Information processing device, its control method and program, and electronic medical record system

Abstract

When obtaining image analysis results, the system provides the results that the user expects, depending on the circumstances at the time. [Solution] The information processing device performs image analysis on target image data according to the specified analysis type, stores the image analysis results, receives a request to acquire the image analysis results of the target image data and the status of the sender of the acquisition request, and responds with the image analysis results to the acquisition request if the image analysis is complete, or if the image analysis is not complete, performs processing according to the status of the sender in response to the acquisition request.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for processing images and the like, a control method and a program thereof, and an electronic medical record system.

Background Art

[0002] There exists an image storage server capable of storing by associating an affected part image with patient information. Images stored in such an image storage server can be referred to from an electronic medical record terminal, and it is also possible to paste the image onto the electronic medical record by a user's operation. On the other hand, technologies for analyzing images with artificial intelligence (AI) and the like to assist in diagnosis are also rapidly spreading. Here, it is often the case that a hospital's medical information system is composed of multiple applications cooperating with each other, and it is also conceivable that images and image analysis results are stored in separate servers.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, images and image processing results are stored in separate servers, and when a doctor views an image, it is possible to view the image subjected to image processing. Further, in Patent Document 2, even when an image is moved to a server different from the server where it was first stored when storing the image in the server, it is possible to appropriately respond to an image acquisition request from a client.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In cases where images and image analysis results are stored on separate servers, a physician needs to search another server to retrieve the corresponding image analysis results after searching the image storage server to obtain the image. Furthermore, the physician's expectations of the server may differ depending on the status of the image analysis and whether it is during or outside of consultation hours.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional examples, and aims to provide the user with the results they expect when acquiring image analysis results, depending on the circumstances at the time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the present invention, communication means and Memory means and It has control means, The control means is The system performs image analysis on the target image data according to the specified analysis type and stores the image analysis results in the storage means. The communication means receives a request to acquire the image analysis results of the target image data and the status of the source of the acquisition request. Depending on the progress of the image analysis, if the image analysis is complete, the image analysis results are responded to the acquisition request; if the image analysis is not complete, processing is performed in response to the acquisition request according to the status of the sender. An information processing device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when acquiring image analysis results from a server, the user can obtain the results they expect, depending on the circumstances at the time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the system configuration in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]A diagram showing the processing of an image analysis server when storing an image in the first embodiment of the present invention in an image storage server. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the image analysis types in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an affected part image in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the image analysis result in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] A diagram showing the UI of an electronic medical record terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] A diagram showing the UI of an electronic medical record terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] A diagram showing the UI of an electronic medical record terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an image viewer in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the processing of an image analysis server when referring to an image in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the operation control of an image analysis server when referring to an image in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the processing for determining whether the image analysis function in the first embodiment of the present invention has been upgraded. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the processing for determining whether a function has been added to the image analysis function in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the processing for determining an appropriate image analysis function based on the diagnosis result in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the UI of an electronic medical record terminal when a diagnosis result in the first embodiment of the present invention is input.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment mainly consists of two processes. The first process is a process of transmitting an image of an imaging device or a client terminal to an image storage server via an image analysis server. When passing through the image analysis server, image analysis can be executed. The second process is a process of automatically acquiring information regarding image analysis corresponding to a referenced image from the image analysis server when referring to an image in the image storage server from an electronic medical record terminal. At this time, the operation of the image analysis server shall be controlled according to the situation of image analysis and the examination situation.

[0012] ●System Configuration FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an electronic medical record system showing a configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 120 is a device that captures an image and can also store the captured image. The imaging device 120 may include a normal camera that captures an image with visible light, as well as an X-ray camera that captures an X-ray image. Also, the client app 110 can store the captured image. The client app 110 is an application program executed on a client terminal 150 having a CPU and a memory, such as a general-purpose computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The imaging device 120 and the client app 110 communicate with the image analysis server 100 to transmit image data to the image analysis server 100 or receive image data. In this embodiment, when it is clear from the context that it is image data, the image data may simply be referred to as an image.

[0013] The image analysis server 100 is a server that performs image analysis and is also an information processing device. The image analysis server 100 has a processor (CPU) 104, a temporary storage device 103, a secondary storage device 102, and a communication device 101. The CPU 104 executes programs stored in the primary storage device 103 to perform image data analysis processing, data transmission and reception, and other control-related processing. The secondary storage device 102 is a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores programs that run the CPU and image data, for example, as files. The image analysis function program and image analysis results are also stored in the secondary storage device 102. The primary storage device 103 is a storage device such as RAM, and programs and data are loaded from the secondary storage device 102 and stored there. The communication device 101 communicates with the client application 110, the imaging device 100, the image storage server 130, and the electronic medical record terminal 140.

[0014] The image storage server 130, like the image analysis server 100, has a CPU, primary storage, secondary storage, and communication device. The image storage server 130 communicates with the image analysis server 100 and receives images. The received images are stored in the image storage server 130. The electronic medical record terminal 140 is, for example, a general-purpose computer with an application program for electronic medical records installed, and is used by doctors to refer to patient information and input diagnostic results. It may also communicate with the image storage server 130 to refer to stored images, and with the image analysis server 100 to obtain stored image analysis results. The client terminal 150 and the electronic medical record terminal 140 have a CPU and memory, like the image analysis server 100. The client terminal 150 and the electronic medical record terminal 140 also have a display unit such as a screen and an input unit such as a keyboard or touch panel to provide a user interface. Information to identify the image to be referred to is entered through the input unit, and the image to be referred to or the results of image analysis are displayed on the display unit.

[0015] ● Image data transmission process Next, the process of transmitting images from the imaging device 120 or client application 110 to the image storage server 130 via the image analysis server 100 will be described. This process is shown in Figure 2, where Figure 2(a) shows the processing of the imaging device 120 or client application 110, Figure 2(b) shows the processing of the image analysis server 100, and Figure 2(c) shows the processing of the image storage server 130. Now, an example of an image processed in this embodiment will be described. An example of an image is shown in Figure 4. As illustrated in Figures 4(a) to (d), this embodiment is intended to handle image data of affected areas in the event of illness or injury. In the image analysis process, such affected area images are used to determine the location and extent of injuries, such as pressure ulcers or burns. For example, image 400 is an example of an image of a pressure ulcer 401 on the lumbar region, image 410 is an example of an image of the lumbar region without any particular lesions, image 420 is an example of an image of a burn 421 on the hand, and image 430 is an example of an image of a hand without any particular burns.

