Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program for executing image processing method, and storage medium that stores program for executing image processing method

#The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, image processing method, program for executing the image processing method, and storage medium that stores the program for executing the image processing method and more specifically to an art suitable for the medical field.

#Conventionally, patient's images, such as X-ray images, have been developed as film and observed by an image inspector, such as a doctor, to serve for the diagnosis. Also, the technology has recently been developed that renders medical images, such as X-ray images, as image data and forms the data as images according to the necessity. This kind of technology has such advantages as it does not take up as much storage space as film does and the image quality does not deteriorate over time.

#There are two methods for handling medical images as image data: one method that renders images in a medium such as film before being viewed, and another method that displays images on a monitor such as a CRT. When displaying images on a monitor, images are not always clearly viewed by an image interpreter depending on the part of the body, such as a chest, hand, or foot.

#Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a medical network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates a medical image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1;

#A medical network system that includes a medical image processing apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention will be described in reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of the medical network system.

#A medical network system, shown in FIG. 1, comprises a medical image forming apparatus 1 for forming medical images by the imaging modality of CR (computed radiography) that scans the photo-stimulable phosphor panel which has recorded radiation image information about a photogenic subject (patient) by using an excitation light and photoelectrically converts the emitted light thereby obtaining image information; a medical image processing apparatus 2 that receives an image file from the medical image forming apparatus 1, applies image processing, and outputs the image information; and a diagnosis terminal 3 which is composed of a personal computer (PC) or a workstation and has a monitor 3a for a roentgenologist to view the images for diagnosis.

#The medical network system, shown in FIG. 1, further comprises a reference terminal 4 which is composed of a PC or a workstation and has a monitor with an image quality such as resolution that may be lower than that of the diagnosis terminal 3 because it is used basically for referring to images but not for diagnosis; an image server 5 which is composed of a PC or a workstation and stores image files in the image database, retrieves and reads images from the diagnosis terminal 3 and the reference terminal 4; and an imager (printer) 6 that outputs image data received from the medical image forming apparatus 1 or the medical image processing apparatus 2 as visible images on a recording medium such as film or paper. Apparatuses 1 to 6 are connected online via a network 10 so that each apparatus can send and receive information to one another.