JP7706977B2 - OUTPUT TARGET SELECTION DEVICE, OUTPUT SYSTEM, OUTPUT TARGET SELECTION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to an output target selection device, an output system, an output target selection method, and a program.

Patent document 1 discloses an image selection device that includes a storage means for storing a plurality of images, a screen for displaying a list of images stored in the storage means, an image designation means for designating a specific image from the list of images displayed on the screen, an attribute item designation means for designating specific attribute items of the image, and an image collective selection means for collectively selecting images that have the same attributes as those in the designated attribute items of the designated images when the specific image is designated by the image designation means and the specific attribute items are designated by the attribute item designation means.

Patent document 2 discloses an electronic device having a batch selection means for selecting multiple images that meet specific conditions at once, a cancellation acceptance means for accepting an operation to select an image to be removed from the selection targets from among the images selected at once by the batch selection means, and a control means for controlling the application of a predetermined process to images selected at once by the batch selection means that have not been selected as images to be removed from the selection targets by the cancellation acceptance means.

Patent document 3 discloses an image reading device that reads a document, to which an external storage medium can be connected for storing image data obtained by reading the document, and that includes a storage capacity detection means for detecting the storage capacity available for storing information in the external storage medium at the time the document is read, a capacity comparison means for comparing the capacity of the image data obtained by reading the document with the storage capacity of the external storage medium, a data extraction means for extracting data to be moved to another storage medium from data already stored in the external storage medium, and a data transfer means for transferring the data extracted by the data extraction means to the other storage medium.

JP 2001-134685 A JP 2016-122387 A JP 2021-018651 A

One embodiment of the technology disclosed herein provides an output target selection device, an output system, an output target selection method, and a program that can easily select medical image data that a user intends from among multiple medical image data as the output target, compared to when the medical image data selected is selected based solely on multiple medical image data.

A first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an output target selection device that includes a processor, the processor assigning an identifier to the incidental information associated with each of a plurality of medical image data, indicating whether or not the information included in the incidental information satisfies a first condition, presenting a list screen on which the identifiers are displayed for each medical image data, accepting an instruction to select or not select the plurality of medical image data via the list screen, and outputting the medical image data selected from the plurality of medical image data in accordance with the instruction accepted via the list screen.

A second aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an output target selection method that includes assigning an identifier to the incidental information associated with each of a plurality of medical image data, indicating whether or not the information included in the incidental information satisfies a first condition, outputting a list screen displaying a list of identifiers for each medical image data, accepting an instruction to select or not select the plurality of medical image data via the list screen, and setting, as an output target, the medical image data selected from the plurality of medical image data in accordance with the instruction accepted via the list screen.

A third aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a program for causing a computer to execute processes including assigning, to the associated information associated with each of a plurality of medical image data, an identifier indicating whether or not the information included in the associated information satisfies a first condition, outputting a list screen displaying a list of identifiers for each medical image data, accepting an instruction to select or not select the plurality of medical image data via the list screen, and setting, from the plurality of medical image data, the medical image data selected in accordance with the instruction accepted via the list screen as the output target.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an output system. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical system of the output target selection device; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical system of an image management server; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical system of the output device. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of main functions of a processor included in a client terminal; 2 is a block diagram showing an example of main functions of a processor included in the server. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of main functions of a processor included in the image management server. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of main functions of a processor included in the output device. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of processing contents of a display control unit, a generation unit, and a first transmission/reception unit of the client terminal when search conditions and the like are accepted by the client terminal. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the processing contents of a third transmitting/receiving unit and a searching unit of the image management server. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the processing contents of a second transmitting/receiving unit and a determining unit of the server. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the processing contents of a second transmitting/receiving unit, a determining unit, and an attaching unit of the server. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of processing contents of a display control unit, a generation unit, and a first transmission/reception unit of a client terminal when identifier-added auxiliary information is transmitted from a server to the client terminal. FIG. FIG. 13 is a screen diagram showing an example of an aspect in which a check mark is placed in a subcategory designation box included in a selected major category by selecting a part of the major category on the search result list screen. FIG. 13 is a screen diagram showing an example of a state in which check marks have been removed from some of the subcategory designation boxes on the search result list screen. 16 is a screen diagram showing an example of a form of the search result list screen when a slice image collective selection/non-selection key is turned on on the search result list screen shown in FIG. 15 . FIG. FIG. 13 is a screen diagram showing an example of the appearance of the search result list screen when a report collective selection/deselection key is turned on with a major category selected in the search result list screen. 13 is a screen diagram showing an example of the form of a search result list screen when the other hospital collective selection/non-selection key is turned on. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which an output target list is generated by a client terminal, and the generated output target list is transmitted to an image management server via a server and an output device. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the processing content of the image management server when an output target list is transmitted from an output device to the image management server; FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the processing contents of the output device when medical image data 96 is transmitted from the image management server to the output device. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a first output target selection process. This is a continuation of the flowchart shown in Figure 22A. This is a continuation of the flowchart shown in Figure 22B. This is a continuation of the flowchart shown in Figure 22C. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a second output target selection process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an image management process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an output process. FIG. 11 is a screen diagram showing a first modified example of a search result list screen. FIG. 13 is a screen diagram showing a second modified example of the search result list screen. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which a first output target selection process program stored in a storage medium is installed in a client terminal. FIG. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which a second output target selection process program stored in a storage medium is installed in a server.

An example of an embodiment of an output target selection device, an output system, an output target selection method, and a program related to the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, an output system 10 includes an output target selection device 12, an image management server 14, and an output device 16. The output system 10 is a system used for at least one facility (e.g., a hospital) that handles multiple medical images. Types of medical images include, for example, plain X-ray images, CT (Computed Tomography) images, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) images, ultrasound tomography images, and endoscopic examination images.

The image management server 14 is a server that manages multiple medical images. One example of an image management server 14 is a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems). The output device 16 is a device that outputs medical images provided by the image management server 14 to the outside. The output target selection device 12 is a device that selects at least one medical image to be output to the output device 16 from the multiple medical images managed by the image management server 14, and notifies the output device 16 of the selection result.

The output system 10 is an example of an "output system" according to the technology of the present disclosure, the output target selection device 12 is an example of an "output target selection device" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the output device 16 is an example of an "output device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

The output target selection device 12 includes a server 18 and a client terminal 20. The server 18 and the client terminal 20 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 22. An example of the network 22 is a local area network (LAN). Note that the LAN is merely an example, and the network 22 may be composed of at least one of a LAN, a wide area network (WAN), etc.

The image management server 14, the output device 16, and the server 18 are communicatively connected to each other via a network 24. An example of the network 24 is a WAN. Note that the WAN is merely an example, and the network 24 may be composed of at least one of a LAN, a WAN, etc.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the server 18 includes a processor 26, a storage 28, a RAM (random access memory) 30, a first communication I/F (Interface) 32, and a second communication I/F 34. The processor 26, the storage 28, the RAM 30, the first communication I/F 32, and the second communication I/F 34 are connected to a bus 36.

The processor 26 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the entire server 18. Here, a CPU is given as an example of the processor 26, but this is merely one example, and the processor 26 may have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The GPU operates under the control of the CPU. The processor 26 may also be one or more CPUs with integrated GPU functionality, or one or more CPUs without integrated GPU functionality.

A memory is connected to the processor 26. The memory includes a storage 28 and a RAM 30. The storage 28 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and various parameters. Examples of the storage 28 include a flash memory (e.g., an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read only memory) and an SSD (Solid State Drive)) and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Note that the flash memory and the HDD are merely examples, and at least one of a flash memory, an HDD, a magnetoresistive memory, and a ferroelectric memory may be used as the storage 28.

RAM 30 is a memory in which information is temporarily stored, and is used as a work memory by processor 26. Examples of RAM 30 include dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM).

The first communication I/F 32 is connected to the network 22. The client terminal 20 is connected to the network 22, and the first communication I/F 32 is responsible for sending and receiving information to and from the client terminal 20 via the network 22. For example, the first communication I/F 32 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 26 to the client terminal 20 via the network 22. The first communication I/F 32 also receives information transmitted from the client terminal 20 via the network 22, and outputs the received information to the processor 26 via the bus 36.

The second communication I/F 34 is connected to the network 24. The image management server 14 is connected to the network 24, and the second communication I/F 34 controls the exchange of information with the image management server 14 via the network 24. For example, the second communication I/F 34 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 26 to the image management server 14 via the network 24. The second communication I/F 34 also receives information transmitted from the image management server 14 via the network 24, and outputs the received information to the processor 26 via the bus 36. The output device 16 is also connected to the network 24, and the second communication I/F 34 controls the exchange of information with the output device 16 via the network 24. For example, the second communication I/F 34 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 26 to the output device 16 via the network 24. The second communication I/F 34 also receives information transmitted from the output device 16 via the network 24, and outputs the received information to the processor 26 via the bus 36. In this embodiment, the first communication I/F 32 and the second communication I/F 34 are connected to the client terminal 20 or the image management server 14 via different networks (network 22 and network 24), but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. The client terminal 20 and the image management server 14 may be connected via a single communication I/F or a single network. In this embodiment, the first communication I/F 32 and the second communication I/F 34 are connected to the client terminal 20, the image management server 14, or the output device 16 via different networks (network 22 and network 24), but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. The client terminal 20, the image management server 14, and the output device 16 may be connected via a single communication I/F or a single network.

The client terminal 20 includes a processor 38, storage 40, RAM 42, a communication I/F 44, a reception device 46, and a display 48. The processor 38, storage 40, RAM 42, communication I/F 44, reception device 46, and display 48 are connected to a bus 50. The server 18, processor 38, storage 40, RAM 42, and communication I/F 44 are examples of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processors 26 and 38 are examples of a "processor" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

The processor 38 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the entire client terminal 20. Here, a CPU is given as an example of the processor 38, but this is merely one example, and the processor 38 may have a CPU and a GPU. The GPU operates under the control of the CPU. The processor 38 may also be one or more CPUs that have integrated GPU functionality, or one or more CPUs that do not have integrated GPU functionality.

A memory is connected to the processor 38. The memory includes a storage 40 and a RAM 42. The storage 40 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and various parameters. Examples of the storage 40 include a flash memory (e.g., an EEPROM and an SSD) and a HDD. Note that the flash memory and the HDD are merely examples, and at least one of a flash memory, an HDD, a magnetoresistive memory, and a ferroelectric memory may be used as the storage 40.

RAM 42 is a memory in which information is temporarily stored, and is used as a work memory by processor 38. Examples of RAM 42 include DRAM and SRAM.

The communication I/F 44 is connected to the first communication I/F 32 of the server 18 via the network 22, and is responsible for sending and receiving information to and from the server 18 via the network 22. For example, the communication I/F 44 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 38 to the server 18 via the network 22. The communication I/F 44 also receives information transmitted from the server 18 via the network 22, and outputs the received information to the processor 38 via the bus 50.

