U.S. patent application number 12/107688 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for medical examination system control apparatus and control method therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Hiroaki Yoshino.
Application Number | 20080317206 12/107688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39720286 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080317206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoshino; Hiroaki |
December 25, 2008 |
MEDICAL EXAMINATION SYSTEM CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD
THEREFOR
Abstract
A medical examination system causes a display unit to display an
object for shifting to examination processing together with patient
information corresponding to identification information of a
patient received by a receiving unit if the patient information of
the patient is input via an operation unit when the receiving unit
receives the identification information of the patient from an
external device. The medical examination system shifts to the
examination processing without causing the display unit to display
the object if the patient information is not input via the
operation unit when the receiving unit receives the patient
information.
Inventors: |
Yoshino; Hiroaki;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANON U.S.A. INC. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
15975 ALTON PARKWAY
IRVINE
CA
92618-3731
US
|
Assignee: |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
39720286 |
Appl. No.: |
12/107688 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
378/98 ;
705/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 80/00 20180101;
A61B 6/563 20130101; A61B 6/545 20130101; A61B 6/5211 20130101;
G16H 40/63 20180101; A61B 6/00 20130101; G16H 30/20 20180101; A61B
6/542 20130101; A61B 8/00 20130101; G05B 15/02 20130101; G16H 30/40
20180101; G06F 3/04845 20130101; A61B 5/055 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
378/98 ;
705/3 |
International
Class: |
H05G 1/64 20060101
H05G001/64; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 25, 2007 |
JP |
2007-115636 |
Claims
1. A medical examination system comprising: a receiving unit
configured to receive identification information of a patient from
an external device; an operation unit configured to input patient
information about the patient; and a processing unit configured to
cause a display unit to display an object for shifting to
examination processing together with the patient information
corresponding to the identification information of the patient
received from the receiving unit if the patient information is
input via the operation unit, and to execute the examination
processing without causing the display unit to display the object
if no patient information is input via the operation unit, when the
receiving unit receives the identification information of the
patient.
2. The medical examination system according to claim 1, wherein the
processing unit causes the display unit to display the patient
information corresponding to the identification information of the
patient received by the receiving unit without causing the display
unit to display the object if no patient information is input via
the operation unit when the receiving unit receives the
identification information of the patient.
3. The medical examination system according to claim 2, wherein the
processing unit sets time that the display unit displays the
patient information corresponding to the identification information
of the patient received by the receiving unit without causing the
display unit to display the object.
4. A medical examination system comprising: a receiving unit
configured to receive identification information of a patient from
an external device; an operation unit configured to input patient
information about the patient; and a processing unit configured to
register as examination reservation information the patient
information corresponding to the identification information of the
patient received by the receiving unit if the patient information
is input via the operation unit when the receiving unit receives
the identification information of the patient.
5. The medical examination system according to claim 4, wherein the
processing unit causes the display unit to display the patient
information corresponding to the identification information of the
patient received by the receiving unit if the patient information
is input via the operation unit when the receiving unit receives
the identification information of the patient.
6. A method for a medical examination system, the method
comprising: causing a display unit to display an object for
shifting to examination processing together with patient
information corresponding to identification information of a
patient received by a receiving unit if the patient information is
input via an operation unit when the receiving unit receives the
identification information of the patient from an external device;
and executing examination processing without causing the display
unit to display the object if no patient information is input via
the operation unit when the receiving unit receives the patient
information.
7. The method according to claim 6 further comprising causing the
display unit to display the patient information corresponding to
the identification information of the patient received by the
receiving unit without causing the display unit to display the
object if no patient information is input via the operation unit
when the receiving unit receives the identification information of
the patient.
8. The method according to claim 7 further comprising setting time
to display the patient information corresponding to the
identification information of the patient received by the receiving
unit on the display unit.
9. A method for a medical examination system, the method
comprising: receiving identification information of a patient; and
registering as examination reserving information patient
information corresponding to the identification information of the
patient if the patient information is input via an operation
unit.
