System and method for anonymous and secure sharing of medical images via messaging tools in a medical imaging image storage and communication system.
The method and system within PACS enable secure and anonymous sharing of medical images through a messaging tool, addressing privacy and compliance issues by generating and transmitting images without PHI, thus ensuring confidentiality and legal compliance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-01
Smart Images
Figure 2026056590000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical image storage and communication systems (PACS), and more particularly to systems and methods for transmitting anonymous and secure information within a PACS.
Background Art
[0002] In the field of medical imaging, the use of PACS has brought revolutionary changes to the storage, access, and analysis methods of patient images by medical professionals. For example, with PACS, medical staff can quickly access and carefully examine multiple medical images in digital form, enabling more rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Also, with PACS, multiple medical staff can access the medical images of a specific patient simultaneously. This provides an efficient communication method among medical staff and enables obtaining a second opinion in a certain medical situation. However, in sensitive cases involving famous people undergoing examinations to investigate health problems, situations involving blinded reviews, or handling the presentation of medical images in an academic setting, anonymity is important for protecting patient privacy. Existing PACS lack anonymous and secure means for sharing medical images among various medical staff, posing a significant risk regarding patient confidentiality and laws related to the portability and responsibility of medical insurance (HIPAA).
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved method and communication system within a PACS that enables anonymous and secure sharing of medical images in a messaging tool while ensuring the reliable automatic deletion of sensitive information.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a PACS, the PACS comprising at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, the at least one medical image including relevant medical digital image and communication (DICOM) data.
[0005] The above method includes the steps of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a viewer graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the viewer GUI includes at least one pane for displaying at least one medical image from at least one image study of a PACS and a first icon for launching a messaging tool, wherein the at least one medical image includes a DICOM data overlay layer with Protected Health Information (PHI) of the imaged subject, receiving a first user input for launching a messaging tool, and in response to receiving the first user input, displaying a second window on the workstation display that provides a messaging tool GUI, wherein the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a second icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI displaying at least one medical image, receiving a second user input for capturing a snapshot, capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI displaying at least one medical image A step of generating an unspecified medical image based on an in-scan snapshot, the unspecified medical image not including PHI, and a step of transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in an input field or dialog thread pane of a messaging tool GUI.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer system for anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a PACS, wherein the PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, and the at least one medical image includes associated DICOM data. The computer system comprises one or more computer processors, one or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media, and program instructions stored in one or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media to be executed by at least one of the one or more computer processors.
[0007] The above program instruction is a process of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a viewer GUI, wherein the viewer GUI includes at least one pane for displaying at least one medical image from at least one image study of a PACS and a first icon for launching a messaging tool, wherein the at least one medical image includes a DICOM data overlay layer with the PHI of the captured subject, and upon receiving a first user input for launching a messaging tool, a process of displaying a second window on the workstation display that provides a messaging tool GUI in response to receiving the first user input, wherein the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one recipient. The program includes a process that includes a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a second icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of a viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image; a process for receiving a second user input for capturing a snapshot; a process for generating an unspecified medical image based on the snapshot of at least one pane of a viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include PHI; and a program instruction for transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in the input field of a messaging tool GUI or in the dialog thread pane.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product for the anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), wherein the PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, and the at least one medical image includes associated DICOM data. The computer program product comprises a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium implementing the program code.
[0009] The above program code is a process of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a viewer GUI, the viewer GUI includes at least one pane for displaying at least one medical image from at least one image study of a PACS and a first icon for launching a messaging tool, the process of the at least one medical image including a DICOM data overlay layer with the PHI of the captured subject, the process of receiving first user input for launching a messaging tool, and the process of displaying a second window on the workstation display that provides a messaging tool GUI in response to receiving the first user input, the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field and a viewer GUI for displaying at least one medical image. A processor-executable process that includes a process for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of I, a second icon for capturing a snapshot, a process for receiving a second user input for capturing a snapshot, a process for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of a viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image, a process for generating an unspecified medical image based on a snapshot of at least one pane of a viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include PHI, and a process for transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in an input field or dialog thread pane of a messaging tool GUI.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a PACS, wherein the PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, and the at least one medical image includes associated DICOM data.
