Ultrasound diagnostic equipment

Abstract

This ultrasonic diagnostic device comprises a sheet material that can be bonded to a surface of a living body and has a two-dimensional code on the surface of the sheet material, the two-dimensional code indicating a position in the surface of the sheet material, an ultrasonic search unit that emits ultrasonic waves to the living body having the bonded sheet material and receives an ultrasonic echo reflected in the living body, a probe that is movable on the surface of the living body through the sheet material and is provided with the ultrasonic search unit, an imaging device that is provided at the probe and is capable of imaging the two-dimensional code, a tilt angle sensor provided at the probe, a probe identification unit that identifies the position of the probe on the surface of the living body on the basis of the two-dimensional code imaged by the imaging device and identifies the tilt angle of the probe with respect to the vertical direction on the basis of the result of detection by the tilt angle sensor, and an image generation unit that generates a diagnostic image indicating the result of an ultrasonic diagnosis of the living body on the basis of the ultrasonic echo.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an ultrasound diagnostic device. This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-19567, filed on February 10, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a sheet material with a two-dimensional code drawn on its surface is attached to the surface of a pipe, and ultrasonic flaw detection of the pipe is performed from above the sheet material. In this technology, a reader that reads the two-dimensional code is attached to an ultrasonic probe, and position data on the pipe is obtained based on the two-dimensional code read by the reader. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-203786 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, ultrasonic waves are irradiated in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the pipe in order to properly perform ultrasonic flaw detection on the pipe. That is, the ultrasonic probe that emits the ultrasonic waves is positioned perpendicular to the surface of the pipe. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the target of ultrasonic flaw detection is the pipe, which is a rigid body and therefore does not deform during ultrasonic flaw detection. For this reason, in Patent Document 1, ultrasonic flaw detection on the pipe is performed while maintaining the ultrasonic probe positioned perpendicular to the surface of the pipe.

[0005] For example, various organs inside the abdomen of a living body may be ultrasonically diagnosed using an ultrasound diagnostic device. In this case, if ultrasound is irradiated into the living body in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the living body, the ultrasound may be blocked by, for example, bones or other organs, making it difficult for the ultrasound to reach the target organ. Furthermore, it may be desirable to irradiate the target organ with ultrasound from multiple directions. In such cases, a diagnostician may perform ultrasound diagnosis of the target organ while pushing a probe equipped with an ultrasound probe into the interior of the living body and tilting the probe relative to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the living body to avoid bones, etc. Because the surface of the abdomen of a living body is a soft body that can flexibly deform, it is possible to push and tilt the probe into the interior of the living body.

[0006] Here, when the probe is tilted by being pushed in from a non-pushed state, the position of the probe relative to the surface of the living body may remain almost unchanged. For example, assume that the technology of Patent Document 1 is applied to ultrasound diagnosis of a living body, and position data of the probe relative to the surface of the living body is obtained. It is difficult to properly distinguish the thus-obtained probe position data between ultrasound diagnosis performed without tilting the probe and ultrasound diagnosis performed with the probe pushed into the living body and tilted. Patent Document 1, however, performs ultrasonic flaw detection on a rigid pipe, and tilting the ultrasonic probe relative to the surface of the pipe reduces the accuracy of the ultrasonic flaw detection. Therefore, the concept of intentionally tilting the ultrasonic probe relative to the surface of the pipe is not considered.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that can appropriately grasp the relationship between the position and orientation of a probe relative to the surface of a living body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, an ultrasound diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sheet material that can be attached to the surface of a living organism and has a two-dimensional code on its surface that indicates a position within the surface of the sheet material; an ultrasound probe that irradiates ultrasound onto the living organism through the sheet material and receives ultrasound echoes reflected inside the living organism; a probe that is movable over the surface of the living organism to which the sheet material is attached and is provided with the ultrasound probe; an imaging device that is provided on the probe and is capable of capturing an image of the two-dimensional code; an inclination angle sensor that is provided on the probe; a probe identification unit that identifies the position of the probe on the surface of the living organism based on the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging device and identifies the inclination angle of the probe relative to the vertical direction based on the detection result of the inclination angle sensor; and an image generation unit that generates a diagnostic image showing the results of ultrasound diagnosis of the living organism based on the ultrasound echoes. a storage unit in which diagnostic criteria information is stored in advance, in which an allowable range of a probe position for diagnosing a specific organ in a living body and an allowable range of a probe tilt angle for diagnosing the specific organ are associated with each other; The image generating unit generates a position image showing the current position of the probe based on the position of the probe identified by the probe identifying unit, and superimposes the position image on an image showing a cross section of the inside of the living body in the diagnostic image. The probe specifying unit outputs a predetermined alarm when, at the time of diagnosing a specific organ, the current probe position is outside the allowable range of probe positions indicated in the diagnostic criteria information, or when the current probe tilt angle is outside the allowable range of probe tilt angles indicated in the diagnostic criteria information. .

[0009] The image generation unit may associate a depth scale indicating the depth from the surface of the living body with one side of the diagnostic image corresponding to the direction of ultrasound irradiation, and set at least one of the depth scale value and the scale of the diagnostic image based on the inclination angle of the probe.

[0011] The probe identification unit may identify the orientation of the probe, which indicates the angle of the probe around an axis normal to the surface of the sheet material, based on the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging device, and the image generation unit may generate a diagnostic image that is flipped left and right in the surface direction along the surface of the sheet material in the diagnostic image if the orientation of the probe exceeds a predetermined range.

[0012] The image generation unit may generate an area image corresponding to the area where the sheet material is attached to the living body, and change the display mode of a portion of the area image that meets predetermined conditions indicating that scanning with a probe has been performed from the initial display mode of that portion before scanning with the probe was performed.

[0014] The probe may further include an orientation sensor that detects the attitude of the probe, and the probe identification unit may be configured to identify the inclination angle of the probe relative to the vertical direction based on the detection result of the orientation sensor when the inclination angle of the inclination angle sensor exceeds the upper limit value of the detection range of the inclination angle sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately grasp the relationship between the position of the probe and the orientation of the probe relative to the surface of the living body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the probe. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for identifying the position of a probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is a diagram showing an example of ultrasonic diagnosis performed with almost no tilting of the probe according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 4B is a diagram showing an example of ultrasonic diagnosis performed with tilting of the probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for identifying the tilt angle of the probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the probe identification process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of image generation processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the control device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for ease of understanding and do not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present disclosure are not shown.

[0018] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment performs ultrasonic diagnosis on a living body 2, such as a human body, as a diagnostic target. The diagnostic target is not limited to the living body 2, and may be any object. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a sheet material 10, a probe 12, a flaw detection device 14, and an image generation device 16.

