JP5474589B2 - Image display system and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying an image based on image data on a monitor screen of a display device.

  In recent years, in the medical field that performs image diagnosis based on X-ray photographs, etc., the field of meteorology that performs weather forecasts based on satellite photographs, etc., and geology that performs geological surveys by analyzing satellite photographs and aerial photographs In various fields in which diagnosis, forecasting, investigation, and the like are performed based on a photographed image, such as the above field, so-called filmless, which does not use a developing film, is progressing. For example, in the medical field, image data generated by an imaging apparatus such as an X-ray imaging apparatus, CT (Computed Tomography), MR (Magnetic Resonance), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), or an ultrasonic imaging apparatus is stored in an image server apparatus. Stored. Then, an image based on the image data stored in the image server device is displayed on a high-detail monitor for image diagnosis, and diagnosis is performed by observing the state of a lesioned part and changes over time on the high-detail monitor. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  More specifically, image data generated by photographing a subject by various photographing devices is stored in an image server device, and is connected by terminal devices of each clinical department connected in a state where they can communicate with each other via a network. An image based on the image data stored in the image server device is displayed on a high-detail monitor arranged in each clinical department, and an image diagnosis based on the display image is performed by a doctor in each clinical department.

JP 2007-260064 A (paragraphs [0002], [0022] to [0031], FIGS. 1 to 3 etc.)

  In recent years, the introduction of electronic medical chart systems has progressed in medical institutions, and a large number of general-purpose inexpensive monitors (hereinafter referred to as “general-purpose monitors”) are arranged in each clinical department. A general-purpose monitor is generally configured at a lower cost and lower in image display performance than a high-detail monitor so that it can be introduced into medical institutions in large quantities. Therefore, the image diagnosis is performed by displaying an image based on the image data on the high-detail monitor, and by storing the image data in the image server device with the result of the image diagnosis, the general-purpose monitor It is used for confirming various information such as displaying an image based on image data and a diagnosis result based on the image together on the same screen.

  However, high-detail monitors are very expensive, and there are not enough high-detail monitors in each department. The performance of general-purpose monitors is improved, and the display images of general-purpose monitors and high-detail monitors can be seen at a glance. Therefore, in each clinical department, image diagnosis may be performed based on the display image of a general-purpose monitor where a high-detail monitor should be used. At this time, since the image display performance of the general-purpose monitor is low, an image based on all of the multiple types of image information included in the image data is not displayed on the general-purpose monitor, that is, an image with degraded image quality is displayed on the general-purpose monitor. There is a risk.

  However, since a doctor who is a diagnostician who performs image diagnosis cannot distinguish at a glance whether or not an image with degraded image quality is displayed on a general-purpose monitor, for example, a very fine lesion such as mammography is not displayed. A general-purpose monitor is also used in image diagnosis that needs to be diagnosed, which may lead to erroneous diagnosis results. Thus, no measures have been taken for notifying doctors of the image quality of display images of display devices such as general-purpose monitors and high-detail monitors, and improvements have been demanded.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of notifying the image quality of a display image of a display device.

In order to solve the above problems, an image display system according to the present invention includes an image data supply device that supplies image data, a display device that displays an image on a monitor screen, and image data supplied from the image data supply device. An image display system comprising: a terminal device that displays an image based on the display device for diagnosis, prediction, or investigation by observing the image; and the terminal device receives the image from the image data supply device. The image display capable of displaying an image based on all of the image information by comparing the image information and the image display performance with an acquisition unit that acquires the image information included in the data and the image display performance of the display device by determining whether a performance, all based on the plurality of types of the image information image displayed on the display device included in the image data Ku is determined whether the either ones, when not based on all the previous SL image information, among all of the image information included in the image data, the image said image display performance is missing can not be displayed based on the information, the notification image quality estimation means for estimating the image quality of the image displayed on the display device, which is estimated by the image quality estimation means, the image quality of the image displayed on the display device And an informing means (claim 1).

