Image diagnosis support device

Abstract

A diagnostic imaging assist apparatus is provided with: a CAD processing unit for performing a computer-assisted diagnosis process on a medical image; a communication unit for receiving a medical image from an external apparatus and transmitting to the external apparatus information including a result of the computer-assisted diagnosis process performed by the CAD processing unit; a power feeding unit for feeding power from a battery to the CAD processing unit and the communication unit; and a housing in which the CAD processing unit, the communication unit, and the power feeding unit are housed and which can be carried by the user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an image diagnosis support device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an image diagnosis support device that performs image analysis processing to analyze medical images such as radiological images using a computer, thereby providing information useful for diagnosis, such as the detection of lesions in the medical images. This image diagnosis support device is also called a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) device.

[0003] The image diagnosis support device is configured as a stationary server and is connected to an image storage device such as a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) via a network within a medical facility. Medical images captured by modalities such as a radiographic device are stored in the PACS. The image diagnosis device then performs CAD processing on the medical images based on a request from a terminal device operated by a doctor performing a diagnosis within the medical facility, and transmits the results of the CAD processing to the terminal device that issued the request (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-150714).

[0004] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-150714 discloses that, for example, an imaging diagnostic device installed in a medical facility such as a base hospital is connected to a terminal device in a remote regional hospital via a network, allowing a regional hospital that does not have an imaging diagnostic support device to use the imaging diagnostic support device located in the base hospital. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been an increasing need for medical diagnosis outside of hospitals, such as in disaster medical care or home medical care, and to meet this need, portable modalities such as portable radiography devices have been developed. Even in such situations, there is a demand for the use of image diagnosis support devices to enable rapid on-site medical diagnosis.

[0006] However, in disaster medical care or at-home medical care, it may not be possible to use a network such as the Internet, and it may be difficult to use an image diagnosis support device installed in a facility such as that described in JP 2003-150714 A from a remote location. Therefore, there is a demand for an image diagnosis support device that can be used in disaster medical care or at-home medical care.

[0007] The technology of the present disclosure aims to provide an image diagnosis support device that can be used in the field of disaster medical care, home medical care, and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image diagnosis support device of the present disclosure includes a CAD processing unit that performs computer-aided diagnostic processing on medical images, a communication unit that receives medical images from an external device and transmits information including the results of the computer-aided diagnostic processing by the CAD processing unit to the external device, a power supply unit that supplies power from a battery to the CAD processing unit and the communication unit, and a housing that houses the CAD processing unit, communication unit, and power supply unit and is portable by a user.

[0009] It is preferable that there is no display for displaying medical images.

[0010] The housing preferably does not include a user interface that is operated by a user to input information.

[0011] It is preferable that the device has a first connection section to which a wireless dongle is connected for wireless communication with an external device, and a second connection section to which a communication cable is connected for wired communication with an external device.

[0012] It is preferable that the communication unit detects that the first connection unit or the second connection unit has been connected to the external device by monitoring the state of link-up with the external device under software control.

[0013] It is preferable that the communication unit detects that the first connection unit or the second connection unit is connected to an external device by monitoring the current flowing through the light-emitting elements provided on the first connection unit and the second connection unit, respectively.

[0014] When there are connection requests from a plurality of external devices, the communication unit preferably connects to one external device under software control.

[0015] The communication unit preferably connects to one external device identified based on the IP address of the external device or an access key transmitted from the external device.

[0016] The medical image is preferably a radiological image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image diagnosis support device that can be used in the field of disaster medical care, home medical care, and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an X-ray imaging system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an X-ray imaging system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a console screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file format of an image file. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of CAD processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a learning phase in which a detection model is learned by machine learning. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the X-ray source, the electronic cassette, and the console. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the image diagnosis support device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by an image diagnosis support device according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection detection method using simple hardware. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the connection process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 1 shows an example of the configuration of an X-ray imaging system 2 that uses X-rays as radiation. The X-ray imaging system 2 that uses X-rays as radiation includes an X-ray source 10, an electronic cassette 20, a console 30, an image diagnosis support device 40, and a repeater 50. The console 30 communicates with the electronic cassette 20 and the image diagnosis support device 40 via the repeater 50. The repeater 50 functions as, for example, an access point.

