Shibuya, Masato (Otawara-shi, JP)
Niwa, Kenichi (Otawara-shi, JP)
Nonaka, Hirobumi (Yaita-shi, JP)

Plaque It! Sponsored by: Flash of Genius

12/039237

09/04/2008

02/28/2008

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KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA (Tokyo, JP)
TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION (Otawara-shi, JP)

382/128

G06K9/00

OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C. (1940 DUKE STREET, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314, US)

What is claimed is:

1. A medical image storage device comprising: a receiver configured to receive enhanced image data having a plurality of medical images, and a splitter configured to split the received enhanced image data into a plurality of single image data each having only one medical image, based on system information of the received enhanced image data.

2. The medical image storage device according to claim 1, comprising a storage configured to store the plurality of single image data obtained by splitting.

3. The medical image storage device according to claim 1, comprising a storage configured to store the received enhanced image data, wherein at the time of sending the stored enhanced image data, the splitter splits the stored enhanced image data into the plurality of single image data.

4. The medical image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the splitter specifies, based on information associating image attribute information of the enhanced image data with the system information, the system information corresponding to the image attribute information of the received enhanced image data, and splits the received enhanced image data into the plurality of single image data based on the specified system information.

5. The medical image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the splitter splits the received enhanced image data into the plurality of single image data so that it is possible to manage the plurality of single image data by classification units provided by the system information.

6. The medical image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the splitter attaches, to the single image data obtained by splitting, information for identifying positioning of the single image data, based on system information.

7. The medical image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the system information is included in incidental information of the received enhanced image data.

8. The medical image storage device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of single image data are provided by DICOM standard.

9. The medical image storage device according to claim 2, wherein the storage stores the incidental information of the enhanced image data in association with the plurality of single image data obtained by splitting.

10. The medical image storage device according to claim 9, comprising a restoring part configured to restore the plurality of single image data into the enhanced image data, based on the stored incidental information in association with the plurality of single image data obtained by splitting.

11. The medical image storage device according to claim 10, wherein: the receiver receives the single image data or the enhanced image data; and the restoring part specifies a subject related to the received single image data or enhanced image data, and restores the plurality of single image data related to the specified subject into the enhanced image data.

12. The medical image storage device according to claim 1, comprising a deleting part configured to delete the medical image of the single image data having been stored for a predetermined period, based on set information that sets timing to delete the medical image.

13. The medical image storage device according to claim 12, wherein the deleting part adds deletion information representing that the medical image has been deleted, to incidental information of the single image data that corresponds to the deleted medical image.

14. The medical image storage device according to claim 12, wherein the deleting part deletes information for identifying the deleted medical image from incidental information of the enhanced image data that corresponds to the single image data of the deleted medical image, and advances information for identifying the medical images arranged after the deleted medical image.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a medical image storage device configured to store a medical image.

2. Description of the Related Art

A medical image storage device is a device for storing a medical image of a subject body site or the like captured by a medical imaging device (modality) such as an X-ray tomographic imaging device (CT) and a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI). This medical image storage device is connected to a medical imaging device, a medical-report creation supporting device and a medical image observation device via a network such as a LAN, whereby a medical image storage system (medical picture archiving communication system, PACS) is configured.

Image data generated by a medical imaging device normally complies with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard established by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). A medical image observation device displays a medical image based on image data provided by the DICOM standard. This image data is stored and managed by the medical image storage device. Medical image storage devices are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-68444, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-280598, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-15125. With these disclosed techniques, image data is classified and stored on a series-by-series basis.

Although single image data having only one image is generally used as image data, enhanced image data in which a plurality of images are linked is used recently for the purpose of sending and receiving a large number of images.

