Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic device capable of easily and quickly performing an examination of an examination object based on an ultrasonic image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit and a display unit. The acquisition unit acquires ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames by continuous scanning of a subject using an ultrasonic probe. The display unit displays each ultrasonic image group comprising two or more frames in which the inspection target is common among the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames so that the position at which the image group was acquired on the time axis can be recognized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses have been used to confirm the development of a fetus. For example, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus detects an object to be examined, such as the biparietal diameter (BPD) of the fetal head, the abdominal circumference (AC), and the femur length (FL), based on an ultrasonic image. Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus infers the weight of the fetus based on the detection results of the object to be examined.

[0003] However, in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for each object to be examined, an ultrasonic image is separately depicted, frozen, and the object to be examined is detected. Therefore, in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the operations of the ultrasonic probe on the mother's body and the operations of the apparatus main body need to be repeated for each object to be examined. Thus, it has been difficult to simply and quickly examine the object to be examined based on the ultrasonic image.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-23347

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-52345

[0008] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2016 / 194161 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] One of the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings is to simply and quickly examine the object to be examined based on the ultrasonic image. However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings are not limited to the above technical problem. Technical problems corresponding to the respective effects of the respective configurations shown in the embodiments described later can be defined as other technical problems.

[0011] Means for Solving the Technical Problem

[0012] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit and a display unit. The acquisition unit acquires ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames by continuously scanning a subject using an ultrasonic probe. The display unit displays, for each ultrasonic image group composed of two or more frames common to the inspection object among the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames, in such a manner that the position where the image group is acquired on the time axis can be recognized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a generation process of an ultrasonic image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a display process of an ultrasonic image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a calculation process of confidence in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a segmentation process of an ultrasonic image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a display process of a block image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a calculation process of suitability in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a display process of a block image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing a display process of a block image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12It is a diagram showing a thumbnail display process in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing a check box for an examined subject that has been detected in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing a block image display process in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing a chart display process indicating confidence level in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing a block image display process in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing a thumbnail display process in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an eighth modification of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18 It is a flowchart showing an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a ninth modification of the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing a block reduction process in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a ninth modification of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 21 It is a flowchart showing an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 22 It is a flowchart showing an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing a partitioning process in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing a display process of an ultrasonic image for examining an examination subject in an operation example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. Detailed implementation mode

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be made only when necessary.

[0038] (First Embodiment)

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As Figure 1 shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 2, an input interface 3, an output interface 4, and a device main body 5. The ultrasonic probe 2, the input interface 3, and the output interface 4 are communicably connected to the device main body 5.

[0040] The ultrasonic probe 2 is a device that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject P and receives reflected waves (echoes) of the ultrasonic waves from the subject P in order to obtain an ultrasonic image of the subject P. The subject P is, for example, a mother body.

[0041] The ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of oscillators. The plurality of oscillators generate ultrasonic waves based on drive signals such as voltage supplied from the device main body 5. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 2 receives reflected waves from the subject P and converts them into electrical signals. That is, the ultrasonic probe 2 scans the subject P with ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves from the subject P. Electrodes for supplying drive signals and inputting electrical signals of reflected waves are provided in the oscillators. The oscillators can be composed of, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). A sound matching layer and a sound lens are arranged on the surface of the oscillator, for example. A backing material is arranged on the back surface of the oscillator, for example. The sound matching layer is also called a λ / 4 layer and is a layer for efficiently transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by reducing the impedance difference between the oscillator and the living body. The sound lens is a structure for reducing friction with the living body surface during examination and converging the ultrasonic beam to improve slice resolution. The backing material is a structure for absorbing ultrasonic waves traveling backward and shortening the pulse width of ultrasonic waves traveling forward. The ultrasonic probe 2 is detachably connected to the device main body 5.

[0042] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one by one at the discontinuity surfaces of the acoustic impedance in the body tissues of the subject P and are received by the plurality of oscillators included in the ultrasonic probe 2 as reflected wave signals. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuity surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. In addition, in the case of a reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic wave pulse is reflected on the surface of a moving blood flow, a heart wall, etc., due to the Doppler effect, it depends on the velocity component of the moving body with respect to the ultrasonic wave transmission direction and undergoes a frequency shift.

[0043] The ultrasonic probe 2 is, for example, a three-dimensional probe that three-dimensionally scans the subject P, i.e., a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe. The ultrasonic probe 2 may also be a 1D array probe that two-dimensionally scans the subject P.

[0044] The input interface 3 receives input operations of various instructions and information from an operator (i.e., a user). Specifically, the input interface 3 converts the input operation received from the operator into an electrical signal and outputs it to the apparatus main body 5. For example, the input interface 3 is implemented by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad for performing an input operation through a touch operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touchpad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, a voice input circuit, and the like. In addition, the input interface 3 is not limited to having physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example in which an input interface 3 also includes a signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided independently of the apparatus and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit.

[0045] The output interface 4 outputs various information. For example, the output interface 4 includes a display. The display converts the information and image data sent from the apparatus main body 5 into an electrical signal for display and outputs it. The display is implemented by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, and the like. The output interface 4 may also include a speaker. The speaker outputs a predetermined sound such as a beep in order to notify the operator of the processing status of the apparatus main body 5.

[0046] The apparatus main body 5 includes a transceiver circuit 51, a storage circuit 52, and a processing circuit 53.

[0047] The transceiver circuit 51 is a circuit that supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the processing circuit 53. In addition, the transceiver circuit 51 is a circuit that performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate reflected wave data.

