Mammography apparatus, breast image data protection method, and breast image data protection program

Abstract

To reduce complexity concerning protection of image data submitted as image evaluation.SOLUTION: The mammography apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a protect unit. The acquisition unit acquires image data relating to a breast of a subject along with imaging of the breast. The determination unit determines at least one of a type of breast configuration and an index related to mammary gland density based on the image data. The protection unit executes protection on the image data when at least one of the type and the index matches a protection condition related to protection of the image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a mammography device, a breast image data protection method, and a breast image data protection program. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, breast screening facilities using major mammography devices undergo image evaluation as stipulated by the Central Organization for Quality Control of Breast Cancer Screening (CQC). To undergo image evaluation, it is necessary to submit four types of breast images taken within the past year. When submitting images to CQC, because not all images from the past year are retained on the mammography device, the image data to be submitted to CQC is selected from multiple image data permanently stored in a medical image management system (Picture Archiving and Communication System: PACS). The selected image data is then returned to the mammography device and recorded on a media for submission, or output from the mammography device to an imager (printing the image).

[0003] To avoid having to search for image data in PACS, radiologists routinely leave handwritten or electronic notes in the exposure log (e.g., in the comments section of a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) document) when suitable images are available for evaluation.

[0004] Images acquired by a mammography device are mainly used to photograph breasts, so they are automatically overwritten, but they may also be manually protected from being overwritten.

[0005] The image evaluation results are determined based on the quality of the images submitted to the Central Organization for Breast Cancer Screening Quality Control. Therefore, it is important for radiologists to find good images to submit for image evaluation, and transferring them to the mammography device can be cumbersome and time-consuming. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-281937 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to reduce the complexity involved in protecting image data submitted for image evaluation. 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 the configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The mammography device according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a protection unit. The acquisition unit acquires image data relating to a subject's breast when imaging the breast. The determination unit determines at least one of the type of breast configuration and an index relating to mammary gland density based on the image data. The protection unit protects the image data when at least one of the type and the index matches a protection condition for protecting the image data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mammography apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of types of breast configurations corresponding to protected image data according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for protection processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the difference in processing steps between the comparative example and the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a mammography device, a breast image data protection method, and a breast image data protection program will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] (Embodiment) A mammography device 1 according to an embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mammography device 1 according to an embodiment. The mammography device 1 shown in Figure 1 performs various X-ray imaging of a subject's breast P1. The mammography device 1 has an imaging table (also called a breast support table) 103 on which the breast P1 is placed during a positioning operation in which the breast P1 is pulled out from the subject's chest wall and compressed and uniformly stretched.

[0012] 1, the imaging device 100 in the mammography apparatus 1 has a base 101 and a stand 102. The stand 102 is erected on the base 101 and supports an imaging table 103, a compression paddle 104, an X-ray tube 105, an X-ray aperture 106, an X-ray detector 107, and a signal processing circuit 108.

[0013] Here, the stand 102 supports the imaging table 103, the compression paddle 104, the X-ray detector 107, and the signal processing circuit 108 via an arm 120 so that they can move up and down. The arm 120 holds the imaging table 103 and the X-ray tube 105. The arm 120 rotates, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise around a horizontal axis as the axis of rotation under the control of the control function 114a.

[0014] The imaging table 103 is a table that supports the breast P1 of the subject, and has a support surface on which the breast P1 is placed. The imaging table 103 is equipped with an X-ray detector 107 and a signal processing circuit 108. The imaging table 103 may also be called a support table or a breast support table.

[0015] The compression plate 104 is disposed above the imaging table 103 and is provided so as to face the imaging table 103 in parallel. The compression plate 104 is provided so as to be movable in a direction toward and away from the imaging table 103. For example, the compression plate 104 compresses the breast P1 supported on the imaging table 103 by moving in a direction toward the imaging table 103. The breast P1 compressed by the compression plate 104 is spread thinly, and for example, overlapping of the mammary glands is reduced.

[0016] The X-ray tube 105 generates X-rays. The X-ray tube 105 is a vacuum tube having a cathode (filament) that generates thermoelectrons and an anode (target) that generates X-rays upon collision with the thermoelectrons. The X-ray tube 105 generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from the cathode toward the anode using a high voltage supplied from an X-ray high voltage device 111. Here, for example, when performing segmented imaging, the X-ray tube 105 irradiates X-rays onto the breast P1 after each of a plurality of positioning operations is completed.

[0017] The X-ray aperture 106 is disposed between the X-ray tube 105 and the compression paddle 104, and controls the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 105. For example, the X-ray aperture 106 has a collimator that narrows the irradiation range of the X-rays, and a filter that adjusts the X-rays.

[0018] The collimator in the X-ray aperture 106 has, for example, four slidable aperture blades, and by sliding these aperture blades, the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 105 are narrowed down and irradiated onto the breast P1. Here, the aperture blades are plate-shaped members made of lead or the like, and are provided near the X-ray irradiation port of the X-ray tube 105 in order to adjust the irradiation range of the X-rays.

[0019] The filter in the X-ray aperture 106 changes the radiation quality of the transmitted X-rays depending on its material and thickness, in order to reduce the radiation dose to the subject and improve the image quality of the X-ray image data, thereby reducing soft ray components that are easily absorbed by the subject and high-energy components that cause a decrease in image contrast. Furthermore, the filter changes the X-ray dose and irradiation range depending on its material, thickness, position, etc., and attenuates the X-rays so that the X-rays irradiated to the breast P1 have a predetermined distribution.

[0020] For example, the X-ray aperture 106 has a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and controls the irradiation of X-rays by operating the drive mechanism under the control of the processing circuitry 114, which will be described later. For example, the X-ray aperture 106 applies a drive voltage to the drive mechanism in accordance with a control signal received from the processing circuitry 114, thereby adjusting the opening of the aperture blades of the collimator and controlling the irradiation range of the X-rays irradiated onto the breast P1. Furthermore, for example, the X-ray aperture 106 applies a drive voltage to the drive mechanism in accordance with a control signal received from the processing circuitry 114, thereby adjusting the position of the filter and controlling the distribution of the dose of X-rays irradiated onto the breast P1.