Here, the single image data is image data in which incidental information is linked to one tomographic image, image data in which the SOP class name of the DICOM standard is “CT Image Storage” and the SOP class UID is “1.2.840.10008.5.1.4.1.1.2,” or the like. On the other hand, the enhanced image data is image data in which common incidental information is linked to a plurality of tomographic images, image data in which the SOP class name of the DICOM standard is “Enhanced CT Image Storage” and the SOP class UID is “1.2.840.10008.5.1.4.1.2.1,” or the like

In many cases, the systems of enhanced image data vary depending on the types, manufactures and versions of modalities serving as data generating devices. This system is represented by stack information (Stack ID), index information (Temporal Index,) or the like. To be specific, it is represented by a Stack ID (0020, 9056) or a Temporal Position Index (0020, 9128). Difference of the systems means difference of the meanings and contents represented by the stack information and index information. For example, as for enhanced image data created by a CT device, the stack information represents the image ID, and the index information represents the series ID. On the other hand, as for enhanced image data created by an MRI device, the stack information represents the series ID, and the index information represents the image ID.

However, in a case where the systems of enhanced image data vary depending on the types, manufacturers and versions of modalities, the system of the enhanced image data received by a medical image observation device may be different from the system of recognizable enhanced image data. Therefore, there is a possibility that the medical image observation device is incapable of properly recognizing the enhanced image data, and hence, is incapable of accurately displaying a medical image. Moreover, an old-type medical image observation device does not comply with enhanced image data, and cannot accurately display a medical image contained in the enhanced image data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a medical image storage device that enables a medical image observation device to accurately display an image without depending on the system of enhanced image data.

When receiving enhanced image data having a plurality of medical images, a medical image observation device relating to the present invention splits the received enhanced image data into a plurality of single image data each having only one medical image, based on the system information of the received enhanced image data. According to the present invention, the medical image observation device can accurately display images without depending on the system of enhanced image data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a medical image storage system relating to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a medical image storage device provided in the medical image storage system.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a splitting process executed by an enhanced data splitter provided in the medical image storage device.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a system information table used by the enhanced data splitter provided in the medical image storage device.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an automatic deletion process performed by an automatic data deleting part provided in the medical image storage device.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an inconsistency resolution process in the automatic deletion process performed by the automatic data deleting part provided in the medical image storage device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a medical image storing operation performed by the medical image storage device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a medical image displaying operation performed by the medical image storage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the present invention will be described referring to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a medical image storage system 1 relating to the embodiment of the present invention comprises: a medical imaging device 2 configured to capture a medical image of a subject such as a patient; a medical-report creation supporting device 3 configured to support creation of a medical report; a medical image observation device 4 such as a viewer configured to display a medical image; and a medical image storage device 5 configured to store a medical image captured by the medical imaging device 2 . These devices are connected to each other via a network 6 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

The medical imaging device 2 is a modality capturing medical images of sites of a subject body. The medical imaging device 2 sends image data (e.g., tomographic image data) regarding a captured medical image to the medical image storage device 5 . As the medical imaging device 2 , it is possible to use various types of modalities such as a CT device and an MRI device.

The medical-report creation supporting device 3 is a device for creating a medical report used by a user such as a doctor at the time of creation of a medical report such as a diagnostic finding report. The user observes a medical image displayed by the medical image observation device 4 , and creates a medical report by using the medical-report creation supporting device 3 . The medical report is stored in stored in the medical-report creation supporting device 3 , for example.

The medical image observation device 4 receives image data sent from the medical image storage device 5 , and displays a 2-dimensional medical image based on the received image data. Further, the medical image observation device 4 generates volume data for a 3-dimensional image from the received image data, and displays a 3-dimensional medical image based on the generated volume data. To be specific, the medical image observation device 4 applies, to the volume data, image processing such as a volume-rendering process, an MPR (Multi Planer Reconstruction) process and an MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) process, generates image data for display, and displays a medical image based on the image data.

As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image storage device 5 comprises: a receiver 51 configured to receive image data sent from the medical imaging device 2 , an image display request sent from the medical image observation device 4 , and the like; an image storage processor 52 configured to execute a storing process for the received image data; a database 53 configured to store various types of data; an image data storage 54 configured to store image data; a transmitter 55 configured to send various types of data such as image data to the medical image observation device 4 ; a display 56 configured to display a medical image; an input part 57 configured to receive an input operation from a user that is an operator; a controller 58 configured to control the respective parts; and a restoring part 59 configured to restore enhanced image data D 1 from split single image data D 2 .