[0048] In order to supply a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2, the transceiver circuit 51 includes, for example, a pulse generator, a transmission delay unit, and a pulser. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmitted ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. In addition, the transmission delay unit bundles the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 2 into a beam shape and gives each oscillator the delay time required to determine the transmission directivity for each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. The pulser applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 2 at the timing of the rate pulse to which the delay time is given. That is, the transmission delay unit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the oscillator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

[0049] In addition, in order to perform various processes on the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 2 and generate reflected wave data, the transceiver circuit 51 includes, for example, a preamplifier, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, a reception delay unit, an adder, and the like. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signals for each channel. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the amplified reflected wave signals. The reception delay unit gives the required delay time in order to determine the reception directivity. The adder performs an addition process on the reflected wave signals processed by the reception delay unit to generate reflected wave data. Through the addition process of the adder, the reflection components from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signals are emphasized, and a comprehensive beam for ultrasonic transmission and reception is formed based on the reception directivity and the transmission directivity. The output signal from the transceiver circuit 51 can be selected in the following various modes: a case of a signal including phase information called an RF (Radio Frequency) signal and a case of amplitude information after envelope detection processing.

[0050] In Figure 1 In the example shown, the transceiver circuit 51 is arranged in the apparatus main body 5. However, it is not limited to being arranged in the apparatus main body 5, and at least a part of the transceiver circuit 51 may be arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0051] The storage circuit 52 is a non-temporary storage device that stores various information, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an optical disc, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an integrated circuit storage device. The storage circuit 52 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and various data used for the execution of the control program. In addition to HDDs and SSDs, the storage circuit 52 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information between removable storage media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and flash memories, or semiconductor memory elements such as RAMs (Random Access Memories).

[0052] The processing circuit 53 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 based on the electrical signal of the input operation input from the input interface 3. For example, the processing circuit 53 includes an image generation function 531, a confidence calculation function 532, a segmentation function 533, a display control function 534, a suitability calculation function 535, and a decision function 536 as examples of an acquisition unit. The confidence calculation function 532 is an example of a confidence calculation unit. The segmentation function 533 is an example of an identification unit. The display control function 534 is an example of a display unit. The suitability calculation function 535 is an example of a suitability calculation unit. The decision function 536 is an example of a decision unit.

[0053] Here, for example, Figure 1 Each processing function executed by the constituent elements of the processing circuit 53 shown, namely, the image generation function 531, the confidence calculation function 532, the segmentation function 533, the display control function 534, the suitability calculation function 535, and the decision function 536, is recorded in the storage circuit 52 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 53 is, for example, a processor. The processor constituting the processing circuit 53 realizes the functions corresponding to the respective programs read out by reading out each program from the storage circuit 52 and executing it. In other words, the processing circuit 53 in the state where each program is read out has Figure 1 the respective functions shown in the processing circuit 53. The processing circuit 53 may also include a circuit other than the processor.

[0054] In addition, Figure 1 shows the case where each processing function of the image generation function 531, the confidence calculation function 532, the segmentation function 533, the display control function 534, the suitability calculation function 535, and the decision function 536 is realized by a single processing circuit 53, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the processing circuit 53 may be constituted by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processing function is realized by each processor executing each program. In addition, each processing function possessed by the processing circuit 53 may be appropriately dispersed or unified to a single or a plurality of processing circuits for realization.

[0055] The image generation function 531 generates an ultrasonic image based on the scan of the subject P using the ultrasonic probe 2. More specifically, the image generation function 531 sequentially generates (i.e., acquires) ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames based on the continuous scan of the subject P using the ultrasonic probe 2. The continuous scan is, for example, a scan in which the freeze operation of the dynamic image of the ultrasonic image is not stopped midway.

[0056] The image generation function 531 receives reflected wave data from the transceiver circuit 51, for example, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc., and generates data (B-mode data) that represents the signal intensity with light and dark brightness. In addition, the image generation function 531 performs frequency analysis on the velocity information based on the reflected wave data received from the transceiver circuit 51, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components based on the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) obtained for moving object information in which velocity, variance, energy, etc. are extracted for multiple points. In addition, the image generation function 531 can also process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the image generation function 531 can also generate two-dimensional B-mode data based on the two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional B-mode data based on the three-dimensional reflected wave data. In addition, the image generation function 531 can also generate two-dimensional Doppler data based on the two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional Doppler data based on the three-dimensional reflected wave data.

[0057] Moreover, the image generation function 531 generates a B-mode image that represents the intensity of the reflected wave with brightness based on the B-mode data. In addition, for example, the image generation function 531 generates a Doppler image in which blood flow information is imaged based on the Doppler data. The Doppler image is velocity image data that represents the average velocity of blood flow, variance image data that represents the variance value of blood flow, energy image data that represents the energy of blood flow, or image data obtained by combining these. In addition, as the Doppler image, the image generation function 531 generates a color Doppler image that displays blood flow information such as the average velocity, variance value, and energy of blood flow in color, or generates a Doppler image that displays one blood flow information in grayscale. In addition, for example, the image generation function 531 can also generate an M-mode image based on the time series data of the B-mode data on one scan line. In addition, the image generation function 531 can also generate a Doppler waveform that depicts the velocity information of blood flow and tissue over time based on the Doppler data.

[0058] The confidence calculation function 532 calculates the confidence that the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation function 531 contains a cross-section corresponding to the examination object. The examination object can also be called a measurement item. The confidence can also be called a probability. The examination object is, for example, the BPD, AC, and FL of a fetus in the mother's body. That is, the examination object is the size of the fetus. The examination object can further include the head circumference (HC: head circumference) and the humerus length (HL: humerus length) of the fetus, etc. The confidence calculation function 532 calculates the confidence for each of all frames, for example. Or, the confidence calculation function 532 can also calculate the confidence for every specified number of frames.

[0059] The confidence calculation function 532 detects, for example, a part corresponding to an inspection object and the types and positions of the structures constituting the part from an ultrasonic image. The confidence calculation function 532 can also detect the types and positions of the part and the structures by machine learning based on the learning data after learning the part and the structures. The confidence calculation function 532 stores the detected types and positions of the part and the structures in the storage circuit 52. The confidence calculation function 532 calculates the confidence of the situation where a cross-section corresponding to the inspection object is included in the ultrasonic image based on the feature amounts such as the types and positions of the part and the structures stored in the storage circuit 52. The confidence calculation function 532 can also calculate the confidence of each frame of the ultrasonic image by machine learning based on the learning data obtained by learning the ultrasonic image including the cross-section corresponding to the inspection object.