[0019] The sheet material 10 is made of a material that transmits ultrasound and is formed into a flexible sheet. The shape of the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 is rectangular, but is not limited to a rectangle and may be any shape. The sheet material 10 can be attached to the surface of the living body 2. For example, a couplant that transmits ultrasound is applied to the abdominal surface of the living body 2, and the sheet material 10 is attached onto the couplant.

[0020] A two-dimensional code 20 representing a position within the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 is drawn on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10. The two-dimensional code 20 is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). The two-dimensional code 20 has encrypted data written on a two-dimensional square surface.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the direction along one side of the sheet material 10 is defined as the X direction, and the direction along the other side perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction. The normal direction to the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 is defined as the Z direction. A plurality of two-dimensional codes 20 are arranged at predetermined intervals in each of the X direction and the Y direction of the sheet material 10. The predetermined intervals can be set arbitrarily, for example, to 10 mm. While FIG. 1 illustrates the two-dimensional code 20 on a portion of the surface 10a, the two-dimensional code 20 is actually drawn across the entire surface 10a of the sheet material 10.

[0022] The two-dimensional code 20 has encrypted coordinate data indicating a position on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10. For example, a two-dimensional code 20 placed at a predetermined corner of the sheet material 10 (for example, the lower right corner of the sheet material 10 in FIG. 1) is set as the two-dimensional code 20 at the reference position. The two-dimensional code 20 that is m-th in the X direction and n-th in the Y direction from the two-dimensional code 20 at the reference position has encrypted coordinate data of "m, n". As will be described later, the position on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 can be identified based on this coordinate data and the predetermined spacing between the two-dimensional codes 20.

[0023] The probe 12 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rod that can be held by a user of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 (for example, a diagnostician performing ultrasound diagnosis). The tip 12a of the probe 12 widens in a T-shape. When performing ultrasound diagnosis, the user brings the tip 12a of the probe 12 into contact with the sheet material 10. The probe 12 is movable on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10. In other words, the probe 12 is movable on the surface of the living body 2 to which the sheet material 10 is attached.

[0024] 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the probe 12. The probe 12 is formed of, for example, a translucent material. However, the material of the probe 12 is not limited to a translucent material. The probe 12 is provided with an ultrasonic probe 22, an imaging device 24, a tilt angle sensor 26, and an operation switch 28. However, the operation switch 28 may be omitted.

[0025] The ultrasonic probe 22 is built into the tip 12a of the probe 12. The ultrasonic probe 22 has one or more vibrators. The vibrators are formed of, for example, piezoelectric elements. When a voltage is applied to a vibrator, the vibrator vibrates. The ultrasonic probe 22 generates ultrasonic waves as the vibrator vibrates, and emits the generated ultrasonic waves from the tip 12a of the probe 12. When the sheet material 10 is attached to the living body 2 and the probe 12 is placed on the sheet material 10, the ultrasonic probe 22 can irradiate ultrasonic waves to the living body 2 through the sheet material 10.

[0026] The ultrasonic waves irradiated into the inside of the living body 2 propagate through the inside of the living body 2 and are reflected, for example, by organs inside the living body 2. A portion of the reflected ultrasonic waves propagate through the inside of the living body 2 and return to the ultrasonic probe 22. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic waves that reflect off the irradiated ultrasonic waves and reach the ultrasonic probe 22 may be referred to as ultrasonic echoes. The ultrasonic probe 22 can receive the ultrasonic echoes reflected inside the living body 2. The oscillator of the ultrasonic probe 22 vibrates when it receives the ultrasonic echo and converts the vibrations into a voltage. The converted voltage is transmitted to the flaw detection device 14.

[0027] The flaw detection device 14 shown in FIG. 1 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe 22. The flaw detection device 14 controls the emission of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 22. For example, the flaw detection device 14 scans the direction of ultrasonic wave emission in the direction in which the side surface of the tip 12a of the probe 12 protrudes. The flaw detection device 14 can also acquire a voltage indicating an ultrasonic echo received by the ultrasonic probe 22. The flaw detection device 14 performs predetermined signal processing, such as A / D conversion, on the acquired voltage, and transmits the processed signal to the image generation device 16. The signal transmitted to the image generation device 16 is data indicating an ultrasonic echo, although the predetermined signal processing has been performed.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging device 24 includes a light guide 24a, a lens 24b, and a light receiving element 24c. The light guide 24a is provided at the tip 12a of the probe 12 and is disposed adjacent to the ultrasound probe 22. The tip of the light guide 24a faces forward from the tip 12a of the probe 12. The lens 24b is disposed at the rear end of the light guide 24a. The light receiving element 24c is disposed on the opposite side of the lens 24b from the light guide 24a. The light guide 24a is formed into a box shape from a material that guides light. The light guide 24a may be provided with an illumination member that irradiates light. The light guide 24a guides light in the axial direction of the light guide 24a, which extends from the tip to the rear end of the light guide 24a. The lens 24b collects the light guided by the light guide 24a onto the light receiving element 24c. Light is incident on the light receiving element 24c through the lens 24b. The light receiving element 24c converts the received light into an electrical signal, and is able to obtain data representing an image.

[0029] The imaging device 24 is installed at the tip 12a of the probe 12 so as to be able to image the area beyond the tip 12a of the probe 12. In other words, the imaging device 24 is installed near the ultrasonic probe 22 so as to be able to image the area roughly in the irradiation direction of the ultrasonic probe 22. Therefore, when the probe 12 is placed on the sheet material 10, the imaging device 24 can image the two-dimensional code 20 on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 within the field of view of the imaging device 24.

[0030] Image data including the two-dimensional code 20 captured by the imaging device 24 is transmitted to the image generating device 16. As will be described later, the image generating device 16 can identify the position of the probe 12 on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 based on the two-dimensional code 20 captured by the imaging device 24.

[0031] 1, the angle around the axis in the normal direction (Z direction) to the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 is defined as angle θz. Hereinafter, the attitude of the probe 12 in the angle θz direction when the probe 12 is placed on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 may be referred to as the orientation of the probe 12. As will be described later, the image generating device 16 can identify the angle θz of the probe 12, i.e., the orientation of the probe 12, based on the two-dimensional code 20 captured by the imaging device 24.

[0032] The tilt angle sensor 26 is installed at the rear end 12b of the probe 12. The tilt angle sensor 26 is not limited to being installed at the rear end 12b, but may be installed at any position on the probe 12. The tilt angle sensor 26 is configured by, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems). The tilt angle sensor 26 can detect the tilt angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction.

[0033] 1, the direction along which the side surface of tip 12a of probe 12 protrudes is defined as direction A, and the direction along which the side surface of tip 12a of probe 12 does not protrude is defined as direction B. The angle around the axis in direction A is defined as inclination angle θa, and the angle around the axis in direction B is defined as inclination angle θb. The angle around the axis in the X direction of sheet material 10 is defined as inclination angle θx, and the angle around the axis in the Y direction of sheet material 10 is defined as inclination angle θy.

