JP2005316990A - Image storage device, image display device, imaging device, information processor, method for creating data, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To access image data in a shorter time than before. <P>SOLUTION: An image storage device for storing image data about at least one image created by an image creation device comprises a reception means for receiving the image data, a processing means for creating image related information and creating a data set including the image related information and the image data subsequent to the image related information, and a storage means for storing the data set. The processing means creates lead information leading to the image data as part of the related information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image storage device for creating a data set composed of image-related information and image data, an image display device, an image device, an information processing device, a data set creation method, and a recording in which a program for creating this data set is recorded. It relates to the medium.

  Various types of image devices that generate, generate, etc. (hereinafter, generate) images are used for various purposes. For example, medical images are medical devices such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a CT apparatus), an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and an endoscope. Generated in an imaging device. The generated medical image is usually used for diagnosis and treatment, discovery of an affected area such as a tumor, and the like. Such medical images are often transmitted to and stored in an image filing server.

  Typically, image data for one or more medical images is accompanied by various information and image capturing conditions of the imaged patient. Information associated with such image data (accompanying information) is usually referred to as useful information by a doctor who interprets, diagnoses, or observes an image.

  When image data and incidental information are transmitted as a data set via a network, stored in an image filing server, etc., incidental information is often located first, and image data follows this incidental information. Therefore, in order to display one or more images, the display device usually first accesses the accompanying information, analyzes it, and finds the image data after the analysis is completed. This delays image display. That is, it takes time until the actual image display is performed after the doctor performs an image display instruction operation. This can be frustrating to the doctor.

This problem may also apply to a well known format called DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for more easily displaying a data set in the DICOM format. However, this method requires additional processing and still has a problem of causing a delay in displaying an original image.
JP 2002-41550 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image storage device, an image display device, an image device, an information processing device, a data creation method, and an image storage device that enable access to image data in a shorter time than in the past. An object is to provide a recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image storage apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is an image storage apparatus that stores image data for at least one image generated by an image generation apparatus, and a receiving unit that receives the image data. A processing unit for creating image-related information, creating a data set including the image-related information and the image data following the image-related information, and a storage unit for storing the data set, the processing unit Is characterized in that lead information leading to the image data is created as a part of the related information.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image display device according to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention receives the image data in an image display device that displays at least one image based on the image data generated by the image generation device. Receiving means; and processing means for creating image-related information including part of lead information leading to the image data, and creating a data set including the image-related information and the image data following the image-related information; And display means for displaying the at least one image according to lead information and the image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image device of the present invention according to claim 33, in an image device for generating image data for at least one image, creates image generation means for generating the image data, image-related information, Processing means for creating a data set including the image-related information and the image data following the image-related information, and the processing means creates lead information leading to the image data as part of the related information It is characterized by doing.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to receiving means for receiving image data for at least one image, and creating image-related information. And processing means for creating a data set including the image data, and output means for outputting the data set, and the processing means creates lead information leading to the image data as part of the related information. It is characterized by that.

  In order to achieve the above object, the data set creation method of the present invention according to claim 39 is created by creating lead information leading to image data for at least one image and creating image-related information including the lead information. A data set including image-related information and the image data following the image-related information is created.

  In order to achieve the above object, the data set creation method of the present invention according to claim 40 calculates a size of at least a part of the image related information and determines lead information to be led to the image data based on the calculated size. The determined lead information is included in the image related information, and a data set including the image related information and the image data following the image related information is created.

  In order to achieve the above object, the data set creation method of the present invention according to claim 44 is the data set creation method for a plurality of images, wherein the first size of the first portion of the image-related information is calculated, and this calculation is performed. Determining direct lead information to be led to one or more images of the plurality of images based on the determined first size, creating multiframe information including the determined direct lead information, and A second size of the second portion is calculated, indirect read information to be guided to the multiframe information is determined based on the calculated second size, and the determined indirect read information and the multiframe information are A data set including the image-related information and image data for the plurality of images following the image-related information is included in the image-related information. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording medium of the present invention according to claim 48 creates lead information leading to image data for at least one image, creates image-related information including the lead information, and creates the image-related information A program for creating a data set including information and the image data following the image related information is recorded.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording medium of the present invention according to claim 49 calculates the size of at least part of the image-related information and determines lead information to be led to the image data based on the calculated size. The read information is included in the image related information, and a program for creating a data set including the image related information and the image data following the image related information is recorded.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording medium of the present invention according to claim 51 calculates a first size of the first portion of the image-related information, and a plurality of images based on the calculated first size. Determining direct lead information leading to one or more images, creating multiframe information including the determined direct lead information, calculating a second size of a second portion of the image related information, Based on the calculated second size, indirect lead information that leads to the multiframe information is determined, and the determined indirect lead information and the multiframe information are included in the image related information, and the image related information and the A program for creating a data set including image data for the plurality of images following the image related information is recorded.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to access image data in a shorter time than in the past.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In recent years, many computers are used for various purposes. For example, various types of information are transmitted and received using a computer via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The received information is often stored in a storage device called a computer or a server. Such information may include image data. The computer itself is mounted on various devices, and the image currently displayed on the screen can be copied or stored as image data regardless of whether it is obtained via network communication. May have a function to

  Network communications have developed social infrastructure, making things easy or convenient in many social fields. One example of this is application to the medical field. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) that is becoming popular in medical facilities in recent years.

  The PACS shown in FIG. 1 includes a hospital 1, a network 2, and an external facility 3. The external facility 3 is, for example, another hospital, a clinic, a medical facility such as a practicing clinic, or a doctor's home. When a doctor carries a portable computer, the external facility 3 can be a doctor himself.