10. The method according to claim 7 further comprising causing a
display unit to display the patient information corresponding to
the identification information of the patient if the patient
information is input via the operation unit when the identification
information of the patient is received.
11. A storage medium storing a program, the program comprising:
causing a display unit to display an object for shifting to
examination processing together with patient information
corresponding to identification information of a patient received
by a receiving unit if the patient information is input via an
operation unit when the receiving unit receives the identification
information of the patient from an external device; and executing
the examination processing without causing the display unit to
display the object if no patient information is input via the
operation unit when the receiving unit receives the patient
information.
12. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the program
further comprises causing the display unit to display the patient
information corresponding to the identification information of the
patient received by the receiving unit without causing the display
unit to display the object if no patient information is input via
the operation unit when the receiving unit receives the
identification information of the patient.
13. The storage medium according to claim 12, wherein the program
further comprises setting time to display on the display unit the
patient information corresponding to the identification information
of the patient received by the receiving unit.
14. A storage medium storing a program, the program comprising:
receiving an identification information of a patient and
registering as examination reservation information patient
information corresponding to the identification information of the
patient if the patient information of the patient is input via an
operation unit.
15. The storage medium according to claim 14, wherein the program
further comprises causing a display unit to display the patient
information corresponding to the identification information of the
patient if the patient information is input via the operation unit
when the identification information of the patient is received.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a medical examination
system for performing an examination by an X-ray imaging apparatus
based on an input of patient information and a control method
therefor.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Recently, hospitals tend to construct a so-called hospital
information system (HIS) for transmitting information among
sections within each hospital. Also, each section in the hospital
tries to construct an information system suitable for each section,
for example, a radiation section constructs a radiology information
system (RIS), and promotes on-line information transmission. In
such information systems, not only an examination result recorded
in a patient data base of a server can be referred to by retrieving
that data through a terminal, but also examination request
information from a doctor can be transmitted as an examination
order to another undertaking section.
[0005] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a network within
ahospital. An HIS 1019 is an information system for connecting the
sections via a network. The HIS 1019 has a server 1020. Sections
1021 and 1022 are, for example, an account section, a
pharmaceutical section, or a medical examination section (an
internal medicine section, a surgery section, an orthopedic surgery
section, and the like). The sections 1021 and 1022 include HIS
terminal 1023 and 1024 comprising a personal computer. An RIS 1010
is an information system within a radiation section. The RIS 1010
includes an RIS terminal 1011 comprising a gate way 1014 for
connecting an image server 1013, the HIS 1019, and the RIS 1010 one
another. The RIS 1010 also includes a personal computer provided in
a radiation section 1012. In the RIS 1010 illustrated in FIG. 17, a
photography room 1015 and a photography room 1016 are provided with
an examination system 1017 and an examination system 1018,
respectively.
[0006] When a subject which comes to an outpatient clinic goes
through an outpatient reception, a doctor makes a diagnosis at each
of the sections 1021 and 1022 of FIG. 17. At the time, it may be
necessary for the subject to receive diagnosis at a plurality of
sections. As a result of the diagnosis, if the doctor determines
that, for example, an X-ray photography is necessary for the
subject, the doctor inputs examination request information through
the HIS terminal 1023, and the request information is transmitted
to a radiation section 1012 that is an undertaking section. The
request information instructed by the doctor is referred to as an
examination order which includes information as to a name of a
requesting section, and examination items such as "a region to be
imaged: front of the chest, a side of the chest" in a case of the
X-ray photography, a personal data of the patient, and the like.
The radiation section 1012, upon receiving the examination order,
transmits the order to proper examination systems 1017 or 1018
together with information as to an imaging condition.
