further, the image processing conditions in the definitive photographed image can be adjusted by an operator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, the digitization of medical images has become widespread, and in addition to image processing corresponding to each part, image adjustment more suitable for diagnosis has been required. Therefore, the frequency of image adjustment by an operator is increasing. Under these circumstances, the small-scale diagnostic system described in Patent Document 1 required operators, such as physicians, to perform input operations to adjust the density, contrast, etc., of the generated diagnostic confirmation images according to their purpose, which was cumbersome for the operators. Incidentally, the small-scale diagnostic system described in Patent Document 1 was intended for human patients and not for animal patients. In the case of animals, image processing parameters differ depending on the animal species, making the process more complex.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a program, a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing system, and a medical image processing method that can more effectively select image processing parameters when processing medical images of animals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the program of the present invention is: The computer in the medical image processing system, which applies image processing to medical images of animals, A reception step that receives the target element of the animal entered by the operator, A decision step to determine image processing conditions corresponding to the aforementioned target element, A generation step of generating a processed medical image by applying image processing to a medical image under the aforementioned image processing conditions, Make it run.

[0008] Furthermore, the medical image processing apparatus of the present invention is A medical image processing device that applies image processing to medical images of animals, A reception unit that receives the target element of the animal entered by the operator, A determination unit that determines image processing conditions corresponding to the aforementioned target element, A generation unit that generates a processed medical image by applying image processing to a medical image under the aforementioned image processing conditions, It has.

[0009] Furthermore, the medical image processing system of the present invention is A medical image processing system that applies image processing to medical images of animals, A reception unit that receives the target element of the animal entered by the operator, A determination unit that determines image processing conditions corresponding to the aforementioned target element, A generation unit that generates a processed medical image by applying image processing to a medical image under the aforementioned image processing conditions, It is equipped with.

[0010] Furthermore, the medical image processing method of the present invention is A medical image processing method in a medical image processing apparatus that applies image processing to medical images of animals, A reception step that receives the target element of the animal entered by the operator, A decision step for determining image processing conditions corresponding to the aforementioned target element, A generation step of generating a processed medical image by applying image processing to a medical image under the aforementioned image processing conditions, Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing system, and a medical image processing method that can more effectively select image processing parameters when processing medical images of animals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a medical image management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a medical image management system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a screen for pre-configuring target elements. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a parameter editing screen for each target element. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the image processing steps. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the image acquisition process. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting target elements. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting target elements. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting target elements. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting target elements.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0014] First, referring to FIG. 1, the device configuration of the medical image management system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the medical image management system 1.

[0015] The medical image management system 1 is a system applied to medical facilities such as small animal hospitals for diagnosing sick animals. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical image management system 1 includes an image generation device 2, a medical image management device 3, and a reception device 4. The image generation device 2 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device (US: UltraSonography) 2a, an endoscope (ES: EndoScope) 2b, an electrocardiogram recording device (ECG: ElectroCardioGram) 2c, a CR reader 2d, and a DR reader 2e. Here, a sick animal refers to an animal that is ill and receiving veterinary treatment, including livestock, pets, etc.

[0016] The image generation device 2 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1, and may include, for example, a CT scanner (CT: Computed Tomography), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, or a digital camera for capturing images of the body's external appearance, such as skin. Furthermore, the system may include multiple image generation devices 2 of the same type, such as two DR readers 2e. In addition, the combination of image generation devices 2 provided in the medical image management system 1 is not limited to those exemplified herein.

[0017] The image generation device 2, the medical image management device 3, and the reception device 4 are connected to a communication network 5 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) via, for example, a switching hub (not shown). The medical image management device 3 is an information processing device such as a workstation installed in the examination room where the veterinarian is permanently stationed. The medical image management device 3 has functions to control the startup and processing conditions of the image generation device 2, functions to acquire image data from the image generation device 2 and display it linked to patient information, and functions as a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) to store and manage image data linked to patient information. The patient information includes the animal's species, size, and weight. Animal species include classifications such as dogs, cats, birds, and horses. Size refers to the animal's body type; even within the same species, size can vary depending on further classifications. For example, if the animal is a dog, size classifications include large dogs, medium dogs, and small dogs. Weight refers to the patient's weight. This patient information is stored in the medical image management device 3 for each individual patient.