[0021] The X-ray detector 107 detects X-rays. The X-ray detector 107 is mounted on the imaging table 103. The X-ray detector 107 is realized, for example, by an X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) having detection elements arranged in a matrix. The X-ray detector 107 detects X-rays that are emitted from the X-ray tube 105 and pass through the breast P1, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected X-ray dose to the signal processing circuit 108. The X-ray detector 107 may be an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array, or may be a direct conversion type detector having semiconductor elements that convert incident X-rays into electrical signals.

[0022] For example, the X-ray detector 107 detects an X-ray pulse irradiated from the X-ray tube 105 and generates a detection signal corresponding to the detected X-ray dose. Here, the X-ray detector 107 holds the generated detection signal. After irradiating the X-ray pulse, the X-ray detector 107 outputs the detection signal to the signal processing circuit 108.

[0023] The signal processing circuit 108 is mounted on the imaging table 103. The signal processing circuit 108 generates X-ray image data based on the detection signal output from the X-ray detector 107 and stores the data in the memory circuit 112. The X-ray image data generated by the signal processing circuit 108 based on the detection signal may be referred to as projection data. The signal processing circuit 108 corresponds to a signal processing unit. The processing function realized by the signal processing circuit 108 may be incorporated into the processing circuit 114 as, for example, an image generation function 114c.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the mammography apparatus 1 includes an imaging device 100, an input interface 109, an X-ray high voltage device 111, a memory circuit 112, a display 113, and a processing circuit 114.

[0025] The input interface 109 accepts various input operations from a user (e.g., a cameraman), converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 114. For example, the input interface 109 may be implemented by a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, an audio input circuit, or the like. The input interface 109 may also have a microphone that inputs the voice of the user or the like. In this case, the input interface 109 converts the input voice into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 114.

[0026] The input interface 109 may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the processing circuitry 114. The input interface 109 is not limited to one equipped with physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 109 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 main body and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuitry 114. The input interface 109 corresponds to an input unit.

[0027] The arm lifting drive device 110 and the arm rotation drive device 115 are built into the stand 102. The arm lifting drive device 110 raises and lowers the arm 120 in the vertical direction. In addition, the compression plate lifting drive device 116 is built into the imaging table 103 and raises and lowers the compression plate 104 in the vertical direction (towards and away from the imaging table 103). For example, the arm lifting drive device 110, the arm rotation drive device 115, and the compression plate lifting drive device 116 each have a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and by operating the drive mechanism under the control of the processing circuit 114, the lifting and rotation of the arm 120 and the lifting and lowering of the compression plate 104 are controlled.

[0028] The X-ray high voltage device 111 supplies a high voltage (tube voltage) and a tube current to the X-ray tube 105 under the control of the processing circuit 114. For example, the X-ray high voltage device 111 has electric circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and includes a high voltage generator that generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 105, and an X-ray control device that controls the output voltage according to the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 105. The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type.

[0029] The memory circuitry 112 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. For example, the memory circuitry 112 stores projection data generated by the signal processing circuitry 108. Furthermore, for example, the memory circuitry 112 stores programs that enable circuits included in the mammography apparatus 1 to realize their functions. The memory circuitry 112 may also be realized by a group of servers (cloud) connected to the mammography apparatus 1 via a network. The memory circuitry 112 corresponds to a storage unit and may also be referred to as a memory.

[0030] The memory circuit 112 stores image data protected by a protection function 114g, which will be described later. The protection function 114g is a function for protecting image data (write protection). The protection function 114g may also be referred to as image evaluation protection, as it aims to protect image data used for image evaluation related to facility certification by the Central Organization for Breast Cancer Screening Quality Control and the like. Protected image data is in a write-protected state and / or a deletion-protected state. An example of protected image data will be described below.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows an example of breast configuration type TY corresponding to protected image data. Breast configuration type TY is classified, for example, based on the ratio of a region of the breast in the image data that is darker than the pectoralis major muscle (hereinafter referred to as a dense region) to the region obtained by excluding subcutaneous fat, the pectoralis major muscle, and the fat portion of the retro-mammary space from the breast region (hereinafter referred to as a mammary gland tissue region). This ratio corresponds to the ratio of the area of ​​the dense region to the area of ​​the mammary gland tissue region (hereinafter referred to as an area ratio). In other words, breast configuration type TY corresponds to a plurality of breast configurations classified based on this area ratio. Note that this area ratio is also referred to as the fat content rate in the mammary glands or mammary gland density. In other words, the area ratio corresponds to an index related to mammary gland density.

[0032] Breast composition type TY is a category for classifying the amount of glandular tissue. As shown in Figure 2, breast composition type TY is divided into four types: "extremely dense," "heterogeneously dense," "scattered glands," and "fatty." For example, in accordance with the "Mammography Guidelines, Third Edition, Supplement," the following criteria are established: "fatty" refers to a breast with 90% or more fat in the mammary glands; "scattered" refers to a breast with 70-90% fat; "heterogeneously dense" refers to a breast with 40-50% fat; and "extremely dense" refers to a breast with 10-20% fat. Fatty breasts are defined as breasts with 90% or more fat in the mammary glands, scattered breasts as breasts with 70-90% fat, heterogeneously dense breasts as breasts with 40-50% fat, and extremely dense breasts as breasts with 20-10% fat. Extremely dense breasts may correspond to an area ratio of 80% or more, for example. For example, the non-uniform high density may correspond to an area ratio of 50% or more and less than 80%, the scattered mammary glands may correspond to an area ratio of 10% or more and less than 50%, and the fatty area may correspond to an area ratio of less than 10%.

