Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

This prevents accidental deletion of images and reduces the hassle associated with deleting them. [Solution] The imaging device includes a storage means for storing captured images, a transmission means for transmitting images to an external source, and a control means for deleting images selected by the user from the storage means. The control means determines the purpose of deletion when the user selects an image to be deleted from the storage means, and switches between a first deletion process that deletes the image regardless of whether it has been transmitted to an external source or not, and a second deletion process that deletes the image only if it has been transmitted to an external source, according to the determined purpose of deletion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control technology of an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] An imaging device for imaging a patient's affected part in a hospital or the like and recording the imaged affected part image in an image server of a hospital system or the like is known. After the imaging device acquires patient identification information by imaging a barcode wrapped around the patient's wrist or a barcode handed out at the reception when the patient comes to the hospital, it images the patient's affected part, associates the patient identification information with the affected part image, and transmits it to the hospital system by wireless or wired communication. The affected part image may also be stored in the imaging device for purposes such as explaining to the patient. For example, when the affected part image cannot be transmitted to the hospital system due to wireless communication problems or the like, the imaging device stores the affected part image in an internal recording medium and transmits it to the hospital system when the wireless communication is restored. Note that Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling an imaging device that transmits an imaged image to another device to give a warning when a user tries to delete the image before transmission and delete the image when the user gives a further deletion instruction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when images of the affected area are saved to the imaging device, it is necessary to manually delete images to prevent the recording medium of the imaging device from becoming full. In this case, images of the affected area that have not yet been sent to the hospital system may be accidentally deleted. In the case of the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, a warning is displayed when deleting images before transmission, so accidental deletion of images can be reduced. On the other hand, it is desirable that images of the affected area that are shaky or out of focus during acquisition can be deleted even before being sent to the hospital system. However, in the case of the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a warning is displayed when deleting images of the affected area that are shaky or out of focus, which is a very troublesome problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The imaging device of this disclosure includes a storage means for storing captured images, a transmission means for transmitting the images to an external source, and a control means for deleting images selected by a user from the storage means, wherein the control means determines the purpose of deletion when a user selects an image to be deleted from the storage means, and switches between a first deletion process that deletes the image regardless of whether it has been transmitted to an external source or not, and a second deletion process that deletes the image only when it has been transmitted to an external source, according to the determined purpose of deletion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent accidental deletion of images and reduce the hassle associated with deleting images. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of an electronic medical record system and an imaging device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the screen displayed when deleting an image during image acquisition of the affected area. [Figure 3] This figure shows another example of the screen used when deleting an image during image acquisition of the affected area. [Figure 4]This figure shows an example of the screen displayed when deleting an image during the playback of an image of the affected area. [Figure 5] This figure shows another example of the screen when deleting an image during the playback of an image of the affected area. [Figure 6] This is a control flowchart for an imaging device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described hereafter are not limiting to this disclosure, and not all of the features described in these embodiments are essential to the solutions of this disclosure, and these features may be combined in any way. The configuration of the embodiments may be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the specifications and various conditions (usage conditions, usage environment, etc.) of the device to which this disclosure applies. In addition, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of an electronic medical record system 100, including an imaging device 101, an electronic medical record server 102 installed in a hospital (an example of a medical institution), an electronic medical record terminal device 103, etc., according to this embodiment, and an example of the internal hardware configuration of the imaging device 101. In the electronic medical record system of this embodiment, a user (such as a doctor or nurse, and referred to as a doctor in the following description) displays the patient's electronic medical record on the electronic medical record terminal device 103 to confirm the patient's name, past medical records, etc., and uses the imaging device 101 to image the affected area of ​​the patient. The imaging device 101 transmits the image of the affected area obtained by imaging the affected area to the electronic medical record server 102 or a medical image management system (not shown) via the network 104. As a result, the image of the affected area captured by the imaging device 101 is recorded in the hospital system, such as the electronic medical record server 102 or the medical image management system. Although Figure 1 shows an example where there is one imaging device and one electronic medical record terminal device, there may be multiple of these.

[0010] The imaging device 101 has, for example, an imaging unit 111 to a communication unit 120. The imaging unit 111 is configured to include a lens and an image sensor, and captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal. The CPU 112 controls the operation of the imaging device 101 and performs the deletion control process according to this embodiment, as described later. The ROM 113 stores the control program for the imaging device 101. The RAM 114 temporarily holds information and image data used by the CPU 112 and other components. The CPU 112 executes the control program according to this embodiment stored in the ROM 113 to perform the deletion control process according to this embodiment, as described later.

[0011] The image processing unit 116 converts the image signal captured by the imaging unit 111 into image data such as JPEG. The file generation unit 117 generates a file to store the image data converted by the image processing unit 116. The display unit 115 is a display device provided on the back of the imaging device 101. The input unit 118 includes a shutter button, a dial, buttons, and a touch panel. The touch panel of the input unit 118 is configured on the display area of ​​the display unit 115. The Media Drive 119 is a drive for inserting portable recording media such as SD cards. The communication unit 120 is a communication interface unit for the imaging device 101 to communicate with the outside world wirelessly or via a wired connection. When wireless communication is performed, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used, and when wired communication is performed, USB may be used.

[0012] The electronic medical record server 102 is a PC (personal computer) within the medical institution, a server device, or a cloud server, etc. The electronic medical record server 102 records and manages patient information such as patient identification information (patient ID), name, medical department, age, gender, medical history, and past medical records for each patient, as well as staff information such as staff identification information (physician ID), name, and department to which the physician belongs.

[0013] The electronic medical record terminal device 103 is a PC (personal computer) within a medical institution that has the function of displaying and inputting electronic medical records. When the electronic medical record terminal device 103 receives an operation from a doctor to log in or log out, it notifies the electronic medical record server 102 via the network 104. When the electronic medical record terminal device 103 receives an instruction from a doctor to open a patient's electronic medical record, it retrieves the patient's information from the electronic medical record server 102 and displays the medical record on the display screen with the patient information arranged in a predetermined format. The electronic medical record terminal device 103 also accepts input of new information, such as medical information, from the doctor. Furthermore, when the electronic medical record terminal device 103 receives an instruction to close the electronic medical record, it sends the newly entered information from the doctor to the electronic medical record server 102. At this time, the electronic medical record server 102 records the newly entered information from the doctor in addition to the patient information.