The image storage processor 52 comprises: an image data analyzer 52 a configured to analyze the received image data; a normal data register 52 b configured to register normal image data into the database 53 and the image data storage 54 ; an enhanced data splitter 52 c configured to split the enhanced image data D 1 into a plurality of single image data D 2 ; a split data register 52 d configured to register the respective single image data D 2 obtained by splitting, into the database 53 and the image data storage 54 ; and an automatic data deleting part 52 e configured to automatically delete various types of data stored in the database 53 and the image data storage 54 .

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the enhanced image data D 1 is image data including a plurality of images G and common incidental information J 1 linked to these images G. The images G are linked and unified into an aggregate of the images G, and written in as, for example, pixel data. Further, the incidental information J 1 represents patient information on patients, information representing examination information on examinations, and the systems of the plurality of included images. The systems are represented by, for example, stack information J 1 a and index information J 1 b . For example, the stack information J 1 a represents a series ID that is the identification number of a subject body site in enhanced image data D 1 derived from an MRI device, and represents an image ID in enhanced image data D 1 derived from a CT device. For example, the index information J 1 b represents an image ID in enhanced image data D 1 derived from an MRI device, and represents a series ID that is the number of a subject body site in enhanced image data D 1 derived from a CT device. The enhanced image data D 1 is, for example, image data in which the SOP class name of the DICOM standard is “Enhanced CT Image Storage” and the SOP class UID is “1.2.840.10008.5.1.4.1.2.1.”

On the other hand, the single image data D 2 is image data having only one image G and incidental information J 2 linked to the image G. The image G is written in as, for example, pixel data. Further, the incidental information J 2 is information including patient information on a patient, examination information on an examination, information for identifying the image G included in the single image data D 2 , or the like. For example, the incidental information J 2 is information including a tag number, a patient ID, a series ID, or an image ID. The medical image observation device 4 displays the images G in the accurately arranged state in accordance with information for identifying the positioning of images G such as the series ID and image ID. The single image data D 2 is provided by the DICOM standard. The single image data D 2 is, for example, image data in which the SOP class name of the DICOM standard is “CT linage Storage” and the SOP class UID is “1.2.840.10008.5.1.4.1.1.2.”

Returning to FIG. 2, the image data analyzer 52 a determines whether the received image data is the enhanced image data D 1 . In the case of determining that the received image data is the enhanced image data D 1 , the image data analyzer 52 a outputs the image data to the enhanced data splitter 52 c as the enhanced image data D 1 . In the case of determining that the received image data is not the enhanced image data, the image data analyzer 52 a outputs the image data to the normal data register 52 b as normal image data (single image data D 2 ).

The normal data register 52 b registers normal image data (single image data D 2 ) inputted from the image data analyzer 52 a , into the database 53 and the image data storage 54 . To be specific, the normal image data register 52 b registers normal image data and incidental information into the image data storage 54 , and registers a file path indicating a storage destination into the database 53 .

Based on system information J 4 of the received enhanced image data D 1 , as shown in FIG. 3, the enhanced data splitter 52 c splits the received enhanced image data D 1 into a plurality of single image data D 2 , and outputs the plurality of single image data D 2 obtained by splitting to the split data register 52 d . To be specific, the enhanced data splitter 52 c interprets the system of the enhanced image data D 1 with reference to the system information J 4 , and attaches information for identifying the positioning of the image G 2 obtained by splitting. In other words, in accordance with the system information J 4 , the stack information J 1 a and the index information J 1 b are included in the incidental information J 2 of the single image data D 2 , as one of a series ID and an image ID and as the other of the series ID and the image ID, respectively. Furthermore, the enhanced data splitter 52 c registers the received enhanced image data D 1 as it is in the image data storage 54 .

This enhanced data splitter 52 c having a system information table T (refer to FIG. 4) specifies the system information J 4 corresponding to image attribute information J 3 of the received enhanced image data D 1 , based on the system information table T, and splits the received enhanced image data D 1 into a plurality of single image data D 2 , based on the specified system information J 4 . The image attribute information J 3 is included in the incidental information J 1 of the received enhanced image data D 1 .