[0007] For example, it is assumed that the section 1021 is a
surgery section, the section 1022 is an orthopedic surgery section,
and the examination system 1017 of the photography room 1015 is an
X-ray examination system. When the subject goes through the
outpatient reception and a doctor of the surgery section 1021
judges that X-ray photographs of the front of the chest and a side
of the chest are necessary, the doctor inputs an examination order
through the HIS terminal 1023. Thus, the input examination order is
transmitted to the X-ray examination system 1017 in the photography
room 1015 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2006-330815).
[0008] However, an input collision of examination orders may occur
in the conventional method if an examination order is received from
an upstream system (HIS system) while a user is operating the X-ray
examination system. In such a case, it is difficult to determine
which examination order should be accepted for imaging the X-ray
photography.
[0009] In order to avoid the above-described circumstances, it is
necessary for the system to have a switch operation that allows the
user to select only one of the examination orders. However, in this
case, the switching operation of the system may become complicated
since the user is required to handle the switch operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to an apparatus that is
capable of readily determining whether the imaging is performed
based on an examination order input by the user or based on an
examination order from the upstream system.
[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical
examination system of the present invention includes a receiving
unit configured to receive identification information of a patient
from an external device, an operation unit configured to input
patient information about the patient, and a processing unit
configured to cause a display unit to display an object for
shifting to examination processing together with the patient
information corresponding to the identification information of the
patient received by the receiving unit if the patient information
is input via the operation unit, and to execute the examination
processing without causing the display unit to display the object
if no patient information is input via the operation unit, when the
receiving unit receives the identification information of the
patient.
[0012] Further features and aspects of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of
exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention and, together
with the description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an X-ray
imaging system according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating processing steps of the
X-ray imaging system according to a first exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a patient information input
screen.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a patient information
input screen.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an imaging screen.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a confirmation screen of
input patient information.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a confirmation screen
of input patient information.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a setting method for a
patient information input unit.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a setting method for a
patient information input unit.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a setting method for
patient information display items.
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which patient information
is input using a patient specifying file.
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an error display when
there is no specified patient information.
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an input information
display in an imaging screen.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating processing steps of an
X-ray imaging system according to a second exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a confirmation screen of
input patient information.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating processing steps of an
X-ray imaging system according to a third exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates a conventional configuration of an X-ray
imaging system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the
invention will be described in detail below with reference to the
drawings.
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an X-ray
imaging system of a medical examination system according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the invention. The X-ray imaging system
includes an X-ray tube bulb 1000 as an X-ray generator, an X-ray
generator control unit 1001, a sensor unit 1002 including a sensor
1003, an X-ray imaging system control apparatus 1004, and an
operation and display unit 1005.
[0033] The X-ray generator control unit 1001 is configured to
control a high voltage application to the X-ray tube bulb 1000
based on information as to imaging conditions such as a tube
current, a tube voltage, and an irradiation time from the X-ray
imaging system control apparatus 1004 to control an X-ray
generation.
[0034] The X-ray imaging system control apparatus 1004 processes a
digital image signal obtained from the sensor 1003 and transmits
various kinds of control information such as an imaging condition
to the X-ray generator control unit 1001. The X-ray imaging system
control apparatus 1004 includes, as a hardware, a read-only memory
(ROM) as a computer readable storage medium for storing a software
program and a RAM for expanding the software program stored in the
ROM. The X-ray imaging system control apparatus 1004 further
includes a central processing unit (CPU) for integrally controlling
the entire system based on thus expanded software program.
[0035] The operation and display unit 1005 is a user interface for
enabling the user to input patient information,
retrieving/selecting a patient from a past patient list, shifting
to an imaging mode, making various system settings, and the like.
The operation and display unit 1005 includes a display, a mouse,
and a keyboard.
[0036] A network 1006 is connected to the HIS 1019 which is an
external system in an upstream side as illustrated in FIG. 17. The
X-ray imaging system illustrated in FIG. 1 receives an examination
order from the HIS 1019 via the network 1006.
[0037] The operation information input by the user via the
operation and display unit 1005 is detected by the X-ray imaging
system control apparatus 1004. Then, a result of the process
performed by the X-ray imaging system control apparatus 1004 is
reflected on a display screen of the operation and display unit
1005.
