Medical assistance device, endoscope, medical assistance method, and program

Abstract

This medical assistance device comprises a processor. The processor detects a duodenal papilla region by executing an image recognition process on an intestinal wall image obtained by imaging the intestinal wall of the duodenum using a camera provided on an endoscope. The medical assistance device displays the intestinal wall image on a screen, and displays, within the duodenal papilla region in the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, an opening image that simulates an opening present within the duodenal papilla.

Description

Medical support device, endoscope, medical support method, and program

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a medical support device, an endoscope, a medical support method, and a program.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-62218 discloses a learning device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires multiple pieces of information that associate images of the duodenal papilla of Vata in the bile duct with information indicating a cannulation method, which is a method of inserting a catheter into the bile duct; a learning unit that performs machine learning using information indicating the cannulation method as training data based on images of the duodenal papilla of Vata in the bile duct; and a memory unit that associates and stores the results of the machine learning by the learning unit with the information indicating the cannulation method.

[0003] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides a medical support device, an endoscope, a medical support method, and a program that allow information used in treatment of the duodenal papilla to be visually recognized.

[0004] A first aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device that includes a processor, which detects the duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by capturing an image of the duodenal intestinal wall with a camera attached to an endoscope, displays the intestinal wall image on a screen, and displays an opening image that resembles an opening that exists in the duodenal papilla within the duodenal papilla region within the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen.

[0005] A second aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a medical support device according to the first aspect, in which the opening image includes a first pattern image selected from a plurality of first pattern images that represent different first geometric characteristics of the opening within the duodenal papilla in accordance with a given first instruction.

[0006] A third aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a medical support device according to the second aspect, in which a plurality of first pattern images are displayed on the screen one by one as opening images, and the first pattern images displayed on the screen as opening images are switched in response to a first instruction.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the medical support device according to the second or third aspect, in which the first geometric characteristic is a position and / or a size of an opening in the duodenal papilla.

[0008] A fifth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the opening image is an image created based on a first reference image obtained by one or more modalities and / or first information obtained from medical findings.

[0009] A sixth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the opening image includes a map showing the probability distribution of the existence of an opening within the duodenal papilla.

[0010] A seventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to the sixth aspect, in which the image recognition processing is an AI-based image recognition processing, and the probability distribution is obtained by executing the image recognition processing.

[0011] An eighth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the size of the opening image changes depending on the size of the duodenal papilla region within the screen.

[0012] A ninth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the medical support device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the opening is made up of one or more openings.

[0013] A tenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which a processor displays a duct path image showing the path of one or more ducts, which are bile ducts and / or pancreatic ducts, depending on the duodenal papilla region, within an intestinal wall image displayed on a screen.

[0014] An eleventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to the tenth aspect, in which the duct path image includes a second pattern image selected from a plurality of second pattern images that represent different second geometric characteristics of ducts within the intestinal wall in accordance with given second instructions.

[0015] A twelfth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to the eleventh aspect, in which a plurality of second pattern images are displayed one by one on the screen as duct path images, and the second pattern images displayed on the screen as duct path images are switched in response to a second instruction.

[0016] A thirteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the medical support device according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, in which the second geometric characteristic is a position and / or a size of the path within the intestinal wall.

[0017] A fourteenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, in which the ductal path image is an image created based on a second reference image obtained by one or more modalities and / or second information obtained from medical findings.

[0018] A fifteenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, in which an image including an intestinal wall image and a duct path image is stored in an external device and / or a medical record.

[0019] A sixteenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, in which an image of the duodenal papilla region including an image of the opening is stored in an external device and / or a medical record.

[0020] A seventeenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support device that includes a processor, which detects the duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by capturing an image of the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided in an endoscope, displays the intestinal wall image on a screen, and displays, within the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, a duct path image that shows the path of one or more ducts that are the bile duct and / or the pancreatic duct, depending on the duodenal papilla region.

[0021] An eighteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is an endoscope including a medical support device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects and an endoscope.

[0022] A nineteenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support method that includes detecting a duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by capturing an image of the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided in an endoscope, displaying the intestinal wall image on a screen, and displaying an image of an opening that resembles an opening that exists in the duodenal papilla within the duodenal papilla region in the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen.

[0023] A twentieth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a medical support method that includes detecting a duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by capturing an image of the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided in an endoscope, displaying the intestinal wall image on a screen, and displaying, within the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, a duct path image that shows the path of one or more ducts that are the bile duct and / or the pancreatic duct, depending on the duodenal papilla region.

[0024] A 21st aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute processing including detecting the duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by capturing an image of the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided in an endoscope, displaying the intestinal wall image on a screen, and displaying an image of an opening that resembles an opening that exists in the duodenal papilla within the duodenal papilla region within the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen.

[0025] A 22nd aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute processing including detecting the duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by capturing an image of the duodenal intestinal wall with a camera provided in an endoscope, displaying the intestinal wall image on a screen, and displaying, within the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, a duct path image showing the path of one or more ducts that are the bile duct and / or the pancreatic duct according to the duodenal papilla region.

[0026] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an aspect in which a duodenoscope system is used. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a duodenoscope system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electrical system of a duodenoscope system. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an aspect in which a duodenoscope is used. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electrical system of an image processing device. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between an endoscope, an NVM, an image acquisition unit, an image recognition unit, and an image adjustment unit. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the main functions of an opening image generating device. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between a display device, an image acquisition unit, an image recognition unit, an image adjustment unit, and a display control unit. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an aspect in which an opening image is switched. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of medical support processing. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between an endoscope, an image acquisition unit, an image recognition unit, and an image adjustment unit. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between a display device, an image acquisition unit, an image recognition unit, an image adjustment unit, and a display control unit. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how duct path images are switched. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of medical support processing. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between an endoscope, an NVM, an image acquisition unit, an image recognition unit, and an image adjustment unit. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correlation between a display device, an image acquisition unit, an image recognition unit, an image adjustment unit, and a display control unit. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how opening images and duct path images are switched. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how opening images and duct path images generated in a duodenoscope system are stored in an electronic medical record server.

[0027] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a medical support device, an endoscope, a medical support method, and a program according to the techniques of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0029] CPU is an abbreviation for "Central Processing Unit." GPU is an abbreviation for "Graphics Processing Unit." RAM is an abbreviation for "Random Access Memory." NVM is an abbreviation for "Non-volatile memory." EEPROM is an abbreviation for "Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory." ASIC is an abbreviation for "Application Specific Integrated Circuit." PLD is an abbreviation for "Programmable Logic Device." FPGA is an abbreviation for "Field-Programmable Gate Array." SoC is an abbreviation for "System-on-a-chip." SSD is an abbreviation for "Solid State Drive." USB is an abbreviation for "Universal Serial Bus." HDD is an abbreviation for "Hard Disk Drive." EL is an abbreviation for "Electro-Luminescence". CMOS is an abbreviation for "Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor". CCD is an abbreviation for "Charge Coupled Device". AI is an abbreviation for "Artificial Intelligence". BLI is an abbreviation for "Blue Light Imaging". LCI is an abbreviation for "Linked Color Imaging". I / F is an abbreviation for "Interface". FIFO is an abbreviation for "First In First Out". ERCP is an abbreviation for "Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography". CT is an abbreviation for "Computed Tomography". MRI is an abbreviation for "Magnetic Resonance Imaging".

[0030] 1 , a duodenoscope system 10 includes a duodenoscope 12 and a display device 13. The duodenoscope 12 is used by a doctor 14 in an endoscopic examination. The duodenoscope 12 is communicatively connected to a communication device (not shown), and information obtained by the duodenoscope 12 is transmitted to the communication device. The communication device receives the information transmitted from the duodenoscope 12 and performs processing using the received information (for example, processing to record the information in an electronic medical record, etc.).

[0031] The duodenoscope 12 includes an endoscope 18. The duodenoscope 12 is a device for performing medical examinations on an observation target 21 (e.g., the upper digestive tract) inside the body of a subject 20 (e.g., a patient) using the endoscope 18. The observation target 21 is an object to be observed by a doctor 14. The endoscope 18 is inserted into the body of the subject 20. The duodenoscope 12 causes the endoscope 18 inserted inside the body of the subject 20 to capture images of the observation target 21 inside the body of the subject 20, and performs various medical procedures on the observation target 21 as necessary. The duodenoscope 12 is an example of an "endoscope" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0032] The duodenoscope 12 acquires and outputs an image showing the state of the inside of the body by capturing an image of the inside of the body of the subject 20. In this embodiment, the duodenoscope 12 is an endoscope having an optical imaging function that captures an image of reflected light obtained by irradiating light inside the body and reflecting it off an observation target 21.