The reception device 46 receives instructions from a user of the client terminal 20. Examples of the user of the client terminal 20 include a doctor and/or an engineer. The instructions received by the reception device 46 are acquired by the processor 38. Examples of the reception device 46 include a keyboard and/or a mouse. The keyboard and/or mouse are merely examples, and instead of the keyboard and/or mouse, a touch panel and/or a tablet may be used together with the keyboard and/or mouse. In addition, the reception device 46 may be at least one of a touch panel that receives proximity input, a tablet that receives proximity input, a voice input device that receives voice input, and a sensor that receives gesture input.

The display 48 displays various information (e.g., images and text) under the control of the processor 38. Examples of the display 48 include an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or a liquid crystal display.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image management server 14 includes a processor 52, a storage 54, a RAM 56, and a communication I/F 58. The processor 52, the storage 54, the RAM 56, and the communication I/F 58 are connected to a bus 60.

The processor 52 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the entire image management server 14. Here, a CPU is given as an example of the processor 52, but this is merely one example, and the processor 52 may have a CPU and a GPU. The GPU operates under the control of the CPU. The processor 52 may also be one or more CPUs with integrated GPU functionality, or one or more CPUs without integrated GPU functionality.

Memory is connected to the processor 52. The memory includes a storage 54 and a RAM 56. The storage 54 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and various parameters. Examples of the storage 54 include a flash memory (e.g., an EEPROM and an SSD) and a HDD. Note that the flash memory and the HDD are merely examples, and at least one of a flash memory, an HDD, a magnetoresistive memory, and a ferroelectric memory may be used as the storage 54.

RAM 56 is a memory in which information is temporarily stored, and is used as a work memory by processor 52. Examples of RAM 56 include DRAM and SRAM.

The communication I/F 58 is connected to the network 24. The server 18 is connected to the network 24, and the communication I/F 58 controls the exchange of information with the server 18 via the network 24. For example, the communication I/F 58 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 52 to the server 18 via the network 24. The communication I/F 58 also receives information transmitted from the server 18 via the network 24, and outputs the received information to the processor 52 via the bus 60. The output device 16 is also connected to the network 24, and the communication I/F 58 controls the exchange of information with the output device 16 via the network 24. For example, the communication I/F 58 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 52 to the output device 16 via the network 24. The communication I/F 58 also receives information transmitted from the output device 16 via the network 24, and outputs the received information to the processor 52 via the bus 60.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the output device 16 includes a processor 62, a storage 64, a RAM 66, a communication I/F 68, and a data recording device 70. The processor 62, the storage 64, the RAM 66, the communication I/F 68, and the data recording device 70 are connected to a bus 72.

The processor 62 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the entire output device 16. Here, a CPU is given as an example of the processor 62, but this is merely one example, and the processor 62 may have a CPU and a GPU. The GPU operates under the control of the CPU. The processor 62 may also be one or more CPUs that have integrated GPU functionality, or one or more CPUs that do not have integrated GPU functionality.

Memory is connected to the processor 62. The memory includes a storage 64 and a RAM 66. The storage 64 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs and various parameters. Examples of the storage 64 include a flash memory (e.g., an EEPROM and an SSD) and a HDD. Note that the flash memory and the HDD are merely examples, and at least one of a flash memory, an HDD, a magnetoresistive memory, and a ferroelectric memory may be used as the storage 64.

RAM 66 is a memory in which information is temporarily stored, and is used as a work memory by processor 62. Examples of RAM 66 include DRAM and SRAM.

The communication I/F 68 is connected to the network 24. The server 18 is connected to the network 24, and the communication I/F 68 controls the exchange of information with the server 18 via the network 24. For example, the communication I/F 68 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 62 to the server 18 via the network 24. The communication I/F 68 also receives information transmitted from the server 18 via the network 24, and outputs the received information to the processor 62 via the bus 72. The image management server 14 is also connected to the network 24, and the communication I/F 68 controls the exchange of information with the image management server 14 via the network 24. For example, the communication I/F 68 transmits information in response to a request from the processor 62 to the image management server 14 via the network 24. The communication I/F 68 also receives information transmitted from the image management server 14 via the network 24, and outputs the received information to the processor 62 via the bus 72.

The data recording device 70 records the data to be recorded 74 on the recording medium 76 under the control of the processor 62. Then, the data recording device 70 discharges the recording medium 76 on which the data to be recorded 74 has been recorded to the outside. The data recording device 70 receives the data to be recorded 74 from the processor 62, for example. The data to be recorded 74 includes, for example, medical image data 96 (see Figures 10, 20, and 21) described below. Examples of the recording medium 76 include a CD (Compact Disc) and/or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). In addition to the above, for example, a memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a magnetic tape, and/or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. may be used as the recording medium 76. In addition, when a printer is used as the data recording device 70, examples of the recording medium 76 include paper and/or a translucent sheet, etc.

Generally, a server such as a PACS (image management server 14 in the example shown in Figures 1 to 4) stores multiple medical image data in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format, and for example, in order to share medical image data obtained at one's own hospital with other hospitals, the medical image data is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD and/or DVD, and the medical image data is output from the server to the outside. The medical image data recorded on the recording medium, i.e., the medical image data to be output, is selected by a medical professional (e.g., a doctor, a nurse, and/or a technician) via a screen that displays a list of multiple medical image data.

However, to determine whether the medical image data to be output is data that requires careful handling, medical professionals must check the amount of data in the medical image data, whether a report is attached to the medical image data, and whether the medical image data was obtained at their own hospital or another hospital. For this reason, a great deal of effort is required for medical professionals to select the medical image data they want to output.

In consideration of these circumstances, the output target selection device 12 of the output system 10 according to this embodiment performs a first output target selection process (see FIG. 5) and a second output target selection process (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the client terminal 20 performs the first output target selection process (see FIG. 5), and the server 18 performs the second output target selection process (see FIG. 6).

As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the client terminal 20, a first output target selection processing program 80 is stored in the storage 40. The processor 38 reads the first output target selection processing program 80 from the storage 40, and executes the read first output target selection processing program 80 on the RAM 42 to perform the first output target selection processing. The first output target selection processing is realized by the processor 38 operating as a display control unit 38A, a generation unit 38B, and a first transmission/reception unit 38C.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the server 18, the storage 28 stores a second output target selection processing program 82. The processor 26 reads the second output target selection processing program 82 from the storage 28, and executes the read second output target selection processing program 82 on the RAM 30 to perform the second output target selection processing. The second output target selection processing is realized by the processor 26 operating as the second transmission/reception unit 26A, the determination unit 26B, and the assignment unit 26C. Note that the first output target selection processing program 80 (see FIG. 5) and the second output target selection processing program 82 are examples of "programs" related to the technology disclosed herein.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 7, in the image management server 14, an image management processing program 84 is stored in the storage 54. The processor 52 reads the image management processing program 84 from the storage 54 and executes the read image management processing program 84 on the RAM 56 to perform image management processing. The image management processing is realized by the processor 52 operating as a third transmission/reception unit 52A and a search unit 52B.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the output device 16, an output processing program 86 is stored in the storage 64. The processor 62 reads the output processing program 86 from the storage 64 and executes the read output processing program 86 on the RAM 66 to perform output processing. The output processing is realized by the processor 62 operating as the fourth transmission/reception unit 62A and the recording control unit 62B.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the client terminal 20, the display control unit 38A determines whether a condition (hereinafter also referred to as a "search start condition") for causing the image management server 14 to start searching for data (e.g., medical image data 96 and auxiliary information 98 (see FIG. 10) described below) is satisfied. One example of a search start condition is that an instruction to cause the image management server 14 to start searching for data has been accepted by the reception device 46.

When the search start conditions are satisfied, the display control unit 38A generates a search screen 88 and displays the search screen 88 on the display 48. Search conditions used in the search performed by the image management server 14 are input into the search screen 88 according to instructions received by the reception device 46. Specifically, the search conditions input into the search screen 88 include, for example, a patient ID (identification) that can identify the patient, the patient's name, the examination date, the examination period, the modality, whether or not past examination results need to be searched, and the type of server to be connected to. In addition, the search screen 88 is provided with various soft keys. The various soft keys are turned on or off according to instructions received by the reception device 46. Examples of the various soft keys include a search key that instructs the start of a search, and an item clear key that erases information input into each item in the search screen 88.

The display control unit 38A displays the search conditions accepted by the reception device 46 on the search screen 88. When the search conditions accepted by the reception device 46 are changed, the display control unit 38A updates the display content of the search screen 88 by reflecting the changes to the search conditions on the search screen 88.

The generating unit 38B generates search condition information 90 indicating the search conditions accepted by the accepting device 46 (i.e., the search conditions entered on the search screen 88). The first transmitting/receiving unit 38C transmits the search condition information 90 generated by the generating unit 38B to the server 18 via the communication I/F 44 (see FIG. 2).

As an example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, when search condition information 90 is sent from the first transmission/reception unit 38C of the client terminal 20 to the server 18, the second transmission/reception unit 26A (see Figure 10) of the server 18 receives the search condition information 90 via the first communication I/F 32 (see Figure 2). Then, the second transmission/reception unit 26A sends the received search condition information 90 to the image management server 14.

10, a database 92 is constructed in the storage 54 of the image management server 14. The database 92 stores a plurality of pieces of medical information 94. Each of the plurality of pieces of medical information 94 is, for example, information specific to each patient. Each of the plurality of pieces of medical information 94 includes medical image data 96 indicating a medical image and additional information 98 that is information that accompanies the medical image data 96. The medical image data 96 is associated with the additional information 98. The medical image data 96 may also include a report 100 regarding the medical image (for example, a report that describes the results of a doctor's interpretation of the medical image data 96). In this embodiment, the medical image data 96 is recorded in the recording medium 76 by the data recording device 70 of the output device 16 (see FIG. 4). However, this is merely an example, and not only the medical image data 96 but also the report 100 may be transmitted from the image management server 14 to the output device 16 and recorded in the recording medium 76 by the data recording device 70 of the output device 16.

The incidental information 98 includes, for example, at least one piece of related information (e.g., DICOM information, etc.) related to the medical image data 96. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the incidental information 98 includes multiple pieces of related information related to the medical image data 96. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the multiple pieces of related information include, for example, a patient ID 98A, name information 98B, examination date information 98C, examination period information 98D, modality information 98E, server information 98F, facility information 98G, image characteristic information 98H, and examination phase information 98I.

Patient ID 98A is an ID that identifies the patient corresponding to medical image data 96. Name information 98B is information indicating the name of the patient corresponding to medical image data 96. Examination date information 98C is information indicating the date on which the examination was performed by the modality used to obtain medical image data 96 (i.e., the examination date). Examination period information 98D is information indicating the period during which the examination was performed by the modality used to obtain medical image data 96 (i.e., the examination period). Modality information 98E is information indicating the modality used to obtain medical image data 96. Server information 98F is information that identifies the image management server 14.

The facility information 98G is information indicating the name of the facility (e.g., the name of the hospital) where the medical image data 96 was obtained. In this embodiment, the facility information 98G is used as information that can identify whether the medical image data 96 was obtained from another hospital. Here, the other hospital is an example of a "specific facility" related to the technology of the present disclosure.