[0011] The method implemented by the computer described above includes the steps of: displaying a first window on the workstation display that provides a worklist GUI, the worklist GUI includes at least one image study containing at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device and a first icon for launching a messaging tool; receiving a first user input to select at least one image study; displaying a second window on the workstation display that provides a viewer GUI, the viewer GUI includes at least one pane displaying at least one medical image of the selected at least one image study and a second icon for launching a messaging tool, the at least one medical image including a DICOM data overlay layer with PHI of the captured subject; receiving a second user input to select either the first icon for launching the messaging tool or the second icon for launching the messaging tool; and, in response to receiving the second user input, the workstation The steps include: displaying a third window on a display screen that provides a messaging tool GUI for a messaging tool, wherein the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one messaging recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a third icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of a viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image; receiving a third user input to select the third icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI; capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image; generating an unspecified medical image based on the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include PHI; and transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in the input field or dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a PACS, wherein the PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, and the at least one medical image includes associated DICOM data.
[0013] The method implemented by the computer described above is a step of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a worklist GUI, the worklist GUI includes at least one medical image captured by a medical imaging device The steps include: a first step of launching an image study and a first icon for launching a messaging tool; a first step of receiving a first user input of selecting at least one image study; and a second window on the workstation display that provides a viewer GUI, the viewer GUI including at least one pane for displaying at least one medical image of the selected at least one image study, a second icon for launching a messaging tool, and a third icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI displaying at least one medical image, the at least one medical image including a DICOM data overlay layer having the PHI of the captured subject; a second user input of selecting either the first icon for launching a messaging tool or the second icon for launching a messaging tool; and in response to receiving the second user input, the messaging tool for the messaging tool on the workstation display. A third window providing a GUI is displayed, the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one messaging recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a fourth icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of a viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image; a third user input for selecting the third icon for capturing a snapshot or the fourth icon for capturing a snapshot; a snapshot of at least one pane of a viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image; a step of generating an unspecified medical image based on the snapshot of at least one pane of a viewer GUI that displays at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include PHI; and a step of sending the unspecified medical image and displaying it in the input field or dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI.
[0014] Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent in practice, in part, when described below and in part in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0015] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings as an example. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an information processing environment for anonymous and secure sharing of medical images via a messaging tool within a PACS, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an illustrative screenshot showing a worklist GUI and a viewer GUI according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operational steps for anonymous and secure sharing of medical images via a messaging tool within a PACS, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an illustrative screenshot showing icons in the worklist GUI and viewer GUI for launching a messaging tool according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is an illustrative screenshot showing icons within a viewer GUI and a messaging tool GUI for capturing a screenshot of the viewer GUI, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is an illustrative screenshot showing icons within a viewer GUI and a messaging tool GUI for capturing a screenshot of the viewer GUI, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a notification indicating that a snapshot of the viewer GUI is pasted into the messaging tool GUI, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a flowchart showing the operational steps for generating an unspecified medical image based on a snapshot. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing operational steps for generating an anonymized medical image based on a snapshot. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary screenshot of a messaging tool GUI showing that an anonymized medical image according to a particular embodiment of the present invention is being shared. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computing device that may be used to execute the processes and methods disclosed herein.
[0016] Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0017] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be implemented as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software aspects and hardware aspects that may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code / instructions thereon for carrying out the present invention.
[0018] Any combination of computer-readable media may be utilized. The computer-readable media may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media would include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this specification, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
[0019] The program code to be executed on the computer-readable media may be transmitted using any suitable medium such as wireless, wire, optical fiber cable, or radio frequency (RF), or any suitable combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.
[0020] Computer program code for performing the operation of aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, or C++, and a conventional procedural programming language such as the C programming language or a similar programming language. The program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or fully on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it may be connected to an external computer (for example, via the Internet using an Internet service provider).
[0021] Aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to the processor of a computing device such as a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device that manufactures machines. These instructions, executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, generate means to implement the functions / operations specified in the flowchart and / or blocks in the block diagram.
[0022] These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to function in a particular way so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce a product containing instructions that realize functions / operations and / or blocks of a block diagram as specified in a flowchart.
[0023] Computer program instructions, when loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device, cause a series of action steps performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device to generate a process implemented by the computer. This generation is performed so that the instructions executed by the computer or other programmable device provide a process for implementing the functions / operations and / or blocks of a block diagram specified in a flowchart.
[0024] Medical imaging is a technique and process for capturing images of the body for clinical analysis, medical intervention, and visual representation of the function (physiological function) of organs and tissues. Medical imaging aims to reveal internal structures hidden by skin and bone, and to diagnose and treat diseases. Furthermore, medical imaging builds a database of normal anatomy and physiology, enabling the identification of abnormalities. Imaging of excised organs and tissues can also be performed for medical purposes. Medical diagnoses can be made using medical images obtained from imaging devices such as computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Maximum whole-body projection (MIP) imaging can also be used for medical diagnosis.
