Title: Examination system, image processing apparatus and method, medium, and X-ray photographic system
Abstract: A system for handling examination of an object includes an input for inputting examination request information, including a plurality of examination methods, for an object, and a performing device for performing examinations for the plurality of examination methods in an arbitrary order and obtaining results therefrom. In addition, an output outputs the results of the plurality of examination methods in a determined order regardless of an order in which the performing device has performed examinations for the plurality of examination methods.
Patent Number: 6,993,114 Issued on 01/31/2006 to Takasawa
| Inventors:
|
Takasawa; Toru (Utsunomiya, JP)
|
| Assignee:
|
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo, JP)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
384637 |
| Filed:
|
March 11, 2003 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Sep 29, 1998[JP] | 10-275231 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
378/98.5; 378/116 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
H05G 1/64 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
378/114-117,985
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 4200798 | Apr., 1980 | Neuendorf et al.
| |
| 4774720 | Sep., 1988 | Carbon.
| |
| 5440607 | Aug., 1995 | Nakaya.
| |
| 6078947 | Jun., 2000 | Kagermeier.
| |
| 6501827 | Dec., 2002 | Takasawa.
| |
| 2002/0035572 | Mar., 2002 | Takatori et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Church; Craig E.
Assistant Examiner: Yun; Jurie
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/235,660,
filed Sep. 6, 2002 now abn., which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/407,086,
filed Sep. 28, 1999 U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,827.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for handling examination of an object, comprising:
input means for inputting examination request information of radiographic image
data including a plurality of radiographic examination methods for the object and
each radiographic examination order of the methods; and
display means for displaying a list of the inputted examination order of the
examination methods,
wherein when an examination is not being performed by the examination methods,
the display means displays symbols representing the examination methods, and when
an examination has been performed by the examination methods, the display means
displays the examined radiographic image data instead of the symbols.
2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:
changing means for changing the radiographic examination order;
control means for controlling a radiographic examination apparatus so as to set
an examination condition corresponding to the radiographic examination method in
accordance with the changed order;
radiograph generation means for generating radiograph under the condition set
by the control means for controlling the radiographic examination apparatus;
radiographic examination means for converting the radiograph into image data; and
output means for outputting the converted radiographic image data in accordance
with the changed order.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an examination system suitable for an X-ray
photographic system, for example, for taking an order from a doctor for the taking
of an X-ray photograph (radiograph) and for performing X-ray photography (radiography),
to an image processing apparatus and method, and to a medium therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
An "X-ray photographic apparatus" refers to an apparatus for detecting X-rays,
which have been transmitted through a patient, to form an image. This image is
formed by representing differences in the transmittance of each type of the tissue
structure in the body of the patient and the thickness thereof as a photography
density. It is important for a good X-ray image that as much information as possible
be displayed in a readily visible manner. The position of the patient, the direction
of X-ray irradiation, photographic conditions, etc., exert large influences thereon.
Accordingly, when a doctor orders an X-ray photograph be taken, X-ray information
such as the area to be X-rayed, the X-raying directions, the X-raying methods,
etc., is typically specified together with patient information such as the name
and the ID number of the patient. The information is then sent to a technician,
and the X-raying is performed. If a plurality of X-ray photographs are to be taken,
X-ray photographic request information, together with the patient information such
as the name and the ID number of the patient, is included in the X-ray photograph
order, for example, "chest portion A→P," "chest portion R→L," "cervical
vertebra R→L," or "cervical vertebra A→P."
FIG. 12 shows an X-ray photographic system in which an X-ray photographic apparatus
and an X-ray generation apparatus are combined, which shows an example contrasted
to the present invention. In FIG. 12, reference numeral
100 denotes an X-ray
tube for emitting X-rays. Reference numeral
101 denotes an X-ray generation
apparatus. Reference numeral
102 denotes an operation and display section
of the X-ray generation apparatus, for performing operation of the X-ray generation
apparatus. These are usually collectively termed an "X-ray generation apparatus".
On the other hand, the X-ray photographic apparatus comprises a standing position
sensor unit
103 capable of performing X-ray photography of a patient in
a standing position, a recumbent position sensor
105, an X-ray photographic
system control section
107 for controlling this sensor, and an operation
and display section
108 of the X-ray photographic system. Also, reference
numeral
104 denotes a standing position sensor panel, and reference numeral
106 denotes a recumbent position sensor panel. The electrical charge corresponding
to the amount of transmitted X-rays, detected by the standing position sensor panel
104 and the recumbent position sensor panel
106, is converted for
analog into digital form and is input as an electronic image to the X-ray photographic
system control section
107. Also, reference numeral
110 denotes a
network which is connected to an imager
111.
When patient reception has been completed, a patient proceeds to a section of
a corresponding examination department (for example, brain surgery, internal medicine,
surgery, orthopedic surgery, etc.), and the patient's illness is diagnosed. For
example, there are cases in which, in order to examine cervical vertebrae in a
surgery department, it is desirable to see X-ray images of cervical vertebrae taken
from four different directions. Examples of the four directions of the cervical
vertebrae include "cervical vertebrae, front," "cervical vertebrae, foramen," "cervical
vertebrae, side," and "cervical vertebrae, right rear oblique region."
