Image processing apparatus, image management apparatus, image management method, and program

Abstract

To improve user convenience.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a first reception unit, a transmission control unit, a second reception unit, and an update unit. The first reception unit receives, from a first user, a deletion request for imaging data being medical data. The transmission control unit transmits the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device possessed by a second user associated with the imaging data related to the deletion request. The second reception unit receives second information indicating whether or not the deletion request is permitted from the device. The update unit updates third information indicating a status of the imaging data on the basis of the second information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an image processing device, an image management device, an image management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Some medical imaging diagnostic devices, such as magnetic resonance imaging devices, store image data within the device after capturing an image. In these medical imaging diagnostic devices, if the amount of stored data exceeds a certain amount, imaging will become impossible unless the data is deleted, so it is desirable to manage the stored data.

[0003] Here, regarding the deletion of the stored captured image data, it is also conceivable to confirm the deletion of the data in person or over the telephone.

[0004] However, these methods are cumbersome in terms of time and effort. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-181482 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-113779 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve user convenience. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image processing device according to an embodiment includes a first receiving unit, a transmission control unit, a second receiving unit, and an update unit. The first receiving unit receives a deletion request for imaging data, which is medical data, from a first user. The transmission control unit transmits the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device owned by a second user linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request. The second receiving unit receives second information indicating whether or not to permit the deletion request from the device. The update unit updates third information indicating the status of the imaging data based on the second information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 having an image processing apparatus 130 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed by the image processing device 130 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit by the image processing device 130 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed by the image processing device 130 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed by the image processing device 130 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed by the image processing device 130 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit by the image processing device 130 according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing device, an image management device, an image management method, and a program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, common reference numerals are used to designate the same components, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 including an image processing apparatus 130 according to the first embodiment. Note that, although the embodiment will be described in the case where the medical image diagnostic apparatus including the image processing apparatus 130 is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the medical image diagnostic apparatus including the image processing apparatus 130 may be a diagnostic modality other than the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, such as an X-ray CT apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, or a PET apparatus.

[0012] 1, the image processing device 130 includes a storage unit 132. Typically, the storage unit 132 included in the image processing device 130 is provided in the modality included in the image processing device 130, such as the magnetic resonance imaging device 100. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the storage unit 132 may be physically located outside the modality, for example, in the cloud. In such a case, the storage unit 132 located outside the modality constitutes a part of the image processing device 130.

[0013] The image processing device 130 is also referred to as an image management device. The image processing device 130 typically has a function of generating normal images and a function of reconstructing images. The image management device may have only a function of managing images, without having a function of generating images or a function of reconstructing images.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 101, a static magnetic field power supply (not shown), a gradient magnetic field coil 103, a gradient magnetic field power supply 104, a bed 105, a bed control circuit 106, a transmission coil 107, a transmission circuit 108, a reception coil 109, a reception circuit 110, a sequence control circuit 120 (sequence control unit), and an image processing device 130 (also referred to as an "image management device"). Note that the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 does not include a subject P (e.g., a human body). The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. For example, the components in the sequence control circuit 120 and the image processing device 130 may be configured as integrated or separated as appropriate.

[0015] The static magnetic field magnet 101 is a magnet formed in a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape, and generates a static magnetic field in the internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 101 is, for example, a superconducting magnet. As another example, the static magnetic field magnet 101 may be a permanent magnet.

[0016] The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is a hollow, approximately cylindrical coil and is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 101. The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes, and these three coils are individually supplied with current from a gradient magnetic field power supply 104 to generate gradient magnetic fields whose magnetic field strengths change along the X, Y, and Z axes. The gradient magnetic fields of the X, Y, and Z axes generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 103 are, for example, a slicing gradient magnetic field Gs, a phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge, and a readout gradient magnetic field Gr. The gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 103.

[0017] The bed 105 includes a top plate 105a on which the subject P is placed, and under the control of a bed control circuit 106, the top plate 105a is inserted into the cavity (imaging port) of the gradient magnetic field coil 103 with the subject P placed thereon. The bed 105 is usually installed so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 101. Under the control of the image processing device 130, the bed control circuit 106 drives the bed 105 to move the top plate 105a in the longitudinal direction and the up-down direction.

[0018] The transmitting coil 107 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and generates a high-frequency magnetic field upon receiving RF pulses from a transmitting circuit 108. The transmitting circuit 108 supplies the transmitting coil 107 with RF pulses corresponding to a Larmor frequency determined by the type of atom of interest and the magnetic field strength.

[0019] The receiving coil 109 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and receives magnetic resonance signals (hereinafter referred to as "MR signals" as necessary) emitted from the subject P due to the influence of the high frequency magnetic field. Upon receiving the magnetic resonance signals, the receiving coil 109 outputs the received magnetic resonance signals to the receiving circuit 110.

[0020] The above-described transmitting coil 107 and receiving coil 109 are merely examples. They may be configured by combining one or more of a coil having only a transmitting function, a coil having only a receiving function, or a coil having a transmitting and receiving function.