[0025] Referring first to Figure 1, a block diagram is provided showing an information processing environment (100 as a whole) for acquiring, storing, and / or analyzing medical images according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing environment may include one or more of the following: an imaging device 102, one or more servers (e.g., an image server 105 and a report server 107), and one or more computing devices (e.g., a medical workstation (WS) 104 and an analysis WS 103), all of which are communicated via a network 109. It should be understood that two or more of the above components may be combined into a single unit. The network 109 may consist of communication network technology based on wired, optical, and / or wireless high-frequency methods, which can be arranged in various network topologies. Typically, the network 109 may be any set of digital interconnections that enable computing devices to use a common communication protocol to communicate with each other.
[0026] The imaging device 102 may be one or more imaging devices including an emitter 130 and a sensor 120. The imaging device 102 is configured to scan the subject's body by exposing the subject to a signal emitted by the emitter 130 and capturing this signal (signal reflection) with the sensor 120, thereby acquiring detailed internal images of the subject's body (e.g., images of anatomical structures and physiological processes within the body). The images may be stored in the image database 106 and / or other databases connected to the network 109 for communication. For example, the imaging device 102 is configured to generate serial tomographic images of a subject. The imaging device 102 may acquire tomographic images along one or more anatomical planes of the subject (e.g., axial transverse, coronal, sagittal, median, lateral sagittal plane, and other anatomical planes).
[0027] Applicable signals emitted by the emitter 130 include, but are not limited to, strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, radio waves, X-rays, and ionizing radiation. The imaging device 102 preferably generates heterogeneous serial tomographic images of the subject. The imaging device 102 can generate medical images using one or more medical imaging techniques, including, but not limited to, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET, MIP, and / or other medical imaging techniques that can generate internal images of the body or part thereof of the subject.
[0028] Each server may include a software program that provides an installed database management system (DBMS). In some embodiments, the image server 105 and the report server 107 may be included in one or more computing devices. The servers may include one or more storage media for storing information (e.g., flash memory, solid-state drives (SSDs), or hard disk drives (HDDs)). For example, the image server 105 may include an image database (DB) 106 for storing at least medical images. The report server 107 may include a report DB 108 for storing at least processed reports. The medical WS 104 can be used by healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians and nurses) to at least examine medical images in detail, view analysis reports, and / or generate electronic medical records.
[0029] The medical WS104 may send a request to view a medical image to the image server 105, display the received medical image, send a request to view an associated analysis report to the report server 107, and / or display the received analysis report. The medical WS104 may perform the above processes by running software programs for each process. The steps described herein may be performed by one or more control circuits and / or processors. The analysis report may include images analyzed by an information processing program 110 contained in the analysis WS103 (or other computing device communicably connected to the network 109).
[0030] The analysis WS103 is a computing device that can be configured to analyze or interpret one or more medical images (stored, for example, in the image DB106 or other data stores communicably connected to the network 109) as described in this disclosure. The analysis WS103 may be used by a user (e.g., a healthcare professional) to analyze one or more medical images and / or generate an analysis report. The analysis WS103, or other processor communicably connected to the network 109, can perform steps defined by the information processing program 110. As will be described in more detail below, the information processing program 110 is computer code that enables the display, navigation, examination, and / or annotation of a set of medical images. The information processing program 110 can be stored in a database communicably connected to the analysis WS103. The information processing program 110 can also be stored in one or more databases communicably connected to the network 109.
[0031] The information processing program 110 may be an image archiving and communication system (PACS) 200, or may include such a system. Refer to Figures 2 to 5B. Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for anonymous and secure sharing of medical images via a messaging tool 210 within a PACS 200. The PACS 200 is acquired by one or more medical imaging devices 102. The system includes multiple image studies, each containing multiple medical images stored in one or more databases 106, 108 connected to a network 109 in a communicable manner. Each of the multiple medical images 242 contains corresponding Digital Image and Communications in Health (DICOM) data, each comprising multiple DICOM data objects corresponding to an information entity (IE). For example, the DICOM data objects may correspond to information entities such as a patient, study, medical device, examination, series of images, patient schedule, document, or diagnostic interpretation. The DICOM data objects may include tags, value representations describing data types and formats, and alphanumeric data values. The DICOM data may further comprise data objects that constitute Protected Health Information (PHI) 248.
[0032] After logging into the PACS200 on the analysis WS103 or medical WS104, a worklist graphical user interface (GUI)220 may be provided in a first window 202 displayed on the display of the WS103 or 104 in any step 301. The worklist GUI220 may include one or more panes 250 that display one or more lists of multiple image studies 222. Each of the multiple image studies 222 may be associated with one or more medical images 242 of a subject (e.g., a human) acquired by one or more medical imaging devices 102. The first window 202 may include a first icon 224 for launching a messaging tool 210 (e.g., a chat tool; see below for details).