The "cervical vertebrae, front" is obtained by a method in which the X-ray photograph
is taken when the patient is made to stand facing the X-ray generation apparatus.
Adjustments are made so that the forehead is horizontal to the standing position
sensor panel
104, and the angle and position of the X-ray tube
100
are adjusted so that X-rays can be emitted toward the fourth cervical vertebra
of the patient. In a method for properly positioning the "cervical vertebrae, foramen,"
the patient is made to lie supine on the recumbent position sensor unit
105,
the mouth is opened to the fullest, the line connecting the head in the median
plane to the external ear foramen and the line connecting the base of the nose
to the external ear foramen are made perpendicular to each other, and the X-ray
tube is set to be perpendicular to the recumbent position sensor panel
106
so that the radiation focus is at the head in the median plane. In a method for
properly positioning the "cervical vertebrae, side," the patient is made to stand
facing 90 degrees away from the standing position sensor unit
103, the jaw
is made to project forward slightly, the shoulders are made to lower, and the X-ray
focus becomes incident on the fourth cervical vertebra. In a method for properly
positioning the "cervical vertebra, right rear oblique region," the standing position
sensor panel
104 and the patient form an angle of 50°, with the shoulder
being the center; then, the jaw is made to project forward slightly, and the shoulders
are made to lower.
A doctor writes the order for the X-ray photographing of the cervical vertebra
in four directions on a radiology record card. At this time, the photographing
order is written in the order in which the doctor wishes to subsequently view the
images. For example, the order may be "cervical vertebra, front"→"cervical
vertebra, foramen"→"cervical vertebra, side"→"cervical vertebra,
right rear oblique region." Alternatively, there are cases in which the photographing
order is indicated by "cervical vertebra, four directions." At this time, the meanings
indicated by "cervical vertebra, four directions" may differ depending on the examination
department (i.e., in the brain surgery department, "cervical vertebra, front"→"cervical
vertebra, side"→"cervical vertebra, anteflexion"→"cervical vertebra,
retroflexion"), the sequence may differ from doctor to doctor, and the sequence
may differ depending upon the facilities.
The patient, with this radiology record card in hand, proceeds to the radiotherapy
department and submits it to the receptionist. When it is the patient's turn to
be X-rayed, the patient is taken to a room in which the X-ray photographic system
in FIG. 12 is disposed. The technician first examines the patient information such
as the ID number and the name written on the radiology record card, confirms the
identity of the patient and then inputs this data by using the operation and display
section
108. This data is required to confirm a match between the images
and the patient and to assist the doctor in interpreting the images. Next, after
the technician reads the X-ray photography order written on the radiology record
card, the patient is correctly positioned; at the operation console
102
of the X-ray generation apparatus, the tube voltage, the tube current, and the
irradiation time or the photo-timer are set; and in the operation console
108
of the X-ray photographic apparatus, image processing parameters, the imager
111
of the transfer destination, etc., are set to perform X-ray photography.
First, a case is described in which X-ray photography is conducted in the
order as written on the radiology record card. The technician, after reviewing
the radiology record card, performs X-ray photography of the "cervical vertebra,
front." The patient is made to stand facing the X-ray generation apparatus, and
adjustments are made so that the forehead is parallel to the standing position
sensor panel
104. Also, the angle and position of the X-ray tube
100
are adjusted so that X-rays can be emitted toward the fourth cervical vertebra
of the patient. At this time, the position of the X-ray tube
100 is such
that X-rays are emitted toward the fourth cervical vertebra of the patient from
15° below the fourth cervical vertebra. Examples of the X-ray photographic
conditions are as follows: the distance between the standing position sensor panel
104 and the X-ray tube
100 is 120 cm, the tube voltage of the X-ray
tube
100 is 72 kV, the tube current is 160 mA, the irradiation time is 56
msec, and the cross grid and the tube are focused on a small area. After the photographic
preparations are completed and photography is possible, the irradiation switch
in the vicinity of the operation and the display section
102 of the X-ray
generation apparatus is pressed, and X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube
100
to the standing position sensor unit
103. X-rays emitted from the X-ray
tube
100 pass through the patient and are converted into electricity of
various amounts by the standing position sensor panel
104. This electricity
is then amplified by an amplifier, signal processing, such as analog/digital conversion,
is performed thereon, and the result is obtained as a digital image. The image
input to the control section
107 of the X-ray photographic system is subjected
to various image processings, such as gradation processing or highlight processing,
and is displayed on the operation and display section
108 of the X-ray photographic
system. The technician examines the image, and if it is necessary to retake the
X-ray photograph, a rephotographing key is then pressed to retake the image. If
it is not necessary to retake the X-ray photograph, then the technician performs
second and subsequent X-ray photography in a similar manner.
X-ray photography is then performed for "cervical vertebra, foramen," "cervical
vertebra, side," and "cervical vertebra, right rear oblique region." When the photography
of the "cervical vertebra, four directions" is completed, the termination key is
pressed to transfer the four obtained images to the imager
111 via the network
110 so that the images are displayed on film, and these images are passed
on to the doctor for examination. However, since the X-ray photography of the "cervical
vertebra, foramen" for the second photography is performed by the photographic
apparatus with the patient in a recumbent position, the proper positioning of the
patient is time-consuming, causing problems in that this is burdensome and the
rate at which X-rays may be taken is low.