In the system information table T, as shown in FIG. 4, the system information J 4 is registered in association with the image attribute information J 3 . This system information table T is previously set, and becomes information associating the image attribute information J 3 with the system information J 4 . The image attribute information J 3 is information representing image attributes, which is information representing modalities such as CT and MR. Other than modalities, the image attribute information J 3 may be, for example, manufacturers, model names, software versions, AE titles, communication information (AE titles, IP addresses, etc.), image types, and furthermore, combination thereof. Moreover, the system information J 4 is information representing the meaning and content of the system of the enhanced image data D 1 . For example, the system information J 4 is information representing what the stack information (Stack ID) J 1 a and the index information (Tindex) J 1 b mean, respectively.

Because the enhanced image data D 1 includes the system information J 4 , namely, classification methods that vary depending on the image attribute information J 3 , classification units are determined so as to correspond to the system information J 4 . Therefore, the enhanced data splitter 52 c splits the enhanced image data D 1 into a plurality of single image data D 2 so that the plurality of single image data D 2 can be managed on the basis of classification units provided by the system information J 4 .

For example, in a case where the image attribute information J 3 of the received enhanced image data D 1 is MR, system information J 4 in which StcID is a series ID and Tindex is an image ID is used. In this case, the classification unit is a series unit. On the other hand, in a case where the image attribute information J 3 of the received enhanced image data D 1 is CT, system information J 4 in which StcID is an image ID and Tindex is a series ID is used. In this case, the classification unit is an image ID unit. Since the respective single image data D 2 are thus managed by classification units provided by the system information J 4 , it is possible to respond even when the medical image observation device 4 requests medical images by classification units.

In addition, the enhanced data splitter 52 c corrects the incidental information J 2 of the single image data D 2 . An example of this correction is correction of appropriately embedding information such as a window level, window width and image position into appropriate positions in the incidental information J 2 . Moreover, the enhanced data splitter 52 c outputs the incidental information (original incidental information) J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 to the split data register 52 d . The incidental information J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 is required at the time of restoration of a plurality of single image data D 2 to the original enhanced image data D 1 .

Returning to FIG. 2, the split data register 52 d registers the plurality of single image data D 2 and the incidental information J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 inputted from the enhanced data splitter 52 c , into the database 53 and the image data storage 54 . To be specific, the split data register 52 d registers the plurality of single image data D 2 , and the incidental information J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 in association with the single image data D 2 , into the image data storage 54 , and registers file paths into the database 53 .

The automatic data deleting part 52 e deletes unnecessary image data from the image data storage 54 , based on set information representing a period set in advance (e.g., about one month) or the like. For example, in a case where the image data is single image data D 2 , the automatic data deleting part 52 e deletes an image G of the single image data D 2 having been stored for a predetermined period, corrects inconsistencies of the incidental information J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 corresponding to the single image data D 2 of the deleted image G, and furthermore, updates the database 53 . In addition, the automatic data deleting part 52 e deletes enhanced image data D 1 having been stored for a predetermined period, based on set information representing a period set in advance (e.g., about one month) or the like, whereby a storage space is secured. In correction of inconsistencies, specifically, the automatic data deleting part 52 e deletes information for identifying the positioning of the image ID, series ID and the like corresponding to the deleted image G, from the incidental information J 1 , and advances information for identifying the positioning of an image G positioned after the deleted image G. The set information is stored in the database 53 or in a memory or the like provided in the controller 58 .

Herein, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when an image 3 is deleted by the automatic data deleting part 52 e , only images 1 , 2 and 4 are left. At this moment, because the image 3 has been deleted, as shown in FIG. 6, the image ID of the image 4 replaces the image ID of the image 3 , and the incidental information J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 is rewritten. Consequently, inconsistencies in the incidental information J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 are resolved. In an actual display, as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to displaying the images 1 , 2 and 4 , text such as “third image: automatically deleted” is displayed. Such text is displayed based on deletion information, and the user is informed that the image 3 has been deleted. The deletion information is information for specifying single image data D 2 of the deleted image and, for example, is embedded into series comment information within the incidental information J 2 of the single image data D 2 . The deleted information may be stored in the database 53 .