[0033] Further reference is made to the computer-implemented method 300 shown in Figure 3. When an image study 222 is selected from the worklist GUI 220, in step 302, a second window 204 providing a viewer GUI 240 may be displayed on the display of WS 103 or 104. The viewer GUI 240 includes at least one pane 246 configured to display at least one medical image 242 of the selected image study 222. The at least one medical image 242 is displayed in the at least one pane 246 for viewing by a medical professional for the purpose of examining, evaluating, and diagnosing any medical conditions that may be present in the imaged subject. The at least one medical image 242 includes a DICOM data overlay layer 253 having DICOM data including the PHI 248 of the imaged subject. PHI248 includes at least one of the following: the name of the imaged subject, a relevant address more specific than state level, a date, a telephone number, a fax number, an email address, a social security number, a medical record number, a health insurance beneficiary number, a bank account number, a certificate number or driver's license number, a vehicle identifier, a device identifier, a web URL, an IP address, a biometric ID, a front-facing facial photograph, or any other unique identification number, letter, or code.
[0034] In some cases, a medical professional may want other medical professionals to be able to view at least one medical image 242 for the purpose of obtaining feedback, such as a second opinion, regarding whether a particular medical condition is associated with the imaged subject. To enable this feedback, the viewer GUI 240 may further include a second icon 244 configured to launch a messaging tool. However, when dealing with sensitive cases involving prominent figures undergoing examinations to investigate health problems, situations involving blinded reviews, or presentation of medical images in an academic setting, anonymity is crucial to protecting patient privacy. Therefore, certain embodiments of the present invention are configured to selectively de-identify PHI 248 from DICOM data associated with at least one medical image 242 transmitted using a messaging tool. De-identification includes, but is not limited to, hiding, masking, deleting, or otherwise anonymizing. PHI248 may be hidden if an anonymization flag is set for at least one specific field associated with PHI248, and the data in the corresponding field of the DICOM data overlay layer 253 is replaced with one or more special characters. PHI248 can be masked if an anonymization flag is set and the data in the corresponding field of the DICOM data overlay layer 253 is hidden by the opaque area of the mask layer overlaid on the DICOM data overlay layer 253. PHI248 can be deleted if an anonymization flag is set for at least one specific field related to PHI248 and the data in the corresponding field of the DICOM data overlay layer 253 is deleted. For example, a physician or radiologist may set an anonymization flag for at least one specific field related to PHI248. As a result, other users, including physicians and radiologists, who share the at least one medical image 242 cannot view the field where PHI248 is flagged.
[0035] In some embodiments, the viewer GUI 240 may include a plurality of panes 246, each pane displaying one image from a plurality of medical images 242 of a selected image study 222. The viewer GUI 240 may further include a first icon 252 for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane 246 of the viewer GUI 240 that displays at least one medical image 242.
[0036] In step 304, user input may be received to launch the messaging tool. For example, user input to launch the messaging tool 210 may include the user selecting a first icon 224 on the worklist GUI 220 to launch the messaging tool 210, or the user selecting a second icon 244 on the viewer GUI 240 to launch the messaging tool 210.
[0037] In response to receiving user input to launch the messaging tool, a third window 506 may be displayed on the WS103 or 104 display in step 306. The third window 506 provides the messaging tool GUI 560. The messaging tool GUI 560 may include an input field 562 for at least one other messaging participant, a dialog thread pane 564, an input field 566, and a second icon 568 for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane 246 of the viewer GUI 240 that displays at least one medical image 242.
[0038] The messaging tool GUI 560 may provide the functionality to search a list of existing messaging threads and to start a new messaging thread. In some embodiments, existing messaging threads may not provide an input field 562 for identifying the intended messaging participants, because existing messaging threads are already associated with at least one participant. Once a new messaging thread is materialized, the intended participants can be identified via the input field 562.
[0039] In step 308, user input may be received to capture a snapshot of at least one pane 246 of the viewer GUI 240. For example, user input for capturing a snapshot may include the selection of a first icon 252 or a second icon 568 to capture a snapshot of at least one pane 246 of the viewer GUI 240 that displays at least one medical image 242.
[0040] See Figures 6-8 for further reference. In step 308, an optional notification 600 may be displayed indicating that, in response to receiving user input for capturing a snapshot, the snapshot of the viewer GUI 240 will be pasted into an input field or dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI 560. In some embodiments, the notification 600 may be presented in a pop-up window 608 that overlaps the viewer GUI 240. The snapshot of the viewer GUI is then pasted into the messaging tool GUI 560. User input may be displayed to confirm that the input is to be pasted into an input field or dialog thread pane. For example, user input may be received to select the confirmation button 610. However, if the selection of the first icon 252 or the second icon 568 to capture a snapshot of at least one pane 246 of the viewer GUI 240 was unintended, user input may be received to select the cancel or escape button 612.