[0038] For example, if a search keyword is input in the operation
and display unit 1005, a patient information management unit 1032
retrieves the corresponding patient information from a storage
device (not shown) which stores the patient information. Then, the
result thereof is reflected in a patient list on the screen
displayed in the operation and display unit 1005.
[0039] After the patient information is input via the operation and
display unit 1005, the processing for shifting to imaging mode is
executed and a patient information receiving unit 1033 assesses
thus input patient information content. If there is no error in the
input patient information content, the patient information
management unit 1032 informs an imaging control unit 1030 as an
imaging preparation that an imaging will be performed. The patient
information management unit 1032 further notifies the operation and
display unit 1005 of a shift to an imaging mode in order to change
a display on the screen to that for imaging.
[0040] The X-ray imaging system control apparatus 1004 is realized
by a computer. In the present embodiment, a transmission of the
examination order is performed using a file system of the computer.
For example, in the HIS 1019 (i.e., the external upstream system),
a file including a patient ID corresponding to the examination
order is generated in a prescribed folder. The patient ID is
information for identifying a patient. The X-ray imaging system
control apparatus 1004 periodically monitors a generation of a
file. The patient information receiving unit 1033 receives the file
as the examination order when the X-ray imaging system control
apparatus 1004 detects the generation of the file. Then, the
patient information management unit 1032 retrieves patient
information corresponding to the patient ID from a storage device
(not shown) based on the patient ID contained in the file.
[0041] When the patient information is specified after the patient
information management unit 1032 normally retrieves the patient
information, the processing for shifting to an imaging mode is
executed. In a process of shifting to the imaging mode, the patient
information management unit 1032 informs the imaging control unit
1030 that an imaging will be performed in order to make imaging
preparations as well as notifies the operation and display unit
1005 of a change of a display in order to change a content
displayed for the user.
[0042] At this stage, if an instruction is received from the HIS
1019 (i.e., the external upstream system) while the user is
manually inputting the patient ID via the operation and display
unit 1005, it is necessary to confirm to the user whether the
imaging mode is to be executed. This is because, if the imaging
mode is automatically executed, the input content corresponding to
the patient ID which the user is manually inputting via the
operation and display unit 1005 is scrapped or the input operation
is temporarily interrupted. In the present embodiment, the imaging
mode needs to be executed in response to an instruction of the user
in order to avoid the above-described problems.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a screen 3001 displayed on a screen in
the operation and display unit 1005 of the X-ray imaging
system.
[0044] A patient selection can be made by selecting a patient from
a patient list or directly inputting patient information. The
screen includes at an upper part a selection button 3002 for
switching between the above-described selection methods. A patient
list 3000 is displayed at the center of the screen. The patient
list 3000 is a list of patients that have been registered before.
Below the patient list 3000, there is an area 3004 for inputting a
search keyword, where a content input through a software keyboard
3005 is displayed.
[0045] The patient information management unit 1032 performs a
forward matching search (prefix search) when the search keyword is
input, and reflects the content to be displayed, on the patient
list 3000. When the examination information processing unit 1031
detects that a patient is selected from the patient list and a
"next" button 3006 is selected, the examination information
processing unit 1031 causes the operation and display unit 1005 to
display an imaging screen. When the examination information
processing unit 1031 detects that the system button 3007 is
selected, the display is shifted to a system setting screen to
allow the user to change various settings.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a manual entry screen 3010 of the patient
information. Input items of the manual entry screen 3010 include a
patient ID 3011, a patient name 3012, a comment 3013, a patient
birth date 3014, and a patient sex 3015. The patient ID 3011, the
patient name 3012, and the comment 3013 are input through a
software keyboard at a bottom of the screen. When the examination
information processing unit 1031 detects that a "next button" or a
"system button" is selected, processing identical to what is
illustrated in FIG. 3 is performed.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates an imaging screen 3020. A photographed
image is displayed in an image display area 3021. The examination
information processing unit 1031 executes an enlargement/reduction,
a rotation, or an inversion of the displayed image according to a
detected selection of the buttons 3022 and 3025. On upper section
of the imaging screen 3020, patient information 3023 input in the
patient information input screen is displayed. A thumbnail display
area 3024 displays a reduced image of the photographed image. A
button 3026 serves to change a contrast and a density of the
displayed image. Buttons 3027 and 3028 serve to cancel or end
imaging processing, respectively.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a window 3030 which is displayed when the
patient information is not input via the operation and display unit
1005 and the X-ray imaging system receives a file containing the
patient ID from the HIS 1019 as the external upstream system. The
window 3030 displays an icon 3031 indicating that the patient ID is
input from the upstream system, the patient ID contained in the
file, and patient information 3032 corresponding to the patient ID.