Next, a case is described in which the X-ray photographic technician performs
X-ray photography in a sequence in which it is easier to take the X-rays, regardless
of the sequence in which the doctor has requested them. It is common practice for
the technician to take the X-rays with as little effort as possible and in a sequence
in which the burden on the patient is minimized. Since the recumbent position sensor
unit
105 is used for only the "cervical vertebra, foramen," and at this
time the patient must be moved a great deal and the position of the X-ray tube
must be substantially changed, it is efficient for X-ray photography other than
the "cervical vertebra, foramen" to be performed continuously to reduce the burden
on the patient. For example, X-ray photography is performed in the sequence "cervical
vertebra, front"→"cervical vertebra, right rear oblique region"→"cervical
vertebra, side"→"cervical vertebra, foramen." In this case, after X-ray
photography of the "cervical vertebra, four directions" is terminated, the photographs
are transferred via the network
110 in the sequence in which they were taken
by the imager
111. Consequently, they must be transferred to film and must
be rearranged in the sequence in which the doctor wishes to examine them to perform diagnosis.
In recent years, there have been cases in which networks are constructed with
the intra-hospital information systems called "HIS" and radiology information systems
called "RIS," and requested data from the diagnosis department and patient information
from the HIS server are transmitted via the network and are input. Even in this
case, the above-described problems remain.
In a manner as described above in the first X-ray photography situation, there
is a problem in that proper positioning cannot be performed efficiently when the
predetermined photographic sequence is inconvenient for the technician; therefore,
the photographing efficiency is decreased, and the burden on the patient is substantial.
In the second X-ray photography situation, effort is subsequently required to rearrange
the sequence of the image films into that which the doctor wishes to see, and this
is also inconvenient. Another problem is that there is no effective means to confirm
the order of the part currently being X-rayed and to confirm which part is photographed
last. In addition, a problem arises in that when an X-ray must be retaken, this
retake must be performed before the next part is X-rayed.
As described above, there are problems in that when X-ray photography is to be
performed in a requested sequence, the photographing efficiency may be decreased,
and in that the rearrangement of the sequence to that in which the doctor will
view the images after the X-ray photographs are taken is very complicated. In addition,
problems occur in that it cannot be confirmed which part in the photographing order
is currently being photographed, and in that when the image is blurred, retake
cannot be performed quickly. Such problems occur not only in the above-described
examination apparatus, but also in other photography, for example, in a case in
which images from a consumer digital camera are printed out.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-described problems.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable
of taking X-ray photographs using a plurality of photographic methods with easy
operation, which are easy to understand for both the requestor (for example, a
doctor) and the operator (for example, a technician).
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable
of taking a large number of X-ray photographs, in which it is easy to determine
the photographs which are yet to be taken in the photographing order, the portion
currently being photographed, and the portions which have already been photographed.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing
method and apparatus having new features, a medium, and an X-ray photographic system.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, according to a first aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an examination system comprising: an input device
for inputting the sequence of a plurality of examination methods for a patient;
a changing device for changing the input sequence; a performing device for performing
the examination in accordance with the changed sequence; and an output device for
outputting in a desired sequence a plurality of examination results performed by
the performing device.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an image processing apparatus comprising: an instruction device for instructing
a plurality of photographs be taken with respect to an object image in a predetermined
sequence; a changing device for changing the sequence by the instruction device;
and an output device for outputting in the predetermined sequence a plurality of
images photographed in accordance with a sequence changed by the changing device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an image processing method, comprising the steps of: instructing a plurality of
photographs be taken with respect to an object image in a predetermined sequence;
receiving a changing of sequence by the instruction device and changing the sequence;
and outputting in the predetermined sequence a plurality of images photographed
in accordance with a sequence changed by the changing device.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a computer-executable storage medium for storing a program, the program comprising
the steps of: instructing a plurality of photographs be taken with respect to an
object image in a predetermined sequence; receiving a changing of sequence by the
instruction device and changing the sequence; and outputting in the predetermined
sequence a plurality of images photographed in accordance with a sequence changed
by the changing device.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a photographic system for irradiating a patient with X-rays and for digitally obtaining
an X-ray transmitted image, the photographic system comprising: an X-ray photographic
apparatus for performing X-ray photography in given examination units; an apparatus
for inputting, to the X-ray photographic apparatus, patient data and photographic
request information from which setting parameters required for the X-ray photographic
apparatus to perform a photography can be created; an operation device for displaying
the system status and for performing an operation; an input device for inputting
photographic request information formed of a plurality of photographic requests
with respect to one patient data; a creation device for creating setting parameters
required to perform photography from the plurality of input photographic requests;
and a device for calling and setting the created setting parameters.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a system for handling
examination of an object includes input means for inputting examination request
information, including a plurality of examination methods, for an object; and performing
means for performing examinations for the plurality of examination methods in an
arbitrary order and obtaining results therefrom. In addition, output means outputs
the results of the plurality of examination methods in a determined order regardless
of an order in which the performing means has performed examinations for the plurality
of examination methods.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a system for handling
examination of an object includes input means for inputting request information,
including a plurality of examination methods arranged in an order, for an object;
changing means for changing the order into a changed order; and performing means
for performing examinations in accordance with the changed order and obtaining
results therefrom. Output means outputs the results of the plurality of examination
methods in a determined order regardless of the changed order.