[0014] In Figure 1, an example is shown where the imaging device 101, the electronic medical record server 102, and the electronic medical record terminal device 103 are configured as separate devices, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, multiple devices may be configured in the same housing, such as the electronic medical record server 102 and the electronic medical record terminal device 103 being in the same housing.

[0015] Figures 2 and 3 show examples of the display screens of the imaging device 101 and the display unit 115. Figures 2(A) to 2(F) and 3(A) to 3(G) show examples of the screens displayed when imaging the affected area of ​​a patient using the imaging device 101. FIG. 2(A) is a diagram showing an example in which an image 200 obtained by imaging a patient barcode printed on a patient's wristband by an imaging unit 111 is displayed on the screen of a display unit 115. The patient barcode may be printed not only on the patient's wristband but also, for example, on a name tag, a medical examination ticket, a reception ticket issued at the reception desk when visiting the hospital, or the like. After imaging the patient barcode, the imaging device 101 acquires subject identification information, that is, patient identification information (patient ID, person identification information) that enables individual identification of the patient, from the image of the patient barcode and stores it in the RAM 114. For example, the imaging device 101 acquires the numerical sequence represented by the patient barcode as patient identification information by analyzing the image of the patient barcode. As another example, the imaging device 101 may transmit the patient barcode image to an external device such as an electronic medical record server 102. In this case, the electronic medical record server 102 acquires the numerical sequence represented by the patient barcode as patient identification information by analyzing the patient barcode image, and transmits the acquired patient identification information to the imaging device 101. After acquiring the patient identification information, the imaging device 101 deletes the unnecessary patient barcode image.

[0016] Note that the imaging device 101 may acquire patient identification information by a method other than imaging the patient barcode. For example, when a patient list in which patient information for each patient is listed is stored in advance in the ROM 113 of the imaging device 101, the imaging device 101 may read out the patient list from the ROM 113 and display it on the display unit 115, and a doctor may select patient identification information from the patient list. As another example, when the imaging device 101 includes a short-range wireless communication unit (not shown) and the patient wears a short-range wireless communication tag storing patient information or the like, the imaging device 101 may acquire patient identification information and the like from the patient's short-range wireless communication tag by the short-range wireless communication unit. Also, for example, after acquiring the patient identification information, the imaging device 101 may inquire the electronic medical record server 102 about the patient's name, age, gender, department of medicine the patient is under, disease name, location of the affected part, and the like.

[0017] In addition, the doctor may image the staff barcode he or she is wearing using the imaging device 101. In this case, the imaging device 101 acquires the numerical sequence represented by the imaged staff barcode as staff identification information (doctor ID, person identification information). Further, the imaging device 101 may transmit the staff barcode image to an external device such as the electronic medical record server 102. In this case, the electronic medical record server 102 analyzes the staff barcode image to acquire the staff identification information represented by the staff barcode, and further acquires staff information such as the name of the doctor associated with the staff identification information and the department information indicating the department to which the doctor belongs, and transmits it to the imaging device 101.

[0018] FIG. 2(B) is a diagram showing an example in which the affected part image 201 imaged by the imaging unit 111 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 115. The imaging device 101 associates patient identification information with the affected part image 201 and stores (records) it on a recording medium in the media drive 119. Further, when the imaging device 101 acquires staff identification information as described above, the imaging device 101 may further associate staff identification information, the name of the doctor, the department information of the doctor, etc. with the affected part image. Thereafter, when the input unit 118 is operated by the doctor and a transmission instruction for the affected part image is input, the imaging device 101 transmits the affected part image 201 stored on the recording medium of the media drive 119 to the electronic medical record server 102.

[0019] However, the affected part image imaged by the imaging unit 111 is not necessarily an image with good image quality, and may be an image with low image quality. In the present embodiment, examples of the affected part image with low image quality include a blurred image with camera shake or an out-of-focus image (so-called defocused image). In the following embodiments, a blurred image due to camera shake (hereinafter referred to as a blurred image) will be used as an example of an image with low image quality for explanation.

[0020] Figure 2(C) shows an example of the display on the display unit 115 when the affected area image 202, taken by the imaging unit 111 in close-up, is a blurred image. Even if the affected area image 202 is a blurred image, the imaging device 101 associates patient identification information with the affected area image and saves (records) it to the recording medium mounted on the media drive 119, as explained in the example in Figure 2(B).

[0021] However, low-quality images of the affected area, such as shaky images, are unsuitable for use in explaining the patient's condition. Furthermore, due to the limited recording capacity of the media drive 110's recording medium, it is undesirable to store low-quality images on the recording medium. Similarly, it is undesirable to send low-quality images to the electronic medical record server 102 for recording. Furthermore, if images of the affected area stored on the recording medium in the media drive 119 that have already been sent to the electronic medical record server 102 remain on the recording medium, it will strain the recording capacity of the said recording medium, which is undesirable. For example, images that have already been sent to the electronic medical record server 102 and are no longer needed for explaining the condition of the affected area to the patient can be deleted from the recording medium of the media drive 119. Images that are no longer needed for explaining the condition of the affected area to the patient include, for example, images of the affected area of ​​patients who have been discharged or who have recovered from their illness, and these images can be deleted from the recording medium. Also, for example, if a patient enters the recovery phase, images of the affected area from the acute and chronic phases of that patient's illness may also become unnecessary in some cases.

[0022] Therefore, the imaging device 101 of this embodiment also has a function to delete images of the affected area that have been selected by a physician and instructed to be deleted from among the multiple images of the affected area stored on the recording medium in the media drive 119, for example, by successively capturing multiple images of the affected area. In other words, by deleting images of the affected area with low image quality, such as shaky images, or images that have already been sent to the electronic medical record server 102, from the recording medium of the media drive 119, the free capacity of the recording medium can be increased.

[0023] In this embodiment, when deleting an image of a diseased area from the recording medium of the media drive 119 in the imaging device 101, the physician switches the imaging device 101 to playback mode by operating the input unit 118. When in playback mode, the imaging device 101 displays each image of a diseased area stored on the recording medium in the media drive 119 on the display unit 115 and makes it possible to receive selection and deletion instructions for those images. In this case, the physician can select a desired image of a diseased area from among the images displayed on the display unit 115 by operating the input unit 118, and then input a deletion instruction for that image.