[0021] The receiving circuit 110 detects magnetic resonance signals output from the receiving coil 109 and generates magnetic resonance data based on the detected magnetic resonance signals. Specifically, the receiving circuit 110 generates magnetic resonance data by digitally converting the magnetic resonance signals output from the receiving coil 109. The receiving circuit 110 also transmits the generated magnetic resonance data to the sequence control circuit 120. The receiving circuit 110 may be provided on the gantry side that includes the static magnetic field magnet 101, the gradient magnetic field coil 103, etc. Furthermore, some of the functions of the receiving circuit 110, for example, digital conversion of magnetic resonance signals, may be provided in the receiving coil 109.

[0022] The sequence control circuit 120 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmission circuit 108, and the reception circuit 110 based on sequence information transmitted from the image processing device 130, thereby imaging the subject P. Here, the sequence information is information that defines a procedure for performing imaging. The sequence information defines the strength of the current that the gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies to the gradient magnetic field coil 103 and the timing of supplying the current, the strength of the RF pulse that the transmission circuit 108 supplies to the transmission coil 107 and the timing of applying the RF pulse, and the timing of detecting a magnetic resonance signal by the reception circuit 110. For example, the sequence control circuit 120 is an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Details of the pulse sequence executed by the sequence control circuit 120 will be described later.

[0023] Furthermore, when the sequence control circuit 120 receives magnetic resonance data from the receiving circuit 110 as a result of driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmitting circuit 108, and the receiving circuit 110 to image the subject P, the sequence control circuit 120 transfers the received magnetic resonance data to the image processing device 130.

[0024] The image processing device 130 performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, generates images, etc. The image processing device 130 includes a storage unit 132, an input device 134, a display 135, and a processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 150 includes an interface function 150a, a control function 150b, a generation function 150c, a first reception function 150d, a second reception function 150e, a third reception function 150f, a fourth reception function 150g, a transmission control function 150h, an update function 150i, a determination function 150j, and an identification function 150k.

[0025] In the first embodiment, each processing function performed by the interface function 150a, the control function 150b, the generation function 150c, the first reception function 150d, the second reception function 150e, the third reception function 150f, the fourth reception function 150g, the transmission control function 150h, the update function 150i, the determination function 150j, and the identification function 150k is stored in the storage unit 132 in the form of a computer-executable program. The processing circuit 150 is a processor that realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing the program from the storage unit 132. In other words, the processing circuit 150 in a state in which each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuit 150 of FIG. 1. 1 illustrates a single processing circuit 150 that implements the processing functions performed by interface function 150a, control function 150b, generation function 150c, first reception function 150d, second reception function 150e, third reception function 150f, fourth reception function 150g, transmission control function 150h, update function 150i, determination function 150j, and identification function 150k. However, the processing circuit 150 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to implement the functions. In other words, each of the above functions may be implemented as a program, and a single processing circuit 150 may execute each program. As another example, a specific function may be implemented in a dedicated, independent program execution circuit. 1, interface function 150a, control function 150b, generation function 150c, first reception function 150d, second reception function 150e, third reception function 150f, fourth reception function 150g, transmission control function 150h, update function 150i, determination function 150j, and identification function 150k are examples of an interface unit, a control unit, a generation unit, a first reception unit, a second reception unit, a third reception unit, a fourth reception unit, a transmission control unit, an update unit, a determination unit, and an identification unit, respectively. Also, sequence control circuit 120 is an example of a sequence control unit.

[0026] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 132.

[0027] Furthermore, instead of storing the program in the memory unit 132, the program may be directly embedded in the circuitry of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuitry. Note that the bed control circuitry 106, the transmission circuitry 108, the reception circuitry 110, etc. are also similarly configured by electronic circuits such as the processor.

[0028] The processing circuitry 150 transmits sequence information to the sequence control circuitry 120 via the interface function 150a and receives magnetic resonance data from the sequence control circuitry 120. Furthermore, upon receiving the magnetic resonance data, the processing circuitry 150 having the interface function 150a stores the received magnetic resonance data in the storage unit 132.

[0029] The processing circuitry 150 performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 using the control function 150b, and controls imaging, image generation, image display, etc. For example, the processing circuitry 150 having the control function 150b accepts input of imaging conditions (imaging parameters, etc.) on a GUI and generates sequence information according to the accepted imaging conditions. In addition, the processing circuitry 150 having the control function 150b transmits the generated sequence information to the sequence control circuit 120.

[0030] The processing circuitry 150 uses the generation function 150c to read out the k-space data from the storage unit 132 and perform reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the read out k-space data to generate an image.

[0031] The processing circuit 150 has a first receiving function 150d, a second receiving function 150e, a third receiving function 150f, a fourth receiving function 150g, a transmission control function 150h, an update function 150i, a determination function 150j, and a specification function 150k. These functions will be described in detail later.

