Inspection support device, inspection support method, and program

Abstract

The present invention assists with genetic testing in which pathological image data is used. A classifying unit (11) uses pathological image data, which is the test subject of genetic testing, to classify the test object by tumor cell type. A selecting unit (13) selects, from among available pathologists who can be asked to assist, a pathologist candidate to be asked to assist with the genetic testing, on the basis of the tumor cell type. A presenting unit (14) displays the pathologist candidate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an examination support device, an examination support method, and a recording medium, and more particularly to an examination support device, an examination support method, and a recording medium that assist the examination of tumor cells using a pathology specimen. [Background technology]

[0002] To obtain a cell population for genetic testing of somatic cells, a microscope with a laser attached is used. In one method, a thin slice of tissue is attached to a special slide and stained, and then a laser is applied along the outline of the area to be examined while observing the tissue slice under a microscope. This allows the cell population within the area to be separated from the tissue and collected. This is an example of a technique called dissection.

[0003] In related technology, digitized pathological images are used to make diagnoses or assist in diagnosis. For example, in the related technology described in Patent Document 1, high-magnification and low-magnification pathological images are used to automatically identify pathological tissues. This technology is an example of digital pathology.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes that image processing is performed on pathological image data to assist in dissection, and the processed pathological image data is then transmitted to a terminal of a pathologist. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-203949 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2011 / 108551 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For accurate genetic testing, it is required to use pathology image data including areas with a high content of tumor cells. However, it is difficult for pathologists to properly determine areas with a high content of tumor cells. In such cases, inexperienced pathologists would like to receive advice or assistance from experienced pathologists, but experienced pathologists are not always available nearby.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to support genetic testing using pathological image data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A testing support device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a classification means for classifying the subject of genetic testing by type of tumor cell using pathological image data that is the subject of genetic testing, a selection means for selecting a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic testing from among pathologists who can be requested to provide assistance based on the type of tumor cells associated with the subject, and a presentation means for presenting the candidate pathologists.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a testing support method uses pathological image data that is the subject of a genetic test to classify the subject by type of tumor cell, and based on the type of tumor cell associated with the subject, selects candidate pathologists to assist with the genetic test from among pathologists who can be requested to provide support, and presents the candidate pathologists.

[0010] A non-transitory storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer to use pathological image data that is the subject of a genetic test to classify the subject by type of tumor cell, select candidate pathologists to assist in the genetic test from among pathologists who are available to provide assistance based on the type of tumor cells associated with the subject, and present the candidate pathologists. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to support genetic testing using pathological image data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of data transmission and reception within a system including a pathologist's terminal and a server. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of image data of a pathological specimen. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an examination support device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the examination support device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data flow within a system including a test support device (cloud server) according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an examination support device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the examination support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data flow within a system including a test support device (cloud server) according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an examination support device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the examination support device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an examination support device according to any one of the first to third embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (System 1) An example of the configuration of a system 1 to which test support devices 10 to 30 according to embodiments 1 to 3 described below are applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the system 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a scanner 100 for a laboratory technician, a terminal 200 for a pathologist, and a server 300.

[0016] The laboratory technician prepares a pathology specimen of the cell tissue to be subjected to the genetic test. The laboratory technician prepares scan data of the pathology specimen using the scanner 100. The laboratory technician transmits the prepared scan data of the pathology specimen from the scanner 100 to the terminal 200 of the pathologist.

[0017] The pathologist creates image data of the pathological specimen to be examined (hereinafter referred to as pathological image data) by processing the scan data of the pathological specimen received by the terminal 200. For example, the pathologist determines an area of ​​interest that is likely to contain many cells with a high proportion of tumor cells, based on the density of the staining of the tissue.

[0018] The pathologist annotates the region of interest. For example, the pathologist may use general image editing software to add a marking to the region of interest on the image data of the pathological specimen where the ratio of the region of tumor cells is considered to be high. For example, the pathologist may use general image editing software running on the terminal 200 to input dots or lines to surround the region of interest on the image data of the pathological specimen. Alternatively, the pathologist may obtain the pathological specimen itself created by the laboratory technician, draw dots or lines on the pathological specimen with a marker or the like, and then scan the pathological specimen using the scanner 100. The pathologist's terminal 200 transmits the pathological image data created in this way to the server 300 together with a request for assistance. Here, the case where the laboratory technician specifies the region of interest has been described. However, the region of interest does not necessarily need to be specified. If the region of interest is not specified, in the following description, the "region of interest" is read as the entire image data of the pathological specimen.