[0018] In general, the DICOM (Digital Image and Communications in Medicine) standard is used for communication within hospitals, and DICOM MWM (Modality Worklist Management) or DICOM MPPS (Modality Performed Procedure Step) are used for communication between devices connected via LAN. However, the communication methods applicable to this embodiment are not limited to these. Furthermore, some devices connected via LAN may not be compatible with the DICOM standard.

[0019] The medical facility where the medical image management system 1 is installed includes, for example, a reception area, a waiting room, examination rooms, a radiography room, and testing rooms. The reception device 4 is located at the reception area. The medical image management system 3 and the ultrasound diagnostic device 2a are located in the examination rooms. The radiography room is equipped with a CR imaging device (not shown), a CR reader 2d, a DR imaging device (not shown), and a DR reader 2e. The CR imaging device is a device that emits radiation into a CR cassette via the patient as the subject to record radiographic images. The DR imaging device is a device that generates and stores radiographic image data by exposing the patient as the subject to radiation. The medical image management system 3 also functions as a console for the DR imaging device and is connected to the DR imaging device via a communication network 5. The endoscope 2b and the electrocardiogram recording device 2c are located in the testing rooms.

[0020] A receptionist is stationed at the reception of the medical facility. The receptionist assigns a numbered ticket to each animal that comes in for examination, for example, to distinguish each animal by the order in which they arrive. The receptionist also obtains the animal's name from the animal's medical card or the questionnaire filled out by the owner, and inputs the correspondence between the reception number and the animal's name into the reception device 4.

[0021] After the pet owner checks in, they have the animal wait in the waiting room and enter the examination room when called by the veterinarian. A medical image management device 3 is placed on the examination desk in the examination room and displays image data of the area of ​​the animal to be diagnosed, as well as the results of any tests performed on the animal. An ultrasound diagnostic device 2a is also installed in the examination room.

[0022] During a veterinarian's examination in the examination room, radiographic images are taken using a CR imaging device and CR reader 2d, radiographic images are taken using a DR imaging device and DR reader 2e, ultrasound images are taken using an ultrasound diagnostic device 2a, endoscopic images are taken using an endoscope 2b, and electrocardiograms are recorded using an electrocardiogram recording device 2c, as needed. The captured image data is displayed on the medical image management device 3 and stored in association with the patient's information.

[0023] Thus, the image generation device 2 is a modality that takes images of the affected area of ​​the animal, digitally converts the captured images to generate image data of the captured images, or records predetermined examination results to generate image data.

[0024] The ultrasound diagnostic device 2a comprises an ultrasound probe (not shown) that outputs ultrasound waves, and an ultrasound diagnostic device main unit (not shown) connected to the ultrasound probe, which converts the ultrasound waves (echoes) received by the ultrasound probe into image data of internal tissues. The ultrasound diagnostic device 2a sends ultrasound waves into the body from the ultrasound probe, receives the sound waves (echo signals) reflected from the internal tissues back into the ultrasound probe, and generates digital ultrasound image data corresponding to these echo signals using the ultrasound diagnostic device main unit.

[0025] The ultrasound diagnostic device 2a is connected to a converter 21, which is a conversion means (converter) that performs conversions such as converting analog signals to digital signals. The ultrasound diagnostic device 2a is connected to the communication network 5 via the converter 21. By using the converter 21 in this way, even if data in a format that does not match the standards (e.g., communication protocols) of other external devices connected to the communication network 5 is output from the ultrasound diagnostic device 2a, it can be appropriately converted and data can be sent and received with the external devices connected to the communication network 5.