After a specific time has lapsed, the window 3030 is closed and the
imaging screen 3020 of FIG. 5 is displayed. The specific time can
be optionally set. For instance, if the specific time period is set
to zero second, the window 3030 itself will not be displayed on the
screen.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a window 3035 which is displayed when a file
containing a patient ID is received from the HIS 1019 (i.e., the
upstream system) while the user is inputting patient information
via the operation and display unit 1005. In the window 3035,
similar to the window 3030, an icon indicating that a patient ID is
input from the upstream system, a patient ID contained in the file,
and patient information corresponding to the patient ID are
displayed.
[0050] The window 3035 illustrated in FIG. 7 differs from the
window 3030 illustrated in FIG. 6 in that an OK button 3034 and a
CANCEL button 3036 as selection objects are displayed in the window
3035. In the case where a file containing a patient ID is received
from the upstream system 1007 while the user is inputting certain
information in the manual entry screen 3010 of FIG. 4, if an
imaging is performed without being treated, a content that the user
has input in the manual entry screen 3010 will be scrapped or
suspended. In FIG. 7, in the window 3035, the OK button 3034 and
the CANCEL button 3036 are displayed as the selection objects in
order to confirm if the content that the user is now inputting may
be scrapped. The examination information processing unit 1031
closes the window 3035 upon detecting a selection of the OK button
3034 to display instead an imaging screen for performing
examination processing. The examination information processing unit
1031 controls, upon detecting the selection of the CANCEL button
3036, the screen to return to the original manual entry screen
without displaying the imaging screen based on the patient ID
received from the upstream system.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a system screen 3040 for setting the
X-ray imaging system. The system screen 3040 is displayed in
association with a detection of a selection of the system button
3007 of FIG. 3. The system screen 3040 includes a patient
information input setting button 3041, a patient information
display setting button 3042, an end button 3043, and a BACK button
3044 for returning the screen to a patient information input
screen. When the user selects the patient information input setting
button 3041, he can perform a setting for inputting patient
information from the upstream system. When the user selects the
patient information display setting button 3042, the user can set
items to be displayed for confirming the input content.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a window 3055 for performing a setting
for inputting patient information from the upstream system, which
is displayed in response to a selection of the patient information
input setting button 3041. In FIG. 9, the window 3055 can switch an
able/disable function, set a password for the patient information,
and set a display time of a patient ID confirmation window. The
patient ID will be input from the upstream system only when an
enabling setting is made in the window 3055. If the patient ID
confirmation window display time is set to zero second, the window
3055 will not be displayed on the screen.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a window 3080 for setting items of the
patient information, which is displayed on the screen by the
operation and display unit 1005 in response to a selection of the
patient information display setting button 3042. The display items
3081 include a window, a patient ID, a patient name, a patient
birth date, a patient sex, and an input method. The items to be
displayed can be set optionally by checking a check box of each of
the items. These items can be set for each input of the patient ID
via the operation and display unit 1005 and the patient ID from the
upstream system.