[0033] The duodenoscope 12 is equipped with a control device 22, a light source device 24, and an image processing device 25. The control device 22 and the light source device 24 are installed on a wagon 34. The wagon 34 has a plurality of stands arranged vertically, and the image processing device 25, the control device 22, and the light source device 24 are installed from the lower stand to the upper stand. In addition, a display device 13 is installed on the top stand of the wagon 34.

[0034] The control device 22 is a device that controls the entire duodenoscope 12. The image processing device 25 is a device that performs image processing on images captured by the duodenoscope 12 under the control of the control device 22.

[0035] The display device 13 displays various information including images (for example, images that have been subjected to image processing by the image processing device 25). Examples of the display device 13 include a liquid crystal display and an EL display. Alternatively, a tablet terminal with a display may be used instead of the display device 13 or together with the display device 13.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , a screen 36 is displayed on the display device 13. An endoscopic image 40 acquired by the duodenoscope 12 is displayed on the screen 36. The endoscopic image 40 shows an observation target 21. The endoscopic image 40 is an image acquired by capturing an image of the observation target 21 inside the body of the subject 20 using a camera 48 (see FIG. 2 ) provided on the endoscope 18. An example of the observation target 21 is the intestinal wall of the duodenum. For ease of explanation, the following description will be given using an example of an intestinal wall image 41, which is an endoscopic image 40 capturing an image of the intestinal wall of the duodenum as the observation target 21. Note that the duodenum is merely an example, and any region that can be imaged by the duodenoscope 12 may be used. Examples of regions that can be imaged by the duodenoscope 12 include the esophagus and the stomach. The intestinal wall image 41 is an example of an "intestinal wall image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0037] A moving image including a plurality of frames of intestinal wall images 41 is displayed on the screen 36. That is, the plurality of frames of intestinal wall images 41 are displayed on the screen 36 at a predetermined frame rate (for example, several tens of frames per second).

[0038] 2, the duodenoscope 12 includes an operating section 42 and an insertion section 44. The insertion section 44 is partially curved by operating the operating section 42. The insertion section 44 is inserted while being curved in accordance with the shape of the observation target 21 (for example, the shape of the duodenum) in accordance with the operation of the operating section 42 by the physician 14.

[0039] The distal end 46 of the insertion section 44 is provided with a camera 48, an illumination device 50, a treatment opening 51, and an erection mechanism 52. The camera 48 and the illumination device 50 are provided on the side of the distal end 46. In other words, the duodenoscope 12 is a side-viewing endoscope. This makes it easier to observe the intestinal wall of the duodenum.

[0040] The camera 48 is a device that captures an image of the inside of the subject 20 to obtain an intestinal wall image 41 as a medical image. An example of the camera 48 is a CMOS camera. However, this is merely an example, and other types of cameras such as a CCD camera may also be used. The camera 48 is an example of a "camera" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0041] The illumination device 50 has an illumination window 50A. The illumination device 50 emits light through the illumination window 50A. Types of light emitted from the illumination device 50 include, for example, visible light (e.g., white light) and invisible light (e.g., near-infrared light). The illumination device 50 also emits special light through the illumination window 50A. Examples of the special light include light for BLI and / or light for LCI. The camera 48 captures images of the inside of the subject 20 by an optical method while light is being emitted from the illumination device 50 inside the subject 20.

[0042] The treatment opening 51 is used as a treatment tool ejection port for ejecting a treatment tool 54 from the distal end portion 46, a suction port for sucking blood and internal waste, and a delivery port for delivering fluid.

[0043] A treatment tool 54 protrudes from the treatment opening 51 in accordance with the operation of the doctor 14. The treatment tool 54 is inserted into the insertion section 44 from a treatment tool insertion port 58. The treatment tool 54 passes through the insertion section 44 via the treatment tool insertion port 58 and protrudes from the treatment opening 51 into the body of the subject 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , a cannula protrudes from the treatment opening 51 as the treatment tool 54. The cannula is merely one example of the treatment tool 54, and other examples of the treatment tool 54 include a papillotomy knife, a snare, etc.

[0044] The standing mechanism 52 changes the protruding direction of the treatment tool 54 protruding from the treatment opening 51. The standing mechanism 52 includes a guide 52A, which rises relative to the protruding direction of the treatment tool 54, thereby changing the protruding direction of the treatment tool 54 along the guide 52A. This makes it easy to protrude the treatment tool 54 toward the intestinal wall. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the standing mechanism 52 changes the protruding direction of the treatment tool 54 to a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the tip portion 46. The standing mechanism 52 is operated by the doctor 14 via the operation unit 42. This adjusts the degree of change in the protruding direction of the treatment tool 54.

[0045] The endoscope 18 is connected to the control device 22 and the light source device 24 via a universal cord 60. The control device 22 is connected to the display device 13 and the reception device 62. The reception device 62 receives instructions from a user (e.g., the doctor 14) and outputs the received instructions as an electrical signal. In the example shown in Fig. 2, a keyboard is given as an example of the reception device 62. However, this is merely an example, and the reception device 62 may also be a mouse, a touch panel, a foot switch, and / or a microphone, etc.

[0046] The control device 22 controls the entire duodenoscope 12. For example, the control device 22 controls the light source device 24 and exchanges various signals with the camera 48. The light source device 24 emits light under the control of the control device 22 and supplies the light to the illumination device 50. The illumination device 50 has a built-in light guide, and the light supplied from the light source device 24 passes through the light guide and is irradiated from illumination windows 50A and 50B. The control device 22 causes the camera 48 to capture an image, acquires an intestinal wall image 41 (see FIG. 1 ) from the camera 48, and outputs the image to a predetermined output destination (for example, the image processing device 25).

[0047] The image processing device 25 is communicably connected to the control device 22, and performs image processing on the intestinal wall image 41 output from the control device 22. Details of the image processing in the image processing device 25 will be described later. The image processing device 25 outputs the processed intestinal wall image 41 to a predetermined output destination (e.g., the display device 13). Note that, although an example in which the intestinal wall image 41 output from the control device 22 is output to the display device 13 via the image processing device 25 has been described here, this is merely one example. The control device 22 and the display device 13 may be connected, and the intestinal wall image 41 that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing device 25 may be displayed on the display device 13 via the control device 22.

[0048] 3 , the control device 22 includes a computer 64, a bus 66, and an external I / F 68. The computer 64 includes a processor 70, a RAM 72, and an NVM 74. The processor 70, the RAM 72, the NVM 74, and the external I / F 68 are connected to the bus 66.

[0049] For example, the processor 70 has a CPU and a GPU, and controls the entire control device 22. The GPU operates under the control of the CPU, and is responsible for executing various graphic processing and performing calculations using neural networks. The processor 70 may be one or more CPUs that have integrated GPU functionality, or one or more CPUs that do not have integrated GPU functionality.

[0050] The RAM 72 is a memory that temporarily stores information and is used as a work memory by the processor 70. The NVM 74 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores various programs, various parameters, and the like. An example of the NVM 74 is a flash memory (for example, an EEPROM and / or an SSD). Note that the flash memory is merely one example, and the NVM 74 may be another nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD, or may be a combination of two or more types of nonvolatile storage devices.

[0051] The external I / F 68 controls the exchange of various information between devices that exist outside the control device 22 (hereinafter also referred to as "external devices") and the processor 70. An example of the external I / F 68 is a USB interface.

[0052] The external I / F 68 is connected to a camera 48 as one of the external devices, and the external I / F 68 controls the exchange of various information between the camera 48 provided in the endoscope 18 and the processor 70. The processor 70 controls the camera 48 via the external I / F 68. The processor 70 also acquires, via the external I / F 68, intestinal wall images 41 (see FIG. 1 ) obtained by imaging the inside of the body of the subject 20 with the camera 48 provided in the endoscope 18.

[0053] The light source device 24 is connected to the external I / F 68 as one of the external devices, and the external I / F 68 controls the exchange of various information between the light source device 24 and the processor 70. The light source device 24 supplies light to the illumination device 50 under the control of the processor 70. The illumination device 50 irradiates the light supplied from the light source device 24.