The image characteristic information 98H is information indicating the characteristics of the medical image data 96. In this embodiment, the image characteristic information 98H is used as information capable of identifying the amount of data of the medical image data 96. Examples of the image characteristic information 98H include information indicating the type of medical image data 96 (e.g., any one of plain X-ray image data, CT image data, MRI image data, endoscopic image data, and pathological image data) and information regarding the amount of data of the medical image data 96 (e.g., the number of slice image data, the amount of data per examination, and/or the resolution, etc.).

In this embodiment, the image characteristic information 98H includes information indicating the type of medical image data 96 as slice image related information that can identify whether or not the medical image data 96 includes slice image data. Here, slice image data refers to data indicating a slice image obtained by imaging a patient using a modality such as CT or MRI. The slice image related information may include slice thickness information indicating the slice thickness (i.e., the thickness of the slice) of the image (i.e., the slice image) indicated by the slice image data. In this case, for example, the slice thickness indicated by the slice thickness information may be determined by the determination unit 26B (see FIG. 11) described later to determine whether or not the slice image data indicates a slice image having a certain value or less (for example, it may be determined whether or not the condition (i.e., the first condition) that "the slice thickness indicated by the slice thickness information is slice image data indicating a slice image having a certain value or less" is satisfied). The slice image related information may also include frame number information indicating the number of frames of the slice image data. In this case, for example, the determination unit 26B (see FIG. 11) described below may determine whether the number of frames of slice image data showing a slice image with a slice thickness equal to or less than a certain value is equal to or greater than a threshold value (for example, it may determine whether the condition (i.e., the first condition) that "the number of frames of slice image data showing a slice image with a slice thickness equal to or less than a certain value is equal to or greater than a threshold value" is satisfied).

The examination phase information 98I is information indicating the phase in which the medical image data 96 was last used among the multiple phases included in the examination. The multiple phases include an imaging phase and an interpretation phase. The imaging phase is a phase in which no report is generated, and the interpretation phase is a phase in which a report 100 is generated. In this embodiment, the examination phase information 98I is used as information that can identify whether or not a report 100 is attached to the medical image data 96.

Facility information 98G is an example of "facility-related information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Image characteristic information 98H is an example of "data volume-related information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Inspection phase information 98I is an example of "report-related information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

When the search condition information 90 is transmitted from the second transmission/reception unit 26A of the server 18 to the image management server 14, the third transmission/reception unit 52A of the image management server 14 receives the search condition information 90 via the communication I/F 58 (see FIG. 3). The search unit 52B searches for and acquires additional information 98 from the database 92 according to the search conditions indicated by the search condition information 90 received by the third transmission/reception unit 52A. In other words, the search unit 52B searches and acquires, from the database 92, additional information 98 that includes information that matches the search conditions indicated by the search condition information 90.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 11, in the image management server 14, the third transmission/reception unit 52A transmits the additional information 98 acquired by the search unit 52B to the server 18 via the communication I/F 58 (see FIG. 3). In the server 18, the second transmission/reception unit 26A receives the additional information 98 transmitted from the image management server 14.

The determination unit 26B determines whether the incidental information 98 received by the second transmission/reception unit 26A contains information that satisfies a first condition. The first condition is set for each type of information contained in the incidental information 98. In this embodiment, for example, the first condition is set for each of the facility information 98G, the image characteristic information 98H, and the examination phase information 98I.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, an example of a first condition defined for facility information 98G is that facility information 98G is information indicating another hospital.

Note that, here, as an example of the first condition set for facility information 98G, a condition in which facility information 98G is information indicating another hospital has been exemplified, but this is merely an example, and a condition in which facility information 98G is information indicating one's own hospital may also be used as the first condition.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, an example of a first condition defined for the image characteristic information 98H is that the image characteristic information 98H includes information indicating that the medical image data 96 is slice image data (e.g., image data indicating a CT image or an MRI image).

Note that, here, the first condition set for the image characteristic information 98H is exemplified as a condition that the image characteristic information 98H contains information indicating that the medical image data 96 is slice image data, but this is merely one example, and a condition that the image characteristic information 98H does not contain information indicating that the medical image data 96 is slice image data may also be used as the first condition.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, an example of a first condition defined for the examination phase information 98I is that the examination phase information 98I is information indicating that the examination phase information has progressed to the image interpretation phase. Here, progressing to the image interpretation phase means that a report 100 has been generated, so the first condition defined for the examination phase information 98I can be said to be a condition that a report 100 has been attached to the medical image data 96.

Note that, here, the condition that the report 100 is attached to the medical image data 96 is exemplified as the first condition defined for the examination phase information 98I, but this is merely one example, and the condition that the report 100 is not attached to the medical image data 96 may also be used as the first condition.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the determination unit 26B determines that the information satisfying the first condition is present in the additional information 98 in the server 18, the assignment unit 26C generates identifier-attached information 104 by assigning an identifier 102 indicating the result of the determination by the determination unit 26B to the information satisfying the first condition in the additional information 98.

The identifier 102 may be, for example, an other-hospital identifier 102A, a slice image identifier 102B, and a report identifier 102C. The other-hospital identifier 102A is information indicating that the condition that the facility information 98G is information indicating another hospital (i.e., the first condition defined for the facility information 98G) is met, and is assigned to the facility information 98G. The slice image identifier 102B is information indicating that the condition that the image characteristic information 98H contains information indicating that the medical image data 96 is slice image data (i.e., the first condition defined for the image characteristic information 98H) is met, and is assigned to the image characteristic information 98H. The report identifier 102C is information indicating that the condition that the medical image data 96 is accompanied by a report 100 (i.e., the first condition defined for the examination phase information 98I) is met, and is assigned to the examination phase information 98I.

Depending on the result of the determination by the determination unit 26B, the other hospital identifier 102A becomes information indicating that the condition that the facility information 98G is information indicating another hospital (i.e., the first condition defined for the facility information 98G) is not met. Depending on the result of the determination by the determination unit 26B, the slice image identifier 102B becomes information indicating that the condition that the image characteristic information 98H contains information indicating that the medical image data 96 is slice image data (i.e., the first condition defined for the image characteristic information 98H) is not met. Depending on the result of the determination by the determination unit 26B, the report identifier 102C becomes information indicating that the condition that the medical image data 96 is accompanied by a report 100 (i.e., the first condition defined for the examination phase information 98I) is not met.

Here, an example is given in which an identifier 102 indicating the result of the determination by the determination unit 26B is assigned to the information included in the incidental information 98, whether the information included in the incidental information 98 satisfies the first condition or not, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and if the information included in the incidental information 98 does not satisfy the first condition, the assignment unit 26C may not assign the identifier 102 to the information included in the incidental information 98. In other words, only when the information included in the incidental information 98 satisfies the first condition, the assignment unit 26C may generate identifier-attached information 104 by assigning the identifier 102 indicating that the information included in the incidental information 98 satisfies the first condition to the information included in the incidental information 98.

In the server 18, the second transceiver 26A transmits the identifier-attached information 104 generated by the attachment unit 26C to the client terminal 20 via the first communication I/F 32 (see FIG. 2).

13, when the identifier-attached information 104 is transmitted from the second transmission/reception unit 26A of the server 18, the first transmission/reception unit 38C of the client terminal 20 receives the identifier-attached information 104 via the communication I/F 44 (see FIG. 2). The generation unit 38B generates a search result list screen 106 (see FIGS. 14 to 18) based on the identifier-attached information 104 received by the first transmission/reception unit 38C. The search result list screen 106 is a list screen on which the identifier 102 is displayed for each medical image data 96. In other words, the search result list screen 106 is a list screen (i.e., a screen on which a list of multiple pieces of auxiliary information 98 and the identifiers 102 attached to the information included in the auxiliary information 98 are displayed) obtained by reflecting the judgment result by the judgment unit 26B of the server 18 on the search result by the search unit 52B of the image management server 14. In other words, the search result list screen 106 is a screen that displays a list of other hospital identifiers 102A, slice image identifiers 102B, and report identifiers 102C for each medical image data 96 and for each piece of information included in the supplementary information 98 (for example, for each of facility information 98G, image characteristic information 98H, and examination phase information 98I). One example of a manner in which the other hospital identifiers 102A, slice image identifiers 102B, and report identifiers 102C are displayed in a list is a manner in which each of the other hospital identifiers 102A, slice image identifiers 102B, and report identifiers 102C is marked and displayed in a list.

The display control unit 38A presents the search result list screen 106 generated by the generation unit 38B. That is, the display control unit 38A causes the search result list screen 106 generated by the generation unit 38B to be displayed on the display 48. The reception device 46 receives a selection instruction or a non-selection instruction from the user.

The selection instruction is an instruction to select the medical image data 96 to be output via the search result list screen 106. The non-selection instruction is an instruction to not select the medical image data 96 to be output via the search result list screen 106.

Selection instructions are classified into individual selection instructions and bulk selection instructions. An individual selection instruction is an instruction to individually select medical image data 96 to be output via the search result list screen 106. A bulk selection instruction is an instruction to collectively select medical image data 96 to be output by type of identifier 102 via the search result list screen 106.

Non-selection instructions are classified into individual non-selection instructions and collective non-selection instructions. An individual non-selection instruction is an instruction to individually non-select medical image data 96 to be output via the search result list screen 106. A collective non-selection instruction is an instruction to collectively non-select medical image data 96 to be output by type of identifier 102 via the search result list screen 106.

The display control unit 38A updates the display content of the search result list screen 106 according to the selection instruction or non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46. That is, the selection instruction or non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 is reflected on the search result list screen 106.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 14, the search result list screen 106 includes a search condition screen 108, an individual selection/non-selection screen 110, and a collective selection/non-selection screen 112.

The search conditions screen 108 displays the search conditions used in the search by the search section 52B (see Figure 10) of the image management server 14.

The individual selection/non-selection screen 110 displays a list of multiple pieces of identifier-attached information 104. The multiple pieces of identifier-attached information 104 are displayed divided into major categories 114 and minor categories 116, which are smaller division units than the major categories 114. More specifically, on the individual selection/non-selection screen 110, the multiple pieces of identifier-attached information 104 are displayed divided into multiple rows by major category 114, and are also displayed divided into multiple rows by minor category 116.

The major category 114 refers to a collection of medical information 94 (see FIG. 10) obtained in a single examination performed on one patient. Generally, the major category 114 is also called a study. The minor category 116 refers to a collection of medical information 94 (see FIG. 10) obtained by imaging a patient using different imaging techniques within a single examination performed on the patient. Examples of imaging techniques include the imaging target, the imaging site, and the presence or absence of a contrast agent. Generally, the minor category 116 is also called a series.