[0033] Of the four types, extremely dense and fatty breast tissue are found in fewer subjects than heterogeneously dense and scattered breast tissue. In other words, the ratios of extremely dense and fatty breast tissue are known to be lower than those of the other four types. Therefore, write protection for image data corresponding to extremely dense and fatty breast tissue is essential for facility certification.

[0034] The display 113 displays various types of information. For example, the display 113 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions, various settings, and the like from a user via the input interface 109. The display 113 also displays various types of image data collected about the breast P1. For example, the display 113 is a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. The display 113 may be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the main body of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1. The display 113 may also be realized by various types of monitors. The display 113 corresponds to a display unit.

[0035] The processing circuitry 114 executes a control function 114a, a display control function 114b, an image generation function 114c, an image processing function 114d, an acquisition function 114e, a determination function 114f, and a protection function 114g, thereby controlling the overall operation of the mammography apparatus 1. For example, the processing circuitry 114 reads out a program corresponding to the control function 114a from the storage circuitry 112 and executes it, thereby controlling various functions of the processing circuitry 114 based on input operations received from a user via the input interface 109.

[0036] Furthermore, the control function 114a controls the operation of the imaging table 103, compression paddle 104, X-ray tube 105, X-ray aperture 106, X-ray detector 107, signal processing circuit 108, arm lifting / lowering drive device 110, and X-ray high-voltage generator 111 to perform X-ray imaging of the subject's breast P1. The processing circuit 114 that realizes the control function 114a corresponds to a control unit. Hereinafter, the components of the mammography apparatus 1 that are used for various X-ray imaging may be referred to as an imaging system. The imaging system of the mammography apparatus 1 includes, for example, the imaging table 103, compression paddle 104, X-ray tube 105, X-ray aperture 106, X-ray detector 107, signal processing circuit 108, arm lifting / lowering drive device 110, and X-ray high-voltage generator 111.

[0037] Specifically, first, the control function 114a controls the arm lifting drive device 110 and the compression plate lifting drive device 116 to lift and lower the imaging table 103 and the compression plate 104, and positions the breast P1 of the subject between the imaging table 103 and the compression plate 104. Next, the control function 114a controls the X-ray high voltage device 111 to supply high voltage to the X-ray tube 105, causing the X-ray tube 105 to generate X-rays. The control function 114a also controls the X-ray aperture 106 to control the irradiation range and dose distribution of the X-rays irradiated onto the breast P1. The control function 114a also controls the signal processing circuit 108 to generate multiple projection data based on the detection signal output from the X-ray detector 107.

[0038] In FIG. 1, the height direction (vertical direction) is the Z direction. In FIG. 1, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and parallel to the horizontal direction is the X direction. In FIG. 1, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is the Y direction. In the case shown in FIG. 1, the subject inserts breast P1 between the imaging table 103 and the compression paddle 104 from the +Y direction side. In addition, the XY plane shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the horizontal plane. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the horizontal plane (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the height direction) may be referred to as the horizontal direction. For example, the X direction and the Y direction are examples of the horizontal direction.

[0039] The processing circuitry 114 reads out a program corresponding to the display control function 114b from the storage circuitry 112 and executes it. As a result, the display control function 114b displays a GUI for receiving various instructions and settings from the user via the input interface 109. The display control function 114b also displays various image data processed by the image processing function 114d on the display 113. The processing circuitry 114 that realizes the display control function 114b corresponds to a display control unit.

[0040] The processing circuitry 114 uses the image generation function 114c to perform correction processes such as logarithmic conversion, offset correction, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction on projection data collected by X-ray imaging of the subject's breast P1, thereby generating corrected projection data. The image generation function 114c generates an X-ray image based on the corrected projection data. The X-ray image may also be referred to as image data. The processing circuitry 114 that realizes the image generation function 114c corresponds to an image generation unit.

[0041] The processing circuitry 114 performs image processing on the X-ray images using the image processing function 114d. For example, the image processing function 114d performs correction (image processing) on ​​the X-ray images of the left and right breasts to align the positions of the left and right breasts, thereby generating a two-dimensional image for interpretation. That is, the image processing function 114d generates image data by performing correction on the X-ray images of the left and right breasts so that the positions of the left and right breasts are symmetrical.

[0042] Furthermore, the image processing function 114d may generate a display image to be displayed on the display 113 according to parameters of gradation conversion processing for the X-ray image or image data. Furthermore, the image processing function 114d may add text information, scales, etc. of various parameters to the generated display image. Furthermore, the image processing function 114d may execute various image processes for undergoing image evaluation by the Central Organization for Breast Cancer Screening Quality Management, etc. The image processing function 114d stores the generated image data, etc. in the memory circuitry 112. The processing circuitry 114 that realizes the image processing function 114d corresponds to an image processing unit.

[0043] The processing circuitry 114 uses the acquisition function 114e to acquire image data related to the subject's breast P1 from the storage circuitry 112 when the subject's breast P1 is imaged. The acquisition function 114e may also acquire image data from the image generation function 114c. The acquisition function 114e also acquires imaging conditions from the imaging device 100 when the subject's breast P1 is imaged. The imaging conditions are, for example, conditions related to breast compression in X-ray imaging. Specifically, the acquisition function 114e acquires the compression force of the breast P1 from the load (e.g., motor load) on the compression paddle lifting / lowering drive device 116, or the breast thickness (the thickness of the breast in the image data) from the position of the compression paddle 104 as imaging conditions.

[0044] Breast thickness is geometric information obtained from the positional relationship between the detection surface of the X-ray detector 107 and the compression paddle 104. For example, the acquisition function 114e acquires the positional relationship between the detection surface and the compression paddle 104 based on a control signal output from the control function 114a during pre-examination, and acquires the breast thickness based on the acquired positional relationship. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition function 114e acquires the breast compression pressure based on the value of an encoder, potentiometer, or the like provided on the imaging table 103. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition function 114e acquires the reaction force (resistance) received from the breast by the compression paddle 104 during breast compression based on the correspondence relationship between the breast compression pressure and breast thickness acquired during compression. The breast thickness and compression pressure acquired by the acquisition function 114e are preferably values ​​obtained during the actual imaging of the subject's breast P1, but are not limited thereto, and may also be the values ​​obtained in advance during pre-examination in which images of the subject's breast P1 are collected at a low dose.