[0034] The tilt angle sensor 26 can detect the absolute tilt angles θa and θb of the probe 12 relative to the vertical direction. The tilt angles θa and θb are tilt angles in the coordinate system of the probe 12.

[0035] The detection result of the inclination angle sensor 26 is transmitted to the image generating device 16. As will be described later, the image generating device 16 can identify the inclination angles θx and θy, which are the inclination angles of the probe 12 relative to the vertical direction and are also the inclination angles of the sheet material 10 in the coordinate system, based on the inclination angles θa and θb detected by the inclination angle sensor 26 and the angle θz of the probe 12.

[0036] The operation switch 28 is provided on the side of the distal end portion 12a where the side surface does not protrude. The operation switch 28 is provided closer to the distal end portion 12a than the center in the axial direction of the probe 12 extending from the rear end portion 12b to the distal end portion 12a. The operation switch 28 is not limited to being provided at the position illustrated, and may be provided at any position on the probe 12. The operation switch 28 accepts an input operation by the user, and information indicating the input operation is transmitted to the image generation device 16. For example, when the operation switch 28 is pressed, the image generation device 16 may store an image indicating the results of ultrasound diagnosis in a storage device 34, which will be described later.

[0037] The image generating device 16 is electrically connected to the flaw detection device 14. As will be described later, the image generating device 16 generates a diagnostic image showing the results of ultrasound diagnosis of the living body 2 based on data showing ultrasound echoes. The image generating device 16 includes a communication unit 30, a user interface 32, a storage device 34, and a control device 36.

[0038] The communication unit 30 can communicate with the flaw detection device 14 via a wired or wireless connection. Furthermore, the communication unit 30 can also communicate with the imaging device 24 and the tilt angle sensor 26 via a wired or wireless connection. The communication unit 30 may communicate directly with the imaging device 24 and the tilt angle sensor 26 without going through the flaw detection device 14, or may communicate indirectly with the imaging device 24 and the tilt angle sensor 26 via the flaw detection device 14.

[0039] The user interface 32 includes a display unit 32a that displays various images and information. The display unit 32a is configured with various display devices such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. In addition to the display unit 32a, the user interface 32 may also include an output device, such as a speaker, that presents various information to the user. The user interface 32 also includes an input device, such as a keyboard or a mouse, that accepts input operations from the user.

[0040] The storage device 34 is composed of a non-volatile storage element and functions as a storage unit. The storage device 34 may store data indicating ultrasonic echoes detected by the ultrasound probe 22. The storage device 34 may also store diagnostic images generated by the image generation device 16. In this case, the diagnostic images may be stored in the storage device 34 in association with the positions of the probe 12 and the tilt angles of the probe 12 corresponding to the diagnostic images.

[0041] The control device 36 includes one or more processors 40 and one or more memories 42 connected to the processors 40. The memory 42 includes a ROM in which programs and the like are stored and a RAM as a work area. The processor 40 controls the entire image generation device 16 in cooperation with the programs stored in the memory 42. The control device 36 of the image generation device 16 also functions as a probe identification unit 50 and an image generation unit 52 by executing the programs.

[0042] The probe identification unit 50 identifies the position of the probe 12 on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 based on the two-dimensional code 20 imaged by the imaging device 24. Since the probe 12 is placed on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 with the sheet material 10 attached to the surface of the living organism 2, identifying the position of the probe 12 on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 results in identifying the position of the probe 12 on the surface of the living organism 2.

[0043] In addition, the probe identification unit 50 identifies the orientation of the probe 12, which indicates the angle θz of the probe 12 around the axis normal to the surface 10a of the sheet material 10, based on the two-dimensional code 20 imaged by the imaging device 24.

[0044] The image generation unit 52 generates a diagnostic image showing the results of the ultrasound diagnosis of the living body 2 based on the ultrasonic echoes acquired through the ultrasound probe 22 and the flaw detection device 14. In addition to the diagnostic image, the image generation unit 52 may generate various images related to the ultrasound diagnosis, as described below. The image generation unit 52 also functions as a display control unit that controls the display unit 32a. The image generation unit 52 causes the display unit 32a to display various generated images such as diagnostic images, captured images captured by the imaging device, and various other information.

[0045] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for identifying the position of the probe 12 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows some of the multiple two-dimensional codes 20 on the sheet material 10. A frame 60 in Fig. 3 indicates an example of an image captured by the imaging device 24. The two-dimensional code 20 has identification points 62 set at three corners of the two-dimensional surface of a square.

[0046] The probe identifying unit 50 acquires a captured image from the imaging device 24 via the communication unit 30. Based on the acquired captured image, the probe identifying unit 50 searches for the identification point 62 that is closest to the center T of the captured image. The probe identifying unit 50 also identifies two other identification points 62 in relation to the found identification point 62, and identifies the two-dimensional code 20 that is closest to the center T. In the example of FIG. 3 , it is assumed that the two-dimensional code 20a is the two-dimensional code 20 that is closest to the center T.

[0047] The probe identifying unit 50 decodes the identified two-dimensional code 20a and acquires coordinate data contained in the two-dimensional code 20a. This coordinate data is assumed to be the coordinates of the center of the two-dimensional code 20a, identified from the three identification points 62 of the two-dimensional code 20a. Here, the storage device 34 has pre-stored arrangement interval information indicating the arrangement intervals of the multiple two-dimensional codes 20 drawn on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10. The probe identifying unit 50 identifies the position of the identified two-dimensional code 20a on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 based on the arrangement interval information and the acquired coordinate data.

[0048] Here, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1, it is assumed that the two-dimensional code 20a1 is not rotated around an axis that intersects perpendicularly with the surface of the captured image. The probe identification unit 50 derives the angle θz of the two-dimensional code 20a with respect to the two-dimensional code 20a1 based on the positions of each identification point 62 of the two-dimensional code 20a. In other words, the angle θz of the probe relative to the surface 10a of the sheet material 10, in other words, the orientation of the probe 12, is derived.

[0049] The probe identifying unit 50 derives the position of the center T of the captured image on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 based on the identified position of the two-dimensional code 20a, the derived angle θz, and the position of the non-rotated two-dimensional code 20a1 in the captured image. Here, the storage device 34 pre-stores the distance between the imaging device 24 and the ultrasound probe 22, i.e., the offset amount of the center T of the captured image relative to the ultrasound probe 22. The probe identifying unit 50 identifies the position of the probe 12 on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 based on the derived position of the center T of the captured image and the offset amount stored in the storage device 34. The identified position of the probe 12 corresponds to the position of the probe 12 on the surface of the living body 2.