[0019] The server 300 includes any one of a test support device 10 (FIG. 3), a test support device 20 (FIG. 5), and a test support device 30 (FIG. 9) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3 described below. In the following, any one of the test support devices 10 to 30 will be referred to as "test support device 10 (20, 30)."

[0020] The server 300 transmits information indicating candidates of pathologists to be requested for assistance to the pathologist's terminal 200. For example, the server 300 transmits a list of candidates to the pathologist's terminal 200.

[0021] The pathologist's terminal 200 receives the list of candidates from the server 300. The detailed configuration and operation of the examination support device 10 (20, 30) included in the server 300 will be described in the first to third embodiments.

[0022] The configuration of the system 1 including the test support device 10 (20, 30) according to the first to third embodiments is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. In the second embodiment described later, another system 2 (Fig. 5) including the test support device 20 will be described. In the third embodiment described later, another system 3 (Fig. 8) including the test support device 30 will be described.

[0023] [Embodiment 1] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.

[0024] (Inspection support device 10) The components of the test support device 10 according to the present embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the test support device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the test support device 10 includes a classification unit 12, a selection unit 13, and a presentation unit 14.

[0025] The classification unit 12 classifies the test subject into types of tumor cells by using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test. The classification unit 12 is an example of a classification means.

[0026] In one example, the classification unit 12 uses a classifier that has been machine-learned to learn the characteristics of tumor cells in samples of pathological image data. The classifier is, for example, a convolutional neural network (CNN). Each sample of the pathological image data is pre-added with tag information indicating the correct type of tumor cell.

[0027] The classification unit 12 trains a classifier (CNN) so as to correctly identify the type of tumor cells appearing in the pathological image data sample by referring to tag information added to the pathological image data sample. The classification unit 12 uses the classifier trained in this way to classify the pathological image data to be examined by type, and then outputs information indicating the type of tumor cells associated with the examination target to the selection unit 13. For example, the information indicating the type of tumor cells associated with the examination target may be information indicating the likelihood of each tumor cell.

[0028] The selection unit 13 selects candidates of pathologists (hereinafter simply referred to as candidates) to be requested to assist in genetic testing from among pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the type of tumor cells related to the test subject. The selection unit 13 is an example of a selection means.

[0029] In one example, the selection unit 13 receives information indicating the type of tumor cells associated with the test subject from the classification unit 12. Next, the selection unit 13 refers to a pathologist database in the server 300 (FIG. 1). The pathologist database stores information and data about each pathologist along with the identification information of each pathologist.

[0030] In the pathologist database, the identification information of each pathologist is linked to information indicating the capabilities of each pathologist, such as the years of experience and specialty of each pathologist. Furthermore, in the pathologist database, the identification information of each pathologist is also linked to a record of the determination of each type of tumor cell. Alternatively / in addition, the identification information of each pathologist may be linked to the performance of the determination of each type of tumor cell. The performance of the determination of each type of tumor cell indicates how accurately the pathologist can determine the type of tumor cell. The performance of the determination of each type of tumor cell may be calculated statistically based on the record of the determination of each type of tumor cell, or may be given manually by an evaluator.

[0031] The selection unit 13 checks the records or results of the determinations of each pathologist registered in the pathologist database regarding the type of tumor cells associated with the test subject. Then, the selection unit 13 compares the records or results of the determinations of all pathologists registered in the pathologist database regarding the type of tumor cells associated with the test subject.

[0032] For example, the selection unit 13 compares the number of times that all pathologists registered in the pathologist database have made a determination regarding the type of tumor cells associated with the test subject, and selects a predetermined number of pathologists as candidates in descending order of the number of times. Alternatively, the selection unit 13 may select a predetermined number of pathologists as candidates from among all pathologists registered in the pathologist database in descending order of the solidity of their determination results regarding the type of tumor cells associated with the test subject.

[0033] In one variant, the database of pathologists may be organized into lists, where each pathologist may be listed according to their attributes, skills, specialty, experience, reputation, or workload.

[0034] A list of pathologists is a collection of pathologists who have something in common. For example, the list may include pathologists who work at a single hospital. Or, the list may include pathologists who are affiliated with any of the same group of hospitals. In yet another example, the list may include pathologists within a particular region or country.