In order to solve the above-described problem, the program of the present invention is a monitor of a display device for diagnosis, prediction or investigation by observing an image based on image data supplied by an image data supply device. A program to be executed by a terminal device comprising a computer for displaying on a screen, the function for acquiring image information included in the image data from the image data supply device and the image display performance of the display device, and the image By comparing the information with the image display performance and determining whether the image display performance is capable of displaying an image based on all of the image information, the image displayed on the display device is converted into the image data. to determine whether those based on all of a plurality of types of the image information included, when not based on all pre-Symbol image information, Of all of the image information included in the serial image data, a function of said image display performance on the basis of the image information to be lost in order to not be displayed, to estimate the image quality of the image displayed on the display device, And a function for notifying the image quality of the image displayed on the display device, which is estimated by the image quality estimation function.

  In the invention configured as described above, the image information included in the image data from the image data supply device and the image display performance of the display device are acquired by the acquisition unit, and the display is performed based on the image information and the image display performance. It is determined whether the display image of the device is based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data, and when the display image is not based on all of the image information, the missing image information is extracted and the The image quality of the display image is estimated by the image quality estimation means.

  The image quality estimation means can easily determine whether or not an image based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data can be displayed on the display device from the acquired image information and image display performance. Thus, since it can be easily determined whether or not the display image of the display device is based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data, the display image is based on all the image information included in the image data. However, by extracting the missing image information, it is possible to easily estimate how much the image quality of the display image is degraded from the original image quality. And since the image quality of the said display image estimated by the image quality estimation means is alert | reported by an alerting | reporting means, the image quality of the display image of a display apparatus can be alert | reported reliably.

Further, the image quality estimation means, when the image displayed on the display device is based on all of the image information, the image quality of the image displayed on the display device based on the acquired image information May be specified (claim 2).

  If comprised in this way, if the display image of a display apparatus is based on all the multiple types of image information contained in image data, the image quality of the said display image will be the multiple types of image information contained in image data. Since the image quality when all are displayed on the display device, the image quality estimation means can easily specify the image quality of the display image based on the acquired image information.

The informing means may display information on the image quality of the image displayed on the display device estimated by the display image quality estimating means together with the image based on the image data on the display device. (Claim 3)

  With this configuration, an image based on the image data is displayed on the display device, and further, information about the image quality of the display image estimated by the display image quality estimation unit is displayed together with the display image. The image displayed on the display device based on the image data and the display quality of the display image can be reliably notified in association with each other.

  The acquisition unit acquires at least the number of pixels and the number of gradations of the image based on the image data as the image information, and acquires at least the resolution and the gradation of the display device as the image display performance of the display device. (Claim 4).

  With this configuration, at least the number of pixels and the number of gradations of the image based on the image data are acquired as the image information, and at least the resolution and the gradation of the display device are acquired as the image display performance of the display device. The quality estimation means can easily determine whether or not all pixels and gradations of the image based on the image data can be displayed on the display device, whereby the image quality of the image displayed on the display device is determined. Can be estimated easily.

  Further, the acquisition unit may further acquire a compression format of the image data as the image information.

  With this configuration, since the compression format of the image data is further acquired as the image information, for example, when image data with a reduced data amount by irreversible compression is supplied by the image data supply device. Even so, the image quality estimation means can reliably estimate the image quality of the display image based on the image data.

  In addition, the acquisition unit may acquire a display quality management state by periodically maintaining the display device as the image display performance.

  With this configuration, since the display quality management state is acquired as the image display performance by periodically maintaining the display device, for example, maintenance such as brightness and contrast calibration is performed on the display device. When it is not performed for a long time, the image displayed on the display device may be deteriorated. Even in such a case, the image quality estimation means determines the image quality of the display image on the display device. Can be estimated appropriately.

