Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The goal is to reduce miscommunication between the requesting physician and the testing staff by minimizing the effort required for creating test order information. [Solution] An information processing device (HIS1) for creating examination order information for taking medical images, comprising: an acquisition unit (control unit 11) for acquiring reference image candidates; a selection unit (control unit 11) for selecting a reference image from the reference image candidates; a display control unit (control unit 11) for displaying examination order information associated with the reference image selected by the selection unit on a display unit; and an output unit (control unit 11) for outputting the reference image in association with the examination order information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for diagnosing a patient, an examiner takes a medical image based on inspection order information from a referring doctor. Creation of the inspection order information requires certain knowledge of radiological imaging. In addition, the number of inspection order information created by a single referring doctor is often enormous, and creating the inspection order information places a heavy burden on the referring doctor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that by pre-registering past schema images and calling inspection order information associated with the schema images, the creation of inspection order information can be labor-saving.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes that in order to accurately and easily convey instructions regarding an inspection, reference image candidates are obtained based on input patient information, and a reference image is attached to the inspection order information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In Patent Document 1, although the creation of inspection order information is made labor-saving, between the referring doctor and the examiner, information is transmitted using only text-based inspection order information, so miscommunication may occur between the referring doctor and the examiner. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 2, attaching reference images to the examination order information can reduce miscommunication. However, since reference images are obtained based on patient information, the requesting physician must always input patient information, which is time-consuming.

[0007] The objective of this invention is to reduce miscommunication between the requesting physician and the testing personnel without requiring the requesting physician to spend extra time creating test order information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is: An information processing device that creates examination order information for taking medical images, An acquisition unit that acquires reference image candidates, A selection unit for selecting a reference image from the aforementioned reference image candidates, A display control unit that displays inspection order information associated with the reference image selected by the selection unit on the display unit, An output unit that outputs the aforementioned reference image in association with inspection order information, It is equipped with.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the information processing method according to the present invention is An information processing method in an information processing device that creates examination order information for taking medical images, The acquisition step to obtain reference image candidates, A selection step of selecting a reference image from the aforementioned reference image candidates, A display control step which causes the inspection order information associated with the reference image selected in the selection step to be displayed on the display unit, An output step which outputs the aforementioned reference image in association with inspection order information, Includes.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the program according to the present invention is The computer of an information processing apparatus for creating examination order information for taking medical images is configured to function as an acquisition unit that acquires reference image candidates, a selection unit that selects a reference image from the reference image candidates, a display control unit that causes a display unit to display examination order information associated with the reference image selected by the selection unit, and an output unit that outputs the reference image in association with the examination order information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, miscommunication between the requester and the examiner regarding the creation of examination order information can be reduced without much effort on the part of the requester.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the ordering system. [Figure 2] is a flowchart showing the examination order information creation process. [Figure 3] is an image diagram of the examination order information creation screen. [Figure 4] is a flowchart showing the examination order information creation process. [Figure 5] is an image diagram of the reference image search screen. [Figure 6] is a flowchart showing the examination order information creation process.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0014] <Ordering System 100> ​Figure 1 shows the system configuration of the ordering system 100. The ordering system 100 is a system that performs tasks such as creating examination order information for taking medical images and transmitting examination order information. As shown in Figure 1, the ordering system 100 is configured such that the HIS (Hospital Information System) 1 and RIS (Radiology Information System) 2 are connected to each other via a network 1000 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) to enable data communication. In addition, the ordering system 100 is configured such that the medical imaging device 3 is connected to the network 1000 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) to enable data communication. Network 1000 conforms to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard.

[0015] HIS1 is an information processing device used by the requesting physician to create examination order information for taking medical images.

[0016] RIS2 is an information processing device used by the inspector, which receives inspection order information from HIS1 and transmits the inspection order information to the medical imaging device 3.

[0017] Medical imaging device 3 is a device for capturing medical images. Medical imaging devices 3 include CR (Computed Radiography) devices, CT (Computed Tomography) devices, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices.