[0041] In step 310, upon receiving user input indicating that a snapshot of the viewer GUI is to be pasted into an input field or dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI, a snapshot of at least one pane 246 of the viewer GUI 240 displaying at least one medical image 242 is captured. The snapshot may be used to save presentation states for multiple workflow scenarios in which the user wishes to create a specific display reference. To attach the study snapshot from the viewer GUI 240 to a messaging thread, an active message may be opened to determine which message thread the study snapshot is directed to.
[0042] In step 312, an anonymous, unspecified medical image 800, which does not include PHI, is generated based on a snapshot of at least one pane 246 of a viewer GUI 240 that displays at least one medical image 242.
[0043] For example, in a particular embodiment, generating an unspecified medical image 800 based on a snapshot may include, in step 702, determining the position of the PHI in the DICOM data overlay layer 253 in each of at least one pane displaying at least one medical image. In step 704, a mask layer may be generated to restrict the display of the PHI based on its position in each of at least one pane displaying at least one medical image. The unspecified medical image 800 may be generated by combining the mask layer restricting the display of the PHI with the snapshot.
[0044] In other embodiments, generating an unspecified medical image 800 based on a snapshot may include, in step 712, creating a snapshot copy of at least one pane of a viewer GUI 240 displaying at least one medical image. PHIs found in each of the DICOM data overlay layers 253 of the at least one medical image captured in the snapshot may be hidden in step 714. A snapshot copy of at least one pane of the viewer GUI 240 with the PHIs from the DICOM data overlay layers 253 hidden may be used as an unspecified medical image 800.
[0045] In step 314, the anonymized medical image 800 is displayed in the input field 566 or the dialog thread pane 564 of the messaging tool GUI 560 and sent to at least one other messaging participant. In some embodiments, one or more indicators 810 may be displayed in the messaging tool GUI 560 to indicate the use of an anonymous anonymized medical image 800.
[0046] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a messaging thread (e.g., a chat thread) containing an anonymous, unspecified medical image 800 may be deleted after sharing. For example, the attending physician or radiologist who initiated the messaging thread containing the anonymous, unspecified medical image 800 may manually delete the anonymized messaging thread. In other embodiments, the attending physician or radiologist who attached the anonymous, unspecified medical image 800 to the messaging thread may delete the anonymous messaging thread. A physician may manually delete anonymized messaging threads. Alternatively, messaging threads containing anonymous, unspecified medical images 800 may be automatically deleted when research and / or investigation into anonymous, unspecified medical images 800 is completed, or when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the messaging thread was materialized. For example, messaging threads containing anonymous, unspecified medical images 800 may be automatically deleted 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 1 day after the messaging thread was materialized.
[0047] Referring to Figure 9, an exemplary computing environment 900 is shown, which can be used through programming to realize any of the processes described above. The computing environment 900 may include a computer 912 that includes a video interface 926, a network interface 928, one or more serial ports 932, a keyboard / mouse interface 934, and a system bus 924 connecting system memory 936 to a central processing unit (CPU) 938. The computer 912 may also include a graphics processing unit (GPU) or one or more other special-purpose or general-purpose processing units. A monitor or display 940 is connected to the bus 924 via the video interface 926 and provides the user with a graphical user interface for viewing, editing, and otherwise operating items displayed on the computer 912. The graphical user interface allows the user to input commands and information into the computer 912 using a keyboard 941 and a user interface selection device 943 such as a mouse or other pointing device. The keyboard 941 and the user interface selection device 943 are connected to the bus 924 via the keyboard / mouse interface 934. The display 940 and the user interface selection device 943, when used together, form a graphical user interface that enables the user to realize at least a part of the present invention. Other peripheral devices may be connected to the computer 912 via the serial port 932 or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive 945 and exchange information with the computer 912.
[0048] System memory 936 is also connected to bus 924 and may include ROM, RAM, operating system 944, basic input / output system (BIOS) 946, application programs 948, and program data 950. Computer 912 may further include a hard disk drive 952 for reading and writing hard disks, a magnetic disk drive 954 for reading and writing removable magnetic disks (e.g., flexible disks), and an optical disk drive 956 for reading and writing removable optical disks (e.g., CD-ROMs or other optical media). Computer 912 may also include a USB drive 945 and other types of drives for reading and writing flash memory devices (CompactFlash, Memory Stick / PRO and DUO, SD cards, Multimedia Cards, and SmartMedia Cards), and a scanner 958 for scanning items such as digital images to be downloaded to computer 912. The hard disk drive interface 952a, magnetic disk drive interface 954a, optical disk drive interface 956a, USB drive interface 945a, and scanner interface 958a operate to connect the bus 924 to the hard disk drive 952, magnetic disk drive 954, optical disk drive 956, USB drive 945, and scanner 958, respectively. Each of these drive components and its associated computer-readable media may provide computer 912 with non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions, program modules, data structures, application programs, operating systems, and other data for computer 912. It will also be understood that computer 912 may utilize other types of computer-readable media in addition to those described herein, such as digital video discs, random access memory, read-only memory, other types of flash memory cards, and magnetic cassettes.