[0035] In the above modification, the selection unit 13 receives information specifying any of the lists registered in the pathologist's database together with a request for assistance from the pathologist's terminal 200. The selection unit 13 selects a candidate from the specified list.

[0036] In this way, the selection unit 13 selects candidates for pathologists to be requested to assist with genetic testing. The selection unit 13 outputs information indicating the selected candidates from the pathologist database to the presentation unit 14. The information indicating the candidates includes identification information of the candidates, such as the candidate's name and affiliation. Furthermore, the information indicating the candidates may include information indicating the candidate's capabilities, and information on the record of judgment or results regarding the type of tumor cells related to the test subject.

[0037] The presentation unit 14 presents candidates for pathologists. The presentation unit 14 is an example of a presentation means. Presentation here means making information known through the five senses. Specifically, the presentation unit 14 clearly indicates who the candidates are by any one or a combination of letters, symbols, numbers, designs, sounds, and vibrations.

[0038] In one example, the presentation unit 14 receives information indicating candidates from the selection unit 13. The presentation unit 14 creates a list of candidates and transmits the list of candidates (list data) to the pathologist's terminal 200 (FIG. 1). Then, the presentation unit 14 controls the pathologist's terminal 200 to display the list of candidates on the screen of the pathologist's terminal 200.

[0039] (Operation of the inspection support device 10) The operation of the test support device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processes executed by each unit of the test support device 10.

[0040] 4, the classification unit 12 classifies the test subject by type of tumor cells using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test (S1). The classification unit 12 outputs information indicating the type of the pathological image data to the selection unit 13.

[0041] The selection unit 13 acquires information about pathologists who can be requested to provide support from a database of pathologists (not shown) stored in the server 300 (FIG. 1) based on information indicating the type of pathological image data (S2).

[0042] The selection unit 13 selects candidates to be requested to assist in genetic testing from among pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the type of tumor cells (S3). The selection unit 13 outputs information indicating the candidates to the presentation unit 14.

[0043] The presentation unit 14 presents the candidates (S4). In one example, the presentation unit 14 displays the list of candidates on the screen of the terminal 200 (FIG. 1) of the pathologist.

[0044] This completes the operation of the test support device 10.

[0045] (Modification) In one modified example, at least some of the functions of the components of the test support device 10 may be realized by a memory and a processor included in the pathologist's terminal 200, rather than in the server 300. In particular, all of the components of the test support device 10 may be realized in the pathologist's terminal 200.

[0046] In this modification, the test support device 10 executes the above-mentioned steps S1 to S4 in the pathologist's terminal 200. In step S2, the selection unit 13 refers to the pathologist's database stored in the server 300. However, the selection unit 13 may refer to a copy of the pathologist's database pre-recorded in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the pathologist's terminal 200. In this case, the test support device 10 does not need to refer to the server 300 in step S2. Therefore, the test support device 10 can execute the above-mentioned operations even in an offline environment.

[0047] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the classification unit 12 classifies the test subject by type of tumor cells using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test. The selection unit 13 selects a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic test from among pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the type of tumor cells. The presentation unit 14 presents the candidate pathologists. The user determines the pathologist to be requested to assist from among the presented candidates. Then, the user decides whether or not to use the pathological image data for the genetic test while receiving support such as advice from the pathologist. This makes it possible to support the genetic test using the pathological image data.

[0048] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. In the second embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of these components will be omitted.

[0049] (System 2) An example of the configuration of a system 2 to which a test support device 20 according to the second embodiment is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the system 2.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, in addition to the pathologist's terminal 200, the system 2 further includes a cloud server 300 and terminals 400b, 400c, and 400d of other pathologists Dr. B, Dr. C, and Dr. D. The number of other pathologists is not particularly limited. All of the other pathologists Dr. B, Dr. C, and Dr. D are pathologists who can be requested to provide support.

[0051] The pathologist's (user's) terminal 200 and the other pathologists' terminals 400b-400d are connected to a common cloud server 300. The pathologist's terminal 200 and the other pathologists' terminals 400b-400d can refer to data on the cloud server 300. Furthermore, the pathologist's terminal 200 and the other pathologists' terminals 400b-400d can each upload data to the cloud server 300 and download data from the cloud server 300.