[0026] Endoscope 2b has a flexible tube with a small imaging device (neither shown in the figure) attached to its tip. The imaging device includes an objective optical system, such as an optical lens; an imaging unit positioned at the imaging position of the objective optical system; and an illumination unit, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), which provides the necessary illumination for imaging (neither shown in the figure). The imaging unit includes a solid-state image sensor, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), which converts incoming light into an electrical signal in an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light. The objective optical system is configured to focus the area illuminated by the illumination unit with an optical lens and form an image on the solid-state image sensor of the imaging unit. The light incident on the solid-state image sensor is converted into an electrical signal, and the image data of the captured image is output as an electrical signal.

[0027] The electrocardiogram recording device 2c detects the electrocardiogram waveform, acquires and records the waveform data, and transmits the generated image data (waveform data) to the medical image management device 3.

[0028] The CR reader 2d reads image data from a CR cassette (not shown), which is a radiation image conversion medium on which radiation image information of the area being scanned of the patient is recorded. The CR cassette incorporates a radiation image conversion plate equipped with, for example, a photostimulable phosphor sheet that stores radiation energy, and is placed within the radiation exposure area of ​​the radiation source (not shown) of the CR imaging device during imaging. When radiation is emitted, the CR cassette stores an amount of radiation in accordance with the radiation transmittance distribution of the area being scanned in the photostimulable phosphor layer of the photostimulable phosphor sheet, and records the radiation image information of the area being scanned in this photostimulable phosphor layer.

[0029] When a CR cassette containing radiographic image information of the imaging area is loaded into the CR reader 2d, the CR reader 2d irradiates a phototactic phosphor sheet inside the CR cassette with excitation light. The phototactic light emitted from the sheet is then converted into photoelectric light, and the resulting image signal is converted from analog to digital to generate radiographic image data of the image. The CR reader 2d may be an integrated device that is combined with the CR imaging device.

[0030] The DR reading device 2e is a device that reads image data of a radiographic image from the storage unit of a radiographic image conversion medium in which radiographic image information of the imaging area is recorded. The DR reading device 2e generates image data of a radiographic image corresponding to the X-rays emitted through the imaging area of ​​the subject.

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main components of the medical image management device 3, illustrating its functional configuration. As shown in Figure 2, the medical image management device 3 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, a display unit 34, a communication unit 35, and an image DB (Data Base) management unit 36. Each part of the medical image management device 3 is connected via a bus 37.

[0032] The control unit 31 consists of a CPU (central processing unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory). It loads a specified program from the system programs and application programs stored in the memory unit 32 into the RAM, and the loaded program works in cooperation with the CPU to execute various processes (including the shooting process and image acquisition process described later).

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 31 accepts input from the operator regarding the animal's illness information. Furthermore, the control unit 31 identifies the type of animal from the patient information stored for each patient. Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays an image of the animal on the display unit 34 (the target element screen 343a, which will be described later) based on the type of animal.

[0034] The memory unit 32 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and semiconductor non-volatile memory, and stores various programs, as well as various data such as patient information for each patient, region-specific parameters for region-specific image processing of captured image data, and target element-specific parameters for target element-specific image processing. The various programs include an imaging program for performing imaging processing and an image acquisition program for performing image acquisition processing, which will be described later.

[0035] The input unit 33 includes a keyboard with character input keys, number input keys, and various function keys, as well as a pointing device such as a mouse. It outputs key press signals and mouse position control signals from an operator such as a veterinarian or technician via the keyboard to the control unit 31.

[0036] The display unit 34 has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and displays various screens according to the instructions of the display signals input from the control unit 31. Alternatively, the input unit 33 may be configured to have a touch panel formed on the display panel of the display unit 34, which receives touch input from the operator and outputs touch operation signals to the control unit 31.

[0037] The communication unit 35 is composed of a network interface and other components, and transmits and receives information between each device of the image generation device 2 and the receiving device 4, which are connected to the communication network 5 via a switching hub.