[0016] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 2. The processing in Figure 2 is initiated by the operation of the imaging device 120 or the client application 110, so we will first explain Figure 2(a). These processes are realized by the CPU of each device executing a program stored in memory such as RAM. The main operator of the client application 110 is the CPU of the client terminal 150.

[0017] In S200, the CPU of the client terminal 150 or the imaging device 120 sends an image analysis request to the image analysis server 100 along with the image data. At this time, the type of image analysis (also called the analysis type) to be performed on the image analysis server 100 can be optionally sent. Figure 3 shows examples of image analysis types. As shown in analysis types 301 to 304 in Figure 3(a), the image analysis server 100 can perform multiple types of image analysis processing according to the specification.

[0018] Furthermore, image data may be transmitted linked to a patient ID, which is patient identification information. The patient ID may be entered before the image is taken or transmitted.

[0019] ●Image analysis processing by an image analysis server Next, we will move on to the explanation of Figure 2(b). When image data is transmitted by the client application 110 or imaging device 120 in S200, the CPU 104 of the image analysis server 100 receives the image data in S210. Next, in S2101, the CPU 104 issues an image unique ID. The image unique ID is an ID (identification information) used to uniquely identify an image. Next, in S212, the CPU 104 determines whether it received the analysis type along with the image data. As mentioned above, the analysis type is transmitted optionally, so it may or may not be received. If the analysis type is received, the process proceeds to S213. Note that an ID including the patient ID may be used as the issued image unique ID. For example, if a serial number is added to the patient ID to create the image unique ID, the image can be identified by the image unique ID, and in addition, the image can be linked to the patient.

[0020] In S213, the CPU 104 starts image analysis according to the received analysis type. For example, if it receives analysis type 301, "Pressure ulcer detection," from the analysis types shown in Figure 3(a), it performs image analysis for pressure ulcer detection. Note that some image analyses may take time, and image analysis execution requests may be sent from multiple client applications 110 or imaging devices 120, so it is possible that image analysis may not be completed immediately. Therefore, when image analysis is started in S213, the system will proceed to S214 without waiting for the image analysis to be completed, while executing the image analysis in parallel.

[0021] Next, in S214, CPU104 associates and stores the image analysis information and the image unique ID. The image analysis information (also called image analysis-related information) may be, for example, the specified analysis type or information obtained from the image analysis. However, since the image analysis may not be completed at this stage, only the information obtained may be stored. For details of the storage example here, please refer to Figure 5, which will be described later. At this time, information associating the patient ID with the image unique ID may be stored. This links the patient, the image, and the image analysis-related information. Note that if the image unique ID includes the patient ID, it is not necessary to associate the patient ID with the image unique ID.

[0022] Next, in S215, CPU 104 sends the image data to be saved, along with the unique image ID assigned to it, to the image storage server 130, along with the image saving request. Once sent to the image storage server 130, the processing shown in Figure 2(c) begins on the image storage server 130, but we will first continue with the explanation of Figure 2(b).

[0023] Next, in S216, CPU104 waits until the image analysis is complete. Once the image analysis is complete, it proceeds to S217. In S217, CPU104 updates the information related to the image analysis. At this stage, the image analysis process is complete, so the updated information related to the image analysis includes the results of the image analysis.

[0024] Figure 5 shows an example of image analysis information for each image, saved in S214 and updated in S217. In Figure 5(a), each of the four images is assigned a unique ID, and image analysis information 501-504 is saved associated with each unique ID. Image analysis information 501 and 503 show an analysis status of "Completed," indicating that the image analysis has been completed. The summary of the analysis results for each shows that the target of analysis (pressure ulcers and burns) was detected from the image, and the details show the location, extent, and severity of the target of analysis. The image analysis information also shows a situation where, although saved in S214, the analysis is not yet complete and has not been updated in S217. That is, the analysis status, which shows the progress of the image analysis, is "In Progress," and no analysis results have been obtained and therefore not recorded. Image analysis information 504 indicates that the image analysis has not been performed because the type of image analysis was not specified when the image was received.

[0025] Note that the process shown in Figure 2(b) may be performed on one or more images as the target of analysis. When multiple images are targeted, processing corresponding to multiple images may be performed in each step, or steps S211 to S217 may be repeated for each image.

[0026] ● Image storage process by image storage server Next, we will move on to the explanation of Figure 2(c). When the image storage request and the image data to be stored, along with the image's unique ID, are sent in S214, the CPU of the image storage server 130 receives the image storage request, the image data to be stored, and the image's unique ID in S220. Then, in S221, the CPU of the image storage server 130 associates the received image data with the image's unique ID and stores it. In this way, the image storage server 130 stores the image data with the image's unique ID associated with it.

[0027] ● Processing when referencing image data Next, we will explain the process of controlling the operation of the image analysis server 100 when it automatically obtains image analysis results corresponding to the referenced image when the electronic medical record terminal 140 references an image stored on the image storage server 130. Figures 6A-6C show examples of the user interface (UI) of the electronic medical record on the electronic medical record terminal 140. Figure 6A(a) shows an example of the UI when no diagnostic information has been entered into the electronic medical record. Looking at the electronic medical record 600, we can see that patient information 601 is displayed, but the summary 602, image 603, and image-related information 605 have not been entered. The electronic medical record 600 is displayed, for example, by entering a patient ID on the initial screen of the application for the electronic medical record and specifying the patient. The patient specified here will be called the target patient.

[0028] Pressing the reference button 604 here allows you to view images related to the currently displayed patient. The images are accessed from the image storage server 130. Although this explanation is simplified here, by associating image data with the patient ID when the image is captured or sent, it becomes possible to associate the image data with the patient ID when saving it on the image storage server 130. As mentioned above, the patient ID and the image ID may be combined to form the aforementioned unique image ID. In this way, it becomes possible to view only the images corresponding to the patient currently displayed on the electronic medical record 600 from among the images stored on the image storage server 130. Pressing the reference button 604 displays the image viewer 700 shown in Figure 7. Accordingly, for example, the patient ID is sent from the electronic medical record terminal 140 to the image storage server 130, and the image data associated with that patient ID is sent to the image viewer on the electronic medical record terminal 140. The example image viewer 700 shows four images 701-704 associated with the patient ID. The date and time of capture are also displayed for each image. The patient ID and patient name may also be displayed on the screen. When a user selects an image from those displayed in the image viewer 700 and presses the paste button 705, the image can be pasted into the electronic medical record. If the desired image is not available, the user can close the image viewer without pasting an image by pressing the close button 706. Furthermore, by enabling scrolling using a scroll button or similar, it is possible to view more images than the number that can be displayed on one screen (4 in the example in Figure 7).