[0049] The network interface 928 provides the computer 912 with a communication channel 960 between the bus 924 and the network 109. This channel 960 allows notices, information, and other data to be transmitted from any previously identified device through the network 109 and, in some cases, stored in memory. This type of logical network connection is commonly used with local area networks. Images can be transmitted from the bus 924 to the network 109 via the communication channel 962 using the serial port 932 and modem 964. Modem connections between the computer 912 and other computing devices or databases, etc., may be used with wide area networks or the internet. The network connections described herein are merely illustrative, and it will be understood that the use of other types of network connections between the computer 912 and other computing devices, including both wired and wireless connections, is also within the scope of the invention.
[0050] As described above, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method and communication system within a PACS that enables anonymous and secure sharing of medical images in a messaging tool while ensuring the automatic deletion of sensitive information.
[0051] Based on the above, the methods, computer systems, and program products according to the present invention have been disclosed. However, numerous modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is disclosed for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation.
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a picture storage and communication system (PACS), The PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, wherein the at least one medical image includes related medical digital image and communications (DICOM) data. A step of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a viewer graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the viewer GUI includes at least one pane for displaying the at least one medical image of the at least one image study of the PACS and a first icon for launching the messaging tool, and the at least one medical image includes a DICOM data overlay layer containing Protected Health Information (PHI) of the imaged subject; The steps include receiving first user input to launch the messaging tool, Steps to display a second window on the workstation display that provides a messaging tool GUI in response to receiving the first user input, wherein the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a second icon for capturing a snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. The steps include receiving a second user input for capturing the aforementioned snapshot, The steps include capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, A step of generating an unspecified medical image based on the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include the protected health information; The steps include: transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI; A method implemented by a computer, including the above.
2. The computer-based method according to claim 1, wherein the protected health information includes at least one of the following: name, state-level relevant address, date, telephone number, fax number, email address, social security number, medical record number, health insurance beneficiary number, account number, certificate number or driver's license number, vehicle identifier, device identifier, web URL, IP address, biometric ID, front-facing facial photograph, or other unique identification number, character, or code.
3. The steps include: displaying a notification in the viewer GUI indicating that the snapshot will be pasted into the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI in response to receiving the second user input for capturing the snapshot; The steps include receiving third user input confirming that the snapshot of the viewer GUI is pasted into the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI, In response to receiving the third user input, the steps include capturing a snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising:
4. The viewer GUI further comprises a third icon for capturing the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. The step of receiving the second user input for capturing the snapshot includes receiving the second user input for selecting the second icon for capturing the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI or the third icon for capturing the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI, The method implemented by the computer as described in claim 1.
5. A step of displaying a third window on the workstation display that provides a worklist GUI, wherein the worklist GUI includes at least one image study containing the at least one medical image captured by the medical imaging device and a third icon for launching the messaging tool. The step of receiving another user input to select one of the at least one image studies mentioned above, In response to receiving another user input to select one of the at least one image studies, the steps include displaying the first window providing the viewer GUI on the workstation display. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising:
6. The computer-based method according to claim 5, wherein the step of receiving the first user input for launching the messaging tool includes the step of receiving the first user input for selecting the first icon or the third icon for launching the messaging tool.
7. The step of generating the non-specific medical image based on the snapshot is: The steps include determining the location of the protected health information in each of the at least one panes that display the at least one medical image, The steps include generating a mask layer that restricts the display of the protected health information in each of the at least one panes that display the at least one medical image, The steps of generating the non-specific medical image by combining the mask layer that restricts the display of the protected health information and the snapshot. A computer-based method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.
8. The step of generating the non-specific medical image based on the snapshot is: The steps include creating a copy of the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, The steps include: hiding the protected health information found in the DICOM data overlay layer of each of the at least one medical images captured in the snapshot; The steps include using a copy of the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI in a state where the protected health information from the DICOM data overlay layer is hidden as the non-specific medical image. A computer-based method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.