The individual selection/non-selection screen 110 is provided with a major category designation column 118 and a minor category designation column 120. In the major category designation column 118, a major category designation button 118A is provided for each major category 114, and the major category designation button 118A is turned on when selecting or deselecting (i.e., canceling the selection state) a group of identifier-attached information 104 included in the major category 114 to which the major category designation button 118A belongs. In other words, by turning on the major category designation button 118A, the group of identifier-attached information 104 included in the major category 114 to which the major category designation button 118A belongs is selected collectively, or the group of identifier-attached information 104 included in the major category 114 to which the major category designation button 118A belongs is deselected collectively. The display mode of the major category designation button 118A when a group of identifier-attached information 104 included in the major category 114 is selected is different from the display mode of the major category designation button 118A when a group of identifier-attached information 104 included in the major category 114 is not selected.

In the small category designation column 120, a small category designation box 120A is provided for each small category 116. When selecting the identifier-attached information 104 included in the small category 116 to which the small category designation box 120A belongs, a check mark is placed in the small category designation box 120A according to the instruction received by the reception device 46. When deselecting the identifier-attached information 104 included in the small category 116 to which the small category designation box 120A belongs, the check mark is removed from the small category designation box 120A according to the instruction received by the reception device 46 (see FIG. 15). That is, by placing a check mark in the small category designation box 120A or removing a check mark from the small category designation box 120A according to the instruction received by the reception device 46, the identifier-attached information 104 included in the small category 116 to which the small category designation box 120A belongs is selected or deselected.

The contents of the identifier-attached information 104 are displayed for each item divided into multiple columns. In the example shown in FIG. 14, examples of multiple items include an identifier item, a patient ID item, a patient name item, a date of birth item, a gender item, an order number item, an examination date item, an examination date and time item, an explanation item, a modality item, a number of images item, an estimated capacity item, and a connection server item.

The identifier item is an item in which the type of identifier 102 included in the identifier-attached information 104 is indicated by a mark. Here, the type of identifier 102 refers to the other-hospital identifier 102A (see FIG. 12), slice image identifier 102B (see FIG. 12), and report identifier 102C (see FIG. 12). The mark shown in the identifier item is a mark indicating the type of identifier 102 that identifies information that satisfies the first condition among the information included in the attendant information 98. The type of identifier 102 that identifies information that does not satisfy the first condition among the information included in the attendant information 98 is not displayed as a mark.

Here, an example is given in which a mark indicating the type of identifier 102 that identifies information that satisfies the first condition among the information included in the incidental information 98 is displayed, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a mark indicating the type of identifier 102 that identifies information that does not satisfy the first condition among the information included in the incidental information 98 may be displayed. In this case, instead of a mark indicating the type of identifier 102 that identifies information that satisfies the first condition among the information included in the incidental information 98, a mark indicating the type of identifier 102 that identifies information that does not satisfy the first condition among the information included in the incidental information 98 may be displayed, or the mark indicating the type of identifier 102 that identifies information that satisfies the first condition among the information included in the incidental information 98 and the mark indicating the type of identifier 102 that identifies information that does not satisfy the first condition among the information included in the incidental information 98 may be displayed in a visually distinguishable manner.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, an other-hospital mark 122, a slice image mark 124, and a report mark 126 are shown as examples of marks indicating the type of identifier 102. The other-hospital mark 122 is a mark indicating an other-hospital identifier 102A when the medical image data 96 was acquired from another hospital. The slice image mark 124 is a mark indicating a slice image identifier 102B when the medical image data 96 is slice image data. The report mark 126 is a mark indicating a report identifier 102C when the medical image data 96 includes a report 100.

In the identifier item, the other hospital mark 122 is displayed in units of major category 114. In the identifier item, the slice image mark 124 is displayed in units of minor category 116. In the identifier item, the report mark 126 is displayed in units of major category 114. For example, one report mark 126 is displayed for one major category 114.

A check box 126A is attached to the report mark 126. A check mark is placed in the check box 126A in accordance with a selection instruction received by the reception device 46 (see FIG. 13). The check mark placed in the check box 126A is removed from the check box 126A in accordance with a non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 (see FIG. 13). That is, a check mark is placed in the check box 126A or a check mark is removed from the check box 126A in accordance with an instruction (e.g., a selection instruction and a non-selection instruction) received by the reception device 46 (see FIG. 13).

Checking or unchecking the check box 126A is performed on the condition that the major category 114 containing the report mark 126 corresponding to the check box 126A is selected.

When a check mark is placed in the check box 126A, the report 100 corresponding to the check box 126A is selected as an output target (i.e., a target to be output to the output device 16). When the check mark is removed from the check box 126A, the report 100 corresponding to the check box 126A is not selected as an output target. Here, the report 100 corresponding to the check box 126A refers to the report 100 included in the medical image data 96 corresponding to the major category 114 to which the report mark 126 to which the check box 126A is linked belongs.

The patient ID field indicates the patient ID. The patient name field indicates the patient's name. The date of birth field indicates the patient's date of birth. The gender field indicates the patient's gender. The order number field indicates the order number of the examination. The examination date field indicates the date the examination was performed. The examination date and time field indicates the time the examination was performed. The explanation field indicates an explanation of the examination in major category 114 and minor category 116 units. The modality field indicates the modality used in the examination. The number of images field indicates the number of images captured by the modality. The estimated capacity field indicates an estimated value of the data capacity of the medical image data 96 captured by the modality. The connection server field indicates the type of image management server 14.

The batch selection/non-selection screen 112 includes an all release key 128, an all list selection key 130, a batch selection/non-selection of other hospitals key 132, a batch selection/non-selection of slice images key 134, and a batch selection/non-selection of reports key 136. The all release key 128, the all list selection key 130, the batch selection/non-selection of other hospitals key 132, the batch selection/non-selection of slice images key 134, and the batch selection/non-selection of reports key 136 are turned on in accordance with instructions received by the reception device 46.

The all release key 128 is a soft key that is pressed when canceling the selection of all identifier-attached information 104 (i.e., canceling all at once), regardless of whether one identifier-attached information 104 or multiple identifier-attached information 104 are selected on the individual selection/non-selection screen 110.

The all list selection key 130 is a soft key that is pressed when selecting all of the identifier-attached information 104 displayed on the individual selection/non-selection screen 110 at once (i.e., selecting all at once).

The other hospital collective selection/non-selection key 132 is a soft key that is turned on when selecting or non-selecting all of the identifier-attached information 104 displaying the other hospital mark 122. When the other hospital mark 122 is assigned on a major classification 114 basis, turning on the other hospital collective selection/non-selection key 132 selects all of the identifier-attached information 104 included in the major classification 114 to which the other hospital mark 122 is assigned. When the other hospital mark 122 is assigned on a minor classification 116 basis, turning on the other hospital collective selection/non-selection key 132 selects all of the identifier-attached information 104 included in the minor classification 116 to which the other hospital mark 122 is assigned. When the other hospital collective selection/non-selection key 132 is turned on with multiple identifier-attached information 104 selected, the multiple identifier-attached information 104 is non-selected all at once.

The slice image collective selection/non-selection key 134 is a soft key that is turned on when collective selection or collective non-selection of identifier-attached information 104 on which slice image marks 124 are displayed.

The identifier-attached information 104 on which the slice image mark 124 is displayed can be selected or unselected collectively on the condition that the major category 114 containing the slice image mark 124 is selected. The slice image mark 124 is assigned to each minor category 116, and when the slice image batch selection/unselection key 134 is turned on while the major category 114 containing the slice image mark 124 is selected, the identifier-attached information 104 corresponding to the minor category 116 to which the slice image mark 124 is assigned, which is included in the selected major category 114, is selected collectively. Also, when the slice image batch selection/unselection key 134 is turned on while the identifier-attached information 104 included in the minor category 116 to which the slice image mark 124 is assigned is selected, the identifier-attached information 104 included in the minor category 116 to which the slice image mark 124 is assigned is unselected collectively.

The report bulk selection/non-selection key 136 is a soft key that is turned on when bulk selecting or bulk non-selecting the identifier-attached information 104 on which the report mark 126 is displayed.

The identifier-attached information 104 on which the report mark 126 is displayed can be collectively deselected on the condition that the major category 114 containing the report mark 126 is selected. When the report collectively select/deselect key 136 is turned on while the major category 114 containing the report mark 126 is selected, the identifier-attached information 104 corresponding to the major category 114 to which the report mark 126 is attached among the selected major categories 114 is selected. When the report collectively select/deselect key 136 is turned on while the identifier-attached information 104 corresponding to the major category 114 to which the report mark 126 is attached is selected, the identifier-attached information 104 corresponding to the major category 114 to which the report mark 126 is attached is collectively deselected.

In this embodiment, the identifier-affixed information 104 is associated with the medical image data 96, so that selection of the identifier-affixed information 104 means that the medical image data 96 corresponding to the identifier-affixed information 104 is selected, and non-selection of the identifier-affixed information 104 means that the medical image data 96 corresponding to the identifier-affixed information 104 is not selected.

In this embodiment, the medical image data 96 is accompanied by additional information 98 (i.e., the medical image data 96 and the additional information 98 correspond to each other), so when the other hospitals batch selection/non-selection key 132 is turned on, the medical image data 96 corresponding to the additional information 98 including the facility information 98G that satisfies the first condition are selected at once. Also, when the other hospitals batch selection/non-selection key 132 is turned on while the medical image data 96 corresponding to the additional information 98 including the facility information 98G that satisfies the first condition is selected, the medical image data 96 corresponding to the additional information 98 including the facility information 98G that satisfies the first condition are not selected at once. The other hospitals batch selection/non-selection key 132 is an example of a "batch selection key" and a "batch non-selection key" according to the technology disclosed herein.

In this embodiment, the medical image data 96 is accompanied by the incidental information 98 (i.e., the medical image data 96 and the incidental information 98 correspond to each other), so when the slice image batch selection/non-selection key 134 is turned on, the medical image data 96 corresponding to the incidental information 98 including the image characteristic information 98H that satisfies the first condition are selected at once. Also, when the slice image batch selection/non-selection key 134 is turned on in a state in which the medical image data 96 corresponding to the incidental information 98 including the image characteristic information 98H that satisfies the first condition is selected, the medical image data 96 corresponding to the incidental information 98 including the image characteristic information 98H that satisfies the first condition are not selected at once. The slice image batch selection/non-selection key 134 is an example of a "batch selection key" and a "batch non-selection key" according to the technology disclosed herein.

In this embodiment, the medical image data 96 is accompanied by the incidental information 98 (i.e., the medical image data 96 and the incidental information 98 correspond to each other), so when the report batch selection/non-selection key 136 is turned on, the medical image data 96 corresponding to the incidental information 98 including the examination phase information 98I that satisfies the first condition are selected in a batch. Also, when the report batch selection/non-selection key 136 is turned on in a state in which the medical image data 96 corresponding to the incidental information 98 including the examination phase information 98I that satisfies the first condition is selected, the medical image data 96 corresponding to the incidental information 98 including the examination phase information 98I that satisfies the first condition are not selected in a batch. The report batch selection/non-selection key 136 is an example of a "batch selection key" and a "batch non-selection key" according to the technology disclosed herein.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 15, check marks are selectively placed in a number of subcategory designation boxes 120A in accordance with instructions received by the reception device 46. Medical image data 96 (see FIG. 10) identified from the identifier-attached information 104 corresponding to a subcategory designation box 120A with a check mark is selected as an output target. Medical image data 96 identified from the identifier-attached information 104 corresponding to a subcategory designation box 120A without a check mark is not selected as an output target.