[0045] The acquisition function 114e also acquires information indicating whether the image data is a case with findings (hereinafter referred to as finding information). For example, the acquisition function 114e may acquire the finding information from a PACS based on the interpretation results of the image data. The acquisition function 114e also acquires positioning conditions (which may also be referred to as positioning information) related to the image data. The positioning conditions relate to the positioning of the breast P1 during X-ray imaging.

[0046] The positioning conditions may be input by a user via the input interface 109, or may be generated by the image processing function 114d (described later) using known application software. The positioning conditions may also be generated using known application software on a network connected to the mammography apparatus 1.

[0047] The positioning conditions include, for example, at least one of the following: the ratio of the pectoral muscle area to the breast area in the image data, the orientation of the nipple in the image data, the uniformity of the spread of the mammary glands in the image data, the ratio of the abdominal subcutaneous fat area to the breast area in the image data, and the symmetry of the left and right breasts in the image data. The positioning conditions may further include an area ratio used to determine the type of breast configuration.

[0048] The acquisition function 114e may also acquire the acquisition date of the image data. The acquisition function 114e associates the imaging conditions, finding information, positioning conditions, and the acquisition date of the image data as supplementary information of the image data with the image data and stores them in the memory circuitry 112. The processing circuitry 114 that realizes the acquisition function 114e corresponds to the acquisition unit.

[0049] The processing circuitry 114 analyzes the image data using the determination function 114f to determine at least one of the breast configuration type and an index related to breast density. For example, the determination function 114f performs a predetermined analysis process on the image data acquired by the acquisition function 114e to determine at least one of the breast configuration type and an index related to breast density in the image data. The index related to breast density is, for example, the area ratio. Since known application software or the like can be used for this analysis process, a description thereof will be omitted. The analysis process for at least one of the breast configuration type and an index related to breast density for the image data may be performed by the image processing function 114d. The determination function 114f associates at least one of the determined breast configuration type and an index related to breast density with the image data and stores it in the memory circuitry 112. For example, the determination function 114f labels at least one of the determined breast configuration type and an index related to breast density with the image data and stores it in the memory circuitry 112. The processing circuit 114 that realizes the determination function 114f corresponds to the determination unit.

[0050] The processing circuit 114, using the protection function 114g, protects the image data when at least one of the determined breast configuration type and the breast density index matches the protection conditions for protecting the image data. The protection conditions, for example, relate to prohibiting overwriting of the image data and / or prohibiting deletion of the image data. The protection conditions include, for example, a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to extremely high density, a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to fatty tissue, an area ratio corresponding to extremely high density, and an area ratio corresponding to fatty tissue. Note that the protection conditions may also include a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to extremely high density or a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to fatty tissue.

[0051] The protection conditions may further include that the breast thickness in the image data exceeds a predetermined thickness and that the image data does not represent a case with abnormal findings. The predetermined thickness is, for example, 30 mm or more, corresponding to the compressed breast thickness. In this case, the protection function 114g protects the image data if the breast thickness and finding information in the image data further satisfy the protection conditions. The breast thickness and finding information in the image data may also be referred to as facility certification conditions (or facility certification information).

[0052] The protection conditions may also include at least one of imaging conditions related to compression of the breast P1 during X-ray imaging (e.g., compression force and / or breast thickness) and positioning conditions related to the placement of the breast P1 during the X-ray imaging. In this case, the protection function 114g protects the image data if the imaging conditions and positioning conditions in the image data also satisfy the protection conditions.

[0053] The protection conditions may also include the condition that the number of days since the collection date of the image data is less than a predetermined number of days. The predetermined number of days is, for example, 10 months or less than one year. In this case, if the collection date of the image data also satisfies the protection conditions, the protection function 114g protects the image data.

[0054] The protection function 114g monitors the storage capacity of the storage circuit 112. When the storage capacity of the storage circuit 112 reaches a predetermined storage capacity, the protection function 114g changes the protection condition from the first condition to the second condition. The predetermined storage capacity is, for example, 70% or 80% of the total storage capacity of the storage circuit 112.

[0055] The first condition includes, for example, a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to extremely high density, a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to fatty tissue, an area ratio corresponding to extremely high density, and an area ratio corresponding to fatty tissue. The second condition includes, for example, the first condition, imaging conditions, positioning conditions, and the fact that the image data is not a case with abnormal findings. That is, the second condition may be set not only by the type of breast configuration, but also by a combination of other imaging conditions (breast thickness, compression pressure), such as "extremely high density" and "breast thickness of 30 mm or more." In other words, the second condition can be appropriately customized according to the user's wishes. In this case, the protection function 114g protects the image data if the imaging conditions related to the image data, the positioning conditions related to the image data, and the finding information of the image data satisfy the second condition.

[0056] Furthermore, the protection function 114g may change, adjust, or set the protection conditions as appropriate in response to a user instruction via the input interface 109. Furthermore, when the storage capacity of the storage circuitry 112 exceeds a predetermined storage capacity, the protection function 114g may release protection for image data that does not meet the second condition, among the image data stored in the storage circuitry 112. The processing circuitry 114 that realizes the protection function 114g corresponds to a protection unit.

[0057] 1, each processing function is stored in the form of a computer-executable program in the memory circuitry 112. The signal processing circuitry 108 and the processing circuitry 114 are processors that implement the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing the program from the memory circuitry 112. In other words, once a program has been read, the signal processing circuitry 108 and the processing circuitry 114 have the function corresponding to the read program.