[0052] An inspection support device 20 according to the second embodiment is configured on the cloud server 300. The inspection support device 20 will be described below.

[0053] (Inspection support device 20) The components of the test support device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the test support device 20. As shown in Fig. 6, the test support device 20 includes a classification unit 12, a selection unit 13, and a presentation unit 14. The test support device 20 further includes a communication unit 25.

[0054] The communication unit 25 transmits data on the subject of examination to an address accessible by a pathologist (hereinafter, referred to as an observer) designated from among candidates for pathologists to be requested to assist. The communication unit 25 is an example of a communication means.

[0055] For example, it is assumed that the terminal 200 of the pathologist (user) designates another pathologist, Dr. B, as an observer. The communication unit 25 receives information indicating the other pathologists, Dr. B to Dr. D, from the selection unit 13. The communication unit 25 also receives information designating the observer from the terminal 200 of the pathologist. In one example, the observer is manually designated by the user of the terminal 200 of the pathologist. Alternatively, as in a modified example described later, the examination support device 20 may designate the observer.

[0056] The communication unit 25 transmits the data on the subject to the address of the cloud server 300 (FIG. 5) accessible by the terminal 400b of the designated observer. At this time, the communication unit 25 may restrict the access right to the data on the subject so that the terminals 400c and 400d of the other pathologists who are not observers cannot refer to or download the data on the subject on the cloud server 300.

[0057] (Operation of the inspection support device 20) The operation of the test support device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processes executed by each unit of the test support device 20.

[0058] 7, the classification unit 12 classifies the test subject by type of tumor cells using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test (S1). The classification unit 12 outputs information indicating the type of the pathological image data to the selection unit 13.

[0059] The selection unit 13 acquires information about pathologists who can be requested to provide support from a database of pathologists (not shown) stored in the server 300 (FIG. 1) based on information indicating the type of pathological image data (S2).

[0060] The selection unit 13 selects candidates to be requested to assist in genetic testing from among the pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the type of tumor cells (S3). The selection unit 13 outputs information indicating the candidates to the presentation unit 14 and the communication unit 25.

[0061] The presentation unit 14 presents the candidates (S4). In one example, the presentation unit 14 displays the list of candidates on the screen of the terminal 200 (FIG. 1) of the pathologist.

[0062] The communication unit 25 transmits data relating to the subject of examination to an address accessible by a pathologist (that is, an observer) designated from among the candidates (S25).

[0063] This is the end of the operation of the inspection support device 20.

[0064] (Modification) In one modified example, at least some of the functions of the components of the test support device 20 may be realized by a memory and a processor provided in the terminal 200 of the pathologist, rather than in the cloud server 300.

[0065] In particular, all of the components of the examination support device 20 may be realized within the pathologist's terminal 200. In this case, the pathologist's terminal 200 is communicably connected to the other pathologist's terminals 400b to 400d via an arbitrary network.

[0066] In this modification, the test support device 20 executes the above-mentioned steps S1 to S4 in the pathologist's terminal 200. In step S2, the selection unit 13 refers to the pathologist's database stored in the server 300. However, the selection unit 13 may refer to a copy of the pathologist's database pre-recorded in a storage unit (not shown) included in the pathologist's terminal 200. In this case, the test support device 20 does not need to refer to the server 300 in step S2.

[0067] Thereafter, the pathologist inputs information designating the observer to the pathologist's terminal 200. In step S25, the communication unit 25 transmits data relating to the test subject to the other pathologist's terminals 400b to 400d via an arbitrary network.

[0068] According to the configuration of this modified example, the test support device 20 can execute the above-mentioned operations even in an offline environment.

[0069] In another modified example, the examination support device 20 designates an observer from among pathologists who can be requested to provide support. Specifically, the examination support device 20 refers to the records or results of judgments on the type of tumor cells related to the test subject in a database of pathologists. Then, the examination support device 20 scores the records or results of judgments on the type of tumor cells related to the test subject among the pathologists who can be requested to provide support. For example, the examination support device 20 uses a calculation formula created so that the score increases as the number of judgments on the type of tumor cells related to the test subject increases. However, the scoring method is not limited to this. The examination support device 20 scores each of the pathologists who can be requested to provide support, and designates a certain number of pathologists as observers in order of the highest scores.