[0020] The X-ray source 10 is an example of a radiation source that generates radiation. The electronic cassette 20 is an example of a radiation image detector that detects radiation and generates a radiation image. The image diagnosis support device 40 performs CAD processing to detect areas including abnormal shadows from the radiation image.

[0021] The X-ray source 10, electronic cassette 20, console 30, and image diagnosis support device 40 of this embodiment are all small and portable devices. The X-ray imaging system 2 can be carried to the scene where emergency medical response is required, such as an accident or disaster, or to the home of a patient receiving home medical care, and used to take X-ray images. With such a portable X-ray imaging system 2, captured X-ray images can be immediately checked on the spot, preventing the need for re-imaging that would require a return visit at a later date. X-ray images are an example of a "medical image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0022] In the X-ray imaging system 2, the electronic cassette 20 is placed in a position facing the X-ray source 10. By placing the subject H between the X-ray source 10 and the electronic cassette 20, an examination region of the subject H (for example, the chest) can be X-rayed.

[0023] The X-ray source 10 is held by, for example, a holding device 60. The holding device 60 is, for example, a four-legged device having four support legs 61 and a horizontal bar 62. The upper ends of the support legs 61 and both ends of the horizontal bar 62 are connected to a three-pronged joint 63, thereby assembling the holding device 60. The horizontal bar 62 is provided with a mounting fixture 64 for mechanically mounting the X-ray source 10. The X-ray source 10 is suspended by the mounting fixture 64 so that the emission direction of the X-rays 4 faces downward.

[0024] An exposure switch 11 is connected to the X-ray source 10 via a cable 11A. A user such as a radiologist or a doctor who uses the X-ray imaging system 2 can operate the exposure switch 11 to cause the X-ray source 10 to start emitting X-rays 4.

[0025] The electronic cassette 20 has an automatic X-ray detection function that detects the start of irradiation of X-rays 4 emitted from the X-ray source 10. Therefore, the electronic cassette 20 does not need to be connected to the X-ray source 10. Furthermore, the electronic cassette 20 has a built-in battery and wireless communication function, so it does not need to be connected to a power source or the console 30 via a cable. The electronic cassette 20 is wirelessly connected to a repeater 50 and communicates with the console 30 via the repeater 50.

[0026] The console 30 is configured, for example, by a personal computer, and has a display unit 31 and an input operation unit 32. The console 30 is connected, for example, to a repeater 50 via a communication cable 51. The display unit 31 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The input operation unit 32 is an input device including a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, or the like.

[0027] The user can input patient information, imaging conditions, etc. by operating the input operation unit 32. The display unit 31 displays the X-ray image that the console 30 receives from the X-ray source 10. If the user observes the X-ray image and determines that CAD processing is necessary, the user can use the input operation unit 32 to input a request to execute CAD processing.

[0028] The console 30 communicates with the image diagnosis support device 40 via the repeater 50. The console 30 transmits a CAD processing request to the image diagnosis support device 40 in response to an operation signal input by a user via the input operation unit 32. At this time, the console 30 transmits an X-ray image together with the CAD processing request to the image diagnosis support device 40. Upon receiving the CAD processing result from the image diagnosis support device 40, the console 30 causes the display unit 31 to display the X-ray image reflecting the CAD processing result.