[0050] Fig. 4A is a diagram showing an example of ultrasonic diagnosis performed with almost no tilting of the probe 12 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4B is a diagram showing an example of ultrasonic diagnosis performed with tilting of the probe 12 according to the first embodiment. The arrows in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B indicate an example of the direction of ultrasonic wave irradiation.

[0051] When performing ultrasound diagnosis on a living body 2, as shown in Figure 4A, the user basically performs ultrasound diagnosis by standing the probe 12 perpendicular to the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 so that ultrasound is irradiated into the interior of the living body 2 approximately perpendicularly from the surface of the living body 2.

[0052] However, depending on the type of organ being examined, vertical irradiation of ultrasound waves as shown in FIG. 4A may result in the ultrasound waves being blocked by bones or other organs, making it difficult for the ultrasound waves to reach the target organ. Furthermore, it may be desirable to irradiate the target organ with ultrasound waves from multiple directions. In such cases, the diagnostician may perform ultrasound diagnosis of the target organ by pushing the probe 12 toward the interior of the living body 2 while tilting the probe 12 relative to the surface of the living body 2. The abdomen of the living body 2, for example, is a soft body whose surface is flexible and deformable. Therefore, by pushing the probe 12 toward the interior of the living body 2, the surface of the living body 2 can be indented. As a result, the probe 12 can be tilted while properly contacting the surface 10a of the sheet material 10. This allows ultrasound waves to be obliquely irradiated into the interior of the living body 2, enabling ultrasound diagnosis of the target organ while avoiding bones and other obstructions.

[0053] 4A, when the probe 12 is not pressed in, but is pressed in and tilted as shown in FIG. 4B, the position of the probe 12 relative to the surface of the living body 2 may remain almost unchanged. In this case, even if the position of the probe 12 is identified based on the captured two-dimensional code 20, it is difficult to appropriately distinguish whether the position of the probe 12 identified in this manner is one in which ultrasound diagnosis was performed without tilting the probe 12, or one in which ultrasound diagnosis was performed by pressing the probe 12 into the living body 2 and tilting it.

[0054] Therefore, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the first embodiment, the probe 12 is provided with an inclination angle sensor 26. Then, the probe identifying unit 50 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 identifies the inclination angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction based on the detection result of the inclination angle sensor 26. As a result, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the first embodiment, even if the position of the probe 12 is the same, the inclination angle of the probe 12 is identified, making it possible to appropriately grasp the relationship between the position of the probe 12 and the inclination angle of the probe 12.

[0055] 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for determining the tilt angle of the probe 12 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 is shown in a plan view as viewed from above the surface 10a of the sheet material 10.

[0056] In the example of Fig. 5, the probe 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle θz around the Z-direction axis with respect to the sheet material 10. As a result, in the example of Fig. 5, the A-direction of the probe 12 is offset in the direction of angle θz with respect to the X-direction of the sheet material 10, and the B-direction of the probe 12 is offset in the direction of angle θz with respect to the Y-direction of the sheet material 10. As a result, in the example of Fig. 5, the tilt angle θa of the probe 12 about the A-direction axis with respect to the vertical direction is offset in the direction of angle θz with respect to the tilt angle θx of the probe 12 about the X-direction axis with respect to the vertical direction. Similarly, the tilt angle θb of the probe 12 about the B-direction axis with respect to the vertical direction is offset in the direction of angle θz with respect to the tilt angle θy of the probe 12 about the Y-direction axis with respect to the vertical direction.

[0057] The inclination angle sensor 26 is fixed to the probe 12 and therefore detects the inclination angle of the probe 12 relative to the vertical direction in the coordinate system of the probe 12. That is, the inclination angle sensor 26 detects the inclination angle θa around the axis in the A direction and the inclination angle θb around the axis in the B direction.

[0058] The probe identification unit 50 converts the tilt angles θa and θb detected by the tilt angle sensor 26 into the coordinate system of the sheet material 10 using the orientation of the probe 12 relative to the sheet material 10, i.e., the angle θz. More specifically, the probe identification unit 50 resolves the tilt angle θa into a tilt angle θx component and a tilt angle θy component based on the angle θz. The probe identification unit 50 resolves the tilt angle θb into a tilt angle θx component and a tilt angle θy component based on the angle θz. The probe identification unit 50 combines the tilt angle θx component of the tilt angle θa with the tilt angle θx component of the tilt angle θb to obtain the tilt angle θx. The probe identification unit 50 combines the tilt angle θy component of the tilt angle θa with the tilt angle θy component of the tilt angle θb to obtain the tilt angle θy. The derived tilt angles θx and θy are the tilt angles of the probe 12 relative to the vertical direction identified in the coordinate system of the sheet material 10.

[0059] The probe identifying unit 50 associates the identified position of the probe 12 with the identified tilt angle of the probe 12. More preferably, the probe identifying unit 50 associates the identified position of the probe 12 with the identified tilt angle of the probe 12 and the ultrasonic echo when the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12 are identified. The probe identifying unit 50 may store the associated data in the storage device 34.

[0060] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the display unit 32a according to the first embodiment. The image generation unit 52 generates a waveform image 70 showing the change in amplitude of the ultrasonic echo over time, based on data showing the ultrasonic echo. As shown in Fig. 6, the image generation unit 52 displays the waveform image 70 in the lower left region of the display screen, which is divided into four parts. A time scale 72a indicating time is associated with one side extending in the horizontal direction at the bottom of the waveform image 70. An amplitude scale 72b indicating the amplitude of the ultrasonic echo is associated with the other side extending in the vertical direction at the left part of the waveform image 70.

[0061] The image generator 52 generates a diagnostic image 74 showing the diagnostic results of the ultrasound diagnosis based on data showing the ultrasonic echoes. For example, the image generator 52 generates two types of diagnostic images 74: a first diagnostic image 74a showing a substantially fan-shaped cross section inside the living body 2, and a second diagnostic image 74b showing a rectangular cross section inside the living body 2. The first diagnostic image 74a is an image of a substantially fan-shaped cross section corresponding to the ultrasonic scanning control by the flaw detector 14. The second diagnostic image 74b is, for example, an image obtained by cropping and enlarging a portion of the first diagnostic image 74a.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6, the image generator 52 displays a first diagnostic image 74a in the lower right region of the display screen, which is one of the four regions divided into four. The image generator 52 displays a second diagnostic image 74b in the upper right region of the display screen, which is one of the four regions divided into four. One side extending in the vertical direction on the left side of the first diagnostic image 74a and the second diagnostic image 74b corresponds to the direction of ultrasound irradiation, and a depth scale 76a indicating the depth from the surface of the living body 2 is associated with this side. The other side extending in the horizontal direction on the bottom side of the first diagnostic image 74a and the second diagnostic image 74b is associated with a planar length scale 76b indicating the length in a plane direction approximately parallel to the surface of the living body 2.