[0060] The segmentation function 533 segments the ultrasonic images of multiple frames into blocks representing common attributes. Here, segmentation means classifying the ultrasonic images of multiple frames into multiple blocks based on the common attributes between the ultrasonic images. The ultrasonic images without common attributes are not classified into any blocks. In the first embodiment, the common attribute is a common inspection object (such as BPD, AC, and FL, etc.). That is, in the first embodiment, the segmentation function 533 segments the ultrasonic images of multiple frames into blocks representing the common inspection object based on the confidence calculated by the confidence calculation function 532. In other words, the segmentation function 533 identifies the inspection object for each of the multiple frames based on the common attribute.

[0061] The display control function 534 displays the block images representing the blocks segmented by the segmentation function 533 on the display. That is, the display control function 534, based on the recognition result of the segmentation function 533, displays each ultrasonic image group composed of two or more frames with a common inspection object among the ultrasonic images of multiple frames in a manner that enables the position where the image group is acquired on the time axis to be recognized. Thus, since it can be configured to easily determine the ultrasonic images for inspecting each inspection object (i.e., each ultrasonic image group), the inspection can be performed simply and quickly. The display control function 534 also displays the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation function 531 on the display. The block image can also be an image schematically representing the block. The display control function 534 can also display the multiple block images arranged in time series. The display control function 534 can also make the display colors of the block images different according to the inspection object.

[0062] The appropriateness calculation function 535 calculates an appropriateness indicating the appropriateness of the examination for the examination object for a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images obtained by continuously scanning the subject P using the ultrasonic probe 2. In the first embodiment, the appropriateness calculation function 535 calculates the appropriateness for each block (i.e., each examination object) segmented by the segmentation function 533. The appropriateness calculation function 535 calculates the appropriateness, for example, for each of all the frames. Alternatively, the appropriateness calculation function 535 may calculate the appropriateness for every predetermined number of frames (e.g., at intervals of 5 frames). The appropriateness calculation function 535 may also calculate an appropriateness proportional to the confidence level calculated by the confidence level calculation function 532. Alternatively, the appropriateness calculation function 535 may calculate an appropriateness proportional to the following difference (i.e., deviation), which is the difference between the confidence level of the frame for which the appropriateness is calculated and the average of the confidence levels within the block to which the frame belongs. Alternatively, the appropriateness calculation function 535 may automatically detect (i.e., automatically measure) the examination object (i.e., the measurement item) and calculate the appropriateness based on the result of the automatic detection. In this case, the appropriateness calculation function 535 may also calculate an appropriateness proportional to the detection value.

[0063] Based on the appropriateness calculated by the appropriateness calculation function 535, the determination function 536 determines, from among the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames, the ultrasonic image for examining the examination object. For example, the determination function 536 determines the ultrasonic image of the frame with the maximum appropriateness within the block as the ultrasonic image for examining the examination object corresponding to the block. The frame with the maximum appropriateness within the block may also be a frame whose appropriateness exceeds a preset threshold. In addition, if the appropriateness exceeds the threshold, the determination function 536 may also determine the ultrasonic images of two or more frames within the block as the ultrasonic images for examining the examination object and recommend them to the user. In this case, the user may also select any ultrasonic image from among the recommended ultrasonic images of two or more frames for the examination of the examination object.

[0064] The examination of the object to be examined is, for example, the examination of the BPD, AC, and FL of a fetus in the mother's body. The examination of the object to be examined can also be replaced by the automatic detection (i.e., automatic measurement) of the object to be examined that has been performed by the suitability calculation function 535, specifically, the automatic detection of the object to be examined for the ultrasonic image of the frame with the maximum suitability. In this case, since the result of the automatic detection of the object to be examined by the suitability calculation function 535 is equivalent to the examination result of the object to be examined, the examination of the object to be examined does not need to be repeated. In this case, the "determination of the ultrasonic image for examining the object to be examined" performed by the determination function 536 has the same meaning as the "determination of the ultrasonic image of the frame with the maximum suitability that has undergone the automatic detection of the object to be examined". Alternatively, the examination of the object to be examined can also be an examination performed separately from the automatic detection of the object to be examined by the suitability calculation function 535. In this case, the examination of the object to be examined can also be, for example, an examination with higher accuracy than the automatic detection of the object to be examined, or an examination with a different calculation method for the object to be examined. The processing circuit 53 can also have a function for examining the object to be examined and a function for inferring the weight of the fetus using the examination result of the object to be examined.

[0065] When the processing circuit 53 has a function for examining the object to be examined (hereinafter, also referred to as the examination function), the examination function can automatically perform the examination on the ultrasonic image determined by the determination function 536. Alternatively, the examination function can also perform the examination on the object to be examined that is in the block image C2 specified by the user on the strip-shaped image C1 (hereinafter, also referred to as the time line) representing the time axis as shown in Figure 7 etc.

[0066] The display control function 534 displays the ultrasonic image for examining the object to be examined determined by the determination function 536 according to the operation of the operator. When the examination function automatically performs the examination, the display control function 534 can also display the examination result on the display according to the operation of the user. In addition, the display control function 534 can also display the ultrasonic image specified by the user on the time line C1 on the display. That is, the ultrasonic image displayed on the display can also jump from the currently displayed ultrasonic image to the ultrasonic image specified by the user on the time line C1 according to the specified display order or the user's specification.

[0067] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. Figure 2 It is a flowchart showing the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. In addition, Figure 2 A series of processes shown in the flowchart are repeated as needed.

[0068] First, as Figure 2As shown, the image generation function 531 sequentially generates ultrasonic images for each frame in response to the operator's action of continuously scanning the subject using the ultrasonic probe 2 (step S1). The display control function 534 sequentially performs dynamic image display of the ultrasonic images for each frame generated by the image generation function 531 on the display (step S1).

[0069] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram showing a process of generating an ultrasonic image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 3 the example shown, the image generation function 531 generates ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames based on continuous scanning (i.e., one-time scanning). In Figure 3 the example shown, among the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames, there are included a series of frames of ultrasonic images corresponding to BPD, a series of frames of ultrasonic images corresponding to AC, and a series of frames of ultrasonic images corresponding to FL.