[0070] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the classification unit 12 classifies the test subject by type of tumor cells using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test. The selection unit 13 selects candidates for pathologists to be requested to assist in the genetic test based on the type of tumor cells. The presentation unit 14 presents the candidates for pathologists. The user determines the pathologist to be requested to assist from among the presented candidates. Then, the user decides whether or not to use the pathological image data for the genetic test while receiving support such as advice from the pathologist. This can simplify the genetic test using the pathological image data.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, a communication unit 25 is further provided for transmitting data on the test subject to an address accessible by a pathologist designated from among candidates for pathologists to be requested for support. This allows the designated pathologist to access the data on the test subject and make a judgment on the test subject.

[0072] [Embodiment 3] A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the third embodiment, components common to the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of these components will be omitted.

[0073] (System 3) An example of the configuration of a system 3 to which a test support device 30 according to the third embodiment is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the system 3.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 8, in addition to the pathologist's terminal 200, the system 3 further includes a cloud server 300 and terminals 400b, 400c, and 400d of other pathologists Dr. B, Dr. C, and Dr. D. The number of other pathologists is not particularly limited. All of the other pathologists Dr. B, Dr. C, and Dr. D are pathologists who can be requested to provide support.

[0075] The pathologist's (user's) terminal 200 and the other pathologists' terminals 400b-400d are connected to a common cloud server 300. The pathologist's terminal 200 and the other pathologists' terminals 400b-400d can refer to data on the cloud server 300. Furthermore, the pathologist's terminal 200 and the other pathologists' terminals 400b-400d can each upload data to the cloud server 300 and download data from the cloud server 300.

[0076] An inspection support device 30 according to the third embodiment is configured on the cloud server 300. The inspection support device 30 will be described below.

[0077] (Inspection support device 30) The components of the test support device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the test support device 30. As shown in Fig. 9, the test support device 30 includes a classification unit 12, a selection unit 13, and a presentation unit 14. The test support device 20 further includes a communication unit 25 and an output unit 36.

[0078] The output unit 36 ​​outputs information based on the determination result of the test subject. The output unit 36 ​​is an example of an output means.

[0079] In one example, the output unit 36 ​​receives the result of the observer's determination of the test subject from the communication unit 25. Then, the output unit 36 ​​generates information based on the result of the determination of the test subject and outputs the information. More specifically, the output unit 36 ​​outputs information indicating how the observer determined the type of tumor cell. For example, the information may explicitly identify the type of tumor cell, or may probabilistically evaluate the possibility that the type of tumor cell is any one of A, B, ...

[0080] (Operation of the inspection support device 30) The operation of the test support device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processes executed by each unit of the test support device 10.

[0081] 10, the classification unit 12 classifies the test subject by type of tumor cells using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test (S1). The classification unit 12 outputs information indicating the type of the pathological image data to the selection unit 13.

[0082] The selection unit 13 acquires information on pathologists who can be requested to provide support from a database (not shown) stored in the server 300 (FIG. 1) based on the information indicating the type of pathological image data (S2). The selection unit 13 outputs the information on the pathologists who can be requested to provide support to the selection unit 13.

[0083] The selection unit 13 selects candidates of pathologists to be requested to assist in genetic testing based on the type of tumor cells (S3). The selection unit 13 outputs information indicating the candidates of pathologists to be requested to assist to the presentation unit 14.

[0084] The presentation unit 14 presents candidates for pathologists to be requested for assistance (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as candidates) (S4). In one example, the presentation unit 14 displays a list of candidates on the screen of the terminal 200 (FIG. 1) of the pathologist.

[0085] A user (pathologist) designates a pathologist as an observer from a list of candidates. The pathologist's terminal 200 (FIG. 1) uploads information indicating the pathologist designated as an observer by the user to a cloud server 300 (FIG. 8) accessible to the observer's terminal. Here, it is assumed that the user has designated another pathologist, Dr. B, as an observer.

[0086] The communication unit 25 transmits data on the subject of examination to the terminal 400b (FIG. 8) of another pathologist (Dr. B) who has been designated as an observer by the user (S25).

[0087] The observer inputs the determination results regarding the test subject to the terminal 400b (FIG. 8) of the other pathologist. The terminals 400b to 400d (FIG. 8) of the other pathologists upload the determination results regarding the test subject made by the observer to the cloud server 300.