Returning to FIG. 2, the database 53 is a database configured to manage specification information for specifying managed examinations, storage positions of image data, or the like. For example, the database 53 stores the file paths of various types of data such as enhanced image data D 1 and single image data D 2 having been registered in the image data storage 54 .

The image data storage 54 receives image data such as enhanced image data D 1 and single image data D 2 , and writes and stores into an appropriate position. Further, the image data storage 54 communicates with the database 53 and makes corrections of the database 53 —e.g., when a storage position has been determined, when image data of a storage position has been deleted, or when a storage position has been changed. As the image data storage 54 , a hard disk drive, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or the like may be used.

The transmitter 55 and the receiver 51 are communication devices configured to communicate with external devices via a network 6 such as a LAN. Here, the external devices are the medical imaging device 2 , the medical-report creation supporting device 3 , and the medical image observation device 4 . As the communication devices, a LAN card, a modem or the like is used.

The display 56 is a display device configured to display a medical image such as a tomographic image (a slice image) of a subject. As the display 56 , for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display is used.

The input part 57 is an operation part used for input by the user, and is a device configured to receive various types of input operations such as starting display of an image display or switching images. As the input part 57 , for example, an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard is used.

The controller 58 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) intensively controlling the respective parts, and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The controller 58 controls the respective parts based on various types of programs, data and the like stored in the memory. In particular, the controller 58 executes a series of data processing of calculating data or performing processes based on various types of programs, data, or the like, and image display processing of displaying images, and so on.

The restoring part 59 restores original enhanced image data D 1 from the respective single image data D 2 with reference to incidental information J 1 stored in association with the single image data D 2 obtained by splitting. When image data (enhanced image dada D 1 or single image data D 2 ) of a patient (subject) is received, the restoring part 59 restores single image data D 2 that is a past image of the patient, into enhanced image data D 1 .

Next, a medical image storage operation and a medical image display operation performed by the medical image storage device 5 will be described referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the medical image storage operation, the medical image storage device 5 waits for the receiver 51 to receive image data from the medical imaging device 2 (NO in Step S 1 ), and when the receiver 51 receives the image data from the medical imaging device 2 (YES in Step S 1 ), the image data analyzer 52 a determines whether the received image data is enhanced image data D 1 (Step S 2 ).

In a case where the received image data is determined to be enhanced image data D 1 (YES in Step S 2 ), the enhanced data splitter 52 c splits the received enhanced image data D 1 into a plurality of single image data D 2 based on system information J 4 of the enhanced image data D 1 , and incidental information J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 is retained (Step S 3 : refer to FIG. 3). Here, based on image attribute information J 3 within system information of the received enhanced image data D 1 , system information J 4 corresponding to the image attribute information J 3 is specified from the system information table T, and a splitting process of splitting the received enhanced image data D 1 into a plurality of single image data D 2 is conducted based on the specified system information J 4 . In the splitting process, an image G contained in the enhanced image data D 1 is split, and information for identifying the positioning is added to each of the split images G. Then, the medical image storage device 5 stores the incidental information (original incidental information) J 1 of the plurality of split single image data D 2 and the enhanced image data D 1 in the image data storage 54 (Step S 4 ), and registers file paths thereof into the database 53 (Step S 5 ), thereby ending the process.

On the other hand, in a case where the received image data is determined to be not enhanced image data D 1 , namely, the received image data is determined to be normal image data (single image data D 2 ) (NO in Step S 2 ), the received single image data D 2 and the incidental information (original incidental information) J 2 of the single image data D 2 are stored in the image data storage 54 as they are (Step S 6 ), and file paths thereof are registered in the database 53 (Step S 7 ), whereby the process is ended.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, in the medical image display operation, the medical image storage device 5 waits for the receiver 51 to receive an image display request (NO in Step S 11 ), and determines whether single image data D 2 has been deleted within image data (normal image data and a plurality of single image data D 2 ) stored in the image data storage 54 (Step S 12 ) when the receiver 51 receives an image display request (request signal) from the medical image observation device 4 or an image display request (request signal) through an input operation to the input part 57 (YES in Step S 11 ). The determination is made based on deletion information embedded in the incidental information J 2 of the single image data D 2 .