Here, when the slice image collective selection/non-selection key 134 is turned on while the major category 114 including the slice image mark 124 is selected, the identifier-attached information 104 on which the slice image mark 124 is displayed is selected collectively from among the multiple identifier-attached information 104 included in the major category 114 including the slice image mark 124, as shown in FIG. 16 as an example. Also, when the slice image collective selection/non-selection key 134 is turned on while the major category 114 including the slice image mark 124 is selected and the identifier-attached information 104 on which the slice image mark 124 is displayed is selected, the identifier-attached information 104 on which the slice image mark 124 is displayed is not selected collectively. The display mode of the slice image collective selection/non-selection key 134 differs between when the identifier-attached information 104 on which the slice image mark 124 is displayed is selected collectively and when the identifier-attached information 104 on which the slice image mark 124 is displayed is not selected collectively (see FIG. 15 and FIG. 16).

When the report batch selection/non-selection key 136 is turned on while the major category 114 containing the report mark 126 is selected, as shown in FIG. 17 as an example, all of the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 containing the report mark 126 (i.e., the major category 114 corresponding to the medical image data 96 containing the report 100) is selected at once. When the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 containing the report mark 126 is selected, a check mark is placed in the check box 126A corresponding to the selected identifier-attached information 104.

In addition, when the report batch selection/deselection key 136 is turned on while the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 that contains the report mark 126 (i.e., the major category 114 corresponding to the medical image data 96 that contains the report 100) is selected, the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 that corresponds to the medical image data 96 that contains the report 100 is deselected all at once. When the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 that contains the report mark 126 is deselected, the check mark is removed from the check box 126A corresponding to the unselected identifier-attached information 104.

The display mode of the report batch selection/non-selection key 136 differs depending on whether the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 containing the report mark 126 is selected in bulk or whether the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 containing the report mark 126 is not selected in bulk (see Figures 16 and 17).

When the other hospital batch selection/non-selection key 132 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 18 as an example, the major category 114 containing the identifier-attached information 104 corresponding to the medical image data 96 originating from the other hospital is selected at once. In other words, by turning on the other hospital batch selection/non-selection key 132, the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 containing the other hospital mark 122 is selected at once.

In addition, when the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 including the other hospital mark 122 is selected and the other hospital collective selection/non-selection key 132 is turned on, the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 including the other hospital mark 122 is collectively non-selected. The display mode of the major category designation button 118A differs between the state in which the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 including the other hospital mark 122 is collectively selected and the state in which the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 including the other hospital mark 122 is collectively non-selected. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the display mode of the major category designation button 118A in the state in which the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 including the other hospital mark 122 is collectively selected is shown as a state in which a check mark is entered in the major category designation button 118A. When the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 including the other hospital mark 122 is collectively non-selected, the check mark is removed from the major category designation button 118A.

The display mode of the other hospital batch selection/non-selection key 132 differs depending on whether the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 that includes the other hospital mark 122 is selected in bulk or whether the identifier-attached information 104 in the major category 114 that includes the other hospital mark 122 is not selected in bulk (see Figures 17 and 18).

As an example, as shown in FIG. 20, in the client terminal 20, the generation unit 38B generates the output target list 140 according to the contents of the input to the search result list screen 106. In other words, the generation unit 38B receives an instruction to select or not select multiple pieces of identifier-affiliated information 104 via the search result list screen 106, and generates the output target list 140 using the identifier-affiliated information 104 selected according to the received instruction.

Since the identifier-attached information 104 corresponds to medical image data 96, receiving an instruction to select or not select multiple identifier-attached information 104 via the search result list screen 106 means receiving an instruction to select or not select multiple medical image data 96.

The output target list 140 is a list that includes at least one major classification-based additional information 140A and/or at least one minor classification-based additional information 140B, and is used to identify medical image data 96 to be output from among multiple medical image data 96 stored in the database 92.

The major category-specific additional information 140A is at least one identifier-specific additional information 104 selected in units of major category 114 as an output target on the search result list screen 106. Since the identifier-specific additional information 104 corresponds to medical image data 96, the medical image data 96 to be output among the multiple medical image data 96 stored in the database 92 is identified from the major category-specific additional information 140A.

The minor category-specific additional information 140B is the identifier-specific additional information 104 selected on the search result list screen 106 for each minor category 116 as the output target. Since the identifier-specific additional information 104 corresponds to medical image data 96, the medical image data 96 to be output among the multiple medical image data 96 stored in the database 92 is identified from the minor category-specific additional information 140B.

The generating unit 38B therefore generates an output target list 140, and determines, as the output target, the medical image data 96 identified from the identifier-attached information 104 selected in accordance with the instructions received via the search result list screen 106, from among the multiple medical image data 96 stored in the database 92.

The first transmission/reception unit 38C transmits the output target list 140 generated by the generation unit 38B to the server 18 via the communication I/F 44 (see FIG. 2). In the server 18, the second transmission/reception unit 26A receives the output target list 140 transmitted from the first transmission/reception unit 38C via the first communication I/F 32 (see FIG. 2). The second transmission/reception unit 26A then transmits the received output target list 140 to the output device 16 via the second communication I/F 34 (see FIG. 2).

In the output device 16, the fourth transmission/reception unit 62A receives the output target list 140 transmitted from the second transmission/reception unit 26A via the communication I/F 68 (see FIG. 4). The fourth transmission/reception unit 62A then transmits the received output target list 140 to the image management server 14 via the communication I/F 68 (see FIG. 4).

In the image management server 14, the third transmission/reception unit 52A receives the output target list 140 transmitted from the fourth transmission/reception unit 62A via the communication I/F 58 (see FIG. 3). As an example, as shown in FIG. 20, in the image management server 14, the search unit 52B searches for and acquires medical image data 96 from the database 92 according to the output target list 140 received by the third transmission/reception unit 52A.

In other words, when the output target list 140 includes major category-specific additional information 140A, the search unit 52B retrieves from the database 92 medical image data 96 accompanied by additional information 98 corresponding to the major category-specific additional information 140A. When the output target list 140 includes minor category-specific additional information 140B, the search unit 52B retrieves from the database 92 medical image data 96 accompanied by additional information 98 corresponding to the minor category-specific additional information 140B.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 21, in the image management server 14, the third transceiver 52A transmits the medical image data 96 acquired by the search unit 52B to the output device 16 via the communication I/F 58 (see FIG. 3). In the output device 16, the fourth transceiver 62A receives the medical image data 96 transmitted from the image management server 14 via the communication I/F 68 (see FIG. 4). The recording control unit 62B acquires the medical image data 96 received by the fourth transceiver 62A. The recording control unit 62B then causes the data recording device 70 to record the medical image data 96 on the recording medium 76. The data recording device 70 ejects the recording medium 76 on which the medical image data 96 has been recorded to the outside.

Here, an example is given in which medical image data 96 is recorded on recording medium 76, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and medical image data 96 may also be output to a predetermined computer (not shown).

Next, the operation of the output system 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 22A to 25.

Figures 22A to 22D show an example of the flow of the first output target selection process performed by the processor 38 of the client terminal 20. Figure 23 shows an example of the flow of the second output target selection process performed by the processor 26 of the server 18. Figure 24 shows an example of the flow of the image management process performed by the processor 52 of the image management server 14. Figure 25 shows an example of the flow of the output process performed by the processor 62 of the output device 16.

First, an example of the flow of the first output target selection process performed by the processor 38 of the client terminal 20 will be described with reference to Figures 22A to 22D.

In the first output target selection process shown in FIG. 22A, first, in step ST10, the display control unit 38A determines whether or not the search start condition is satisfied. If the search start condition is not satisfied in step ST10, the determination is negative, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST56 shown in FIG. 22D. If the search start condition is satisfied in step ST10, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST12.

In step ST12, the display control unit 38A generates a search screen 88 and displays the generated search screen 88 on the display 48 (see FIG. 9). After the process of step ST12 is executed, the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST14.

In step ST14, the display control unit 38A determines whether or not the search conditions have been accepted by the acceptance device 46. If the search conditions have not been accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST14, the determination is negative, and the determination of step ST14 is performed again. If the search conditions have been accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST14, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST16.

In step ST16, the display control unit 38A updates the search screen 88 according to the search conditions accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST14. After the processing of step ST16 is executed, the first output target selection processing proceeds to step ST18.

In step ST18, the generation unit 38B generates search condition information 90 indicating the search conditions accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST14 (i.e., the search conditions entered into the search screen 88) (see FIG. 9). After the process of step ST18 is executed, the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST20.

In step ST20, the first transceiver 38C transmits the search condition information 90 generated in step ST18 to the server 18 (see FIG. 9) via the communication I/F 44 (see FIG. 2). After the process of step ST20 is executed, the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST22.

When the search condition information 90 is sent from the client terminal 20 to the server 18 by executing the process of step ST20, the processes of steps ST100 to ST110 included in the second output target selection process shown in FIG. 23 are executed. As a result, the identifier-attached information 104 is sent from the server 18 to the client terminal 20 (see FIG. 13).

Therefore, in step ST22, the first transceiver 38C determines whether or not the identifier-affixed additional information 104 transmitted from the server 18 has been received by the communication I/F 44. If the identifier-affixed additional information 104 transmitted from the server 18 has not been received by the communication I/F 44 in step ST22, the determination is negative, and the determination of step ST22 is made again. If the identifier-affixed additional information 104 transmitted from the server 18 has been received by the communication I/F 44 in step ST22, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST24.

In step ST24, the generation unit 38B generates a search result list screen 106 based on the identifier-attached information 104 received by the communication I/F 44 in step ST22 (see FIG. 13). After the process of step ST24 is executed, the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST26.

In step ST26, the display control unit 38A causes the display 48 to display the search result list screen 106 generated in step ST22 (see Figures 13 and 14). After the processing of step ST26 is executed, the first output target selection processing proceeds to step ST28.

In step ST28, the display control unit 38A determines whether an individual selection instruction or an individual non-selection instruction has been accepted by the acceptance device 46. If an individual selection instruction or an individual non-selection instruction has not been accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST28, the determination is negative, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST36 shown in FIG. 22C. If an individual selection instruction or an individual non-selection instruction has been accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST28, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST30 shown in FIG. 22B.

In step ST30, the display control unit 38A determines whether the individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST28 is an individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction for the major category 114 (see FIG. 14). Note that, although an example of a form in which a determination is made as to whether an individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction is for the major category 114 is given here, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and, for example, in step ST30, a determination may be made as to whether an individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction is for the minor category 116.

In step ST30, if the individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST28 is not an individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction for the major category 114 (i.e., if the individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST28 is an individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction for the minor category 116 (see FIG. 14)), the determination is negative and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST34. In step ST30, if the individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction accepted by the acceptance device 46 in step ST28 is an individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction for the major category 114, the determination is positive and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST32.

