Information processing device, medical image damage information management system, and program

Abstract

To easily confirm a reference image serving as a photographic reference, in addition to a photographing error image.SOLUTION: An information processing device has a display unit that displays a photographing error image that is considered as a photographing error due to a failure in photographing and a reference image that is an image to be a target of photographing that is set in advance as an image suitable for diagnosis. For example, a window in which the photographing error image is displayed and a window in which the reference image is displayed are the same window, and the photographing error image and the reference image are displayed side by side in the same window. The display unit may display the photographing error image, a diagnostic image used to diagnose the same patient as the photographing error image, and the reference image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a medical image defect information management system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the medical field, various imaging examinations are performed on patients using examination apparatuses such as radiographic imaging apparatuses. In medical imaging, due to defects in the imaging site, body movement, etc., an image may be determined to be unsuitable for diagnosis (image defect), and re-imaging may be performed.

[0003] For example, in a defect information management apparatus that associates and stores defect information including a defective image and defective imaging conditions, and re-imaging information including a diagnostic image obtained by re-imaging and re-imaging conditions, a technique for displaying the defect information and the re-imaging information in a defect case browsing window has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above conventional technology, since the re-imaging information and the defect information are associated, it is possible to search for the cause of the determination of a defect, but it is difficult to recognize how far the image (diagnostic image) used for diagnosis deviates from the imaging standards required within a medical facility such as a hospital. If the reference image serving as the imaging standard is to be searched using a screen or a function different from the defect case browsing window, the operation becomes complicated, so it has not been easy for the user to confirm the reference image while viewing the defective image or the diagnostic image.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the problems in the prior art described above, and aims to make it possible to easily check a reference image that serves as the shooting reference, in addition to a damaged image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 includes a display unit that displays a defective image resulting from a failed photograph and a reference image which is a preset image that serves as a reference for a photograph suitable for diagnosis. The reference image includes the best image that meets the shooting criteria and the image at the limit of what the shooting criteria can accept. It is an information processing device.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is an information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the damaged image, a diagnostic image used for diagnosing the same patient as the damaged image, and the reference image.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is an information processing device described in claim 2, wherein the diagnostic image is displayed in a window different from the window in which the damaged image is displayed, or in a window different from the window in which the reference image is displayed.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is, 1 In the information processing device described above, the window in which the damaged image is displayed and the window in which the reference image is displayed are the same window, and the damaged image and the reference image are displayed side by side on the same window.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is an information processing device described in claim 2, wherein the diagnostic image is an image obtained by re-imaging the same patient as the damaged image in response to the same imaging request as the damaged image.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 provides data for displaying the damaged image and the reference image to the console in the information processing device described in claim 1. 。

[0013] Claim 7The invention described herein includes a display unit that displays a damaged image resulting from a failed photograph and a reference image, which is a pre-set photographic standard image suitable for diagnosis. The reference image includes the best image that meets the shooting criteria and the image at the limit of what the shooting criteria can accept. This is a medical image damage information management system.

[0014] Claim 8 The invention described in the claim 7 In the medical image damage information management system described above, the display unit displays the damaged image, a diagnostic image used for diagnosing the same patient as the damaged image, and the reference image.

[0015] Claim 9 The invention described in the claim 8 In the medical image damage information management system described above, the diagnostic image is displayed in a window different from the window in which the damaged image is displayed, or in a window different from the window in which the reference image is displayed.

[0016] Claim 10 The invention described in the claim 7 In the medical image damage information management system described above, the window in which the damaged image is displayed and the window in which the reference image is displayed are the same window, and the damaged image and the reference image are displayed side by side on the same window.

[0017] Claim 11 The invention described in the claim 8 In the medical image loss information management system described above, the diagnostic image is an image re-captured of the same patient as the image loss, in response to the same imaging request as the image loss.

[0018] Claim 12 The invention described in the claim 7 In the medical image damage information management system described above, data for displaying the damaged image and the reference image is provided to the console. 。

[0019] Claim 13The invention described in is a program for causing a computer to function as a display unit that displays a defective image that has failed to be taken and is regarded as a defective image, and a reference image that is an image serving as a preset imaging standard and is an image suitable for diagnosis. The reference image includes the best image that satisfies the shooting criteria and the limit of the images that the shooting criteria can accept. .

[0020] Claim 14 The invention described in is, in the program described in , the display unit displays the defective image, a diagnostic image used for diagnosing the same patient as the defective image, and the reference image. 13 In the program according to , the display unit displays the defective image, a diagnostic image used for diagnosing the same patient as the defective image, and the reference image.

[0021] Claim 15 The invention described in is, in the program described in , the diagnostic image is displayed in a window different from the window in which the defective image is displayed or a window different from the window in which the reference image is displayed. 14 In the program according to , the diagnostic image is displayed in a window different from the window in which the defective image is displayed or a window different from the window in which the reference image is displayed.

[0022] Claim 16 The invention described in is, in the program described in , the window in which the defective image is displayed and the window in which the reference image is displayed are the same window, and the defective image and the reference image are displayed side by side on the same window. 13 In the program according to , the window in which the defective image is displayed and the window in which the reference image is displayed are the same window, and the defective image and the reference image are displayed side by side on the same window.

[0023] Claim 17 The invention described in is, in the program described in , the diagnostic image is an image obtained by re - photographing the same patient as the defective image for the same photographing request as the defective image. 14 In the program according to , the diagnostic image is an image obtained by re - photographing the same patient as the defective image for the same photographing request as the defective image.