9. A computer system for the anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a picture storage and communication system (PACS), The PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, and the at least one medical image is related to the medical This includes digital images and communication (DICOM) data. The aforementioned computer system, One or more computer processors, One or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media, The system comprises program instructions stored in one or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media to be executed by at least one of the one or more computer processors, The aforementioned program instruction is, A process of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a viewer graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the viewer GUI includes at least one pane for displaying the at least one medical image of the at least one image study of the PACS and a first icon for launching the messaging tool, and the at least one medical image includes a DICOM data overlay layer containing Protected Health Information (PHI) of the imaged subject, A process for receiving first user input to launch the messaging tool, A process to display a second window providing a messaging tool GUI on the workstation display in response to the receipt of the first user input, wherein the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a second icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. A process for receiving a second user input to capture the aforementioned snapshot, A process for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, A process for generating an unspecified medical image based on a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include the protected health information; The process of transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI. A computer system that includes program instructions to perform a certain action.
10. The computer system according to claim 9, wherein the protected health information includes at least one of the following: name, state-level relevant address, date, telephone number, fax number, email address, social security number, medical record number, health insurance beneficiary number, account number, certificate number or driver's license number, vehicle identifier, device identifier, web URL, IP address, biometric ID, front-facing facial photograph, or other unique identification number, character, or code.
11. The aforementioned program instruction is, The process of displaying a notification indicating that the snapshot of the viewer GUI will be pasted into the input field of the messaging tool GUI or the dialog thread pane in response to receiving the second user input for capturing the snapshot, A process for receiving third user input confirming that the snapshot of the viewer GUI is pasted into the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI, In response to receiving the third user input, the process involves capturing a snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. The computer system according to claim 9, further comprising a program instruction that performs the following.
12. The viewer GUI further comprises a third icon for capturing the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. The program instruction that performs the process of receiving the second user input for capturing the snapshot includes a program instruction that performs the process of receiving the second user input for selecting the second icon for capturing the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI or the third icon for capturing the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI, The computer system according to claim 9.
13. The aforementioned program instruction is, A process of displaying a third window providing a worklist GUI on the workstation display, wherein the worklist GUI includes at least one image study containing at least one medical image captured by the medical imaging device and a third icon for launching the messaging tool. A process that receives another user input to select one of the at least one image studies mentioned above, In response to receiving the aforementioned user input, the process of selecting one of the at least one image studies while displaying the first window providing the viewer GUI on the workstation display, and The computer system according to claim 9, further comprising a program instruction that performs the following.
14. The computer system according to claim 13, wherein the program instruction for receiving the first user input for launching the messaging tool includes a program instruction for receiving the first user input for selecting the first icon or the third icon for launching the messaging tool.
15. The program instruction that performs the process of generating the non-specific medical image based on the snapshot is: A process for determining the location of the protected health information in each of the at least one panes that display the at least one medical image, A process for generating a mask layer that restricts the display of the protected health information in each of the at least one panes that display the at least one medical image, A process for generating the non-specific medical image by combining the mask layer that restricts the display of the protected health information and the snapshot. The computer system according to claim 9, including a program instruction to perform the following.
16. The program instruction that performs the process of generating the non-specific medical image based on the snapshot is: A process of creating a copy of the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, A process to hide the protected health information found in the DICOM data overlay layer of each of the at least one medical images captured in the snapshot, A process of using a copy of the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI in a state where the protected health information from the DICOM data overlay layer is hidden as the non-specific medical image. The computer system according to claim 9, including a program instruction to perform the following.
17. A computer program product for the anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a picture storage and communication system (PACS), The PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, wherein the at least one medical image includes related medical digital image and communications (DICOM) data. The aforementioned computer program product includes a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium on which program code is implemented. The aforementioned program code is: A process of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a viewer graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the viewer GUI includes at least one pane for displaying the at least one medical image of the at least one image study of the PACS and a first icon for launching the messaging tool, and the at least one medical image includes a DICOM data overlay layer containing Protected Health Information (PHI) of the imaged subject, A process for receiving first user input to launch the messaging tool, A process to display a second window providing a messaging tool GUI on the workstation display in response to the receipt of the first user input, wherein the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a second icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. A process for receiving a second user input to capture the aforementioned snapshot, A process for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, A process for generating an unspecified medical image based on a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include the protected health information; The process of transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI. A computer program product that is executable by a processor and performs the following actions.
18. The process of displaying a notification indicating that the snapshot of the viewer GUI will be pasted into the input field of the messaging tool GUI or the dialog thread pane in response to receiving the second user input for capturing the snapshot, A process for receiving third user input confirming that the snapshot of the viewer GUI is pasted into the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI, In response to receiving the third user input, the process involves capturing a snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. The computer program product according to claim 17, further comprising program code that performs the following.