  The hospital 1 includes a filing server 11, a CT apparatus 12, an MRI apparatus 13, a digital radiography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as DR apparatus) 14, workstations 15, 16, 17, a recording medium 18, and a router 19. The filing server 11, CT apparatus 12, MRI apparatus 13, DR apparatus 14, workstations 15 and 16, and router 19 are connected to each other via a hospital LAN.

  The filing server 11 is an example of an image storage device and may be realized by a computer. The filing server 11 includes a receiving unit, a processor, a storage unit, an output unit, a memory driver, a control unit, and the like. The storage unit has one or more mass storage disks capable of storing various types of information including image data. The receiving unit typically receives image data and / or image related information from the CT apparatus 12, MRI apparatus 13, and DR apparatus 14 via the hospital LAN.

  The output unit normally outputs (sends) image data and / or image-related information stored in the mass storage disk via the hospital LAN in response to a request or a predetermined instruction. For example, a memory driver such as a disk driver reads information from the recording medium 18. The memory driver reads, for example, image data and / or image related information recorded on the recording medium 18. The memory driver may also be used for writing information to the recording medium. This written information may include image data and / or image related information stored in the filing server 11.

  The CT apparatus 12, the MRI apparatus 13, and the DR apparatus 14 are image apparatuses, and generate CT image data, MRI image data, and DR image data from respective image generation units. Note that the image generation device is not limited to these devices. For example, an X-ray diagnostic device, a nuclear medicine diagnostic device, an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and / or an endoscopic device in addition to or instead of these devices. It may be a mirror.

  The generated image data and information related thereto (for example, so-called incidental information (hereinafter referred to as image-related information) are typically transmitted to the filing server 11. The generated image data and image-related information are also requested or predetermined. May be transmitted to the workstations 15 and / or 16 in response to the given instructions, and the generated image data and image-related information may be recorded instead on a recording medium, whereby the filing server 11 or the workstation. The data can be read out at 15, 16, and 17.

  The workstations 15, 16, and 17 are examples of image display devices, and are sometimes called viewers. The workstations 15, 16, and 17 are provided, for example, in an interpretation room or an examination room. In FIG. 1, the workstation 17 is not connected to the hospital LAN, but can read image data and / or image-related information recorded on the recording medium 18. Similarly to the workstation 17, the workstations 15 and 16 can read image data and / or image-related information recorded on the recording medium 18. Further, the workstations 15 and 16 receive image data and image-related information from the filing server 11, the CT apparatus 12, the MRI apparatus 13, and / or the DR apparatus 14 as basic operations (for example, as daily routines) by the respective receiving units. To do.

  In addition to or instead of this, the workstations 15 and 16 make a data transmission request to the filing server 11, the CT apparatus 12, the MRI apparatus 13, or the DR apparatus 14, and image data and / or image-related data via the hospital LAN Information may be received by each receiving unit. The workstations 15, 16, and 17 can display image data and / or image-related information obtained through the hospital LAN or the recording medium 18 on their respective display units. The workstations 15, 16, and 17 are used by, for example, a doctor or a nurse (hereinafter referred to as a doctor).

  The recording medium 18 is a portable type, that is, a removable memory disk, and may be of any type and system, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, and a semiconductor disk. The recording medium 18 is used for recording image data and / or image-related information.

  The router 19 is used, for example, when the filing server 11 communicates with an apparatus of the external facility 3 via the network 2. The router 19 operates as a gateway or a firewall for security of information obtained in the hospital 1. The router 19 may also operate as an information processing apparatus described later.

  The network 2 is a public telephone network, a private line network, the Internet, or the like. The network 2 may be a wired network such as an optical communication network or a telecommunication network, or may be a wireless network.

  The external facility 3 includes a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) 31, a router 32, and a workstation 33. The PDA 31 is an example of an image display device, and can function as a portable viewer. When the PDA 31 is used wirelessly, the PDA 31 can be directly connected to the base station via a wireless line in the network 2. The doctor can carry the PDA 31 as a portable computer and may not be able to obtain image data with sufficient resolution for interpretation, but will display and observe image data and / or image related information almost anywhere can do.

  The router 32 is used, for example, when the workstation 33 or the PDA 31 communicates with the filing server 11 via the network 2. The router 32 operates as a gateway or a firewall for security of information obtained at the external facility 3. The router 32 may also operate as an information processing apparatus described later.

  The workstation 33 is an example of an image display device and may also be called a viewer. As a basic operation of the workstation 33 (for example, as a daily routine), image data and image related information from the filing server 11, CT apparatus 12, MRI apparatus 13, and / or DR apparatus 14 are transferred to the hospital LAN, router 19, network 2, and The data is received by the receiving unit via the router 32. In addition or alternatively, the workstation 33 makes a data transmission request to the filing server 11, the CT apparatus 12, the MRI apparatus 13, or the DR apparatus 14, via the router 32, the network 2, the router 19, and the hospital LAN. The image data and / or the image related information may be received by the respective receiving units.

  When the workstation 33 can read information recorded on the recording medium 18, the workstation 33 may read image data and / or image-related information recorded on the recording medium 18. The workstation 33 can display image data and / or image-related information obtained via the network 2 or the recording medium 18 on its display unit. The workstation 33 is used by a doctor, for example.

  The above-mentioned image data includes data for only one image and, if necessary, image supplementary information (hereinafter, image data for one image) or data for a plurality of images, a series of images, or multi-frame images, and each of them if necessary. It includes image supplementary information (hereinafter, image data for a plurality of images). Note that when the image data is for a plurality of images, so-called multiframe information may be required, but this may be included in the image-related information.

  The image-related information described above may include information on a patient imaged by the CT apparatus 12, the MRI apparatus 13, or the DR apparatus 14. The patient information may include, for example, one or more of a patient name, patient identification information (hereinafter patient ID), and patient age. The image related information may also include information related to the examination for which image data was collected for the patient. The inspection information may include, for example, one or more of an inspection date, an image device type, and inspection conditions.