[0058] 1, the control function 114a, display control function 114b, image generation function 114c, image processing function 114d, acquisition function 114e, determination function 114f, and protection function 114g are described as being realized by a single processing circuit 114, but the processing circuit 114 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the functions. Furthermore, each processing function of the processing circuit 114 may be realized by being distributed or integrated as appropriate in a single or multiple processing circuits.

[0059] The signal processing circuit 108 and the processing circuit 114 have, as hardware resources, processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, etc. Furthermore, the signal processing circuit 108 and the processing circuit 114 may be realized by processors such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), other Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLD), and Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLD).

[0060] The overall configuration of the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment executes a process to apply protection to image data that meets the protection conditions (hereinafter referred to as the protection process). The procedure for the protection process will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0061] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the protection process. For the sake of specificity, it is assumed that X-ray imaging of the subject's breast P1, accompanied by a positioning operation, has been performed in advance. It is also assumed that the protection condition is set in advance as a first condition and stored in the memory circuitry 112.

[0062] (Protection processing) (Step S301) The processing circuit 114 uses the acquisition function 114e to acquire image data from the storage circuit 112. In addition, the acquisition function 114e acquires supplementary information of the image data from the storage circuit 112. At this time, the protection function 114g starts monitoring the storage capacity of the storage circuit 112.

[0063] (Step S302) The processing circuitry 114 analyzes the image data using a determination function 114f to determine at least one of the type of breast configuration and an index related to breast density. The processing circuitry 114 reads out the protection conditions from the memory circuitry 112 using a protection function 114g.

[0064] (Step S303) The processing circuit 114 determines, using the protection function 114g, whether or not at least one of the determined breast configuration type and the index related to mammary gland density is included in the protection condition. The determination by the protection function 114g may be performed by the determination function 114f. If at least one of the determined breast configuration type and the index related to mammary gland density is included in the protection condition (Yes in step S303), the processing of step S304 is executed. For example, if the determined breast configuration type is extremely dense or fatty, the determined breast configuration type satisfies the protection condition (first condition), and the processing of step S304 is executed. Also, for example, if the determined index related to mammary gland density is an area ratio corresponding to extremely dense or fatty, the determined index satisfies the protection condition (first condition), and the processing of step S304 is executed.

[0065] If the determined breast configuration type or index is not included in the protection conditions (No in step S303), the process of step S310 is executed. For example, if the determined breast configuration type is heterogeneously dense or scattered mammary glands, the determined breast configuration type does not satisfy the protection conditions (first condition), and the process of step S310 is executed.

[0066] (Step S304) The processing circuit 114 determines whether the storage capacity of the storage circuit 112 exceeds a predetermined storage capacity using the protection function 114g. If the storage capacity of the storage circuit 112 exceeds the predetermined storage capacity (Yes in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305. If the storage capacity of the storage circuit 112 does not exceed the predetermined storage capacity (No in step S304), the process proceeds to step S309.

[0067] (Step S305) The processing circuit 114 changes the protection condition from the first condition to the second condition by the protection function 114g. At this time, the protection function 114g reads out the second condition from the storage circuit 112.

[0068] (Step S306) The processing circuitry 114 uses the protection function 114g to release the protection of image data that does not meet the second condition among the image data stored in the storage circuitry 112. At this time, the protection function 114g may transfer the image data whose protection has been released to the PACS or may delete it.

[0069] (Step S307) The processing circuit 114 determines, by the protection function 114g, whether or not the facility certification conditions in the image data are included in the protection conditions. That is, the protection function 114g determines whether or not the breast thickness and finding information in the image data are included in the protection conditions, i.e., whether or not the facility certification conditions are met. If the facility certification conditions in the image data are included in the protection conditions (Yes in step S307), the process of step S308 is executed. If the facility certification conditions in the image data are not included in the protection conditions (No in step S307), the process of step S310 is executed.

[0070] (Step S308) The processing circuit 114 determines whether the positioning conditions in the image data are included in the protection conditions by the protection function 114g. That is, the protection function 114g determines whether at least one of the ratio of the pectoral muscle area to the breast area in the image data, the orientation of the nipple in the image data, the uniformity of the spread of the mammary gland in the image data, the ratio of the abdominal subcutaneous fat area to the breast area in the image data, and the symmetry of the left and right breasts in the image data satisfies the protection conditions.

[0071] For example, the protection function 114g analyzes the image data and assigns a score to each of a plurality of items in the positioning conditions of the image data, thereby indexing the positioning for each of the plurality of items. The plurality of items in the positioning conditions correspond, for example, to the ratio of the pectoralis major muscle area to the breast area in the image data, the orientation of the nipple in the image data, the uniformity of the spread of the mammary glands in the image data, the ratio of the abdominal subcutaneous fat area to the breast area in the image data, and the symmetry of the left and right breasts in the image data. Since known application software can be used to index (score, number) the positioning by analyzing the image data, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] Next, the protection function 114g compares the index values ​​corresponding to the items related to the image data with the reference values ​​corresponding to the items in the protection conditions. If the reference values ​​are exceeded across all of the items, the protection function 114g determines that the positioning condition is included in the protection conditions. The reference values ​​are set in advance for each of the items and stored in the memory circuitry 112. The reference values ​​can be changed or adjusted as needed by a user via the input interface 109.

[0073] In the above description, the determination is made using a reference value corresponding to each of multiple items. However, the protect function 114g may also calculate a value (hereinafter referred to as an overall index value) that is the weighted sum of multiple index values. In this case, the protect function 114g compares the calculated overall index with a reference value (hereinafter referred to as an overall reference value) related to the overall index value. If the overall index value exceeds the overall reference value, the protect function 114g determines that the positioning condition is included in the protect condition.

[0074] If the positioning conditions in the image data are included in the protection conditions (Yes in step S308), the process proceeds to step S309. If the positioning conditions in the image data are not included in the protection conditions (No in step S308), the process proceeds to step S310.