In a case where it is determined that single image data D 2 has been deleted (YES in Step S 12 ), the single image data D 2 subjected to the request is acquired from the image data storage 54 by accessing the database 53 , and furthermore, the deleted single image data D 2 is specified based on the deletion information embedded in the incidental information J 2 of the single image data D 2 (Step S 13 ). Deleted image presenting information for the user is created based on the incidental information J 2 of the specified single image data D 2 (Step S 14 ), and the acquired single image data D 2 and the created deleted image presenting information are sent to the medical image observation device 4 by the transmitter 55 , or displayed by the display 56 (Step S 15 ), whereby the processes is ended. Consequently, a medical image and a deleted image presenting information are displayed in the medical image observation device 4 or in the display 56 .

For example, in a case where an image display request for displaying the images 1 - 4 is received, as shown in FIG. 5, the respective single image data D 2 of the image 1 , 2 and 4 are sent either to the medical image observation device 4 or to the display 56 , the images 1 , 2 and as image 4 are displayed either by the medical image observation device 4 or by the display 56 , and further, text such as “third image: automatically deleted” is displayed. Thus, the user is informed that the image 3 has been deleted.

On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the single image data D 2 has not been deleted (NO in Step S 12 ), the single image data D 2 subjected to the request is acquired from the image data storage 54 (Step S 16 ) by accessing the database 53 . Then, the acquired single image data D 2 is sent to the medical image observation device 4 by the transmitter 55 , or is displayed by the display 56 (Step S 17 ), whereby the process is ended. Thus, the medical image D 2 is displayed in the medical image observation device 4 or in the display 56 .

For example, in a case where an image display request for displaying images 5 - 8 is received, each of the single image data D 2 of the images 5 - 8 is sent either to the medical image observation device 4 or the display 56 , and the images 5 - 8 are displayed by the medical image observation device 4 or the display 56 .

The image display request includes: a display request based on an operation of selecting a desired image from an image list (including a patient list, an examination list, etc.) displayed by the medical image observation device 4 ; a display request based on image display function starting information for reading out, from the image data storage 54 , single image data included in a diagnostic finding report created by the medical-report creation supporting device 3 ; and a display request based on an operation of starting the image display function by the image display function starting information containing location information of an image having been attached to the diagnostic finding report for a reference. Besides, the image display request includes any display requests for displaying images in the medical image observation device 4 .

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the medical image storage device 5 splits the received enhanced image data D 1 into a plurality of single image data D 2 based on the system information J 4 of the received enhanced image data D 1 . Then, the medical image storage device 5 stores the single image data D 2 . Consequently, the medical image observation device 4 capable of recognizing single image data D 2 can properly recognize the single image data D 2 , so that the medical image observation device 4 can accurately display medical images based on the respective single image data D 2 . Therefore, it becomes possible to cause the medical image observation device 4 to accurately display images without depending on the system of the enhanced image data D 1 . Particularly, even if the systems of the enhanced image data D 1 vary depending on the modality types, manufactures or versions, the medical image observation device 4 can properly recognize the single image data D 2 . In addition, an old style medical image observation device 4 that is not compliant with enhanced image data D 1 is also able to accurately display medical images based on single image data D 2 .

Furthermore, the system information J 4 corresponding to the image attribute information J 3 of the received enhanced image data D 1 is specified based on information associating the image attribute information J 3 of the enhanced image data D 1 with the system information J 4 (for example, system information table T). Then, the received enhanced image data D 1 is split into a plurality of single image data D 2 based on the specified system information J 4 . Consequently, the system information J 4 is specified in accordance with various image attribute information J 3 , so that enhanced image data D 1 can be split into a plurality of single image data D 2 in accordance with a large number of medical imaging devices 2 .

In a case where the system information J 4 is included in the incidental information J 1 attached to a plurality of medical images of the received enhanced image data D 1 , it is possible to execute the splitting process based on the system information J 4 within the received incidental information J 1 without the need for the system information table T, and it is possible to acquire the system information J 4 .