[0054] All the items will become invalid in association with
unchecking of the check box in the window display. The "input
method" of the display items is an item for identifying whether the
patient information displayed on the screen corresponds to the
input via the operation and display unit 1005 or to the input from
the upstream system.
[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates a content contained in the patient
specifying file identified by the patient ID. The patient
specifying file contains only the patient ID 3051 in the form of a
text data.
[0056] FIG. 12 illustrates a window 3060 to be displayed when the
patient information corresponding to the patient ID specified by
the upstream system is not included in the patient list stored in a
storage device (not shown). The window 3060 includes an error code
3061, error information 3062, and an error content 3063. If there
is no patient information corresponding to the patient ID in the
patient list, an error button 3064 is displayed at an upper right
section of the patient input screen 3001 of FIG. 3, and the window
3060 will be displayed when the error button 3064 is selected.
[0057] FIG. 13 illustrates patient information 3023 to be displayed
on an upper portion of an imaging screen 3020. In a case of imaging
processing performed for the patient ID input from the upstream
system, an icon 3070 indicating to that effect will be displayed on
the screen.
[0058] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the X-ray imaging system serving
as a medical examination system. When the X-ray imaging system is
activated, the patient information receiving unit 1033 checks
whether the patient ID is input via the operation and display unit
1005 in step S2001. If there is an input of the patient ID (YES in
step S2001), the patient information management unit 1032 performs
processing corresponding to the patient ID in step S2002. The
processing according to the input items in step S2002 includes a
retrieval of past patient information, an execution of an imaging
mode and a change of settings.
[0059] The patient information receiving unit 1033 subsequently
checks whether it has obtained a file containing a patient ID
generated in the HIS 1019 that is the upstream system via a network
in step S2003.
[0060] If the file is received via a network, the patient
information management unit 1032 performs an analysis of the file
containing the patient ID in step S2004 to obtain the patient ID in
step S2005.
[0061] Then, the patient information management unit 1032 retrieves
the patient ID in order to confirm if the patient ID identical to
the thus obtained patient ID is registered in the storage device
(not shown) in step S2006.
[0062] The patient information management unit 1032 determines
whether a patient ID identical to the obtained patient ID is
registered in a storage device (not shown) in step S2007. If there
is no corresponding patient ID found in the storage device (not
shown)(NO in step S2007), in step S2008, the patient information
management unit 1032 displays an error indicating that no
corresponding patient ID was retrieved and returns the display
screen to the original input standby condition.
[0063] When the patient information management unit 1032 retrieves
the patient ID, it also obtains from the storage device information
(not shown) such as patient name, patient sex, and patient birth
date, which are related to the retrieved patient ID, to enter the
thus obtained information as the information about an examination
target patient in step S2009. Then, in step S2010, the patient
information management unit 1032 determines whether the data is
input via the operation display unit 1005.
[0064] The examination information processing unit 1031 determines
that the data is now input if there is even one character input in
any of the input items of the display screen such as a patient ID,
a patient name, a patient birth date. The examination information
processing unit 1031 determines that there is no input operation
carried out if there is no character input in any of the input
items. After the examination information processing unit 1031
determines that there is no input in any of the input items, it
obtains information as to a display time for displaying the
information of the patient on the screen in step S2011.
[0065] The display time is time for displaying the patient
information relating to the analyzed patient ID. The patient
information is displayed for confirmation if the HIS 1019 as the
upstream system specifies the patient. The examination information
processing unit 1031 controls the display of the information to
disappear after a certain time period lapses. When the patient
information is input via the operation and display unit 1005, the
above processing will not be performed since the user himself is
performing an input or a selection.
[0066] The examination information processing unit 1031 causes the
operation and display unit 1005 to display the patient information
throughout the thus obtained display time in step S2012. The
examination information processing unit 1031 performs control that
no other operation can be carried out via the operation and display
unit 1005 until the display time lapses in step S2013. The
examination information processing unit 1031 controls the operation
and display unit 1005 to display an imaging screen after the
display time has lapsed and notifies the imaging control unit 1030
to execute imaging processing in step S2014.