According to an eight aspect of the present invention, a method adapted
to a system for handling examination of an object comprises the steps of inputting
examination request information, including a plurality of examination methods,
for an object; and performing examinations for the plurality of examination methods
in an arbitrary order and obtaining results therefrom. The results of the plurality
of examination methods are output in a determined order regardless of an order
in which examinations for the plurality of examination methods have been preformed
in said performing step.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a method adapted
to a system for handling examination of an object includes the steps of inputting
examination request information, including a plurality of examination methods arranged
in an order, for an object; changing the order into a changed order; and performing
examinations in accordance with the changed order and obtaining results therefrom.
The results of the plurality of examination methods are output in a determined
order regardless of the changed order.
With such a construction, it is possible to efficiently take X-ray photographs
in a sequence desired by the photographer (technician) regardless of the sequence
in the requested photographic order.
The above and further objects, aspects and novel features of the invention will
become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in connection
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a configuration view of an X-ray photographic system according to
a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show the content of photographic request information.
FIG. 3 shows the displayed contents of an operation and display section of the
X-ray photographic system at the time a first photograph is taken, according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows the displayed contents of the operation and display section of
the X-ray photographic system after the first photograph has been taken, according
to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows the displayed contents when a second photographic method in the
operation and display section of the X-ray photographic system is changed according
to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows the displayed contents when the first image in the operation and
display section of the X-ray photographic system is to be retaken according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows the displayed contents of a change dialogue for a photographic
method parameter of the operation and display section of the X-ray photographic
system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows the displayed contents of an operation and display section of an
X-ray photographic system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows a photographing order conversion table.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 shows an X-ray photographic system, which is a comparative example of
the present invention.
FIG. 13 shows an image diagnosis aiding system including a network.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an imaging system according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a diagnosis requesting and management system according
to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
FIG. 1 shows the system configuration of an X-ray photographic system according
to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Components in FIG. 1 which are the same as those of FIG. 12 described
earlier designate the same. This X-ray photographic system (radiography system)
comprises a standing position sensor unit
13, a recumbent position sensor
unit
15, an X-ray generation apparatus
101, an operation and display
section
102 of the X-ray generation apparatus, a control section
17
of an X-ray photographic (radiography) apparatus, an operation and display
18
of the X-ray photographic apparatus, and an information processing apparatus
1.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral
1 denotes an information processing apparatus
for reading the contents of magnetic stripes of a magnetic card, and reference
numeral
2 denotes information input means for inputting an examination ID
read by the information processing apparatus
1. Reference numeral
3
denotes photographic request information storing means for inputting and memorizing
photographic request information input via a network
110. A trigger by which
the photographic request information is input may be from the X-ray photographic
apparatus control section
17 or may be from a server of the network
110.
Reference numeral
4 denotes photographic request information extraction
means which functions to extract desired photographic request information from
the photographic request information stored in the photographic request information
storing means
3 on the basis of the examination ID information input by
the information input means
2. The examination ID is an identification number
of the photographic request information. The extracted photographic request information
is formed of one patient information, and one or more photographic request objects
indicating the photographic contents or a photographic request menu. The photographic
request menu is formed of a plurality of photographic request objects, for example,
items of the photographic request menu include a photographing of cervical vertebra
in four directions discussed in the comparative example. The photographic request
object represents a photographing unit, and is often classified by the photographic
region name or by the photographic region name and the photographic method. This
photographic request object has a unique photographic request name or a photographic
request object ID as an identification number for the purpose of identification.
The photographic conditions and the image processing parameters may be or may not
be entered. When the photographic conditions and the image processing parameters
are entered, a search is performed in the previous photography, and the photographic
conditions and the image processing parameters at that time are set. If it is a
first photography, the standard photographic conditions which are the default values
for each photographic request object ID are entered. When the photographic conditions
and the image processing parameters are not entered, these items are created based
on the photographic request object ID through a photographic object creation means
7 in the X-ray photographic system.
Reference number
7 denotes a photographic object creation means
for conversion from a photographic request object ID into a photographic object
ID. A unique symbol, in addition to the photographic conditions, such as the tube
voltage, the tube current, the irradiation time, and image processing conditions,
is provided in the obtained photographic object ID, and a photographic object having
the symbol displayed thereon is created on the operation and display section
18
of the X-ray photographic apparatus. The symbol may of course be graphics rather
than text. Reference number
8 denotes a photographic object status management
section for managing the status of each of the photographic objects. Reference
numeral
5 denotes a photographic object display means for producing a display
corresponding to the status from the photographic object status management section
8. Reference number
6 denotes a control section for sending and setting
the photographic conditions, such as the tube voltage, the tube current, and the
irradiation time, of the selected photographic object ID to the X-ray generation
apparatus
101 and the sensor panels
13 and
15, and for sending
the image processing parameters to the control section
6 in order to specify
image processing.