[0024] Claim 18 The invention described in is, in the program described in , causing the computer to function as a provider of data for displaying the defective image and the reference image to a console. 13 In the program according to , causing the computer to function as a provider of data for displaying the defective image and the reference image to a console. 。

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, in addition to the damaged image, a reference image that serves as the shooting standard can be easily confirmed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of a photo damage information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the image result recording information transmitted from the console to the image damage information management device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a photo damage information management device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the data structure of an image management table. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the reference image setting table. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the data structure for the continuous playback condition setting table. [Figure 7] This is an example of the reference image setting screen. [Figure 8] This is an example of the continuous playback conditions setting screen. [Figure 9] This is an example of a screen for selecting the area and direction of imaging. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the image damage information display process performed in the image damage information management device. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the continuous playback process. [Figure 12] This is an example of a comparison display screen. [Figure 13] This is an example of a bookmark selection screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The following describes embodiments of the medical image damage information management device according to the present invention. Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0028] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the photo damage information management system 100. As shown in Figure 1, the image damage information management system 100 consists of an inspection device 10, a console 20, an image damage information management device 30 as a medical image damage information management device, etc., and each device is connected to enable data transmission and reception via a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Each device constituting the image damage information management system 100 conforms to the HL7 (Health Level Seven) and DICOM standards, and communication between each device is performed in accordance with HL7 and DICOM.

[0029] The examination device 10 is a modality such as an X-ray imaging device (DR, CR), an ultrasound diagnostic device (US), CT, or MRI, and it takes images of the patient to generate medical image data. The examination device 10 adds supplemental information to the medical image by writing the supplemental information to the header of the medical image file in accordance with the DICOM standard. The supplemental information includes, for example, patient ID (identification information to identify the patient), name, gender, date of birth, examination UID (identification information to identify the examination), imaging site, imaging direction, date and time of imaging, radiographer, modality, tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, image UID (identification information to identify the medical image), etc.

[0030] The console 20 controls the imaging operation of the imaging device 10 according to the imaging order (which includes patient information such as patient ID and patient name, imaging request information such as imaging area and imaging direction). The console 20 includes a display unit that displays medical images captured by the imaging device 10 and an operation unit that receives operation input from the imaging technician. The imaging technician makes various settings related to the examination by inputting from the operation unit of the console 20.

[0031] The radiographer (image examiner) checks the console 20 to determine whether the medical images captured by the inspection device 10 are suitable for diagnosis (diagnostic images) or are defective images.

[0032] A defective image is an image that failed to be captured for some reason and cannot be used for diagnosis; it is also called a NG image. If multiple images are deemed defective for a single planned shot (same patient, same examination), then multiple defective images will be recorded. If the radiographer determines that a medical image obtained through imaging is a defective image, they record that the medical image is defective and the reason for the defect by operating the control panel on the console 20. There are various reasons for image defects, including positioning, patient movement, foreign objects, insufficient inhalation, insufficient radiation dose, artifacts, catheter readjustment, imaging conditions, incorrect patient, incorrect body part, etc.

[0033] A diagnostic image is an image that is suitable for diagnostic purposes (an image used for diagnosis), and is also called an OK image. Diagnostic images are often retakes of images that were taken after a defective image was taken. A retake is an image of the same patient as the defective image, taken at the same request as the defective image. The same imaging method is used for retakes.

[0034] The term "imaging method" refers to the imaging and examination techniques used in diagnostic imaging. The imaging method consists of elements such as the imaging area, imaging direction, and imaging technique, and may also include conditions related to the subject being imaged.

[0035] On the other hand, since the shooting conditions, such as tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time, are adjusted during reshooting, the values ​​may differ between the defective image and the reshot image.

[0036] Console 20 generates imaging result record information for each examination based on the operation of the imaging technician in response to the imaging request. The console 20 may also automatically determine whether a medical image is a diagnostic image or a damaged image based on image analysis, etc.

[0037] Figure 2 shows an example of the data structure of the shooting result recording information. The recording information of the imaging results includes, at a minimum, the examination UID and the image UID of the diagnostic image. The examination UID is identification information used to identify an examination. The examination UID identifies the patient being examined and the examination (imaging area, imaging direction). In this embodiment, examinations performed according to a certain imaging order (imaging request) are managed with a single examination UID. That is, when performing a certain examination on a certain patient, both the defective images from failed imaging and the diagnostic images used later for diagnosis are managed with the same examination UID. The image UID is identification information used to identify medical images, and examples include the SOP instance UID. The image UID of a diagnostic image is the image UID of the image (diagnostic image) that was successfully captured for the examination indicated by the examination UID.

[0038] Furthermore, if a defective image exists for the examination indicated by the examination UID (i.e., the diagnostic image is a retake), the recording information of the imaging result will also include the image UID of the defective image k, the reason for the defect in the defective image k, and the number of defective images (k=1,2,...,n, where n is the number of defective images). Here, the kth defective image is referred to as "defective image k". The image capture result record information shows the correspondence between diagnostic images and damaged images for the examination identified by the examination UID.

[0039] The console 20 transmits the image file of the medical image, along with the image result record information generated for each examination, to the image loss information management device 30.

[0040] The image damage information management device 30 is a computer device that manages medical images captured by the inspection device 10, as well as information related to image damage (information indicating whether each medical image is a damaged image, the correspondence between diagnostic images and damaged images, etc.).

[0041] Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the image damage information management device 30. As shown in Figure 3, the photo loss information management device 30 is composed of a control unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a communication unit 34, a storage unit 35, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus.

[0042] The control unit 31 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and comprehensively controls the processing operations of each part of the image damage information management device 30. Specifically, the CPU reads various processing programs stored in the memory unit 35, loads them into the RAM, and performs various processing operations in cooperation with those programs.

[0043] The display unit 32 is configured with a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various screens according to the instructions of the display signals input from the control unit 31.

[0044] The operation unit 33 is comprised of a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, character and number input keys, and various function keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse. It outputs operation signals input by key operations on the keyboard or mouse operations to the control unit 31.

[0045] The communication unit 34 is composed of a network interface and the like, and transmits and receives data with external devices connected via the communication network NT. For example, the communication unit 34 receives medical images and recording information obtained by photographing a patient with the examination device 10 from the console 20.