[0024] There are two transitions to playback modes: a single-image playback mode that displays the images of the affected area stored on the recording medium in the media drive 119 one by one, and a multi-image playback mode that displays multiple images of the affected area side by side. In single-image playback mode, for example, as shown in Figures 2(B) and 2(C), affected area images 201 and 202 are displayed one at a time, and the physician can input a deletion command for the displayed image via the input unit 118. Also in single-image playback mode, when a displayed image is selected via the input unit 118, the imaging device 101 displays a selection mark 209 indicating that affected area images 202 and 204 have been selected, as shown in Figures 3(F) and 3(G). The physician can input a deletion command for the image on which the selection mark 209 is displayed by inputting a deletion command while the selection mark 209 is displayed. Furthermore, in multiple-image playback mode, the imaging device 101 displays affected area images 201 and 202 side by side, as shown in Figure 2(D), or affected area images 201, 202, 204, and 205 side by side, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B). In this case as well, the physician can input a deletion command by making a selection via the input unit 118.

[0025] In this embodiment, when an image to be deleted is selected and an image deletion instruction is input, the imaging device 101 determines the purpose of the image deletion instruction. Then, according to the determined purpose of deletion, the imaging device 101 switches between a first deletion process, which deletes the image of the affected area regardless of whether it has been transmitted externally or not, and a second deletion process, which deletes the image only if it has been transmitted externally.

[0026] In this embodiment, the imaging device 101 performs a first deletion process when the purpose of deleting an image based on an image deletion instruction is to delete images with low image quality, such as shaky images, that is, failed images resulting from failed imaging. On the other hand, when the purpose of deleting an image based on an image deletion instruction is to delete images that have already been sent to the electronic medical record server 102, that is, unnecessary images that do not need to be stored on the recording medium of the media drive 119, the imaging device 101 performs a second deletion process.

[0027] In this embodiment, to determine whether an image deletion instruction is intended to delete a failed image or an unnecessary image, several determination methods are used, for example, as described below.

[0028] The first determination method is to determine the purpose of an image deletion instruction based on whether patient identification information has been acquired and stored in RAM 114 when the instruction is input. If patient identification information has already been acquired and stored in RAM 114 when the instruction is input, the imaging device 101 determines that the instruction is intended to delete a failed image. On the other hand, if patient identification information has not been acquired and is not stored when the instruction is input, the imaging device 101 determines that the instruction is intended to delete an unnecessary image.

[0029] The second determination method involves determining whether the image to be deleted when an image deletion instruction is input is a single image, and then determining the purpose of the image deletion instruction based on that determination result. If the image deletion instruction is input when a single image is input, the imaging device 101 determines that the purpose of the image deletion instruction is to delete a failed image. On the other hand, if the image deletion instruction is input when multiple images are to be deleted, the imaging device 101 determines that the purpose of the image deletion instruction is to delete unnecessary images.

[0030] The third determination method involves determining whether the target of an image deletion instruction is an individual image or a pre-set group of images, and then determining the purpose of the image deletion instruction based on the result of that determination. If the target of an image deletion instruction is an individual image, the imaging device 101 determines that the image deletion instruction is intended to delete failed images. On the other hand, if the target of an image deletion instruction is a pre-set group of images, the imaging device 101 determines that the image deletion instruction is intended to delete unnecessary images.

[0031] If the imaging device 101 determines, using the first to third determination methods described above, that the image deletion instruction is intended to delete a failed image, it performs a first deletion process to delete the image of the affected area to be deleted, selected by the physician, regardless of whether it has already been transmitted externally. In other words, if the imaging device 101 determines that the image deletion instruction is intended to delete a failed image, it deletes the image targeted by the image deletion instruction from the recording medium of the media drive 119 without issuing any warnings about the deletion, even if the image has not yet been transmitted to the electronic medical record server 102.

[0032] Furthermore, if the imaging device 101 determines, using the first to third determination methods described above, that the image deletion instruction is intended to delete an unnecessary image, it performs a second deletion process, which deletes the image of the affected area to be deleted, selected by the physician, only if it has already been transmitted externally. When the image deletion instruction is intended to delete an unnecessary image, the imaging device 101 issues a warning, etc., if the image targeted for deletion is an image of the affected area that has not yet been transmitted to the electronic medical record server 102. Then, if the physician authorizes the deletion, the imaging device 101 deletes the untransmitted image of the affected area.

[0033] Figure 2(E) shows an example of the display unit 115 screen in the imaging device 101 after the shaky image (affected area image 202) exemplified in Figure 2(D) has been deleted from the recording medium. Figure 3(D) shows an example of the display unit 115 screen in the imaging device 101 after the affected area image 202 and affected area image 204 exemplified in Figure 3(B) have been deleted from the recording medium. Furthermore, Figure 3(F) shows an example of the display unit 115 screen in the imaging device 101 after the affected area image 202 exemplified in Figure 3(A) has been deleted from the recording medium. By deleting unnecessary images such as shaky images, the free capacity of the recording medium in the media drive 119 of the imaging device 101 increases, and shaky images are no longer transmitted to and recorded by the electronic medical record server 102.

[0034] Subsequently, the physician can perform close-up imaging of the affected area again by, for example, operating the input unit 118 of the imaging device 101 to switch the imaging device 101 to imaging mode. Figure 2(F) shows an example in which the imaging device 101 uses the imaging unit 111 to take a close-up image of the patient's affected area, resulting in a display unit 115 showing a large image of the patient's affected area with good image quality, and displaying an image of the affected area 203.

[0035] Furthermore, the imaging device 101 of this embodiment has a function to display patient images in pre-grouped units that can be selected by the physician, for example, on the display unit 115, in order to facilitate physicians in searching for images. The units for grouping patient images are pre-set units such as by patient, by imaging date, by physician, by the department to which the physician belongs, by the affected area, or by the patient's disease name. The imaging device 101 can switch which of these groups to display according to the physician's specification. In addition, the imaging device 101 can also perform image grouping by arbitrarily combining these grouping units, and can also dynamically change the unit for grouping images according to instructions from the physician. By enabling such dynamic changes in image groups, physicians can efficiently instruct the deletion of arbitrary image groups, such as "deleting images of patients who have been discharged" or "deleting images of affected areas in the recovery phase when they were still in the acute or chronic phase."

[0036] As mentioned above, since the capacity of the recording medium in the media drive 119 of the imaging device 101 is finite, the free capacity of the recording medium can be increased by deleting images that are no longer needed for patient explanations, etc. (unnecessary images). For example, when deleting unnecessary images, a doctor would likely select one image of the affected area that they have determined to be unnecessary, issue a deletion order, and then select another unnecessary image and issue a deletion order. However, repeatedly selecting one image of the affected area that has been determined to be unnecessary and issuing a deletion order, and then selecting another unnecessary image and issuing a deletion order, is an extremely cumbersome task. Therefore, the imaging device 101 of this embodiment also has a function that allows, for example, a doctor to select and delete multiple images of the affected area that he / she has determined to be unnecessary, and to delete images of the affected area in bulk in units of image groups that include multiple images of the affected area.