[0038] The image database management unit 36 ​​is composed of HDDs, SSDs, etc., and stores image data of captured images in association with patient information as an image database. As shown in Figure 2, the image database management unit 36 ​​includes a confirmed image area 36a that stores image data of confirmed images associated with the patient information of the patient, and an unconfirmed image area 36b that stores image data of unconfirmed images that have not been associated with the patient information of the patient.

[0039] The reception device 4 is an information processing device for registering patients who visit the hospital, performing accounting calculations, calculating insurance points, etc. It comprises a control unit consisting of a CPU and RAM, an operation unit consisting of a keyboard and mouse, a storage unit consisting of an HDD, a display unit consisting of an LCD, and a communication unit that communicates with each device connected to the communication network 5. When the reception device 4 is instructed by the operation unit to display the reception input screen, it displays the reception input screen on the display unit through software processing by the cooperation of the CPU and the program stored in the storage unit. When reception information (reception number + patient name) is entered via the input unit through this reception input screen, it creates (updates) a patient information list of the received patient, stores it in the storage unit, and transmits it to the medical image management device 3 as appropriate via the communication unit.

[0040] Next, the operation of the medical image management system 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 7. The operator can select the target element in advance on the target element pre-setting screen 341 shown in Figure 3 on the display unit 34 before the image is captured by the image generation device 2, thereby enabling the control unit 31 to set the target element. The target element pre-setting screen 341 can be opened by launching the setting tool installed in the medical image management device 3.

[0041] The target element refers to the area or viewpoint that the operator, such as a veterinarian, wants to see in the image generated by the image generation device 2 for diagnostic purposes. For example, areas to be viewed include the tip of the nose and the head in the head region, the cervical vertebrae and neck in the neck region, the thoracic vertebrae and chest in the chest region, the upper abdomen and lower abdomen in the abdomen region, the pelvis, hip joint and lumbar vertebrae in the pelvic region, the shoulder and arm (scapula, humerus, elbow joint) in the upper limb region, the femoral system (femur, knee joint, tibia) in the lower limb region, the carpal bones and phalanges in the hand region, and the tarsal bones and calcaneus in the foot region. Furthermore, another perspective is that, for example, if a disease name is mentioned and a specific disease is suspected, setting the disease name as the target element will perform image processing specifically for that specified disease. In addition, pregnancy is also included as a perspective. The above objective elements are just some examples, and objective elements can be set for each type of animal, such as the shooting method (shooting direction; ventral / back, lateral), the part of the body the operator (veterinarian, etc.) wants to see, the size of the animal (small, medium, large, extra-large), weight, sex of the animal, and age of the animal (second setting step).

[0042] When the operator pre-configures the target element, they launch the configuration tool, open the target element pre-configuration screen 341 shown in Figure 3, select "Specify target element" in the target element setting 341a, and select the desired target element from the drop-down list. In the example shown in Figure 3, The "front view of the chest" option is selected. The control unit 31 then stores the input information of the target element in the storage unit 32.

[0043] Furthermore, the setting of the target element may be done before image capture by the image generation device 2, or during the capture process described later, and can be done at any time. If the target element is not set in advance, the operator launches the setting tool, opens the target element pre-setting screen 341 shown in Figure 3, and selects "Do not specify a target element" in the target element setting 341a.

[0044] Furthermore, since the control unit 31 stores the target elements corresponding to the previously performed target element-specific image processing in the storage unit 32, it is possible to pre-set the target elements to be used as specified in the previous operation. In this case, the operator launches the setting tool, opens the target element pre-setting screen 341 shown in Figure 3, and selects "Use the last specified target element" in the target element setting 341a. Previously specified objective elements may be stored for each medical image management device 3, such as the veterinarian operating the device, the patient being photographed by the image generation device 2, or for each medical image management device 3. In this case, the optimal objective elements corresponding to the veterinarian, the patient, and the medical image management device 3 can be set.