  According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, the image information included in the image data from the image data supply device and the image display performance of the display device are acquired by the acquisition means, and the image information and the image display performance are obtained. Based on this, it is determined whether the display image of the display device is based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data. If the display image is not based on all of the image information, the missing image information is determined. The image quality of the display image is extracted and estimated by the image quality estimation means, and the image quality of the display image estimated by the image quality estimation means is notified by the notification means. Can be reliably notified.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, if the display image of the display device is based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data, the image quality estimation means is based on the acquired image information. The image quality of the display image can be easily specified.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image based on the image data and the information related to the estimated image quality of the display image are displayed together on the display device. The image quality can be correlated and reliably notified.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, at least the number of pixels and the number of gradations of the image based on the image data are acquired as the image information, and at least the resolution and the gradation of the display device are acquired as the image display performance of the display device. Therefore, the image quality estimation means can easily determine whether or not all pixels and gradations of the image based on the image data can be displayed on the display device, and thereby displayed on the display device. The image quality of the captured image can be easily estimated.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, since the compression format of the image data is further acquired as the image information, the image quality estimation means is displayed on the display device based on the compression format of the acquired image data. The image quality of the image can be reliably estimated.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, as the image display performance, since the display quality management state is acquired by periodically maintaining the display device, the maintenance is not performed for a long period of time. Even when the image displayed on the screen may be deteriorated, the image quality estimation means can appropriately estimate the image quality of the display image of the display device.

It is a block diagram of one embodiment of an image display system of the present invention. It is an example of a display image. It is an example of a display image. It is an example of a display image. It is a flowchart for operation | movement description.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an image display system 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of the display image IMG, and shows an example in which an image based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data is displayed on the monitor 31. FIG. 3 is an example of the display image IMG, and FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example in which an image from which a part of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data is missing is displayed on the monitor 31. () Is a diagram showing an example in which an image of an area surrounded by a dotted line in (a) is enlarged and displayed. FIG. 4 is an example of the display image IMG and shows an example in which a partial area of the image based on the image data is displayed on the monitor 31. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image display system 1 of FIG.

(Image display system configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the image display system 1 of the present invention constitutes part of the functions of an electronic medical record system in a medical institution, and includes an inspection unit 10 and an image server device 20. And the examination unit 30 are connected to each other through the network 2 in a state where they can communicate with each other.

  The inspection unit 10 includes an X-ray imaging apparatus 11 as a CR (Computed Radiography) apparatus using an imaging plate or a flat panel X-ray detector, a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus 12, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance imaging) apparatus 13, an ultrasonic wave. Various imaging devices conforming to the DICOM standard such as the imaging device 14 and the mammography device 15 are provided, and image data is generated by imaging subjects (patients, examinees) by these imaging devices 11-15. The Note that in each of the imaging devices 11 to 15, image data is directly generated by imaging the patient or the examinee, or an image obtained by imaging the patient or the examinee is recorded on a recording medium such as a film. Then, image data is generated by reading an image from the recording medium by a reading device (not shown).

Information defined by the DICOM standard is stored in each image data generated by each imaging device 11-15. In addition, data generated by photographing the subject with each of the photographing devices 11 to 15 includes image information sufficient to perform image diagnosis.

  The image server device 20 has a function of storing various image data generated by the inspection unit 10, and stores various types of functions associated with image data input / output by executing various programs, and stores image data. And a hard disk (HD) device 22. Further, when an image diagnosis based on an image based on the image data generated in the inspection unit 10 has already been performed, the image server device 20 appends the diagnosis result to the image data as diagnostic information and stores it in the HD device 22. The image server 20 supplies image data to the terminal device 33 in response to a request from the terminal device 33 described later, and stores the image data supplied from the terminal device 33 in the HD device 22. In this embodiment, the HD device 22 is configured to store data such as image data. However, the HD device 22 is replaced with various storage devices such as a known large-capacity storage device or a large-capacity storage medium. Image data or the like may be stored.

  As described above, the inspection unit 10 and the image server device 20 function as the “image data supply device” of the present invention.

  The examination unit 30 includes a CRT or a liquid crystal monitor, and displays an image on a monitor screen, an input device 32 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and image data supplied from the image server device 20 is enlarged or reduced. A terminal device 33 that performs various image processing such as trimming processing and displays an image IMG based on the processed image data on the monitor 31 and an inspection device 34 for performing an echo inspection or the like in the examination unit 30 are provided. It has been.

  The monitor 31 includes an optical sensor 31a and is configured to detect the brightness of the room in which the monitor 31 is disposed. The monitor 31 may be configured by a monitor capable of color display or may be configured by a monochrome display monitor.