[0029] The diagnostic imaging support device 40 has a housing 41 that is portable by a user. The housing 41 is, for example, a box-shaped case with dimensions of 20 cm or less in length, width, and height. The housing 41 is provided with a power switch 42, a first connector 43A, a second connector 43B, and a third connector 43C. For example, the first connector 43A is a terminal having a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type A interface (hereinafter referred to as USB-A I / F). The second connector 43B is a terminal having a LAN (Local Area Network) interface (hereinafter referred to as LAN I / F). The third connector 43C is a terminal having a USB Type C interface (hereinafter referred to as USB-C I / F). The first connector 43A is an example of a "first connector" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The second connector 43B is an example of a "second connector" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0030] The housing 41 does not have a display for displaying X-ray images. Furthermore, the housing 41 does not have a user interface that is operated by a user to input information. The user interface is, for example, a physical operation button or a touch panel. In this way, the housing 41 does not have a display or a user interface, and therefore can be made smaller as described above. The housing 41 may also have a connector for connecting a display as an external device (for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal), and a connector for connecting a keyboard or other external device (for example, a USB terminal).

[0031] The image diagnosis support device 40 is connected to the repeater 50 wirelessly or via a wire. For example, by connecting a wireless dongle 70 to the first connector 43A, the image diagnosis support device 40 is wirelessly connected to the repeater 50. The wireless dongle 70 is, for example, a WiFi_USB adapter that enables communication via WiFi. When the wireless dongle 70 is connected to the first connector 43A, the image diagnosis support device 40 communicates with the console 30 via the repeater 50. The console 30 is an example of an "external device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0032] The second connector 43B is used when the image diagnosis support device 40 and the repeater 50 are wired connected via a LAN cable (not shown). When a LAN cable is connected between the second connector 43B and the repeater 50, the image diagnosis support device 40 communicates with the console 30 via the repeater 50. The LAN cable is an example of a "communication cable" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0033] The third connector 43C is compatible with the USB_PD (Power Delivery) power supply standard. A mobile battery 80 can be connected to the third connector 43C via a USB cable 81 that is compatible with USB_PD. The mobile battery 80 can supply power to the interior of the image diagnosis support device 40 and to an internal battery built into the image diagnosis support device 40. The mobile battery 80 supplies direct current power to the image diagnosis support device 40. The mobile battery 80 is an example of a "battery" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0034] The third connector 43C can also be connected to an AC (Alternating Current) adapter (not shown) instead of the mobile battery 80. The third connector 43C can be connected to an AC adapter via a USB cable 81, and the AC adapter can be connected to a commercial AC power source in a general household, etc. This allows the image diagnosis support device 40 to receive power that has been converted from the commercial AC power source to DC by the AC adapter.

[0035] 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the X-ray imaging system 2. The X-ray source 10 includes a processor 12, an input operation unit 13, an internal battery 14, a high-voltage generator 15, an X-ray tube 16, and an irradiation field limiter 17. The processor 12 functions as a control unit that controls the operations of the high-voltage generator 15 and the irradiation field limiter 17. The processor 12 is connected to the above-mentioned irradiation switch 11. The input operation unit 13 is also connected to the processor 12. The input operation unit 13 includes an imaging condition adjustment button for setting the tube voltage and tube current of the X-ray tube 16, an irradiation field button for adjusting the size of the irradiation field of the irradiation field limiter 17, a power button, etc.

[0036] The processor 12 controls the high voltage generator 15 and the irradiation field limiter 17 based on the setting conditions set by the input operation unit 13. The processor 12 causes the high voltage generator 15 to generate a high voltage in response to operation of the irradiation switch 11. The built-in battery 14 is a secondary battery such as a lithium polymer battery, and can be charged via a connector (not shown).

[0037] The X-ray tube 16 is a fixed anode type X-ray tube that does not have a target rotation mechanism. The X-ray tube 16 is composed of a cold cathode electron source that emits electrons, an electron accelerator, a target that generates X-rays 4 through electron collisions, and an outer tube that houses these. A cold cathode electron source does not require a filament or a heater to heat it, as is the case with a hot cathode. The X-ray tube 16 is small and lightweight because it does not have a target rotation mechanism, filament, or heater. Furthermore, because the X-ray tube 16 does not require preheating of the filament, it is possible to generate X-rays 4 immediately in response to an irradiation start command.