[0032] The magnetic resonance data stored in the storage unit 132 is arranged in k-space by the control function 150b, and as a result, the storage unit 132 stores the k-space data.

[0033] The storage unit 132 stores magnetic resonance data received by the processing circuitry 150 having the interface function 150a, k-space data arranged in k-space by the processing circuitry 150 having the control function 150b, imaging data generated by the processing circuitry 150 having the generation function 150c, etc. For example, the storage unit 132 is configured with a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0034] The input device 134 accepts various instructions and information input from an operator. The input device 134 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a mode switch, or an input device such as a keyboard. The display 135 displays, under the control of the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150b, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting input of imaging conditions, an image generated by the processing circuit 150 having the generation function 150c, and the like. The display 135 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0035] Next, the background of the embodiment will be described.

[0036] Some medical imaging diagnostic devices, such as magnetic resonance imaging devices, store image data within the device after capturing an image. In these medical imaging diagnostic devices, if the amount of stored data exceeds a certain amount, imaging becomes impossible unless the data is deleted, so it is desirable to manage the stored data. Regarding the deletion of stored image data, it is possible to confirm the deletion of data in person or over the phone. However, these methods are cumbersome in terms of time and effort.

[0037] In view of this background, an image processing device 130 according to an embodiment includes a processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 150 receives a deletion request for imaging data, which is medical data, from a first user using a first reception function 150d. The processing circuit 150 transmits the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device owned by a second user that is linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request using a transmission control function 150h. The processing circuit 150 receives second information indicating whether to permit the deletion request from the device using a second reception function 150e. The processing circuit 150 updates third information indicating the status of the imaging data based on the second information using an update function 150i.

[0038] In addition, the image management method of the embodiment accepts a deletion request for imaging data, which is medical data, from a first user, sends the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device owned by a second user linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request, accepts second information from the device indicating whether to approve the deletion request, and updates third information indicating the status of the imaging data based on the second information.

[0039] In addition, the program of the embodiment causes a computer to execute a process of receiving a deletion request for imaging data, which is medical data, from a first user, transmitting the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device owned by a second user linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request, receiving second information from the device indicating whether or not to approve the deletion request, and updating third information indicating the status of the imaging data based on the second information.

[0040] In this manner, in the embodiment, imaging data and the administrator of the imaging data are linked, so that an image deletion request can be made smoothly, improving user convenience.

[0041] This processing will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing executed by the image processing device 130 in the first embodiment.

[0042] First, in step S100, the data manager 10 submits an administrator application to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. Specifically, the data manager 10 identifies the imaging data for which administrator registration is to be performed, and transmits data indicating an application for administrator registration for the imaging data to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 using, for example, a terminal (not shown). Examples of the terminal include a tablet, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a mobile phone terminal. Here, the terminal may also have the function of the administrator device 2, or may be a device separate from the administrator device 2. Note that the imaging data here includes image data, raw data before image conversion, and additional information data, etc.

[0043] In step S100, the processing circuit 150 included in the image processing device 130 included in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 receives, via the third reception function 150f, an application for administrator registration from the data administrator 10 for the imaging data identified by the data administrator 10.

[0044] The processing circuit 150 uses the determination function 150j to determine whether to permit or deny administrator registration for the imaging data.

[0045] If the processing circuit 150, by the determination function 150j, permits administrator registration for the imaging data, in step S110, the processing circuit 150, by the transmission control function 150h, notifies the data administrator 10 of information that the administrator registration has been permitted. The processing circuit 150 also transmits the administrator registration information to the storage unit 132, and the storage unit 132 stores the administrator registration information. Here, the administrator registration information is, for example, information that identifies the imaging data and associates it with the administrator of the imaging data (a second user, described later). As another example, the administrator registration information is, for example, information that identifies the imaging data and associates it with the administrator of the imaging data and information that identifies the administrator device 2 owned by the administrator.

[0046] On the other hand, if the processing circuit 150 uses the judgment function 150j to reject the administrator registration for the image data, in step S110, the processing circuit 150 uses the transmission control function 150h to notify the data manager 10 that the administrator registration has been rejected.

[0047] Note that a person recognized as an administrator of imaging data is a person who has the authority to operate the medical image diagnostic device related to the imaging data, such as a technician or a doctor. Here, the data administrator 10, who is the third user and applies for administrator registration in step S100, may be different from the administrator of the imaging data, who is the second user, or the first user, who is a data deletion confirmation function applicant 1 described later. In other words, in step S100, the data administrator 10, who is the third user, can set an administrator other than himself as the second user who is the registrant of the imaging data for which he is applying. Note that the process of determining whether to permit or deny management registration of the imaging data is optional, and this process can be omitted as appropriate.

[0048] Next, in step S200, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, who is a first user, submits a deletion confirmation request for the imaging data. Specifically, in step S200, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, who is the first user, transmits a deletion request for the imaging data to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 using a data deletion request terminal (not shown) or a function installed in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 itself.