[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is the
data input via the operation and display unit 1005 in step S2010,
the examination information processing unit 1031 displays a window
3035 for the patient information that includes the OK button 3034
and the CANCEL button 3036 of FIG. 7 in step S2015. The window 3035
will not be closed until selection of the OK button 3034 and the
CANCEL button 3036 is detected.
[0068] The examination information processing unit 1031 detects
that the OK button 3034 as an object for selection is selected in
step S2016. Then, the examination information processing unit 1031
causes the operation and display unit 1005 to display the imaging
screen in order to shift to the examination processing and notifies
the imaging control unit 1030 to start the imaging processing in
step S2014. When the examination information processing unit 1031
detects that the CANCEL button 3036 is selected in step S2017, an
execution of the imaging processing corresponding to the patient ID
from the HIS 1019 that is the upstream system is cancelled and the
process returns to a standby state for inputting the patient
information via the operation and display unit 1005.
[0069] As described above, when a file containing a patient ID is
received via a network while the patient information is being input
at a side of the X-ray imaging system, both of the OK button 3034
and the CANCEL button 3036 are displayed. Accordingly, the user can
readily determine which input a priority should be given to. Owing
to the above flow of processes, the present invention provides the
X-ray imaging system that poses less burden to the user by changing
contents in the confirmation windows depending on input states.
[0070] Similar to the window 3035 of FIG. 7, as a second exemplary
embodiment, a window may display only OK button 3034 as illustrated
in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 illustrates a window 3033 which displays
patient information corresponding to a patient ID contained in a
file received via a network from the upstream system. The window
3033 differs from the above-described window 3030 in that the
window 3033 displays only the OK button 3034 as the object for
selection. Upon detecting a selection of the OK button 3034, the
screen displays the imaging screen 3020 of FIG. 5 from the window
3033.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0071] FIG. 14 illustrates a flow chart of the X-ray imaging system
for displaying a patient information window provided only with an
OK button 3034. Description about steps represented by the same
reference numbers as in FIG. 2 will be omitted since they will
execute the similar processing as carried out in FIG. 2.
[0072] In the case where the examination information processing
unit 1031 determines that there is data input via the operation and
display unit 1005 when a file containing a patient ID is received
via a network in step S2010 (YES in step S2010), the process
proceeds to step S2015. In step S2015, the examination information
processing unit 1031 causes the operation and display unit 1005 to
display the window 3033 of the patient information provided with
the OK button 3034 of FIG. 15. The window 3033 will not be closed
until a selection of the OK button 3034 is detected.
[0073] The examination information processing unit 1031 detects a
selection of the OK button 3034 in step S2016. The examination
information processing unit 1031 then causes the operation and
display unit 1005 to display an imaging screen in order to execute
examination processing and notifies the imaging control unit 1030
to start imaging processing in step S2014.
[0074] As described above, the present invention can provide the
X-ray imaging system that poses less burden to the user by seeking
confirmation from the user only when required.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0075] According to a third exemplary embodiment, imaging
processing corresponding to a patient ID contained in a file
received from the upstream system via a network will be reserved
when the patient information is input via the operation and display
unit 1005.
[0076] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the X-ray imaging system
illustrating the third exemplary embodiment. Description about
steps represented by the same reference numbers as illustrated in
FIG. 2 will be omitted since they execute the same processing as
carried out in FIG. 2.
[0077] In step S2010, if the examination information processing
unit 1031 determines that there is patient information input via
the operation and display unit 1005 when a file containing a
patient ID is received via a network (YES in step S2010), the
process proceeds to step S2211. Then, in step S2211, the patient
information management unit 1032 causes a storage device (not
shown) to register as examination reservation information the
patient information corresponding to the patient ID contained in
the file received via a network.
[0078] On the other hand, when the file containing the patient ID
is not received via a network in step S2003 (NO in step S2003), the
patient information receiving unit 1033 determines whether there is
information input via the operation and display unit 1005.