[0088] The communication unit 25 receives the determination result of the observer regarding the test subject from the terminal 400b (FIG. 8) of the other pathologist (S36). The communication unit 25 outputs the determination result of the observer regarding the test subject to the output unit .

[0089] The output unit 36 ​​outputs information based on the result of the observer's determination of the test subject to the pathologist's terminal 200 (S37).

[0090] This completes the operation of the inspection support device 30.

[0091] (Modification) In one modified example, at least some of the functions of the components of the test support device 30 may be realized by a memory and a processor provided in the pathologist's terminal 200, rather than in the cloud server 300.

[0092] In particular, all of the components of the examination support device 30 may be realized within the pathologist's terminal 200. In this case, the pathologist's terminal 200 is communicably connected to the other pathologist's terminals 400b to 400d via an arbitrary network.

[0093] In this modification, the examination support device 30 executes the above-mentioned processes from step S1 to S4 in the pathologist's terminal 200. After that, the pathologist inputs information designating an observer to the pathologist's terminal 200. In step S25, the communication unit 25 transmits data on the subject of examination to the terminal 400b of another pathologist Dr. B designated as the observer via any network.

[0094] In step S36, communication unit 25 receives the observer's judgment result on the test subject from other pathologist's terminals 400b to 400d via any network. In step S37, output unit 36 ​​outputs information based on the observer's judgment result on the test subject to a display device provided in pathologist's terminal 200 or an external device connected to pathologist's terminal 200.

[0095] According to the configuration of this modified example, the test support device 30 can execute the above-mentioned operations even in an offline environment.

[0096] In another modification, the examination support device 20 may score the pathologists who can be requested to provide support based on the type of tumor cells, and may designate a certain number of pathologists as observers in descending order of score. The description of one modification of the second embodiment will be cited, and the details of this modification will be omitted.

[0097] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the classification unit 12 classifies the test subject by type of tumor cells using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test. The selection unit 13 selects candidates for pathologists to be requested to assist in the genetic test based on the type of tumor cells. The presentation unit 14 presents the candidates for pathologists. The user determines the pathologist to be requested to assist from among the presented candidates. Then, the user decides whether or not to use the pathological image data for the genetic test while receiving support such as advice from the pathologist. This makes it possible to support the genetic test using the pathological image data.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the communication unit 25 transmits data on the test subject to an address accessible by a pathologist designated from among candidates for pathologists to be requested for support. This allows the designated pathologist to access the data on the test subject and make a judgment on the test subject.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the output unit 36 ​​outputs information based on the determination result of the test subject. The user determines whether or not to use the pathological image data for genetic testing while referring to the information based on the determination result of the test subject. This can simplify the genetic testing using the pathological image data.

[0100] (Hardware configuration) Each of the components of the test support devices 10 to 30 described in the first to third embodiments is represented by a functional block. Some or all of these components are realized by an information processing device 900 as shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 8, an information processing device 900 includes, for example, the following configuration.

[0102] ·CPU(Central Processing Unit)901 ROM (Read Only Memory) 902 ·RAM(Random Access Memory)903 Program 904 loaded into RAM 903 A storage device 905 for storing a program 904 A drive device 907 for reading and writing data from the recording medium 906 A communication interface 908 for connecting to a communication network 909 An input / output interface 910 for inputting and outputting data Bus 911 connecting each component Each of the components of the test support devices 10 to 30 described in the first to third embodiments is realized by the CPU 901 reading and executing a program 904 that realizes these functions. The program 904 that realizes the functions of each component is, for example, stored in advance in the storage device 905 or the ROM 902, and is loaded into the RAM 903 by the CPU 901 and executed as necessary. The program 904 may be supplied to the CPU 901 via the communication network 909, or may be stored in advance in the recording medium 906, and the drive device 907 may read out the program and supply it to the CPU 901.

[0103] According to the above configuration, the test support devices 10 to 30 described in the first to third embodiments are realized as hardware, and therefore the same effects as those described in the first to third embodiments can be achieved.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments (and examples). Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configurations and details of the above-mentioned embodiments (and examples) within the scope of the present invention.

[0105] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0106] [Additional Notes] (Appendix 1) A classification means for classifying the test subject by type of tumor cells using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test; A selection means for selecting a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic test from among pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the type of tumor cells related to the test subject; A presentation means for presenting candidates for the pathologist; An inspection support device equipped with the above.