[0045] Furthermore, by pressing the setting button 341b on the target element pre-setting screen 341 shown in Figure 3, it is possible to set a parameter set for each target element. The parameter set for each target element refers to parameters such as gradation processing and bone / soft tissue correction processing used when performing the target element-specific image processing corresponding to each target element. In this parameter set setting for each target element, multiple parameter sets for each target element are provided with pre-entered parameter values ​​for each target element, and by selecting one of them, multiple parameter values ​​for each target element can be set at once.

[0046] Furthermore, by pressing the edit button 341c on the objective element pre-setting screen 341 shown in Figure 3, the objective element-specific parameter editing screen 342 shown in Figure 4 is opened, allowing the user to edit the objective element-specific parameters corresponding to each objective element. Specifically, the user presses the objective element displayed on the objective element-specific parameter editing screen 342 and enters the respective parameter values.

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the imaging process, which takes place from the registration of the patient to the receipt of the image. This embodiment describes the case where DR imaging is performed in the medical image management system 1. In the medical image management device 3, for example, when an instruction to perform an imaging process is input from an operator such as a veterinarian or technician via the input unit 33, the control unit 31 triggers the execution of the imaging process according to the imaging program stored in the storage unit 32.

[0048] Prior to the procedure, the patient to be subjected to DR imaging is placed on the imaging table of the DR imaging device in the radiography room of the medical facility. Furthermore, in the medical image management device 3, all patient information, including that of the patient to be subjected to DR imaging, is received from the reception device 4 or generated in response to input from the operator via the input unit 33, and stored in the storage unit 32.

[0049] In the imaging process shown in Figure 5, first, the control unit 31 receives a click input from the operator via the input unit 33 of the patient reception button (step S1). Then, the control unit 31 receives and registers the selection input of patient information for the patient to be scanned from the patient information stored in the memory unit 32, from the operator via the input unit 33 (step S2; reception step). At this time, the control unit 31 functions as a reception unit. Then, the control unit 31 identifies the type of animal based on the animal information (step S3; identification step). At this time, the control unit 31 functions as an identification unit. In step S3, the control unit 31 may identify not only the type of animal but also the animal's size, weight, etc.

[0050] Then, the control unit 31 receives a click of the examination start button from the operator via the input unit 33. The unit accepts the input (step S4). Then, the control unit 31 displays a patient screen on the display unit 34 that shows the image data of the DR radiographic image (step S5). The patient screen includes a button to prepare for shooting to transition to the state of acquiring DR image data.

[0051] Then, the control unit 31 receives a click input from the operator via the input unit 33 for the shooting preparation button (step S6).

[0052] The control unit 31 receives DR imaging operation input from the operator via the input unit 33 and transmits the operation information to the DR imaging device via the communication unit 35 to perform DR imaging (step S7). The DR reading device 2e automatically detects the X-rays emitted from the DR imaging device and generates image data of a single radiographic image, and transmits the image data to the medical image management device 3. The control unit 31 then receives the captured image data from the DR reading device 2e via the communication unit 35 and stores it in the unconfirmed image area 36b of the image DB management unit 36 ​​(step S8).

[0053] Then, the control unit 31 executes the image acquisition process according to the image acquisition program stored in the storage unit 32 (step S9). Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the image acquisition process.

[0054] First, the control unit 31 identifies a part of the object to be photographed from the contour, shape, etc., in the image data of the captured image generated by the DR reading device 2e (step S21). Then, the control unit 31 reads out the part-specific parameters corresponding to the part identified in step S21 from the storage unit 32 (step S22). Then, the control unit 31 determines the region-specific image processing conditions based on the region-specific parameters read in step S22 (step S23). Then, the control unit 31 applies area-specific image processing to the image data according to the area-specific image processing conditions determined in step S23, such as gradation processing to adjust the contrast of the image, processing to adjust the density, and frequency processing to adjust the sharpness, thereby generating a first image (step S24). Then, the control unit 31 displays the first image generated in step S24 on the display unit 34 (step S25).