[0070] Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram showing a process of displaying an ultrasonic image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 4 the example shown, the display control function 534 sequentially displays the ultrasonic image corresponding to BPD, the ultrasonic image corresponding to AC, and the ultrasonic image corresponding to FL in accordance with the passage of time. In the ultrasonic image corresponding to BPD, there is included a section corresponding to BPD, i.e., a measurement section capable of measuring BPD. In the ultrasonic image corresponding to AC, there is included a section corresponding to AC, i.e., a measurement section capable of measuring AC. In the ultrasonic image corresponding to FL, there is included a section corresponding to FL, i.e., a measurement section capable of measuring FL.

[0071] After generating and displaying a series of ultrasonic images of a predetermined number of frames, as Figure 2 shown, the confidence calculation function 532 calculates the confidence of each frame of the ultrasonic image (step S2).

[0072] Figure 5 FIG. is a diagram showing a process of calculating the confidence in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. In Figure 5 the example shown, the confidence calculation function 532 calculates the confidence corresponding to BPD, i.e., the confidence in the case where the measurement section of BPD is included in the ultrasonic image. In addition, the confidence calculation function 532 calculates the confidence corresponding to AC, i.e., the confidence in the case where the measurement section of AC is included in the ultrasonic image. In addition, the confidence calculation function 532 calculates the confidence corresponding to FL, i.e., the confidence in the case where the measurement section of FL is included in the ultrasonic image.

[0073] After calculating the confidence, as Figure 2As shown, the segmentation function 533 performs chunking to divide the ultrasonic image into chunks based on the calculated confidence level (step S3).

[0074] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the chunking process of the ultrasonic image in the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 6 In the example shown, the segmentation function 533 interpolates the confidence level calculated by the confidence level calculation function 532 using an n-th degree polynomial, thereby approximating the confidence level to a smooth spline curve. By performing curve approximation on the confidence level, it is possible to group frames of the same inspection object that are slightly discrete into one chunk (i.e., an ultrasonic image group composed of two or more frames including a common inspection object). After performing curve approximation on the confidence level, the segmentation function 533 compares the curve-approximated confidence level with the confidence level threshold. Moreover, the segmentation function 533 classifies the ultrasonic images corresponding to a series of frame groups having a confidence level equal to or higher than the threshold into the same chunk to perform chunking. Specifically, the segmentation function 533 classifies the ultrasonic images corresponding to a series of frame groups having a confidence level equal to or higher than the threshold corresponding to BPD into the BPD chunk "BPD Block1". In addition, the segmentation function 533 classifies the ultrasonic images corresponding to a series of frame groups having a confidence level equal to or higher than the threshold corresponding to AC into the AC chunk "AC Block1". In addition, the segmentation function 533 classifies the ultrasonic images corresponding to a series of frame groups having a confidence level equal to or higher than the threshold corresponding to FL into the FL chunk "FL Block1". In addition, the segmentation function 533 classifies the ultrasonic images corresponding to another series of frame groups having a confidence level equal to or higher than the threshold corresponding to FL into another FL chunk "FL Block2".

[0075] After performing chunking, as Figure 2 shown, the display control function 534 displays the chunk image (step S4). Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the display process of the chunk image in the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 7 In the example shown, the display control function 534 displays a schematic image C schematically representing the chunk in the screen A including the ultrasonic image B. In Figure 7In the example shown, the ultrasonic image B is an image corresponding to FL. The schematic image C of the block includes a strip-shaped image C1 representing the time axis, a rectangular block image C2 representing the block main body overlapping with the image C1, and a frame C3 with the maximum confidence on the block image C2. In other words, the display control function 534 can recognizably display the examination objects (BPD, AC, FL, etc.) represented by the ultrasonic image group and the position (block) of the ultrasonic image group on the time axis. In addition, the display control function 534 can recognizably display the position of the ultrasonic image (frame C3) for which the examination is being performed on the time axis. Additionally, the display of the images C1 and C3 other than the block image C2 can also be omitted. In Figure 7 In the example shown, the display control function 534 also displays the frame number "#511" of the final frame in the schematic image C of the block. In addition, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the display control function 534 also displays a marker D indicating the frame corresponding to the ultrasonic image B in the schematic image C of the block. In addition, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the display control function 534 also displays a measurement scale E on the area where the automatic detection (i.e., automatic measurement) of the examination object is performed by the suitability calculation function 535.

[0076] After displaying the block image, as Figure 2 shown, the suitability calculation function 535 calculates the suitability of each frame for each block (step S5). Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the calculation process of the suitability in the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 8 In the example shown, the suitability calculation function 535 performs automatic detection (i.e., automatic measurement) of the examination object on the section F corresponding to the examination object in the ultrasonic image B. Moreover, the suitability calculation function 535 calculates the suitability of each frame based on the detection result of the automatic detection. For example, the suitability calculation function 535 calculates the suitability of the frame with a detection result of 55 mm for FL to be a larger value than the suitability of the frame with a detection result of 15 mm for FL.

[0077] After calculating the suitability, as Figure 2 shown, the determination function 536 determines the ultrasonic image for performing the examination of the examination object based on the calculated suitability (step S6). For example, the determination function 536 determines the ultrasonic image of the frame with the maximum suitability within the block as the ultrasonic image for performing the examination of the examination object.

[0078] After determining the ultrasonic image for performing the examination of the examination object, the display control function 534 determines whether the operator has performed a freeze operation (step S7).

[0079] In the case where the freezing operation has been performed (step S7: Yes), the display control function 534 displays an ultrasonic image of a block to be inspected for the inspection object (step S8). A block is, for example, the earliest or latest block in the time series. On the other hand, in the case where the freezing operation has not been performed (step S7: No), the image generation function 531 generates and displays a new ultrasonic image (step S1).

[0080] After displaying the ultrasonic image of a block to be inspected for the inspection object, the display control function 534 determines whether a determination operation has been performed by the operator (step S9). The determination operation is an operation to determine to use the displayed ultrasonic image of the inspection object for the inspection.

