Information processing device, diagnostic support processing device, information processing method, diagnostic support processing method, information processing program, and diagnostic support processing program

Abstract

This information processing device comprises at least one processor. The processor: derives a plurality of diagnosis assistance processing results by executing diagnosis assistance processing on one medical image; presents selection information for causing a user to select at least one diagnosis assistance processing result from the plurality of derived diagnosis assistance processing results; and outputs the diagnosis assistance processing result selected by the user in accordance with the selection information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for performing diagnostic support processing on medical images such as radiographic images are known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-093137 describes a technique for applying a learning network trained on an imaging image and notifying a user when a clinical finding is observed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] By the way, there are cases where a plurality of diagnostic support processing results can be obtained for a single medical image. When presenting a plurality of diagnostic support processing results to the user, it may be difficult for the user to confirm the diagnostic support processing result that the user desires.

[0004] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, a diagnostic support processing apparatus, an information processing method, a diagnostic support processing method, an information processing program, and a diagnostic support processing program that can provide a diagnostic support processing result that is easy to diagnose.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor. The processor performs diagnostic support processing on a single medical image to derive a plurality of diagnostic support processing results, presents selection information for causing the user to select at least one of the derived plurality of diagnostic support processing results, and outputs the diagnostic support processing result selected by the user according to the selection information.

[0006] In the second aspect of the information processing apparatus of the present disclosure, the processor may output one medical image as a diagnostic support processing result for each diagnostic support processing result, in the same manner as the first aspect of the information processing apparatus.

[0007] In the third aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing device, in the first or second aspect of the information processing device, may, as selection information, present information representing a source for acquiring a diagnostic support processing result for each of a plurality of diagnostic support processing results.

[0008] An information processing device in a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device in any one of the first to third aspects, in which the processor performs diagnostic support processing for each part included in a single medical image, associates the part with the diagnostic support processing result, presents information for selecting a part as selection information, and outputs the diagnostic support processing result associated with the part selected by the user according to the selection information.

[0009] The fifth aspect of the information processing apparatus of this disclosure is an information processing apparatus of any one of the first to third aspects, in which the processor performs diagnostic support processing for each type of disease on a single medical image, associates the type of disease with the result of the diagnostic support processing, presents information for selecting the type of disease as selection information, and outputs the result of the diagnostic support processing associated with the type of disease selected by the user according to the selection information.

[0010] A diagnostic support processing device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure comprises at least one processor, the processor derives a plurality of diagnostic support processing results for a single medical image, outputs one medical image associated with each diagnostic support processing result, and outputs selection information associated with a single medical image, allowing the user to select at least one of the derived plurality of diagnostic support processing results.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the information processing method of this disclosure is a method in which a computer performs diagnostic support processing on a single medical image to derive multiple diagnostic support processing results, presents selection information to the user to select at least one of the derived multiple diagnostic support processing results, and outputs the diagnostic support processing result selected by the user according to the selection information.

[0012] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a diagnostic support processing method in which a computer performs a process that derives multiple diagnostic support processing results from a single medical image, outputs one medical image associated with each diagnostic support processing result, and outputs selection information associated with a single medical image, allowing the user to select at least one of the derived multiple diagnostic support processing results.

[0013] The ninth aspect of the information processing program causes a computer to perform diagnostic support processing on a single medical image, derive multiple diagnostic support processing results, present selection information to the user to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results, and output the diagnostic support processing result selected by the user according to the selection information.