[0018] <his1> Next, the configuration of HIS1 will be explained using Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, HIS1 comprises a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0019] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 11 reads various programs stored in the memory unit 15, loads them into the RAM, executes various processes according to the loaded programs, and controls the operation of each part of the HIS1.

[0020] The control unit 11 functions as an acquisition unit for acquiring reference image candidates, acquiring default-configured reference image candidates, or acquiring reference image candidates using machine learning based on part of the inspection order information. A candidate reference image is an image that closely resembles the medical image the requesting physician wants to capture, and is used as a reference image by the examiner. Reference images are not limited to actual medical images taken in the past; they may also include schematic diagrams that mimic medical images. Furthermore, related images, such as medical images or schematic diagrams that mimic medical images, may be associated with the reference image. The control unit 11 may acquire a reference image candidate that has been pre-stored (default setting) in the storage unit 15, which will be described later. The control unit 11 may, based on a portion of the examination order information entered by the requesting physician using the operation unit 13 (described later), select and acquire candidate reference images from one or more reference images stored in the memory unit 15 (described later) using machine learning such as AI (artificial intelligence). The reference images also include descriptions of the reference images (such as the area being photographed, age, sex, and physique), and it is preferable to select images using this information as well. The portion of the examination order information may include, for example, patient attribute information (such as sex, age, physique, and disease name).

[0021] The control unit 11 functions as a selection unit that selects a reference image from a list of reference image candidates. When the control unit 11 receives a signal from the requesting physician to select a reference image using the operation unit 13 (described later), it selects the reference image. Furthermore, if there are related images associated with the selected reference image, the control unit 11 may also select those related images.

[0022] The control unit 11 functions as a display control unit that displays inspection order information associated with the selected reference image on a display unit such as the display unit 12. Note that the display unit is not limited to the display unit 12, but may be a separate device from the HIS1, such as various display devices connected to the HIS1.

[0023] The control unit 11 functions as an output unit that outputs a reference image associated with inspection order information. The control unit 11 associates the reference image with the examination order information, for example by attaching it to the examination order information, and outputs the examination order information to the medical image acquisition device 3. Furthermore, if there are related images associated with the selected reference image, the control unit 11 may also output those related images.

[0024] The display unit 12 is equipped with a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various screens (such as the inspection order information creation screen and reference image search screen, which will be described later) according to the instructions of the display signals input from the control unit 11.

[0025] The operation unit 13 includes a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, number input keys, various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse, and a touch panel laminated on the surface of the display unit 12. The operation unit 13 can be operated by the user. The operation unit 13 also outputs various signals to the control unit 11 based on the operations performed by the user.

[0026] The communication unit 14 is capable of sending and receiving various signals and data with other devices connected via the communication network N.

[0027] The memory unit 15 is equipped with non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and stores various programs executed by the control unit 11, parameters necessary for program execution, and various data. The memory unit 15 stores inspection order information linked to reference images. Note that the inspection order information linked to the reference images is not limited to actually used inspection order information; it may also include example-created inspection order information.

[0028] <ris2> Next, the configuration of RIS2 will be explained using Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, RIS2 comprises a control unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0029] The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 21 reads various programs stored in the memory unit 25, loads them into the RAM, executes various processes according to the loaded programs, and controls the operation of each part of the RIS2.

[0030] The display unit 22 is equipped with a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various screens (such as the inspection order information creation screen described later) according to the instructions of the display signals input from the control unit 21.

[0031] The operation unit 23 includes a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, number input keys, various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse, and a touch panel laminated on the surface of the display unit 22. The operation unit 23 can be operated by the operator. The operation unit 23 also outputs various signals to the control unit 21 based on the operations performed by the operator.

[0032] The communication unit 24 is capable of sending and receiving various signals and data with other devices connected via the communication network N.

[0033] The memory unit 25 is equipped with non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and stores various programs executed by the control unit 21, parameters necessary for program execution, and various data.