[0046] The storage unit 35 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and non-volatile memory, and stores various types of data. The storage unit 35 stores an image management table 351, a reference image setting table 352, and a continuous playback condition setting table 353. The storage unit 35 also has a file storage area 354.

[0047] The image management table 351 stores information for each medical image stored in the file storage area 354. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the image management table 351. The image management table 351 associates each medical image with the following information: image UID, patient ID, name, gender, date of birth, examination UID, imaging site, imaging direction, date and time of imaging, radiographer, file path, image damage classification, reason for image damage, bookmark type, etc.

[0048] The "Image UID" field stores the image UID of the medical image. The "Patient ID," "Name," "Gender," and "Date of Birth" fields store the patient ID, name, gender, and date of birth of the patient who was photographed, respectively. The "Examination UID" field stores the examination UID for the examination related to the medical image. The "Shooting Area," "Shooting Direction," "Shooting Date and Time," and "Photographer" fields store the shooting area, shooting direction, shooting date and time, and photographer, respectively, for the medical image. Information such as image UID, patient ID, name, gender, date of birth, examination UID, imaging site, imaging direction, date and time of imaging, and imaging technician is obtained from the supplementary information of the medical image.

[0049] The "File Path" field stores the location where the medical images are saved in the file storage area 354. The "Image Defect Classification" field stores information indicating whether a medical image is a diagnostic image or a damaged image (image defect classification). If a medical image is a damaged image, the image defect classification includes information on which number damaged image it is. Specifically, the image defect classification is "0" for a diagnostic image, "1" for the first damaged image, "2" for the second damaged image, and so on. The "Reason for Image Defect" field stores the reason for image defect if the defect classification is anything other than "0," i.e., if the medical image is a defective image.

[0050] The "Bookmark Type" field stores the bookmark type when a medical image (damaged image) is classified using the bookmark function. The bookmark function allows users to bookmark images they find interesting (images of high interest) while reviewing images. By tagging specific medical images, users can specify the bookmark type when viewing those images again later, enabling them to search and extract medical images belonging to that specified bookmark type. Examples of bookmark types include conference use (images to be used at the next conference), academic presentation use, and important examinations. Users can pre-define the names of bookmark types, and examples include "My most difficult knee image that I failed to capture properly," "An image I want a veteran to review," and "An image showing significant improvement in my imaging skills."

[0051] The reference image setting table 352 is a table for managing the reference images set for each shooting method (shooting area and shooting direction).

[0052] A reference image is an image suitable for diagnosis and serves as a standard for imaging. Reference images are predetermined for each imaging method. Each medical facility can define reference images as the imaging standards required within its facility. It should be noted that reference images are like targets set by the medical facility and do not indicate the boundary for determining whether an image is a diagnostic image or a defective image. In other words, whether or not a medical image is usable for diagnosis is determined by each medical facility, so a medical image may be used as a diagnostic image even if it is not as good as a reference image. Reference images are often specified for each imaging area and direction, but they can also be specified by adding factors that affect imaging, such as the patient's physique. Furthermore, multiple reference images can be specified for the same imaging method.

[0053] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the reference image setting table 352. The reference image setting table 352 associates the image UID, reference image type, name, common comments for each combination of imaging area and imaging direction with the reference image.

[0054] The "shooting area" and "shooting direction" are specified in the shooting method for which the reference image is designated. The "reference image UID" is the image UID of the medical image designated as the reference image. "Reference image type" refers to the type of reference image, and there are two types: "Criteria A" and "Criteria B". Criterion A is an image that is highly suitable as a reference image (for example, the best image using the same shooting method). Criterion B is an image that is suitable as a reference image (for example, an image that is at an acceptable level or level of quality). The criteria for setting reference images differ from one medical facility to another. In addition, although reference images are classified into two types here, it may be possible to set reference images by classifying them into more types, or there may be only one type of reference image. "Name" is the name of the reference image. "Common comments for specific body parts" are comments entered for the body parts captured in the reference images. "Image-specific comments" are comments entered for a reference image. Common comments for specific body parts and image-specific comments are entered as notes or contact information when setting or referencing reference images. It may also be possible to make it possible to search for reference images using terms included in the comments.

[0055] The continuous playback condition setting table 353 is a table for managing continuous playback conditions. Continuous playback conditions are the conditions for displaying multiple sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images, that is, the conditions for playing multiple sets in succession. Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of the continuous playback condition setting table 353. The continuous playback condition setting table 353 associates each continuous playback condition with the following: name, shooting period, camera operator (photographer), shooting area / direction (shooting method), bookmark type, automatic playback interval, playback order, etc.

[0056] "Name" is the name of the continuous playback condition. "Shooting period," "Photographer," "Shooting area / direction," and "Bookmark type" are conditions used to narrow down the medical images (damaged images) to be displayed. For example, if the shooting date and time of a damaged image falls within the "Shooting period" of the continuous playback conditions, that damaged image will be displayed. Also, if the photographer, shooting area, shooting direction, and bookmark type of a damaged image match those specified in the continuous playback conditions, that damaged image will be displayed.

[0057] The "Automatic Playback Interval" is the time it takes to play (display) one set of images when playing back multiple sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images consecutively. The display automatically switches from the currently displayed set to the next set at the time interval set as the automatic playback interval. "Playback order" refers to the sequence in which multiple sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images are played back consecutively, and can be in chronological order (oldest first, newest first, etc.). For example, the order may be determined by the date and time the damaged images were taken.

[0058] The control unit 31 acquires damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images from external devices (console 20, inspection device 10, etc.) via the communication unit 34. In other words, the control unit 31 functions as an acquisition unit.