[0014] Furthermore, the diagnostic support processing program of the tenth aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to perform a process that derives multiple diagnostic support processing results for a single medical image, outputs one medical image associated with each diagnostic support processing result, and outputs selection information associated with a single medical image, allowing the user to select at least one of the derived multiple diagnostic support processing results. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the above embodiments, the information processing device, diagnostic support processing device, information processing method, diagnostic support processing method, information processing program, and diagnostic support processing program of the present disclosure can provide diagnostic support processing results that facilitate diagnosis. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a mobile radiographic imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobile radiographic imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration related to the functions for performing diagnostic support processing in the console of the exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a diagnostic support processing result obtained when the diagnostic support processing execution unit applies chest CAD to a radiographic image and performs diagnostic support processing. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the information processing flow using a console in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a display showing the source information and the radiation image acquired from the radiation detector. [Figure 7] This figure shows another example of a display that shows the source information and the radiation image acquired from the radiation detector. [Figure 8] This flowchart illustrates another example of the information processing flow using the console in the exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows another example of a display that shows the source information and the radiation image acquired from the radiation detector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the exemplary embodiments described below, radiographic images will be applied as an example of medical images of the present disclosure, and a console of a mobile radiographic imaging device will be applied as an example of an information processing device of the present disclosure. Note that these exemplary embodiments are not limiting to the present disclosure.

[0018] First, an example of the overall configuration of the mobile radiographic imaging apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram representing an example of the overall configuration of the mobile radiographic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile radiographic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a C-arm 20 having an arm portion 22 and a holding portion 24. At one end of the arm portion 22, a radiation irradiation unit 10 that emits radiation R generated by a radiation source 12 is provided.

[0020] The radiation irradiation unit 10 houses a radiation source 12 and a field limiting device 14. The radiation source 12 has a radiation tube (not shown) that generates radiation R and has a function of emitting the radiation R generated by the radiation tube. The field limiting device 14 is a so-called collimator that has a function of limiting the irradiation field of the radiation R generated by the radiation tube. The field limiting device 14 has, for example, a configuration in which four shielding plates such as lead that shield the radiation R are arranged on each side of a quadrangle, and a quadrangular opening that allows the radiation R to pass through is formed at the center. The field limiting device 14 changes the size of the opening by changing the positions of the respective shielding plates, thereby changing the irradiation field of the radiation R.

[0021] On the other hand, a holding portion 24 is provided at the other end of the arm portion 22. The holding portion 24 holds a storage portion 16. The storage portion 16 houses a radiation detector 38 that detects radiation R and generates image data representing a radiographic image. The C-arm 20 of the present exemplary embodiment has a function of changing the angle of the radiation detector 38 with respect to the Z direction (vertical direction) shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] The radiation detector 38 detects radiation R that has passed through the subject. Specifically, the radiation detector 38 detects radiation R that has entered the storage unit 16 and reached the detection surface of the radiation detector 38, generates a radiation image based on the detected radiation R, and outputs image data representing the generated radiation image. Hereinafter, the series of operations from irradiating with radiation R from the radiation source 12 to generating a radiation image by the radiation detector 38 may be referred to as "imaging". The type of radiation detector 38 in this exemplary embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be an indirect conversion type radiation detector that converts radiation R into light and the converted light into electric charge, or a direct conversion type radiation detector that directly converts radiation R into electric charge. Furthermore, the radiation detector 38 is capable of capturing at least one of still images and moving images.

[0023] On the side of the storage unit 16 facing the radiation irradiation unit 10, there is an imaging surface 17 that is irradiated by the radiation R emitted from the radiation irradiation unit 10. In this exemplary embodiment of the mobile radiation imaging device 1, the so-called SID (Source Image Distance), which is the distance between the imaging surface 17 and the radiation source 12 of the radiation irradiation unit 10, is set to a fixed value.

[0024] The C-arm 20 is held by the C-arm holder 26 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow A shown in Figure 1. The C-arm holder 26 also has a shaft portion 27, which connects the C-arm 20 to the bearing 28. The C-arm 20 is rotatable around the shaft portion 27 as its axis of rotation.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the mobile radiographic imaging device 1 of this exemplary embodiment includes a main body 18 with a plurality of wheels 19 on its bottom. A support shaft 29 that extends and retracts in the Z-axis direction of Figure 1 is provided on the upper side of the housing of the main body 18 in Figure 1. A bearing 28 is held on the upper part of the support shaft 29 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow B.