[0063] The image generation unit 52 generates an area image 78 corresponding to the area of ​​the living body 2 where the sheet material 10 is attached. Each position on the area image 78 corresponds to each position on the sheet material 10. The image generation unit 52 displays the area image 78 in the upper left region of the four-quarter display screen. An X-direction scale 80a indicating the position of the sheet material 10 in the X direction is associated with one side extending in the vertical direction on the left side of the area image 78. A Y-direction scale 80b indicating the position of the sheet material 10 in the Y direction is associated with one side extending in the horizontal direction on the bottom side of the area image 78.

[0064] Here, the user performs ultrasound diagnosis on a plurality of organs inside the living body 2 one by one. For example, when switching the organ to be diagnosed to the next organ, the user moves the probe 12 on the sheet material 10 along the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 from a position corresponding to the previous organ to a position corresponding to the next organ. Such movement of the probe 12 on the sheet material 10 is one form of scanning by the probe 12.

[0065] The image generation unit 52 changes the display mode of a portion of the area image 78 that satisfies a predetermined condition indicating that scanning by the probe 12 has been performed from the initial display mode of that portion before scanning by the probe 12. For example, if the two-dimensional code 20 can be read and the position of the probe 12 can be derived based on the two-dimensional code 20, the image generation unit 52 may determine that the predetermined condition has been satisfied in the portion of the area image 78 that corresponds to the derived position of the probe 12. In the example of FIG. 6, a blank display is the initial display mode, and a hatched display is a display mode different from the initial display mode. That is, in the example of FIG. 6, the hatched display corresponds to the portion that has been scanned by the probe 12. Note that in the example of FIG. 6, the scanned portion is displayed as a hatched display, but the display mode different from the initial display mode is not limited to this example. For example, any display method may be applied, such as a display mode in which the scanned portion is filled with a specific color different from the display color of the unscanned portion.

[0066] In this way, as the user scans the probe 12, the display mode of the scanned portion in the area image 78 changes, allowing the user to clearly distinguish and recognize the portion scanned by the probe 12. As a result, the user can confirm whether the probe 12 is scanning along the appropriate scanning route. Furthermore, since the user can recognize the portion not scanned by the probe 12, it is possible to prevent the omission of a diagnostic region.

[0067] The image generating unit 52 is not limited to displaying the generated images in the layout exemplified in FIG. 6, and may display the images in any layout.

[0068] The image generator 52 generates a position image 82 indicating the current position of the probe 12 based on the position of the probe 12 identified by the probe identifier 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the image generator 52 displays the position image 82 on the display unit 32a, superimposed on the diagnostic image 74. For example, the position image 82 is a cursor consisting of a horizontal line 82a and a vertical line 82b. The horizontal line 82a indicates the position of the probe 12 on the sheet material 10 in the X direction. The vertical line 82b indicates the position of the probe 12 on the sheet material 10 in the Y direction. The intersection of the horizontal line 82a and the vertical line 82b represents the position of the probe 12. In the example of FIG. 6, the horizontal line 82a and the vertical line 82b are displayed on each of the first diagnostic image 74a and the second diagnostic image 74b. The horizontal line 82a and the vertical line 82b are displayed in real time in synchronization with the current position of the probe 12.

[0069] In this way, the position image 82 is displayed superimposed on the diagnostic image 74, allowing the user to intuitively grasp the position of the probe 12 and to check the diagnostic image 74 and the position of the probe 12 in parallel.

[0070] In addition, the image generation unit 52 may also superimpose and display the position image 82 including the horizontal line 82a and the vertical line 82b on the waveform image 70, or may also superimpose and display the position image 82 including the horizontal line 82a and the vertical line 82b on the area image 78.

[0071] Furthermore, the image generation unit 52 is not limited to the mode in which it generates and displays on the display unit 32a the position image 82 based on the identified position of the probe 12. For example, the image generation unit 52 may generate text information such as numbers, letters, or symbols indicating the identified position of the probe 12 and display it on the display unit 32a.

[0072] The image generating section 52 may set at least one of the value of the depth scale 76 a in the diagnostic image 74 and the scale of the diagnostic image 74 based on the tilt angle of the probe 12 identified by the probe identifying section 50 .

[0073] For example, a portion of the surface of the living body 2 that the probe 12 contacts with, with the sheet material 10 sandwiched therebetween, is set as a reference portion. The image generation unit 52 derives a relationship between the irradiation distance of ultrasound from the reference portion in the direction of ultrasound irradiation and the depth from the reference portion toward the interior of the living body 2 based on the irradiation distance and the inclination angle of the probe 12. The image generation unit 52 sets the value of the depth scale 76a in the diagnostic image 74 based on the derived relationship between the irradiation distance and the depth. For example, the image generation unit 52 sets the value of the depth scale 76a so that the greater the inclination angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction, the smaller the value of the depth scale 76a, and displays the set value of the depth scale 76a at the position of the depth scale 76a in the displayed image.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, the image generation unit 52 may set the scale of the diagnostic image 74, in other words, the size of the diagnostic image 74, based on the derived relationship between the irradiation distance and the depth. For example, the image generation unit 52 sets the scale of the diagnostic image 74 to be smaller as the tilt angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction increases, and displays the diagnostic image 74 at the set scale of the diagnostic image 74.

[0075] In this way, at least one of the value of depth scale 76a and the scale of diagnostic image 74 is set, allowing the user to intuitively grasp the depth of each position in diagnostic image 74. As a result, the burden on the user in analyzing diagnostic image 74 can be reduced.

[0076] The image generating unit 52 is not limited to the aspect in which it sets the value of the depth scale 76a and the like based on the identified tilt angle of the probe 12. For example, the image generating unit 52 may generate text information such as numbers, letters, or symbols indicating the identified tilt angle of the probe 12 and display it on the display unit 32a.

[0077] In the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, the probe identifying unit 50 identifies the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12, allowing the image generating device 16 to appropriately grasp the relationship between the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12. Furthermore, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, the diagnostic image 74, the position image 82, and the like are displayed on the display unit 32a, allowing the user to more appropriately grasp the relationship between the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12. Note that, without being limited to the manner in which the diagnostic image 74 and the position image 82 are displayed, the relationship between the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12 may be more appropriately grasped by displaying information including the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12 on the display unit 32a.