[0075] (Step S309) The processing circuitry 114 executes protection on the image data using the protection function 114g. As a result, the image data is protected by the protection. That is, overwriting of the image data is prohibited. At this time, the processing circuitry 114 may cause the display control function 114b to display the protected image data on the display 113. As the display 113 on which the protected image data is displayed, for example, a high-resolution monitor (high-definition monitor) that can also be used for interpretation is used.

[0076] The high-definition display 113 displays the image data to be protected and the protection conditions. This allows the user to confirm the image data to be protected. After confirmation, the protection function 114g stores the image data in the storage circuitry 112 in a protected state. The image data to be protected may be confirmed at the image interpretation terminal.

[0077] In the above-described protection process, the decision as to whether or not to protect the image data is automatically performed, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the instruction to execute protection may be executed manually by a user via the input interface 109. In this case, according to this embodiment, image data as candidates for image evaluation can be protected in accordance with the user's instruction (determination), and the image data as candidates for image evaluation can be left in the mammography device 1.

[0078] (Step S310) If a new image is not acquired for the subject's breast P1 (No in step S310), the protection process ends. If a new image is acquired for the subject's breast P1 (Yes in step S310), the process from step S301 onwards is repeated.

[0079] As a modification of this embodiment, in the process of step S306, the protection function 114g may release protection for image data that does not meet the second condition, in descending order of the multiple index values ​​and / or the overall index value (in descending order of worst points). Also, as a modification of this embodiment, in the process of step S306, the protection function 114g may release protection for image data in descending order of the number of days that have passed since the image data was collected.

[0080] After the protection process is executed, when selecting image data to be used for image evaluation for facility certification by the Central Organization for Breast Cancer Screening Quality Control or the like, in response to a user instruction via the input interface 109, the processing circuit 114 uses the display control function 114b to display, for example, a button for selecting the protected image data (hereinafter referred to as the selection execution button) on the display 113 (for example, a high-definition monitor).

[0081] When the selection execution button is pressed in response to a user instruction via the input interface 109, the display control function 114b causes, for example, four types to be displayed on the display 113. That is, the pressing of the selection execution button causes the display 113 to display the four types. When one of the four types is selected in response to a user instruction via the input interface 109, the display control function 114b causes, for example, multiple recipient IDs and names of subjects corresponding to the selected type to be displayed on the display 113. As a result, the display 113 displays a list of multiple recipient IDs and names of subjects in response to the selection of a type.

[0082] When a listed recipient ID and / or subject name is selected by a user instruction via the input interface 109, the display control function 114b reads out the protected image data associated with the selected recipient ID and subject name from the storage circuitry 112. The display control function 114b then displays the read-out image data on the display 113. When the displayed image data is selected via the input interface 109, the image data to be used for image evaluation regarding facility certification is determined.

[0083] In the above description, the image data used for image evaluation is selected by displaying various information on the display 113 as a high-definition monitor, but this is not limiting. For example, the image data used for image evaluation may be selected on an image interpretation terminal connected to the mammography apparatus 1 by wire or wirelessly. In this case, protected image data and the like are transferred from the image interpretation terminal to the mammography apparatus 1.

[0084] The mammography device 1 according to the embodiment described above acquires image data of a subject's breast P1 during imaging of the breast P1, determines at least one of the breast configuration type and an index related to mammary gland density based on the acquired image data, and protects the image data if the type and / or the index match the protection conditions for the image data. In the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment, the type represents multiple breast configurations classified based on the ratio of the area of ​​the breast in the image data that is darker than the area corresponding to the pectoralis major muscle to the area excluding the subcutaneous fat, the pectoralis major muscle, and the fat portion of the retromammary space, and the index related to mammary gland density represents the area ratio.

[0085] As a result, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment can select image data (facility-certified images) to be used for image evaluation related to facility certification by the Central Organization for Breast Cancer Screening Quality Control and other organizations from image data that meets the protection conditions when the image data is acquired. Therefore, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment can reduce user operations and improve the throughput of processing related to the selection of facility-certified images.

[0086] In the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment, the types are four types indicated by extremely high density, heterogeneously high density, scattered glandular, and fatty, and the protection conditions include a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to extremely high density, a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to fatty, an area ratio corresponding to extremely high density, and an area ratio corresponding to fatty. In the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment, the protection conditions further include that the breast thickness in the image data exceeds a predetermined thickness and that the image data does not represent a case with a finding. The mammography device 1 according to the embodiment acquires the breast thickness in the image data and information indicating whether the image data represents a case with a finding, and protects the image data if the breast thickness in the image data and the information indicating whether the image data represents a case with a finding further satisfy the protection conditions.

[0087] As a result, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment can select facility-certified images for image data that meets the conditions for facility certification. As a result, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment can reduce user operations and improve the reliability of facility-certified images.

[0088] In the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment, the protection conditions include at least one of imaging conditions related to breast compression during X-ray imaging and positioning conditions related to breast positioning during X-ray imaging. The mammography device 1 according to the embodiment acquires imaging conditions related to image data and positioning conditions related to the image data, and protects the image data if the imaging conditions and positioning conditions related to the image data also satisfy the protection conditions. In the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment, the positioning conditions include at least one of the ratio of the pectoralis major muscle area to the breast area in the image data, the orientation of the nipple in the image data, the uniformity of the spread of the mammary glands in the image data, the ratio of the abdominal subcutaneous fat area to the breast area in the image data, and the symmetry of the left and right breasts in the image data.

[0089] As a result, according to the mammography apparatus 1 of the embodiment, by making the protection conditions stricter, it is possible to further reduce the number of operations by the user, and further improve the reliability of the facility-certified image.

[0090] Furthermore, in the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment, the protection conditions include the number of days that have elapsed since the image data was collected being less than a predetermined number of days, and the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment obtains the collection date of the image data, and if the collection date of the image data also satisfies the protection conditions, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment protects the image data. This allows new image data to be protected, further improving the reliability of facility-certified images.