[0037] Figures 4(A) to 4(D) and 5(A) to 5(D) are diagrams showing display examples used to explain how to display unwanted images in groups on the imaging device 101, for example, and delete them all at once or select and delete them from within a group.

[0038] Figure 4(A) shows an example where, for example, when explaining to a hospitalized patient, the electronic medical record terminal 103 is not readily available, and the imaging device 101 displays images of the patient's affected area on the display unit 115 in accordance with the doctor's instructions. For example, when patient identification information has not been acquired by imaging the patient barcode, if the doctor operates the input unit 118 to switch the imaging device 101 to playback mode, the imaging device 101 will transition to the screen shown in Figure 4(A) instead of the screen shown in Figure 2(D) mentioned above. That is, as shown in Figure 4(A), the imaging device 101 displays image groups (image groups 301, 302 in the example of Figure 4(A)) that group patient images stored on the recording medium of the media drive 119 on the display unit 115. Note that the image groups 301, 302 exemplified in Figure 4(A) are an example of when the doctor specifies image groups on a "patient and imaging date" basis. For example, image group 301 represents a group of images of the affected area taken on February 10th (2 / 10) for a patient named "Maruko Taro".

[0039] In this embodiment, when an image deletion instruction is input from a physician to delete all images of a group of affected areas, the imaging device 101 determines, based on the first to third determination methods, whether the instruction is for deleting failed images or for deleting unnecessary images.

[0040] If an image is determined to be a failure by the first determination method, it is when a deletion instruction is input via the operation of the input unit 118 while patient identification information is being stored in RAM 114. For example, if a delete command is input in single-image playback mode as shown in Figure 2(C), the imaging device 101 deletes the image from the recording medium of the media drive 119 without issuing any warnings about the deletion. Then, when the playback mode is switched to multiple-image playback mode, the imaging device 101 displays as shown in Figure 2(E). For example, if a delete command is entered while there are multiple images with the selection mark 209 displayed in single-image playback mode, as shown in Figures 3(F) and 3(G), the imaging device 101 deletes those images from the recording medium of the media drive 119 without issuing any warnings. Then, when the system switches to multiple-image playback mode, the imaging device 101 displays the image as shown in Figure 3(D). For example, if a delete command is entered while one image is selected in the multiple image playback mode as shown in Figure 3(A), the imaging device 101 deletes that image from the recording medium of the media drive 119 without issuing any warnings. The imaging device 101 then displays the multiple image playback mode as shown in Figure 3(E). For example, if a delete command is entered while two (one or more) images are selected in the multiple image playback mode as shown in Figure 3(B), the imaging device 101 deletes those images from the recording medium of the media drive 119 without issuing any warnings. The imaging device 101 then displays the multiple image playback mode as shown in Figure 3(D). Here, the imaging device 101 may, when patient identification information is stored in the RAM 114, prohibit the selection of two or more images in the multiple image playback mode as shown in Figure 3(B), or prevent the selection of multiple images in the single image playback mode.

[0041] For example, if a delete command is entered while image group 301 is selected, as shown in Figure 4(A), the imaging device 101 deletes all images in image group 301 from the recording medium of the media drive 119 without issuing any warnings. Then, the imaging device 101 displays only image group 302, as shown in Figure 4(C). For example, as shown in Figure 5(A), if images are displayed in groups and a delete command is entered while images within image group 301 are individually selected, the imaging device 101 deletes the selected images within that image group 301 without issuing any warnings. Then, as shown in Figure 5(B), the imaging device 101 displays only the images that were not deleted as image group 301. For example, if image group 301 contains two images, and a delete command is entered with all images in image group 301 selected, as shown in Figure 5(C), the imaging device 101 will delete those selected images without issuing any warnings. In other words, all images in image group 301 will be deleted, and at this time the imaging device 101 will display only image group 302, as shown in Figure 4(C). Here, the imaging device 101 may, when patient identification information is stored in the RAM 114, prevent selection by image group, or prevent the selection of more than two images when selecting individual images within an image group.

[0042] Furthermore, restrictions can be placed on the selection method when patient identification information is stored in RAM 114. For example, restrictions on the selection method can be set by the medical image management system (when not in use) via the network 104 to the imaging device 101.

[0043] If an image is determined to be a failure by the second determination method, it is when patient identification information is not stored in RAM 114, and one image is selected in single-image playback mode as shown in Figure 2(B) or Figure 2(C), or in multi-image playback mode as shown in Figure 3(A), and a delete command is input. In this case, the imaging device 101 deletes the selected image without issuing any warnings.

[0044] The third determination method determines an image to be a failure when, while patient identification information is not stored in RAM 114, an image within a group is individually selected and a delete command is input in the mode where images are displayed in groups as shown in Figure 5(A). In this case, the imaging device 101 deletes the selected image without issuing any warnings.

[0045] An image is determined to be unnecessary by the first determination method when a deletion instruction is entered in the following example, while patient identification information is not stored in RAM114. For example, when a delete instruction is input in a single-image playback mode as shown in Figure 2(C), the imaging device 101 determines whether the images to be deleted include untransmitted images. For example, in a multiple image playback mode as shown in Figure 3(A), if a delete command is input while one image is selected, the imaging device 101 determines whether the images to be deleted include any untransmitted images. For example, if a delete command is input when there are multiple images with the selection mark 209 displayed in single-image playback mode, as shown in Figures 3(F) and 3(G), the imaging device 101 determines whether any untransmitted images are included among the images to be deleted. For example, in a multiple image playback mode as shown in Figure 3(B), if a delete command is input while multiple images are selected, the imaging device 101 determines whether any untransmitted images are included among the images to be deleted. For example, in a mode that displays images in groups as shown in Figure 5(A), if a delete command is input while an image within the image group has been individually selected, the imaging device 101 determines whether the image to be deleted contains any untransmitted images. For example, in a mode where images are displayed in groups as shown in Figure 4(A), if a delete command is input while an image group is selected, the imaging device 101 determines whether the images to be deleted include any untransmitted images.