[0029] Figure 8 shows the operation of each device after the image paste button 705 is pressed on the image viewer 700. Figure 8(a) shows the processing of the electronic medical record terminal 140. Figure 8(b) shows the processing of the image storage server 130, and Figure 8(c) shows the processing of the image analysis server 100. The processing of each device is achieved by the CPU of each device executing a program stored in its memory.

[0030] When a user selects an image from the image viewer 700 of the electronic medical record terminal 140 and presses the paste button 705, the process shown in Figure 8(a) is executed to paste the image into the electronic medical record 600. In S800, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 sends a download request for the image data of the selected image to the image storage server 130. The selected image is called the target image, and its image data is called the target image data. The target image data is identified by identification information, which is the identification information received from the image storage server 130 along with the image data. This is not limited to the image unique ID, but it may be the image unique ID.

[0031] Next, we will move on to the explanation of Figure 8(b). When an image download request is sent in S800, the CPU of the image storage server 130 receives the download request in S810. Then, in S811, the CPU of the image storage server 130 sends the requested image data and the corresponding image unique ID as a response to the electronic medical record terminal 140.

[0032] Next, let's return to the explanation of Figure 8(a). When a response is sent from the image storage server 130, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 receives the image data and image unique ID included in the response in S801. Next, in S802, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 obtains the current consultation status of the patient. The consultation status may be determined based on the current time, or if a patient reservation system is installed in the hospital or clinic, it may be obtained in conjunction with that system. For example, if the current time is within the consultation hours, the patient may be judged to be in consultation. Also, if the patient is within the consultation time scheduled, the patient may be judged to be in consultation. However, since the actual consultation time may differ from the scheduled time, it may be judged to be in consultation if it is within a certain range from the scheduled time.

[0033] Next, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 in S803 sends a request to the image analysis server 100 to obtain the image analysis results of the target image data. At this time, the unique image ID of the target image data and the acquired medical examination status are also sent. Here, the medical examination status can be said to be the status of the source that sent the request to obtain the image analysis results.

[0034] Next, we will move on to the explanation of Figure 8(c). When a request to acquire image analysis results is sent in S803, the CPU 104 of the image analysis server 100 receives the acquisition request in S820. Next, in S821, the CPU 104 acquires the image analysis results associated with the received image unique ID, which are stored, for example, in the secondary storage device 102. The image analysis results here refer to the results (information related to image analysis) exemplified in Figure 5(a). For example, if the received image unique ID is "00000001", the CPU 104 acquires the information related to image analysis 501. Next, in S822, the CPU 104 controls the operation of the image analysis server 100 according to the received examination status and the analysis status included in the acquired information related to image analysis. Here, an example of the operation control of the image analysis server 100 is shown in Figure 9.

[0035] Figure 9 shows that the operation of the image analysis server 100 differs depending on the examination status and the image analysis status. For example, as in control 901 and control 904, when the image analysis is completed, the image analysis results are sent as a response to the electronic medical record terminal 140, regardless of whether an examination is in progress or not. Also, as in control 902 and control 905, even though the analysis status is "in progress," the operation differs depending on whether an examination is in progress or not. In other words, as in control 902, when an examination is in progress, it is likely that the doctor wants to see the image analysis results immediately and share them with the patient, so the priority of image analysis for the target image is increased. On the other hand, when it is outside of examination hours, there is less need to perform the analysis urgently, so the estimated completion time of the image analysis is sent as a response. In this way, by controlling the operation of the image analysis server according to the image analysis execution status (analysis status) and the examination status, it is possible to obtain the results that the doctor expects.

[0036] In the example in Figure 9, there are two possible examination statuses: "examination in progress" and "examination not in progress," and three possible analysis statuses: "completed," "in progress," and "not in progress." Therefore, there are six possible combinations. Note that "examination not in progress" includes being outside of examination hours. In S822, the system determines which combination of examination status and analysis status is being performed and identifies the appropriate server action (control) based on the determination result. Then, in S823, the identified server action is executed. In other words, in S822, there are six possible processing branches depending on the combination of examination status and analysis status, and in S823, the server action shown in Figure 9 is executed for each of these branches.

[0037] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8(c), at S823, the CPU 104 performs an action according to the control result described above. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, it performs an action according to the combination of examination status and analysis status and sends a response to the electronic medical record terminal 140. Note that the server operation of control 902 does not include a response, but after performing a process to increase the priority of the image analysis currently being performed, it may send a response to the electronic medical record terminal 140 indicating that the process has been completed.

[0038] Let's explain the example in Figure 9 step by step. If the examination status is "examination in progress" and the image analysis status is "completed," the image analysis results have been obtained, and the analysis results for the requested image unique ID are sent to the electronic medical record terminal 140 (control 901). The analysis results to be sent include information such as the analysis results 501 and 503 related to the image analysis in Figure 5.

[0039] If the examination status is "examination in progress" and the analysis status of the target image is "in progress," the priority of analyzing the image with the requested image unique ID (elephant image) is increased (control 902) in order to obtain the image analysis results as quickly as possible. Initially, the priority may be in the order in which the processing in Figure 2(b) was started. That is, it may be in the order in which the image analyses are performed. If image analysis is performed on one image at a time and the target image is in the queue, the priority can be increased by moving it up in the queue. Alternatively, the image analysis that is currently in progress may be interrupted and the image analysis of the target image may be started. Also, if image analysis is being performed on multiple images in parallel, the analysis processing time allocated to the target image may be increased. Even when the priority is increased, a response to the received acquisition request is returned. The content of the response may be, for example, information indicating that the analysis results have not yet been obtained.