[0054] The external I / F 68 is connected to a reception device 62 as one of the external devices, and the processor 70 acquires instructions accepted by the reception device 62 via the external I / F 68 and executes processing according to the acquired instructions.

[0055] The external I / F 68 is connected to the image processing device 25 as one of the external devices, and the processor 70 outputs the intestinal wall image 41 to the image processing device 25 via the external I / F 68 .

[0056] Incidentally, among the procedures for the duodenum using an endoscope, a procedure called ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) may be performed. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4 , in an ERCP examination, for example, a duodenoscope 12 is first inserted into the duodenum J via the esophagus and stomach. In this case, the insertion state of the duodenoscope 12 may be confirmed by X-ray imaging. Then, a tip 46 of the duodenoscope 12 reaches the vicinity of the duodenal papilla N (hereinafter also simply referred to as "papilla N") present in the intestinal wall of the duodenum J.

[0057] In an ERCP examination, for example, a cannula 54A is inserted through the papilla N. The papilla N is a region that protrudes from the intestinal wall of the duodenum J, and the openings of the ends of the bile duct T (e.g., the common bile duct, the intrahepatic bile duct, and the cystic duct) and the pancreatic duct S are present at the papillary prominence NA of the papilla N. X-ray imaging is performed after a contrast agent is injected into the bile duct T, the pancreatic duct S, etc. through the opening of the papilla N via the cannula 54A. In this ERCP examination, it is important to understand the condition of the papilla N (e.g., the position, size, and / or type of the papilla N) or the condition of the bile duct T and the pancreatic duct S (e.g., the path of the ducts) before performing the procedure. This is because the condition of the papilla N affects the success or failure of insertion of the cannula 54A, and the condition of the bile duct T and the pancreatic duct S affects the success or failure of intubation after insertion. However, for example, since the doctor 14 is operating the duodenoscope 12, it is difficult for him or her to constantly grasp the state of the papilla N or the state of the bile duct T and pancreatic duct S.

[0058] In view of the above circumstances, in this embodiment, medical support processing is performed by the processor 82 of the image processing device 25 in order to allow the user to visually recognize information used in treatment of the nipple.

[0059] 5 , the image processing device 25 includes a computer 76, an external I / F 78, and a bus 80. The computer 76 includes a processor 82, an NVM 84, and a RAM 86. The processor 82, the NVM 84, the RAM 86, and the external I / F 78 are connected to the bus 80. The computer 76 is an example of a "medical support device" and a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 82 is an example of a "processor" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0060] The hardware configuration of the computer 76 (i.e., the processor 82, the NVM 84, and the RAM 86) is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the computer 64 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore a description of the hardware configuration of the computer 76 will be omitted here. Also, the role of the external I / F 78 in the image processing device 25, namely, sending and receiving information with the outside, is basically the same as the role of the external I / F 68 in the control device 22 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0061] A medical support processing program 84A is stored in the NVM 84. The medical support processing program 84A is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 82 reads the medical support processing program 84A from the NVM 84 and executes the read medical support processing program 84A on the RAM 86. The medical support processing is realized by the processor 82 operating as an image acquisition unit 82A, an image recognition unit 82B, an image adjustment unit 82C, and a display control unit 82D in accordance with the medical support processing program 84A executed on the RAM 86.

[0062] A trained model 84B is stored in the NVM 84. In this embodiment, the image recognition unit 82B performs AI-based image recognition processing as the image recognition processing for object detection. The trained model 84B is optimized by performing machine learning on the neural network in advance.

[0063] An opening image 83 is stored in the NVM 84. The opening image 83 is an image created in advance, and is an image that imitates an opening present in the nipple N. The opening image 83 is an example of an "opening image" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Details of the opening image 83 will be described later.

[0064] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the image acquisition unit 82A acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from a camera 48 provided on an endoscope 18, the intestinal wall image 41 being generated by the camera 48 capturing images at an imaging frame rate (e.g., several tens of frames per second) on a frame-by-frame basis.

[0065] The image acquisition unit 82A holds a time-series image group 89. The time-series image group 89 is a plurality of time-series intestinal wall images 41 that capture the object of observation 21. The time-series image group 89 includes, for example, a certain number of frames (e.g., a predetermined number of frames within a range of several tens to several hundreds of frames) of intestinal wall images 41. The image acquisition unit 82A updates the time-series image group 89 in a FIFO manner every time it acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the camera 48.

[0066] Although an example in which the time-series image group 89 is stored and updated by the image acquisition unit 82A is given here, this is merely one example. For example, the time-series image group 89 may be stored and updated in a memory connected to the processor 82, such as the RAM 86.

[0067] The image recognition unit 82B performs image recognition processing on the time-series image group 89 using the trained model 84B. The image recognition processing detects the papilla N included in the observation target 21. In other words, the image recognition processing detects the duodenal papilla region N1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "papilla region N1"), which is a region indicating the papilla N included in the intestinal wall image 41. In this embodiment, detecting the papilla region N1 refers to the process of identifying the papilla region N1 and storing papilla region information 90 and the intestinal wall image 41 in a corresponding state in memory. Here, the papilla region information 90 includes information (e.g., coordinates and range within the image) that can identify the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41 in which the papilla N is captured. The papilla region N1 is an example of a "duodenal papilla region" according to the technology disclosed herein.

[0068] The trained model 84B is obtained by optimizing the neural network through machine learning using training data. The training data is a plurality of data (i.e., a plurality of frames of data) in which example data and correct answer data are associated with each other. The example data is, for example, an image (e.g., an image corresponding to the intestinal wall image 41) obtained by imaging a region that may be the subject of an ERCP examination (e.g., the inner wall of the duodenum). The correct answer data is an annotation corresponding to the example data. An example of the correct answer data is an annotation that can identify the papilla region N1.

[0069] Note that, although an example in which only one trained model 84B is used by the image recognition unit 82B is given here, this is merely one example. For example, a trained model 84B selected from multiple trained models 84B may be used by the image recognition unit 82B. In this case, each trained model 84B is created by performing machine learning specialized for a specific ERCP examination technique (e.g., the position of the duodenoscope 12 relative to the papilla N), and the trained model 84B corresponding to the currently performed ERCP examination technique is selected and used by the image recognition unit 82B.

[0070] The image recognition unit 82B acquires a time-series image group 89 from the image acquisition unit 82A and inputs the acquired time-series image group 89 to the trained model 84B. As a result, the trained model 84B outputs nipple region information 90 corresponding to the input time-series image group 89. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the nipple region information 90 output from the trained model 84B. The nipple region N1 may be detected using a bounding box used in image recognition processing, or may be detected by segmentation (e.g., semantic segmentation).

[0071] The image adjustment unit 82C acquires nipple region information 90 from the image recognition unit 82B. The image adjustment unit 82C also acquires an opening image 83 from the NVM 84. The opening image 83 includes a plurality of opening pattern images 85A to 85D. In the following description, when the plurality of opening pattern images 85A to 85D are not distinguished from one another, they are also simply referred to as "opening pattern images 85." Each of the plurality of opening pattern images 85 is an image that expresses different geometric characteristics of an opening. Here, the geometric characteristics of an opening refer to the position and / or size of the opening within the nipple N. In other words, the plurality of opening pattern images 85 differ from one another in the position and / or size of the opening. The opening pattern image 85 is an example of a "first pattern image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0072] The opening shown by the opening image 83 consists of one or more openings. The opening pattern image 85 is generated to imitate an opening according to the classification of the papilla N (e.g., separate opening type, onion type, nodular type, villous type, etc.). For example, in the case of the separate opening type, the opening pattern image 85 imitates an opening including the opening of the bile duct T and the opening of the pancreatic duct S, and two openings are shown in the opening pattern image 85. Note that, although an example is given here in which four opening pattern images 85A to 85D are included in the opening image 83, this is merely an example, and the number of images included in the opening image 83 may be two, three, or five or more.

[0073] The image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the size of the opening image 83 according to the size of the nipple region N1 indicated by the nipple region information 90. The image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the size of the opening image 83 using, for example, an adjustment table (not shown). The adjustment table is a table that uses the size of the nipple region N1 as an input value and the size of the opening image 83 as an output value. The size of the opening image 83 is adjusted by enlarging or reducing the opening image 83. Note that while an example in which the size of the opening image 83 is adjusted using an adjustment table has been given here, this is merely one example. For example, the size of the opening image 83 may be adjusted using an adjustment calculation formula. The adjustment calculation formula is a calculation formula that uses the size of the nipple region N1 as an independent variable and the size of the opening image 83 as a dependent variable.