[0046] If the aforementioned determination determines that no transmitted images are included, the imaging device 101 deletes the images that are to be deleted. On the other hand, if it determines that untransmitted images are included, the imaging device 101 displays a warning message as shown in Figure 3(C) to inform the physician that untransmitted images are included. Here, the warning message 206 includes an "OK" button 207 that the physician operates if they want to allow the deletion of unsent images, and a "Cancel" button 208 that the physician operates if they want to deny the deletion of unsent images. If the physician operates the input unit 118 and selects the "OK" button 207, the imaging device 101 deletes the selected image. On the other hand, if the "Cancel" button 208 is selected, the imaging device 101 does not delete the selected image. In this case, the imaging device 101 may be controlled not to delete any of the selected images, or it may be controlled to delete images that have already been transmitted from the recording medium of the media drive 119.

[0047] Furthermore, if the imaging device 101 determines that it is for the purpose of deleting unnecessary images, it can be configured whether or not to delete the transmitted images when "Cancel" is selected in the warning message displayed when there are untransmitted images. In this case, the settings of the imaging device 101 can be made, for example, by the medical image management system at the time of the image failure via the network 104.

[0048] The second determination method determines that an image is unnecessary when patient identification information is stored in RAM114 and a deletion instruction is entered in the following example. For example, this occurs when a delete command is entered while there are multiple images with selection marks 209 displayed in single-image playback mode, as shown in Figures 3(F) and 3(G). Another example is when a delete command is entered while two discs are selected in a multiple disc playback mode, as shown in Figure 3(B).

[0049] Furthermore, for example, even if a deletion instruction is entered in the following example while patient identification information is not stored in RAM114, the second determination method will determine that the image is unnecessary. For example, this occurs when a delete command is entered while two discs are selected in a multi-disc playback mode as shown in Figure 3(B). Another example is when, as shown in Figures 3(F) and 3(G), there are multiple images in single-image playback mode with the selection mark 209 displayed, and a delete command is entered.

[0050] Furthermore, if the imaging device 101 determines that the purpose is to delete unnecessary images, it determines whether the images to be deleted include unsent images. If the imaging device 101 determines that there are no unsent images, it deletes the images to be deleted all at once. On the other hand, if the imaging device 101 determines that there are unsent images among the images to be deleted, it displays a warning message 206 as shown in Figure 3(C) to inform the user that the selected images contain unsent images.

[0051] Here, the warning message 206 includes an "OK" button 207 to operate if you want to allow the deletion of unsent images within the selected image, and a "Cancel" button 208 to operate if you want to deny the deletion of unsent images within the selected image. If the physician operates the input unit 118 and selects the "OK" button 207, the imaging device 101 deletes all images in the selected image, including unsent images. When the images are then displayed in multi-image playback mode after deletion, the imaging device 101 displays them as shown in Figure 3(D). On the other hand, if the "Cancel" button 208 of the warning message 206 in Figure 3(C) is selected, the imaging device 101 does not delete the selected images. When the images are then displayed in multi-image playback mode, the imaging device 101 displays them as shown in Figure 3(B). Alternatively, if the "Cancel" button 208 of the warning message 206 is selected, the imaging device 101 may delete only the transmitted images from the recording medium of the media drive 119. In this case, when the images are then displayed in multi-image playback mode after deletion, the imaging device 101 also displays some of the selected images as shown in Figure 3(E).

[0052] An image is determined to be unnecessary by the third determination method when patient identification information is stored in RAM114 and a deletion instruction is entered in the following example. For example, this occurs when a delete command is entered while an image group is selected, or when two or more images within an image group are selected, as shown in Figure 4(A).

[0053] Furthermore, even if a deletion command is entered in the following example while patient identification information is not stored in RAM114, the third determination method will determine that the image is unnecessary. For example, consider the case where images are displayed in groups, as shown in Figure 4(A), and a delete command is entered while an arbitrary image group is selected. Furthermore, if the imaging device 101 determines that the purpose is to delete unnecessary images, it determines whether the image group to be deleted or the multiple images selected from within the image group contain untransmitted images. If the imaging device 101 determines that no unsent images are included in the image group or the multiple images selected from within the image group, it deletes the image group or the multiple images selected from within the image group all at once. On the other hand, if the imaging device 101 determines that no unsent images are included in the image group or the multiple images selected from within the image group, it displays a warning message 303 as shown in Figure 4(B) to inform the user that no unsent images are included in the images being deleted.

[0054] Here, the warning message 303 includes an "OK" button 304 to allow the deletion of unsent images within the image being deleted, and a "Cancel" button 305 to deny the deletion of unsent images within the image. Then, when the input unit 118 is operated and the "OK" button 304 is selected, the imaging device 101 deletes the image group and multiple images selected from within the image group, including any untransmitted images, all at once.

[0055] For example, if there are unsent images in image group 301 in Figure 4(A), and the input unit 118 is operated to select the "OK" button 304, the imaging device 101 will delete the entire image group 301. Then, the imaging device 101 will display image group 302 as shown in Figure 4(C). On the other hand, if the input unit 118 is operated to select the "Cancel" button 305, the imaging device 101 will not delete image group 301 and will return to the display in Figure 4(A). Alternatively, if the "Cancel" button 305 is selected, the imaging device 101 may delete only the transmitted images from image group 301 from the recording medium of the media drive 119. In this case, the imaging device 101 will leave only the unsent images in image group 301 and display as shown in Figure 5(D). Furthermore, if there are unsent images among the multiple images selected in image group 301 in Figure 5(C), the imaging device 101 will display as shown in Figure 4(C) if the "OK" button 304 is selected. Furthermore, if there are untransmitted images among the multiple images selected in the image group 301 in Figure 5(C), the imaging device 101 will either return to the original display as shown in Figure 5(C) or display only the untransmitted images as shown in Figure 5(D) if the "Cancel" button 305 is selected.

[0056] Furthermore, the imaging device 101 determines whether the images to be deleted include images of the affected area that have not been sent to the electronic medical record server 102. Possible reasons for unsent images being included in the images to be deleted include forgetting to send the images of the affected area after imaging, being unable to send the images due to unstable communication, or only sending the images of the affected area with good image quality from among multiple images of the affected area, while not sending the other images.

[0057] If, at this time, patient identification information is not stored in RAM 114 and a deletion instruction is input via the operation of the input unit 118, the imaging device 101 may perform a process to determine whether an image is a failure or an unnecessary image using the second or third determination method. The priority order and processing order of the first, second, and third determination methods can be set by the imaging device 101 via the network 104 using a medical image management system (not shown).