[0040] If the examination status is "in examination" and the analysis status of the target image is "not yet performed," it is possible that no analysis type has been specified for the image with the specified image unique ID, so the system sends an immediately executable analysis type to the electronic medical record terminal 140 (control 903). Alternatively, it may send an immediately executable analysis type. The immediately executable analysis type can be determined using Table 300 in Figure 3(a). Table 300 registers the average execution time for each analysis type, and analysis types with an execution time shorter than a predetermined threshold may be identified as immediately executable analysis types. For example, if the threshold is 10 seconds, then pressure ulcer assessment 301 and burn assessment 302 are the applicable analysis types. Furthermore, if there is an immediately executable image analysis type, the system may respond with the immediately executable image analysis type and pre-execute the image analysis on the image analysis server 100. This makes it possible for the user to obtain the image analysis results immediately when they press the image analysis button. The analysis type to be executed at this time may be, for example, the analysis type with the shortest execution time. Alternatively, statistical information for the specified analysis type may be retained, and the analysis type with the most specified number of occurrences may be executed.

[0041] If the examination status is "outside examination" and the analysis status of the target image is "completed," the image analysis results have been obtained, and the analysis results of the image with the requested image unique ID are sent to the electronic medical record terminal 140 (control 904).

[0042] If the consultation status is "not a consultation" and the analysis status of the target image is "in progress," it is considered that there is no particular urgency, so the estimated completion time of the image analysis is sent to the electronic medical record terminal 140 (control 905). The processing time can be estimated, for example, based on the image size and the type of analysis, and the estimated completion time can be calculated by adding that processing time to the current time.

[0043] If the consultation status is "not consultation" and the analysis status of the target image is "not performed," it is possible that no analysis type has been specified for the image with the specified image unique ID, so all possible analysis types are sent to the electronic medical record terminal 140 (control 906).

[0044] The above conditions and corresponding processes are merely examples; you may change them to other conditions, add other information, or change the actions corresponding to the conditions to other actions.

[0045] Next, let's return to the explanation of Figure 8(a). When a response is sent from the image analysis server 100, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 receives the response (response) which is the result of the operation by the image analysis server 100 in S804. The received response contains information about image analysis, so the electronic medical record terminal 140 pastes (or associates) it with the corresponding electronic medical record and saves that electronic medical record. The save location may be the electronic medical record terminal 140, but it may also be the image storage server 130 or other electronic medical record storage servers not shown. The saved electronic medical record includes patient information and summaries linked to the patient ID, image data and image unique IDs received in S801, and image analysis-related information received in S804.

[0046] Figures 6A(b) to 6B(f) show examples of the electronic medical record UI displayed on the electronic medical record terminal 140 when it receives a response from the image analysis server 100. The displays in Figures 6A(b) to 6B(f) correspond to the control of the image analysis server in Figure 9. First, Figure 6A(b) shows the display corresponding to control 901 and control 905. Looking at Figure 6A(b), it can be seen that the image 611 is attached to the electronic medical record 610, and the image analysis results are displayed in the image analysis information 612. In this way, when the electronic medical record terminal 140 acquires an image from the image storage server 130, it can also automatically acquire the image analysis results from the image analysis server 100.

[0047] Next, Figure 6A(c) shows the electronic medical record corresponding to control 902. Looking at the image analysis information 622, it is shown that pressure ulcer assessment is being performed with increased priority. The information displayed here, or the information underlying it, is the information received by S804 from the image analysis server 100. Next, Figure 6B(d) shows the electronic medical record corresponding to control 903. Looking at the image analysis information 632, two analysis types, "pressure ulcer assessment" and "burn assessment," are displayed as buttons as image analyses that can be performed immediately. These are also information received by S804 from the image analysis server 100. By pressing each button, the image analysis of the specified analysis type can be performed. Note that whether an analysis can be performed immediately is determined using Table 300. That is, an image analysis type with an average execution time of less than or equal to a predetermined time is selected.

[0048] Next, Figure 6B(e) shows the electronic medical record corresponding to control 905. Looking at the image analysis information 642, we can see that pressure ulcer assessment is being performed as an image analysis, and the estimated completion time is approximately 5 minutes. Next, Figure 6B(f) shows the electronic medical record corresponding to control 906. Looking at the image analysis information 652, we can see that "pressure ulcer assessment," "burn assessment," "blemish assessment," and "tinea assessment" are displayed as executable image analyses. By pressing the respective buttons, the image analysis can be executed. In this case as well, it is also possible to return a response and execute the image analysis speculatively. However, since the type of analysis is not specified, it is possible to select and execute the one with the shortest processing time. Alternatively, statistical information of the specified analysis type can be kept and the analysis type with the most specified number of executions can be executed.

[0049] [Differentiation] Next, we will explain how a user can explicitly change the priority of an ongoing image analysis. Figure 6C(g) shows the UI of an electronic medical record system that includes a means for changing the priority of an image analysis. The image analysis information 662 in the electronic medical record 660 indicates that the pressure ulcer assessment will be completed in approximately 5 minutes. Furthermore, it includes a "Prioritize Execution" button to increase the priority of this image analysis. In such a case, the user can increase the priority of the image analysis displayed in the electronic medical record by pressing the "Prioritize Execution" button. For example, the electronic medical record terminal 140 requests the image analysis server 100 to increase the priority in response to the press of the Priority Execution button. At this time, the unique image ID of the image data to be analyzed is also specified. Upon receiving this, the image analysis server 100, if the image data with the specified unique image ID is in the image analysis queue, moves that image data to the front of the queue to advance its position in the queue. Furthermore, it responds to the electronic medical record terminal 140 with the recalculated execution time based on the new priority. Upon receiving this information, the electronic medical record terminal updates the scheduled execution time displayed in the image analysis information 662 of the electronic medical record 660 with the received scheduled execution time. Furthermore, if the image data of the specified image unique ID is currently undergoing image analysis, and image analysis for multiple image data is being performed in parallel using time-sharing, the allocation of processing time for the specified image data may be increased.

[0050] This allows you to specify which images to prioritize for image analysis each time you display an image.

[0051] ● Effects of the embodiment As described above, according to this first embodiment and its modifications, by requesting image data from the image storage server 130 from a terminal device such as an electronic medical record terminal 140, the results of the image analysis can also be obtained. When the image analysis server 100 receives a request for the results of the image analysis, it performs processing based on the examination situation where the terminal device is located and the analysis status held by the image analysis server 100, which is linked to the image data that is the subject of the requested image analysis. The server then responds to the terminal device with information regarding the image analysis corresponding to that processing. Therefore, the image analysis server 100 can perform appropriate processing based on the examination situation and the analysis status, and respond to the terminal device with an appropriate response, i.e., the results that the user expects, as information regarding the image analysis.