  The terminal device 33 is configured by a general computer provided with a CPU (not shown) and a storage device (not shown), and includes a communication unit 33a for communicating with the image server device 20 via the network 2. . The communication unit 33 a communicates with the monitor 31 and the input device 32 connected to the inspection device 34 and the terminal device 33. Then, based on the command input by the input device 32, the communication unit 33 a inputs necessary image data and diagnostic information attached to the image data from the image server device 20 to the terminal device 33 or acquires it by the inspection device 40. The input image data such as an echo image is input to the terminal device 33.

  In addition, the communication unit 33a receives image data including image data, various types of information such as diagnostic information, image data such as an echo image acquired by the inspection apparatus 34, based on a command input by the input device 32. The image is output to the image server device 20. The communication unit 33a includes an interface for reading and writing various data with an external storage medium 35 such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a USB memory. Based on a command input by the input device 32, the external storage device Various data such as image data stored in the medium 35 is read into the terminal device 33, and various data such as image data is written into the external storage medium 35.

  Then, the terminal device 33 performs various image processing such as enlargement, reduction, and trimming on the input image data based on the command input by the input device 32, and is based on the image data subjected to the various processing. The image IMG is displayed on the monitor 31. As described above, the inspection device 34 and the external storage medium 35 function as the “image supply device” of the present invention.

  The terminal device 33 is configured to realize the following functions by executing various programs stored in the storage device.

  The acquisition unit 33 b is provided in the monitor 31, image information included in image data supplied from an image data supply device such as the image server device 20, the inspection device 34, and the external storage medium 35, the image display performance of the monitor 31. The brightness of the room based on the optical sensor 31a is acquired. Further, the acquisition unit 33b acquires the number of pixels and the number of gradations of the image based on the supplied image data and the compression format of the supplied image data as image information.

  Further, the acquisition unit 33b communicates with the monitor 31 via the communication unit 33a, so that at least the resolution and the gradation of the monitor 31 stored in a memory (not shown) provided in the monitor 31 are used as the image display performance. get. In addition, the memory provided in the monitor 31 manages the display quality of the monitor 31 by regularly performing maintenance for calibrating brightness, contrast, and a gradation curve (Grayscale Standard Display Function) in the DICOM standard. The state is stored, and the acquisition unit 33b acquires the display quality management state stored in the memory of the monitor 31.

  Based on the image information acquired from the image data and the image display performance acquired from the monitor 31, the image quality estimation unit 33 c includes all of the plurality of types of image information in which the display image IMG of the monitor 31 is included in the image data. If the display image IMG is not based on all of the image information, the missing image information is extracted to estimate the image quality of the display image IMG. Further, when the display image IMG of the monitor 31 is based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data, the image quality estimation means 33c determines the display image IMG based on the image information acquired from the image data. Identify image quality.

  Further, the image quality estimation unit 33c determines whether the image IMG based on the image data is properly displayed on the monitor 31 based on the display quality management state of the monitor 31 among the image display performance acquired from the monitor 31. Is estimated. Further, the image quality estimation unit 33c estimates whether the image IMG displayed on the monitor 31 is in a state suitable for image diagnosis based on the image data based on the brightness of the room acquired from the monitor 31. . Further, the image quality estimation means 33c is suitable for image diagnosis based on the compression format of the supplied image data out of the image information acquired from the image data and the image IMG displayed on the monitor 31 based on the image data. Estimate whether or not

  In this embodiment, the terminal device 33 performs various image processing on the supplied image data based on the command input by the input device 32, and monitors the image IMG based on the image data subjected to the various processing. 31 can be displayed. Therefore, the image quality estimation means 33c estimates whether the image IMG displayed on the monitor 31 after being subjected to enlargement processing, reduction processing, trimming processing, and the like by the terminal device 33 is in a state suitable for image diagnosis.

  The notifying unit 33d has a function of notifying the image quality of the display image IMG estimated or specified by the image quality estimating unit 33c. In this embodiment, the information on the estimated image quality is monitored together with the image IMG based on the image data. Information is displayed by displaying it on 31. Specifically, in this embodiment, the notification unit 33d appropriately selects a plurality of color frames set in advance according to the image quality estimated by the image quality estimation unit 33c, and the image IMG based on the image data. The notification is made by displaying on the monitor 31 together.