[0026] Furthermore, a display unit 36 ​​and an operation unit 37 are provided on the upper part of the main body 18. The display unit 36 ​​and the operation unit 37 function as a user interface. The display unit 36 ​​provides operators, such as technicians and doctors, who take radiographic images using the mobile radiographic imaging device 1 with the captured radiographic images and information related to the acquisition of radiographic images. The display unit 36 ​​is not particularly limited and examples include a liquid crystal monitor and an LED (Light Emission Diode) monitor. In this exemplary embodiment, a touch panel display integrated with the operation unit 37 is used as an example of the display unit 36. The operation unit 37 is operated by the operator when giving instructions regarding the acquisition of radiographic images. The operation unit 37 is not particularly limited and examples include various switches, a touch panel, a stylus, and a mouse. In addition, there may be multiple operation units 37, for example, a touch panel and a foot switch operated by the operator with their foot may be provided as operation units 37. The operator in this exemplary embodiment is an example of a user of this disclosure.

[0027] Furthermore, the main unit 18 houses the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32 and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 34 of the console 30, as well as a battery 48 that supplies power to each part of the mobile radiographic imaging device 1.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the mobile radiographic imaging device 1 of this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the mobile radiographic imaging device 1 of this exemplary embodiment comprises a radiation source 12, an irradiation field limiter 14, a console 30, a radiation detector 38, a power supply unit 46, and a battery 48.

[0029] The console 30 has a function for controlling the acquisition of radiographic images by the mobile radiographic imaging device 1. The console 30 in this exemplary embodiment is an example of an information processing device of the present disclosure.

[0030] The console 30 comprises a CPU 32, memory 33, GPU 34, display unit 36, operation unit 37, storage unit 42, and I / F unit 45. The CPU 32, memory 33, GPU 34, display unit 36, operation unit 37, storage unit 42, and I / F unit 45 are connected to each other via a bus 49, such as a system bus or control bus, enabling the exchange of various information. The radiation source 12, irradiation field limiter 14, and power supply unit 46 are also connected to the bus 49.

[0031] The CPU 32 reads various programs, including the information processing program 43 stored in the memory unit 42, into the memory 33 and executes processing according to the read program. In this way, the CPU 32 controls the operation of each part of the mobile radiographic imaging device 1. The CPU 32 in this exemplary embodiment is an example of the processor of this disclosure. The memory 33 is a work memory for the CPU 32 to execute processing. The GPU 34 has the function of applying the CAD (Computer-Assisted Detection / Diagnosis) 44 stored in the memory unit 42 to perform diagnostic support processing, which will be described in detail later, in response to the control of the CPU 32. The GPU 34 in this exemplary embodiment is an example of the diagnostic support processing device of this disclosure.

[0032] The memory unit 42 stores an information processing program 43, a CAD 44 algorithm applied to the diagnostic support processing, image data of radiation images captured by the radiation detector 38, and various other information. The CAD 44 includes various algorithms corresponding to the type of diagnostic support processing described later. As an example, the CAD 44 in this exemplary embodiment includes multiple types of CADs, such as head CAD 44A, chest CAD 44B, and joint CAD 44C, which are applied to radiation images in the diagnostic support processing. However, the algorithms included in the CAD 44 are not limited to these. Specific examples of the memory unit 42 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives).

[0033] The I / F unit 45 communicates various types of information with the radiation detector 38 via wireless or wired communication. The I / F unit 45 also communicates various types of information with external devices via wireless or wired communication over a network. Examples of external devices include a RIS (Radiology Information System) for managing imaging orders and a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System).

[0034] As mentioned above, a power supply unit 46 is connected to the bus 49. The power supply unit 46 supplies power from the battery 48 to each part of the mobile radiographic imaging device 1. The power supply unit 46 includes a DC (Direct Current)-DC converter that converts the DC voltage from the battery 48 to a voltage value corresponding to the supply destination, a voltage stabilization circuit that stabilizes the converted voltage value, and the like. In this exemplary embodiment, the battery 48 is built into the main body 18 as described above. In this way, the mobile radiographic imaging device 1 is wirelessly driven by the battery 48. The mobile radiographic imaging device 1 can also be charged by plugging the power cord plug (not shown) extending from the bottom of the main body 18 into a commercial power outlet, or operated on power from a commercial power source.