[0052] For example, if the analysis status is complete, the image analysis server 140 sends the results of the completed image analysis to the terminal device, regardless of the examination status. Also, if the analysis status is anything other than complete, and the examination status is in progress, the image analysis server 140 operates to obtain the image analysis results as quickly as possible. Specifically, if the analysis status is in progress, it increases the priority of the image analysis, and if it is not yet in progress, it responds to the terminal device with an analysis type that can be executed in a short time. Also, if the analysis status is anything other than complete, and the examination status is outside of an examination, it does not rush the image analysis, but performs processing according to the situation at that time and responds. Specifically, if the analysis status is in progress, it responds with an estimated time for completion of the image analysis, and if the analysis status is not yet in progress, it responds to the terminal device with selectable analysis types and allows the user to choose from them. This improves the responsiveness of using image analysis in electronic medical records and further enhances convenience.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the above modification, the user can specify that the priority of the currently running image formation tree be increased through the operation of the terminal device. Therefore, while uniformly increasing the priority prevents delays in image analysis of other image data, the user can specify that the priority should be increased only when necessary. This improves convenience.

[0054] [Second Embodiment] ● Image analysis function version upgrade Next, we will explain the process that occurs when the image analysis function on the image analysis server 100 is upgraded after the image analysis has been performed once. Similar to the first embodiment, the electronic medical record system of this embodiment also operates, and in addition, the process of checking the image analysis version, which will be explained below, is performed on images for which image analysis has been completed.

[0055] The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows. First, as shown in Figure 3(b), the image analysis server 100 holds version information 310 for each type of image analysis currently in use. The version for each type of image analysis may be, for example, the version of the software module for image analysis executed for each type of image analysis. Also, in this embodiment, instead of the image analysis information 500 shown in Figure 5(a), the image analysis information 510 shown in Figure 5(b) is stored in the image analysis server 100. In Figure 5(b), in addition to the configuration of the image analysis information of the first embodiment, version information (analysis version) of the image analysis module used for the image analysis is included as a new item.

[0056] ● Analysis Type Version Table Figure 3(b) is a table showing the image analysis types and their versions on the image analysis server 100. The image analysis process is modularized for each analysis type, and each module, i.e., each analysis type, can be upgraded. For example, looking at the pressure ulcer judgment 311, we can see that the version of the pressure ulcer judgment is 2.0, and looking at the burn judgment 312, we can see that the version of the burn judgment is 1.0. The same versions are associated with the stain judgment 313 and the ringworm judgment 314. When image analysis is performed, the version used for the analysis is recorded along with the image analysis results. Figure 5(b) shows an example of saving such analysis results. Looking at the image analysis information 510, we can see that the image analysis was performed using version 1.0 of the pressure ulcer judgment function. The other items are the same as in Figure 5(a) of the first embodiment. Here, if the version used to perform image analysis on an image attached to the electronic medical record is outdated, it may be desirable to re-run the image analysis with a newer version. Figure 10 shows the process for determining whether a newer version is available.

[0057] Figure 10(a) shows the processing of the electronic medical record terminal 140, and Figure 10(b) shows the processing of the corresponding image analysis server 100. The processing in Figure 10(a) begins when the electronic medical record terminal 140 displays or selects an image for which image analysis has already been performed. Specifically, this may be, for example, when the electronic medical record terminal 140 opens the electronic medical record 610 of the target patient and an image is attached thereto, or when an attached image is selected. Alternatively, it may be when the image viewer 700 shown in Figure 7 is opened on the electronic medical record terminal 140, an image that has been analyzed is selected, and the paste button 705 is pressed, and the electronic medical record 610 is displayed accordingly.

[0058] In S1000, the CPU of electronic medical record terminal 140 sends the image unique ID of the target image to the image analysis server 100 along with a request to query the image analysis version. It is assumed here that the image unique ID is also saved when the image is pasted into the electronic medical record.

[0059] Next, we will move on to the explanation of Figure 10(b). When the image analysis version query and the image unique ID are sent in S1000, the CPU 104 of the image analysis server 100 receives the image analysis version query request and the image unique ID in S1010. Next, in S1011, the CPU 104 obtains the analysis version contained therein from the image analysis information associated with the image unique ID in response to the image analysis version query request. This is as shown in Figure 5(b). That is, if the received image unique ID is "00000001", the CPU 104 obtains the analysis version "1.0" by referring to the data in the image analysis information 511. Next, in S1012, the CPU 104 obtains the latest version of the corresponding image analysis type. Looking at the image analysis information 511, it can be seen that the analysis type performed was "pressure ulcer diagnosis". Also, looking at the version information 311, it can be seen that the latest version of the pressure ulcer diagnosis function is "2.0". That is, it can be seen that there is a newer version of pressure ulcer diagnosis than the version used when the image analysis information 511 was generated. Next, in S1013, CPU104 sends a message to the electronic medical record terminal 140 indicating whether or not a new analysis version was obtained in S1012. In the example above, it sends a message indicating that a new analysis version is available.

[0060] Next, let's return to the explanation of Figure 10(a). When the presence or absence of a new analysis version is transmitted in S1013, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 receives that information in S1001. Then, in S1002, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 controls its operation according to the received result. Figure 6C(h) shows an example of the electronic medical record UI when a new version exists. The displayed image analysis information 672 shows the version of the pressure ulcer assessment that was performed last time and that a new version has been released. An execute button and a cancel button are also displayed. By pressing the execute button here, the user can re-run the pressure ulcer assessment with the new version.

[0061] In S1002, for example, when the execute button is pressed, the electronic medical record terminal 140 sends an image analysis request to the image analysis server 100, along with the image unique ID and analysis type. In response, the image analysis server 100 performs image analysis on the specified image data and saves information related to the image analysis (Figure 5(b)). At this time, the latest version of image analysis is performed for the specified analysis type. Meanwhile, the electronic medical record terminal 140 requests and receives information related to the image analysis from the image analysis server 100. To do this, for example, the following steps in Figure 8(a) are executed. Based on the received information about the image analysis, the image analysis information in the electronic medical record displayed on the electronic medical record terminal 140 is overwritten and updated, and the results of the latest version of the image analysis are displayed.