[0049] Here, the first user, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, is the user who applies for data deletion, and may be different from the second user who is the administrator of the imaging data who applied for the data deletion, or the third user who applied for management registration of the imaging data. In addition, examples of the data deletion application terminal include a tablet terminal, a personal computer, and a mobile phone terminal.

[0050] The processing circuitry 150 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 receives a deletion request for imaging data from a first user through the first reception function 150d.

[0051] Next, in step S210, the processing circuit 150 determines, by the determination function 150j, whether an administrator is registered for the imaging data to be deleted as requested by the data deletion confirmation applicant 1. In the following embodiment, a case will be described in which a second user who is an administrator linked to the imaging data exists for the imaging data related to the deletion request accepted by the processing circuit 150 using the first acceptance function 150d. Processing in the case in which a second user who is an administrator is not registered for the imaging data to be deleted as requested by the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 will be described in the second embodiment.

[0052] When it is confirmed that an administrator is registered for the imaging data to be deleted, in step S220, the processing circuit 150 uses the identification function 150k to identify a second user who is the administrator associated with the imaging data to be deleted based on the imaging data to be deleted. The storage unit 132 associates and stores the imaging data to be deleted and the administrator of the imaging data. Also, in step S220, the processing circuit 150 uses the control function 150b to acquire information for identifying the administrator device 2 owned by the administrator of the imaging data to be deleted.

[0053] Next, in step S300, the processing circuitry 150 transmits, by the transmission control function 150h, the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to the administrator device 2, which is a device owned by a second user and to which the deletion request is linked. Specifically, by the transmission control function 150h, the processing circuitry 150 transmits, as first information, a deletion request notification and data accompanying the deletion request to the administrator device 2. Here, examples of the data accompanying the deletion request include data on the patient name, study name, thumbnail of the imaging data, name of the sequence used for imaging, archiving status of the imaging data in a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), interpretation status, number of days available for imaging, imaging volume information, and the like.

[0054] Here, the role of data regarding the archiving status to the PACS will be explained. If the imaging data has already been archived to the PACS, the data manager 10 may be able to determine that it is okay to delete the imaging data. Therefore, the processing circuit 150 uses the transmission control function 150h to transmit the archiving status of the imaging data to the PACS to the administrator device 2 as data accompanying the deletion request.

[0055] The number of available imaging days is a predicted value indicating how many days it will take for the capacity of the storage unit 132 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to become full if imaging continues at the current pace. The imaging capacity information is information indicating the available capacity of the storage unit 132. The processing circuitry 150, using the transmission control function 150h, cooperates with the PACS, HIS (Hospital Information System), and RIS (Radiology Information System) as necessary to acquire data associated with these deletion requests and transmit the data to the administrator device.

[0056] In this way, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, who is the first user, performs a deletion confirmation request operation for any imaging data in step S200. In response to this, in step S300, the processing circuit 150 uses the transmission control function 150h to transmit the deletion request and data accompanying the deletion request as first data to the administrator device 2 owned by the data administrator 10 related to the imaging data for which the deletion request has been made. Note that when the processing circuit 150 uses the transmission control function 150h to transmit the deletion request and the accompanying data to the administrator device 2 in step S300, the deletion request (deletion confirmation request) becomes in a status of "application in progress."

[0057] In step S300, when the processing circuit 150 completes the transmission of the first information including the deletion confirmation request and data accompanying the deletion confirmation request to the administrator device 2 owned by the second user using the transmission control function 150h, in step S250, the processing circuit 150 notifies the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 using the transmission control function 150h that the deletion confirmation request has been completed to the second user.

[0058] Next, in step S400, the administrator device 2 notifies the administrator of the imaging data related to the deletion request of first information including the content of the deletion confirmation request and data accompanying the deletion confirmation request. An example of such a user interface is shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] Specifically, in step S400, the administrator device 2 displays first information including the contents of the deletion confirmation request and data accompanying the deletion confirmation request in the display area 20 of the display unit of the administrator device 2. That is, as shown in FIG. 3 , the administrator device 2 displays the words “Deletion Confirmation Request Notification” in the display area 20 of the display unit of the administrator device 2 to notify the data administrator 10 that the deletion confirmation request notification has been received. The administrator device 2 also displays data accompanying the deletion request, such as the patient name 21, thumbnail 22, and imaging volume information 27, in the display area 20 of the display unit of the administrator device 2. The administrator device 2 also receives an input from the second user, who is the administrator of the administrator device 2, indicating whether or not it is OK to delete the imaging data related to the deletion confirmation request, for example, via the radio button 23 in the display area 20 of the display unit of the administrator device 2.

[0060] Next, in step S410, the second user who is the administrator of the administrator device 2 checks the deletion confirmation request and the data accompanying the deletion confirmation request displayed on the display unit of the administrator device 2, and determines whether it is OK to delete the imaging data. Specifically, if the second user who is the administrator of the administrator device 2 determines that it is OK to delete the imaging data, he / she selects the "Accept" radio button 23 and presses button 24. On the other hand, if the second user who is the administrator of the administrator device 2 determines that the imaging data should not be deleted, he / she selects the "Reject" radio button 23 and presses button 24. This notifies the administrator device 2 of the determination of the data administrator 10.