19. The viewer GUI further comprises a third icon for capturing the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image. The program code that processes the second user input for capturing the snapshot includes the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI. The program code includes processing a second user input, which involves selecting the second icon for capturing a shot or the third icon for capturing the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI, The computer program product according to claim 17.
20. The aforementioned program code is: A process of displaying a third window providing a worklist GUI on the workstation display, wherein the worklist GUI includes at least one image study containing at least one medical image captured by the medical imaging device and a third icon for launching the messaging tool. A process that receives another user input to select one of the at least one image studies mentioned above, In response to receiving the aforementioned user input, the process of selecting one of the at least one image studies while displaying the first window providing the viewer GUI on the workstation display, and The computer program product according to claim 17, further comprising program code that performs the following.
21. The computer program product according to claim 20, wherein the program code that performs the process of receiving the first user input for launching the messaging tool includes program code that performs the process of receiving the first user input for selecting the first icon or the third icon for launching the messaging tool.
22. The program code that performs the process of generating the non-specific medical image based on the snapshot is: A process for determining the location of the protected health information in each of the at least one panes that display the at least one medical image, A process for generating a mask layer that restricts the display of the protected health information in each of the at least one panes that display the at least one medical image, A process for generating the non-specific medical image by combining the mask layer that restricts the display of the protected health information and the snapshot. Includes program code that performs the following: The computer program product according to claim 17.
23. The program code that performs the process of generating the non-specific medical image based on the snapshot is: A process of creating a copy of the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, A process to hide the protected health information found in the DICOM data overlay layer of each of the at least one medical images captured in the snapshot, A process of using a copy of the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI in a state where the protected health information from the DICOM data overlay layer is hidden as the non-specific medical image. A computer program product according to claim 17, including program code that performs the following.
24. A computer-implemented method for anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a picture storage and communication system (PACS), The PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, wherein the at least one medical image includes related medical digital image and communications (DICOM) data. A step of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a worklist graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the worklist GUI includes the at least one image study containing the at least one medical image captured by the medical imaging device and a first icon for launching a messaging tool. The steps include receiving a first user input to select at least one image study, A step of displaying a second window on the workstation display that provides a viewer GUI, wherein the viewer GUI includes at least one pane for displaying the at least one medical image of the selected at least one image study and a second icon for launching the messaging tool, and the at least one medical image includes a DICOM data overlay layer containing Protected Health Information (PHI) of the imaged subject; The steps include receiving a second user input to select the first icon for launching the messaging tool or the second icon for launching the messaging tool, Steps to display a third window on the workstation display that provides the messaging tool GUI of the messaging tool in response to the receipt of the second user input, wherein the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one messaging recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a third icon for capturing a snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, The steps include receiving third user input to select a third icon for capturing the snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI, The steps include capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, A step of generating an unspecified medical image based on the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include the protected health information; The steps include: transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI; A method implemented by a computer, including the above.
25. A computer-implemented method for anonymous and secure sharing of at least one medical image via a messaging tool within a picture storage and communication system (PACS), The PACS comprises at least one image study including at least one medical image acquired by a medical imaging device, wherein the at least one medical image includes related medical digital image and communications (DICOM) data. A step of displaying a first window on a workstation display that provides a worklist graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the worklist GUI includes at least one image study containing at least one medical image captured by the medical imaging device and a first icon for launching the messaging tool. The steps include receiving a first user input to select at least one image study, The step of displaying a second window on the workstation display that provides a viewer GUI, wherein the viewer GUI is the selected at least one The image study includes at least one pane for displaying the at least one medical image, a second icon for launching the messaging tool, and a third icon for capturing a snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI displaying the at least one medical image, wherein the at least one medical image includes a DICOM data overlay layer containing Protected Health Information (PHI) of the imaged subject; The steps include receiving a second user input to select the first icon for launching the messaging tool or the second icon for launching the messaging tool, Steps of displaying a third window on the workstation display that provides the messaging tool GUI of the messaging tool in response to the receipt of the second user input, wherein the messaging tool GUI includes an input field for identifying at least one messaging recipient, a dialog thread pane, a message input field, and a fourth icon for capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, The step of receiving third user input to select the third icon for capturing the snapshot or the fourth icon for capturing the snapshot, The steps include capturing a snapshot of at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, A step of generating an unspecified medical image based on the snapshot of the at least one pane of the viewer GUI that displays the at least one medical image, wherein the unspecified medical image does not include the protected health information; The steps include: transmitting the unspecified medical image and displaying it in the input field or the dialog thread pane of the messaging tool GUI; A method implemented by a computer, including the above.