In step ST32, the display control unit 38A selects or deselects a major category 114 (see FIG. 14) in accordance with the individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST28. That is, selection or deselection of the identifier-affiliated information 104 included in the search result list screen 106 is performed on a major category 114 basis. Then, the display control unit 38A reflects the result of selecting or deselecting the major category 114 on the search result list screen 106. After the processing of step ST32 is executed, the first output target selection processing proceeds to step ST34.

In step ST34, the display control unit 38A selects or deselects a subcategory 116 (see FIG. 14) in accordance with the individual selection instruction or individual non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST28. That is, selection or deselection of the identifier-affiliated information 104 included in the search result list screen 106 is performed on a subcategory 116 basis. The display control unit 38A then reflects the result of selecting or deselecting the subcategory 116 on the search result list screen 106. After the processing of step ST34 is performed, the first output target selection processing proceeds to step ST36 shown in FIG. 22C.

In step ST36, the display control unit 38A determines whether a bulk selection instruction or a bulk non-selection instruction has been accepted by the reception device 46 (i.e., whether the other hospitals bulk selection/non-selection key 132, the slice image bulk selection/non-selection key 134, or the report bulk selection/non-selection key 136 has been turned on).

In this step ST36, the collective selection instruction refers to a collective selection instruction for additional information with another hospital mark, a collective selection instruction for additional information with a slice image mark, or a collective selection instruction for additional information with a report mark. Additional information with another hospital mark refers to identifier-bearing additional information 104 in which another hospital mark 122 is displayed. Additional information with a slice image mark refers to identifier-bearing additional information 104 in which slice image mark 124 is displayed. Additional information with a report mark refers to identifier-bearing additional information 104 in which report mark 126 is displayed.

In step ST36, if the reception device 46 has not received a collective selection instruction or a collective non-selection instruction, the determination is negative, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST28 shown in FIG. 22A. In step ST36, if the reception device 46 has received a collective selection instruction or a collective non-selection instruction, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST38.

In step ST38, the display control unit 38A determines whether the collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST36 is a collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction for additional information with a different hospital mark. In step ST38, if the collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST36 is not a collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction for additional information with a different hospital mark, the determination is negative, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST42. In step ST38, if the collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST36 is a collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction for additional information with a different hospital mark, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST40.

In step ST40, the display control unit 38A executes a bulk selection or bulk non-selection for the additional information with the other hospital mark, and reflects the execution result on the search result list screen 106 (see FIG. 18). After the processing of step ST40 is executed, the first output target selection processing proceeds to step ST42.

In step ST42, the display control unit 38A judges whether the collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST36 is a collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction for incidental information with a slice image mark. In step ST42, if the collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST36 is not a collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction for incidental information with a slice image mark (i.e., if the collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST36 is a collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction for incidental information with a report mark), the judgment is negative and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST48. In step ST42, if the collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction received by the reception device 46 in step ST36 is a collective selection instruction or collective non-selection instruction for incidental information with a slice image mark, the judgment is positive and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST44.

In step ST44, the display control unit 38A determines whether or not the search result list screen 106 includes a selected major category 114. If the search result list screen 106 does not include a selected major category 114 in step ST44, the determination is negative, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST52 shown in FIG. 22D. If the search result list screen 106 includes a selected major category 114 in step ST44, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST46.

In step ST46, the display control unit 38A executes a collective selection or collective non-selection of the slice image marked incidental information included in the selected major category 114, and reflects the execution result on the search result list screen 106 (see FIG. 16). After the processing of step ST46 is executed, the first output target selection processing proceeds to step ST50.

In step ST48, the display control unit 38A determines whether or not the search result list screen 106 includes a selected major category 114. If the search result list screen 106 does not include a selected major category 114 in step ST48, the determination is negative, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST52 shown in FIG. 22D. If the search result list screen 106 includes a selected major category 114 in step ST48, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST50.

In step ST50, the display control unit 38A executes a bulk selection or a bulk non-selection of the report-marked incidental information included in the selected major classification 114, and reflects the execution result on the search result list screen 106 (see FIG. 17). After the processing of step ST50 is executed, the first output target selection processing proceeds to step ST52 shown in FIG. 22D. Note that, although the example shown in FIG. 22C shows an example form in which the processing of step ST40, the processing of step ST46, and the processing of step ST50 are performed in that order, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and these processing may be performed in parallel or in a different order.

In step ST52 shown in FIG. 22D, the generation unit 38B generates the output target list 140 (see FIG. 19) according to the input contents on the search result list screen 106. After the processing of step ST52 is executed, the first output target selection processing proceeds to step ST54.

In step ST54, the first transceiver 38C transmits the output target list 140 generated in step ST52 to the server 18 via the communication I/F 44 (see FIG. 19). After the process of step ST54 is executed, the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST56.

In step ST56, the processor 38 determines whether or not a condition for terminating the first output target selection process (hereinafter referred to as the "first termination condition") has been satisfied. One example of the first termination condition is that an instruction to terminate the first output target selection process has been accepted by the acceptance device 46. If the first termination condition has not been satisfied in step ST56, the determination is negative, and the first output target selection process proceeds to step ST10 shown in FIG. 22A. If the first termination condition has been satisfied in step ST56, the determination is positive, and the first output target selection process ends.

Next, an example of the flow of the second output target selection process performed by the processor 26 of the server 18 will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

In the second output target selection process shown in FIG. 23, first, in step ST100, the second transceiver 26A determines whether or not the search condition information 90 transmitted from the client terminal 20 has been received by the first communication I/F 32 (see FIG. 2) by executing the process of step ST20 included in the first output target selection process shown in FIG. 22A. In step ST100, if the search condition information 90 has not been received by the first communication I/F 32, the determination is negative, and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST104. In step ST100, if the search condition information 90 has been received by the first communication I/F 32, the determination is positive, and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST102.

In step ST102, the second transceiver 26A transmits the search condition information 90 received by the first communication I/F 32 in step ST100 to the image management server 14 (see FIG. 10) via the second communication I/F 34 (see FIG. 2). After the process of step ST102 is executed, the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST104.

When the search condition information 90 is sent from the server 18 to the image management server 14 by executing the processing of step ST102, the processing of steps ST200 to ST204 included in the image management processing shown in Figure 24 is executed, and as a result, the additional information 98 is sent from the image management server 14 to the server 18 (see Figure 11).

Therefore, in step ST104, the second transceiver 26A determines whether or not the additional information 98 transmitted from the image management server 14 has been received by the second communication I/F 34 (see FIG. 2). In step ST104, if the additional information 98 transmitted from the image management server 14 has not been received by the second communication I/F 34, the determination is negative, and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST112. In step ST104, if the additional information 98 transmitted from the image management server 14 has been received by the second communication I/F 34, the determination is positive, and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST106.

In step ST106, the judgment unit 26B judges whether or not the incidental information 98 received by the second communication I/F 34 in step ST104 includes information that satisfies the first condition (see FIG. 11). In step ST106, if the incidental information 98 does not include information that satisfies the first condition, the judgment is negative and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST112. In step ST106, if the incidental information 98 includes information that satisfies the first condition, the judgment is positive and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST108.

In step ST108, the assigning unit 26C generates identifier-attached information 104 by assigning an identifier 102 indicating the result of the determination by the determining unit 26B in step ST106 to the information in the auxiliary information 98 that satisfies the first condition (see FIG. 12). After the process of step ST108 is executed, the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST110.

In step ST110, the second transceiver 26A transmits the identifier-attached information 104 generated in step ST108 to the client terminal 20 via the first communication I/F 32. After the process of step ST110 is executed, the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST112.

In step ST112, the second transceiver 26A determines whether the output target list 140 transmitted from the client terminal 20 has been received by the first communication I/F 32 (see FIG. 2) by executing the process of step ST54 included in the first output target selection process shown in FIG. 22D. If the output target list 140 has not been received by the first communication I/F 32 in step ST112, the determination is negative, and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST116. If the output target list 140 has been received by the first communication I/F 32 in step ST112, the determination is positive, and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST114.

In step ST114, the second transceiver 26A transmits the output target list 140 received by the first communication I/F 32 in step ST112 to the output device 16 via the second communication I/F 34 (see FIG. 2). After the process of step ST114 is executed, the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST116.

In step ST116, the processor 26 determines whether or not a condition for terminating the second output target selection process (hereinafter referred to as the "second termination condition") has been satisfied. One example of the second termination condition is that an instruction to terminate the second output target selection process has been accepted by the acceptance device 46. If the second termination condition has not been satisfied in step ST116, the determination is negative, and the second output target selection process proceeds to step ST100. If the second termination condition has been satisfied in step ST116, the determination is positive, and the second output target selection process ends.

Next, an example of the flow of image management processing performed by the processor 52 of the image management server 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 24.

In the image management process shown in FIG. 24, first, in step ST200, the third transceiver 52A determines whether or not the search condition information 90 (see FIG. 10) transmitted from the server 18 by executing the process of step ST102 included in the second output target selection process shown in FIG. 23 has been received by the communication I/F 58 (see FIG. 3). In step ST200, if the search condition information 90 has not been received by the communication I/F 58, the determination is negative, and the image management process proceeds to step ST206. In step ST200, if the search condition information 90 has been received by the communication I/F 58, the determination is positive, and the image management process proceeds to step ST202.

In step ST202, the search unit 52B searches and acquires the additional information 98 (see FIG. 10) from the database 92 (see FIG. 10) according to the search conditions indicated by the search condition information 90 received by the communication I/F 58 in step ST200. After the processing of step ST202 is executed, the image management processing proceeds to step ST204.

In step ST204, the third transceiver 52A transmits the additional information 98 acquired in step ST202 to the server 18 via the communication I/F 58 (see FIG. 3). After the processing in step ST204 is executed, the image management processing proceeds to step ST206.

In step ST206, the third transceiver 52A determines whether the output target list 140 transmitted from the output device 16 by executing the process of step ST302 included in the output process shown in FIG. 25 has been received by the communication I/F 58. If the output target list 140 has not been received by the communication I/F 58 in step ST206, the determination is negative, and the image management process proceeds to step ST212. If the output target list 140 has been received by the communication I/F 58 in step ST206, the determination is positive, and the image management process proceeds to step ST208.

In step ST208, the search unit 52B searches for and acquires medical image data 96 from the database 92 according to the output target list 140 received by the communication I/F 58 in step ST206 (see FIG. 10). After the processing of step ST208 is executed, the image management processing proceeds to step ST210.

In step ST210, the third transceiver 52A transmits the medical image data 96 acquired in step ST208 to the output device 16 (see FIG. 21) via the communication I/F 58 (see FIG. 3). After the processing of step ST210 is executed, the image management processing proceeds to step ST212.