[0061] Although the case where the data administrator who applied for administrator registration is the same as the administrator of the requested imaging data has been described, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the applicant for administrator registration and the administrator of the requested imaging data do not have to be the same. In this case, in step S100, the applicant for administrator registration applies, and in step S400, the administrator of the requested imaging data is notified of the deletion confirmation application and accompanying data.

[0062] Subsequently, in step S500, the administrator device 2 notifies the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 of the confirmation result for the deletion confirmation request.

[0063] Next, in step S510, the processing circuit 150, using the second reception function 150e, obtains second information indicating whether or not to approve the deletion request from the administrator device 2 owned by the data administrator 10, who is the second user linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request.

[0064] Next, in step S520, the processing circuit 150 uses the update function 150i to update the third information indicating the update status of the imaging data based on the second information acquired in step S510. As an example, if the second information acquired in step S510 is information indicating that the imaging data can be deleted, the processing circuit 150 uses the update function 150i to set the update status of the imaging data to "deletable." On the other hand, if the second information acquired in step S510 is information indicating that the imaging data cannot be deleted, the processing circuit 150 uses the update function 150i to set the update status of the imaging data to "not deletable."

[0065] Next, in step S600, the processing circuitry 150 notifies the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, via the transmission control function 150h, of second information indicating whether or not the deletion request is permitted. Next, in step S610, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, having acquired the second information, transmits, as necessary, to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, an instruction to execute an action according to the update status of the imaging data. As an example, if the second information indicates that the imaging data can be deleted, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, having acquired the second information, may transmit, in step S610, an instruction to delete the imaging data to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100.

[0066] In an embodiment, the processing circuit 150 may immediately delete imaging data that is determined to be "deletable," or may delete imaging data that is determined to be "deletable" upon receiving an explicit deletion instruction from the user.

[0067] As described above, in the first embodiment, the imaging data is linked to the administrator of the imaging data, and then the data deletion confirmation request is made, so that the data deletion confirmation request can be made smoothly. Therefore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment can improve user convenience.

[0068] (Modification of the first embodiment) The embodiments are not limited to the above examples. As an example, in the first embodiment, when the data administrator 10 denies the deletion in response to the deletion request in step S410, the administrator device 2 may receive, as additional information, conditions for the first user, the data deletion confirmation applicant, to resubmit the deletion request. As an example, when the administrator device 2 receives, from the data administrator 10, the deletion denial response to the deletion request in step S410, the administrator device 2 receives, as additional information, information that the application can be resubmitted, for example, six months later.

[0069] In step S500, when the processing circuit 150 receives, via the second reception function 150e, second information indicating that the deletion request is rejected from the administrator device 2, the processing circuit 150 also receives, as additional information, conditions for the first user, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, to resubmit the deletion request. Subsequently, in step S600, the processing circuit 150 notifies the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 of the additional information together with the second information indicating whether or not the deletion request is permitted, via the transmission control function 150h.

[0070] As another example, in the first embodiment, when the data administrator 10 denies the deletion in response to the deletion request in step S410, the administrator device 2 may receive, as additional information, conditions that must be met for the deletion of the imaging data to be executed. As an example, when the administrator device 2 receives, in step S410, a deletion denial response to the deletion request from the data administrator 10, the administrator device 2 receives, as additional information, information about the timing at which the deletion of the imaging data will be executed, for example, information that the deletion may be executed after September 1st one year from now.

[0071] In step S500, when the processing circuit 150 receives, via the second reception function 150e, second information indicating that the deletion request is rejected from the administrator device 2, the processing circuit 150 also receives, as additional conditions, conditions that must be met for the deletion of the imaging data to be executed. Subsequently, in step S600, via the transmission control function 150h, the processing circuit 150 notifies the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 of the additional information together with the second information indicating whether or not the deletion request is permitted.

[0072] In this way, in a modified example of the first embodiment, when the data manager 10 rejects a deletion request, the data manager 10 can set information such as re-application conditions and deletion conditions, thereby enabling more flexible processing and improving user convenience.

[0073] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which, when a data deletion confirmation applicant 1 applies for deletion of imaging data, administrator information of the imaging data has been registered in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. In the second embodiment, a case has been described in which, when a data deletion confirmation applicant 1 applies for deletion of imaging data, administrator information of the imaging data has not been registered in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, with reference to FIG. 4 .

[0074] In FIG. 4, the processes other than steps S230 and S240 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0075] As described above, in step S210, the processing circuit 150 uses the determination function 150j to determine whether an administrator is registered for the imaging data to be deleted as requested by the data deletion confirmation applicant 1. If there is a data administrator 10 who is a second user associated with the imaging data for which the deletion request is received by the first reception function 150d in step S200, the processing is the same as in the first embodiment, and in step S300, the processing circuit 150 uses the transmission control function 150h to transmit the first information to a device owned by the data administrator 10 who is the second user identified by the identification function 150k.