  The notification method by the notification means 33d is not limited to the above-described method, and notification is performed by displaying “O”, “X”, “Δ”, “□”, etc. on the monitor 31 according to the estimated image quality. May be. In addition, a comment indicating the estimated image quality may be displayed on the monitor 31. Moreover, you may alert | report the image quality estimated with the audio | voice. As described above, the notification means 33d and the monitor 31 correspond to the “notification means” of the present invention.

  Next, the image quality estimated by the image quality estimation unit 33c and the notification mode performed by the notification unit 33d in accordance with the estimated image quality will be specifically described with an example. In this embodiment, for the purpose of preventing image diagnosis from being performed based on the display image IMG when the image IMG is displayed on the monitor 31 in a state not suitable for image diagnosis. The image quality of the display image IMG estimated by the quality estimation unit 33c is distinguished as to whether it is suitable for image diagnosis, and is notified by the notification unit 33d.

(A) A state in which the image IMG is displayed based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the supplied image data (optimum quality)
As shown in FIG. 2, when the monitor 31 has image display performance capable of displaying all of the number of pixels and the number of gradations included in the image based on the supplied image data, that is, the resolution and the gradation. In addition, assuming that the state in which the image IMG based on all the image information included in the image data is displayed on the monitor 31 is the optimum quality most suitable for image diagnosis, the image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c Is identified.

  As described above, when the display image IMG on the monitor 31 has the optimum quality, all the pixel data included in the image data are displayed in a one-to-one correspondence with each dot on the monitor 31 (hereinafter referred to as “pixel”). An image IMG in which all the gradations of each pixel data are reproduced is displayed on the monitor 31. Specifically, for example, if the monitor 31 has a resolution of 4 × 4 dots, a 3 × 3 pixel image IMG is displayed at the same pixel size using the 3 × 3 dot area of the monitor 31. be able to.

  In addition, when the display image IMG has the optimum quality, the notification unit 33d performs notification by displaying a blue frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor (see FIG. 2), and the monitor 31 is monochrome. When it is a monitor, notification is made by displaying “◯” on the monitor 31.

(B) A state in which a part of the image IMG based on the supplied image data is trimmed and displayed at the same pixel size (sub-optimal quality)
As shown in FIG. 4, when the monitor 31 does not have a resolution capable of displaying all of the number of pixels included in the image based on the supplied image data, a part of the image IMG based on the image data is pixel. When all the gradations of each pixel data are reproduced and the image IMG is displayed on the monitor 31, the image diagnosis can be performed, but all areas of the image IMG are displayed. The image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c, assuming that the quality is not optimal. Specifically, for example, if the monitor 31 has a resolution of 4 × 4 dots, a part of a 6 × 6 pixel image IMG can be displayed on the monitor 31 at the same pixel size.

  In addition, if the display image IMG is sub-optimal quality, the notification unit 33d performs notification by displaying a green frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor (see FIG. 4). When the monitor is a monochrome monitor, notification is made by displaying “□” on the monitor 31.

(C) State in which image IMG based on supplied image data is reduced and displayed (unsuitable quality)
As shown in FIG. 3A, when the monitor 31 does not have a resolution that can display all of the number of pixels included in the image based on the supplied image data, the image data is reduced and processed. When the entire image IMG based on is displayed, the image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c on the assumption that the quality is unsuitable for image diagnosis. That is, the image IMG is reduced and displayed on the monitor 31 by thinning out pixel data, and information necessary for image diagnosis may be lost by thinning out pixel data. Specifically, for example, if the monitor 31 has a resolution of 4 × 4 dots, the entire image IMG can be displayed on the monitor 31 by thinning out pixel data from a 6 × 6 pixel image IMG. .

  In addition, if the display image IMG is of inappropriate quality, the notification unit 33d performs notification by displaying a red frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor (see FIG. 3A). When 31 is a monochrome monitor, notification is performed by displaying “×” on the monitor 31.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, based on a command input by the input device 32, the area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 3A is trimmed and partially enlarged and displayed on the monitor 31. In addition, when all the gradations of each pixel data are reproduced, the image IMG is reduced by reducing some pixel data, but according to diagnostic departments such as orthopedics, image diagnosis If the image IMG can be performed, the image quality can be estimated, but the image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c on the assumption that the image IMG has a sub-optimal quality displayed in a reduced size.