[0038] The irradiation field limiter 17 limits the irradiation field of the X-rays 4 generated by the X-ray tube 16. The X-rays 4 generated by the X-ray tube 16 have an irradiation field limited by the irradiation field limiter 17 and are irradiated onto the examination region of the subject H. The X-rays 4 that have passed through the examination region of the subject H enter the electronic cassette 20.

[0039] The electronic cassette 20 includes a processor 21, an X-ray detection panel 22, a memory 23, a communication I / F 24, and an internal battery 25. The processor 21 functions as a control unit that controls each unit in the electronic cassette 20. The X-ray detection panel 22 is, for example, a flat panel detector having a matrix substrate on which a plurality of pixels, each made of a thin film transistor (TFT) and an X-ray detection element, are two-dimensionally arranged.

[0040] In the X-ray detection panel 22, when the TFTs are turned off and in a charge accumulation state, the X-ray detection elements convert incident X-rays into electric charges and accumulate the electric charges. Then, when the TFTs are turned on and in a charge readout state, the X-ray detection panel 22 reads out the electric charges accumulated in the X-ray detection elements to a signal processing circuit. In the signal processing circuit, an integrating amplifier converts the read-out electric charges into voltage signals, and an A / D converter converts the converted voltage signals into digital image data. Hereinafter, this image data will be referred to as the X-ray image XP.

[0041] The memory 23 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores the X-ray image XP generated by the X-ray detection panel 22. The communication I / F 24 is wirelessly connected to the repeater 50. The processor 21 transmits the X-ray image XP stored in the memory 23 to the console 30 via the repeater 50. Note that the electronic cassette 20 can also be wired and connected to the repeater 50 via a communication cable.

[0042] The built-in battery 25 is a secondary battery such as a lithium polymer battery, and can be charged via a connector (not shown).

[0043] The console 30 includes a display unit 31, an input operation unit 32, a processor 33, a random access memory (RAM) 34, a non-volatile memory (NVM) 35, and a communication I / F 36. The processor 33 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The RAM 34 is a work memory for the processor 33 to execute processing. The NVM 35 is a storage device such as a flash memory, and stores a program 37.

[0044] The processor 33 loads a program 37 stored in the NVM 35 into the RAM 34 and executes processing in accordance with the program 37, thereby functioning as a console control unit 38 that comprehensively controls each unit of the console 30. The console control unit 38 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen on the display unit 31, thereby enabling input of patient information, imaging conditions, and the like using the input operation unit 32. The console control unit 38 also causes the display unit 31 to display the X-ray image XP received from the electronic cassette 20. A doctor can make a diagnosis based on the X-ray image XP displayed on the display unit 31, but can also input a request to execute CAD processing using the input operation unit 32 in order to narrow down candidates for abnormal shadows, including lesions, from the X-ray image XP.

[0045] The communication I / F 36 is wired to the repeater 50 via a communication cable 51 (see FIG. 1). The console control unit 38 transmits the X-ray image XP together with a CAD processing request to the image diagnosis support device 40 via the communication I / F 36. It is also possible to wirelessly connect the console 30 to the repeater 50. The console 30 may be, for example, a laptop computer equipped with a battery, or a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0046] The image diagnosis support device 40 includes, in a housing 41, the above-mentioned power switch 42, first connector 43A, second connector 43B, and third connector 43C, as well as a processor 44, RAM 45, NVM 46, a power supply unit 47, and an internal battery 48. The processor 44 is configured, for example, with a CPU and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The RAM 45 is a work memory for the processor 44 to execute processing. The NVM 46 is a storage device such as a flash memory, and stores a program 90 and a detection model 91. The NVM 46 also stores data such as X-ray images XP transmitted from the console 30.