In step ST212, the processor 52 determines whether or not a condition for terminating the image management process (hereinafter referred to as the "third termination condition") has been satisfied. One example of the third termination condition is that an instruction to terminate the image management process has been accepted by the reception device 46. If the third termination condition has not been satisfied in step ST212, the determination is negative, and the image management process proceeds to step ST200. If the third termination condition has been satisfied in step ST212, the determination is positive, and the image management process terminates.

Next, an example of the flow of output processing performed by the processor 62 of the output device 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 25.

In the output process shown in FIG. 25, first, in step ST300, the fourth transceiver 62A determines whether or not the output target list 140 transmitted from the server 18 by executing the process of step ST114 included in the second output target selection process shown in FIG. 23 has been received by the communication I/F 68 (see FIG. 4). In step ST300, if the output target list 140 has not been received by the communication I/F 68, the determination is negative and the output process proceeds to step ST304. In step ST300, if the output target list 140 has been received by the communication I/F 68, the determination is positive and the output process proceeds to step ST302.

In step ST302, the fourth transceiver 62A transmits the output target list 140 received by the communication I/F 68 in step ST300 to the image management server 14 via the communication I/F 68. After the processing of step ST302 is executed, the output processing proceeds to step ST304.

In step ST304, the fourth transceiver 62A determines whether or not the medical image data 96 transmitted from the image management server 14 has been received by the communication I/F 68 (see FIG. 4) by executing the process of step ST210 included in the image management process shown in FIG. 24. If the medical image data 96 has not been received by the communication I/F 68 in step ST304, the determination is negative and the output process proceeds to step ST308. If the medical image data 96 has been received by the communication I/F 68 in step ST304, the determination is positive and the output process proceeds to step ST306.

In step ST306, the recording control unit 62B causes the data recording device 70 to record the medical image data 96 received by the communication I/F 68 in step ST304 on the recording medium 76, and to eject the recording medium 76 on which the medical image data 96 has been recorded to the outside. After the processing of step ST306 is executed, the output processing proceeds to step ST308.

In step ST308, the processor 62 determines whether or not a condition for terminating the output process (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth termination condition") has been satisfied. One example of the fourth termination condition is that an instruction to terminate the output process has been accepted by the acceptance device 46. If the fourth termination condition has not been satisfied in step ST308, the determination is negative, and the output process proceeds to step ST300. If the fourth termination condition has been satisfied in step ST308, the determination is positive, and the output process ends.

As described above, in the output system 10, the identifier 102 indicating whether the information included in the additional information 98 satisfies the first condition is assigned to the additional information 98 associated with each of the multiple medical image data 96. In addition, the identifier 102 for each medical image data 96 is displayed in a list in the search result list screen 106 as the other hospital mark 122, slice image mark 124, and report mark 126. When the other hospital mark 122, slice image mark 124, and report mark 126 are displayed in a list in the search result list screen 106, an instruction to select or not select the multiple medical image data 96 is accepted via the search result list screen 106. Then, among the multiple medical image data 96, the medical image data 96 selected according to the instruction accepted via the search result list screen 106 is set as the output target. Therefore, according to this configuration, compared to the case where the medical image data 96 selected based only on the multiple medical image data 96 is set as the output target, the medical image data 96 intended by the user among the multiple medical image data 96 can be easily set as the output target.

In addition, in the output system 10, the search result list screen 106 displays a list of identifiers 102 (i.e., other hospital identifiers 102A, slice image identifiers 102B, and report identifiers 102C) as marks (i.e., other hospital marks 122, slice image marks 124, and report marks 126) for each medical image data 96 and for each information unit included in the supplementary information 98 (i.e., each unit of facility information 98G, image characteristic information 98H, and examination phase information 98I). Therefore, according to this configuration, the user can select or deselect medical image data 96 while referring to marks (i.e., other hospital marks 122, slice image marks 124, and report marks 126) corresponding to the identifiers 102 for at least one piece of related information related to the medical image data 96.

In the output system 10, the first condition is set for each of the facility information 98G, image characteristic information 98H, and examination phase information 98I. Then, it is determined whether each of the facility information 98G, image characteristic information 98H, and examination phase information 98I satisfies the first condition, and an other-hospital identifier 102A, a slice image identifier 102B, and a report identifier 102C are generated as identifiers 102 indicating the determination results. Then, an other-hospital mark 122 indicating the other-hospital identifier 102A, a slice image mark 124 indicating the slice image identifier 102B, and a report mark 126 indicating the report identifier 102C are displayed in a list for each medical image data 96 in the search result list screen 106. Therefore, according to this configuration, the user can select or deselect medical image data 96 while referring to the other-hospital mark 122, slice image mark 124, and report mark 126.

In addition, in the output system 10, the first condition set for the facility information 98G is that the facility information 98G is information indicating another hospital (i.e., the medical image data 96 is data obtained from another hospital). Then, when the facility information 98G satisfies the first condition, the search result list screen 106 displays a list of other hospital marks 122 indicating the other hospital identifier 102A. Therefore, according to this configuration, by having the user refer to the other hospital marks 122 via the search result list screen 106, it is possible to recognize whether or not the medical image data 96 is data obtained from another hospital.

In addition, in the output system 10, the first condition set for the examination phase information 98I is that the examination phase information 98I is information indicating that it has progressed to the interpretation phase (i.e., a report 100 has been attached to the medical image data 96). When the examination phase information 98I satisfies the first condition, a report mark 126 indicating the report identifier 102C is displayed in a list on the search result list screen 106. Therefore, according to this configuration, the user can recognize whether or not a report 100 has been attached to the medical image data 96 by referring to the report mark 126 via the search result list screen 106.

In the output system 10, the image characteristic information 98H contains information indicating the type of medical image data 96 as slice image related information that can identify whether or not slice image data is included in the medical image data 96. In addition, the first condition set for the image characteristic information 98H is that the image characteristic information 98H contains information indicating that the medical image data 96 is slice image data. When the image characteristic information 98H satisfies the first condition, the search result list screen 106 displays a list of slice image marks 124 indicating the slice image identifiers 102B. Therefore, according to this configuration, the user can recognize whether or not the medical image data 96 contains slice image data by referring to the slice image marks 124 via the search result list screen 106. In addition, the user can select or deselect the medical image data 96 while referring to the slice image marks 124.

In addition, in the output system 10, the search result list screen 106 displays a select/deselect other hospitals key 132, a select/deselect slice image key 134, and a select/deselect report key 136. Operating the select/deselect other hospitals key 132 collectively selects or deselects the identifier-attached information 104 on which the other hospital mark 122 is displayed. Operating the slice image key 134 collectively selects or deselects the identifier-attached information 104 on which the slice image mark 124 is displayed. Operating the report key 136 collectively selects or deselects the identifier-attached information 104 on which the report mark 126 is displayed. Since the identifier-attached information 104 corresponds to the medical image data 96, the identifier-attached information 104 is collectively selected or deselected, and the medical image data 96 is selected or deselected. Therefore, with this configuration, medical image data 96 accompanied by incidental information 98 including information that satisfies the first condition can be more efficiently selected or deselected than when medical image data 96 accompanied by incidental information 98 including information that satisfies the first condition is individually selected or deselected one by one.

In addition, the output system 10 searches the database 92 according to the specified search conditions, thereby acquiring multiple medical image data 96 corresponding to the search conditions from the database 92. Therefore, according to this configuration, the multiple medical image data 96 intended by the user can be acquired more efficiently than when multiple medical image data 96 are acquired without using search conditions.

In the above embodiment, the first condition set for the image characteristic information 98H is exemplified as a condition that the image characteristic information 98H includes information indicating that the medical image data 96 is slice image data, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first condition set for the image characteristic information 98H may be a condition that the data amount of the medical image data 96 is equal to or greater than a predetermined data amount, or that the data amount of the medical image data 96 is less than the predetermined data amount. Whether the data amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined data amount is determined based on, for example, the resolution of the medical image data 96, the number of sheets of medical image data 96 obtained in one examination, and the data amount of the medical image data 96 obtained in one examination. The predetermined data amount may be a fixed value, or may be a variable value that is changed according to an instruction received by the reception device 46 or the like, or various conditions.

In this way, when the condition that the data amount of the medical image data 96 is equal to or greater than the default data amount, or the data amount of the medical image data 96 is less than the default data amount, is used as the first condition defined for the image characteristic information 98H, a mark indicating that the data amount of the medical image data 96 is equal to or greater than the default data amount, or a mark indicating that the data amount of the medical image data 96 is less than the default data amount, may be displayed in a list on the search result list screen 106 instead of the slice image mark 124. This allows the user to recognize whether the data amount of the medical image data 96 is equal to or greater than the default data amount, by referring to the mark indicating that the data amount of the medical image data 96 is equal to or greater than the default data amount, or the mark indicating that the data amount of the medical image data 96 is less than the default data amount, via the search result list screen 106.

In the above embodiment, an example of a form in which a plurality of identifier-attached information 104 is displayed in a list on the search result list screen 106 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, a reference image 142 (e.g., a thumbnail image) based on the medical image data 96 to be output may be displayed in at least one of the search result list screen 106 and a screen associated with the search result list screen 106, in a state associated with the identifier-attached information 104 corresponding to the medical image data 96 to be output. This allows the user to visually grasp an overview of the medical image data 96 to be output as an image.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the other hospitals batch selection/non-selection key 132, the slice image batch selection/non-selection key 134, and the report batch selection/non-selection key 136 are exemplified, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, instead of the other hospitals batch selection/non-selection key 132, the other hospitals batch selection key 132A and the other hospitals batch non-selection key 132B may be applied, instead of the slice image batch selection/non-selection key 134, the slice image batch selection key 134A and the slice image batch non-selection key 134B may be applied, and instead of the report batch selection/non-selection key 136, the report batch selection key 136A and the report batch non-selection key 136B may be applied.

The other hospitals bulk selection key 132A is a soft key having the bulk selection function of the other hospitals bulk selection/non-selection key 132. The other hospitals bulk non-selection key 132B is a soft key having a function equivalent to the bulk non-selection function of the other hospitals bulk selection/non-selection key 132. The slice image bulk selection key 134A is a soft key having a function equivalent to the bulk selection function of the slice image bulk selection/non-selection key 134. The slice image bulk non-selection key 134B is a soft key having a function equivalent to the bulk non-selection function of the slice image bulk selection/non-selection key 134. The report bulk selection key 136A is a soft key having a function equivalent to the bulk selection function of the report bulk selection/non-selection key 136. The report bulk non-selection key 136B is a soft key having a function equivalent to the bulk non-selection function of the report bulk selection/non-selection key 136.

In the above embodiment, a device including the server 18 and the client terminal 20 is exemplified as an example of the output target selection device 12, but this is merely an example, and a device equivalent to the output target selection device 12 can be realized by only the server 18 or only the client terminal 20. In this case, for example, the first output target selection process and the second output target selection process can be performed by only the server 18 or only the client terminal 20. In addition, a device including at least one of the server 18 and the client terminal 20, the image management server 14, and the output device 16 may have a function equivalent to the output target selection device 12. In addition, at least one of the server 18 and the client terminal 20 may have at least one function of the image management server 14 and the output device 16 (for example, the search unit 52B and/or the recording control unit 62B).