  Further, the notification means 33d displays a yellow frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor if the display image IMG is trimmed and displayed on the monitor 31 to obtain sub-optimal quality. Notification is performed (see FIG. 3B), and when the monitor 31 is a monochrome monitor, notification is performed by displaying “Δ” on the monitor 31. It should be noted that the criteria for the reduction rate as to whether or not image diagnosis is possible when the display image IMG is displayed in a reduced manner varies depending on each diagnostic department, and various academic studies have been conducted. Therefore, in this embodiment, the image quality estimation means 33c is configured to estimate the image quality based on a reduction ratio that can be diagnosed by an image that is academically proven.

(D) A state in which the entire image IMG based on the supplied image data is enlarged and displayed (sub-optimal quality)
When the monitor 31 has a resolution larger than the number of pixels included in the image based on the supplied image data, the image IMG based on the image data is enlarged and displayed on the entire screen of the monitor 31. In addition, when all of the gradations of each pixel data are reproduced and the image IMG is displayed, the image quality estimation is performed assuming that the image IMG can be performed but the image IMG is enlarged and displayed with a sub-optimal quality. The image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the means 33c.

  That is, the image IMG is enlarged and displayed on the monitor 31 by complementing the pixel data by various methods, and there is no possibility of missing information necessary for image diagnosis by complementing the pixel data. . Specifically, for example, if the monitor 31 has a resolution of 4 × 4 dots, the image IMG is displayed on the entire monitor 31 by complementing pixel data from the image IMG of 3 × 3 pixels.

  In addition, since the display image IMG has sub-optimal quality, the notification unit 33d performs notification by displaying a green frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor (see FIG. 4). When the monitor is a monochrome monitor, notification is made by displaying “□” on the monitor 31.

(E) Image data is color image data, but the monitor 31 can only display in monochrome (unsuitable quality)
Since an image based on the image data cannot be displayed, the image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c on the assumption that the image quality is unsuitable for image diagnosis. Further, the notification means 33d performs notification by displaying “x” on the monitor 31 because the display image IMG has an inappropriate quality.

(F) State in which the number of gradations of each pixel data of the image IMG included in the image data is larger than the gradation of the monitor 31 (unsuitable quality)
Since an image based on the image data cannot be displayed, the image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c on the assumption that the image quality is unsuitable for image diagnosis. Generally, when the subject is captured in monochrome by the medical imaging devices 11 to 15, the number of gradations of the generated image data is set to be large so that information regarding the shadow of the monochrome image is not lost. This corresponds to a case where monochrome image data having a large number of gradations is displayed on the monitor 31 having a small gradation.

  Since the display image IMG has an inappropriate quality, the notification unit 33d performs notification by displaying a red frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor (see FIG. 3A). When the monitor is a monochrome monitor, notification is made by displaying “×” on the monitor 31.

(G) The monitor 31 is not regularly maintained (unsuitable quality)
An image that can display an image based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in image data when maintenance such as calibration of the brightness, contrast, and gradation curve of the monitor 31 is not regularly performed. Even if the monitor 31 has display performance, the image displayed on the monitor 31 is highly likely to deteriorate. Therefore, the image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c, assuming that the quality is unsuitable for image diagnosis.

  Since the display image IMG has an inappropriate quality, the notification unit 33d performs notification by displaying a red frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor (see FIG. 3A). When the monitor is a monochrome monitor, notification is made by displaying “×” on the monitor 31.

(H) The state in which the compression format of the image data is irreversible compression that cannot restore the image IMG in a state appropriate for image diagnosis (unsuitable quality)
For example, image data supplied by each image data supply device 20, 34, 35 for reference by the monitor 31, and the compression format of the image data is irreversible compression. The image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c on the assumption that the display image IMG obtained by restoring the image data is unsuitable for image diagnosis.

  Since the display image IMG has an inappropriate quality, the notification unit 33d performs notification by displaying a red frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor (see FIG. 3A). When the monitor is a monochrome monitor, notification is made by displaying “×” on the monitor 31.

