Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment

Abstract

The problem is to enable the operator to understand the degradation or defects of the components of the ultrasonic probe during the ultrasonic examination of the subject. The solution is that the ultrasonic diagnostic device involved in the embodiment is a device that is connected to an ultrasonic probe having multiple components that transmit ultrasonic signals and receive reflected wave signals from the subject or in the air, and can generate ultrasonic images based on the outputs of the multiple components. The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a diagnostic unit, a production unit, and a display control unit. The diagnostic unit diagnoses the status of the multiple components based on the characteristic values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air. The production unit produces degradation degree information indicating the degradation degree of the multiple components based on the diagnosed status. The display control unit superimposes the degradation degree information on the ultrasonic image of the subject and displays it on the display unit.

Description

[0001] References to related applications:

[0002] This application is based upon and benefits from the priority of Japanese patent application No. 2020-085953 filed on May 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Background Art

[0004] In an ultrasonic diagnostic device, the components of an ultrasonic probe deteriorate compared to the state when it was first used due to the use conditions, aging, etc. in the medical field. In addition, in an ultrasonic diagnostic device, if the ultrasonic probe is accidentally dropped, the components of the ultrasonic probe may be defective (failed). Since it is difficult to know the state of the components of the ultrasonic probe from the appearance, the ultrasonic probe is diagnosed regularly or irregularly by a maintenance operator who is different from the operator or owner who uses the ultrasonic probe. The diagnosis results are reported from the maintenance operator to the operator or owner.

[0005] However, even if the diagnostic work is performed regularly or irregularly, the components may deteriorate or become defective due to the use of the ultrasonic probe, dropping, etc. In conjunction with this, during the ultrasonic examination of the subject, the operator may not be aware of the degradation or defect of the components. In this case, an ultrasonic image that does not have sufficient sensitivity for image diagnosis due to degradation, or an ultrasonic image that is not correctly constructed due to component defects, may be used for image diagnosis. In addition, during the ultrasonic examination of the subject, it is difficult for the operator to know which part of the ultrasonic image will be affected by the degradation of the components.

[0006] Prior art literature:

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-095292

[0008] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-095291 Summary of the invention

[0009] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are intended to solve is to enable an operator to understand the degradation or defect of an element of an ultrasonic probe during ultrasonic examination of a subject.

[0010] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems corresponding to the effects of the various structures shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems.

[0011] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment is connected to an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of elements that transmit ultrasonic signals and receive reflected wave signals from a subject or in the air, and is capable of generating an ultrasonic image based on the outputs of the plurality of elements. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a diagnostic unit, a production unit, and a display control unit. The diagnostic unit diagnoses the states of the plurality of elements based on the characteristic values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air. The production unit produces degradation degree information indicating the degree of degradation of the plurality of elements based on the diagnosed states. The display control unit superimposes the degradation degree information on the ultrasonic image of the subject and causes the display unit to display it.

[0012] Effect of the invention:

[0013] According to the present invention, during ultrasonic examination of a subject, an operator can grasp the deterioration or defect of an element of an ultrasonic probe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of the head portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the probe diagnosis report according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining messages in the probe diagnostic report according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing an image superimposed on an ultrasonic image and displayed to cover a region with a large degree of degradation according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation of step ST20 in the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a start button and a retry message for explaining the operation in the first embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation of step ST30 in the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation of step ST40 in the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the overlapping display in the second embodiment.

[0026] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the probe diagnosis report involved in the third embodiment.

[0027] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first image in a probe diagnosis report according to the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a diagnostic trigger of an ultrasonic probe according to the fifth embodiment.

[0029] Fig.16 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the fifth embodiment.

[0030] Fig.17 This is a flowchart for explaining the operations in the sixth embodiment.

[0031] Description of Reference Numerals

[0032] 1 ... ultrasonic diagnostic device, 100 ... device body, 101 ... ultrasonic probe, 102 ... input device, 103 ... output device, 103a ... display, 104 ... external device, 101a ... piezoelectric vibrator, 101b ... matching layer, 101c ... backing member, 101d ... acoustic lens, 110 ... ultrasonic transmission circuit, 120 ... ultrasonic receiving circuit, 130 ... internal storage circuit, 140 ... image memory, 150 ... input interface, 160 ... output interface, 1 70...communication interface, 180...processing circuit, 181...B-mode processing function, 182...Doppler processing function, 183...image generation function, 184...setting function, 185...inspection execution function, 186...report preparation function, 187...display control function, 188...system control function, P...subject, PL...propagation length, SF...interface, Wa...transmission waveform, Wb...multiple reflection and useless vibration waveform, W1...first reflected wave, W2...second reflected wave. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the following, each embodiment is described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the previous drawings, and their detailed description is omitted, and the description is mainly focused on the different parts.