[0047] The processor 44 loads the program 90 stored in the NVM 46 into the RAM 45 and executes processing in accordance with the program 90, thereby functioning as a CAD processing unit 92 and a communication unit 93. The CAD processing unit 92 performs CAD processing on the X-ray image XP using a detection model 91 stored in the NVM 46. The detection model 91 is a trained model that has been trained by machine learning.

[0048] The detection model 91 is configured using a neural network. The detection model 91 is configured using, for example, a deep neural network (DNN), which is a multi-layer neural network that is the subject of deep learning. As the DNN, for example, a convolutional neural network (CNN) that targets images is used.

[0049] The communication unit 93 controls communication with the console 30 via the first connector 43A or the second connector 43B.

[0050] The power supply unit 47 is a power supply circuit that supplies power supplied from the mobile battery 80 via the third connector 43C to the processor 44, etc. The power supply unit 47 includes, for example, a power supply circuit and a charge control circuit. The power supply circuit regulates the power supplied from the mobile battery 80 and supplies it to the processor 44, etc. The charge control circuit controls charging of the built-in battery 48 with the power supplied from the mobile battery 80. The built-in battery 48 is a secondary battery such as a lithium polymer battery.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows an example of a console screen displayed on the display unit 31 of the console 30 by the console control unit 38. The console screen 100 shown in Fig. 3 is displayed on the display unit 31 after X-ray imaging is performed by the X-ray source 10 and electronic cassette 20 and the console 30 receives the X-ray image from the electronic cassette 20. The console screen 100 has an image display area 101 for displaying an X-ray image XP.

[0052] Also displayed on the console screen 100 are an end imaging button 102 for completing imaging, a next imaging button 103 for performing the next imaging, and a CAD processing button 104 for making a CAD processing request. To make a CAD processing request, a doctor or the like presses the CAD processing button 104 by operating the input operation unit 32, for example, a mouse.

[0053] Furthermore, when the imaging end button 102 is pressed to end imaging, the console control unit 38 stores the X-ray image XP in the NVM 46 as an image file 200 in a format conforming to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard, for example, as shown in Fig. 4. The image file 200 is a file in which the X-ray image XP and additional information 201 are associated with one image ID. The additional information 201 includes patient information, reception number, examination area, imaging conditions, etc.

[0054] The console control unit 38 may transmit not only the X-ray image XP but also the image file 200 together with the CAD processing request to the image diagnosis support device 40.

[0055] 5 conceptually illustrates an example of CAD processing executed by the image diagnosis support device 40. When the image diagnosis support device 40 receives an X-ray image XP together with a CAD processing request from the console 30, the CAD processing unit 92 inputs the X-ray image XP to the detection model 91. The detection model 91 detects an area including an abnormal shadow from the input X-ray image XP and outputs a detection result R. The detection result R includes position information of the area including the abnormal shadow in the X-ray image XP.

[0056] The CAD processing unit 92 generates a processed X-ray image XPC by performing image processing on the X-ray image XP based on the detection result R. For example, the CAD processing unit 92 generates a processed X-ray image XPC by superimposing a circular mark M that surrounds the abnormal shadow on the X-ray image XP based on the detection result R. The CAD processing unit 92 transmits the processed X-ray image XPC to the console 30 as a CAD processing result.

[0057] The CAD processing unit 92 may transmit only information representing the detection result R as the CAD processing result to the console 30. In this case, image processing may be performed on the X-ray image XP based on the detection result R within the console 30.

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a learning phase in which the detection model 91 is trained by machine learning. The detection model 91 is trained using training data TD. The training data TD includes X-ray images XP as training images to which a correct answer label L is attached. The X-ray images XP included in the training data TD are sample images including various abnormal shadows. The correct answer label L is, for example, position information of the abnormal shadow within the X-ray image XP.

[0059] In the learning phase, an X-ray image XP is input as a teacher image to the detection model 91. The detection model 91 outputs a detection result R based on the input X-ray image XP. A loss calculation is performed using a loss function based on this detection result R and the correct label L. Then, update settings for various coefficients (weighting coefficients, biases, etc.) of the detection model 91 are performed according to the result of the loss calculation, and the detection model 91 is updated according to the update settings.