[0078] The image generator 52 may determine whether the orientation of the probe 12 (i.e., the angle θz) derived by the probe identifying unit 50 exceeds a predetermined range. The predetermined range is set, for example, between −90° and +90°, but may be set to any value. When the orientation of the probe 12 (i.e., the angle θz) exceeds the predetermined range, the image generator 52 may generate a diagnostic image 74 by flipping the diagnostic image 74 horizontally with respect to the surface direction along the front surface 10a of the sheet material 10. The image generator 52 then displays the diagnostic image 74 after the horizontal flip on the display unit 32a. For example, when the angle θz exceeds the predetermined range, the image generator 52 performs image processing on the first diagnostic image 74a so that the first diagnostic image 74a is symmetrical about the center of the first diagnostic image 74a in the horizontal direction, and then displays the processed first diagnostic image 74a on the display unit 32a.

[0079] In this way, the diagnostic image 74 is flipped left and right according to the orientation of the probe 12, so the user does not need to mentally interpret the diagnostic image 74 as being left and right reversed, even if the diagnosis is made with the probe 12 significantly rotated relative to the sheet material 10. As a result, the burden on the user in analyzing the diagnostic image 74 can be reduced.

[0080] The image generator 52 generates the diagnostic image 74 based on the ultrasonic echoes. However, as described above, the depth scale 76a or the scale of the diagnostic image 74 is set based on the tilt angle of the probe 12. Therefore, it can also be said that the diagnostic image 74 is generated based on the ultrasonic echoes and the tilt angle of the probe 12. As described above, the image generator 52 generates a diagnostic image that is flipped left and right based on the orientation of the probe 12. Therefore, it can also be said that the diagnostic image is generated based on the ultrasonic echoes and the orientation of the probe. The image generator 52 may also generate the diagnostic image 74 based on the ultrasonic echoes and the position of the probe 12. For example, the image generator 52 may set the value of the planar length scale 76b of the diagnostic image 74 based on the position of the probe 12. The image generator 52 may also generate the diagnostic image 74 based on the ultrasonic echoes, the position of the probe 12, and the tilt angle of the probe 12.

[0081] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the control device 36 according to the first embodiment. The control device 36 executes a series of processes shown in Fig. 7 every time a predetermined interrupt timing occurs at a predetermined cycle.

[0082] When a predetermined interrupt timing arrives, the probe identification unit 50 of the control device 36 executes a probe identification process (S11) to identify the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12. The probe identification process (S11) will be described in detail later.

[0083] After the probe identification process, the image generation unit 52 of the control device 36 executes an image generation process (S12) for generating at least a diagnostic image 74, and ends the series of processes at this interrupt timing. The image generation process (S12) will be described in detail later.

[0084] 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the probe identification process (S11) according to the first embodiment. When the probe identification process starts, the probe identification unit 50 acquires an image captured by the imaging device 24 from the imaging device 24 via the communication unit 30 (S20). The probe identification unit 50 decodes the two-dimensional code 20 in the acquired captured image and acquires coordinate data of the two-dimensional code 20 (S21).

[0085] The probe identifying unit 50 derives the angle θz of the probe 12 around the Z axis relative to the sheet material 10 based on the orientation of the decoded two-dimensional code 20 in the captured image (S22). The probe identifying unit 50 identifies the position of the probe 12 relative to the sheet material 10 based on the coordinate data of the decoded two-dimensional code 20, the angle θz, and the offset amount of the imaging device 24 stored in the storage device 34 (S23).

[0086] Next, the probe identifying unit 50 acquires the detection results of the inclination angle sensor 26 through the communication unit 30 (S24). For example, the probe identifying unit 50 acquires the inclination angle θa and the inclination angle θb, which are the detection results detected by the inclination angle sensor 26.

[0087] The probe identifying unit 50 identifies the inclination angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction in the coordinate system of the sheet material 10 based on the detection result of the inclination angle sensor 26 (S25). For example, the probe identifying unit 50 converts the inclination angles θa and θb acquired from the inclination angle sensor 26 into inclination angles θx and θy related to the coordinate system of the sheet material 10 based on the angle θz derived in step S22. The inclination angles θx and θy are the inclination angles of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction identified in the coordinate system of the sheet material 10.

[0088] Next, the probe identification unit 50 acquires data indicating the ultrasonic echo through the ultrasonic probe 22 and the flaw detection device 14 (S26). The probe identification unit 50 associates the data indicating the ultrasonic echo acquired in step S26 with the angle θz identified in step S22, the position of the probe 12 identified in step S23, and the tilt angle of the probe 12 identified in step S25, and stores them in the storage device 34 (S27), and the probe identification process ends.

[0089] 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the image generation process (S12) according to the first embodiment. When the image generation process starts, the image generation unit 52 reads data necessary for generating various images from the storage device 34 (S30). Note that the various data acquired and derived in the probe identification process may be used in step S31 and subsequent steps of the image generation process without performing the storage process in step S27 and the read process in step S30.

[0090] Next, the image generating unit 52 generates a waveform image 70 showing the time transition of the amplitude of the ultrasonic echo based on the data showing the ultrasonic echo (S31).

[0091] Next, the image generator 52 generates a diagnostic image 74 showing the results of the ultrasound diagnosis based on the data indicating the ultrasound echo (S32). When generating this diagnostic image 74, the image generator 52 may set the value of the depth scale 76a or the scale of the diagnostic image 74 based on the tilt angle of the probe 12 identified in the probe identification process. When generating this diagnostic image 74, the image generator 52 may also determine whether the angle θz around the Z-axis exceeds a predetermined range, and if the angle θz exceeds the predetermined range, may horizontally flip the diagnostic image 74.

[0092] Next, the image generating unit 52 generates a position image 82 that represents the position of the probe 12 on an image based on the identified position of the probe 12 (S33).

[0093] Next, the image generator 52 superimposes the position image 82 generated in step S33 on the diagnostic image 74 generated in step S32 (S34).

[0094] Next, the image generating unit 52 generates an area image 78 corresponding to the area of ​​the living body 2 to which the sheet material 10 is attached (S35). At this time, if the entire area of ​​the area image 78 has not been scanned by the probe 12, the image generating unit 52 generates an area image in which the display mode of the entire area image 78 is set to an initial display mode. Furthermore, if there is a portion of the area image 78 that satisfies a predetermined condition indicating that scanning by the probe 12 has been performed, the image generating unit 52 generates an area image 78 in which the display mode of that portion is changed from the initial display mode of that portion before scanning by the probe 12.

[0095] The order of generating the waveform image 70, the diagnostic image 74, the position image 82, and the area image 78 is merely an example, and may be any order. Furthermore, the process of superimposing the position image 82 on the diagnostic image 74 may be performed in any order after both the diagnostic image 74 and the position image 82 have been generated.

[0096] Furthermore, the image generating unit 52 may perform a process of superimposing the position image 82 on the waveform image 70 or may perform a process of superimposing the position image 82 on the area image 78.