[0059] The control unit 31 displays the damaged image, the diagnostic image used for diagnosis, and the reference image used as the shooting reference on the display unit 32 in a comparable manner. "Comparable" means that the user can compare the three images: the damaged image, the diagnostic image, and the reference image, and this includes displaying each image in a separate window. The control unit 31 displays the damaged image and the diagnostic image, along with a reference image corresponding to the same shooting method as the damaged image.

[0060] For example, the control unit 31 displays the damaged image, the diagnostic image, and the reference image on a single window. The control unit 31 displays the damaged image, the diagnostic image, and the reference image side by side.

[0061] The control unit 31 switches between multiple sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images to display the set to be displayed from among the multiple sets.

[0062] The control unit 31 plays back multiple sets of images in sequence based on pre-set continuous playback conditions. Specifically, the control unit 31 determines multiple sets of images based on the shooting period, the radiographer, the shooting area and direction, and the bookmark type included in the continuous playback conditions. In other words, the control unit 31 narrows down the medical images to be displayed. Then, the control unit 31 determines the order in which to display sets of defective images, diagnostic images, and reference images based on the playback order included in the continuous playback conditions, and switches the sets to be displayed based on the automatic playback interval included in the continuous playback conditions.

[0063] Next, we will explain the operation of the photo damage information management system 100. <How to register information about photo damage> First, we will explain how to register medical images and information related to image damage in the image damage information management device 30. Once the imaging device 10 has captured images of the patient's area according to the imaging direction, the radiographer checks on the console 20 whether the medical image is a diagnostic image or a defective image.

[0064] The console 20 transmits the image file of the medical image captured by the inspection device 10, along with the image result record information (see Figure 2) generated for each examination, to the image loss information management device 30.

[0065] The control unit 31 of the image loss information management device 30 acquires, via the communication unit 34, one or more image files of medical images generated during the same examination (same imaging request) for the same patient, and imaging result record information corresponding to the examination, from the console 20. The control unit 31 stores the image files of each medical image obtained from the console 20 for the same patient during the same examination in the file storage area 354 of the storage unit 35, and also stores information related to each medical image in the image management table 351 (see Figure 4) of the storage unit 35.

[0066] Specifically, the control unit 31 associates the image UID, patient ID, name, gender, date of birth, examination UID, imaging site, imaging direction, date and time of imaging, and imaging technician, obtained from the supplementary information of the medical image, with each medical image and stores it as a new record in the image management table 351. In addition, for each medical image, the control unit 31 stores the location where the image file of the medical image is stored in the "file path" field of the record corresponding to that medical image in the image management table 351.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 31 obtains the examination UID, the image UID of the diagnostic image, the image UID of the damaged image k, and the reason for the damage of the damaged image k from the image capture result recording information (k=1,2,···,n). For records in the image management table 351 where the value of the "image UID" field is "image UID of the diagnostic image", the control unit 31 stores "0" in the "damage classification" field. Also, for records in the image management table 351 where the value of the "image UID" field is "image UID of the damaged image k", the control unit 31 stores "k" in the "damage classification" field and stores "the reason for the damage of the damaged image k" in the "reason for damage" field.

[0068] <How to set the reference image> Next, we will explain how to set the reference image. Figure 7 shows an example of the reference image setting screen 321 displayed on the display unit 32 of the image damage information management device 30. The reference image setting screen 321 includes an image area 40, a detailed information area 41, a reference image type selection area 42, a name input area 43, a common part comment input area 44, an image-specific comment input area 45, a save button B1, and the like.

[0069] Image area 40 displays a medical image specified by the user as a reference image. The detailed information area 41 displays detailed information of the medical image designated as the reference image. The detailed information area 41 includes the imaging area selection area 41A and the imaging direction selection area 41B. The imaging area selection area 41A is an area for selecting the imaging area for the reference image. The shooting direction selection area 41B is an area for selecting the shooting direction of the reference image. By selecting the imaging area and imaging direction in the imaging area selection area 41A and the imaging direction selection area 41B, a reference image can be specified for each imaging area and imaging direction.

[0070] The reference image type selection area 42 is an area for selecting either "A reference" or "B reference" for the reference image. The name input area 43 is an area for entering the name of the reference image. The common area comment input area 44 is an area for entering comments that are common to the area captured in the reference image. The image-specific comment input area 45 is an area for entering image-specific comments for the reference image. The save button B1 is used to instruct the system to save the reference image set on the reference image setting screen 321.

[0071] For example, if no image is displayed in the image area 40, and the user clicks on the image area 40 via the operation unit 33, the control unit 31 displays a list of medical images on the display unit 32 based on the image management table 351 in the storage unit 35. Here, the control unit 31 may limit the list to display only diagnostic images (image damage classification: 0). When a user selects a medical image to be used as a reference image from the list via the operation unit 33, the control unit 31 retrieves the "file path" of the specified medical image (reference image) from the image management table 351, retrieves the image file of the reference image from the file storage area 354 based on this "file path," and displays the reference image in the image area 40. Furthermore, the control unit 31 displays in the detailed information area 41 information that is included in the supplementary information of the reference image, as well as information about the reference image managed in the image management table 351.

[0072] The user selects the imaging area in the imaging area selection area 41A and the imaging direction in the imaging direction selection area 41B by operating from the control unit 33. Furthermore, the user selects either "A standard" or "B standard" in the reference image type selection area 42 by operating from the control unit 33. Furthermore, the user inputs the name of the reference image, a common comment for a specific body part, and an image-specific comment into the name input area 43, the common body part comment input area 44, and the image-specific comment input area 45, respectively, by operating from the control unit 33.

[0073] When the user presses the save button B1 via the operation unit 33, the control unit 31 saves the set content to the reference image setting table 352 (see Figure 5) in the storage unit 35. Specifically, the control unit 31 stores the following information in the reference image setting table 352, associating it with the shooting area, shooting direction, reference image UID, reference image type, name, common area comment, and image-specific comment.