[0034] <Inspection Order Information Creation Process - Case 1> The process for creating inspection order information will be explained using Figure 2. The process of creating a test order information involves the creation of test order information that the requesting physician sends to the person in charge of the test. In the examination order information creation process shown in Figure 2, the requesting physician selects a reference image from the default set reference image candidates and creates the examination order information by editing the examination order information associated with that reference image.

[0035] First, the control unit 11 obtains a default-configured reference image candidate from the storage unit 15 (step S1; acquisition step).

[0036] Next, the control unit 11 displays a candidate reference image on the display unit 12 (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 11 displays the inspection order information creation screen D1 shown in Figure 3.

[0037] Now, let's explain the inspection order information creation screen D1 shown in Figure 3. Screen D1, for creating the test order information, is used by the requesting physician to create the test order information. Area A1 is the area where patient information is displayed. Area A2 is the area where reference images are displayed. The requesting physician uses the control unit 13 to select a reference image from the list of reference image candidates displayed in area A2. Area A3 is the area where inspection order information is displayed. Button B1 is used to attach a reference image to the examination order information. When button B1 is pressed, the reference image is attached to the examination order information. If there are related images, those may also be attached. Furthermore, the requesting physician may select which related images to attach. Button B2 is used to send inspection order information to RIS2.

[0038] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the requesting physician has selected a reference image using the operation unit 13 (step S3; selection step). If a reference image has been selected (step S3; YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S4 of the examination order information creation process. If no reference image has been selected (step S3; NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S7 of the examination order information creation process.

[0039] Next, the control unit 11 retrieves inspection order information associated with the selected reference image from the storage unit 15 and displays it on the display unit 12 (step S4; display control step). This allows the requesting physician to create examination order information by editing the information displayed on the display unit 12 using the operation unit 13, thus eliminating the need to create the examination order information from scratch. Furthermore, the examination order information can be displayed by selecting a default reference image candidate, making the operation simple.

[0040] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the requesting physician has instructed the attachment of a reference image to the examination order information using the operation unit 13 (step S5). If there is an instruction to attach the image (step S5; YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S6 for the examination order information creation process. If there is no instruction to attach the image (step S5; NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S7 for the examination order information creation process.

[0041] Next, the control unit 11 attaches a reference image to the inspection order information (step S6). Furthermore, if there are related images associated with the reference image, the control unit 11 may also attach those related images.

[0042] Next, the control unit 11 uses the communication unit 14 to transmit the inspection order information to the RIS2 (step S7; output step), and terminates the inspection order information creation process.

[0043] <Inspection Order Information Creation Process - Case 2> The process for creating inspection order information will be explained using Figure 4. In the examination order information creation process shown in Figure 4, the requesting physician inputs a portion of the examination order information, selects a reference image from the displayed reference image candidates based on that portion of the examination order information, and edits the examination order information associated with that reference image to create the examination order information.

[0044] First, the control unit 11 receives input of search information (part of the examination order information) from the requesting physician (step S11). As mentioned above, part of the examination order information includes, for example, patient attribute information (gender, age, physique, disease name, etc.). Specifically, the control unit 11 displays the reference image search screen D2 shown in Figure 5 on the display unit 12 and accepts the input of search information from the requesting physician using the operation unit 13.

[0045] Now, let's explain the reference image search screen D2 shown in Figure 5. The reference image search screen D2 is used by the requesting physician to search for reference images similar to the desired medical image. Area A4 is the area where the request is entered to search for reference images. For example, Area A4 may be a text box or a dropdown menu. In the example in Figure 5, Area A4 is a single text box, but it is not limited to the example in Figure 5; for example, a separate text box may be provided for each item (e.g., imaging area, disease name). Area A4 may also be configured to accept image input.

[0046] Next, the control unit 11 uses machine learning to acquire reference image candidates from the storage unit 15 based on the search information (step S12; acquisition step).

[0047] Next, the control unit 11 displays a candidate reference image on the display unit 12 (step S13). Specifically, the control unit 11 displays the inspection order information creation screen D1 shown in Figure 3. In this way, by retrieving and displaying the searched reference image candidates, even if the number of reference image candidates increases, they can be displayed clearly on the display unit. Furthermore, by using machine learning for the search, reference image candidates can be found even if there is variation in the granularity of the search information, making it easier for the requesting physician to find reference image candidates.