[0097] Next, the image generator 52 arranges each of the generated images at a specified position on the display screen, displays them on the display unit 32a of the user interface 32 (S36), and ends the image generation process. For example, the image generator 52 arranges the diagnostic image 74 with the position image 82 superimposed thereon in the lower right and upper right regions of the display screen divided into four, arranges the waveform image 70 in the lower left region, and arranges the area image 78 in the upper left region, and displays each image.

[0098] As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the probe 12 is provided with the imaging device 24 and the tilt angle sensor 26. The probe identification unit 50 identifies the position of the probe 12 on the surface of the living body 2 based on the two-dimensional code 20 on the surface 10a of the sheet material 10 imaged by the imaging device 24, and also identifies the tilt angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction based on the detection result by the tilt angle sensor 26.

[0099] Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the first embodiment makes it possible to appropriately grasp the relationship between the position of the probe 12 with respect to the surface of the living body 2 and the attitude of the probe 12. As a result, by referring to the identified tilt angle of the probe 12, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the first embodiment can appropriately distinguish whether the identified position of the probe 12 is one in which ultrasound diagnosis was performed without tilting the probe 12 or one in which ultrasound diagnosis was performed by pushing the probe 12 into the living body and tilting it.

[0100] Furthermore, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the first embodiment, the inclination angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction is specified in the coordinate system of the sheet material 10. Therefore, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the first embodiment, even if the probe 12 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, the direction of the ultrasound emitted from the probe 12 can be specified in the coordinate system of the sheet material 10 based on the specified inclination angle of the probe 12. As a result, the irradiation direction of the ultrasound irradiated into the living body 2 can be accurately determined.

[0101] (Second embodiment) When performing an ultrasound diagnosis on a living body 2, for example, multiple organs in the living body 2 may be diagnosed one by one in a predetermined order. In such cases, it is desirable to accurately diagnose each organ. Therefore, in the second embodiment, ultrasound diagnosis is supported by determining whether the position and tilt angle of the probe 12 are appropriate for each organ to be diagnosed.

[0102] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, diagnostic procedure information 134a and diagnostic criteria information 134b are stored in advance in the storage device 34 of the image generating device 16.

[0103] The diagnostic procedure information 134a is information that sets the procedure for performing ultrasound diagnosis on the living body 2. For example, the diagnostic procedure information 134a includes the order in which organs are to be subjected to ultrasound diagnosis or the priority of organs to be subjected to ultrasound diagnosis.

[0104] The diagnostic criterion information 134b is information that associates a specific organ in the living body 2 with the allowable range of the position of the probe 12 for diagnosing the specific organ and the allowable range of the tilt angle of the probe 12 for diagnosing the specific organ. The diagnostic criterion information 134b is set for each of a plurality of organs that can be the subject of ultrasound diagnosis.

[0105] In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment, the processor 40 of the control device 36 of the image generating device 16 also functions as a diagnostic procedure management unit 154 by executing a program.

[0106] The diagnostic procedure management unit 154 identifies an organ to be subjected to ultrasound diagnosis from among multiple organs that can be the subject of ultrasound diagnosis based on the diagnostic procedure information 134a, and prompts the user to operate the probe 12 to diagnose the identified organ. The diagnostic procedure management unit 154 sequentially switches the organ to be subjected to ultrasound diagnosis based on the diagnostic procedure information 134a, and manages the progress of the ultrasound diagnosis.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the probe identifying unit 50, when diagnosing a specific organ, determines whether the current position of the probe 12 is within the allowable range of the position of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic criteria information 134b. The probe identifying unit 50, when diagnosing a specific organ, determines whether the current tilt angle of the probe 12 is within the allowable range of the tilt angle of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic criteria information 134b. The probe identifying unit 50 outputs a predetermined alarm when at least one of the following occurs: the current position of the probe 12 is outside the allowable range of the position of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic criteria information 134b; and the current tilt angle of the probe 12 is outside the allowable range of the tilt angle of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic criteria information 134b.

[0108] For example, the probe identifying unit 50 displays on the display unit 32a that at least one of the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12 is inappropriate. Note that the predetermined alarm is not limited to a display on the display unit 32a, and may be issued in any manner that can be recognized by the user, such as an alarm sound.

[0109] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the control device 36 according to the second embodiment. The control device 36 executes a series of processes shown in Fig. 11 every time a predetermined interrupt timing occurs at a predetermined cycle.

[0110] When a predetermined interrupt timing arrives, the diagnostic procedure management unit 154 of the control device 36 first determines the organ to be diagnosed based on the diagnostic procedure information 134a (S40). At this time, the diagnostic procedure management unit 154 may present the determined organ in a manner that the user can recognize, and prompt the user to operate the probe 12.

[0111] Next, the probe identification unit 50 performs a probe identification process (S11) for the determined current organ, and then performs an image generation process (S12). The probe identification process here is the same as the probe identification process in the first embodiment, and the image generation process here is the same as the image generation process in the first embodiment.

[0112] Next, the probe identifying unit 50 determines whether the current position of the probe 12 identified in the probe identifying process is within the allowable range of the position of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic reference information 134b (S43).

[0113] If the current position of the probe 12 is within the allowable range of the position of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic criteria information 134b (YES in S43), the probe identification unit 50 determines whether the inclination angle of the current probe 12 identified in the probe identification process is within the allowable range of the inclination angle of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic criteria information 134b (S44).

[0114] If the current position of the probe 12 is outside the allowable range of the position of the probe 12 indicated by the diagnostic criteria information 134b (NO in S43), the probe identifying unit 50 outputs a predetermined alarm (S45). After outputting the predetermined alarm, the probe identifying unit 50 returns to step S43 and repeats the processes from step S43 onwards.

[0115] If the current tilt angle of the probe 12 is outside the allowable range of the tilt angle of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic criteria information 134b (NO in S44), the probe identifying unit 50 outputs a predetermined alarm (S45). After outputting the predetermined alarm, the probe identifying unit 50 returns to the process of step S43 and repeats the processes from step S43 onwards.

[0116] If the current tilt angle of the probe 12 is within the allowable range of the tilt angle of the probe 12 indicated in the diagnostic reference information 134b (YES in S44), the probe identifying unit 50 resets the alarm (S46).

[0117] If the alarm is not reset even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the alarm started to be output, the series of processes in FIG. 11 may be terminated when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0118] After step S46, the diagnostic procedure management unit 154 determines whether the diagnosis of the current organ is complete (S47). For example, when the user operates the probe 12 to complete the diagnosis of the current organ, the user may input through the user interface 32 that the diagnosis of the current organ is complete. Alternatively, the diagnostic procedure management unit 154 may determine that the diagnosis of the current organ is complete by performing an input operation on the operation switch 28 of the probe 12.

[0119] If it is determined that the diagnosis of the current organ has not been completed (NO in S47), the diagnostic procedure management unit 154 returns to the process of step S43 and repeats the processes from step S43 onwards.