[0055] Then, the control unit 31 determines whether the target element has been set in advance (step S26). If no target element is set in advance (step S26; NO), the control unit 31 receives input of the target element from the operator via the input unit 33 and determines whether the target element has been specified (step S27).

[0056] When setting the target element, the control unit 31 displays the target element selection screen 343 shown in Figure 7 on the display unit 34 (display control step). At this time, the control unit 31 functions as a display control unit. The control unit 31 then receives input from the operator via the input unit 33 (selection step). The control unit 31 displays an image of an animal and the name of the target element corresponding to each target element on the target element screen 343a (image processing parameter selection screen) within the target element selection screen 343, based on the type of animal (size, weight, etc.) identified in step S3 (identification step). The image of the animal is a schematic diagram of the animal. In the example shown in Figure 7, the type of animal is a dog, and the image of the animal is a schematic diagram of a dog. In step S3 (identification step), if the type of animal identified is "cat," the target element screen 343a shown in Figure 8 will be displayed; if it is "bird," it will be shown in Figure 9; and if it is "other," it will be shown in Figure 10. The image of the animal displayed on the target element screen 343a will be switched depending on the type of animal. Although not shown in the illustration, by displaying animal images based on the animal's size, it is possible to switch between "large dog," "medium dog," and "small dog" even for the same breed of dog. Furthermore, a target element can be selected by clicking on it within the target element screen 343a. In the example shown in Figure 7 ("Dog"), "Head," which is part information in the animal image, is selected. In the example shown in Figure 10 ("Other"), the shooting method and body size can be selected. Additionally, pressing the selection clear button 343b will clear the selection of the target element. Additionally, pressing the cancel button 343c will cancel the setting of the target element and close the target element selection screen 343. Furthermore, by pressing the OK button 343d, the setting of the target element is confirmed, and the target element The raw information is stored in the memory unit 32, and the target element selection screen 343 can be closed. Furthermore, while the animal images in Figures 7-9 are schematic diagrams, photographs or icons may also be used. Any image that allows for identification of the animal's species is acceptable, and the examples above are not the only ones that can be used. Additionally, you can switch between animal images by toggling the tabs ("Dog", "Cat", "Bird", "Other") on the target element screen 343a.

[0057] If no target element is specified (step S27; NO), the control unit 31 displays an image on the patient screen of the display unit 34 (step S28). In this case, the image is the first image.

[0058] Furthermore, if a target element is pre-set (step S26; YES) or specified (step S27; YES), the control unit 31 reads out the target element-specific parameters (image processing parameters) corresponding to the set or specified target element from the storage unit 32 (step S29; read step). In other words, the target element-specific parameters correspond to the type of animal (which may be body size or weight) identified in step S3. Then, the control unit 31 determines the target element-specific image processing conditions (image processing conditions) based on the target element-specific parameters read in step S29 (step S30; determination step). Then, the control unit 31 applies target element-specific image processing to the image data of the first image using the target element-specific image processing conditions determined in step S30, generating a second image (processed medical image) (step S31; generation step), and proceeds to step S28. In this case, the image displayed on the patient screen of the display unit 34 is the second image.

[0059] The control unit 31 then receives a change in the target element from the operator via the input unit 33 and determines whether or not the target element has been changed (step S32). If the target element is not changed (step S32; NO), the control unit 31 displays an image on the patient screen (step S33), terminates the image acquisition process, and returns to the shooting process shown in Figure 5. In this case, the image displayed is the same image displayed in step S28.

[0060] Furthermore, if the target element is changed (step S32; YES), the control unit 31 performs steps S34 to S36 in the same way as steps S29 to S31 (change step) and proceeds to step S33. In this case, the image displayed is the image generated by performing target element-specific image processing in step S36.