[0081] In the case where the determination operation has been performed (step S9: Yes), the display control function 534 determines whether there is a next block for which the ultrasonic image of the inspection object has not been displayed (step S10). On the other hand, in the case where the determination operation has not been performed (step S9: No), the display control function 534 repeats the determination of whether the determination operation has been performed (step S9).

[0082] In the case where there is a next block (step S10: Yes), the display control function 534 displays the ultrasonic image of the next block to be inspected for the inspection object (step S8). On the other hand, in the case where there is no next block (step S10: No), the display control function 534 ends the process.

[0083] As described above, in the first embodiment, the suitability calculation function 535 calculates a suitability indicating the degree of suitability for the inspection of the inspection object for a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images obtained by continuously scanning the subject P using the ultrasonic probe 2. Further, the determination function 536 determines the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object based on the suitability calculated by the suitability calculation function 535. More specifically, the determination function 536 determines the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object from among the plurality of frames of ultrasonic images.

[0084] Thus, the operator does not need to repeatedly perform the operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 on the subject P and the freezing operation of the apparatus main body 5 for each object. Therefore, the inspection of the inspection object based on the ultrasonic image can be performed simply and quickly.

[0085] In addition, in the first embodiment, the segmentation function 533 segments the ultrasonic images of multiple frames into blocks representing common attributes. Further, the suitability calculation function 535 calculates the suitability for each block segmented by the segmentation function 533. Moreover, the determination function 536 determines the ultrasonic image for examining the object to be examined for each block segmented (i.e., identified) by the segmentation function 533, based on the suitability calculated by the suitability calculation function 535.

[0086] Thereby, for each block, the suitability can be efficiently calculated, and the ultrasonic image for examining the object to be examined can be efficiently determined. Thus, the examination of the object to be examined based on the ultrasonic image can be further simplified and speeded up.

[0087] In addition, in the first embodiment, the common attribute represented by the block is a common object to be examined. Further, the confidence calculation function 532 calculates the confidence in the case where a cross-section corresponding to the object to be examined is included in the ultrasonic image. Moreover, the segmentation function 533 segments the ultrasonic images of multiple frames into blocks representing the common object to be examined, based on the confidence calculated by the confidence calculation function 532.

[0088] Thereby, the ultrasonic images of multiple frames can be segmented (i.e., classified) into appropriate blocks representing the common object to be examined, based on the confidence. Thus, the examination of the object to be examined based on the ultrasonic image can be more appropriately performed.

[0089] In addition, in the first embodiment, the display control function 534 displays the block images representing the blocks segmented by the segmentation function 533.

[0090] Thereby, since the location of the cross-section corresponding to the object to be examined in the ultrasonic images of multiple frames can be visualized, the convenience can be improved.

[0091] In addition, in the first embodiment, the suitability calculation function 535 may calculate the suitability based on the detection value (i.e., measurement value) of the object to be examined.

[0092] Thereby, the suitability can be appropriately calculated.

[0093] In addition, in the first embodiment, the block image is an image schematically representing the block. The display control function 534 arranges and displays multiple block images in time series.

[0094] Accordingly, the operator can easily grasp the location of the cross-section corresponding to the object to be inspected, thus further improving convenience. In addition, the display control function 534 can also display, together with each block image, on each block image the frame C3 with the highest confidence calculated by the confidence calculation function 534. Accordingly, the operator can easily grasp the location of the ultrasonic image for inspecting the object to be inspected, thus further improving convenience.

[0095] In addition, in the first embodiment, the display control function 534 can also make the display colors of the block images different according to the object to be inspected.

[0096] Accordingly, since the location of the cross-section for the object to be inspected can be visualized for each type of the object to be inspected in an easily understandable manner by the operator, convenience can be further improved.

[0097] In addition, in the first embodiment, the display control function 534 displays, according to the operation of the operator, the ultrasonic image for inspecting the object to be inspected determined by the determination function 536.

[0098] Accordingly, by visualizing the ultrasonic image for inspecting the object to be inspected, convenience can be improved.

[0099] The following multiple modification examples can be applied to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0100] (First modification example of the first embodiment)

[0101] First, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiment, a first modification example of the first embodiment in which block images indicating the frame number at the start and the frame number at the end within a block are displayed will be described. Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram showing a display process of a block image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first modification example of the first embodiment.

[0102] In Figure 9In the example shown, as the multiple block images C2, the display control function 534 displays an image including the frame number at the beginning and the frame number at the end within the block. Specifically, the display control function 534 corresponds to the block image C2 of the block "BPD Block1" and displays the frame number "#5" at the beginning and the frame number "#20" at the end of the block "BPD Block1". In addition, the display control function 534 corresponds to the block image C2 of the block "AC Block1" and displays the frame number "#30" at the beginning and the frame number "#50" at the end of the block "AC Block1". In addition, the display control function 534 corresponds to the block image C2 of the block "FL Block1" and displays the frame number "#70" at the beginning and the frame number "#80" at the end of the block "FL Block1". In addition, the display control function 534 corresponds to the block image C2 of the block "FL Block2" and displays the frame number "#85" at the beginning and the frame number "#100" at the end of the block "FL Block2".

[0103] As described above, in the first modification of the first embodiment, the block image is an image representing the frame number at the beginning and the frame number at the end within the block.

[0104] Thus, since the frame numbers of the cross-sections corresponding to the inspection object can be visualized, the convenience can be further improved.

[0105] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0106] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiment, a second modification of the first embodiment in which block division is performed in real time will be described. Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram showing a display process of a block image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which ultrasonic images are divided into blocks after a series of ultrasonic images of a specified number of frames are generated and displayed has been described. In contrast, in the second modification of the first embodiment, the segmentation function 533 divides ultrasonic images of multiple frames into blocks in real time during scanning. The display control function 534 displays the block image together with the ultrasonic image in real time during scanning. In Figure 10 In the example shown, when the display control function 534 updates the classification of the ultrasonic image into blocks as the scanning progresses (i.e., as time elapses), the block image C2 of the updated block is additionally displayed each time. In addition, the calculation of the suitability based on the suitability calculation function 535 and the determination of the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object based on the determination function 536 can also be performed in real time.