  In order to reduce the time to access and obtain one or more images to be transmitted, written to the recording medium 18 or displayed, image related information may be created and formed in the following manner: Contains lead information. The data format shown in the flow chart shown in FIG. 2 and the other drawings is merely an example, and any other similar, modified, alternative, or possible flow or data format may be used for similar purposes within the scope of the present invention. It can be applied to.

  A software program (module) for creating one or more image-related information is a filing server 11, CT apparatus 12, MRI apparatus 13, DR apparatus 14, workstations 15, 16, 17, 33, PDA 31, router 19, and / or 32 may be installed. As a result, an apparatus or the like in which the software is installed can create image-related information, and for example, image display can be performed with a reduced time to display time according to the flowchart shown in the drawings described below. .

  Further, a specific information processing apparatus equipped with similar software may be provided in the PACS shown in FIG. 1 in order to create image-related information. Such an information processing apparatus can be connected to the CT apparatus 12, the MRI apparatus 13, and / or the DR apparatus 14. Further, the information processing apparatus can be connected to the filing server 11 or the workstations 15, 16, 33 and / or the PDA 31. The information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives image data and an output unit that outputs a set of image related information and / or image data.

  The software program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium (recording medium). Alternatively, the software program may be provided for installation to one or more of the devices described above via the hospital LAN, network 2 or other network.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of creating a data set including image related information and image data. The flow shown in FIG. 2 is executed by a processor provided in the apparatus shown in FIG. The processor may be provided independently in the device or the like, or may be included in a control unit provided in the device or the like. Hereinafter, the processor and the control unit will be collectively referred to as a control unit regardless of whether or not the processor is provided in the control unit. In FIG. 2, portions related to a conventional method relating to creation of image-related information are omitted. The feature of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is the creation of lead information and inclusion in the image related information.

  When the control unit recognizes the number of images included in the image data that is accompanied by image-related information as a result of generation, reception, or other image data, the control unit determines whether the image data is for only one image. (Step S21).

  If it is for only one image, the control unit calculates the size of the image related information (step S22). As described above, the image-related information can include predetermined information related to a patient and an examination, and can basically be created by a conventional method. However, in the creation, the image related information includes lead information described later. Since the data size of the read information can be determined in advance, the size of the image related information is calculated by taking the data size of the read information into consideration.

  The control unit determines lead information based on the calculation result in step S22 (step S23). Lead information may be defined as representing the position of image data in a data set that also includes image related information. In other words, the read information may be the head address of the image data, or the data size or data amount from the predetermined address, the head of the image related information, or the predetermined information included in the image related information to the image data. Also good. The position of the image data represented by the lead information does not always need to be the head position of the image data. For example, it may be near the head or around the head instead.

  The read information may further include flag information. The flag information is an example of first identification information indicating whether the image data is for only one image or a plurality of images. When the image data is for only one image, the flag information is set to zero (0) (step S24). The flag information may be located before or after the information regarding the position of the image data.

  The lead information is included (included) in a predetermined position of the image related information (step S25). The lead information may be allocated, provided, located, etc. (hereinafter, located) at the head of the image related information. Creation of image related information is completed by this inclusion. Finally, the control unit combines the image-related information and the image data to create a data set (step S26).

  In step 21, when there are a plurality of images as image data, the control unit calculates the size of the image related information by the same method as in step S22 (step S27). As in this case, when the image data is for a plurality of images, a group of image data corresponding to each of the plurality of images is also referred to as a plurality of images in the following description. The image-related information can include predetermined information related to the patient and the examination, and can basically be created by a conventional method. However, in the creation, the image related information includes first lead information (indirect lead information) and multiframe information described later. Since the data size of the first read information and the data size of the multi-frame information can be determined in advance, the size of the image-related information takes into consideration the data size of the first read information and the data size of the multi-frame information. It is calculated after that.

  The control part determines second lead information (direct lead information) based on the calculation result in step S27 (step S28). The second lead information can be defined as representing the positions of a plurality of images in the data set. That is, the second read information may include the start address of each of the plurality of images, the predetermined information included in the image-related information, the predetermined information included in the multiframe information, the predetermined address, It may include the data size or the data amount from the beginning of the image related information or the start of the multi-frame information to each of the plurality of images. Each position of the plurality of images represented by the second lead information does not always need to be the head position of each image, and may be near or around the head position, for example.

  The control unit then creates multiframe information (step S29). Multiframe information can basically be created by a conventional method. However, in its creation, the multiframe information includes the second lead information.

  The control unit calculates the size of a part of the image related information (step S30). The control unit determines first read information based on the calculation result in step S30 (step S31). The first read information can be defined as representing the position of multiframe information in the data set. That is, the first read information may include the start address of the multi-frame information, or the predetermined information, the predetermined address, or the data size or data from the start of the image-related information to the multi-frame information. An amount may be included. The position of the multiframe information represented by the first read information does not always need to be the head position of the multiframe information, and may be near or around the head position, for example.

  The first read information may include flag information indicating whether the image data is for only one image or a plurality of images. When the image data is for a plurality of images, the flag information is set to 壱 (1) (step S32). The flag information may be located before or after the information related to the position of the multiframe information.

  The first lead information and the multi-frame information are included (included) in a predetermined position of the image related information (step S33). The first lead information may be located at the head of the image related information. The multi-frame information may be placed in a typical or conventional position, or may be placed in a position permitted in the image-related information. For example, the multiframe information may be located at the end of the image related information. Creation of image related information is completed by this inclusion. Finally, the control unit combines the image related information and the image data (a plurality of images) to create a data set (step S34).

  FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the data format of the image related information when the image data is for only one image. As shown in the figure, the data set includes image-related information and image data, and typically the image data follows the image-related information.

  The image related information includes lead information at the head portion thereof. The read information includes flag information and an offset value as information representing the position of the image data. This offset value represents an offset amount from the start position of the data set to the start position of the image data. Since the flag information indicates zero (0), in this example, the offset value is directly led to the head position of the image data. The image data typically includes information regarding the frame number and image size of the image data.

  Therefore, the control unit can access the image data immediately after analyzing the read information, that is, without analyzing the remaining portion A of the image related information. This direct access can be useful for shortening the display time of the one image, shortening the transmission time of the one image via the hospital LAN or the network 2, or shortening the writing time of the one image on the recording medium 18.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the data format of the image related information when the image data is for a plurality of images. As shown in the figure, the data set includes image-related information and image data (FIGS. 1 and 2), and the image data typically follows the image-related information.

  The image related information includes first lead information at the head thereof. The image related information also includes multiframe information. The first read information includes flag information and an offset value as information indicating the position of the multiframe information. This offset value represents an offset amount from the head position of the data set to the head position of the multiframe information. Since the flag information indicates 壱 (1), in this example, the offset value leads to the head position of the multiframe information. The multiframe information includes second read information. The second lead information is led to the head of image 1 and the head of image 2.

  Therefore, the control unit can access the multi-frame information immediately after analyzing the first lead information, that is, without analyzing the image related information B between the first lead information and the multi-frame information. . Since the access to the image data is indirect because it passes through the multi-frame information, the access speed may be inferior to that in the format shown in FIG. However, compared with the conventional access speed to a plurality of images, this access shortens the display time of the plurality of images, shortens the transmission time of the plurality of images via the hospital LAN or the network 2, or the recording medium of the plurality of images. This can be useful for shortening the time for writing to 18.

  Also, when multiframe information is located at the end of image-related information, it is possible to avoid affecting other information related to image-related information even if the number of images increases and the size of multiframe information increases. It becomes.

  The lead information or the first lead information can be arranged at various positions other than the head of the image related information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing some examples of the data format of the image related information. As shown in FIG. 4A, the image related information includes (first) read information including flag information and an offset value at the head position. The patient ID is included immediately after this (first) lead information or after some information. In this case, the control unit may continue the analysis of the image related information until the patient ID is analyzed. Accordingly, the control unit can verify that the patient ID matches the patient ID of the target image data. After this verification, the control unit accesses the image data following the image related information (multiframe information).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the image related information includes (first) read information including flag information and an offset value. The patient ID is included immediately before this (first) lead information or before some information. In this case, the control unit continues the analysis until the image-related information is analyzed even after the patient ID is analyzed and verified. After analyzing the (first) read information, the control unit accesses the image data following the image related information (multiframe information).

  As another example, the (first) lead information may be provided in a predetermined area of the image related information. This predetermined area may be provided at the head of the image related information as shown in FIG. After analyzing the (first) read information, the control unit accesses the image data following the image related information (multiframe information). The control unit may be accessed after verification of the patient ID.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of display operation of one or more images in the data format shown in FIG. For example, when there is an image display request, the control unit accesses the image-related information. When accessing the flag information, the control unit determines whether the flag information indicates zero or not (step S51). When the flag information indicates zero, the control unit accesses the read information led to the image data (one image) and acquires this read information (step S52). If the flag information indicates 壱, the control unit accesses the first read information led to the multiframe information and acquires the first read information (step S53).

  The control unit continues to analyze the image related information and accesses the patient ID (step S54). The control unit acquires the patient ID and verifies the acquired patient ID based on the patient ID information included in the image display request (step S55). When the patient ID obtained from the image related information and the patient ID information included in the image display request do not match (step S56), the control unit displays a warning message, sounds a beep, etc. to the doctor. Control is performed to issue a warning (step S57).

  If the patient IDs match in step S56, the control unit determines whether the image data is for only one image (step S58). This determination is made based on the flag information accessed in step S51. When the image data is for only one image, that is, when the flag information indicates zero, the control unit accesses the image data (one image) according to the read information (step S59). The accessed one image is displayed on the device. Alternatively, after the accessed image data is transmitted to another device, it is displayed on the other device (step S60).

  When the image data is for a plurality of images, that is, when the flag information indicates 壱, the control unit accesses the multiframe information according to the first read information (step S61). The control unit analyzes the multiframe information and acquires second read information included in the multiframe information (step S62). The control unit accesses the image data (a plurality of images) according to the second read information (step S63). The plurality of accessed images are displayed on the device. Alternatively, the accessed image data is transmitted to another device and then displayed on the other device (step S64).

  In steps S60 and S64, only image data transmission may be performed instead of image display.

  In the above embodiment, the data format of the image related information differs depending on whether the image data is for only one image or a plurality of images, as shown in FIG. However, the data format may be unified regardless of the number of image data included in the image data. When the data format is common or the same regardless of the number of images, flag information for identifying whether the read information is image data for only one image or image data for a plurality of images may not be necessary. Without the flag information, it is effective in that the access time can be further reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format common to image-related information for one image and image-related information for a plurality of images. As shown in FIG. 6A, the image related information is associated with image data for only one image, and includes an offset value as read information but does not include flag information. In FIG. 6B, the image related information accompanies image data for a plurality of images, but the image related information does not include flag information or multiframe information. The image related information includes an offset value. Since the image-related information does not include multi-frame information, the lead information is not the first lead information but this lead information leads to the head of the image data. Alternatively, the lead information may be guided to one specific image among a plurality of images. Further, in FIG. 6B, the lead information does not lead to a plurality of images, and therefore the size of the offset value can be the same as in FIG. 6A.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image display operation using the data format shown in FIG. Although FIG. 7 does not show that the control unit verifies the patient ID, the control unit may verify the patient ID as in the case shown in FIG.