[0074] <How to set continuous playback conditions> Next, we will explain how to set the continuous playback conditions. Figure 8 shows an example of the continuous playback condition setting screen 322 displayed on the display unit 32. The continuous playback condition setting screen 322 includes a course selection area 50, a name input area 51, a shooting period selection area 52, a radiographer selection area 53, a shooting area / direction selection area 54, a bookmark selection area 55, an automatic playback interval selection area 56, a playback order selection area 57, an add button B11, a delete button B12, an edit button B13, and so on.

[0075] The course selection area 50 displays the names of the continuous playback conditions already set in the continuous playback condition setting table 353 (see Figure 6) of the memory unit 35. The name input area 51 is an area for entering the name of the continuous playback condition.

[0076] The imaging period selection area 52 is an area for selecting the period (target range) of medical images to be continuously played back. For example, clicking on the imaging period selection area 52 will display a pull-down menu with options such as today, the past 3 days, the past 1 week, the past 1 month, the past 3 months, the past 1 year, the past 3 years, the past 5 years, and the past 10 years.

[0077] The radiographer selection area 53 is for selecting the radiographer of the medical images to be played back continuously. For example, clicking on the radiographer selection area 53 will display the names or radiographer IDs (identification information for identifying radiographers) of multiple radiographers. One or more radiographers can be selected in the radiographer selection area 53.

[0078] The imaging area / direction selection area 54 is an area for selecting the imaging area and direction of the medical images to be played back continuously. For example, clicking the imaging area / direction selection area 54 displays the imaging area / direction selection screen 323 shown in Figure 9. Here, the imaging area and direction are managed in three levels: "area group," "area," and "direction." Under "Body Part Groups (First Level)," Abdomen Group 60, Thorax Group 61, and Thorax-Abdomen Group 62 are displayed, and each can be expanded to reveal lower levels. For abdominal group 60, the lower levels are expanded, and "Site (2nd level)" displays abdominal 63, pediatric abdominal 64, and portable abdominal 65. For the abdomen 63, the lower levels are expanded, and "direction (third level)" is displayed as standing - front 66, lying down - front 67, sitting - front 68, and lying down - side 69. The "Shooting Area and Direction" can be selected at any level: "Area Group," "Area," or "Direction." If a higher level is selected, the shooting areas and directions of the lower levels included in the selected level will also be included.

[0079] The bookmark selection area 55 shown in Figure 8 is an area for selecting the type of medical image bookmark to be played back continuously. For example, clicking the bookmark selection area 55 displays options such as conference use, academic presentation use, and important examination use via a pull-down menu.

[0080] The automatic playback interval selection area 56 is an area for selecting the time interval (5 seconds, 10 seconds, ...) when sequentially playing back multiple sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images. The playback order selection area 57 is an area for selecting the playback order when sequentially playing back multiple sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images.

[0081] The add button B11 is used to instruct the user to add a continuous playback condition. When the user makes an input or selection in areas 51 to 57 and presses the add button B11, the control unit 31 adds the new continuous playback condition to the continuous playback condition setting table 353. As a result, the name of the continuous playback condition entered in the name input area 51 is added to the course selection area 50.

[0082] The delete button B12 is used to instruct the deletion of a continuous playback condition. When the user selects a continuous playback condition to be deleted from the continuous playback conditions displayed in the course selection area 50 and presses the delete button B12, the control unit 31 deletes the record corresponding to the selected continuous playback condition from the continuous playback condition setting table 353. As a result, the name of the selected continuous playback condition is removed from the course selection area 50.

[0083] The edit button B13 is used to instruct the user to edit the continuous playback conditions. When the user selects a continuous playback condition they want to edit from the continuous playback conditions displayed in the course selection area 50 and presses the edit button B13, the control unit 31 retrieves the currently set information for the selected continuous playback condition from the continuous playback condition setting table 353, displays it in areas 51 to 57, and accepts the change.

[0084] <Processing to display information about image damage> Next, we will explain the process for displaying image damage information. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the image damage information display process performed in the image damage information management device 30. This process is realized by software processing through the cooperation of the CPU of the control unit 31 and the program stored in the storage unit 35.

[0085] First, the control unit 31 displays the continuous playback condition specification screen on the display unit 32 and accepts the user's specification of the continuous playback condition from the operation unit 33 (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 31 reads the name of each continuous playback condition from the continuous playback condition setting table 353 in the storage unit 35 and displays the name of each continuous playback condition on the continuous playback condition specification screen. The user selects one of the continuous playback conditions from the candidates displayed on the continuous playback condition specification screen.

[0086] Next, the control unit 31 extracts images with image defects that match the specified conditions for continuous playback, based on the conditions related to the image to be displayed (shooting period, radiographer, shooting area / direction, bookmark type) (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 31 extracts medical images from the image management table 351 of the storage unit 35 in which the value of the "shooting date and time" field is included in the "shooting period", the values ​​of the "radiographer", "shooting area", "shooting direction", and "bookmark type" fields match the specified conditions, and the value of the "image defect category" field is not "0". Furthermore, in the continuous playback conditions, items not specified will not be limited to extracting damaged images that meet the conditions.

[0087] Next, the control unit 31 acquires a defective image for one examination from among the extracted defective images (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 31 acquires the "file path" of the record of the unprocessed defective image from the image management table 351, and based on this "file path", acquires the image file of the defective image from the file storage area 354 of the storage unit 35. Here, if there are multiple defective images for the same patient (common patient ID) and the same examination (common examination UID, imaging site, and imaging direction), each of the multiple defective images is acquired.

[0088] Next, the control unit 31 acquires the method of capturing the acquired damaged image (shooting area and shooting direction) (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 31 acquires the "shooting area" and "shooting direction" contained in the record corresponding to the damaged image acquired in step S3 from the image management table 351.