[0060] In the learning phase, a series of processes is repeatedly performed, including input of a teacher image to the detection model 91, output of the detection result R from the detection model 91, loss calculation, update setting, and update of the detection model 91. This series of processes is repeated when the detection accuracy reaches a predetermined set level. The detection model 91 whose detection accuracy has thus reached the set level is stored in the NVM 46 and then used by the CAD processing unit 92 in CAD processing, which is the operation phase (also called the inference phase).

[0061] The learning phase is executed, for example, in a computer separate from the image diagnosis support device 40. The detection model 91 generated by the separate computer is transmitted to the image diagnosis support device 40 and stored in the NVM 46. Note that the learning phase may be executed within the image diagnosis support device 40.

[0062] Furthermore, in the learning phase, a detection model 91 may be generated for each examination region (chest, abdomen, etc.). That is, a plurality of detection models 91 generated for each examination region may be stored in the NVM 46. In this case, the CAD processing unit 92 may refer to the examination region included in the supplementary information 201 (see FIG. 4) of the X-ray image XP to be subjected to CAD processing, and select a detection model 91 according to the examination region.

[0063] Next, the operation of the X-ray imaging system 2 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 shows an example of the processing flow of the X-ray source 10, electronic cassette 20, and console 30. Fig. 8 shows an example of the processing flow of the image diagnosis support device 40.

[0064] Prior to imaging, a user such as a doctor inputs imaging conditions, patient information, and the like into the X-ray source 10 and console 30. Next, the subject H is placed between the X-ray source 10 and the electronic cassette 20. When preparations for imaging are complete, the user operates the irradiation switch 11 to cause the X-ray source 10 to start irradiating X-rays 4.

[0065] The processor 12 of the X-ray source 10 determines whether the user has pressed the exposure switch 11 (step S10). If the processor 12 determines that the exposure switch 11 has been pressed (step S10: YES), it causes the high voltage generator 15 to generate a high voltage, thereby causing the X-ray tube 16 to generate X-rays 4 (step S11). As a result, the X-ray source 10 irradiates the electronic cassette 20 with X-rays 4 via the subject H.

[0066] The processor 21 of the electronic cassette 20 determines whether or not X-ray irradiation has been detected using the automatic X-ray detection function (step S20). If the processor 21 determines that X-ray irradiation has been detected (step S20: YES), the processor 21 causes the X-ray detection panel 22 to generate an X-ray image XP (step S21). Then, the processor 21 transmits the X-ray image XP to the console 30 via the communication I / F 24 (step S22).

[0067] The console control unit 38 of the console 30 determines whether or not an X-ray image XP has been received from the electronic cassette 20 (step S30). If the console control unit 38 determines that an X-ray image XP has been received (step S30: YES), the console control unit 38 displays the X-ray image XP on the console screen 100 (see FIG. 3) (step S31). Next, the console control unit 38 determines whether or not the CAD processing button 104 has been pressed by the user (step S32). If the console control unit 38 determines that the CAD processing button 104 has not been pressed (step S32: NO), the console control unit 38 ends the process.

[0068] On the other hand, if the console control unit 38 determines that the CAD processing button 104 has been pressed (step S32: YES), it transmits the X-ray image XP together with a CAD processing request to the image diagnosis support device 40 (step S33). Then, the console control unit 38 determines whether or not the CAD processing result has been received from the image diagnosis support device 40 (step S34). If the console control unit 38 determines that the CAD processing result has been received from the image diagnosis support device 40 (step S34: YES), it displays the processed X-ray image XPC (see FIG. 5) received from the image diagnosis support device 40 as the CAD processing result on the console screen 100 (step S35).