[0048] Here, the inspection order information creation screen D1 in Case 2 will differ from the screen in Case 1 only in its behavior when button B1 is pressed. In Case 2, when button B1 is pressed, a reference image is attached, but a confirmation dialog (not shown) is displayed asking whether the reference image to display the associated examination order information is acceptable, or whether a different reference image should be attached. If the user selects to attach a different reference image in the confirmation dialog, the reference image to be attached is selected again. As with the above, if there are related images, those may also be attached. Furthermore, the requesting physician may select the related images to be attached.

[0049] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the requesting physician has selected a reference image using the operation unit 13 (step S14; selection step). If a reference image has been selected (step S14; YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S15 of the examination order information creation process. If no reference image has been selected (step S14; NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S16 of the examination order information creation process. In Case 2, even if no reference image is selected in step S14, the reference image to be attached is determined on the confirmation dialog box. Therefore, unlike in Case 1, if no reference image is selected in step S14, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S16 for the inspection order information creation process. In other words, when attaching a reference image, in Case 1 the reference image used to display the inspection order is attached unconditionally, but in Case 2, the user is prompted to select a reference image to attach. Thus, in Case 1, if no reference image is selected, no decision is made as to whether or not to attach it. However, in Case 2, even if no reference image is selected, a decision is made as to whether or not to attach it. This is because the workflow is designed so that if the requesting physician creates the examination order information without using examination order information linked to a reference image, but wants to attach a reference image to share the completed image of the examination order information, they can attach the reference image.

[0050] The subsequent processes (steps S15 to S18) are the same as steps S4 to S7 described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0051] <Inspection Order Information Creation Process - Case 3> The process for creating inspection order information will be explained using Figure 6. In the examination order information creation process shown in Figure 6, the requesting physician selects a reference image from the default set reference image candidates and creates the examination order information by editing the examination order information associated with that reference image.

[0052] First, the control unit 11 obtains a default-configured reference image candidate from the storage unit 15 (step S21; acquisition step).

[0053] Next, the control unit 11 displays a candidate reference image on the display unit 12 (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 11 displays the inspection order information creation screen D1 shown in Figure 3.

[0054] Here, the inspection order information creation screen D1 in Case 3 differs from the screen in Case 1 only in its behavior when button B1 is pressed. In Case 3, similar to Case 2, when button B1 is pressed, a reference image is attached, but a confirmation dialog (not shown) is displayed asking whether the reference image to display the associated examination order information is acceptable, or whether a different reference image should be attached. If the user selects to attach a different reference image in the confirmation dialog, the reference image to be attached is selected again. As with the above, if there are related images, those may also be attached. Furthermore, the requesting physician may select the related images to be attached.

[0055] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the requesting physician has selected a reference image using the operation unit 13 (step S23; selection step). If a reference image has been selected (step S23; YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S24 for the examination order information creation process. If no reference image has been selected (step S23; NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S25 for the examination order information creation process. In Case 3, as in Case 2, even if no reference image is selected in step S23, the reference image to be attached is determined on the confirmation dialog box. Therefore, unlike in Case 1, if no reference image is selected in step S23, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S25 for the inspection order information creation process. In a medical setting, a requesting physician might want to display and create an examination order based on the previous imaging, so the reference image used to display the examination order information would be the image from the previous imaging. However, there are also cases where the requesting physician might attach an image with different image processing, such as enhancement, to convey an order to make a specific part of the lung field easier to see, even though it's the same area and imaging conditions. Another case would be attaching a more optimal image to convey an order to make a particular bone in a joint more visible.

[0056] The subsequent processes (steps S24 to S27) are the same as steps S4 to S7 described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0057] <Other> In the above explanation, the ordering system 100 was described using HIS1 and RIS2 to reflect the actual conditions of a typical medical setting, but it is not limited to this example. Various information processing terminals may be configured to function as HIS1 and RIS2, respectively, and may also be used as the ordering system 100.