[0108] As described above, in the second modification of the first embodiment, the segmentation function 533 segments the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames into blocks in real time during scanning. Further, the display control function 534 displays the block images together with the ultrasonic images in real time during scanning.

[0109] Thereby, since it is possible to visualize the changes in the subject to be examined corresponding to the progress of scanning, convenience can be improved.

[0110] (Third modification of the first embodiment)

[0111] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments, a third modification of the first embodiment in which a thumbnail of the ultrasonic image of each block is displayed will be described. Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment. Figure 12 It is a diagram showing a thumbnail display process in the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the block image is an image schematically representing a block has been described. In contrast, in the third modification of the first embodiment, the block image is a thumbnail of the ultrasonic image of each block. The thumbnail is, for example, an image obtained by reducing the ultrasonic image (i.e., a still image) of the start frame of each block.

[0113] As Figure 11 shown, after the ultrasonic image is segmented into blocks, the display control function 534 can selectively display the thumbnail corresponding to each block by the operation of the operator (step S4A). After the thumbnail is displayed, the display control function 534 determines whether the thumbnail has been selected by the operation of the operator (step S21).

[0114] When the thumbnail is selected (step S21: YES), the display control function 534 displays the ultrasonic image corresponding to the selected thumbnail (step S22). That is, the display control function 534 reproduces a plurality of ultrasonic images belonging to the selected thumbnail and performs dynamic image display. On the other hand, when the thumbnail is not selected (step S21: NO), the suitability calculation function 535 calculates the suitability (step S5).

[0115] In Figure 12In the example shown, the display control function 534 selectively displays the thumbnail G1 corresponding to FL, the thumbnail G2 corresponding to AC, and the thumbnail G3 corresponding to BPD. If the display control function 534 receives the selection of the thumbnail G1 through the input interface 3, for example, it reproduces the ultrasonic image B belonging to the selected thumbnail G1. The display control function 534 may also display an image G4 corresponding to the selected thumbnail G1 to indicate that the thumbnail G1 has been selected.

[0116] As described above, in the third modification of the first embodiment, the block image is a thumbnail of the ultrasonic image of each block. In addition, the display control function 534 displays the thumbnail in a manner that can be selected by the operation of the operator, and displays the ultrasonic image corresponding to the thumbnail selected by the operation of the operator.

[0117] Thereby, it is possible to visualize the position of the section corresponding to the inspection object in the ultrasonic images of multiple frames. In addition, it is possible to select and display the ultrasonic image having a section corresponding to the desired inspection object. Thereby, convenience can be further improved.

[0118] (Fourth modification of the first embodiment)

[0119] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments, a fourth modification of the first embodiment for visualizing the inspected inspection object will be described. Figure 13 It is a diagram showing a check box of the inspected inspection object in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

[0120] In Figure 13 In the example shown, the display control function 534 displays a check box G5 for indicating whether the automatic detection (i.e., automatic measurement) of FL has been performed on the thumbnail G1 corresponding to FL. In addition, the display control function 534 displays a check box G6 for indicating whether the automatic detection of AC has been performed on the thumbnail G2 corresponding to AC. In addition, the display control function 534 displays a check box G7 for indicating whether the automatic detection of BPD has been performed on the thumbnail G3 corresponding to BPD.

[0121] According to Figure 13 In the example shown, based on the check boxes G5, G6, and G7, the operator can easily grasp the inspection objects (AC and BPD in Figure 13 ) for which automatic detection has been performed, and the inspection objects (FL in Figure 13 ) for which automatic detection has not been performed. Thereby, convenience can be further improved.

[0122] (Fifth modification of the first embodiment)

[0123] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments, a fifth modification of the first embodiment in which the display color of the block image is made different according to the confidence level will be described. Figure 14 FIG. is a diagram showing a display process of a block image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment.

[0124] In the fifth modification of the first embodiment, the display control function 534 makes the display color of the block image different according to the confidence level calculated by the confidence level calculation function 532. In Figure 14 the example shown, the display control function 534 displays the block image C2 in a gradient manner according to the confidence level calculated by the confidence level calculation function 532. For example, the display control function 534 gradually changes the display color of the block image C2 as it approaches the frame with the maximum confidence level (i.e., image C3).

[0125] As described above, in the fifth modification of the first embodiment, the display control function 534 makes the display color of the block image different according to the confidence level calculated by the confidence level calculation function 532. As a result, since the confidence level can be visualized, the convenience can be further improved. In addition, the display control function 534 displays the block image in a gradient manner according to the confidence level calculated by the confidence level calculation function 532. As a result, since the change in the confidence level within the block can be visualized, the convenience can be further improved.

[0126] (Sixth Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0127] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments, a sixth modification of the first embodiment in which a chart showing the confidence level is displayed will be described. Figure 15 FIG. is a diagram showing a display process of a chart indicating the confidence level in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment.

[0128] In the sixth modification of the first embodiment, the display control function 534 displays a chart indicating the confidence level calculated by the confidence level calculation function 532 in correspondence with the block image in addition to the block image. In Figure 15 the example shown, the display control function 534 displays a chart H for indicating the change in the confidence level within the block in correspondence with the schematic image C of the block.

[0129] As described above, in the sixth modification of the first embodiment, the display control function 534 displays a chart indicating the confidence level calculated by the confidence level calculation function 532.

[0130] As a result, since the operator can easily grasp the change in the confidence level within the block, the convenience can be further improved.

[0131] (Seventh Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0132] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiment, a seventh modification of the first embodiment in which a plurality of examination objects simultaneously included in an ultrasonic image are respectively segmented will be described. Figure 16 FIG. is a diagram showing a display process of a block image in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the seventh modification of the first embodiment.

[0133] In the seventh modification of the first embodiment, when a plurality of examination objects are simultaneously included in ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames, the segmentation function 533 segments the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames into blocks for each of the plurality of examination objects. Further, the display control function 534 displays the block images of each of the plurality of examination objects overlapping or side by side with each other.