[0062] As described above, the electronic medical record system of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the electronic medical record system of the first embodiment, can update the electronic medical record with the results of image analysis from the latest version of image analysis. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of information on image analysis used for diagnosis and treatment.

[0063] [Third Embodiment] ● Added image analysis function Next, we will explain the process when a new image analysis function is added to the image analysis server 100.

[0064] Similar to the first embodiment, the electronic medical record system of this embodiment also operates, and in addition, processing related to the addition of the image analysis function described below is performed on images for which image analysis has been completed.

[0065] The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows. First, the image analysis server 100 stores the registration date 320 for each type of image analysis currently in use, as shown in Figure 3(c). The registration date for each type of image analysis may be, for example, the date on which each type of image analysis first became executable. Also, in this embodiment, instead of the image analysis information 500 shown in Figure 5(a), the image analysis information 510 shown in Figure 5(c) is stored in the image analysis server 100. In Figure 5(c), in addition to the configuration of the image analysis information of the first embodiment, the date on which the image analysis was performed is included as a new item.

[0066] ●Image analysis type information Figure 3(c) shows the image analysis type information 320 held by the image analysis server 100, with each image analysis function assigned a registration date. For example, image analysis type 321 has 2023 / 9 / 1 recorded as the registration date for pressure ulcer judgment (size). Also, image analysis type 324 has 2023 / 11 / 1 recorded as the registration date for pressure ulcer judgment (depth). Here, when the image analysis server 100 performs an image analysis, it saves the execution date of the image analysis along with the image analysis results. An example of saving such analysis results (information related to image analysis) is shown in Figure 5(c). The image analysis information 520 includes 2023 / 10 / 6 as the execution date for pressure ulcer judgment (size). Here, if there are image analysis functions that have been added after the execution date of the image analysis, it may be possible to perform a new image analysis. Therefore, Figure 11 shows the process for determining whether there is a new image analysis type.

[0067] Figure 11(a) shows the processing of the electronic medical record terminal 140, and Figure 11(b) shows the processing of the corresponding image analysis server 100. The processing in Figure 11(a) begins when an image that has previously undergone image analysis is displayed or selected in the electronic medical record. This timing may be the same as in the second embodiment.

[0068] In S1100, the CPU of electronic medical record terminal 140 sends the image unique ID of the target image data to the image analysis server 100, along with an inquiry about the new image analysis function (new analysis type).

[0069] Next, we will move on to the explanation of Figure 11(b). When a query for a new image analysis function and an image unique ID are sent in S1100, the CPU 104 of the image analysis server 100 receives the query for a new image analysis function and the image unique ID in S1110. Next, in S1111, the CPU 104, in response to the query for a new image analysis function, obtains the analysis execution date from the image analysis information associated with the image unique ID. This is as shown in Figure 5(c). That is, if the received image unique ID is "00000001", the CPU 104 refers to the data in the image analysis information 521 and obtains the analysis execution date "2023 / 10 / 6". Next, in S1112, the CPU 104 obtains the analysis type that was added after the analysis execution date by referring to the image analysis type information 320. Looking at the image analysis type information 320, it can be seen that there is a pressure ulcer judgment (depth) 324 as an image analysis that was added after 2023 / 10 / 6 when the target image was analyzed. Next, in S1113, the CPU 104 sends to the electronic medical record terminal 140 whether or not there is any new image analysis acquired in S1112, and if so, what type of new image analysis it is.

[0070] Next, let's return to the explanation of Figure 11(a). When the presence or absence of a new image analysis function is transmitted in S1103, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 receives that information in S1101. Next, in S1102, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 controls its operation according to the received result. Figure 6C(i) shows an example of the UI of the electronic medical record when a new image analysis function exists. The displayed image analysis information 682 indicates that a new image analysis function has been added. An execution button for running the added image analysis function is also displayed. By pressing the execution button for the added image analysis function, it is possible to perform that image analysis.

[0071] In S1102, for example, when the execute button is pressed, the electronic medical record terminal 140 sends an image analysis request to the image analysis server 100, along with the image unique ID and the newly added analysis type. In response, the image analysis server 100 performs image analysis of the specified analysis type on the specified image data and saves information related to the image analysis (Figure 5(c)). Meanwhile, the electronic medical record terminal 140 requests and receives information related to the image analysis from the image analysis server 100. To do this, for example, the following steps in Figure 8(a) are executed. The received information related to the image analysis is added to the image analysis information in the electronic medical record displayed on the electronic medical record terminal 140, and the results of the image analysis using the new analysis function are displayed.

[0072] As described above, the electronic medical record system of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the electronic medical record system of the first embodiment, can add and update the results of image analysis, which has been newly added, to the electronic medical record. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of information related to image analysis used for diagnosis and treatment.

[0073] Furthermore, the second and third embodiments can be implemented together. To do this, the image analysis server 100 stores both the image analysis version information 310 shown in Figure 3(b) and the image analysis type information 320 shown in Figure 3(c). The image analysis server 100 also stores information related to image analysis, including the analysis version and the date the analysis was performed. In this way, it is possible to achieve both image analysis using a new version of already analyzed image data, as shown in the second embodiment, and image analysis using a new image analysis function, as shown in the third embodiment.

[0074] [Fourth Embodiment] ● Presentation of image analysis function Next, we will explain the case where a doctor examines a patient, enters medical information into the electronic medical record, and then sends that information to the image analysis server 100 to present appropriate image analysis functions. Figure 13(a) shows an example of the UI after a doctor has entered medical information into the electronic medical record. The electronic medical record 1300 contains the medical information entered by the doctor as medical information 1303. It can also be seen that image 1301 has been attached. Note that, as indicated in the image analysis information 1302, image analysis has not yet been performed. At this point, if the user presses the save button 1304, the contents entered into the electronic medical record can be saved. Simultaneously, the medical information is sent to the image analysis server 1000.

[0075] Figure 12 shows the process of sending medical information to the image analysis server 100 and obtaining information about appropriate image analysis functions from the image analysis server 100. Figure 12(a) shows the process of the electronic medical record terminal 140, and Figure 12(b) shows the process of the image analysis server 100. As mentioned above, the process in Figure 12(a) is assumed to start when the save button 1304 of the electronic medical record is pressed.