[0089] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is a re-imaging image corresponding to the damaged image to be processed (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 31 determines in the image management table 351 whether or not there is a re-imaging image of the same patient and the same examination (same imaging request) as the damaged image to be processed. That is, the control unit 31 determines in the image management table 351 whether or not there is a medical image in which the values ​​of the "Patient ID", "Examination UID", "Shooting Site", and "Shooting Direction" fields match the damaged image, and the value of the "Damage Classification" field is "0".

[0090] If there is no recaptured image corresponding to the damaged image to be processed (step S5; NO), the control unit 31 excludes the damaged image from display due to the lack of a recaptured image (step S6).

[0091] In step S5, if there is a re-captured image (diagnostic image) corresponding to the damaged image to be processed (step S5; YES), the control unit 31 acquires the diagnostic image corresponding to the damaged image to be processed (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 31 acquires the "file path" of the record of the diagnostic image corresponding to the damaged image to be processed from the image management table 351, and acquires the image file of the diagnostic image from the file storage area 354 based on this "file path".

[0092] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether there is a reference image corresponding to the same shooting method (shooting area and shooting direction) as the damaged image to be processed (step S8). Specifically, the control unit 31 refers to the reference image setting table 352 in the storage unit 35 and determines whether there is a record corresponding to the same combination of "shooting area" and "shooting direction" as the damaged image to be processed.

[0093] If there is no reference image corresponding to the same shooting method as the damaged image to be processed (step S8; NO), the control unit 31 excludes the damaged image from display due to the lack of a reference image (step S9).

[0094] In step S8, if there is a reference image corresponding to the same shooting method as the damaged image to be processed (step S8; YES), the control unit 31 acquires this reference image (step S10). Specifically, the control unit 31 acquires the "image UID of the reference image" and the "reference image type" corresponding to the same combination of "shooting area" and "shooting direction" as the damaged image from the reference image setting table 352. Then, the control unit 31 acquires the "file path" of the record in the image management table 351 whose "image UID" field value is the "image UID of the reference image," and acquires the image file of the reference image from the file storage area 354 based on this "file path." If there are multiple reference images corresponding to the same shooting method as the damaged image to be processed, each of the multiple reference images is acquired.

[0095] The control unit 31 manages the damaged image acquired in step S3, the diagnostic image acquired in step S7, and the reference image acquired in step S10 as a set of display targets.

[0096] After step S6, step S9, or step S10, the control unit 31 determines whether processing has been completed for all the damaged images extracted in step S2 (step S11). If there are any unprocessed damaged images among those extracted in step S2 (step S11; NO), the process returns to step S3 and is repeated with a different damaged image as the target for processing.

[0097] In step S11, if processing is completed for all the damaged images extracted in step S2 (step S11; YES), the control unit 31 obtains the playback order (oldest first, newest first, etc.) from the continuous playback conditions specified in step S1 (step S12). The control unit 31 determines the order in which to display the pairs of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images according to the playback order.

[0098] Next, the control unit 31 plays back the damaged image, diagnostic image, and reference image in sequence on the display unit 32 (step S13). The details of the process in step S13 will be explained in the continuous playback process shown in Figure 11. This concludes the process of displaying image damage information.

[0099] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the continuous playback process. The continuous playback process involves switching between and displaying sets of multiple sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images.

[0100] First, the control unit 31 displays the first set of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images on the display unit 32 in a comparable manner according to the playback order included in the continuous playback conditions (step S21). If the playback order is "oldest first," the set of damaged images with the oldest "shooting date and time" becomes the first set.

[0101] Figure 12 shows an example of the comparison display screen 324 displayed on the display unit 32. The comparison display screen 324 includes a course display area 70, a damaged image display area 71, a diagnostic image display area 72, a reference image display area 73, a next button B21, a back button B22, a "hide detailed information" button B23, etc. The course display area 70 displays the continuous playback conditions specified by the user.

[0102] The image display area 71 includes an image area 71A, a thumbnail area 71B, a detailed information area 71C, position adjustment buttons 71D and 71E, and a bookmark button 71F. Image region 71A displays a damaged image. Thumbnail area 71B displays thumbnail images of the defective images. If there are multiple defective images for the same patient and the same examination, thumbnail images corresponding to the multiple defective images are displayed in thumbnail area 71B, and the defective image corresponding to the thumbnail image selected in thumbnail area 71B is displayed in image area 71A. The detailed information area 71C displays detailed information about the damaged image shown in the image area 71A (information included in the supplementary information of the damaged image, information about the damaged image managed in the image management table 351, etc.).

[0103] The position adjustment button 71D (left-facing button) is used to swap the display positions of the damaged image display area 71 with the diagnostic image display area 72 or reference image display area 73 located to its left, when such an area exists to the left of the damaged image display area 71. The position adjustment button 71E (right-facing button) is used to swap the display positions of the damaged image display area 71 with the diagnostic image display area 72 or reference image display area 73 located to the right of the damaged image display area 71, when such an area exists to the right of the damaged image display area 71.

[0104] The bookmark button 71F is used to bookmark a damaged image. When the bookmark button 71F is pressed, the bookmark selection screen 325 shown in Figure 13 is displayed. The bookmark selection screen 325 includes checkboxes 80-89 corresponding to multiple bookmark types, an input completion button B31, and a cancel button B32. Users can bookmark a damaged image by checking one or more checkboxes 80-89 that correspond to the bookmark type into which they want to classify the damaged image, and then pressing the input completion button B31. The cancel button B32 is used to cancel the assignment of a bookmark to a damaged image.

[0105] The diagnostic image display area 72 includes an image area 72A, a thumbnail area 72B, a detailed information area 72C, and position adjustment buttons 72D and 72E. The diagnostic image is displayed in image area 72A. Thumbnail area 72B displays thumbnail images of the diagnostic images. The detailed information area 72C displays detailed information about the diagnostic image shown in the image area 72A (information included in the supplementary information of the diagnostic image, information about the diagnostic image managed in the image management table 351, etc.).