[0074] 7 as an example, an opening image 83 is generated by an opening image generation device 92. The opening image generation device 92 is an external device connectable to the image processing device 25. The hardware configuration of the opening image generation device 92 (e.g., processor, NVM, RAM, etc.) is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the control device 22 shown in FIG. 3 , and therefore a description of the hardware configuration of the opening image generation device 92 will be omitted here.

[0075] An opening image generation process is executed in the opening image generation device 92. In the opening image generation process, a three-dimensional nipple image 92A is generated based on volume data obtained by the modality 11 (e.g., a CT device or an MRI device). Furthermore, the three-dimensional nipple image 92A is rendered from a predetermined viewpoint (e.g., a viewpoint directly facing the nipple), thereby generating an opening pattern image 85. The three-dimensional nipple image 92A is an example of a "first reference image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0076] In the opening image generation process, the opening pattern image 85 is generated based on finding information 92B input by the doctor 14 via the reception device 62. Here, the finding information 92B is information indicating the position, shape, and / or size of the opening indicated by the medical findings. The finding information 92B is an example of "first information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Specifically, the doctor 14 inputs the finding information 92B by specifying the position and size of the opening using, for example, a keyboard serving as the reception device 62. As another example, the finding information 92B is generated based on statistical values ​​(e.g., modes) of position coordinates of areas diagnosed as openings in past examinations. The opening image generation device 92 outputs the multiple opening pattern images 85 generated in the opening image generation process to the NVM 84 of the image processing device 25.

[0077] Although an example in which the opening image 83 is generated by the opening image generation device 92 has been described here, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the image processing device 25 may have the same function as the opening image generation device 92, and the opening image 83 may be generated by the image processing device 25.

[0078] Although an example in which the opening image 83 is generated from the three-dimensional nipple image 92A and the finding information 92B has been described here, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the opening image 83 may be generated from either the three-dimensional nipple image 92A or the finding information 92B.

[0079] 8 , the display controller 82D acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the image acquirer 82A. The display controller 82D also acquires nipple region information 90 from the image recognizer 82B. The display controller 82D then acquires an opening image 83 from the image adjuster 82C. The image adjuster 82C adjusts the image size of the opening image 83 to match the size of the nipple region N1.

[0080] The display control unit 82D superimposes the opening image 83 on the nipple region N1 of the intestinal wall image 41. Specifically, the display control unit 82D displays the opening image 83, with the image size adjusted, at the position of the nipple region N1 indicated by the nipple region information 90 in the intestinal wall image 41. As a result, the opening indicated by the opening image 83 is displayed within the nipple region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. Furthermore, the display control unit 82D generates a display image 94 including the intestinal wall image 41 on which the opening image 83 is superimposed, and outputs it to the display device 13. Specifically, the display control unit 82D controls a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to display the display image 94, thereby causing the display device 13 to display a screen 36. The screen 36 is an example of a "screen" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , an opening pattern image 85A is superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41. For example, the doctor 14 visually recognizes the opening pattern image 85A displayed on the screen 36 and uses it as a guide when inserting a cannula into the papilla N. The opening pattern image 85 that is displayed first may be predetermined or may be specified by the user.

[0081] Furthermore, when the intestinal wall image 41 is enlarged or reduced by a user operation, the opening image 83 is also enlarged or reduced in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the intestinal wall image 41. In this case, the image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the size of the opening image 83 in accordance with the size of the intestinal wall image 41. Then, the display control unit 82D superimposes and displays the size-adjusted opening image 83 on the intestinal wall image 41.

[0082] 9, the display control unit 82D performs a process of switching in response to a switching instruction from the doctor 14. The doctor 14 inputs a switching instruction for the opening image 83, for example, via the operation unit 42 (e.g., an operation knob) of the duodenoscope 12. Note that although the input of the switching instruction via the operation unit 42 has been described here, this is merely an example. For example, the input may be via a foot switch (not shown) or voice input via a microphone (not shown).

[0083] When the display control unit 82D receives a switching instruction via the external I / F 78, the display control unit 82D acquires another opening image 83 whose image size has been adjusted from the image adjustment unit 82C. The display control unit 82D updates the screen 36 to display the intestinal wall image 41 on which the other opening image 83 is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , an opening pattern image 85A is switched to opening pattern images 85B, 85C, and 85D in this order in response to the switching instruction. The doctor 14 switches the opening images 83 while viewing the screen 36, thereby selecting an appropriate opening image 83 (for example, an opening image 83 that is similar to the opening expected in the preliminary study).

[0084] Next, the operation of the portion of the duodenoscope system 10 related to the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] Fig. 10 shows an example of the flow of medical support processing performed by the processor 82. The flow of medical support processing shown in Fig. 10 is an example of a "medical support method" according to the technique of the present disclosure.

[0086] 10 , first, in step ST10, the image acquisition unit 82A determines whether or not one frame of image data has been captured by the camera 48 provided on the endoscope 18. If one frame of image data has not been captured by the camera 48 in step ST10, the determination is negative, and the determination in step ST10 is made again. If one frame of image data has been captured by the camera 48 in step ST10, the determination is positive, and the medical support process proceeds to step ST12.

[0087] In step ST12, the image acquisition unit 82A acquires one frame of the intestinal wall image 41 from the camera 48 provided in the endoscope 18. After the processing of step ST12 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST14.

[0088] In step ST14, the image recognition unit 82B detects the papilla region N1 by performing AI image recognition processing (i.e., image recognition processing using the trained model 84B) on the intestinal wall image 41 acquired in step ST12. After the processing of step ST14 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST16.

[0089] In step ST16, the image adjustment unit 82C acquires the opening image 83 from the NVM 84. After the processing of step ST16 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST18.

[0090] In step ST18, the image adjuster 82C adjusts the size of the opening image 83 in accordance with the size of the nipple region N1. That is, the image adjuster 82C adjusts the size of the opening image 83 so that the opening indicated by the opening image 83 is displayed within the nipple region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. After the processing of step ST18 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST20.

[0091] In step ST20, the display control unit 82D displays the opening image 83 superimposed on the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. After the processing of step ST20 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST22.

[0092] In step ST22, the display control unit 82D determines whether or not it has received an instruction to switch the opening image 83 input by the doctor 14. If the display control unit 82D has not received the switching instruction in step ST22, the determination is negative, and the processing of step ST22 is executed again. If the display control unit 82D has received the switching instruction in step ST22, the determination is positive, and the medical support processing proceeds to step ST24.

[0093] In step ST24, in response to the switching instruction received in step ST22, the display control unit 82D switches the opening image 83. After the processing of step ST24 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST26.

[0094] In step ST26, the display control unit 82D determines whether a condition for terminating the medical support process is satisfied. One example of the condition for terminating the medical support process is that an instruction to terminate the medical support process has been given to the duodenoscope system 10 (for example, that an instruction to terminate the medical support process has been accepted by the acceptance device 62).

[0095] In step ST26, if the condition for terminating the medical support process is not satisfied, the determination is negative, and the medical support process proceeds to step ST 10. In step ST26, if the condition for terminating the medical support process is satisfied, the determination is positive, and the medical support process ends.

[0096] As described above, in the duodenoscope system 10 according to the first embodiment, the processor 82 performs image recognition processing on the intestinal wall image 41 using the image recognition unit 82B, thereby detecting the papilla region N1. The display control unit 82D displays the intestinal wall image 41 on the screen 36 of the display device 13, and further displays an opening image 83 simulating an opening in the papilla N within the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. For example, in an ERCP examination using the duodenoscope 12, a procedure of inserting a cannula into the papilla N may be performed. In this case, the insertion position or insertion angle of the cannula is adjusted depending on the position or type of opening in the papilla N. That is, the physician 14 inserts the cannula while checking the opening of the papilla N included in the intestinal wall image 41. In this configuration, the opening image 83 is displayed within the papilla region N1 of the intestinal wall image 41. This allows a user, such as the physician 14, to visually recognize the opening within the papilla N.

[0097] For example, during an ERCP examination, the physician 14 is concentrating on inserting a cannula, making it difficult for him or her to memorize the type of papilla N or the position of the opening in the intestinal wall image 41, or to refer to information about the opening displayed outside the intestinal wall image 41. In this configuration, the opening image 83 is displayed in the papilla region N1 of the intestinal wall image 41, allowing the physician 14 to visually recognize the opening while inserting the cannula. As a result, the operation of inserting a cannula during an ERCP examination becomes easier.