[0035] Furthermore, the console 30 of this exemplary embodiment has a function to perform diagnostic support processing on radiation images captured by the radiation detector 38. Figure 3 shows a functional block diagram of an example of the configuration related to the diagnostic support processing function in the console 30 of this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the console 30 includes an image acquisition unit 50, a diagnostic support processing unit 52, a selection information presentation unit 54, and a selection diagnostic support processing result output unit 56. As an example, in the console 30 of this exemplary embodiment, the CPU 32 executes an information processing program 43 stored in the storage unit 42, so that the CPU 32 functions as the image acquisition unit 50, the selection information presentation unit 54, and the selection diagnostic support processing result output unit 56, and the GPU 34 functions as the diagnostic support processing unit 52.

[0036] The image acquisition unit 50 has the function of acquiring radiation images. Specifically, as described above, the image acquisition unit 50 of this exemplary embodiment has the function of acquiring image data representing radiation images captured by the radiation detector 38. The image acquisition unit 50 outputs the acquired image data representing radiation images to the diagnostic support processing unit 52.

[0037] The diagnostic support processing unit 52 has the function of performing diagnostic support processing on a single radiographic image and deriving multiple diagnostic support processing results. As shown in Figure 3, the diagnostic support processing unit 52 of this exemplary embodiment has a diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A, a total diagnostic support processing result output unit 52B, and a selection information output unit 52C.

[0038] The diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A has the function of executing diagnostic support processing on the radiographic image input from the image acquisition unit 50 and deriving multiple diagnostic support processing results. Specifically, the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A performs diagnostic support processing on the radiographic image by applying the CAD 44 algorithm stored in the storage unit 42. In this exemplary embodiment, diagnostic support processing is performed for each part included in a single radiographic image, a diagnostic support processing result is derived for each part, and the parts and the diagnostic support processing results are associated.

[0039] As an example, the case in which the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A performs diagnostic support processing on a radiographic image of the subject's chest will be explained with reference to Figure 4. When the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A performs diagnostic support processing on a radiographic image of the chest, it extracts the regions of the heart, lungs, bones, and surgical instruments from the radiographic image as various parts of the chest. In this embodiment, "surgical instruments" such as catheters are treated the same as the various parts of the subject, but other parts of the subject, such as "surgical instruments," may be treated as parts of the subject through which the surgical instrument passes. For example, in the case of a catheter, it may be treated as a blood vessel and a part of the heart. The method by which the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A extracts each part from the radiographic image is not particularly limited. For example, the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A may extract each part from the radiographic image by applying existing image segmentation techniques to the radiographic image.

[0040] Figure 4 shows examples of diagnostic support processing results obtained when the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A applies chest CAD44B to a radiographic image and performs diagnostic support processing. Figure 4(1) shows an example of a state in which a diagnostic support processing result for cardiac hypertrophy 61 is obtained by applying chest CAD44B to the heart. Figure 4(2) shows an example of a state in which a diagnostic support processing result for a nodule 63 is obtained by applying chest CAD44B to the lung field. Figure 4(3) shows an example of a state in which a diagnostic support processing result for a rib fracture 65 is obtained by applying chest CAD44B to the bone. Furthermore, Figure 4(4) shows an example of a state in which a diagnostic support processing result indicating the position of a catheter 67 is obtained by applying chest CAD44B to a surgical instrument.

[0041] The total diagnostic support processing result output unit 52B outputs the diagnostic support processing results for each body part derived by the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A to the storage unit 42, associating the body part with the diagnostic support processing result. For example, as shown in Figures 4(1) to (4), the radiographic image is output to the storage unit 42, associating each body part with the diagnostic support processing result. The radiographic image containing multiple diagnostic support processing results is stored in the storage unit 42, associating it with the body parts. At this time, for each diagnostic support processing result, information representing the stored location is generated as information representing the acquisition destination for obtaining the diagnostic support processing result. Hereinafter, the information representing the acquisition destination for obtaining the diagnostic support processing result will be referred to as "acquisition destination information". Details of the acquisition destination information will be described later.