[0079] The patient information receiving unit 1033 determines what
was input when the information is input via the operation and
display unit 1005. The patient information receiving unit 1033
initially determines whether the input is the patient information
in step S2213.
[0080] The patient information management unit 1033 checks a
maximum length of a character string, characters that can be
entered and the like with regard to the input information in step
S2214 if the input is the patient information. If no problem is
found in the check, the examination information processing unit
1031 updates the patient information displayed on the operation and
display unit 1005 in step S2215. Subsequently, the step goes back
to the processing of step S2003.
[0081] On the other hand, when the patient information management
unit 1033 determines that the input is not the patient information
(NO in step S2213), it further determines whether the input is for
executing an imaging processing in step S2216. If the input is for
executing the imaging processing (YES in step S2216), in step
S2217, the patient information management unit 1033 obtains thus
input patient information via the operation and display unit 1005
as subject patient information.
[0082] The imaging control unit 1030 executes imaging processing
corresponding to the thus obtained patient information in step
S2014. If the imaging control unit 1030 notifies the patient
information management unit 1032 of an end of the imaging
processing, the patient information management unit 1032 confirms
whether there is the patient information for which examination
reservation is registered in the storage device (not shown) in step
S2219. If there is the registered patient information, the patient
information management unit 1032 obtains the thus registered
patient information as information about the examination target
patient in step S2220. Similarly, the imaging control unit 1030
executes imaging processing corresponding to the thus obtained
patient information in step S2014.
[0083] As described above, according to the third exemplary
embodiment, the patient information corresponding to the patient ID
contained in the file received from the upstream system via a
network is stored as an examination reservation. Accordingly, an
examination can be carried out without obstructing an input
operation performed by the user via the operation and display unit
1005. The examination of all input patients can be carried out
according to the stored input content after the user finishes his
input operation.
[0084] The above described third exemplary embodiment is a mere
example and screen display items and file formats are not limited
to the above described ones but can be modified as required.
[0085] For example, information such as "input received via a
network" can be displayed on a display screen of the operation and
display unit 1005 upon receiving a file from the upstream system
via a network.
[0086] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the present
invention is applied as an example to the X-ray imaging system as a
medical examination system. However, the present invention is also
applicable to a medical examination management system used for the
other pathologic diagnosis such as a fundus photography system. In
such a case, the imaging screen of FIG. 5 may be changed to the
other graphical user interface (GUI).
[0087] The present invention can also be achieved by providing a
storage medium which stores software (program code) for
implementing functions of the above-described exemplary
embodiments, to a system or an apparatus. The program code stored
in the storage medium can be read and executed by a computer
(central processing unit (CPU) or micro-processing unit (MPU)) of
the system or the apparatus.
[0088] In this case, the software (program code) itself realizes
the functions of the above-described exemplary embodiments. The
software (program code) itself and the storage medium which stores
the software (program code) constitute the present invention.
[0089] The storage medium can be, for example, a floppy disk, a
hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a compact disc-read-only memory
(CD-ROM), a CD-recordable (CD-R), a CD-rewritable (CD-RW), a
digital versatile disc (DVD)-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a
magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or a ROM. Further, such
software (program code) can be downloaded via a network.
[0090] Furthermore, the above-described exemplary embodiments can
be not only realized by executing software (program code) read by a
CPU. An operating system (OS) or the like working on a computer can
also perform a part or the whole of processes according to
instructions of the software (program code) and realize functions
of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
[0091] Furthermore, software (program code) read from a storage
medium can be stored in a memory equipped in a function expansion
board inserted in a computer or a function expansion unit connected
to a computer, and a CPU in the function expansion board or the
function expansion unit can execute all or a part of the processing
based on the instructions of the software (program code) to realize
the functions of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
[0092] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent
structures, and functions.
[0093] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2007-115636 filed Apr. 25, 2007, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
* * * * *