[0098] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, the opening image 83 includes an opening pattern image 85 selected in accordance with a user's switching instruction from a plurality of opening pattern images 85 that represent different geometric characteristics of openings in the papilla N. In this configuration, the specified opening pattern image 85 is displayed on the screen 36 as a result of the user's selection from among the plurality of opening pattern images 85. This makes it possible to display on the screen an opening image 83 having geometric characteristics close to the geometric characteristics intended by the user. Furthermore, for example, compared to when there is only one opening pattern image 85, it becomes possible to select an opening pattern image 85 having geometric characteristics close to the geometric characteristics intended by the user.

[0099] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, a plurality of opening pattern images 85 are displayed one by one on the screen 36, and the opening pattern images 85 displayed on the screen 36 are switched in response to a switching instruction from the user. This allows the plurality of opening pattern images 85 to be displayed one by one at a timing intended by the user.

[0100] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, the geometric characteristics of the opening are the position and / or size of the opening within the papilla N. The position and / or size of the opening differ depending on the type of papilla N. In this configuration, a plurality of opening pattern images 85 with different opening positions and / or sizes within the papilla N are prepared. This makes it possible to display on the screen an opening image 83 having an opening position and / or size that is close to the opening position and / or size intended by the user.

[0101] In the duodenoscope system 10, the opening image 83 is an image created based on a rendering image obtained by one or more modalities 11 and / or on finding information obtained from findings input by the user. This allows the opening image 83 to be displayed on the screen 36 in a manner that is close to the actual appearance of the opening.

[0102] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, the size of the opening image 83 changes depending on the size of the papilla region N1 within the screen 36. This allows the size relationship between the papilla region N1 and the opening image 83 to be maintained even if the size of the papilla region N1 changes.

[0103] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, the opening is made up of one or more openings, which allows the user to visually recognize the openings present in the papilla N, whether the opening is a single opening or multiple openings.

[0104] (First Modification) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the opening image 83 is an image showing an opening in the nipple region N1, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this first modification, the opening image 83 includes an existence probability map that is a map showing the probability that an opening exists in the nipple N.

[0105] 11 , the image acquisition unit 82A acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from a camera 48 provided in the endoscope 18. Every time the image acquisition unit 82A acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the camera 48, it updates the time-series image group 89 in a FIFO manner.

[0106] The image recognition unit 82B performs nipple detection processing using the nipple detection trained model 84C on the time-series image group 89. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the time-series image group 89 from the image acquisition unit 82A, and inputs the acquired time-series image group 89 to the nipple detection trained model 84C. As a result, the nipple detection trained model 84C outputs nipple region information 90 corresponding to the input time-series image group 89. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the nipple region information 90 output from the nipple detection trained model 84C.

[0107] The trained model 84C for papilla detection is obtained by optimizing the neural network through machine learning using training data. The training data is a plurality of data (i.e., a plurality of frames of data) in which example data and correct answer data are associated with each other. The example data is, for example, an image (e.g., an image corresponding to the intestinal wall image 41) obtained by imaging a region that may be the subject of an ERCP examination (e.g., the inner wall of the duodenum). The correct answer data is an annotation corresponding to the example data. An example of the correct answer data is an annotation that can identify the papilla region N1.

[0108] The image recognition unit 82B performs an existence probability calculation process on the nipple region N1 indicated by the nipple region information 90. By performing the existence probability calculation process, the existence probability of an opening in the nipple region N1 is calculated. In this embodiment, calculating the existence probability of an opening refers to a process of calculating a score indicating the probability of the existence of an opening for each pixel indicating the nipple region N1 and storing the score in memory.

[0109] The image recognition unit 82B inputs an image showing the nipple region N1 identified by the nipple detection process to the trained model for probability calculation 84D. As a result, the trained model for probability calculation 84D outputs a score indicating the probability of the presence of an opening for each pixel in the input image showing the nipple region N1. In other words, the trained model for probability calculation 84D outputs existence probability information 91, which is information indicating the score for each pixel. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the existence probability information 91 output from the trained model for probability calculation 84D.

[0110] The trained model for probability calculation 84D is obtained by optimizing the neural network through machine learning using training data. The training data is a plurality of data (i.e., a plurality of frames of data) in which example data and correct answer data are associated with each other. The example data is, for example, an image (e.g., an image corresponding to the intestinal wall image 41) obtained by imaging a region that may be the subject of an ERCP examination (e.g., the inner wall of the duodenum). The correct answer data is an annotation corresponding to the example data. An example of the correct answer data is an annotation that can identify an opening.

[0111] Although the above description cites an example in which the nipple region N1 is detected using the nipple detection trained model 84C and the probability of an opening existing in the nipple region N1 is calculated using the probability calculation trained model 84D, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a single trained model may be used to detect the nipple region N1 and calculate the probability of an opening existing for the intestinal wall image 41. Alternatively, a trained model may be used to calculate the probability of an opening existing for the entire intestinal wall image 41.

[0112] The image adjustment unit 82C generates an existence probability map 97 based on the existence probability information 91. The existence probability map 97 is an example of a "map" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The existence probability map 97 is an image having scores indicating the existence probability of an opening as pixel values. For example, the existence probability map 97 is an image in which the RGB values ​​(i.e., red (R), green (G), and blue (B)) of each pixel are changed according to the score, which is the pixel value. Furthermore, the image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the size of the existence probability map 97 according to the size of the nipple N indicated by the nipple region information 90.

[0113] Note that, although an example in which the RGB values ​​of each pixel are changed is given here as the existence probability map 97, this is merely one example. For example, the existence probability map 97 may have a different transparency depending on the score. Furthermore, the existence probability map 97 may display areas where the score is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in a manner that makes them distinguishable from other areas (for example, by changing the color or blinking).

[0114] 12 , the display control unit 82D acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the image acquisition unit 82A. The display control unit 82D also acquires nipple region information 90 from the image recognition unit 82B. The display control unit 82D then acquires an existence probability map 97 from the image adjustment unit 82C. The image size of the existence probability map 97 has been adjusted by the image adjustment unit 82C to match the size of the nipple region N1.

[0115] The display control unit 82D superimposes and displays an existence probability map 97 on the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. Specifically, the display control unit 82D displays the existence probability map 97, with the image size adjusted, at the position of the papilla region N1 indicated by the papilla region information 90 in the intestinal wall image 41. As a result, the existence probability of an opening indicated by the existence probability map 97 within the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41 is displayed. Furthermore, the display control unit 82D controls the GUI to display a display image 94 including the intestinal wall image 41, thereby causing the display device 13 to display a screen 36. For example, the doctor 14 visually recognizes the existence probability map 97 displayed on the screen 36 and uses it as a guide when inserting a cannula into the papilla N.

[0116] As described above, in the duodenoscope system 10 according to the first modification, the presence probability map 97 is displayed as the opening image 83 within the intestinal wall image 41. The presence probability map 97 is an image that shows the distribution of the probability that an opening exists within the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. This allows the user to accurately grasp the areas within the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41 that are highly likely to contain an opening.

[0117] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, an AI-based image recognition process is performed on the intestinal wall image 41, and the distribution of the probability of the existence of an opening is obtained by executing the image recognition process. This makes it possible to easily obtain the distribution of the probability of the existence of an opening in the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41.

[0118] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, an example form was given in which the opening image 83 was superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, a duct path image 95 is superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41. The duct path image 95 is an image showing the paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct. The duct path image 95 is an example of a "duct path image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0119] 13 as an example, the image acquisition unit 82A acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from a camera 48 provided in the endoscope 18. Every time the image acquisition unit 82A acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the camera 48, it updates the time-series image group 89 in a FIFO manner.

[0120] The image recognition unit 82B performs image recognition processing on the time-series image group 89 using the trained model 84B. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the time-series image group 89 from the image acquisition unit 82A and inputs the acquired time-series image group 89 to the trained model 84B. As a result, the trained model 84B outputs nipple region information 90 corresponding to the input time-series image group 89. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the nipple region information 90 output from the trained model 84B.