[0042] The selection information output unit 52C has the function of outputting selection information to the selection information presentation unit 54, in association with the radiographic image, which allows the operator to select at least one of the multiple diagnostic support processing results derived by the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A. In this exemplary embodiment, the above-described acquisition source information is applied as an example of selection information.

[0043] The selection information presentation unit 54 has the function of presenting selection information that allows the user to select at least one of the multiple diagnostic support processing results derived by the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A. As an example, the selection information presentation unit 54 in this exemplary embodiment displays the acquisition destination information on the display unit 36, as will be described in detail later. The operator selects the desired diagnostic support processing result from the acquisition destination information displayed on the display unit 36 ​​using the operation unit 37.

[0044] The Selected Diagnostic Support Processing Result Output Unit 56 has the function of outputting the diagnostic support processing result selected by the user according to the acquisition source information. Specifically, the Selected Diagnostic Support Processing Result Output Unit 56 acquires the diagnostic support processing result from the storage unit 42 based on the acquisition source selected using the operation unit 37, and displays the acquired diagnostic support processing result on the display unit 36.

[0045] The selected diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 outputs one radiographic image associated with each diagnostic support processing result. Therefore, the radiographic image displayed on the display unit 36 ​​shows one diagnostic support processing result desired by the operator. Consequently, when multiple diagnostic support processing results are output, the number of radiographic images corresponding to the number of diagnostic support processing results will be displayed on the display unit 36.

[0046] Next, the operation of the console 30 in relation to diagnostic support processing will be explained with reference to the drawings. In the console 30 of this exemplary embodiment, when the acquisition of radiographic images in accordance with the acquisition order is instructed, the information processing shown in Figure 5 is executed. Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of information processing by the console 30 of this exemplary embodiment. As an example, when the console 30 of this exemplary embodiment receives an instruction to execute diagnostic support processing instructed by the operator using the operation unit 37, the CPU 32 executes the information processing program 43 stored in the storage unit 42, thereby executing the information processing shown as an example in Figure 5.

[0047] In step S100 of Figure 5, the image acquisition unit 50 acquires a radiation image from the radiation detector 38.

[0048] In the next step S102, the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A performs diagnostic support processing on each part of the radiographic image acquired in step S100. Specifically, as described above, the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A extracts the parts included in the radiographic image and performs diagnostic support processing on each extracted part by applying the algorithm of CAD44 stored in the storage unit 42.

[0049] In the next step S104, the total diagnostic support processing result output unit 52B outputs each diagnostic support processing result derived in step S102 to the storage unit 42, associating it with a radiographic image. Specifically, as described above, the total diagnostic support processing result output unit 52B outputs the diagnostic support processing result for each body part to the storage unit 42, associating the body part and the diagnostic support processing result with a radiographic image.

[0050] In the next step S106, the selection information output unit 52C outputs selection information to the selection information presentation unit 54, associating it with the radiographic image, to allow the operator to select a diagnostic support processing result. Specifically, as described above, the selection information output unit 52C outputs the acquisition destination information, which represents the acquisition destination of the diagnostic support processing result stored in the storage unit 42, as selection information to the selection information presentation unit 54.

[0051] In the next step S108, the selection information presentation unit 54 presents the selection information output in step S106 to the operator. As described above, the selection information presentation unit 54 presents the user with selection information by displaying the acquisition destination information on the display unit 36, allowing the user to select at least one of the multiple diagnostic support processing results derived in step S102. Figure 6 shows an example of the display unit 36 ​​displaying the acquisition destination information 70 and the radiation image 60 acquired from the radiation detector 38. The acquisition destination information 70 shown in Figure 6 includes part information 71 representing each part and URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information 72 representing the acquisition destination of the diagnostic support processing result for each part. The operator uses the operation unit 37 to select the acquisition destination URL corresponding to the desired diagnostic support processing result from among the URL information 72 displayed on the display unit 36.

[0052] Therefore, in the next step S110, the selection diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 determines whether or not it has received the selection result selected by the operator. In the example shown in Figure 6, it determines whether or not it has received the selection result of any of the URL information 72. Until a selection result is received, the determination in step S110 will be negative. On the other hand, once a selection result is received, the determination in step S110 becomes positive, and the process proceeds to step S112.