[0107] (Appendix 2) The selection means selects a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic test from a list of pathologists who have something in common, based on the type of tumor cells related to the test subject. 2. The inspection support device according to claim 1,

[0108] (Appendix 3) The method further includes a communication means for transmitting data on the subject to an address accessible to a pathologist designated from among the candidates for the pathologists to be requested for assistance. 3. The inspection support device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0109] (Appendix 4) The communication means transmits data relating to the test subject together with a result of a computer-based analysis of the test subject to an address accessible by the pathologist. 4. The inspection support device according to claim 3,

[0110] (Appendix 5) The communication means uploads data related to the test subject to a cloud server accessible by the pathologist. 5. The inspection support device according to claim 4,

[0111] (Appendix 6) The communication means receives a determination result regarding the test subject by the pathologist, The apparatus further includes an output unit for outputting information based on the judgment result of the test object. 6. The inspection support device according to claim 3,

[0112] (Appendix 7) The output means outputs information based on a determination result of the test object together with the pathological image data of the test object. 7. The inspection support device according to claim 6,

[0113] (Appendix 8) The output means statistically analyzes the determination results of the pathologist regarding the test subject, and outputs information based on the results of the analysis. 8. The inspection support device according to claim 6 or 7,

[0114] (Appendix 9) Using pathological image data that is a test subject of a genetic test, classifying the test subject by type of tumor cells; Selecting a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic test from among the pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the type of tumor cells related to the test subject; Present the candidate pathologists Inspection support methods.

[0115] (Appendix 10) Using pathological image data that is a test subject of a genetic test, classifying the test subject by type of tumor cells; Selecting a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic test from among pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the type of tumor cells related to the test subject; Present the candidate pathologists A non-transitory recording medium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute a program.

[0116] (Appendix 11) The list includes pathologists who belong to the same hospital. 3. The inspection support device according to claim 2,

[0117] (Appendix 12) The list includes pathologists who belong to the same group of hospitals. 3. The inspection support device according to claim 2,

[0118] (Appendix 13) The list includes pathologists from a particular region or country. 3. The inspection support device according to claim 2, [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10. Inspection support equipment 12 Classification section 13 Selection section 14 Presentation section 20 Inspection support equipment 25 Communications Department 30 Inspection support equipment 36 Output section

Claims

1. A classification means for classifying the test subject by type of tumor cells using pathological image data that is the test subject of the genetic test; A selection means for selecting a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic testing from among pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on identification information of the pathologist including at least one of a record or outcome of a determination by type of tumor cell related to the test subject; A presentation means for presenting candidates for the pathologist; An inspection support device equipped with the above.

2. The selection means selects a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic test from a list of pathologists having common characteristics.

2. The inspection support device according to claim 1.

3. The method further includes a communication means for transmitting data on the test subject to an address accessible to a pathologist designated from among the candidates for the pathologist to be requested for assistance.

3. The inspection support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The communication means transmits data relating to the test subject together with a result of a computer-based analysis of the test subject to an address accessible by the pathologist.

4. The inspection support device according to claim 3.

5. The communication means uploads data related to the test subject to a cloud server accessible by the pathologist.

5. The inspection support device according to claim 4.

6. The communication means receives a determination result regarding the test subject by the pathologist, The apparatus further includes an output unit for outputting information based on the judgment result of the test object.

6. The inspection support device according to claim 3, wherein the inspection support device is a device for performing an inspection.

7. The output means outputs information based on a determination result of the test object together with the pathological image data of the test object.

7. The inspection support device according to claim 6.

8. The output means statistically analyzes the determination results of the pathologist regarding the test subject, and outputs information based on the results of the analysis.

8. The inspection support device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. Using pathological image data that is a test subject of a genetic test, classifying the test subject by type of tumor cells; Selecting a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic test from among pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the pathologist's identification information including at least one of a record or a result of a determination by type of tumor cell related to the test subject; Present the candidate pathologists Inspection support methods.

10. Using pathological image data that is a test subject of a genetic test, classifying the test subject by type of tumor cells; Selecting a candidate pathologist to be requested to assist in the genetic test from among pathologists who can be requested to assist, based on the pathologist's identification information including at least one of a record or a result of a determination by type of tumor cell related to the test subject; Present the candidate pathologists A program that makes a computer do something.

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