[0121] The image adjustment unit 82C acquires papilla region information 90 from the image recognition unit 82B. The image adjustment unit 82C also acquires a duct path image 95 from the NVM 84. The duct path image 95 includes multiple path pattern images 96A-96D. In the following description, when the multiple path pattern images 96A-96D are not distinguished from one another, they are simply referred to as "path pattern images 96." The multiple path pattern images 96 are images that represent the geometric characteristics of the pancreatic duct and bile duct within the intestinal wall. Here, the geometric characteristics of the bile duct and pancreatic duct refer to the position and / or size of the paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct within the intestinal wall. In other words, the multiple path pattern images 96 differ from one another in the positions and / or sizes of the bile duct and pancreatic duct. Note that, while an example is given here in which four path pattern images 96A-96D are included in the duct path image 95, this is merely an example, and the number of images included in the duct path image 95 may be two, three, or five or more. The route pattern image 96 is an example of a "second pattern image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0122] Although the duct path image 95 shows both the bile duct path and the pancreatic duct path, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this example. The duct path image 95 may be an image showing only the bile duct path or only the pancreatic duct path.

[0123] The image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the size of the duct path image 95 in accordance with the size of the nipple region N1 indicated by the nipple region information 90. The image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the size of the duct path image 95 using, for example, an adjustment table (not shown). The adjustment table is a table that uses the size of the nipple region N1 as an input value and the size of the duct path image 95 as an output value. The size of the duct path image 95 is adjusted by enlarging or reducing the duct path image 95.

[0124] 14 as an example, a pipe path image 95 is generated by a pipe path image generating device 98. The pipe path image generating device 98 is an external device connectable to the image processing device 25. The hardware configuration of the pipe path image generating device 98 (e.g., processor, NVM, RAM, etc.) is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the control device 22 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore a description of the hardware configuration of the pipe path image generating device 98 will be omitted here.

[0125] A duct path image generation process is executed in the duct path image generation device 98. In the duct path image generation process, a three-dimensional duct image 92C is generated based on volume data obtained by a modality 11 (e.g., a CT device or an MRI device). The three-dimensional duct image 92C is an example of a "second reference image" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, a duct path image 95 is generated by rendering the three-dimensional duct image 92C viewed from a predetermined viewpoint (e.g., a viewpoint directly facing the nipple).

[0126] In addition, in the duct path image generation process, a duct path image 95 is generated based on finding information 92B input by the doctor 14 via the reception device 62. The finding information 92B is an example of "second information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Here, the finding information 92B is information indicating the position, shape, and / or size of the duct path specified by the user. Specifically, the doctor 14 inputs the finding information 92B by specifying the position, shape, and size of the bile duct and pancreatic duct, for example, using a keyboard as the reception device 62. As another example, the finding information 92B is generated based on statistical values ​​(e.g., modes) of the position coordinates of areas diagnosed as bile duct and pancreatic duct paths in previous examinations. The duct path image generation device 98 outputs multiple path pattern images 96 generated in the duct path image generation process to the NVM 84 of the image processing device 25 as a duct path image 95.

[0127] Although the above description has been given of an example in which the pipe path image 95 is generated by the pipe path image generating device 98, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the image processing device 25 may have the same function as the pipe path image generating device 98, and the pipe path image 95 may be generated by the image processing device 25.

[0128] Although the above description is given of an example in which the duct path image 95 is generated from the three-dimensional duct image 92C and the finding information 92B, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the duct path image 95 may be generated from either the three-dimensional duct image 92C or the finding information 92B.

[0129] 15 , the display control unit 82D acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the image acquisition unit 82A. The display control unit 82D also acquires papilla region information 90 from the image recognition unit 82B. The display control unit 82D then acquires a duct path image 95 from the image adjustment unit 82C. The image size of the duct path image 95 has been adjusted by the image adjustment unit 82C to match the size of the papilla region N1.

[0130] The display control unit 82D superimposes a duct path image 95 in accordance with the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. Specifically, the display control unit 82D displays the duct path image 95 with an image size adjusted so that the ends of the bile duct and pancreatic duct indicated by the duct path image 95 are located in the papilla region N1 indicated by the papilla region information 90 in the intestinal wall image 41. As a result, the paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct indicated by the duct path image 95 are displayed in the intestinal wall image 41. Furthermore, the display control unit 82D generates a display image 94 including the intestinal wall image 41 on which the duct path image 95 is superimposed, and outputs the display image 94 to the display device 13. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , a path pattern image 96A is superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41. For example, the physician 14 visually recognizes the path pattern image 96A displayed on the screen 36 and uses it as a guide when inserting a cannula into the bile duct or pancreatic duct. The route pattern image 96 that is displayed first may be determined in advance or may be specified by the user.

[0131] Furthermore, when the intestinal wall image 41 is enlarged or reduced by a user operation, the duct path image 95 is also enlarged or reduced in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the intestinal wall image 41. In this case, the image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the size of the duct path image 95 in accordance with the size of the intestinal wall image 41. Then, the display control unit 82D superimposes the size-adjusted duct path image 95 on the intestinal wall image 41.

[0132] As an example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the display control unit 82D performs a switching process in response to a switching instruction from the doctor 14. The doctor 14 inputs a switching instruction for the duct path image 95, for example, via the operation unit 42 (e.g., an operation knob) of the duodenoscope 12. When the display control unit 82D receives the switching instruction via the external I / F 78, the display control unit 82D acquires another duct path image 95 with its image size adjusted from the image adjustment unit 82C. The display control unit 82D updates the screen 36 to display the intestinal wall image 41 displaying the other duct path image 95 on the screen 36. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , the duct path image 95 is switched in the order of path pattern images 96B, 96C, and 96D in response to the switching instruction. The doctor 14 selects an appropriate duct path image 95 (e.g., a duct path image 95 closest to the opening assumed in the preliminary study) by switching the duct path images 95 while viewing the screen 36.

[0133] Next, the operation of the portion of the duodenoscope system 10 related to the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0134] Fig. 17 shows an example of the flow of medical support processing performed by the processor 82. The flow of medical support processing shown in Fig. 17 is an example of a "medical support method" according to the technique of the present disclosure.

[0135] 17 , first, in step ST110, the image acquisition unit 82A determines whether or not one frame of image data has been captured by the camera 48 provided on the endoscope 18. If one frame of image data has not been captured by the camera 48 in step ST110, the determination is negative, and the determination in step ST110 is made again. If one frame of image data has been captured by the camera 48 in step ST110, the determination is positive, and the medical support process proceeds to step ST112.

[0136] In step ST112, the image acquisition unit 82A acquires one frame of the intestinal wall image 41 from the camera 48 provided in the endoscope 18. After the processing of step ST112 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST114.

[0137] In step ST114, the image recognition unit 82B detects the papilla region N1 by performing AI image recognition processing (i.e., image recognition processing using the trained model 84B) on the intestinal wall image 41 acquired in step ST112. After the processing of step ST114 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST116.

[0138] In step ST116, the image adjustment unit 82C acquires the tube path image 95 from the NVM 84. After the processing of step ST116 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST118.

[0139] In step ST118, the image adjuster 82C adjusts the size of the duct path image 95 in accordance with the size of the papilla region N1. That is, the image adjuster 82C adjusts the size of the duct path image 95 so that the paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct are displayed in the intestinal wall image 41. After the processing of step ST118 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST120.

[0140] In step ST120, the display control unit 82D displays the duct path image 95 superimposed on the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. After the processing of step ST120 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST122.

[0141] In step ST122, the display control unit 82D determines whether or not it has received an instruction to switch the duct path image 95 input by the doctor 14. If the display control unit 82D has not received the switching instruction in step ST122, the determination is negative, and the processing of step ST122 is executed again. If the display control unit 82D has received the switching instruction in step ST122, the determination is positive, and the medical support processing proceeds to step ST124.

[0142] In step ST124, the display control unit 82D switches the duct path image 95 in response to the switching instruction received in step ST122. After the processing of step ST124 is executed, the medical support processing proceeds to step ST126.

[0143] In step ST126, the display control unit 82D determines whether a condition for terminating the medical support process is satisfied. One example of the condition for terminating the medical support process is that an instruction to terminate the medical support process has been given to the duodenoscope system 10 (for example, that an instruction to terminate the medical support process has been accepted by the acceptance device 62).

[0144] In step ST126, if the condition for terminating the medical support process is not satisfied, the determination is negative, and the medical support process proceeds to step ST10. In step ST26, if the condition for terminating the medical support process is satisfied, the determination is positive, and the medical support process ends.