[0106] The position adjustment button 72D is used to swap the display positions of the diagnostic image display area 72 with the defective image display area 71 or the reference image display area 73 to the left of the diagnostic image display area 72, if the defective image display area 71 or the reference image display area 73 exists to the left of the diagnostic image display area 72. The position adjustment button 72E is used to swap the display positions of the diagnostic image display area 72 with the adjacent damaged image display area 71 or reference image display area 73, when a damaged image display area 71 or reference image display area 73 exists to the right of the diagnostic image display area 72.

[0107] The reference image display area 73 includes the image area 73A, the thumbnail area 73B, the detailed information area 73C, and the position adjustment buttons 73D and 73E. The reference image is displayed in image area 73A. In thumbnail area 73B, thumbnail images of the reference images are displayed, distinguishing between A-reference and B-reference. If there are multiple reference images, thumbnail images corresponding to multiple reference images are displayed in thumbnail area 73B, and the reference image corresponding to the thumbnail image selected in thumbnail area 73B is displayed in image area 73A. The detailed information area 73C displays detailed information about the reference image shown in the image area 73A (information included in the supplementary information of the reference image, information about the reference image managed in the image management table 351, etc.).

[0108] The position adjustment button 73D is used to swap the display positions of the reference image display area 73 with the adjacent damaged image display area 71 or diagnostic image display area 72, when a damaged image display area 71 or diagnostic image display area 72 exists to the left of the reference image display area 73. The position adjustment button 73E is used to swap the display positions of the reference image display area 73 with the adjacent damaged image display area 71 or diagnostic image display area 72, when a damaged image display area 71 or diagnostic image display area 72 exists to the right of the reference image display area 73.

[0109] In the comparison display screen 324, the damaged image, diagnostic image, and reference image are displayed side by side in a single window. The left, center, and right positions of the damaged image (damaged image display area 71), diagnostic image (diagnostic image display area 72), and reference image (reference image display area 73) can be changed using the position adjustment buttons 71D, 71E, 72D, 72E, 73D, and 73E. For example, by placing the damaged image and the reference image next to each other, it becomes easier to recognize how much the damaged image differs from the reference image.

[0110] The Next button B21 is used to switch the display order of the pairs of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images displayed in the damaged image display area 71, the diagnostic image display area 72, and the reference image display area 73 to the next pair. The back button B22 is used to switch the display order of the pairs of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images displayed in the damaged image display area 71, the diagnostic image display area 72, and the reference image display area 73 back to the previous pair.

[0111] The "Hide Details" button B23 is used to instruct the system to hide the details in the details areas 71C, 72C, and 73C.

[0112] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the next button B21 has been pressed based on the user's operation from the operation unit 33 (step S22). If the next button B21 is pressed (step S22; YES), the control unit 31 displays the next set of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images in the display unit 32 in a comparable manner (step S23).

[0113] If the next button B21 is not pressed after step S23 or in step S22 (step S22; NO), the control unit 31 determines whether or not the back button B22 was pressed by the user's operation unit 33 (step S24). If the back button B22 is pressed (step S24; YES), the control unit 31 displays the previous set of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images on the display unit 32 so that they can be compared with the currently displayed set (step S25).

[0114] If the back button B22 is not pressed after step S25 or in step S24 (step S24; NO), the control unit 31 determines whether the automatic playback interval (included in the continuous playback condition) has elapsed since the display of the currently displayed set of damaged image, diagnostic image, and reference image began (step S26). For example, the control unit 31 starts timing when the display of the set of damaged image, diagnostic image, and reference image switches, and determines whether the automatic playback interval has elapsed. If a different thumbnail image is selected in the thumbnail area 71B and the damaged image displayed in the image area 71A is changed, if a different thumbnail image is selected in the thumbnail area 73B and the reference image displayed in the image area 73A is changed, or if the arrangement of the damaged image display area 71, the diagnostic image display area 72, and the reference image display area 73 is changed by pressing the position adjustment buttons 71D, 71E, 72D, 72E, 73D, 73E, the timing will be restarted at the time the display is changed. If the automatic playback interval has elapsed since the start of displaying the currently displayed set of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images (step S26; YES), the control unit 31 displays the next set of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images on the display unit 32 in a comparable manner (step S27).

[0115] If, after step S27, or in step S26, the automatic playback interval has not elapsed since the display of the currently displayed set of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images began (step S26; NO), the process returns to step S22 and is repeated.

[0116] As described above, according to this embodiment, the damaged image, the diagnostic image, and the reference image are displayed on the display unit 32 in a comparable manner, making it easy to check the reference image that serves as the shooting standard, in addition to the damaged image and the diagnostic image. Displaying the reference image makes it easy to compare it with the damaged image and the diagnostic image, which helps in understanding the current challenges in shooting and improving shooting techniques. Specifically, by displaying the damaged image, the diagnostic image, and the reference image on a single window, it becomes easier to compare the three images. Furthermore, displaying the damaged image, the diagnostic image, and the reference image side-by-side makes it easier to compare the three images.

[0117] Furthermore, the damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images managed by the image damage information management device 30 can be acquired from external devices (console 20, inspection device 10, etc.).

[0118] Furthermore, by displaying diagnostic images obtained by re-imaging the same patient as the damaged image, in response to the same imaging request, it becomes easier to understand the differences between the damaged image and the diagnostic image. Furthermore, since the system displays both the damaged image and the diagnostic image, along with a reference image corresponding to the same shooting method as the damaged image, it is easy to understand the differences between the damaged image / diagnostic image and the reference image.

[0119] Furthermore, for multiple sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images, it is possible to switch between the damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images for each set to be displayed.