In addition, in the above embodiment, only the image management server 14 is exemplified as the server that manages the medical image data 96, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and there may be multiple image management servers 14. In this case, an example of a form in which an image management server 14 exists for each medical facility (e.g., hospital) is given.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the identifier 102 indicating whether or not some of the information included in the incidental information 98 satisfies the first condition is assigned to some of the information included in the incidental information 98 to generate the identifier-attached information 104 (see FIG. 12 ). However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and the identifier 102 indicating whether or not all of the information included in the incidental information 98 satisfies the first condition may be assigned to all of the information included in the incidental information 98 (i.e., the incidental information 98 itself) to generate the identifier-attached information 104. In this case, it is preferable that a mark indicating the identifier 102 is displayed on the search result list screen 106. This allows the user to refer to the mark indicating the identifier 102 via the search result list screen 106, thereby allowing the user to recognize whether or not all of the information included in the incidental information 98 corresponding to the medical image data 96 satisfies the first condition.

In the above embodiment, the first condition defined for the facility information 98G, the first condition defined for the image characteristic information 98H, and the first condition defined for the examination phase information 98I are given as examples of the first condition, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first condition may be defined for other information included in the incidental information 98. In this case, for example, the first condition may be defined for the patient ID 98A, the first condition defined for the name information 98B, the first condition defined for the examination date information 98C, the first condition defined for the examination period information 98D, the first condition defined for the modality information 98E, and the first condition defined for the server information 98F. Then, it is determined whether the first condition is satisfied, and an identifier indicating the determination result is added to the incidental information 98 to generate the identifier-added incidental information 104, and a mark that can visually identify the identifier 102 when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied is selectively displayed in a list for the major classification 114 and the minor classification 116 of the search result list screen 106. This allows the user to select or deselect medical image data 96 corresponding to supplementary information 98 that contains information that satisfies the first condition via the search result list screen 106.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the first output target selection processing program 80 is stored in the storage 40 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, the first output target selection processing program 80 may be stored in a storage medium 200 such as an SSD or a USB memory. The storage medium 200 is a portable, computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. The first output target selection processing program 80 stored in the storage medium 200 is installed in the client terminal 20. The processor 38 executes the first output target selection processing in accordance with the first output target selection processing program 80.

The first output target selection processing program 80 may also be stored in a storage device such as another computer or server connected to the client terminal 20 via the network 24 (see FIG. 1), and the first output target selection processing program 80 may be downloaded and installed on the client terminal 20 in response to a request from the client terminal 20.

It is not necessary to store the entire first output target selection processing program 80 in the storage device of another computer or server connected to the client terminal 20, or in the storage 40; only a portion of the first output target selection processing program 80 may be stored. Note that the storage medium 200, the storage device of another computer or server connected to the client terminal 20, and other external storage are positioned as memories that are directly or indirectly connected to and used by the processor 38.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the processor 38, storage 40, RAM 42, and communication I/F 44 of the client terminal 20 are exemplified as a computer, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and instead of a computer, a device including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and/or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) may be applied. Also, instead of a computer, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used.

The hardware resources for executing the first output target selection process described in the above embodiment can be various processors, as shown below. An example of a processor is a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for executing the first output target selection process by executing software, i.e., a program. Another example of a processor is a dedicated electrical circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing a specific process, such as an FPGA, PLD, or ASIC. All of the processors have built-in or connected memory, and all of the processors execute the first output target selection process by using the memory.

The hardware resource that executes the first output target selection process may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that executes the first output target selection process may be a single processor.

As an example of a configuration using a single processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes the first output target selection process. Secondly, there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute the first output target selection process, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by SoC (System-on-a-chip). In this way, the first output target selection process is realized using one or more of the various processors mentioned above as hardware resources.

More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Furthermore, the above-mentioned first output target selection process is merely one example. It goes without saying that unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps can be added, and the processing order can be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the second output target selection processing program 82 is stored in the storage 28 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the second output target selection processing program 82 may be stored in a storage medium 300 such as an SSD or a USB memory. The storage medium 300 is a portable, computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. The second output target selection processing program 82 stored in the storage medium 300 is installed in the server 18. The processor 26 executes the second output target selection processing in accordance with the second output target selection processing program 82.

The second output target selection processing program 82 may also be stored in a storage device such as another computer or server connected to the server 18 via the network 24 (see FIG. 1), and the second output target selection processing program 82 may be downloaded and installed on the server 18 in response to a request from the server 18.

It is not necessary to store the entire second output target selection processing program 82 in the storage device of another computer or server connected to the server 18, or in the storage 28; only a portion of the second output target selection processing program 82 may be stored. Note that the storage medium 300, the storage device of another computer or server connected to the server 18, and other external storage are positioned as memories that are directly or indirectly connected to and used by the processor 26.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the server 18 is exemplified as a computer, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and instead of a computer, a device including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and/or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) may be applied. Also, instead of a computer, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used.

The hardware resources for executing the second output target selection process described in the above embodiment can be various processors, as shown below. An example of a processor is a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for executing the second output target selection process by executing software, i.e., a program. Another example of a processor is a dedicated electrical circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing a specific process, such as an FPGA, PLD, or ASIC. All of the processors have built-in or connected memory, and all of the processors use the memory to execute the second output target selection process.

The hardware resource that executes the second output target selection process may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that executes the second output target selection process may be a single processor.

As an example of a configuration using a single processor, first, one or more CPUs are combined with software to form a single processor, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes the second output target selection process. Secondly, as typified by SoC (System-on-a-chip), a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute the second output target selection process, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, the second output target selection process is realized using one or more of the various processors mentioned above as hardware resources.

More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Furthermore, the above-mentioned second output target selection process is merely one example. It goes without saying that unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps can be added, and the processing order can be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

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

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

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

10 Output system 12 Output target selection device 14 Image management server 16 Output device 18 Server 20 Client terminal 22, 24 Network 26, 38, 52, 62 Processor 26A Second transmission/reception unit 26B Determination unit 26C Assignment unit 28, 40, 54, 64 Storage 30, 42, 56, 66 RAM
32 first communication I/F
34 Second communication I/F
36, 50, 60, 72 Bus 38A Display control unit 38B Generation unit 38C First transmission/reception unit 44, 58, 68 Communication I/F
46 Reception device 48 Display 52A Third transmission/reception unit 52B Search unit 62A Fourth transmission/reception unit 62B Recording control unit 70 Data recording device 74 Recording target data 76 Recording medium 80 First output target selection processing program 82 Second output target selection processing program 84 Image management processing program 86 Output processing program 88 Search screen 90 Search condition information 92 Database 94 Medical information 96 Medical image data 98 Supplementary information 98A Patient ID
98B Name information 98C Examination date information 98D Examination period information 98E Modality information 98F Server information 98G Facility information 98H Image characteristic information 98I Examination phase information 100 Report 102 Identifier 102A Other hospital identifier 102B Slice image identifier 102C Report identifier 104 Identified incidental information 106 Search result list screen 108 Search condition screen 110 Individual selection/non-selection screen 112 Bulk selection/non-selection screen 114 Major category 116 Minor category 118 Major category designation column 118A Major category designation button 120 Minor category designation column 120A Minor category designation box 122 Other hospital mark 124 Slice image mark 126 Report mark 126A Check box 128 All release key 130 All list selection key 132 Other hospital bulk selection/non-selection key 132A Other hospital bulk selection key 132B Other hospital bulk non-selection key 134 Slice image collective selection/non-selection key 134A Slice image collective selection key 134B Slice image collective non-selection key 136 Report collective selection/non-selection key 136A Report collective selection key 136B Report collective non-selection key 140 Output target list 140A Large classification-specific additional information 140B Small classification-specific additional information 142 Reference images 200, 300 Storage medium

Claims (14)

A processor is provided.
The processor,
assigning an identifier to each of the plurality of pieces of medical image data associated with the additional information, the identifier indicating whether or not the information included in the additional information satisfies a first condition;
presenting a list screen on which the identifiers are displayed for each of the medical image data;
Accepting an instruction to select or not select the plurality of medical image data via the list screen;
an output target selection device for selecting the medical image data selected from the plurality of medical image data in accordance with the instruction received via the list screen as an output target. The information included in the supplementary information is at least one piece of associated information related to the medical image data,
The output target selection device according to claim 1 , wherein the list screen is a screen in which the identifiers are displayed in a list for each of the medical image data and for each of the related information. the first condition is determined for each type of the related information,
The output target selection device of claim 2, wherein the type is at least one of equipment-related information capable of identifying whether the medical image data was obtained from a specific facility, data volume-related information capable of identifying the data volume of the medical image data, and report-related information capable of identifying whether a report is attached to the medical image data. The output target selection device of claim 3, wherein the first condition defined for the equipment-related information is a condition that the medical image data is data obtained from the specific equipment, or the medical image data is not data obtained from the specific equipment. 5. The output target selection device according to claim 3, wherein the first condition defined for the data amount related information is that the data amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined data amount, or that the data amount is less than the predetermined data amount. The output target selection device of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first condition defined for the report-related information is a condition that the report is attached to the medical image data, or that the report is not attached to the medical image data. The output target selection device according to claim 3 , wherein the data amount related information includes slice image related information capable of specifying whether or not slice image data is included in the medical image data. The output target selection device of claim 7, wherein the first condition defined for the slice image related information is a condition that the medical image data includes the slice image data, or the medical image data does not include the slice image data. The list screen displays at least one of a bulk selection key for selecting all of the medical image data that have additional information attached thereto, the additional information including information that satisfies the first condition, and a bulk non-selection key for non-selecting all of the medical image data that have additional information attached thereto, the additional information including information that satisfies the first condition. An output target selection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The output target selection device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor acquires the plurality of medical image data by performing a search according to a specified search condition. The output target selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a reference image based on the medical image data selected as the output target by the processor is displayed in at least one of the list screen and a screen associated with the list screen. An output object selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11;
an output device that outputs the medical image data selected as the output target by the output target selection device;
An output system comprising: The computer
assigning an identifier to the supplementary information associated with each of the plurality of medical image data, the identifier indicating whether or not information included in the supplementary information satisfies a first condition;
outputting a list screen on which the identifiers are displayed for each of the medical image data;
Accepting an instruction to select or not select the plurality of medical image data via the list screen; and
and setting the medical image data selected from the plurality of medical image data in accordance with the instruction received via the list screen as the output target. On the computer,
assigning an identifier to the supplementary information associated with each of the plurality of medical image data, the identifier indicating whether or not information included in the supplementary information satisfies a first condition;
outputting a list screen on which the identifiers are displayed for each of the medical image data;
Accepting an instruction to select or not select the plurality of medical image data via the list screen; and
A program for executing a process including setting the medical image data selected from the plurality of medical image data in accordance with the instruction received via the list screen as the output target.