[0145] As described above, in the duodenoscope system 10 according to the second embodiment, the processor 82 performs image recognition processing on the intestinal wall image 41 using the image recognition unit 82B, thereby detecting the papilla region N1. The display control unit 82D also displays the intestinal wall image 41 on the screen 36 of the display device 13, and further displays a duct path image 95 showing the duct paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct within the intestinal wall image 41. For example, in an ERCP examination using the duodenoscope 12, a procedure of cannulating the bile duct or pancreatic duct may be performed. In this case, the direction or length of cannula insertion is adjusted depending on the path of the bile duct or pancreatic duct. That is, the physician 14 inserts the cannula while estimating the path of the bile duct or pancreatic duct. In this configuration, the duct path image 95 is displayed within the intestinal wall image 41. This allows a user, such as the physician 14, to visually recognize the path of the pancreatic duct or bile duct.

[0146] For example, during an ERCP examination, the physician 14 is concentrating on inserting a cannula, making it difficult for him or her to memorize the paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct or refer to information about the bile duct and pancreatic duct displayed outside the intestinal wall image 41. In this configuration, the duct path image 95 is displayed on the intestinal wall image 41, allowing the physician 14 to visually recognize the paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct while inserting a cannula. As a result, the procedure for inserting a cannula during an ERCP examination becomes easier.

[0147] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, the duct path image 95 includes a path pattern image 96 selected in accordance with a user's switching instruction from a plurality of path pattern images 96 that represent different geometric characteristics of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct. In this configuration, a specified path pattern image 96 is displayed on the screen 36 as a result of the user's selection from among the plurality of path pattern images 96. This allows a duct path image 95 having geometric characteristics close to those intended by the user to be displayed on the screen. Furthermore, for example, compared to when there is only one path pattern image 96, it becomes possible to select a path pattern image 96 having geometric characteristics close to those intended by the user.

[0148] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, a plurality of route pattern images 96 are displayed one by one on the screen 36, and the route pattern images 96 displayed on the screen 36 are switched in response to a switching instruction from the user. This allows the plurality of route pattern images 96 to be displayed one by one at a timing intended by the user.

[0149] Furthermore, in the duodenoscope system 10, the geometric characteristics of the bile duct and pancreatic duct are the positions and / or sizes of the bile duct and pancreatic duct within the intestinal wall. In this configuration, a plurality of path pattern images 96 are prepared, each representing a different position and / or size of the bile duct and pancreatic duct within the intestinal wall. This allows a duct path image 95 having a position and / or size of the bile duct and pancreatic duct that is close to the position and / or size of the bile duct and pancreatic duct intended by the user to be displayed on the screen.

[0150] In the duodenoscope system 10, the duct path image 95 is an image created based on a rendering image obtained by one or more modalities 11 and / or on finding information obtained from findings input by the user. This allows the duct path image 95, which closely resembles the actual state of the bile duct and pancreatic duct, to be displayed on the screen 36.

[0151] (Second Modification) In the above second embodiment, an example was described in which the duct path image 95 was displayed according to the detection result of the papilla N, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this second modification, the duct path image 95 is displayed according to the probability of the presence of an opening in the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41.

[0152] 18 , the image acquisition unit 82A acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from a camera 48 provided in the endoscope 18. Every time the image acquisition unit 82A acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the camera 48, it updates the time-series image group 89 in a FIFO manner.

[0153] The image recognition unit 82B performs nipple detection processing using the nipple detection trained model 84C on the time-series image group 89. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the time-series image group 89 from the image acquisition unit 82A, and inputs the acquired time-series image group 89 to the nipple detection trained model 84C. As a result, the nipple detection trained model 84C outputs nipple region information 90 corresponding to the input time-series image group 89. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the nipple region information 90 output from the nipple detection trained model 84C.

[0154] The image recognition unit 82B performs an existence probability calculation process on the nipple region N1 indicated by the nipple region information 90. By performing the existence probability calculation process, the existence probability of an opening in the nipple region N1 is calculated.

[0155] The image recognition unit 82B inputs an image showing the nipple region N1 identified by the nipple detection process to the trained model for probability calculation 84D. As a result, the trained model for probability calculation 84D outputs a score indicating the probability of the presence of an opening for each pixel in the input image showing the nipple region N1. In other words, the trained model for probability calculation 84D outputs existence probability information 91, which is information indicating the score for each pixel. The image recognition unit 82B acquires the existence probability information 91 output from the trained model for probability calculation 84D.

[0156] The image adjustment unit 82C acquires nipple region information 90 from the image recognition unit 82B. The image adjustment unit 82C also acquires a duct path image 95 from the NVM 84. The image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the size of the duct path image 95 in accordance with the size of the nipple region N1 indicated by the nipple region information 90. As a result, the duct path image 95 is enlarged or reduced, thereby adjusting the size of the duct path image 95.

[0157] 19 , the display control unit 82D acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the image acquisition unit 82A. The display control unit 82D also acquires papilla region information 90 and presence probability information 91 from the image recognition unit 82B. The display control unit 82D also acquires a duct path image 95 from the image adjustment unit 82C.

[0158] The display control unit 82D superimposes a duct path image 95 on the intestinal wall image 41 based on the existence probability information 91. Specifically, the display control unit 82D displays the duct path image 95 so that one end of the bile duct and one end of the pancreatic duct shown in the duct path image 95 are located in an area of ​​the intestinal wall image 41 where the existence probability of the opening indicated by the existence probability information 91 exceeds a predetermined value. Furthermore, the display control unit 82D causes the display device 13 to display a screen 36 by performing GUI control for displaying a display image 94 including the intestinal wall image 41.

[0159] As described above, in the duodenoscope system 10 according to the second modification, a duct path image 95 showing the duct paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct is displayed within the intestinal wall image 41 based on the existence probability information 91 obtained by image recognition processing of the intestinal wall image 41. This allows the duct path image 95 to be displayed at a more accurate position.

[0160] In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the opening image 83 or the duct path image 95 is superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the third embodiment, the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95 are superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41.

[0161] 20 , the display control unit 82D superimposes and displays the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95 in the papilla region N1 in the intestinal wall image 41. As a result, the opening indicated by the opening image 83 and the paths of the bile duct and pancreatic duct indicated by the duct path image 95 are displayed in the intestinal wall image 41.

[0162] The display control unit 82D performs processing to switch the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95 in response to a switching instruction from the doctor 14. When the display control unit 82D receives a switching instruction via the external I / F 78, the image adjustment unit 82C acquires an opening image 83 and a duct path image 95 that are different from the currently displayed opening image 83 and duct path image 95 from the NVM 84. Then, the image adjustment unit 82C adjusts the image size of the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95.

[0163] The display control unit 82D acquires the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95, the image sizes of which have been adjusted, from the image adjustment unit 82C. The display control unit 82D superimposes the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95 on the intestinal wall image 41, and further updates the screen 36. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , the opening image 83 is switched in the order of opening pattern images 85B, 85C, and 85D in response to a switching instruction. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , the duct path image 95 is switched in the order of path pattern images 96B, 96C, and 96D in response to a switching instruction. The doctor 14 selects the appropriate opening pattern image 85 and path pattern image 96 by switching the images while viewing the screen 36.

[0164] Although the above description has been given of an example in which the opening image 83 and the pipe path image 95 are switched simultaneously, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The opening image 83 and the pipe path image 95 may be switched independently.

[0165] As described above, in the duodenoscope system 10 according to the third embodiment, the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95 are displayed in the intestinal wall image 41. This allows a user such as a doctor 14 to visually recognize the position of the opening and the path of the pancreatic duct or bile duct.

[0166] In the above embodiments, an example has been described in which an intestinal wall image 41 with an opening image 83 and / or a duct path image 95 superimposed thereon is output to the display device 13, and the intestinal wall image 41 is displayed on the screen 36 of the display device 13. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. As an example, as shown in FIG. 21 , the intestinal wall image 41 with an opening image 83 and / or a duct path image 95 superimposed thereon may be output to an electronic medical record server 100. The electronic medical record server 100 is a server for storing electronic medical record information 102 that indicates the results of medical treatment for a patient. The electronic medical record information 102 includes the intestinal wall image 41.