[0061] Returning to the image acquisition process shown in Figure 5, the control unit 31 links the image data of the image displayed in step S43 of the image acquisition process shown in Figure 6 with the patient information selected in step S2 (step S10), and stores the linked image data and patient information in the confirmed image area 36a of the image DB management unit 36. Then, the control unit 31 displays the image data and patient information linked in step S10 on the patient screen (step S11), and terminates the image acquisition process. The processes in steps S7 to S11 are repeated for the number of image data images to be captured.

[0062] (effect) As described above, according to this embodiment, the program of the medical image management system 1 causes the control unit 31 (computer) of the medical image management device 3 to execute a reception step (S2) in which the operator inputs patient information of an animal, a identification step (S3) in which the type of animal is identified based on the patient information, and a display control step (S27) in which the image of the animal is displayed on the image processing parameter selection screen based on the type of animal. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively. Specifically, the use of animal images makes it easier to visually recognize the target animal in the target element screen 343a (image processing parameter selection screen) within the target element selection screen 343, thereby facilitating the selection of image processing parameters.

[0063] Furthermore, the identification step (S3) further identifies the animal's physique based on the patient information, and the display control step (S27) displays the animal's image on the image processing parameter selection screen based on the animal's physique. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively. Specifically, the use of animal images makes it easier to visually recognize the target animal in the target element screen 343a (image processing parameter selection screen) within the target element selection screen 343, thereby facilitating the selection of image processing parameters.

[0064] Furthermore, the program of the medical image management system 1 causes the control unit 31 to execute a read step (S29) which reads image processing parameters corresponding to the type of animal from the storage unit, a determination step (S30) which determines image processing conditions based on the image processing parameters, and a generation step (S31) which generates a processed medical image by applying image processing to the image data of the medical image according to the image processing conditions. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively.

[0065] Furthermore, the identification step (S3) further identifies the animal's physique based on the patient information, and the program of the medical image management system 1 causes the control unit 31 to execute a read step (S29) which reads image processing parameters corresponding to the animal's physique from the storage unit, a determination step (S30) which determines image processing conditions based on the image processing parameters, and a generation step (S31) which generates a processed medical image by applying image processing to the image data of the medical image according to the image processing conditions. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively.

[0066] Furthermore, in the identification step (S3), the weight of the animal is identified based on the patient information, and the program of the medical image management system 1 causes the control unit 31 to execute a read step (S29) which reads image processing parameters corresponding to the weight of the animal from the storage unit, a determination step (S30) which determines image processing conditions based on the image processing parameters, and a generation step (S31) which generates a processed medical image by applying image processing to the image data of the medical image according to the image processing conditions. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively. Specifically, the use of animal images makes it easier to visually recognize the target animal in the target element screen 343a (image processing parameter selection screen) within the target element selection screen 343, thereby facilitating the selection of image processing parameters.

[0067] Furthermore, the program of the medical image management system 1 causes the control unit 31 to execute a selection step (S27) to select animal part information from an image of an animal, a reading step (S29) to read image processing parameters corresponding to the part information from the storage unit, a determination step (S30) to determine image processing conditions based on the image processing parameters, and a generation step (S31) to generate a processed medical image by applying image processing to the image data of the medical image according to the image processing conditions. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively.

[0068] Furthermore, the medical image management device 3 includes a reception unit (control unit 31) that receives patient information of an animal from the operator, an identification unit (control unit 31) that identifies the type of animal based on the patient information, and a display control unit (control unit 31) that displays the animal's image on the image processing parameter selection screen based on the type of animal. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively. Specifically, the use of animal images makes it easier to visually recognize the target animal in the target element screen 343a (image processing parameter selection screen) within the target element selection screen 343, thereby facilitating the selection of image processing parameters.

[0069] Furthermore, the medical image management system 1 includes a reception unit (control unit 31) that receives patient information of an animal from the operator, an identification unit (control unit 31) that identifies the type of animal based on the patient information, and a display control unit (control unit 31) that displays the animal's image on the image processing parameter selection screen based on the type of animal. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively. Specifically, the use of animal images makes it easier to visually recognize the target animal in the target element screen 343a (image processing parameter selection screen) within the target element selection screen 343, thereby facilitating the selection of image processing parameters.