[0053] In step S112, the selected diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 outputs the diagnostic support processing result corresponding to the received selection result to the display unit 36. In the example shown in Figure 6, the diagnostic support processing result is obtained from the storage unit 42 based on the URL selected by the user from the URL information 72, and the obtained diagnostic support processing result is displayed on the display unit 36. For example, if the operator selects URL information 72 associated with a part of the heart, the selected diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 displays the radiographic image 60 in which cardiac hypertrophy 61 was obtained as the diagnostic support processing result shown in Figure 4 (1) on the display unit 36. Alternatively, if the operator selects URL information 72 associated with a part of the lung field, the selected diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 displays the radiographic image 60 in which nodule 63 was obtained as the diagnostic support processing result shown in Figure 4 (2) on the display unit 36. For example, if the operator selects URL information 72 associated with a bone location, the selected diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 displays the radiographic image 60 showing a fracture 65 as the diagnostic support processing result shown in Figure 4 (3) on the display unit 36. Furthermore, for example, if the operator selects URL information 72 associated with a surgical instrument location, the selected diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 displays the radiographic image 60 showing a catheter 67 as the diagnostic support processing result shown in Figure 4 (4) on the display unit 36.

[0054] Furthermore, the operator may be allowed to select from multiple diagnostic support processing results. In this case, for example, if the operator selects URL information 72 associated with the heart region and the lung region, the selected diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 will display the radiographic images 60 shown in Figure 4 (1) and (2) side by side, or switch between them, on the display unit 36.

[0055] In the next step, S114, the selection diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 determines whether or not to terminate the information processing shown in Figure 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the condition for terminating the information processing is when the system receives a termination instruction from the operator using the operation unit 37. The selection diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 returns to step S108 and repeats the processing in steps S108 to S112 until the termination condition is met, with the determination in step S114 being negative. On the other hand, when the termination condition is met, the determination in step S114 becomes positive, and the information processing shown in Figure 5 is terminated.

[0056] As described above, in the mobile radiographic imaging device 1 of the above configuration, the console 30 has a GPU 34 that performs diagnostic support processing on a single radiographic image and derives multiple diagnostic support processing results. The CPU 32 then presents selection information to the operator, allowing them to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results, and outputs the diagnostic support processing result selected by the operator according to the selection information.

[0057] Furthermore, the GPU34 in the above configuration derives multiple diagnostic support processing results for a single radiographic image, outputs one radiographic image associated with each diagnostic support processing result, and outputs selection information associated with a single radiographic image, allowing the operator to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results.

[0058] Unlike the above configuration, if diagnostic support processing results that the operator does not select, i.e., those not desired by the operator, are output for a single radiographic image, multiple diagnostic support processing results will be provided to the operator in an overlapping state. For example, the diagnostic support processing results of (1) to (4) in Figure 4 will be displayed on the display unit 36 ​​in an overlapping state. Because the diagnostic support processing results are overlapped, it may be difficult for the operator to confirm the desired diagnostic support processing result. In contrast, with the above configuration, from among the multiple diagnostic support processing results obtained for a single radiographic image, the diagnostic support processing result selected by the operator is output to the operator. Since diagnostic support processing results that the operator does not select are not output, for example, the overlapping display of diagnostic support processing results is suppressed. Therefore, each of the above configurations can provide diagnostic support processing results that are easier to diagnose. Furthermore, because the above configurations provide diagnostic support processing results that are easier to diagnose, the diagnostic accuracy can be improved.

[0059] In the above configuration, as illustrated in Figure 6, a configuration in which URL information 72, which is the source information, is presented as selection information for the operator to select the diagnostic support processing result has been described. However, the selection information is not limited to this configuration. For example, instead of URL information 72 representing the URL itself, or together with the URL itself, a link to the URL may be presented as selection information. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 6, the body part information 71 may also serve as a link to the URL. Alternatively, for example, an image representing the diagnostic support processing result, in other words, an image representing the diagnostic support processing result stored in the selected URL, may be presented. Alternatively, for example, as shown in Figure 7, information that allows the operator to select each body part to which the diagnostic support processing result is associated may be provided as selection information 74. In the example shown in Figure 7, this includes selection information 74A representing the heart, selection information 74B representing the lung field, selection information 74C representing the bone, and selection information 74D representing the surgical instrument. The selection information 74A to 74D, which are images representing each of these parts, may, for example, be the segmentation images obtained when the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A extracts each part from the radiographic image.