FIGS. 3,
4,
5,
6, and
7 are detailed views of an
operation and display section
18 of an X-ray photographic system of FIG.
1. Reference numeral
111 denotes a touch panel formed of a liquid-crystal
display and an analog-resistance-film-type touch sensor sheet. Reference numeral
112 denotes a mouse. Reference numeral
113 denotes cables, such as
a power supply and a control line. The display is performed by the touch panel
111, and the operation can be performed from either the touch panel
111
or the mouse
112. The cables
113 comprise a power supply, a VGA cable,
a serial cable for controlling the touch panel, and a serial cable for a mouse.
Reference numeral
114 denotes a photographic image display area for displaying
the photographic image. Reference numeral
115 denotes a patient information
display area for displaying the patient information. Reference numeral
116
denotes a photographic object parameter display area for displaying the parameter
of the photographic object. Reference numeral
117 denotes a photographic
object display area for displaying photographic objects of one patient in a list
according to the status. Reference numeral
118 denotes a message area for
displaying the status of the system and a message. Reference numeral
119
denotes a change switch which is used when the photographic conditions and the
image processing parameters are changed.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 3,
4,
5,
6, and
7 above,
the first embodiment of the present invention is described below. A case is described
in which cervical vertebrae in four directions are to be photographed, which was
described in the comparative example.
An X-ray image is formed by representing differences in the transmittance of
the
type of the tissue structure in the body of the patient and the thickness thereof
as a photographic density. It is important for a good X-ray image that as much
information as possible be displayed in a readily visible manner. The position
of the patient, the direction of X-ray irradiation, photographic conditions, etc.,
exert large influences thereon. The photographic posture of the patient differs
according to the region for the object of photography, the photographic direction,
and the irradiation method, and further, according to the body type of the patient.
For example, in the "cervical vertebra, front" photography, the patient is made
to stand facing the X-ray generation apparatus, the head is slightly raised so
that the forehead is horizontal to the sensor panel, the ends of the cutting teeth
of the middle upper jaw are adjusted so that the plane including the right and
left nipple-shaped projections becomes horizontal, and further, the angle and position
of the X-ray tube
100 is adjusted so that X-rays can be emitted to the fourth
cervical vertebra of the patient from 15° below the fourth cervical vertebra.
If the photographic posture is unnatural, the alignment of the body of vertebra
cannot be faithfully represented or the region which should be taken note of is
hidden, thereby obstructing a diagnosis. The combination of this photographing
posture and the irradiation angle is sometimes called a "photographing method".
Examples of the photographing conditions include the setting of the X-ray
generation apparatus, such as the tube voltage, the tube current, and the irradiation
time; the setting of the irradiation area and the threshold value of the photo-timer;
the size of an image to be obtained; and the grid movement speed. In the case of
a photographic apparatus capable of digitally obtaining an X-ray image, image processing
to be performed on the obtained image exerts a large influence. Examples of the
image processing include a white correction process, a sensor output correction
process such as a gain correction process, a gradation process, changing of type
of a density conversion curve, changing of density and contrast, DR compression,
and QA processing such as highlight processing. The above-described photographic
conditions and the image processing are often determined by the photographic regions,
the photographic methods, and the physique of the patient. Accordingly, the photographic
request issued from the doctor includes the photographic regions, the photographic
methods, and the physique of the patient.
When patient reception has been completed, the patient proceeds to the surgery
department and submits a patient's case record and a magnetic card, in which the
ID number of the patient is recorded, to the receptionist of the surgery department.
The doctor calls the personal data of the patient inside the server of the network
of the intra-hospital information system called "HIS" by using the patient ID number
of the magnetic card as the search key at the terminal. The doctor performs a medical
examination while using this personal data as a reference. When photography of
cervical vertebra in four directions is to be performed as a result of the medical
examination, the doctor issues the photographic request information from the terminal
to the radiation section. For example, it is assumed that the photographic request
information is formed of four photographic request objects: the patient name 'Taro
Kanon" as the patient information, the ID number "123456789", the physique "normal",
and the photographing order "cervical vertebra AP," "cervical vertebra, foramen,"
"cervical vertebra LR," and "cervical vertebra, right rear oblique region." At
this time, the examination ID "0000001" is issued. This is a number different from
patient to patient, and is recorded on the magnetic card possessed by the patient.
The doctor, after issuing the order, passes this magnetic card to the patient and
instructs the patient to proceed to the radiation section.