[0167] The electronic medical record server 100 is connected to the duodenoscope system 10 via a network 104. The electronic medical record server 100 acquires an intestinal wall image 41 from the duodenoscope system 10. The electronic medical record server 100 stores the intestinal wall image 41 as part of the medical treatment results indicated by the electronic medical record information 102. In the example shown in FIG. 21 , the intestinal wall image 41 includes an intestinal wall image 41 with an opening image 83 superimposed thereon and an intestinal wall image 41 with a duct path image 95 superimposed thereon. The electronic medical record server 100 is an example of an "external device" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the electronic medical record information 102 is an example of a "medical record" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0168] The electronic medical record server 100 is also connected to terminals other than the duodenoscope system 10 (for example, personal computers installed in a medical facility) via a network 104. A user such as a doctor 14 can obtain the intestinal wall images 41 stored in the electronic medical record server 100 via the terminal. In this way, since the intestinal wall images 41 including the opening images 83 and / or the duct path images 95 are stored in the electronic medical record server 100, the user can obtain the intestinal wall images 41 including the opening images 83 and / or the duct path images 95.

[0169] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the opening image 83 and / or the duct path image 95 are superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The opening image 83 and / or the duct path image 95 may be embedded and displayed in the intestinal wall image 41.

[0170] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the papilla region N1 is detected in the intestinal wall image 41 by AI image recognition processing, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the papilla region N1 may be detected by pattern matching image recognition processing.

[0171] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the opening image 83 and the pipe path image 95 are template images created in advance, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The opening image 83 and the pipe path image 95 may be changed or added in response to, for example, a user input.

[0172] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95 are displayed by the display control unit 82D according to the position of the nipple region N1 detected by the image recognition process, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the positions of the opening image 83 and the duct path image 95 may be adjusted in accordance with a user input based on the display results by the display control unit 82D.

[0173] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which a moving image including a plurality of frames of the intestinal wall image 41 is displayed on the screen 36, and the opening image 83 and / or the duct path image 95 are superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an embodiment may be such that the intestinal wall image 41, which is a still image of a specified frame (e.g., a frame when an imaging instruction is input by the user), is displayed on a screen separate from the screen 36, and the opening image 83 and / or the duct path image 95 are superimposed on the intestinal wall image 41 displayed on the separate screen.

[0174] In the above embodiment, an example in which medical support processing is performed by the processor 82 of the computer 76 included in the image processing device 25 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, medical support processing may be performed by the processor 70 of the computer 64 included in the control device 22. Furthermore, the device that performs medical support processing may be provided external to the duodenoscope 12. Examples of devices that may be provided external to the duodenoscope 12 include at least one server and / or at least one personal computer that are communicatively connected to the duodenoscope 12. Furthermore, medical support processing may be performed in a distributed manner by multiple devices.

[0175] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the medical support processing program 84A is stored in the NVM 84, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the medical support processing program 84A may be stored in a portable non-transitory storage medium such as an SSD or USB memory. The medical support processing program 84A stored in the non-transitory storage medium is installed in the computer 76 of the duodenoscope 12. The processor 82 executes medical support processing in accordance with the medical support processing program 84A.

[0176] Alternatively, the medical support processing program 84A may be stored in a storage device such as another computer or server connected to the duodenoscope 12 via a network, and the medical support processing program 84A may be downloaded and installed in the computer 76 in response to a request from the duodenoscope 12.

[0177] It is not necessary to store the entire medical support processing program 84A in the storage device of another computer or server device connected to the duodenoscope 12, or in the NVM 84; only a portion of the medical support processing program 84A may be stored therein.

[0178] The hardware resources that execute the medical support processing can be various processors, as listed below. Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource that executes medical support processing by executing software, i.e., a program. Examples of processors include dedicated electrical circuits, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs, which are processors with a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processing. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and executes medical support processing by using the memory.

[0179] The hardware resource for executing the medical support processing may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource for executing the medical support processing may be a single processor.

[0180] As an example of a system configured with a single processor, first, one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes medical support processing. Second, there is a system that uses a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute medical support processing, on a single IC chip, as typified by SoC. In this way, medical support processing is realized using one or more of the various processors described above as hardware resources.

[0181] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can be, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. The above medical support process is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the process.

[0182] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0183] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0184] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0185] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-177611, filed on November 4, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A medical support device comprising a processor, wherein the processor detects the duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by imaging the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided in an endoscope scope, displays the intestinal wall image on a screen, displays an opening image simulating an opening existing in the duodenal papilla within the duodenal papilla region in the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, wherein the opening image is at least one of a plurality of first pattern images representing different first geometric characteristics of the opening within the duodenal papilla. Medical support device.

2. The opening image includes a first pattern image selected from a plurality of first pattern images according to a given first instruction. The medical support device according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of first pattern images are displayed one by one on the screen as the opening image, and the first pattern image displayed on the screen as the opening image is switched according to the first instruction. The medical support device according to claim 2.

4. The first geometric characteristic is the position and / or size of the opening within the duodenal papilla. The medical support device according to claim 2.

5. The opening image is an image created based on a first reference image obtained by one or more modalities and / or first information obtained from medical findings. The medical support device according to claim 1.

6. The opening image includes a map showing a probability distribution of the existence of the opening within the duodenal papilla. The medical support device according to claim 1.

7. The image recognition processing is an image recognition processing of an AI method, and the probability distribution is obtained by executing the image recognition processing. The medical support device according to claim 6.

8. The size of the opening image changes according to the size of the duodenal papilla region within the screen. The medical support device according to claim 1.

9. The opening consists of one or more openings. The medical support device according to claim 1.

10. The processor displays a tube path image showing the path of one or more tubes that are the bile duct and / or pancreatic duct according to the duodenal papilla region within the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen. The medical support device according to claim 1.

11. The tube path image includes a second pattern image selected according to a given second instruction from a plurality of second pattern images in which different second geometric characteristics of the tube within the intestinal wall are represented. The medical support device according to claim 10.

12. The plurality of second pattern images are displayed one by one on the screen as the tube path image. The second pattern image displayed on the screen as the tube path image is switched according to the second instruction. The medical support device according to claim 11.

13. The second geometric characteristic is the position and / or size of the path within the intestinal wall. The medical support device according to claim 11.

14. The tube path image is an image created based on a second reference image obtained by one or more modalities and / or second information obtained from medical findings. The medical support device according to claim 10.

15. An image including the tube path image in the intestinal wall image is stored in an external device and / or a medical record. The medical support device according to claim 10.

16. An image including the opening image in the duodenal papilla region is stored in an external device and / or a medical record. The medical support device according to claim 1.

17. Comprising a processor, The processor, Detects the duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by imaging the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided on an endoscope scope, Displays the intestinal wall image on a screen, Displays a tube path image indicating the path of one or more tubes, which are the bile duct and / or the pancreatic duct, according to the duodenal papilla region within the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, The tube path image is at least one of a plurality of second pattern images in which different second geometric characteristics of the tube within the intestinal wall are represented. Medical support device.

18. The medical support device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, And the endoscope scope. Endoscope.

19. Detecting the duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by imaging the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided on an endoscope scope, Displaying the intestinal wall image on a screen, and Displaying an opening image simulating an opening existing in the duodenal papilla within the duodenal papilla region in the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen. The opening image is at least one of a plurality of first pattern images in which different first geometric characteristics of the opening within the major duodenal papilla are represented. Medical support method.

20. Detecting the major duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by imaging the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided in an endoscope scope, Displaying the intestinal wall image on a screen, and Displaying, in the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, a duct path image indicating the paths of one or more ducts that are the bile duct and / or the pancreatic duct, according to the major duodenal papilla region, The duct path image is at least one of a plurality of second pattern images in which different second geometric characteristics of the duct within the intestinal wall are represented. Medical support method.

21. A program for causing a computer to execute processing, With respect to an intestinal wall image obtained by imaging the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided in an endoscope scope, Detecting the major duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing, Displaying the intestinal wall image on a screen, and Displaying, within the major duodenal papilla region in the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, an opening image simulating an opening existing within the major duodenal papilla, The opening image is at least one of a plurality of first pattern images in which different first geometric characteristics of the opening within the major duodenal papilla are represented. Program.

22. A program for causing a computer to execute processing, Detecting the major duodenal papilla region by performing image recognition processing on an intestinal wall image obtained by imaging the intestinal wall of the duodenum with a camera provided in an endoscope scope, Displaying the intestinal wall image on a screen, and Displaying, in the intestinal wall image displayed on the screen, a duct path image indicating the paths of one or more ducts that are the bile duct and / or the pancreatic duct, according to the major duodenal papilla region, The duct path image is at least one of a plurality of second pattern images in which different second geometric characteristics of the duct within the intestinal wall are represented. Program.

Images