(I) The room brightness is not suitable for diagnostic imaging (unsuitable quality)
If the brightness of the room in which the image diagnosis is performed is not suitable for the image diagnosis, the image quality of the display image IMG is determined by the image quality estimation means 33c on the assumption that the display image IMG of the monitor 31 is unsuitable for image diagnosis. Is estimated. Generally, the brightness, contrast, and gradation curve of the monitor 31 are calibrated on the assumption that image diagnosis is performed at a predetermined brightness, and the brightness of the room is assumed at the time of image diagnosis. This corresponds to when the brightness is significantly different.

  Since the display image IMG has an inappropriate quality, the notification unit 33d performs notification by displaying a red frame around the image IMG when the monitor 31 is a color monitor (see FIG. 3A). When the monitor is a monochrome monitor, notification is made by displaying “×” on the monitor 31.

  As described above, the notification of the image quality estimated based on whether or not the image is suitable for image diagnosis is appropriately performed by the notification means 33d. Therefore, in the medical institution, the display image IMG on the monitor 31 is not suitable for image diagnosis. It is possible to prevent the image diagnosis from being performed when the quality is high.

  In the above-described image quality estimated by the image quality estimation unit 33c and the notification mode performed by the notification unit 33d according to the estimated image quality, the notification is performed even when the display image IMG of the monitor 31 has the optimum quality. However, the notification by the notification unit 33d may be performed only when the image IMG is displayed on the monitor 31 with unsuitable quality unsuitable for image diagnosis. Needless to say, the number of the examination units 30 is not limited to one, and may be increased according to the number of medical departments. In addition, when the display image IMG is of inappropriate quality, image diagnostics such as changing the size of the image IMG displayed on the monitor 31 based on the image data, darkening the room, or performing maintenance on the monitor 31 are performed. A comment that suggests a policy for enabling the state may be displayed on the monitor 31.

(Image display processing)
An example of the image display process in the image display system 1 described above will be described with reference to FIG. First, image data is supplied to the terminal device 33 from the image data supply device such as the image server device 20, the inspection device 34, and the external storage medium 35 via the communication means 33a (step S1).

  Next, the image information included in the supplied image data is acquired by the acquisition unit 33b (step S2), and the image display performance of the monitor 31 and the brightness of the room are acquired by the acquisition unit 33b (step S3). Subsequently, based on the image information, the image display performance, the room brightness, and the state in which the image IMG is displayed on the monitor 31 (enlarged state, reduced state, trimming state, etc.) acquired in step S2 and step S3. The image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimating means 33c (step S4).

  And according to the image quality estimated in step S4, the alerting | reporting means 33d alert | reports and a process is complete | finished.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, at least the image information included in the image data and the image display performance of the monitor 31 are acquired by the acquisition unit 33b, and the acquired image information, image display performance, and the like are obtained. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the display image IMG of the monitor 31 is based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data. If the display image IMG is not based on all of the image information, the missing image Information is extracted, and the image quality of the display image IMG is estimated by the image quality estimation means 33c. If the display image IMG of the monitor 31 is based on all of a plurality of types of image information included in the image data, it is acquired. Based on the image information, the image quality of the display image IMG is specified by the image quality estimating means 33b, and the image quality estimating means 33 is specified. Since the image quality of the estimated or identified the display image IMG is notified by the notification unit 33d, it is possible to reliably notify the image quality of the display image IMG of the monitor 31.

  Further, since the image IMG based on the image data and the information on the estimated image quality of the display image IMG are displayed together on the monitor 31, the image IMG based on the image data and the image quality of the display image IMG are obtained. Corresponding information can be reliably notified.

  Further, since at least the number of pixels and the number of gradations of the image IMG based on the image data are acquired as the image information, and at least the resolution and the gradation level of the monitor 31 are acquired as the image display performance of the monitor 31, the image quality estimation means 33c can easily determine whether or not all the pixels and gradations of the image IMG based on the image data can be displayed on the monitor 31, whereby the image quality of the image IMG displayed on the monitor 31 can be determined. Can be estimated easily.

  Further, since the compression format of the image data is further acquired as the image information, the image quality estimation means 33c ensures the image quality of the image IMG displayed on the monitor 31 based on the acquired compression format of the image data. Can be estimated.