[0120] Furthermore, based on the continuous playback conditions, multiple sets of images (damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images) can be played back in sequence. Specifically, the sets to be displayed can be switched at the automatic playback intervals included in the continuous playback conditions, according to the order determined based on the playback order included in the continuous playback conditions. In other words, on the comparison display screen 324, the sets to be displayed can be switched sequentially at the automatic playback intervals without having to press the next button B21 to display the next set of images.

[0121] Furthermore, when playing multiple sets of images consecutively, in addition to automatically switching images based on time (automatic playback interval), you can also manually switch images (using the next button B21 and the back button B22).

[0122] Furthermore, by pre-setting conditions for continuous playback, such as the photographer, shooting location / direction (shooting method), and shooting period, users can achieve continuous playback of multiple sets of images under their desired conditions. Specifically, the system can narrow down the displayed images (multiple sets) based on the radiographer, the area and direction of imaging (area group, area, direction), and the imaging period. For example, it can be used to review medical images taken by the radiographer themselves, or to review issues in imaging of specific areas or periods.

[0123] Furthermore, if a damaged image has been bookmarked, the displayed images can be filtered according to the bookmark type. By specifying the bookmark type, multiple sets of images (damaged image, diagnostic image, and reference image) can be viewed for each bookmark type. The bookmark function allows users to extract images of high interest, enabling efficient secondary use of sets of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images that have been viewed once.

[0124] The above description of the embodiment is an example of a medical image damage information management device according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the device can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0125] For example, in the above embodiment, a case was described in which a set of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images is displayed on the display unit 32 of the image damage information management device 30. However, the image damage information management device 30 may also provide data to an external device for displaying the damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images in a comparable manner. Specifically, the image damage information management device 30 may be made accessible from a client terminal, and the image damage information management device 30 may display the set of damaged images, diagnostic images, and reference images on the display unit of the client terminal in the order of playback.

[0126] Alternatively, when continuous playback is performed by specifying any of the continuous playback conditions, the playback history (date and time, continuous playback conditions, etc.) may be recorded, and a continuous playback condition can be selected from the history to perform continuous playback based on that condition.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we described a case where both automatic image switching based on time and manual image switching are possible when playing back multiple sets of images in succession. However, it is also possible to enable only one of either automatic switching or manual switching.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a reference image is set after the medical image acquired from the console 20, but a medical image that has been set as a reference image in advance may be acquired from an external device.

[0129] Furthermore, the programs for executing each process in each device may be stored on a portable recording medium. Alternatively, a carrier wave may be used as the medium for providing the program data via a communication line. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 10 Inspection equipment 20 Consoles 30 Photo loss information management device 31 Control Unit 32 Display section 33 Operation section 34 Communications Department 35 Storage section 70 Course display area 71 Damaged Image Display Area 72 Diagnostic image display area 73 Reference Image Display Area 100 Photo Damage Information Management System 321 Reference Image Setting Screen 322 Continuous Playback Condition Setting Screen 324 Comparison display screen 351 Image Management Table 352 Reference Image Setting Table 353 Continuous Playback Condition Setting Table 354 File storage space NT communication network

Claims

1. It is equipped with a display unit that displays a defective image that was deemed a failure to take a picture, and a reference image that is a pre-set image that serves as a standard for taking pictures suitable for diagnosis. The reference image includes the best image that satisfies the shooting criteria and an image at the limit of what the shooting criteria can accept, in an information processing device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the damaged image, a diagnostic image used for diagnosing the same patient as the damaged image, and the reference image.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the diagnostic image is displayed in a window different from the window in which the damaged image is displayed, or in a window different from the window in which the reference image is displayed.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the window in which the damaged image is displayed and the window in which the reference image is displayed are the same window, and the damaged image and the reference image are displayed side by side on the same window.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the diagnostic image is an image obtained by re-imaging the same patient as the damaged image in response to the same imaging request as the damaged image.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, which provides data for displaying the aforementioned damaged image and the aforementioned reference image to a console.

7. It is equipped with a display unit that displays a defective image that was deemed a failure to take a picture, and a reference image that is a pre-set image that serves as a standard for taking pictures suitable for diagnosis. A medical image quality management system, wherein the reference images include the best image that meets the shooting criteria and images at the limit of what the shooting criteria can tolerate.

8. The medical image damage information management system according to claim 7, wherein the display unit displays the damaged image, a diagnostic image used for diagnosing the same patient as the damaged image, and the reference image.

9. The medical image damage information management system according to claim 8, wherein the diagnostic image is displayed in a window different from the window in which the image damage is displayed, or in a window different from the window in which the reference image is displayed.

10. The medical image damage information management system according to claim 7, wherein the window in which the damaged image is displayed and the window in which the reference image is displayed are the same window, and the damaged image and the reference image are displayed side by side on the same window.

11. The medical image loss information management system according to claim 8, wherein the diagnostic image is an image obtained by re-imaging the same patient as the image loss image in response to the same imaging request as the image loss.

12. A medical image damage information management system according to claim 7, which provides data for displaying the damaged image and the reference image to a console.

13. Computers A program for functioning as a display unit that displays a damaged image (a damaged image resulting from a failed shot) and a reference image (a pre-set image that serves as a standard for diagnosis), The program includes, as the reference image, the best image that meets the shooting criteria, and images that are at the limit of what the shooting criteria can accept.

14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the display unit displays the damaged image, a diagnostic image used for diagnosing the same patient as the damaged image, and the reference image.

15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the diagnostic image is displayed in a window different from the window in which the damaged image is displayed, or in a window different from the window in which the reference image is displayed.

16. The program according to claim 13, wherein the window in which the damaged image is displayed and the window in which the reference image is displayed are the same window, and the damaged image and the reference image are displayed side by side on the same window.

17. The program according to claim 14, wherein the diagnostic image is an image obtained by re-imaging the same patient as the damaged image in response to the same imaging request as the damaged image.

18. The aforementioned computer, The program according to claim 13, which functions to provide data for displaying the aforementioned damaged image and the aforementioned reference image to a console.

Images