[0060] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains a configuration in which the diagnostic support processing unit 52 performs diagnostic support processing for each body part, the configuration in which the diagnostic support processing unit 52 performs diagnostic support processing is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A of the diagnostic support processing unit 52 may perform diagnostic support processing for each type of disease. In this embodiment, for example, in each process of the diagnostic support processing unit 52 described above, what was done for each body part can be replaced with what was done for each type of disease. For example, in the information processing executed by the console 30, as shown in Figure 8, the process of step S102A is executed instead of step S102 of the information processing described above (see Figure 5). In step S102A, the diagnostic support processing execution unit 52A performs diagnostic support processing for each type of disease on the radiographic image. For example, in the case of a radiographic image taken of the subject's chest, diagnostic support processing is performed for each type of disease, such as "heart disease," "nodule," "pneumothorax," "fracture," and "surgical instrument." In this case, instead of using CAD44 for each body part, such as head CAD44A, a CAD specific to each disease type may be applied as the CAD44 used in the diagnostic support processing.

[0061] Furthermore, Figure 9 illustrates the form in which, in step S108 of the information processing of this embodiment, the selected information presentation unit 54 presents the selected information, which is the acquisition destination information 70, to the operator by displaying it on the display unit 36. The acquisition destination information 70 shown in Figure 9 includes disease information 78 representing the type of disease and URL information 72A representing the acquisition destination for the diagnostic support processing results for each disease type. The operator uses the operation unit 37 to select the acquisition destination URL corresponding to the desired diagnostic support processing result from among the URL information 72A displayed on the display unit 36. As a result, the operator is provided with the diagnostic support processing results corresponding to the type of disease.

[0062] Furthermore, although the above-described configuration involves storing the diagnostic support processing results in the memory unit 42, the storage location for the diagnostic support processing results is not limited to the memory unit 42. For example, it may be a memory unit other than the memory unit 42 in the mobile radiography device 1, or it may be an external storage device of the mobile radiography device 1. When using an external storage device of the mobile radiography device 1, one configuration is to store multiple diagnostic support processing results in the PACS as a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) multi-frame format.

[0063] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains a configuration in which the diagnostic support processing unit 52 applies a CAD algorithm to perform diagnostic support processing, the configuration of the diagnostic support processing and the CAD are not limited to this configuration. For example, the diagnostic support processing unit 52 may apply AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to perform diagnostic support processing, or it may apply a trained model that has been machine-learned using deep learning or the like to perform diagnostic support processing.

[0064] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an embodiment in which the console 30 is an example of the information processing device of the present disclosure, devices other than the console 30 may also have the functions of the information processing device of the present disclosure. In other words, some or all of the image acquisition unit 50, the diagnostic support processing unit 52, the selected information presentation unit 54, and the selected diagnostic support processing result output unit 56 may be provided by devices other than the console 30. For example, the CPU 32 that functions as the console 30 and the GPU 34 and storage unit 42 that function as the diagnostic support processing unit 52 may be separate components, and the GPU 34 may be provided as a so-called GPU box.

[0065] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment described a mobile radiographic imaging device having a C-arm as an example of a medical imaging device for capturing radiographic images, the medical imaging device is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the medical imaging device may be a combination of a mobile cart having a radiation irradiation unit 10 and a radiation detector 38 which is a so-called electronic cassette. Alternatively, it may be a portable medical imaging device carried and moved by an operator. Moreover, it is not limited to a mobile medical imaging device, but may also be a stationary medical imaging device. Furthermore, it may be a medical imaging device that captures CT (Computed Tomography) images or ultrasound images, for example.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes various processes, such as the image acquisition unit 50, the diagnostic support processing unit 52, the selection information presentation unit 54, and the selection diagnostic support processing result output unit 56, can be the various processors shown below. As mentioned above, these various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, as well as programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which are processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and dedicated electrical circuits, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processes.