[0058] As described above, if the imaging device 101 detects that untransmitted images are included in multiple selected images or in an image group of images of the affected area, it notifies the physician by displaying a warning message that the images will be deleted, and if the physician gives permission, the images will be deleted even if they contain untransmitted images. In other words, the imaging device 101 of this embodiment deletes unnecessary untransmitted images at the physician's discretion.

[0059] While Figures 3(C) and 4(B) show examples of displaying warning messages, the imaging device 101 may also display at least one of the following in addition to the warning message: a thumbnail image of the unsent image, patient information associated with the unsent image, or staff information. By reviewing these thumbnail images of the unsent images, patient information, staff information, etc., the physician can more easily decide whether to instruct the system to interrupt image deletion and send the unsent images to the electronic medical record server 102, or to instruct the system to continue image deletion and delete the unsent images.

[0060] In addition, the imaging device 101 may display an icon or other indicator to show that there are unsent images within the image group. This allows the physician to know if there are unsent images within the image group before performing image deletion, preventing the deletion of patient images that should not be deleted and enabling efficient image deletion.

[0061] Furthermore, the imaging device 101 also has a function to display a list of affected area images within an image group according to the physician's instructions, as shown in Figure 4(D), so that the physician can easily check for unsent images. In the example in Figure 4(D), the imaging device 101 displays a list of affected area images (affected area images 201 and 203 in this example) included in the image group 301. In addition, the imaging device 101 may display an icon 306 indicating that an unsent image (affected area image 203 in this example) is not sent, so that it can be distinguished from images that have already been sent. This makes it easy for the physician to find unsent images included in the image group. When the physician checks for unsent images, determines that they need to be sent to the electronic medical record server 102, and further instructs the physician to send the unsent images by operating the input unit 118, the imaging device 101 sends the unsent images to the electronic medical record server 102.

[0062] Furthermore, when a physician selects one or more affected area images from an image group, as illustrated in Figure 4(D), and enters a deletion instruction, the imaging device 101 determines the purpose of the image deletion instruction according to one of the first to third determination methods described above. If the imaging device 101 determines that the image deletion instruction is for the purpose of deleting unnecessary images, it determines whether the one or more affected area images to be deleted include images that have not been sent to the electronic medical record server 102. If the imaging device 101 determines that there are unsent images, it notifies the physician by displaying a warning message as shown in Figures 3(C) and 4(B), allowing the physician to choose whether to proceed with the deletion of those affected area images. If the physician operates the input unit 118 and selects the "OK" button 304, the imaging device 101 deletes the selected affected area images from the image group, even if they include unsent images. On the other hand, if the physician selects the "Cancel" button 305, the imaging device 101 returns to the display state shown in Figure 4(D).

[0063] Figure 6(A) is a flowchart showing the processing flow from the start to the end of imaging of the patient's affected area in the imaging device 101. Unless otherwise specified, each processing step in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 112 of the imaging device 101 executing a control program stored in the ROM 113. This is also true for the flowcharts in Figures 6(B) and 6(C) which will be described later.

[0064] First, in step S401, the CPU 112 of the imaging device 101 executes a subject identification information acquisition process to acquire subject identification information. For example, the CPU 112 acquires patient identification information from the patient barcode image captured by the imaging unit 111, which allows for the individual identification of the patient from the patient barcode. Next, in step S402, the CPU 112 acquires the image of the patient's affected area captured by the imaging unit 111. The imaging of the affected area is performed, for example, when a physician presses the shutter button on the input unit 118.

[0065] Next, in step S403, the CPU 112 associates the patient identification information acquired in step S401 with the affected area image acquired in step S402 and saves (records) it to the recording medium (e.g., SD card) in the media drive 119. The association of patient identification information with the affected area image is performed, for example, by storing the patient identification information in the header portion (Exif, etc.) of the affected area image file generated by the file generation unit 117. As another example, the CPU 112 may generate a sidecar file corresponding to the affected area image file and store the patient identification information in that sidecar file. As yet another example, the CPU 112 may create a database on the recording medium of the media drive 119 that correlates the affected area image, patient identification information, and body part information.

[0066] Next, in step S404, the CPU 112 determines whether it has received an instruction from the physician to send an image of the affected area via the input unit 118. The instruction to send an image of the affected area is, for example, performed when the physician presses an image transmission button (not shown). If it is determined that the instruction to send an image of the affected area has been received, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the instruction to send an image of the affected area has not been received, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S406.

[0067] When the process proceeds to step S405, the CPU 112 reads the affected area image and the patient identification information associated with the affected area image from the recording medium of the media drive 119, and transmits them to the electronic medical record server 102 via the communication unit 120. If the transmission to the electronic medical record server 102 is successful, the CPU 112 adds information to the affected area image stored on the recording medium of the media drive 119 indicating that it has been transmitted. For example, the CPU 112 may add a transmitted flag to the header portion of the affected area image, such as the Exif, stored on the recording medium of the media drive 119, or store the transmitted flag in a sidecar file. Alternatively, the CPU 112 may record the identification information (ID) of the affected area image and information indicating that the affected area image has been transmitted in a file or database located in the recording medium of the media drive 119 or in RAM 114. After step S405, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S406.

[0068] When the process proceeds to step S406, the CPU 112 determines whether it has received an instruction from the physician to delete the affected area image. For example, as explained in Figure 2(D), the CPU 112 determines that an instruction to delete the affected area image has been given if the imager operates the input unit 118 to switch the imaging device 101 to playback mode and an image to be deleted is selected. If the CPU 112 determines that it has received an instruction to delete the affected area image, it proceeds to step S407. On the other hand, if it has not received an instruction to delete the affected area image, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S409.

[0069] When the process proceeds to step S407, the CPU 112 executes the flowchart shown in Figure 6(C), which will be described later, as the process for deleting the affected area image. After step S407, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S408. When the process proceeds to step S408, the CPU 112 determines whether the affected area image deletion process in step S407 has been completed. For example, if a physician operates the input unit 118 to switch the imaging device 101 to imaging mode, the CPU 112 determines that the affected area image deletion process has been completed. If the CPU 112 determines that the affected area image deletion process has been completed, it proceeds to step S409. On the other hand, if the instruction to delete the affected area image has not been completed, the CPU 112 returns to step S407.