  For example, when there is an image display request, the control unit accesses the image-related information. The control unit accesses the read information and acquires the read information (step S71). Immediately after acquiring the read information, the control unit accesses the image data according to the read information (step S72). If the image data is for only one image, the control unit accesses the one image, and the accessed image is displayed on the device. Alternatively, after the accessed image data is transmitted to another device, it is displayed on the other device (step S73).

  If the image data is for a plurality of images, the controller accesses the first image and the accessed first image is displayed on the device. Alternatively, after the accessed image data is transmitted to another device, it is displayed on the other device. After the first image is displayed, subsequent images are displayed sequentially or side by side. In step S73, only image data transmission may be performed instead of image display.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the data format shown in FIG. FIG. 8A is the same as FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 8B, the image-related information is associated with image data for a plurality of images, and includes offset values as lead information that leads to the plurality of images. Since the offset value in FIG. 8A leads to only one image, the size of the offset value in FIG. 8B may be larger than the offset value in FIG. Therefore, this data format can be applied when the size of the offset value leading to a plurality of images is not too large to be included in the image-related information or arranged at a specific position of the image-related information.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image display operation using the data format shown in FIG. Although FIG. 9 does not show that the control unit verifies the patient ID, the control unit may verify the patient ID as in the case illustrated in FIG.

  For example, when there is an image display request, the control unit accesses the image-related information. The control unit accesses the lead information and acquires the lead information (step S91). The control unit determines whether the read information includes an offset value for only one image (step S92). When the image data is for only one image, the control unit accesses the image data (one image) according to the offset value (step S93). The accessed one image is displayed on the device. Alternatively, the accessed image data is transmitted to another device and then displayed on the other device (step S94).

  When the image data is for a plurality of images, the control unit accesses the image data (a plurality of images) according to the offset value (step S95). The plurality of accessed images are displayed on the device. Alternatively, the accessed image data is transmitted to another device and then displayed on the other device (step S96). A plurality of images may be displayed side by side. In steps S94 and S96, only image data transmission may be performed instead of image display.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a data format common to image-related information for one image and image-related information for a plurality of images. As shown in FIG. 10A, the image related information is associated with image data for only one image, and includes an offset value as the first read information but does not include flag information. The image related information shown in FIG. 10A is only for one image, but the image related information also includes second lead information that can correspond to multiframe information. The second lead information leads to the one image.

  In FIG. 10B, image-related information is associated with image data for a plurality of images, and includes an offset value as first read information but does not include flag information. Since the image related information shown in FIG. 10B is for a plurality of images, the image related information also includes multi-frame information including the second lead information. The second lead information leads to the plurality of images. In this example, the image-related information shown in FIG. 10A is larger in size than the image-related information shown in FIGS. However, the control unit does not need to analyze the flag information, and can quickly access the first and second read information. Further, when the image data is for a plurality of images, the control unit does not need to analyze the flag information and can access the plurality of images in parallel.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image display operation using the data format shown in FIG. Although FIG. 11 does not show that the control unit verifies the patient ID, the control unit may verify the patient ID as in the case illustrated in FIG.

  For example, when there is an image display request, the control unit accesses the image-related information. The control unit accesses the first read information and acquires the first read information (step S111). The control unit accesses the multiframe information according to the first read information (step S112). The control unit analyzes the multiframe information and acquires second read information included in the multiframe information (step S113). When the image data is for only one image, step S112 and step S113 may be executed as one step. The control unit determines whether the second lead information is for only one image (step S114).

  When the image data is for only one image, the control unit accesses the image data (one image) according to the second read information (step S115). The accessed one image is displayed on the device. Alternatively, the accessed image data is transmitted to another device and then displayed on the other device (step S116).

  When the image data is for a plurality of images, the control unit accesses the image data (a plurality of images) according to the second read information (step S117). The plurality of accessed images are displayed on the device. Alternatively, after the accessed image data is transmitted to another device, it is displayed on the other device (step S118). A plurality of images may be displayed side by side. In steps S116 and S118, only image data transmission may be performed instead of image display.

  In recent years, an image compression technique called JPEG2000 (Joint Photographic Experts Group 2000) has been introduced. It is possible to extract internally compressed image data from an original compressed image based on JPEG2000. The internally compressed image data is image data reduced in size, and is suitable for image display at a low resolution such as a PDA 31 or a mobile phone. The original compressed image data is used for image display at a high resolution such as the workstations 15, 16, 17, and 33.

  For example, image data by JPEG2000 can be applied to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. An example of creating image related information for image data compressed by JPEG2000 will be described with reference to FIG. Image data can be displayed hierarchically by JPEG2000. Note that the image compression technique is not limited to JPEG 2000 as long as the same effect as that of JPEG 2000 can be obtained. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow for creating a data set including part of image-related information and image data.

  The flow shown in FIG. 12 can be executed by the control unit. In addition to this flow, a flow similar to the flow described for the case of a plurality of images in FIG. 2 can be applied to the flow shown in FIG. In the following description, the filing server 11 creates image-related information as an example.

  The original image data for one image is divided into two divided image data (step S121). For example, when the original image data has a size of 6 megabytes (6 MB), a 1 megabyte (1 MB) portion of the original image data is extracted as the first divided image data. The first divided image data is reproduced as a low resolution image representing the entire original image. Instead of this, the first divided image data may be reproduced as a high-resolution image representing only a specific part of the original image. The remaining part of the original image data becomes second divided image data. When the first divided image data is accompanied by the second divided image data, the high-resolution whole image is reproduced.