[0091] Furthermore, when the storage capacity of the memory circuitry 112 reaches a predetermined capacity, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment changes the protection conditions from a first condition, which includes a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to extremely high density, a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to fatty tissue, an area ratio corresponding to extremely high density, and an area ratio corresponding to fatty tissue, to a second condition, which includes the first condition, imaging conditions related to breast compression in X-ray imaging, positioning conditions related to breast positioning in X-ray imaging, and the image data not representing a case with findings, acquires the imaging conditions related to the image data, positioning conditions related to the image data, and information indicating whether the image data represents a case with findings, and protects the image data if the imaging conditions related to the image data, positioning conditions related to the image data, and information indicating whether the image data represents a case with findings satisfy the second condition. Furthermore, when the storage capacity of the memory circuitry 112 exceeds the predetermined capacity, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment releases protection for image data stored in the memory circuitry 112 that does not meet the second condition.

[0092] As a result, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment can effectively use the image storage area in the memory circuitry 112. In addition, the mammography device 1 according to the embodiment can prevent the memory circuitry 112 from becoming full with images protected for image evaluation.

[0093] The following describes the effects of the differences in processing steps between the comparative example and this embodiment. For the sake of specificity, the selection of image data used for image evaluation will be described as being performed on the image interpretation terminal.

[0094] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the differences in processing between the comparative example and this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the flow of time is indicated downward. As shown in FIG. 4, in the comparative example, after a mammogram is performed on a subject, the image data is transferred to an image interpretation terminal and stored. For example, if four images (four images) are taken per person, 40 people are taken per day, and the mammography device operates for 200 days in a year, the image data used for image evaluation will be 200 x 4 x 40 = 32,000 images. When selecting image data to be used for image evaluation for facility certification by the Central Organization for Breast Cancer Screening Quality Control or other organizations, an image search is performed on the image interpretation terminal for the 32,000 images. Once the image data to be used for image evaluation is selected, the selected image data is imported from the image interpretation terminal into the mammography device. The selected image data is then finally checked on the image interpretation terminal and output from the mammography device to external media.

[0095] In contrast, in this embodiment, after mammography of the subject is performed, a protection process is performed on the image data. If the image data meets the protection conditions, the image data is protected (image protection). The user selects facility-certified images from the image data that has been narrowed down through protection. That is, in this embodiment, facility-certified images are searched for from the protected images. Once the image data to be used for image evaluation has been selected, the selected image data is finally confirmed on the image interpretation terminal and output from the mammography device 1 to external media.

[0096] As shown in Figure 4, with the mammography device 1 according to this embodiment, compared to the comparative example, the selection of facility-certified images is limited to protected image data, thereby reducing the burden on the user. Therefore, with the mammography device 1 according to this embodiment, candidate images for submission for mammography facility image evaluation remain in the mammography device 1. Therefore, because image data of, for example, breast configuration types with low occurrence frequencies remains in the mammography device 1, the user does not have to go through the trouble of retrieving image data from the PACS when selecting images to submit. This eliminates the need to search for candidate images for image evaluation from an image interpretation terminal and transfer them to the mammography device 1, as in the comparative example, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0097] As described above, the mammography device 1 according to this embodiment allows preparation of images to be submitted for facility certification to be completed solely by the mammography device 1, improving operability for preparing the images. In addition, the mammography device 1 according to this embodiment allows more time to be spent selecting images to submit, rather than preparing them, improving the quality of the images submitted and increasing the likelihood of receiving high marks from the Central Organization for Breast Cancer Screening Quality Management and other organizations.

[0098] (Application example) This application example is based on the protection condition that a rare case occurs in the hospital where mammography device 1 is installed (hereinafter referred to as the "installed hospital") and / or that the image data generated by imaging with mammography device 1 is a rare case. For the sake of concrete explanation, it is assumed that the installed hospital has a total of three mammography devices installed: a first mammography device and a second mammography device in addition to mammography device 1.

[0099] For example, if a hospital has three mammography devices, Mammography Device 1, Mammography Device 1, and Mammography Device 2, a rare case for the hospital corresponds to a rare case in all images collected by the three mammography devices. In other words, if multiple mammography devices are installed in the same hospital, the protection condition is, for example, a breast configuration type that corresponds to a predetermined number or less in multiple image data sets collected by the multiple mammography devices. This protection condition is used, for example, when facility accreditation is carried out for the hospital.

[0100] A rare case for mammography device 1 may not be rare for other mammography devices (mammography device 1 and mammography device 2), for example. For this reason, the rare case for mammography device 1 is used when it is necessary to check the rare cases of image data that are the subject of protection for all mammography devices in the hospital where it is installed.

[0101] In the mammography device 1 according to this modification of the present embodiment, the protection condition is, when multiple mammography devices are installed in the same hospital, that the breast configuration types correspond to a predetermined number or less in the multiple image data sets collected by the multiple mammography devices and / or that the breast configuration types correspond to a predetermined number or less in the multiple image data sets acquired by the acquisition function 114e. The predetermined number is, for example, set in advance and stored in the memory circuitry 112. Note that the predetermined number can be changed as needed in response to a user instruction via the input interface 109.

[0102] The mammography device 1 according to the modified example of this embodiment can check the facility certification and / or rare cases of image data at the hospital where the device is installed. Other effects are the same as those of the embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] When the technical concept of this embodiment is realized in a breast image data protection method, the breast image data protection method acquires image data related to the breast P1 in conjunction with imaging of the subject's breast P1, determines at least one of the type of breast configuration and an index related to mammary gland density based on the image data, and protects the image data if at least one of the type and index matches the protection conditions for protecting the image data. The processing procedures related to the breast image data protection method correspond to the procedures of the protection process, so explanations are omitted. Furthermore, the effects of the breast image data protection method are similar to those of the embodiment, so explanations are omitted.