Further, by splitting the received enhanced image data D 1 into a plurality of single image data D 2 so that it is possible to manage the plurality of single image data D 2 by classification units provided by the system information J 4 , it is possible, even when the medical image observation device 4 makes a request for medical images by classification units, to provide single image data D 2 by classification units in response to the request.

Furthermore, because the plurality of single image data D 2 are provided by the DICOM standard, the medical image observation device 4 compliant with the DICOM standard can properly recognize the single image data D 2 , and therefore, accurately display a medical image based on the single image data D 2 .

In addition, by storing the incidental information J 1 attached to the plurality of medical images of the enhanced image data D 1 so as to be associated with the plurality of split single image data D 2 , it is possible to restore each of the single image data D 2 back into the original enhanced image data D 1 when necessary. As a result, it becomes possible to send each of the single image data D 2 after restoring to the original enhanced image data D 1 on the medical image observation device 4 capable of recognizing enhanced image data D 1 , a large volume of images may be sent at a high speed.

Therefore, because the plurality of single image data D 2 are restored into the enhanced image data D 1 based on the incidental information J 1 of the enhanced image data D 1 , it becomes possible to prepare image data for a high speed access when necessary, and thus, images may be displayed faster. In the case of this restoration, for example, a subject related to the received enhanced image data D 1 or single image data D 2 may be specified to restore a plurality of single image data D 2 related to the specified subject to the enhanced image data D 1 . Consequently, in the event that image data (enhanced image data D 1 or single image data D 2 ) of a patient (subject) is received, it is possible, by taking this event as a trigger, to restore the single image data D 2 that is a past image of the patient into enhanced image data D 1 if possible. As a result, because it becomes possible to prepare image data for a high speed access when needed, images may be displayed faster.

Moreover, by deleting a medical image of single image data D 1 having been stored for a predetermined period, based on the set information for setting the timing of deleting a medical image, a medical image of the single image data D 1 having been stored for a predetermined period, for example, for several weeks or one month is deleted, and it becomes possible to avoid storing unnecessary medical images, so that it is possible to effectively use the capacity of the storage 54 .

Furthermore, by adding deletion information representing deletion of a medical image to the incidental information J 2 of single image data D 2 corresponding to the deleted medical image, it becomes possible to use the deletion information, so that it is possible, based on the deletion information, for example, display deleted image-presenting information such as an image indicating the deletion of the medical image. As a result, it is possible to inform the user of the deletion of the medical image.

In addition, by eliminating inconsistencies of the incidental information J 1 of enhanced image data D 1 corresponding to the single image data D 2 of the deleted medical image, consistencies between the original enhanced image data D 1 and the corresponding each set of single image data D 2 may be maintained.

Another Embodiment

The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment, and it is possible to change in various manners within the scope of the gist.

For example, the splitting process is executed for received enhanced image data D 1 in the aforementioned embodiment, but instead, in such a case that received enhanced image data D 1 is stored and thereafter the stored enhanced image data D 1 is sent, the splitting process may be executed for the stored enhanced image data D 1 . In this case, a plurality of single image data D 2 with larger data volume than the enhanced image data D 1 before the splitting process are not stored in the image data storage 54 , and the enhanced image data D 1 before the splitting process is stored in the image data storage 54 , whereby it is possible to effectively use the capacity of the image data storage 54 . Here, in response to an image display request or the like, the splitting process is executed for the stored enhanced image data D 1 , and the plurality of single image data D 2 obtained by splitting are sent, so that it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the aforementioned embodiment.

Further, a medical image of single image data D 2 is deleted regardless of a classification unit in the aforementioned embodiment, but instead, for example, the single image data D 2 may be deleted collectively by classification unit such as series.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, deleted image presenting information is displayed in the medical image observation device 4 or the display 56 to inform that an unnecessary medical image has been deleted, but instead, for example, it may be informed by sound like voice.

Finally, inconsistencies of incidental information J 1 of enhanced image data D 1 that corresponds to single image data D 2 of the deleted medical image are solved in the aforementioned embodiment, but instead, the inconsistencies may be left without being solved in a case where the inconsistencies make no effect.