  A file name or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is given as link information to the second divided image data (step S122). For example, if the patient ID is '1.2.80.56.99.0', this patient ID may be used as the file name. The file name may be a patient user ID. The URL is created by combining the IP (Internet Protocol) address or domain name of the filing server 11, the patient ID or user ID, and the hash value of the patient ID or user ID. For example, if the IP address is' 192.168.1.1 'and the hash value is' 501', the URL is' http://192.168.1.1//1.2.80.56. 99.0. dcm? It can be set to hashcheck = 501 '. For example, a patient name such as “Taro Yamada”, a birthday such as “01.01.2000”, a gender such as “male”, and other characters that specify any information that identifies the patient are the patient ID, It may be added to the user ID.

  The control unit creates divided image management information for the divided image data S (step S123). The divided image management information may include the image data size and the number of divided image data of the first and second divided image data. The file name and URL assigned in step S122 are also included in the divided image management information. The created divided image management information is included in the image related information (step S124). The created divided image management information may be included as information corresponding to the multiframe information.

  The control unit creates second lead information to be led to the first divided image data, and incorporates the created second lead information in the image related information. At this time, the second lead information is arranged in the vicinity of the divided image management information. The control unit also creates first lead information that leads to second lead information or divided image management information. The first read information includes, for example, an offset value. The first lead information and the second lead information may be created by a method similar to the method described with reference to FIG. The control unit creates a data set including the image related information and first divided image data following the image related information. (Step S125).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data format of the data set created according to the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the original image data is, for example, 6 megabyte (6 MB) lossless compressed CR (Computed Radiography) image data. The CR image can be generated by the DR device 14. The 1 megabyte (1 MB) lossless compressed CR image data is accompanied by image-related information as the first divided image data of the original image data. The 5 megabyte (5 MB) lossless compressed CR image data is created as an object different from the data set, that is, as second divided image data that is not part of the data set. However, the second divided image data is related to or linked to the divided image management information in the image related information. In the image related information, an offset value is arranged at the head as the first read information.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, the second lead information is positioned before the divided image management information. In this case, the first lead information is guided to the second lead information, and the control unit continues to analyze the image related information up to the divided image management information. After analyzing the divided image management information, the control unit accesses the first divided image data. If the divided image management information is located before the second lead information in the image related information, the first lead information is guided to the divided image management information, and the control unit analyzes the image related information up to the second lead information. Continue. After analyzing the second read information, the control unit accesses the first divided image data.

  During the image display based on the first divided image data, the control unit controls to display a button for performing the original image display based on the original image data. This button or the like may be created and displayed as a standard one. The created button or the like is related to the file name or URL. In response to a doctor's instruction for this button or the like, the control unit accesses the second divided image data based on the file name or URL. As a result, a complete (6 MB) original image can be reproduced and displayed.

  In this example, when the PDA 31 cannot display the original image because the size of the image data is too large for the PDA 31, the PDA 31 does not request the second divided image data after receiving the data set, and the display has a low resolution. An image can be displayed.

  When the workstation 15, 16, 17, or 33 that can display the original image data first receives the data set, and then receives the second divided image data, the workstation 15, 16, 17, or 33 receives the data between the data set and the second divided image data. Match (match) can be verified. That is, the control unit provided in the workstation 15, 16, 17, or 33 compares the patient ID or user ID included in the file name or URL with the patient ID included in the image-related information. Can be verified.

  Further, the control unit can compare the hash value calculated based on the patient ID or the user ID with the hash value that is a part of the URL to confirm the validity of the patient ID or the user ID included in the URL. This is useful for avoiding inappropriate transmission / reception of the second divided image data. When the patient ID or the user ID included in the URL included in the image management information is falsified, the second divided image data is requested to be transmitted (transferred) based on the incorrect URL. In addition, when memory destruction or network instability occurs, the URL included in the second divided image data transmission request may be changed during transmission. In these cases, the hash value calculated based on the patient ID and user ID included in the URL is different from the hash value included in the URL.

  Therefore, when the control unit determines that the patient ID or the user ID is not correct as a result of the comparison, the control unit can stop the transmission of the second divided image data.

  In the above example, image data that has been reversibly compressed has been taken as an example, but image data that has been subjected to lossy compression or image data that has not been compressed may be targeted.

  When the image data is for a plurality of images, each of the plurality of images may be divided into two or more pieces of divided image data.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first divided image data and the second divided image data when the image data is for a plurality of images. As shown in the figure, the image data accompanying the image related information includes first divided image data. The first divided image data is the first divided image data of the first image (that is, the first portion of the image 1 of 1.5 megabytes (1.5 MB) (for example, 0.5 megabytes (0.5 MB)). ), First divided image data of the second image (that is, the first portion of the image 2), and first divided image data of the third image (that is, the first portion of the image 3).

  The second divided image data includes the remaining part of each image. For images 1 and 3, the second part (for example, 0.5 megabyte (0.5 MB)) and the third part (for example, 0.5 megabyte (0.5 MB)) are divided into the second divided image data. Included as image data. Regarding the image 2, the second to Nth (Nth) portions are included as the divided image data in the second divided image data. Each of these parts is linked to the divided image management information.

  Even when the image data is for a plurality of images, the first hierarchy of each image included in the data set is displayed relatively quickly, and the remainder of each image is 2 according to the second divided image data. It is displayed in the hierarchy or the N-1 hierarchy. Therefore, the doctor does not have to wait for a long time until the display of the image is started as in the conventional case, so that the doctor is not worried or frustrated as in the conventional case.

  The image related information can be formed by the same method as shown in FIG. However, here, the second lead information leads to the first part of image 1, the first part of image 2, and the first part of image 3. The divided image management information includes file names or URLs corresponding to the above portions of the images 1, 2, and 3, and handles these portions as independent objects, that is, objects different from the data set. Each file name or URL may include a frame number, a division number, or information indicating which part of each image (image 1, 2, or 3) it is.