[0104] When the technical idea of ​​the embodiment is realized by a breast image data protection program, the breast image data protection program causes a computer to acquire image data related to the subject's breast P1 when photographing the breast P1, determine at least one of the type of breast configuration and an index related to mammary gland density based on the image data, and if at least one of the type and index matches the protection conditions for protecting the image data, protect the image data.

[0105] For example, the protection process can be achieved by installing a breast image data protection program in the computer of the mammography device and expanding it in memory. In this case, the program that enables the computer to execute the protection process can be stored and distributed on a storage medium such as a magnetic disk (e.g., hard disk), optical disk (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD), or semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the distribution of the breast image data protection program is not limited to the above media; it may also be distributed using a telecommunications function, such as downloading via the Internet. The procedures and effects of the protection process achieved by the breast image data protection program are similar to those of the embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0106] According to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, it is possible to reduce the complexity involved in protecting image data submitted for image evaluation.

[0107] 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]

[0108] 1. Mammography equipment 100 Imaging device 101 Foundation Stand 102 103 Photo stand 104 Compression Plate 105 X-ray tube 106 X-ray constrictor 107 X-ray detector 108 Signal Processing Circuit 109 Input Interface 110 Arm lifting drive device 111 X-ray high voltage device 112 Memory circuit 113 Display 114 Processing Circuit 114a Control Functions 114b Display control function 114c Image generation function 114d Image processing function 114e Acquisition function 114f Judgment function 114g protection function 115 Arm rotation drive unit 116 Compression plate lifting drive device 120 Arm

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires image data relating to the breast in association with imaging of the breast of a subject; a determination unit that determines at least one of a type of breast configuration and an index related to breast gland density based on the image data; a protection unit that protects the image data when at least one of the type and the index matches a protection condition related to protection of the image data; A mammography apparatus comprising:

2. The types represent a plurality of breast configurations classified based on a ratio of an area darker than the pectoralis major muscle to an area excluding subcutaneous fat, the pectoralis major muscle, and the fat portion of the retromammary space from the breast area of ​​the image data, and The index relating to breast density represents the ratio, 10. The mammography device according to claim 1.

3. The types are classified into four types, which are extremely dense, heterogeneously dense, scattered glandular, and fatty, The protection conditions include a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to the extremely high density, a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to the fatty nature, the ratio corresponding to the extremely high density, and the ratio corresponding to the fatty nature.

3. The mammography apparatus according to claim 2.

4. the protection conditions further include that the thickness of the breast in the image data exceeds a predetermined thickness, and the image data is not a case with abnormal findings; the acquiring unit acquires the thickness of the breast in the image data and information indicating whether the image data is a case with findings; the protection unit protects the image data when the breast thickness in the image data and information indicating whether the image data is a case with findings further satisfy the protection conditions.

4. The mammography apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The protection condition is: In the case where a plurality of mammography devices are installed in the same hospital, a plurality of image data sets acquired by the plurality of mammography devices have the type of breast configuration corresponding to a predetermined number or less; and / or In the plurality of image data sets acquired by the acquisition unit, the type of breast configuration corresponds to a predetermined number or less.

10. The mammography device according to claim 1.

6. the protection conditions include at least one of an imaging condition related to compression of the breast in X-ray imaging and a positioning condition related to the positioning of the breast in X-ray imaging; the acquisition unit acquires a photographing condition related to the image data and a positioning condition related to the image data; the protection unit protects the image data when the photographing conditions and the positioning conditions related to the image data further satisfy the protection conditions.

4. The mammography apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The positioning conditions include at least one of a ratio of the pectoralis major muscle portion to the breast region in the image data, a direction of the nipple in the image data, a uniformity of the spread of the mammary gland in the image data, a ratio of the abdominal subcutaneous fat region to the breast region in the image data, and a symmetry of the left and right breasts in the image data.

7. The mammography apparatus according to claim 6.

8. the protection condition includes that the number of days elapsed since the collection date of the image data is less than a predetermined number of days; the acquisition unit acquires a collection date of the image data; the protection unit protects the image data if the collection date of the image data further satisfies the protection condition.

10. The mammography device according to claim 1.

9. The types are classified into four types, which are extremely dense, heterogeneously dense, scattered glandular, and fatty, a storage unit for storing the protected image data; When the storage capacity of the storage unit reaches a predetermined storage capacity, the protection unit changes the protection conditions from a first condition including a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to the extremely high density, a type indicating a breast configuration corresponding to the fatty nature, the ratio corresponding to the extremely high density, and the ratio corresponding to the fatty nature to a second condition including the first condition, an imaging condition related to compression of the breast in X-ray imaging, a positioning condition related to the positioning of the breast in X-ray imaging, and the image data not being a case with abnormal findings, the acquiring unit acquires imaging conditions related to the image data, positioning conditions related to the image data, and information indicating whether the image data is a case with findings; the protection unit protects the image data when the imaging conditions related to the image data, the positioning conditions related to the image data, and information indicating whether the image data is a case with findings satisfy the second condition.

9. A mammography apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

10. When the storage capacity of the storage unit exceeds a predetermined storage capacity, the protection unit releases protection of image data that does not meet a second condition among the image data stored in the storage unit.

10. The mammography apparatus according to claim 9.

11. Acquiring image data relating to the breast in association with imaging of the breast of the subject; determining at least one of a type of breast configuration and an index related to breast density based on the image data; When at least one of the type and the index matches a protection condition related to protection of the image data, protection is executed on the image data; A breast image data protection method comprising:

12. On the computer, Acquiring image data relating to the breast in association with imaging of the breast of the subject; determining at least one of a type of breast configuration and an index related to breast density based on the image data; When at least one of the type and the indicator matches a protection condition related to protection of the image data, protection is executed on the image data; A breast image data protection program that makes this possible.

Images