[0134] In Figure 16 the example shown, FL and AC are simultaneously included in the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames. That is, in a series of a plurality of frames, a cross section corresponding to FL and a cross section corresponding to AC are included in the ultrasonic image of the same frame. Since FL and AC are simultaneously included in the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames, the segmentation function 533 segments the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames into FL and AC, respectively. The display control function 534 displays the block image C2 of the block “FL Block1” corresponding to FL and the block image C2 of the block “AC Block1” corresponding to AC side by side with each other.

[0135] As described above, in the seventh modification of the first embodiment, when a plurality of examination objects are simultaneously included in ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames, the segmentation function 533 segments the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames into blocks for each of the plurality of examination objects. The display control function 534 displays the block images of each of the plurality of examination objects overlapping or side by side with each other.

[0136] Accordingly, even when a plurality of examination objects are simultaneously included, since the positions of the cross sections corresponding to the examination objects in the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames can be visualized, the convenience can be further improved.

[0137] (Eighth Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0138] Figure 17 FIG. is a diagram showing a display process of a thumbnail in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the eighth modification of the first embodiment. As Figure 17As shown, the display control function 534 can also display the thumbnail G1 of the block "FL Block1" corresponding to FL and the thumbnail G1 of the block "FL Block2" corresponding to FL, which are simultaneously included in the ultrasonic images of multiple frames, in an overlapping manner. Additionally, in Figure 17 the display control function 534 can also compare the suitability of the optimal profiles of the respective blocks simultaneously included in the ultrasonic images of multiple frames. Alternatively, the display control function 534 can also compare the average value of the suitability of all frames of the respective blocks simultaneously included in the ultrasonic images of multiple frames. Moreover, the display control function 534 can change the display order of the thumbnails of the blocks based on the comparison result. For example, the display control function 534 can display the thumbnail of the block with the highest suitability of the optimal profile or the thumbnail of the block with the highest average value of suitability closest to the front side.

[0139] In Figure 17 the example shown, since it is also possible to visualize the position of the profile corresponding to the object to be examined in the ultrasonic images of multiple frames in the same manner as Figure 16 , the convenience can be further improved.

[0140] (Ninth Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0141] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiment, a ninth modification of the first embodiment for reducing the blocks based on the detection value of the object to be examined will be described. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the block reduction process in the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment.

[0142] In the ninth modification of the first embodiment, the segmentation function 533 reduces the blocks based on the detection value (i.e., the measurement value) of the object to be examined included in the blocks. Moreover, the suitability calculation function 535 calculates the suitability for the blocks reduced by the segmentation function 533.

[0143] Specifically, as Figure 18 shown, the segmentation function 533 automatically detects (i.e., automatically measures) the object to be examined for each block (step S31).

[0144] After the automatic detection, the segmentation function 533 calculates an index for reducing the blocks based on the detection result (step S32). For example, the segmentation function 533 can calculate the difference between the detection result and a reference value of the object to be examined obtained in advance (e.g., the average value of the object to be examined of a fetus at a certain gestational week) as the index. Alternatively, the segmentation function 533 can calculate the variance or standard deviation of the detection results of each frame within the block as the index.

[0145] After calculating the index, the segmentation function 533 shrinks the block based on the calculated index (step S33). For example, the segmentation function 533 shrinks the block in such a way that only the frames with the index below the threshold are included in the block. In Figure 19 the example shown, the segmentation function 533 shrinks the block "AC Block1" corresponding to AC in such a way that only the frames with the index below the threshold are included in the block "AC Block1".

[0146] After the block is shrunk, as Figure 18 shown, the suitability calculation function 535 calculates the suitability of the shrunk block (step S5).

[0147] As described above, in the ninth modification of the first embodiment, the segmentation function 533 shrinks the block based on the measured value of the inspection object included in the block. In addition, the suitability calculation function 535 calculates the suitability for the block shrunk by the segmentation function 533.

[0148] Thus, since the suitability can be appropriately calculated based on the block shrunk according to the measurement result of the inspection object, the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object can be appropriately determined. Thus, the inspection of the inspection object based on the ultrasonic image can be performed more appropriately.

[0149] (Second Embodiment)

[0150] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments, a second embodiment of an ultrasonic image that replaces an appropriate cross-section according to an operator's operation will be described. Figure 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0151] As Figure 20 shown, the processing circuit 53 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a replacement function 537 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The replacement function 537 is an example of a replacement unit.

[0152] The replacement function 537 replaces the ultrasonic image of the frame selected by the operator from the block images displayed by the display control function 534 with the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object determined by the determination function 536 as the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object.

[0153] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. Specifically, in Figure 21In the example shown, after the replacement function 537 determines the ultrasonic image for which the inspection object is to be inspected by the determination function 536, it determines whether a frame in the block image has been selected by the operator (step S41).

[0154] When a frame is selected (step S41: Yes), the replacement function 537 replaces the ultrasonic image of the selected frame with the ultrasonic image determined by the determination function 536 as the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object (step S42). On the other hand, when a frame is not selected (step S41: No), the display control function 534 determines whether there is a freeze operation (step S7).

[0155] As described above, in the second embodiment, the replacement function 537 replaces the ultrasonic image of the frame selected by the operator from the block images displayed by the display control function 534 with the ultrasonic image determined by the determination function 536 for inspecting the inspection object as the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object.

[0156] Thus, since an ultrasonic image corresponding to the operator's desire can be used for inspecting the inspection object, the degree of freedom in inspecting the inspection object can be improved.

[0157] (Third Embodiment)

[0158] Next, centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments, a third embodiment in which ultrasonic images of multiple frames are segmented into blocks representing a common phase based on time will be described. In the above-described embodiments, an example in which ultrasonic images of multiple frames are segmented into blocks representing a common inspection object as an example of a common attribute has been described. In contrast, the segmentation function 533 in the third embodiment segments ultrasonic images of multiple frames into blocks representing a common phase, which is another example of a common attribute.