[0076] In S1200, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 sends the image analysis server 100 with a query request for the analysis type, along with the medical information stored in the electronic medical record and the image unique ID corresponding to the attached image data. Here, the medical information to be sent is a summary 1303, which is the medical information recorded by the doctor. When sending, all the information in the summary 1303 may be sent, or keywords may be extracted by the electronic medical record terminal 1300 and only the keywords may be sent. Also, if all the information is sent, the image analysis server 100 may extract the keywords.

[0077] Next, we will explain Figure 12(b). When the image unique ID and medical information are sent along with the analysis type query request in S1200, the CPU 104 of the image analysis server 100 receives the image unique ID and medical information along with the analysis type query request in S1210. Next, in S1211, the CPU 104 associates and stores the received image unique ID and medical information in response to the analysis type query request. Next, in S1212, the CPU 104 identifies the appropriate image analysis type based on the received medical information. Possible methods for identification include determining the analysis type using a predetermined algorithm based on keywords in the medical information, or using artificial intelligence (AI) for determination. In addition, multiple analysis types may be considered as candidates, not just one. When using AI, for example, keywords described in the medical information, such as the location and appearance of the affected area or the patient's complaints, may be used as input, supervised learning may be performed using the applicable analysis type as training data, and the analysis type may be determined using the trained model. Image data may also be added as input. Alternatively, if the decision is made without using AI, for example, pre-selected keywords can be associated with each analysis type. Then, the number of keywords associated with each analysis type among the keywords included in the medical information can be counted, and the analysis type with the highest number can be identified as the appropriate analysis type. If multiple analysis types are to be identified, "in descending order of frequency" can be used instead of "highest frequency". Next, in S1213, the CPU 104 sends the analysis type it has determined to be appropriate to the electronic medical record terminal 140.

[0078] Returning to the explanation of Figure 12(a), in S1201, the CPU of the electronic medical record terminal 140 receives the analysis type from the image analysis server 100. Next, in S1202, the electronic medical record terminal 140 controls its operation according to the received result. For example, it displays an execution button on the electronic medical record to perform the received analysis type, and when the execution button is pressed, it sends an image analysis request to the image analysis server 100 along with the analysis type corresponding to the execution button and the unique image ID of the target image.

[0079] Figure 13(b) illustrates this example. Looking at the image analysis information 1312 in Figure 13(b), we can see that melanoma diagnosis is displayed as an image analysis candidate. In this case, the image analysis server 100 sends melanoma diagnosis as the appropriate analysis type to the electronic medical record terminal 140 in S1213, and the electronic medical record terminal 140 displays a button to execute melanoma diagnosis on the electronic medical record 1310 in S1202. When the execute button is pressed, the electronic medical record terminal 140 sends an image analysis request to the image analysis server 100 with melanoma diagnosis as the analysis type. The electronic medical record terminal 140, having received the analysis result, displays the analysis result as image analysis information in the electronic medical record.

[0080] In this way, it becomes possible to present the user with the appropriate image analysis type according to the medical information. This embodiment can also be combined with any of the first to third embodiments.

[0081] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Some of the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by performing the following process: that is, supplying software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (or CPU or MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program.

[0083] [Other examples] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0084] ●Summary of Embodiments The above embodiments can be summarized as follows: (Item 1) Communication methods, Memory means and It has control means, The control means is The system performs image analysis on the target image data according to the specified analysis type and stores the image analysis results in the storage means. The communication means receives a request to acquire the image analysis results of the target image data and the status of the source of the acquisition request. Depending on the progress of the image analysis, if the image analysis is complete, the image analysis results are responded to the acquisition request; if the image analysis is not complete, processing is performed in response to the acquisition request according to the status of the sender. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 2) The information processing device described in item 1, If the image analysis has not been performed, the control means responds with an analysis type that can be applied to the target image data, according to the status of the sender, as processing according to the status of the sender. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 3) The information processing device described in item 2, The control means responds as an analysis type applicable to the target image data if the image analysis has not been performed and the source is undergoing a medical examination, and responds as an analysis type applicable to the target image data if the image analysis has not been performed and the source is not undergoing a medical examination, and responds as an analysis type applicable to the target image data if an executable analysis type is available. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 4) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 3, The control means, if the image analysis is in progress and the source is undergoing a medical examination, increases the priority of the image analysis for the target image data; if the image analysis is in progress and the source is not undergoing a medical examination, it responds with an estimated completion time for the image analysis for the target image data. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 5) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 4, The aforementioned source is a terminal device. The control means transmits the response to the terminal device and causes the terminal device to display information based on the response. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 6) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, The control means is The terminal device receives an image analysis request, the target image data, and the analysis type via the communication means. Depending on the type of analysis, the image analysis is initiated on the target image data. The target image data and the identification information assigned to the target image data are transmitted to the image storage server via the communication means to store the target image data. Once the image analysis is complete, the system performs image analysis on the target image data according to the specified analysis type and stores the image analysis results in the storage means. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 7) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 6, The control means increases the priority of image analysis for the target image data in response to a request to increase the priority of image analysis for the target image data. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 8) The information processing device described in item 7, Increasing the priority includes raising the waiting order when the target image data is waiting for the image analysis. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 9) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 8, The system further includes a holding means for holding the version of the image analysis for each type of analysis, The aforementioned image analysis results further include the version of the image analysis that obtained the said image analysis results, The control means further responds to an inquiry about a new version of the image analysis for the target image data by using the versions of the image analysis for each analysis type held in the holding means and the versions of the image analysis included in the image analysis results for the target image data, and if there is a newer version of the image analysis than the version of the image analysis that obtained the image analysis results for the target image data, it responds with that version. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 10) The information processing device described in item 9, When the control means receives a request for image analysis of the target image data, it performs the latest version of image analysis in response to the request. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 11) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 10, The system further includes a storage means for storing the registration date when each type of analysis first became executable, The aforementioned image analysis results further include the date on which the image analysis results were obtained. The control means further responds to inquiries about the new functions of the image analysis with respect to the target image data, and based on the registration date for each analysis type held in the holding means and the date included in the image analysis result for the target image data, if there is a new analysis type that has become executable after the date on which the image analysis result for the target image data was obtained, it responds with the new analysis type. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 12) The information processing device described in item 10, When the control means receives a request for image analysis specifying the new analysis type for the target image data, it performs the image analysis of the specified new analysis type in response to the request. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 13) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 12, It further has a holding means for holding the types of analysis that can be performed, The control means, upon receiving medical information along with the inquiry about the type of analysis for the target image data, further identifies the type of analysis corresponding to the medical information in response to the inquiry and responds with the identified type of analysis. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 14) The information processing device described in item 13, The control means, in response to the inquiry, identifies the analysis type based on the keywords included in the medical information. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 15) A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device as described in any one of items 1 through 13. (Item 16) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 13 that functions as an image analysis server, Image storage server and Includes terminal devices, The terminal device requests the target image data from the image storage server and requests the image analysis results associated with the target image data from the image analysis server. The image based on the image data received from the image storage server and the image analysis results received from the image analysis server are displayed in the electronic medical record. An electronic medical record system characterized by the following features. (Item 17) A control method for an information processing apparatus having communication means, storage means, and control means, The control means, The system performs image analysis on the target image data according to the specified analysis type and stores the image analysis results in the storage means. The communication means receives a request to acquire the image analysis results of the target image data and the status of the source of the acquisition request. Depending on the progress of the image analysis, if the image analysis is complete, the image analysis results are responded to the acquisition request; if the image analysis is not complete, processing is performed in response to the acquisition request according to the status of the sender. A control method for an information processing device characterized by the following features.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, a list of items is attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 100 Image analysis servers, 110 Client applications, 120 Imaging devices, 130 Image storage servers, 140 Electronic medical record terminals