[0070] When the process proceeds to step S409, the CPU 112 determines whether to terminate imaging by the imaging device 101. For example, the CPU 112 determines to terminate imaging by the imaging device 101 when the physician turns off the power to the imaging device 101 or when an instruction to terminate imaging is input. If the CPU 112 determines to terminate imaging by the imaging device 101, it terminates the imaging process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6(A). On the other hand, if imaging by the imaging device 101 is not terminated, the CPU 112 returns to step S402.

[0071] Figure 6(B) is a flowchart showing the processing flow when the imaging device 101 displays an image of the affected area of ​​the patient. First, in step S421, the CPU 112 of the imaging device 101 displays the images of the affected area stored on the recording medium of the media drive 119 on the display unit 115. For example, as explained in Figure 4(A), the CPU 112 groups the affected area images and displays them in a list on the display unit 115. Alternatively, as explained in Figure 4(D), the CPU 112 displays a list of affected area images included in the image group selected by the physician on the display unit 115.

[0072] Next, in step S422, the CPU 112 determines whether it has received an instruction from the physician to delete the affected area images. For example, the CPU 112 determines that it has received an instruction to delete affected area images if the physician selects the affected area images or image group to be deleted via the input unit 118. If it determines that it has received an instruction to delete affected area images, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S407. On the other hand, if it has not received an instruction to delete affected area images, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S423. If the process proceeds to step S407 in Figure 6(B), the CPU 112 executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 6(C), which will be described later, as the process for deleting the affected area image. After step S407, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S423.

[0073] When the process proceeds to step S423, the CPU 112 determines whether to terminate the display by the imaging device 101. For example, the CPU 112 determines to terminate the display by the imaging device 101 if the physician turns off the power to the imaging device 101 or gives an instruction to switch the imaging device 101 to imaging mode. If the CPU 112 determines to terminate the display by the imaging device 101, it terminates the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6(B). On the other hand, if the display by the imaging device 101 is not terminated, the CPU 112 returns to step S421.

[0074] Figure 6(C) is a flowchart showing the processing flow when the imaging device 101 deletes images of the affected area of ​​the patient, and it shows the details of step S407 in Figures 6(A) and 6(B). First, in step S441, the CPU 112 of the imaging device 101 determines the purpose of image deletion. The CPU 112 determines the purpose of image deletion based on the image deletion instruction from the physician, as described above. If it is determined that the purpose of image deletion is the deletion of an unnecessary image, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S442. On the other hand, if it is determined that the image is not to be deleted as an unnecessary image, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S445.

[0075] When the process proceeds to step S442, the CPU 112 determines whether the image to be deleted has not been sent. As mentioned above, the CPU 112 determines whether it has not been sent by, for example, referring to the sent flag in the header or sidecar file of the affected area image, or by referring to a file or database located in the recording medium (SD card) or RAM 114. Alternatively, the CPU 112 may query the electronic medical record server 102 to determine whether the affected area image has been sent. If the CPU 112 determines that the affected area image has not been sent, the process proceeds to step S443. On the other hand, if the CPU 112 determines that the affected area image has not been sent, the process proceeds to step S444.

[0076] When the process proceeds to step S443, the CPU 112 displays a warning message for the physician on the screen of the display unit 115. For example, as explained in Figure 4(B), the CPU 112 notifies the physician by displaying a warning message 303 that unsent images will be deleted, and makes it possible to receive instructions from the physician to grant permission (OK) or deny permission (Cancel).

[0077] Next, in step S444, the CPU 112 determines whether the physician has authorized the deletion of the image, based on the physician's input of permission or denial in response to the warning message. If the deletion of the image is authorized, the CPU 112 proceeds to step S445. When the process proceeds to step S445, the CPU 112 deletes the affected area image from the recording medium of the media drive 119, and then terminates the deletion process in this flowchart. On the other hand, if image deletion is not permitted in step S444, the CPU 112 terminates the deletion process in this flowchart.

[0078] As described above, the imaging device of this embodiment captures images of the affected area and saves them to the recording medium of the media drive. When a command to delete the stored affected area images is input, the device determines the purpose of the image deletion. If the purpose of the image deletion is to delete a failed image, the imaging device deletes the image without issuing any warnings, even if the image to be deleted is an image that has not been sent to the electronic medical record server. If the purpose of the image deletion is to delete an unnecessary image, the imaging device deletes the image if the image to be deleted is not an image that has not been sent to the electronic medical record server. On the other hand, if the purpose of the image deletion is to delete an unnecessary image, the imaging device issues a warning, and then deletes the image when deletion is permitted. The imaging device of this embodiment prevents the accidental deletion of images that have not been sent to the electronic medical record server when manually deleting images to increase the free space on the recording medium, and allows for the deletion of failed images, such as those caused by camera shake during imaging, without warnings, even if they have not been sent. In other words, the imaging device of this embodiment prevents accidental deletion of untransmitted images and reduces the hassle of deleting shaky images and the like.