[0076] On the other hand, if there is no data administrator 10, who is a second user, associated with the imaging data for which a deletion request was received by the first reception function 150d in step S200, the processing proceeds to step S230, and in step S230, the processing circuit 150 uses the transmission control function 150h to send information to the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, who is the first user, requesting the selection of a second user, who is the administrator of the imaging data.

[0077] The data deletion confirmation applicant 1, who has been requested by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to select a second user who will be the administrator of the imaging data, sends an instruction to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 in step S240 to register an arbitrary application destination as the second user who will be the administrator of the imaging data. The processing circuit 150 uses the first reception function 150d to accept the administrator received from the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 as the second user who will be the administrator of the imaging data related to the deletion request, and the processes from step S300 onwards are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0078] As described above, in the second embodiment, if an administrator is not registered for the imaging data, the user can register any person as the administrator and then submit a data deletion confirmation request, which allows the data deletion confirmation request to be completed smoothly and improves user convenience.

[0079] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, a case has been described in which, when the administrator of the imaging data is not registered, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 is requested to specify the administrator of the imaging data by the processing of step S230. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. In a modified example of the second embodiment, a case will be described in which, in step S220, the processing circuit 150 uses the identification function 150k to estimate the administrator of the imaging data by reverse lookup from the incidental information of the imaging data.

[0080] In this case, if the processing circuit 150 determines in step S210 by the determination function 150j that no administrator is registered for the imaging data to be deleted as requested by the data deletion confirmation applicant 1, in step S220 the processing circuit 150 estimates the administrator of the imaging data by reverse lookup from the incidental information of the imaging data using the identification function 150k. As an example, the processing circuit 150 estimates the administrator of the imaging data based on the incidental information registered in the imaging data to be deleted as requested, which is generated in accordance with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard.

[0081] As one example, if the incidental information registered in the requested imaging data to be deleted and generated according to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard includes information on the "photographer," the processing circuitry 150 uses the identification function 150k to infer that the photographer is the administrator of the imaging data. As another example, if the incidental information registered in the requested imaging data to be deleted and generated according to the DICOM standard includes information on the name of the doctor who treated the patient, the processing circuitry 150 uses the identification function 150k to infer that the doctor is the administrator of the imaging data. As another example, if the incidental information registered in the requested imaging data to be deleted includes information on the patient's name, the processing circuitry 150 may use the identification function 150k to infer the administrator of the imaging data based on the patient's name, for example, by referring to a medical record.

[0082] As described above, in the modified example of the second embodiment, if an administrator is not registered for the imaging data, the administrator is estimated based on the supplementary information of the imaging data, etc. This can improve user convenience.

[0083] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which the user applies for confirmation of deletion while also using the image protection function.

[0084] One method for protecting image data is to apply data protection to the image data that you do not want to be deleted. In this case, unless the protection is removed, the image data will be protected by the protection function even if you try to delete the protected image data.

[0085] However, even if protection is no longer necessary, there are cases where the protection is forgotten to be removed or the data is left with protection still applied. In such cases, the protected data cannot be deleted, and the storage capacity of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 may be strained.

[0086] Therefore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment sets an administrator for the imaging data when the user applies protection to the imaging data. As a result, when the user wants to delete the protected imaging data, a deletion confirmation request is sent to the administrator, and if the administrator's consent can be obtained, even the protected imaging data can be deleted. As a result, the protected imaging data is left in an unused state, and the storage capacity of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 is not strained.

[0087] 5 shows the flow of processing executed by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. Here, the processing other than steps S700 to S750 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0088] In step S700, if the third user desires to protect the imaging data, the third user submits a protection request to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. Specifically, the processing circuitry 150 uses the third reception function 150f to receive a protection request from the data manager 10 as the third user, which is a request to refuse deletion of imaging data identified by the data manager 10. As an example, the processing circuitry 150 uses the third reception function 150f to receive a protection request from the data manager 10 for the imaging data identified by the data manager 10. Specifically, the data manager 10 identifies the imaging data for which a protection request is to be made, and transmits data requesting protection of the imaging data to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, for example, using a terminal (not shown).

[0089] The third user who requests protection and the second user who is the administrator of the imaging data may be the same user or different users. That is, a user other than the second user who is the administrator of the imaging data may request protection.

[0090] In step S710, the processing circuit 150 uses the determination function 150j to determine whether or not a second user who is an administrator managing the imaging data for which a protection request was accepted in step S700 exists. If a second user who is an administrator for the imaging data for which a protection request was accepted in step S700 exists, the process proceeds to steps S720 and S750, and protection of the imaging data is completed. Here, even if an attempt is made to delete the protected imaging data after protection is complete, the deletion process is rejected.