[0159] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. Specifically, as Figure 22 shown, the segmentation function 533 divides the ultrasonic image into blocks based on time information (step S3A). Figure 23 is a diagram showing the block-making process of the ultrasonic image in the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. In Figure 23 the example shown, the segmentation function 533 divides ultrasonic images of multiple frames generated by continuous scanning of the subject in contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination into blocks representing a common phase (Arterial Phase (arterial phase): AP, Portal Venous Phase (portal venous phase): PVP, or Late Phase (late phase): LP). In addition, inFigure 23 In the example shown, for each block divided by each phase based on time information, the frame with the highest confidence level of the object to be examined, such as a lesion, calculated by the confidence calculation function 532 is determined.

[0160] As Figure 22 shown, when the display control function 534 performs a freeze operation (step S7: Yes), the ultrasonic image for examining the object to be examined determined by the determination function 536 is displayed (step S8A). In addition, the ultrasonic image for examining the object to be examined can also be determined based on the above-mentioned confidence level calculated by the confidence calculation function 532, for example. Figure 24 FIG. is a diagram showing a display process of an ultrasonic image for examining an object to be examined in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. In Figure 24 the example shown, the display control function 534 displays the ultrasonic image I for examining the object to be examined in each phase. In addition, in Figure 24 the example shown, the display control function 534 displays an image including the block image C2 containing each time information and the frame C3 with the highest confidence level on each block image C2 as a schematic image C schematically showing the block.

[0161] As described above, in the third embodiment, the segmentation function 533 divides the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames into blocks representing a common phase based on time. Thereby, the degree of freedom in examining the object to be examined can be improved, and the examination of the object to be examined uses the ultrasonic image for examining the object to be examined.

[0162] In addition, the term "processor" used in the above description, for example, means a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc. The processor realizes functions by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, it may be configured to directly incorporate the program into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuit. In addition, the processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit. It may also be configured as a processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. Furthermore, multiple constituent elements in Figure 1 may be unified into one processor to realize its functions.

[0163] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to simply and quickly perform an examination of an object to be examined based on an ultrasonic image.

[0164] The above describes several embodiments, but these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new devices and methods described in this specification can be implemented in various other ways. In addition, without departing from the gist of the invention, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the ways of the devices and methods described in this specification. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover the scope of the invention, including such ways and modifications as are included in the gist of the invention.

[0165] Description of Reference Numerals

[0166] 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic device

[0167] 2 Ultrasonic probe

[0168] 532 Confidence calculation function

[0169] 533 Segmentation function

[0170] 534 Display control function

[0171] 535 Suitability calculation function

[0172] 536 Decision function

[0173] 537 Replacement function

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, wherein: have: an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images by continuously scanning the subject using an ultrasonic probe; and The display unit displays each ultrasonic image group consisting of two or more frames having a common inspection object among the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames so that a position on the time axis at which the image group is acquired can be identified.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A recognition unit is provided for recognizing the inspection object respectively for the plurality of frames, The display unit displays, based on the recognition result of the recognition unit, each ultrasonic image group composed of two or more frames having the inspection object in common, so that a position on the time axis at which the image group is acquired can be identified.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: have: a suitability calculation unit that calculates a suitability indicating a degree of suitability of the inspection for the frame in which the inspection object is identified; and The determination unit determines an ultrasonic image for performing an inspection of the inspection object based on the suitability calculated by the suitability calculation unit.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The recognition unit recognizes the inspection object by dividing the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames into blocks representing a common attribute. The suitability calculation unit calculates the suitability for each of the blocks divided by the recognition unit. The determination unit determines an ultrasonic image for performing an inspection of the inspection object based on the suitability calculated by the suitability calculation unit for each of the blocks divided by the recognition unit.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The common attribute is a common inspection object, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a confidence calculation unit that calculates a confidence level that the ultrasonic image includes a cross section corresponding to the inspection object. The recognition unit divides the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames into the blocks representing the common inspection object based on the confidence calculated by the confidence calculation unit.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The common attribute is the common phase, The recognition unit divides the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames into the blocks representing a common time phase based on time.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The display unit displays the block images representing the blocks divided by the identification section so as to enable identifiable positions on the time axis.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The display unit changes the display color of the block image according to the confidence calculated by the confidence calculation unit.

9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The display unit displays the block image in a gradual manner according to the confidence calculated by the confidence calculation unit.

10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: A replacement unit is further provided for replacing the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object determined by the determination unit with an ultrasonic image of a frame selected by a user from among the block images displayed by the display unit as the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object.

11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The recognition unit divides the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames into the blocks in real time during the scanning. The display unit displays the block image together with the ultrasonic image in real time during the scanning.

12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: When the plurality of inspection objects are simultaneously included in the plurality of frames of ultrasonic images, the recognition unit divides the plurality of frames of ultrasonic images into the blocks for each of the plurality of inspection objects. The display unit displays the block images of each of the plurality of inspection objects so that they overlap or are arranged side by side.

13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The display unit further displays a graph indicating the confidence calculated by the confidence calculation unit.

14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The recognition unit reduces the block based on the detection value of the inspection object included in the block, The suitability calculation unit calculates the suitability for the block reduced by the recognition unit.

15. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: The suitability calculation unit calculates the suitability based on the detection value of the inspection object.

16. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The block image is an image schematically representing the block, The display unit arranges and displays the plurality of image blocks in time series, and displays a frame having the highest confidence calculated by the confidence calculation unit on each image block.

17. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: The display unit changes the display color of the block image according to the inspection object.

18. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The block image is a thumbnail image of the ultrasonic image for each of the blocks, The display unit displays the thumbnails so as to be selectable by a user operation, and displays the ultrasonic image corresponding to the thumbnail selected by the user operation.

19. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The block image is an image indicating the head frame number and the tail frame number in the block.

20. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The display unit displays the ultrasonic image for inspecting the inspection object determined by the determination unit in accordance with a user operation.

21. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The subject is a mother, The inspection object is the size of the fetus in the mother's body.

Images