  In addition, as the image display performance, the display quality management state is acquired by periodically maintaining the monitor 31. Therefore, the maintenance is not performed for a long time, and the image IMG displayed on the monitor 31 deteriorates. Even when there is a fear, the image quality estimation means 33c can appropriately estimate the image quality of the display image IMG on the monitor 31.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image display system of the present invention constitutes a part of the function of the electronic medical record system in a medical institution. However, various types of diagnosis, forecasting, and investigation are performed based on captured images. In this field, the image display system of the present invention can be widely applied.

  Further, the image quality estimated by the image quality estimation unit 33c and the notification mode performed by the notification unit 33d according to the estimated image quality are not limited to the above example, and an image display system is applied. Various changes can be made according to the demands of medical institutions, and various changes can be made according to the demands of the technical field to which the image display system is applied. For example, if the darkness of the room when performing image diagnosis based on the display image IMG of the monitor 31 is not particularly required, the brightness of the room based on the optical sensor 31a is considered when estimating the image quality. Not necessary.

  In the above-described embodiment, a still image has been described as an example, but it is needless to say that moving image data may be adopted as the image data. In addition, when estimating the image quality based on the compression format of the image data, if the image quality is estimated based on various known compression formats according to a standard according to the technical field to which the image display system of the present invention is applied. Good. In the above-described embodiment, the number of gradations of the image IMG based on the image data indicates the brightness level of each pixel, and the gradation level of the monitor 31 indicates the brightness level at which each bit can be displayed. If the monitor 31 has a degree of gradation equal to or greater than the number of gradations of the image IMG, the monitor 31 can display the image IMG by reproducing all the gradations of each pixel data of the image data.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image display system, 10 ... Inspection | inspection part (image data supply apparatus), 20 ... Image server apparatus (image data supply apparatus), 31 ... Monitor (display apparatus, alerting means), 33 ... Terminal apparatus, 33b ... Acquisition means, 33c: Image quality estimation means, 33d: Notification means, 34: Inspection apparatus (image data supply apparatus), 35: External storage medium (image data supply apparatus), IMG: Image

Claims (7)

An image data supply device for supplying image data;
A display device for displaying an image on a monitor screen;
In an image display system comprising: a terminal device that displays an image based on image data supplied from the image data supply device on the display device for diagnosis, prediction, or investigation by observing the image;
The terminal device
Acquisition means for acquiring image information included in the image data from the image data supply device and image display performance of the display device;
By determining whether or not the image display performance capable of displaying an image based on all of the image information as compared with said image display capability and the image information, the image displayed on the display device the image to determine whether those based on all of a plurality of types of the image information included in the data, when not based on all the previous SL image information, among all of the image information included in the image data, based on the image information to be lost because it can not be displayed by the image display performance, the image quality estimation means for estimating the image quality of the image displayed on the display device,
An informing means for informing the image quality of the image displayed on the display device estimated by the image quality estimating means. The image quality estimation means, wherein when an image displayed on the display device is based on all of the image information, based on the acquired image information, identifying the image quality of the image displayed on the display device The image display system according to claim 1. The notification means performs notification by displaying, on the display device, information on the image quality of the image displayed on the display device estimated by the display image quality estimation device together with an image based on the image data. Item 3. The image display system according to Item 1 or 2.   The acquisition means acquires at least the number of pixels and the number of gradations of an image based on the image data as the image information, and acquires at least the resolution and the gradation of the display device as the image display performance of the display device. Item 4. The image display system according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   The image display system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit further acquires a compression format of the image data as the image information.   The image display system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the image display performance, a display quality management state by periodically maintaining the display device. A program to be executed by a terminal device comprising a computer that displays an image based on image data supplied by an image data supply device on a monitor screen of a display device for diagnosis, prediction or investigation by observing the image ,
A function of acquiring image information included in the image data from the image data supply device and image display performance of the display device;
By determining whether or not the image display performance capable of displaying an image based on all of the image information as compared with said image display capability and the image information, the image displayed on the display device the image to determine whether those based on all of a plurality of types of the image information included in the data, when not based on all the previous SL image information, among all of the image information included in the image data, a function based on the image information to be lost because it can not be displayed by the image display performance, estimates the image quality of the image displayed on the display device,
A program for realizing a function for notifying an image means of an image quality of an image displayed on the display device estimated by the function of image quality estimation.

Images