  According to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14, the data set and the second divided image data can be transmitted (transferred) as different objects. Therefore, even if the data set and the second divided image data are transmitted using, for example, HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) /1.0, the images can be displayed hierarchically based on the first and second divided image data. It becomes like this. This is because the images are transmitted individually even when the workstations 15, 16, 33 or the PDA 31 support HTTP / 1.0 but not HTTP / 1.1. This means that it is possible to display automatically.

  On the other hand, when the image data is not created by the division method described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11, the data set is transmitted (transferred) using a protocol having an offset transfer technique such as HTTP / 1.1. Only the images are sent individually and displayed step by step.

  Instead of dividing the image data for each image, the image data may be divided for a plurality of images. When a plurality or a series of images (for example, N images) are generated, the image data accompanying the image related information is only for images 1 and 2 as the first divided image data as shown in FIG. There may be. The images 3 to N are created as second divided image data, and are linked to the divided image management information included in the image related information. As a result, the images 1 and 2 can be displayed without waiting for acquisition of the remaining images (images 3 to N). This is effective in reducing the time for displaying the image 1 (and the image 2), and is effective in preventing the doctor from anxiety and irritation.

  In the verification described above, any information other than the information described above can be used. Further, for example, when the second divided image data is created together with a file name or URL including the patient name, birthday, and / or gender, the file name or URL is displayed to the doctor. Also good. The doctor can confirm whether or not the patient identified by the image-related information is the same as the patient identified by the file name or URL. That is, the doctor can confirm whether the acquired data set and the second divided image data are for the same patient.

  The number of divided image data is not limited to two, and may be three or more as necessary. Although the above embodiment has been described for the case where it is applied to the medical field, similar data creation and the like can also be applied to other fields that require storage of image data and / or transmission via a network.

  The filing server 11, CT apparatus 12, MRI apparatus 13, DR apparatus 14, workstations 15, 16, 17, 33, PDA 31, router 19, and / or 32 according to the above-described embodiments are computer programs, You may make it have a recording medium (for example, RAM: RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY) which can receive and preserve | save an application as a computer-readable instruction in a temporary or non-volatile aspect. The filing server 11, CT apparatus 12, MRI apparatus 13, DR apparatus 14, workstations 15, 16, 17, 33, PDA 31, router 19, and / or 32 further include a hard disk drive for writing to and reading from the hard disk, A magnetic disk drive for writing to and reading from a magnetic disk and / or an optical disk drive for writing to and reading from an optical disk (CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, other optical device) May be. One or more of these memories, drives, and their respective media are examples of computer program products that retain computer-readable instructions that, when executed, can implement at least one of the embodiments of the present invention and variations thereof. Those skilled in the art can understand that this is only possible.

  The embodiment of the present invention described above is merely an example described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is not a description for limiting the present invention. Accordingly, each of the constituent elements and other elements disclosed in the above-described embodiment of the present invention can be changed in design or modified to equivalents thereof without departing from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, any possible combination of the same components and other elements is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the same effects as those obtained in the embodiment of the present invention described above can be obtained.

The figure which shows the example of an image storage communication system. The flowchart which shows the example of the flow which produces the data set containing image relevant information and image data. The figure which shows the example of the data format of image relevant information. The figure which shows another example of the data format of image related information. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image display operation using the data format shown in FIG. The figure which shows the example of the data format which is common in the image relevant information with respect to one image, and the image relevant information with respect to several images. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image display operation according to the data format shown in FIG. The figure which shows the modification of the data format shown in FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image display operation using the data format shown in FIG. The figure which shows another example of the data format which is common in the image relevant information with respect to one image, and the image relevant information with respect to several images. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image display operation using the data format shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the example of the flow which produces the data set containing a part of image relevant information and image data. The figure which shows the example of the data format of the data set produced according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The figure which shows the example of 1st division | segmentation image data and 2nd division | segmentation image data when image data is with respect to several images. The figure which shows another example of the 1st division | segmentation image data and 2nd division | segmentation image data when image data is with respect to several images.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Filing server 12 ... CT apparatus 13 ... MRI apparatus 14 ... DR apparatus 15, 16, 17, 33 ... Workstation 18 ... Recording medium 19, 32 ... Router 31 ... PDA

Claims (52)