[0091] In step S720, the storage unit 132 associates the imaging data for which protection has been requested with the administrator of the imaging data and stores the associated imaging data. Also in step S720, the processing circuit 150, using the control function 150b, acquires information for identifying the administrator device 2 owned by the administrator of the imaging data for which protection has been requested.

[0092] Furthermore, if the processing circuit 150 determines in step S720 by the determination function 150j that the administrator of the imaging data for which a protection request from the user has been received is registered, the imaging data is protected. On the other hand, if the processing circuit 150 determines in step S720 by the determination function 150j that the administrator of the imaging data for which a protection request from the user has been received is not registered, the process proceeds to step S730.

[0093] In this case, in step S730, the processing circuit 150 uses the transmission control function 150h to send a message to the data manager 10 requesting manager registration for the imaging data for which a protection request has been made. In step S740, the data manager 10, having received the message, performs manager registration for the imaging data for which a protection request has been made. As an example, the data manager 10 registers himself as the manager of the imaging data for which a protection request has been made. Thereafter, in step S750, the processing circuit 150 uses the transmission control function 150h to notify the data manager 10 that protection has been completed.

[0094] Even if a user attempts to delete data that has been protected through the processing of steps S700 to S750, the data will not be deleted by the protection function, but since an administrator has been registered for the imaging data for which protection has been requested, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 can request the deletion of the imaging data from the administrator of the imaging data in steps from step S200 onwards. In other words, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 can request the deletion of imaging data even for protected data.

[0095] This allows the administrator to be linked to the protected imaging data as well, so it is possible to prevent a situation in which the protected imaging data cannot be deleted due to the user who applied the protection leaving the data in an unprotected state without removing the protection even after the protection is no longer necessary.

[0096] 5, the remaining steps after step S200 are similar to those in the first embodiment. That is, the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 can apply for the deletion of image data for protected data by the processes of steps S200 to S610.

[0097] As described above, in the third embodiment, for protected imaging data, the third user who applied for protection is registered as the second user who is the administrator of the imaging data. This makes it clear to whom a user should apply for data deletion when they want to delete protected imaging data, and it is possible to prevent, for example, protected imaging data from being left in a state where it cannot be deleted.

[0098] (Modification of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, a case where data deletion is managed at a single protection level for each piece of imaging data has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. As an example, in step S700 of FIG. 5 , the processing circuit 150 accepts protection requests for multiple different protection levels using the third reception function 150f. In step S520, the update function 150i updates the third information indicating the status of the imaging data according to the protection level. As an example, the processing circuit 150 accepts a protection request for imaging data that has not yet been presented at a conference using the third reception function 150f, with the protection level set to "high," and accepts a protection request for imaging data that has been presented at a conference with the protection level set to "low." As another example, the processing circuit 150 accepts a protection request for imaging data that has not yet been archived in another storage device using the third reception function 150f, with the protection level set to "high," and accepts a protection request for imaging data that has been archived in another storage device with the protection level set to "low." As another example, the processing circuit 150 may use the third reception function 150f to receive applications for multiple protection levels depending on the status of follow-up observation of the patient or the progress of the research.

[0099] Furthermore, the processing circuit 150 may accept input of a plurality of protection levels manually, or may accept them through automatic determination by a computer.

[0100] Next, the processing circuit 150 performs processing according to the protection level using the update function 150i. As an example, in step S200, the processing circuit 150 does not accept a deletion request from the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 for imaging data whose protection level is set to "high," but accepts a deletion request from the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 for imaging data whose protection level is set to "low."

[0101] In addition, in steps S250 and S600, the processing circuit 150 may notify the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 of the protection level for the imaging data related to the deletion request by using the transmission control function 150h.

[0102] As described above, in the modification of the third embodiment, multiple deletion levels are applied to the imaging data, which allows the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to perform more detailed data management, improving user convenience.

[0103] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, when a deletion request is received from the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 through the administrator device 2 in step S400, if the data administrator 10 determines that the information sent from the administrator device 2 is insufficient to determine whether or not the deletion is permitted, the data administrator 10 requests the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to provide more detailed information.

[0104] The process flow in the fourth embodiment is shown in a sequence diagram in Figure 6. Note that the processes from step S100 to step S300 and from step S500 to step S610 are common to the first embodiment, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0105] In step S400, similarly to the first embodiment, the administrator device 2 notifies the administrator of the imaging data related to the deletion request of first information including the contents of the deletion confirmation request and data accompanying the deletion confirmation request, for example, by a user interface such as that shown in Fig. 7. Here, the user interface in Fig. 7 is substantially the same as the user interface in Fig. 3, but in Fig. 7, a button 25 for deferring the response and requesting more information is added.

[0106] In step S410 of FIG. 6, if the data administrator 10 determines that it is not possible to determine whether or not the imaging data related to the deletion request can be deleted based on the information that has already been provided, the data administrator 10 reserves the response and presses button 25 requesting detailed information, thereby notifying the administrator device 2 that detailed information is desired.