[0070] Furthermore, the medical image management method includes a reception step for receiving patient information of an animal from an operator, an identification step for identifying the type of animal based on the patient information, and a display control step for displaying the animal's image on an image processing parameter selection screen based on the type of animal. Therefore, the selection of image processing parameters during image processing of medical images of animals can be performed more effectively. Specifically, the use of animal images makes it easier to visually recognize the target animal in the target element screen 343a (image processing parameter selection screen) within the target element selection screen 343, thereby facilitating the selection of image processing parameters.

[0071] (Other implementations) The above-described embodiments are merely examples of preferred medical image management devices, medical image management methods, and programs according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto.

[0072] For example, in the above embodiment, the setting of the target element is performed by input from the operator via the input unit 33, or the target element corresponding to the previously performed target element-specific image processing is set, but this is not limited to the above. The control unit 31 may use artificial intelligence to determine the selection of the target element. The control unit 31 collects data by associating the imaging area identified in the medical image with the target element input by the operator and storing it in the memory unit 32 or an external memory device. Then, it uses the collected data to build a learning model about the relationship between the imaging area and the target element. Based on the imaging area identified in the medical image, the control unit 31 uses the constructed learning model to determine the optimal target element. Therefore, the operator does not need to input the target element, and the optimal target element can be set automatically.

[0073] Furthermore, in step S25 of the image acquisition process in the above embodiment, the control unit 31 displays the first image generated in step S24 on the display unit 34, but this is not limited to this. The control unit 31 does not have to display the first image on the patient screen.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the operator pre-sets the target element, they open the target element pre-setting screen 341 shown in Figure 3, select "Specify target element" in the target element setting 341a, and select the desired target element from the drop-down list. However, the operator is not limited to this. When selecting a target element, the operator may also open the target element selection screen 343 shown in Figure 7 and enter the information there.

[0075] Furthermore, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the medical image management system 1 in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Medical Image Management System 2 Image generation device 2a Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 2b Endoscopy 2c Electrocardiogram recording device 2d CR reader 2e DR Reader 3 Medical image management device 31 Control Unit (Reception Unit, Identification Unit, Display Control Unit) 32 Storage section 33 Input section 34 Display section 35 Communications Department 36 Image Database Management Department 4. Reception device

Claims

1. The computer in the medical image processing system, which applies image processing to medical images of animals, A reception step that receives the target element of the animal entered by the operator, A decision step to determine image processing conditions corresponding to the aforementioned target element, A generation step of generating a processed medical image by applying image processing to a medical image under the aforementioned image processing conditions, A program that executes the command.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the objective element includes at least one of the classification of the animal, the body part of the animal, the physique of the animal, the weight of the animal, the sex of the animal, and the age of the animal.

3. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a display step of displaying a target element selection screen that includes a name and an image of an animal corresponding to the target element.

4. A medical image processing device that applies image processing to medical images of animals, A reception unit that receives the target element of the animal entered by the operator, A determination unit that determines image processing conditions corresponding to the aforementioned target element, A generation unit that generates a processed medical image by applying image processing to a medical image under the aforementioned image processing conditions, A medical image processing device having [a specific feature / feature].

5. A medical image processing system that applies image processing to medical images of animals, A reception unit that receives the target element of the animal entered by the operator, A determination unit that determines image processing conditions corresponding to the aforementioned target element, A generation unit that generates a processed medical image by applying image processing to a medical image under the aforementioned image processing conditions, A medical image processing system equipped with [a specific feature].

6. A medical image processing method in a medical image processing apparatus that applies image processing to medical images of animals, A reception step that receives the target element of the animal entered by the operator, A decision step for determining image processing conditions corresponding to the aforementioned target element, A generation step of generating a processed medical image by applying image processing to a medical image under the aforementioned image processing conditions, A medical image processing method including [a specific term].

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