This photographic request information issued from the terminal of the surgery
department is transferred to the X-ray photographic system of the photographic
room shown in FIG. 1 via the intra-hospital information system HIS and the radiology
information system RIS. This photographic request information is stored in the
photographic request information storing means
3 of FIG. 1. On the other
hand, when the patient arrives at the photographic room, the technician loads the
magnetic card into the information processing apparatus
1 in order to read
the examination ID number. The read examination ID number is immediately input
via the information input means
2. Then, in the photographic request information
extraction means
4, the photographic request information of the patient
is extracted by finding a matching examination ID number from the stored photographic
request information. The photographic object creation means
7 creates a
corresponding photographic object by referring to the photographic request object
ID, the photographic request name, the physique of the patient, etc., contained
in the extracted photographic request information. At this time, when the photographic
conditions and the image processing parameters are not contained in the photographic
request object, default values for each photographic object are set. In a case
in which photography of any one of the recumbent position and the standing position
is possible as in the "cervical vertebra, foramen," the default value for the type
of the sensor is also present. The photographic objects are displayed in a photographic
method object display section
117 shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B in the
sequence in which the doctor has instructed by the photographic object display
means
5. At this time, the status management section
8 sets the first
photographic object to the "selected state" and sets the status of the photographic
objects other than that to the "photographic wait state". For example, the "selected
state" is displayed in a state in which the key is pressed, and the "photographic
wait state" is displayed in a state in which the key is not pressed. The parameters
called by the photographic object ID are the photographic conditions, the image
processing parameters, the photographing range, and the set value of the photo-timer.
The photographic conditions are: the tube voltage of 72 kV, the tube current of
160 mA, the irradiation time of 56 msec, and the focal length of 120 cm. The image
processing parameters are: Img.Process=D1, 3.0;C10;L5 (as the parameters of Img.Process,
for example, the first area is at a density 3.0, the contrast γ=10, and a
fifth function is used as the density conversion table). The photographic range
is a 2688×2688 pixel area, and only the center of the photo-timer is enabled.
If these settings are performed individually, a lot of time and labor is taken,
and therefore, all are performed by pressing the photographic object. The parameters
are transferred to the X-ray generation apparatus
101 shown in FIG. 1 so
that the tube voltage, the tube current, and the irradiation time are set, and
the photographic range and the set values of the photo-timer, etc., are sent to
the standing position sensor unit
13 used for photography. Also, the image
processing parameters are set at this point in time.
The display at this time is as shown in FIG. 3. The name and the ID number of
the patient are displayed in the patient information display area
115; the
photographic conditions and the image processing conditions are displayed in the
photographic object parameter display area
116; and a state in which the
"cervical vertebra, front" is selected is displayed in the photographic object
display section
117. If these conditions are OK, the patient is properly
positioned, and photography is performed by irradiating X-rays. When, however,
a change is required, the change switch
119 is pressed to call a parameter
change dialogue such as that shown in FIG. 7 in order to change various parameters.
When all are completed, X-rays are irradiated to obtain an X-ray image. The photographed
image as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed in the photographic image display area
114,
and the photographic object status management section
8 changes the status
of the "cervical vertebra, front" of the photographic object to "photographed".
Also, since the photographic method object of the "cervical vertebra, front" is
changed to "photographed," the photographic object display means
5 displays
a reduced image of the "thoracic vertebra, front," instead of displaying the "cervical
vertabra, front," and displays performing information, such as the irradiation
time and the mAs value, on a performing information window
122 (see FIG.
5). This performing information is also added to the photographic object. Then,
the next "cervical vertebra, foramen" is set to the "selected state" on the basis
of the information the doctor has requested so that a photographic ready state
is reached. Here, if the "cervical vertebra, side" is desired to be photographed
earlier, the "cervical vertebra, side" switch of the photographic object display
section
117 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 5, the parameters of the photographic
object of the "cervical vertebra, side" are then transferred to the X-ray generation
apparatus
101 of FIG. 1 as described earlier, so that the tube voltage,
the tube current, and the irradiation time are set, the photographing range and
the set values of the photo-timer, etc. are sent to the standing position sensor
unit
103 used for photography. The image processing parameters are also
set at this point in time, and the system changes to a photographic ready state.
Furthermore, when a photograph is to be retaken, the "cervical vertebra, front"
key in which the reduced image of FIG. 3 is displayed is pressed. Then, since the
status of the photographic object of the "cervical vertebra, front" is determined
to be "photographed" by the photographic object status management section
8
of FIG. 1, the photographed image of the "cervical vertebra, front" is displayed
in the photographic image display area
114, the parameters of the photographic
object are displayed in the photographic object parameter display area
116,
and the system is made to transition to the re-photographic ready state in the
"cervical vertebra, front." FIG. 6 shows the display state at that time. When all
the photography has been completed in the above procedure, a photographic completion
key
123 is pressed so that the process proceeds to a photographic completion
process. The photographed images are rearranged in the requested sequence ("cervical
vertebra, front"→"cervical vertebra, foramen"→"cervical vertebra,
side'→"cervical vertebra, right rear oblique region") and are output to
the image server of RIS and the imager. The patient information, the information
of the changed photographic object, etc., together with the image information,
are also transferred to the image server. The transfer destination is set in advance
on a system setting screen (not shown).
The above sequence is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. In
steps S
1 and S
2, photographic request information is input from the
intra-hospital information system HIS, the radiology information system RIS, etc.,
and an examination ID is input from input means. When it is determined in step
S
3 that there is photographic request information corresponding to the examination
ID input in step S
2, the photographic objects are displayed in a list in
the requested order (step S
4). If the photographing key has not been pressed
or if there is an object which is not yet photographed, the first photographic
object of the objects which are not yet photographed is made selectable (step S
6).