[0079] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. The embodiments described above are merely examples of how the Disclosure may be implemented, and the technical scope of the Disclosure should not be limited by them. In other words, the Disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0080] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) A means for saving the captured image, A transmission means for transmitting the aforementioned image to an external source, A control means for deleting the image selected by the user from the storage means, It has, The control means is The purpose of deletion is determined when the user selects an image to be deleted from the storage means. An imaging device characterized by switching between a first deletion process, which deletes the image regardless of whether it has been transmitted externally or not, and a second deletion process, which deletes the image only when it has been transmitted externally, according to the determined deletion purpose. (Configuration 2) The control means is Determine whether the purpose of the deletion is to delete failed images or to delete unnecessary images. If it is determined that the purpose is to delete the failed image, the first deletion process is performed. The imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized in that it performs the second deletion process when it is determined that the purpose is to delete the unnecessary images. (Composition 3) The control means is If identification information for identifying the subject of the captured image has already been obtained, it is determined that the purpose of deletion is to delete the failed image. The imaging device according to configuration 2, characterized in that, if the aforementioned identification information has not been obtained, it is determined that the purpose of deletion is to delete the unnecessary image. (Composition 4) The imaging device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the subject identification information is patient identification information used in a medical institution. (Composition 5) The control means is If the user has selected only one image, it is determined that the purpose of deletion is to delete the failed image. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, characterized in that, if the user has selected multiple images, the purpose of deletion is determined to be to delete the unnecessary images. (Composition 6) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 5, characterized in that the control means presents multiple images to the user for playback and display, and controls the user to select one or more images. (Composition 7) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 5, characterized in that the control means presents the user with a single image to be played back and displayed, and controls the user to select one or more images. (Composition 8) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the control means controls the user to select two or more images when identification information identifying the subject of the captured image has not been obtained. (Composition 9) The control means is If the purpose of deletion is to delete the unnecessary images, and the image selected by the user is an image that has not been sent externally, the user will be notified that the unsent image will be deleted. An imaging device according to any one of configurations 2 to 8, characterized in that, after the notification, if the user permits the deletion of the unsent image, the unsent image is deleted. (Composition 10) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 9, characterized in that the control means displays at least one of the following on the display means: a thumbnail of the untransmitted image and information associated with the untransmitted image, along with the notification that the untransmitted image has been deleted. (Composition 11) The imaging device according to configuration 10, characterized in that the information associated with the aforementioned image includes at least one of patient information at a medical institution and staff information at the medical institution. (Composition 12) The imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 11, characterized in that, when the purpose of deletion is to delete the unnecessary images, the control means presents to the user images that have not been transmitted externally in a manner that distinguishes them from images that have already been transmitted externally. (Composition 13) The control means is If the user selects images as a group, the purpose of deletion is determined to be to delete the unnecessary images. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 2 to 12, characterized in that when the user selects an individual image, the purpose of deletion is determined to be to delete the failed image. (Composition 14) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 13, characterized in that the group unit includes at least one of a group unit of images corresponding to each patient of a medical institution and a group unit of images corresponding to each staff member of a medical institution. (Composition 15) The imaging device according to configuration 14, characterized in that the group unit is a unit that changes in response to a dynamic change in at least one of the staff of the medical institution or the patients of the medical institution. (Composition 16) The imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 13 to 15, characterized in that the control means presents a group of images to the user for selection when identification information identifying the subject of the captured image has not been obtained. (Composition 17) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 16, characterized in that, when the purpose of deletion is to delete the unnecessary images, the control means presents to the user a group that includes images not transmitted externally, in a manner that distinguishes it from a group that does not include images not transmitted externally. (Method 1) The process of saving the captured images, A transmission step of sending the aforementioned image to an external source, A control step of deleting the image selected by the user from the stored images, It has, In the control process described above, The purpose of deletion is determined when the user selects an image to be deleted from among the saved images. A control method for an imaging device, characterized by switching between a first deletion process, which deletes the image regardless of whether it has been transmitted externally or not, and a second deletion process, which deletes the image only when it has been transmitted externally, according to the determined deletion purpose. (Program 1) A program that causes the computer of an imaging device to function as an imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 17. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 100: Electronic medical record system, 101: Imaging device, 102: Electronic medical record server, 103: Electronic medical record terminal device, 104: Network

Claims

1. A means for saving the captured image, A transmission means for transmitting the aforementioned image to an external source, A control means for deleting the image selected by the user from the storage means, It has, The control means is The purpose of deletion is determined when the user selects an image to be deleted from the storage means. An imaging device characterized by switching between a first deletion process, which deletes the image regardless of whether it has been transmitted externally or not, and a second deletion process, which deletes the image only when it has been transmitted externally, according to the determined deletion purpose.

2. The control means is Determine whether the purpose of the deletion is to delete failed images or to delete unnecessary images. If it is determined that the purpose is to delete the failed image, the first deletion process is performed. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that it performs the second deletion process when it is determined that the purpose is to delete the unnecessary images.

3. The control means is If identification information for identifying the subject of the captured image has already been obtained, it is determined that the purpose of deletion is to delete the failed image. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that if the aforementioned identification information has not been obtained, it is determined that the purpose of deletion is to delete the unnecessary image.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the subject identification information is patient identification information used in a medical institution.

5. The control means is If the user has selected only one image, it is determined that the purpose of deletion is to delete the failed image. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that, if the user has selected multiple images, the purpose of deletion is determined to be to delete the unnecessary images.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means presents multiple images to the user for playback and display, and controls the user to select one or more images.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means presents the user with a single image to be played back and displayed, and controls the user to select one or more images.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the control means controls the user to select two or more images when identification information identifying the subject of the captured image has not been obtained.

9. The control means is If the purpose of deletion is to delete the unnecessary images, and the image selected by the user is an image that has not been sent externally, the user will be notified that the unsent image will be deleted. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that, after the notification, if the user permits the deletion of the unsent image, the unsent image is deleted.

10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the control means displays at least one of the following on the display means: a thumbnail of the untransmitted image and information associated with the untransmitted image, along with the notification that the untransmitted image has been deleted.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, characterized in that the information associated with the aforementioned image includes at least one of patient information at a medical institution and staff information at the medical institution.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the purpose of deletion is to delete the unnecessary images, the control means presents to the user images that have not been transmitted externally in a manner that distinguishes them from images that have already been transmitted externally.

13. The control means is If the user selects images as a group, the purpose of deletion is determined to be to delete the unnecessary images. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that if the user selects an individual image, the purpose of deletion is determined to be to delete the failed image.

14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the group unit includes at least one of a group unit of images corresponding to each patient of a medical institution and a group unit of images corresponding to each staff member of a medical institution.

15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the group unit is a unit that changes in response to a dynamic change in at least one of the staff of the medical institution or the patients of the medical institution.

16. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the control means presents a group of images to the user for selection when identification information identifying the subject of the captured image has not been obtained.

17. The imaging apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, when the purpose of deletion is to delete the unnecessary images, the control means presents to the user a group that includes images not transmitted externally, in a manner that distinguishes it from a group that does not include images not transmitted externally.

18. The process of saving the captured images, A transmission step of sending the aforementioned image to an external source, A control step of deleting the image selected by the user from the stored images, It has, In the control process described above, The purpose of deletion is determined when the user selects an image to be deleted from among the saved images. A control method for an imaging device, characterized by switching between a first deletion process, which deletes the image regardless of whether it has been transmitted externally or not, and a second deletion process, which deletes the image only when it has been transmitted externally, according to the determined deletion purpose.

19. The computer of the imaging device, A means for saving the captured image, A transmission means for transmitting the aforementioned image to an external source, A control means for deleting the image selected by the user from the storage means, It has, The control means is The purpose of deletion is determined when the user selects an image to be deleted from the storage means. A program that causes an imaging device to function by switching between a first deletion process, which deletes the image regardless of whether it has been transmitted externally or not, and a second deletion process, which deletes the image only when it has been transmitted externally, according to the determined deletion purpose.

Images