[0069] As shown in Fig. 8, in the image diagnosis support device 40, the communication unit 93 determines whether or not a CAD processing request has been received from the console 30 (step S40). If the communication unit 93 determines that a CAD processing request has been received (step S40: YES), the communication unit 93 causes the CAD processing unit 92 to execute CAD processing on the X-ray image XP received together with the CAD processing request (step S41). The CAD processing unit 92 executes CAD processing using the detection model 91 to generate a processed X-ray image XPC (see Fig. 5). Then, the communication unit 93 transmits the processed X-ray image XPC to the console 30 as the CAD processing result (step S42).

[0070] This completes the processing of the X-ray imaging system 2. As described above, the X-ray imaging system 2 includes the image diagnosis support device 40 that is portable by the user and can be powered by the mobile battery 80, and therefore the image diagnosis support device can be used at the scene of disaster medical care, home medical care, etc.

[0071] [Variations] Next, various modifications of the X-ray imaging system 2 according to the above embodiment will be described.

[0072] In order to miniaturize the image diagnosis support device 40, it is not preferable to incorporate large hardware to detect the electrical connection of an external device to the first connector 43A or the second connector 43B. For this reason, in this modification, the communication unit 93 detects that an external device has been connected to the first connector 43A or the second connector 43B by monitoring the link-up status with the external device through software control.

[0073] The communication unit 93 communicates with the console 30 as an external device, for example, using TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Link-up refers to a state in which one communication device is "able to communicate" with another communication device, either wirelessly or via a wired connection. "A state in which communication is possible" refers to a state in which communication is possible at the data link layer (i.e., layer 2) in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model, that is, a state in which two communication devices are able to communicate electrically.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows the flow of processing of the image diagnosis support device 40 according to this modified example. The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is obtained by adding steps S50 to S52 to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. First, the communication unit 93 determines by software control whether the first connector 43A or the second connector 43B has linked up with an external device (step S50). If the communication unit 93 determines that the first connector 43A or the second connector 43B has linked up with an external device (step S50: YES), the communication unit 93 determines whether a connection request has been received from the external device at the application layer level (step S51). If the communication unit 93 receives a connection request from the external device (step S51: YES), the communication unit 93 establishes a connection with the external device (step S52).

[0075] Next, the communication unit 93 determines whether or not a CAD processing request has been received from the console 30 as an external device at the application layer level (step S40). The subsequent processing is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0076] In addition, instead of monitoring the link-up status with an external device through software control, the communication unit 93 can detect the electrical connection of an external device to the first connector 43A or the second connector 43B using simple hardware.

[0077] 10, when an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 300A is connected to the first connector 43A and an LED 300B is connected to the second connector 43B, a current detection circuit 310 is provided as simple hardware. The LED 300A and the LED 300B are light-emitting elements that indicate to the user the link-up status of the first connector 43A and the second connector 43B, respectively.

[0078] The current detection circuit 310 detects a current I1 that flows to the LED 300A when the LED 300A emits light, and a current I2 that flows to the LED 300B when the LED 300B emits light. The communication unit 93 monitors the current I1 and the current I2 detected by the current detection circuit 310, thereby detecting an electrical connection of an external device to the first connector 43A or the second connector 43B.

[0079] Furthermore, when connection requests are received from multiple external devices via a WebAPI (Web Application Programming Interface), the image diagnosis support device 40 may connect to multiple external devices simultaneously. Preferably, when connection requests are received from multiple external devices, the image diagnosis support device 40 is configured to connect to only one external device by software control.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a modified example of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, and shows only the part of the process for connecting with an external device. As shown in FIG. 11, when the communication unit 93 receives a connection request from an external device via the WebAPI in step S51 (step S51: YES), the communication unit 93 establishes a connection with the external device (step S52). Next, the communication unit 93 determines whether a connection request has been received from another external device (step S53). When the communication unit 93 determines that a connection request has been received from another external device (step S53: YES), the communication unit 93 rejects the connection with the other external device (step S54). On the other hand, when the communication unit 93 determines that a connection request has not been received from another external device (step S53: NO), the communication unit 93 skips step S54 and proceeds to step S40 (see FIG. 9). As a result, the image diagnosis support device 40 maintains a one-to-one connection with the external device.