After a confirmation is made as to whether it is a desired photographic object
(step S
7), the patient is properly positioned, and a photograph is taken
by irradiating X-rays (step S
9). After the photograph is taken, the photographed
image is displayed, and the reduced image thereof is embedded in the photographic
object and is displayed (step S
10). When there is no need to re-take (step
S
11), the process proceeds to the next photographic step (step S
5
and subsequent steps). When a re-take is to be performed, the photographed photographic
object in which re-taking is desired is selected, and the photographic ready state
is set to take a photograph (steps S
12, S
9, and S
10). When
there is no photographic object which has not been photographed or when the photographic
completion key is pressed (step S
5), the photographs are transferred to
the transfer destination in the requested sequence (step S
13), and photography
of the next examination ID is performed.
In a manner as described above, when a plurality of photographs are requested,
the display of the photographic object is replaced with the photographed image
after the photograph is taken. Consequently, there are advantages in that it can
be quickly determined for which of the photographing plans the current photographic
method is positioned, re-photographing can be performed at a timing desired by
the technician, and it is difficult to make a mistake because the image to be re-taken
is displayed. In addition, there is the advantage in that since photographs are
transferred to the image server and the imager in the sequence requested by the
doctor even if the photographs are taken in any sequence, it is easy for the doctor
to diagnose. Here, although a magnetic card is used to find the examination ID,
similar advantage can be obtained even if other information recording media, such
as bar codes or IC cards, are used.
In the X-ray photographic system described in the first embodiment, a magnetic
card is used to find the examination ID, and the photographs are displayed in the
photographic method object display section
117 by the photographic object
display means
5 in the sequence instructed by the doctor. However, facilities
exist in which no magnetic card is used. The reason for this is that there is a
risk in that a magnetic card might be lost or magnetic stripes might be damaged.
In that case, the oldest photographic request information in the examination order
list is selected, the first photographic object of the photographic request is
selected, and the system is made to transition to a photographic ready state. If
the examination ID is to be changed, the examination list is displayed, and a desired
examination ID is selected from the list.
Second Embodiment
The sequence of the photographic request objects is fixed by a doctor and a technician
and by implementation after being put into practical use in particular medical
facilities. Therefore, it is effective that a correspondence table is created in
advance and the photographic order is converted in accordance with the table. This
table is referred to when photographic request information is extracted by the
photographic request information extraction means
4 in FIG. 1 and when photographs
are transferred to the image server and the imager after the photographs are taken.
Then, the sequence of the photographic request objects is automatically converted
on the basis of the request information and the status of a technician switch
120
and a transfer destination switch
121.
FIG. 10 shows an example of this conversion table. In this case, the operation
and display section
18 is as shown in FIG. 8. Reference numeral
120
denotes a technician switch, which is a key for identifying a technician who controls
the X-ray photographic system. Reference numeral
121 denotes a transfer
destination switch, which is a switch for selecting a transfer destination. The
default of the transfer destination switch is determined by the photographic request
information. Assuming that a technician A is selected as the technician switch
120, when photographic request information of a surgeon A for thoracic vertebra
in four directions is received, a display is produced in the sequence of "cervical
vertebra, front"→"cervical vertebra, side"→"cervical vertebra, right
rear oblique region"→"cervical vertebra, foramen" as in the photographic
method object display section
117 of FIG. 8. Also, after the photographs
are taken, they are transferred to the requester in the requested sequence and
are transferred to the server shared for surgery in the sequence such as "cervical
vertebra, front"→"cervical vertebra, side"→"cervical vertebra, foramen"→"cervical
vertebra, right rear oblique region".
FIG. 11 is a flowchart according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Steps S
4′ and S
13′ are different from those of the
first embodiment. By referring to the photographic order conversion table in both
steps, the photographic sequence is rearranged in a predetermined sequence desired
by the doctor, and transferring is performed in a predetermined sequence.
In a manner as described above, the sequence can be automatically changed and
transferred for each transfer destination, thereby yielding the advantage that
the operation is easy.
In the above-described embodiments, a system comprising an X-ray photographic
apparatus is disclosed. In addition, without being limited to such a system, the
present invention can be applied to, for example, a system comprising a consumer
digital camera and printer.
An apparatus which changes a prespecified photographic sequence in order to take
a photograph and which prints out in a specified sequence different from the sequence
in which photography is performed actually is included in the present invention.
Another Embodiment of the Present Invention
The present invention may be applied to a system comprising a plurality of apparatuses
(for example, a host computer, an interface apparatus, a reader, a printer, etc.)
or to a single apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, etc.).
Also, an embodiment is included within the scope of the present invention,
in which program codes of software for realizing the above-described embodiments
are supplied to a computer within an apparatus or a system connected to various
devices so that the various devices are operated to realize the functions of the
above-described embodiments, and the computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or the
apparatus causes the various devices to operate in accordance with the stored program.
In this case, the program codes of the software themselves realize the functions
of the above-described embodiments, and the program codes themselves and a means,
for example, a storage medium storing such program codes, for supplying the program
codes to a computer, comprises the present invention.