[0120] If it is determined that the diagnosis of the current organ has been completed (YES in S47), the diagnostic procedure management unit 154 determines whether the diagnosis of all organs that can be subject to ultrasound diagnosis set in the diagnostic procedure information 134a has been completed (S48).

[0121] If it is determined that the diagnosis of all organs has not been completed (NO in S48), the diagnostic procedure management unit 154 returns to the processing of step S40, determines the next organ to be diagnosed based on the diagnostic procedure information 134a (S40), and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0122] If it is determined that the diagnosis of all organs has been completed (YES in S48), the diagnostic procedure management unit 154 ends the series of processes in FIG.

[0123] As described above, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at least a probe identification process is performed, making it possible to properly grasp the relationship between the position of the probe 12 relative to the surface of the living body 2 and the posture of the probe 12.

[0124] Furthermore, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 of the second embodiment, an alarm is output if the position of the probe 12 and the tilt angle of the probe 12 during diagnosis of a specific organ are not appropriate values ​​permitted for diagnosing the specific organ. As a result, the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 of the second embodiment can diagnose the organ to be diagnosed appropriately and reliably.

[0125] Furthermore, in the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 of the second embodiment, the execution of ultrasound diagnosis proceeds based on the pre-stored diagnostic procedure information 134a. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 of the second embodiment can prevent the wrong selection of an organ to be diagnosed and the wrong order of diagnosis.

[0126] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0127] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the tilt angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction is determined based on the detection result of the tilt angle sensor 26 provided on the probe 12. Here, when the orientation of the probe 12 becomes approximately horizontal, that is, when the tilt angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction becomes approximately 90°, the tilt angle sensor 26 configured by MEMS may not be able to properly detect the tilt angle of the probe 12.

[0128] Therefore, in addition to the inclination angle sensor 26, the probe 12 may be provided with an orientation sensor that detects the orientation of the probe 12. The orientation sensor can detect the inclination angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction based on magnetism (e.g., geomagnetism). The orientation sensor can appropriately detect the inclination angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction even when the orientation of the probe 12 is approximately horizontal. Then, when the inclination angle of the inclination angle sensor 26 exceeds the upper limit of the detection range of the inclination angle sensor 26, the probe identification unit 50 may identify the inclination angle of the probe 12 with respect to the vertical direction based on the detection result of the orientation sensor. In this case, the probe identification unit 50 derives the inclination angles θx and θy in the coordinate system of the sheet material 10 from the inclination angles θa and θb detected by the orientation angle sensor and the angle θz, in the same way as when the inclination angle of the probe 12 is identified by the inclination angle sensor 26. According to this embodiment, even if the attitude of the probe 12 is approximately horizontal, the tilt angle of the probe 12 can be detected appropriately, and the tilt angle of the probe 12 can be specified more accurately.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, instead of the tilt angle sensor 26 configured with MEMS, an azimuth angle sensor may be provided in the probe 12 as the tilt angle sensor 26. However, because the azimuth angle sensor detects the tilt angle of the probe 12 based on magnetism, it may not be able to properly detect the tilt angle of the probe 12 in an environment near a magnetic source or in an environment with a lot of magnetic noise. Medical facilities may be equipped with devices that generate and utilize magnetic fields, such as magnetic resonance imaging devices, which may reduce the detection accuracy of the azimuth sensor. In contrast, the tilt angle sensor 26 configured with MEMS can detect the tilt angle of the probe 12 without being affected by magnetism. For this reason, the aspect using the tilt angle sensor 26 configured with MEMS is more preferable than the aspect using an azimuth sensor as the tilt angle sensor 26.

[0130] This disclosure can contribute, for example, to Goal 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns." [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1,100 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 2 Living organisms 10 Sheet material 10a surface 12 probes 20 2D Code 22 Ultrasonic probe 24 Imaging device 26 Inclination sensor 34 Storage device 50 Probe identification section 52 Image Generation Unit 74 Diagnostic Imaging 76a Depth Scale 78 Area Images 82 Location Images 134b Diagnostic Criteria Information θz angle

Claims

1. a sheet material that can be attached to the surface of a living body and has a two-dimensional code on its surface that indicates a position within the surface of the sheet material; an ultrasonic probe that irradiates ultrasonic waves onto the living body through the sheet material and receives ultrasonic echoes reflected inside the living body; a probe that is movable on the surface of the living body to which the sheet material is attached and that is provided with the ultrasonic probe; an imaging device provided on the probe and capable of imaging the two-dimensional code; a tilt angle sensor provided on the probe; a probe identification unit that identifies the position of the probe on the surface of the living body based on the two-dimensional code imaged by the imaging device, and that identifies the tilt angle of the probe with respect to the vertical direction based on the detection result of the tilt angle sensor; an image generating unit that generates a diagnostic image showing the result of ultrasound diagnosis of the living body based on the ultrasound echoes; a storage unit in which diagnostic standard information is stored in advance, in which an allowable range of the position of the probe for diagnosing a specific organ in the living body and an allowable range of the tilt angle of the probe for diagnosing the specific organ are associated with each other; Equipped with the image generation unit generates a position image indicating a current position of the probe based on the position of the probe identified by the probe identification unit, and superimposes the position image on an image indicating a cross section of the inside of the living body in the diagnostic image; the probe identifying unit outputs a predetermined alarm when, at the time of diagnosing the specific organ, the current position of the probe is outside the allowable range of the probe position indicated in the diagnostic criterion information, and / or the current tilt angle of the probe is outside the allowable range of the probe tilt angle indicated in the diagnostic criterion information. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. The image generation unit a depth scale indicating a depth from the surface of the living body is associated with one side of the diagnostic image corresponding to the direction of irradiation of the ultrasound; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the depth scale value and the scale of the diagnostic image is set based on the tilt angle of the probe.

3. the probe identification unit identifies an orientation of the probe, which indicates an angle of the probe around an axis in a normal direction with respect to the surface of the sheet material, based on the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging device; 3. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the image generating unit generates the diagnostic image by flipping the diagnostic image horizontally in a plane direction along the surface of the sheet material when the orientation of the probe exceeds a predetermined range.

4. The image generation unit generating an area image corresponding to the area of ​​the living body where the sheet material is attached; 4. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein a display mode of a portion of the area image that satisfies a predetermined condition indicating that scanning with the probe has been performed is changed from an initial display mode of the portion before scanning with the probe.

5. further comprising an orientation sensor for detecting the orientation of the probe; 5. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the tilt angle of the tilt angle sensor exceeds an upper limit value of a detection range of the tilt angle sensor, the probe identifying unit identifies the tilt angle of the probe with respect to a vertical direction based on a detection result of the orientation sensor.

Images