In an image storage device for storing image data for at least one image generated by an image generation device,
Receiving means for receiving the image data;
Processing means for creating image-related information and creating a data set including the image-related information and the image data following the image-related information;
An image storage apparatus comprising: storage means for storing the data set, wherein the processing means creates lead information that leads to the image data as part of the related information.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the lead information is located at a head of the image related information.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the lead information is positioned before patient identification information.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the lead information is located within a first tenth of a size of the image related information.   The image storage device according to claim 1, further comprising output means for outputting the data set via a network.   2. The image storage device according to claim 1, further comprising memory drive means for writing the data set to a removable recording medium.   The image storage apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that accesses the image-related information and accesses the image data based on the read information.   The image storage device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit accesses the image data without analyzing information located after the lead information in the image related information.   The image storage device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit accesses the image data after analyzing at least patient identification information.   8. The image storage device according to claim 7, further comprising output means for outputting the accessed image data via a network.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein when the image data is for a plurality of images, the read information is guided to a first image of the plurality of images.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein when the image data is for a plurality of images, the lead information is guided to one or more of the plurality of images.   The lead information is led to the first image when the first read information led to the second lead information and the image data are for one image, and the plurality of images when the image data is for a plurality of images. The image storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: the second lead information that leads to one or more images.   14. The image storage device according to claim 13, wherein when the image data is for a plurality of images, the second read information is included in multiframe information.   2. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the read information includes first identification information indicating that the image data is for one image and direct read information leading to the image data.   The lead information includes first identification information indicating that the image data is for a plurality of images, and first lead information that leads to multiframe information, and the multiframe information is included in the image related information. The image storage device according to claim 1, further comprising second lead information that leads to one or more images of the plurality of images.   The image storage device according to claim 16, wherein the multi-frame information is positioned after other information of the image-related information.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein data for each of the at least one image is divided into two or more parts.   The image storage device according to claim 18, wherein the image data is compressed by JPEG2000.   When the image data is for one image, the data set includes a first portion of the image data, the first portion corresponding to one of the divided portions of the data for the one image. The image storage device according to claim 18, characterized in that:   21. The image storage device according to claim 20, wherein the remaining portion of the image data is created as at least one object different from the data set.   The image storage device according to claim 21, wherein the image-related information includes link information linked to the remaining portion of the image data.   The image storage device according to claim 21, wherein the remaining part of the image data is divided into a plurality of parts corresponding to two or more parts of the one image.   When the image data is for a plurality of images, the data set includes a first portion of the first data of the image data and a second portion of the second data of the image data; The first data is for a first image of the plurality of images, the second data is for a second image of the plurality of images, and the first portion is 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the divided parts of the data for the first image corresponds to one of the divided parts of the data for the second image. The image storage device according to 18.   2. The data set according to claim 1, wherein when the receiving means receives image data for a series of N images, the data set includes image data for less than N images that are part of the received image data. Image storage device.   26. The image storage device according to claim 25, wherein the remaining portion of the received image data, which is a portion of the N images, is created as at least one object different from the data set. .   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the image data is lossless compressed data.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the image data is lossy compressed data.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the image data is uncompressed data.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the lead information is created based on a size of the image-related information.   The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the lead information is created based on a size of a portion between the first predetermined information and the second predetermined information included in the related information. In an image display device that displays at least one image based on image data generated by an image generation device,
Receiving means for receiving the image data;
Processing means for creating image-related information including part of lead information leading to the image data, and creating a data set including the image-related information and the image data following the image-related information;
An image display device comprising: display means for displaying the at least one image according to the lead information and the image data. In an image device that generates image data for at least one image,
Image generating means for generating the image data;
Processing means for creating image-related information and creating a data set including the image-related information and the image data following the image-related information;
And the processing means creates lead information that leads to the image data as part of the related information. Receiving means for receiving image data for at least one image;
Processing means for creating image-related information and creating a data set including the image-related information and the image data following the image-related information;
Output processing means for outputting the data set, wherein the processing means creates lead information that leads to the image data as part of the related information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the output unit outputs the data set via a network.   35. The information processing apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the output unit writes the data set to a removable recording medium.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the information processing apparatus is connected to an image apparatus that generates the image data and an image storage apparatus that stores the data set output by the output unit via a network. apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the information processing apparatus is connected to an image apparatus that generates the image data and an image display apparatus that displays the data set output by the output unit via a network. apparatus. Create lead information that leads to image data for at least one image,
Create image related information including the lead information,
A data set creation method comprising: creating a data set including the created image related information and the image data following the image related information. Calculate the size of at least some of the image-related information,
Based on this calculated size, the lead information that leads to the image data is determined,
The determined lead information is included in the image related information,
A data set creation method comprising creating a data set including the image related information and the image data following the image related information.   41. The data set creation method according to claim 40, wherein an image data set for a plurality of images is received, and the image data is for one of the plurality of images.   42. The data set creation method according to claim 41, wherein the remaining portions of the plurality of images are linked to the data set.   The data set creation method according to claim 40, wherein when the image data is for one image, the data set includes a part of the image data. In the method of creating a data set for multiple images,
Calculating a first size of the first portion of the image related information;
Determining direct lead information leading to one or more of the plurality of images based on the calculated first size;
Create multi-frame information including this determined direct lead information,
Calculating a second size of the second portion of the image related information;
Determining indirect read information leading to the multi-frame information based on the calculated second size;
Including the determined indirect read information and the multiframe information in the image related information,
A data set creation method comprising creating a data set including the image related information and image data for the plurality of images following the image related information.   The data set includes a first portion of first data of the image data and a second portion of second data of the image data, the first data being a first image of the plurality of images. 45. The data set creation method according to claim 44, wherein the second data is for a second image of the plurality of images.   45. The data set creation method according to claim 44, wherein an image data set for N images is received, and the image data is for an image of less than N dances.   The image storage device according to claim 46, wherein another image data for the remaining portion of the N images is created as at least one object different from the data set. Create lead information that leads to image data for at least one image,
Create image related information including the lead information,
A recording medium comprising a program for creating a data set including the created image related information and the image data following the image related information. Calculate the size of at least some of the image-related information,
Based on this calculated size, the lead information that leads to the image data is determined,
The determined lead information is included in the image related information,
A recording medium, which records a program for creating a data set including the image related information and the image data following the image related information.   The recording medium according to claim 49, wherein when the image data is for one image, the data set includes a part of the image data. Calculating a first size of the first portion of the image related information;
Determining direct lead information leading to one or more of the plurality of images based on the calculated first size;
Create multi-frame information including this determined direct lead information,
Calculating a second size of the second portion of the image related information;
Determining indirect read information leading to the multi-frame information based on the calculated second size;
Including the determined indirect read information and the multiframe information in the image related information,
1. A recording medium comprising a program for creating a data set including the image related information and image data for the plurality of images following the image related information.   The data set includes a first portion of first data of the image data and a second portion of second data of the image data, the first data being a first image of the plurality of images. 52. The recording medium according to claim 51, wherein the second data is for a second image of the plurality of images.

Images