As storage media for storing such program codes, for example, floppy disks, hard
disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tape, non-volatile
memory cards, ROMs, etc., may be used.
Not only in a case in which the functions of the above-described embodiments
are realized by executing supplied program codes by a computer, but also in a case
in which the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the program
codes in collaboration with an OS (operating system) running in a computer or in
collaboration with other application software, it is a matter of course that such
program codes are included in an embodiment of the present invention.
In addition, it is a matter of course that a case is also included in the present
invention, in which after supplied program codes are stored in a memory provided
in a function expansion unit connected to a function expansion board of a computer
or connected to a computer or a CPU which is provided in a function expansion board
or in a function storage unit, performs a part or the entirety of actual processing
in accordance with the instructions of the program codes, and the functions of
the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
It is to be understood that the present invention may also be applied to a system
including a plurality of apparatuses (e.g., radiation generating apparatuses, radiographic
apparatuses, image processing apparatuses, interface apparatuses, and image output
apparatuses, etc.) and to a single apparatus in which functions of these apparatuses
are integrated. When the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality
of apparatuses, the apparatuses are connected with one another via, for example,
an electric connecting device (communication device), an optical connecting device
(communication device), and/or a mechanical connecting device, and/or the like.
Furthermore, the present invention may also be applied to an image diagnosis
aiding system including a network (LAN and/or WAN, etc.) shown in FIG. 13. Referring
to FIG. 13, information regarding a patient that has come to a medical facility
2000 (e.g., carte information, examination information, according information,
etc.) is managed by a hospital information system (hereinafter abbreviated as HIS)
2001 including a computer or computer network, etc. A radiology department
information system (hereinafter referred to as RIS)
2002 including a computer
or computer network, etc. manages information in a radiology department, and for
example, it manages a radiography request information from the HIS in cooperation
with an imaging system (radiographic system)
2003 to be described later.
The imaging system
2003 is used for radiography, and it includes, for
example, at least one imaging apparatus
2004 for radiographing a patient
and outputting image data, and an imaging management/image processing server
2005
for management of radiographing based on radiography request information from the
RIS, etc., and/or image processing of radiographs, etc. The imaging system
2003
or the imaging apparatus
2004 includes, for example, the system shown in
FIG. 1 described above.
A picture archiving and communication system (hereinafter abbreviated as PACS)
2006 includes, as a function, archiving image data from the imaging system
2003 together with information required for management of the image data
and/or image diagnosis, etc. (also referred to as attached information) and providing
the image data (and the attached information) as needed. The PACS
2006 includes,
for example, a PACS server
2007 including a computer or computer network,
and an image storage apparatus
2008 for storing the image data and the attached information.
A diagnosis requesting and management system
2009 operates in cooperation
with the imaging system
2003 and/or the PACS
2006, etc., transmitting
diagnosis request information for image data acquired by the imaging system
2003
to a diagnostician automatically or based on an operation by an operator (e.g.,
radiological technologist) so as to serve the image data to image diagnosis (image
interpretation by the diagnostician), and executing management of progress of image
diagnosis, etc. The diagnosis requesting and management system
2009 includes
a computer or computer network, etc.
Diagnosis terminals (image viewers, etc.)
2010 and
2011 are
used by diagnosticians, and each of the diagnosis terminals
2010 and
2011
includes a computer or computer network, etc. that is capable of, for example,
receiving diagnosis request information from the diagnosis requesting and management
system
2009, retrieving image data and attached information from the PACS
2006, inputting diagnostic result by a diagnostician, transmitting information
indicating the result of diagnosis and/or completion of diagnosis to the diagnosis
requesting and management system
2009, etc.
The above components
2001 to
2011 are connected with one another
via a LAN (local area network)
2012. The diagnostic result information is
transmitted from the diagnosis requesting and management system
2009 or
directly from the diagnosis terminals
2010 and
2011 to at least one
of the hospital information system
2001, the radiology department information
system
2002, and the PACS
2006.
Destination of the diagnosis request from the diagnosis requesting and
management system
2009 is not limited to that within the medical facility
2000. For example, diagnosis may be requested to a diagnostician of another
medical facility via a WAN (wide area network) utilizing a public line or a private
line. FIG. 13 shows an example where the medical facility
2000 is connected
to another medical facility
2000′ via the Internet
3000. The
medical facility
2000′ herein includes, without limitation, components
2001′ to
2012′ similarly to the medical facility
2000.
The diagnosis requesting and management system
2009 of the medical facility
2000 is capable of requesting diagnosis to, for example, the medical facility
2000′ via the Internet
3000 and the diagnosis requesting and
management system
2009′ of the medical facility
2000′,
and obtaining result of diagnosis therefrom.
Furthermore, instead of the system in which diagnosis request information,
image data, and diagnosis result information are directly exchanged among medical
facilities, a system including a diagnosis intermediating facility
4000
may be implemented. In that case, for example, the diagnosis requesting and management
system
2009 of the medical facility
2000 transmits diagnosis request
information including image data to the diagnosis intermediating facility
4000
via the Internet
3000. The diagnosis intermediati