Claims

1. Communication methods, Memory means and It has control means, The control means is The system performs image analysis on the target image data according to the specified analysis type and stores the image analysis results in the storage means. The communication means receives a request to acquire the image analysis results of the target image data and the status of the source of the acquisition request. Depending on the progress of the image analysis, if the image analysis is complete, the image analysis results are responded to the acquisition request; if the image analysis is not complete, processing is performed in response to the acquisition request according to the status of the sender. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, If the image analysis has not been performed, the control means responds with an analysis type that can be applied to the target image data according to the status of the sender, as processing according to the status of the sender. An information processing device characterized by the following:

3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The control means responds as an analysis type applicable to the target image data if the image analysis has not been performed and the source is undergoing a medical examination, and responds as an analysis type applicable to the target image data if the image analysis has not been performed and the source is not undergoing a medical examination, and responds as an analysis type applicable to the target image data if an executable analysis type is available. An information processing device characterized by the following:

4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The control means, if the image analysis is in progress and the source is undergoing a medical examination, increases the priority of the image analysis for the target image data; if the image analysis is in progress and the source is not undergoing a medical examination, it responds with an estimated completion time for the image analysis for the target image data. An information processing device characterized by the following:

5. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned source is a terminal device. The control means transmits the response to the terminal device and causes the terminal device to display information based on the response. An information processing device characterized by the following:

6. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The control means is The terminal device receives an image analysis request, the target image data, and the analysis type via the communication means. Depending on the type of analysis, the image analysis is initiated on the target image data. The target image data and the identification information assigned to the target image data are transmitted to the image storage server via the communication means to store the target image data. Once the image analysis is complete, the system performs image analysis on the target image data according to the specified analysis type and stores the image analysis results in the storage means. An information processing device characterized by the following:

7. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The control means increases the priority of image analysis for the target image data in response to a request to increase the priority of image analysis for the target image data. An information processing device characterized by the following:

8. An information processing apparatus according to claim 7, Increasing the priority includes moving up the waiting order when the image analysis of the target image data has not been completed and the system is waiting for the image analysis to be completed. An information processing device characterized by the following:

9. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The system further includes a holding means for holding the version of the image analysis for each type of analysis, The aforementioned image analysis results further include the version of the image analysis that obtained the said image analysis results, The control means further responds to an inquiry about a new version of the image analysis for the target image data by using the versions of the image analysis for each analysis type held in the holding means and the versions of the image analysis included in the image analysis results for the target image data, and if there is a newer version of the image analysis than the version of the image analysis that obtained the image analysis results for the target image data, it responds with that version. An information processing device characterized by the following:

10. An information processing apparatus according to claim 9, When the control means receives a request for image analysis of the target image data, it performs the latest version of image analysis in response to the request. An information processing device characterized by the following:

11. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The system further includes a storage means for storing the registration date when each type of analysis first became executable, The aforementioned image analysis results further include the date on which the image analysis results were obtained. The control means further responds to inquiries about the new functions of the image analysis with respect to the target image data, and based on the registration date for each analysis type held in the holding means and the date included in the image analysis result for the target image data, if there is a new analysis type that has become executable after the date on which the image analysis result for the target image data was obtained, it responds with the new analysis type. An information processing device characterized by the following:

12. An information processing apparatus according to claim 10, When the control means receives a request for image analysis specifying the new analysis type for the target image data, it performs the image analysis of the specified new analysis type in response to the request. An information processing device characterized by the following:

13. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, It further has a holding means for holding the types of analysis that can be performed, The control means, upon receiving medical information along with the inquiry about the type of analysis for the target image data, further identifies the type of analysis corresponding to the medical information in response to the inquiry and responds with the identified type of analysis. An information processing device characterized by the following:

14. An information processing apparatus according to claim 13, The control means, in response to the inquiry, identifies the analysis type based on the keywords included in the medical information. An information processing device characterized by the following:

15. A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which functions as an image analysis server, Image storage server and Includes terminal devices, The terminal device requests the target image data from the image storage server and requests the image analysis results associated with the target image data from the image analysis server. The image based on the image data received from the image storage server and the image analysis results received from the image analysis server are displayed in the electronic medical record. An electronic medical record system characterized by the following features.

17. A control method for an information processing apparatus having communication means, storage means, and control means, The control means, The system performs image analysis on the target image data according to the specified analysis type and stores the image analysis results in the storage means. The communication means receives a request to acquire the image analysis results of the target image data and the status of the source of the acquisition request. Depending on the progress of the image analysis, if the image analysis is complete, the image analysis results are responded to the acquisition request; if the image analysis is not complete, processing is performed in response to the acquisition request according to the status of the sender. A control method for an information processing device characterized by the following features.

Images