[0081] It is preferable that the communication unit 93 determines whether the external device is "another external device" in step S53 based on the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the external device with which a connection was established in step S53 or an access key transmitted from the external device. The communication unit 93 may also be configured to perform authentication based on the IP address or the access key, and to connect only to external devices that have been registered in advance.

[0082] Although the X-ray source 10 is portable in the above embodiment, the X-ray source 10 may be an X-ray source used in a general X-ray imaging system. In this case, the X-ray source 10 is movably held by, for example, a ceiling-mounted holding device. In a general X-ray imaging system, the electronic cassette 20 is attached to an imaging table for use.

[0083] The X-ray imaging system 2 may also be a so-called mobile medical cart. Furthermore, the X-ray imaging system 2 may also be a mammography device, a CT (Computed Tomography) or the like.

[0084] Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to X-rays, but can also be applied to systems that use other radiation such as gamma rays to image a subject.

[0085] Furthermore, the image diagnosis support device 40 can also be applied to an ultrasound imaging system that generates images using ultrasound. That is, the image diagnosis support device 40 may perform CAD processing on ultrasound images as medical images.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the CAD processing unit 92 performs CAD processing using the detection model 91, which is a trained model generated by machine learning, but the method is not limited to machine learning, and software that performs CAD processing by image analysis may be used. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the CAD processing unit 92 detects abnormal shadows by CAD processing, but the CAD processing unit 92 may also detect parts other than abnormal shadows. For example, when performing CAD processing on an ultrasound image, the CAD processing unit 92 may detect blood vessels from the ultrasound image.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the X-ray imaging system 2 includes the repeater 50, but the repeater 50 is not essential, and the console 30 may have the function of the repeater.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the hardware structure of the processing units that perform various processes, such as the CAD processing unit 92 and the communication unit 93, is the following various processors. The CAD processing unit 92 may be a CAD processing processor. The communication unit 93 may be a communication processor.

[0089] Various types of processors include CPUs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), dedicated electrical circuits, etc. As is well known, a CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units. A PLD is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). A dedicated electrical circuit is a processor with a circuit configuration designed specifically to execute specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0090] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor. As an example of configuring multiple processing units with one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units with one IC chip, as typified by a system on chip (SoC). In this way, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0091] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit made up of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention extends to a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program, in addition to the program itself.

Claims

1. a CAD processing unit that performs computer-aided diagnosis processing on medical images; a communication unit that receives the medical image from an external device and transmits information including a result of computer-aided diagnosis processing by the CAD processing unit to the external device; a power supply unit that supplies power from a battery to the CAD processing unit and the communication unit; a housing that houses the CAD processing unit, the communication unit, and the power supply unit and is portable by a user; An image diagnosis support device comprising:

2. does not include a display for displaying the medical image; The image diagnosis support device according to claim 1.

3. the housing does not include a user interface that is operated by a user to input information; 3. The image diagnosis support device according to claim 1.

4. a first connection unit to which a wireless dongle for wirelessly communicating with an external device is connected; a second connection portion to which a communication cable for wired communication with an external device is connected; The image diagnosis support device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. the communication unit detects that the first connection unit or the second connection unit is connected to the external device by monitoring a link-up state with the external device under software control. The image diagnosis support device according to claim 4.

6. the communication unit detects that the first connection unit or the second connection unit is connected to an external device by monitoring currents flowing through light-emitting elements provided on the first connection unit and the second connection unit, respectively. The image diagnosis support device according to claim 4.

7. the communication unit connects to one external device under software control when there are connection requests from a plurality of external devices; The image diagnosis support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the communication unit connects to one external device identified based on an IP address of the external device or an access key transmitted from the external device; The image diagnosis support device according to claim 7.

9. The medical image is a radiological image. The image diagnosis support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images