[0107] Here, examples of the detailed information include thumbnails of images captured by imaging series or by imaging image, and the name of the sequence used for imaging. That is, the data manager 10 may request the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to transmit detailed information in smaller units than the series of multiple imaging data for which the data deletion confirmation applicant 1 has submitted a deletion request. In this case, the data manager 10 may respond as to whether or not to delete the imaging data by imaging series or by imaging image.

[0108] As another example, the data manager 10 may request the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to send detailed information on the original image before various image processing operations are performed and the post-processed image after post-processing operations are performed.

[0109] As another example, the data manager 10 may request the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to transmit information on other imaging data of the same patient as detailed information.

[0110] As another example, the data manager 10 may request the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to transmit information indicating the reservation status of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, for example, the degree of reservation congestion.

[0111] If the data manager 10 presses the button 24 instead of the button 25 in step S410, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed, and the processing according to the fourth embodiment is not performed.

[0112] Next, in step S800, the administrator device 2 transmits fourth information to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, indicating that the second user wishes to receive detailed information related to the deletion request. The processing circuit 150 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 receives, via a fourth reception function 150g, the fourth information indicating that the second user, the data administrator 10, wishes to receive detailed information related to the deletion request from the administrator device 2. Having received the fourth information from the administrator device 2 via the fourth reception function 150g, the processing circuit 150 transmits, via the transmission control function 150h, the detailed information to the second user based on the fourth information received by the fourth reception function 150g in step S810.

[0113] Next, in step S820, the administrator device 2 displays the detailed information that it acquired from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 in step S810 on the display unit, and the data manager 10 thereby acquires the detailed information that it requested from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. Based on this result, the data manager 10 determines whether or not the imaging data can be deleted, and sends this to the administrator device 2 in step S830. The administrator device 2 that has received the information on whether or not the imaging data can be deleted performs the processes from step S500 onwards, as in the first embodiment.

[0114] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the data manager 10 requests the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to provide detailed information that will be used to determine whether or not to delete the imaging data. This allows the data manager 10 to make a more detailed determination as to whether or not to delete the imaging data, improving user convenience.

[0115] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve user convenience.

[0116] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 150 Processing Circuit 150a Interface Function 150b Control Functions 150c generation function 150d First reception function 150e Second reception function 150f Third reception function 150g 4th reception function 150h Transmission control function 150i update features

Claims

1. a first receiving unit that receives a deletion request for the imaging data, which is medical data, from a first user; a transmission control unit that transmits the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device owned by a second user that is linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request; a second receiving unit that receives second information indicating whether or not the deletion request is permitted from the device; an updating unit that updates third information indicating a status of the imaging data based on the second information.

2. the transmission control unit notifies the first user of the second information; the second reception unit receives an instruction from the first user who has been notified of the second information; The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the update unit updates the third information based on the instruction.

3. a third reception unit that receives an application for administrator registration for the imaging data; a storage unit that stores information linking the imaging data with the second user; The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. further comprising an identification unit that identifies the second user associated with the imaging data based on the imaging data; 2. The image processing device of claim 1, wherein, if there is a second user associated with the imaging data related to the deletion request accepted by the first accepting unit, the transmission control unit transmits the first information to a device owned by the second user identified by the identification unit, and if there is no second user, the transmission control unit transmits information to the first user requesting the first user to select the second user.

5. The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising an identification unit that identifies the second user based on additional information registered in the imaging data.

6. The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a third receiving unit that receives, from a third user, a protection request that is a request to refuse deletion of the captured image data.

7. the third reception unit receives the protection requests at a plurality of different protection levels; The image processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the update section updates the third information in accordance with the protection level.

8. a fourth reception unit that receives fourth information indicating that the second user wishes to receive detailed information related to the deletion request from the device; The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission control unit transmits the detailed information to the second user based on the fourth information accepted by the fourth acceptance unit.

9. 2 . The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second reception unit, when receiving the second information from the device indicating that the deletion request is rejected, receives conditions for the first user to resubmit the deletion request as additional information.

10. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second reception unit, when receiving the second information from the device indicating that the deletion request is rejected, receives as additional conditions conditions that must be satisfied in order for the deletion of the imaging data to be executed.

11. a first receiving unit that receives a deletion request for the imaging data, which is medical data, from a first user; a transmission control unit that transmits the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device owned by a second user that is linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request; a second receiving unit that receives second information indicating whether or not the deletion request is permitted from the device; an updating unit that updates third information indicating a status of the imaging data based on the second information; An image management device comprising:

12. Accepting a request to delete the imaging data, which is medical data, from a first user; transmitting the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device owned by a second user linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request; receiving second information indicating whether or not the deletion request is permitted from the device; and updating third information indicating a status of the imaging data based on the second information.

13. Accepting a request to delete the imaging data, which is medical data, from a first user; transmitting the deletion request and first information related to the imaging data to a device owned by a second user linked to the imaging data related to the deletion request; receiving second information indicating whether or not the deletion request is permitted from the device; a program that causes a computer to execute a process of updating third information indicating a status of the imaging data based on the second information;

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