[0067] A single processing unit may consist of one of these various processors, or it may consist of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Alternatively, multiple processing units may be composed of a single processor.

[0068] Examples of configuring multiple processing units with a single processor include, firstly, a configuration where one or more CPUs and software combine to form a single processor, as exemplified by client and server computers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Secondly, a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple processing units, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as exemplified by System-on-a-Chip (SoC). Thus, various processing units are configured, in terms of hardware structure, using one or more of the above-mentioned processors.

[0069] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can more specifically utilize electrical circuits, which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe a configuration in which the information processing program 43 is pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit 42, the invention is not limited to this configuration. The information processing program 43 may be provided in the form of a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Alternatively, the information processing program 43 may be provided in the form of a download from an external device via a network.

[0071] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-080524, dated 11 May 2021, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0072] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. Equipped with at least one processor, The aforementioned processor, For each medical image, diagnostic support processing is performed on each part of the medical image, and multiple diagnostic support processing results are derived. The diagnostic support processing results are associated with each of the aforementioned body parts. As selection information that allows the user to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results, information for selecting the aforementioned body part is presented. The system outputs diagnostic support processing results associated with the body part selected by the user according to the selection information. It is configured in such a way Information processing device.

2. The processor is configured to output each of the diagnostic support processing results as a result of the diagnostic support processing, associated with the single medical image. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The processor is configured to present, as selection information, information representing the source for acquiring the diagnostic support processing result for each of the multiple diagnostic support processing results. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned processor, Multiple regions contained in the single medical image are extracted using segmentation technology, and the diagnostic support processing is performed on the multiple regions to derive the multiple diagnostic support processing results. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. Equipped with at least one processor, The aforementioned processor, For each medical image, diagnostic support processing is performed according to the type of disease, and multiple diagnostic support processing results are obtained. Derivation, The diagnostic support processing results are associated with each type of disease. As selection information that allows the user to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results, information for selecting the type of disease is presented. The system outputs diagnostic support processing results associated with the type of disease selected by the user according to the selection information. It is configured in such a way Information processing device.

6. Equipped with at least one processor, The aforementioned processor, For each medical image, diagnostic support processing is performed on each part of the medical image, and multiple diagnostic support processing results are derived. For each of the aforementioned body parts, the diagnostic support processing result is output in association with the single medical image. As selection information that allows the user to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results, the information for selecting the body part is output in association with the single medical image. It is configured in such a way Diagnostic support processing device.

7. For each medical image, diagnostic support processing is performed on each part of the medical image, and multiple diagnostic support processing results are derived. The diagnostic support processing results are associated with each of the aforementioned body parts. As selection information that allows the user to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results, information for selecting the aforementioned body part is presented. The system outputs diagnostic support processing results corresponding to the body part selected by the user according to the selection information. An information processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

8. For each medical image, diagnostic support processing is performed on each part of the medical image, and multiple diagnostic support processing results are derived. The diagnostic support processing results for each of the aforementioned body parts are output in association with the single medical image. As selection information to allow the user to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results, the information for selecting the body part is output in association with the single medical image. A diagnostic support processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

9. For each medical image, diagnostic support processing is performed on each part of the medical image, and multiple diagnostic support processing results are derived. The diagnostic support processing results are associated with each of the aforementioned body parts. As selection information that allows the user to select at least one of the derived diagnostic support processing results, information for selecting the aforementioned body part is presented. The system outputs diagnostic support processing results corresponding to the body part selected by the user according to the selection information. An information processing program that causes a computer to perform a task.

10. For each medical image, diagnostic support processing is performed on each part of the medical image, and multiple diagnostic support processing results are derived. The diagnostic support processing results for each of the aforementioned body parts are output in association with the single medical image. The user As selection information to be used for selection, information for selecting the aforementioned body part is output in association with the single medical image. A diagnostic support processing program that instructs a computer to perform a task.

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