[0058] Furthermore, although the above description assumes that the control unit 11 performs machine learning, the example is not limited to this. A cloud server connected to HIS1 may be equipped with machine learning capabilities.

[0059] <Effects> As described above, the information processing device (HIS1) is an information processing device (HIS1) that creates examination order information for taking medical images, and comprises an acquisition unit (control unit 11) that acquires reference image candidates, a selection unit (control unit 11) that selects a reference image from the reference image candidates, a display control unit (control unit 11) that displays the examination order information associated with the reference image selected by the selection unit on the display unit, and an output unit (control unit 11) that outputs the reference image in association with the examination order information. Therefore, requesting physicians can reduce the effort required to create test order information, thereby minimizing miscommunication with the testing personnel.

[0060] Furthermore, the information processing method is an information processing method in an information processing device that creates examination order information for taking medical images, and includes an acquisition step (steps S1 and S12) for acquiring reference image candidates, a selection step (steps S3 and S14) for selecting a reference image from the reference image candidates, a display control step (steps S4 and S15) for displaying the examination order information associated with the reference image selected in the selection step on the display unit, and an output step (steps S7 and S18) for outputting the reference image associated with the examination order information. Therefore, requesting physicians can reduce the effort required to create test order information, thereby minimizing miscommunication with the testing personnel.

[0061] Furthermore, the program causes the computer of the information processing device (HIS1), which creates examination order information for taking medical images, to function as an acquisition unit (control unit 11) for acquiring reference image candidates, a selection unit (control unit 11) for selecting a reference image from the reference image candidates, a display control unit (control unit 11) for displaying the examination order information associated with the reference image selected by the selection unit on the display unit, and an output unit (control unit 11) for outputting the reference image in association with the examination order information. Therefore, requesting physicians can reduce the effort required to create test order information, thereby minimizing miscommunication with the testing personnel.

[0062] The above description of the embodiments is merely an example of the ordering system and information processing device according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and operation of each part constituting the device can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0063] The above explanation discloses examples in which ROM, hard disks, etc., are used as computer-readable media to store programs for executing each process, but the invention is not limited to these examples. Other computer-readable media that can be used include non-volatile memory such as flash memory, and portable recording media such as CD-ROMs. Furthermore, a carrier wave may be used as the medium for providing program data via a communication line. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 100 Ordering Systems 1. HIS (Information Processing System) 11 Control Unit (Acquisition Unit, Selection Unit, Display Control Unit, Output Unit) 12 Display section 13 Control section 14 Communications Department 15 Storage section 2 RIS 21 Control Unit 22 Display section 23 Control section 24 Communications Department 25 Memory section 3. Medical imaging equipment 1000 Networks

Claims

1. An information processing device that creates examination order information for taking medical images, An acquisition unit that acquires reference image candidates, A selection unit for selecting a reference image from the aforementioned reference image candidates, A display control unit that displays inspection order information associated with the reference image selected by the selection unit on the display unit, An output unit that outputs the aforementioned reference image in association with inspection order information, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a default set reference image candidate.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a candidate reference image using machine learning based on a part of the inspection order information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned candidate reference image includes a schematic diagram.

5. An information processing method in an information processing device that creates examination order information for taking medical images, The acquisition step to obtain reference image candidates, A selection step of selecting a reference image from the aforementioned reference image candidates, A display control step which causes the inspection order information associated with the reference image selected in the selection step to be displayed on the display unit, An output step which outputs the aforementioned reference image in association with inspection order information, Information processing methods including

6. The computer of the information processing device that creates examination order information for taking medical images, Acquisition unit to obtain reference image candidates, A selection unit that selects a reference image from the aforementioned candidate reference images. A display control unit that displays inspection order information associated with the reference image selected by the selection unit on the display unit. An output unit that outputs the aforementioned reference image in association with inspection order information. A program that makes it function as such.

Images