[0034] <First embodiment>

[0035] The first embodiment is a method for displaying the results of a probe inspection. For example, in an ultrasonic diagnostic device, a probe inspection is performed, a report indicating the normal and degraded and defective inspection results of the probe element is generated, and the report is displayed on the screen in correspondence with the ultrasonic image. However, the display method is not limited to the report display. For example, the corresponding position of the degraded element or defective element can also be superimposed on the ultrasonic image based on the inspection results. The following is a detailed description using the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of the head portion of the ultrasonic probe. Figure 1 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 100 and an ultrasonic probe 101. The apparatus body 100 is connected to an input device 102 and an output device 103 (e.g., a display unit, a speaker). In addition, the apparatus body 100 is connected to an external device 104 via a network NW. The external device 104 is, for example, a server equipped with a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems).

[0037] The ultrasonic probe 101 includes a plurality of elements that transmit ultrasonic signals and receive reflected wave signals from a subject or in the air, and is connected to a device body 100 that can generate an ultrasonic image based on the outputs of the plurality of elements. The ultrasonic probe 101 performs ultrasonic scanning on a scanning area in a subject P that is a living body (patient), for example, in accordance with the control of the device body 100. The ultrasonic probe 101 is, for example, Figure 2As shown in the cross section of the head in FIG, the ultrasonic probe 101 has a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 101a as a plurality of elements, a matching layer 101b provided between the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 101a and the shell, a backing member 101c for preventing ultrasonic waves from propagating backward relative to the radiation direction from the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 101a, and an acoustic lens 101d provided in the radiation direction relative to the matching layer 101b. The term "piezoelectric vibrator" is also referred to as an "element". The ultrasonic probe 101 is, for example, a one-dimensional array linear probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are arranged in a predetermined direction. The ultrasonic probe 101 is connected to the device body 100 in a detachable manner. The ultrasonic probe 101 may also be provided with a button to be pressed during an offset process and an operation (freeze operation) to freeze an ultrasonic image.

[0038] The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 101a generate ultrasonic waves based on a driving signal supplied from an ultrasonic transmission circuit 110 described later, which is provided in the device body 100. As a result, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 101 to the subject P. If ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 101 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are sequentially reflected on the discontinuity surfaces of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P, and are received as reflected wave signals by the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 101a. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuity surfaces that reflect the ultrasonic waves. In addition, when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected on a surface such as a moving blood flow or a heart wall, the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift depending on the velocity component of the moving body in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. The ultrasonic probe 101 receives the reflected wave signal from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0039] On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe 101 performs ultrasonic scanning in a state where the head is in the air according to the control of the device body 100 during the diagnosis of the probe. At this time, the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 101a propagates with a propagation length PL and is reflected at the interface SF between the surface of the acoustic lens 101d and the air. The reflected wave signal composed of the reflected ultrasonic wave propagates with a propagation length PL and is received by each of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 101a. The piezoelectric vibrator 101a outputs the received reflected wave signal as a received signal to the device body 100 via the ultrasonic receiving circuit 120 of the ultrasonic probe 101.

[0040] Figure 3 It’s performance Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example of a reflected wave signal received by the device main body 100 shown. Figure 3The reflected wave signal when the driving signal of the driving frequency corresponding to the center frequency of the ultrasonic probe 101 is supplied to the piezoelectric vibrator 101a. The reflected wave signal is collected for each channel. The reflected wave signal includes the transmission waveform Wa, the multiple reflection and useless vibration waveform Wb, the first reflected wave W1 and the second reflected wave W2. In the present embodiment, the first reflected wave W1 represents the reflected wave of the first round trip of the ultrasonic wave between the piezoelectric vibrator 101a and the interface SF. In the present embodiment, the second reflected wave W2 represents the reflected wave of the second round trip of the ultrasonic wave between the ultrasonic vibrator and the interface SF. As the surface reflected wave for measuring the transmission and reception sensitivity, the first reflected wave W1 or the second reflected wave W2 is used. Which of the first reflected wave W1 and the second reflected wave W2 is used is predetermined for each model of the ultrasonic probe 101. Here, an example of using the first reflected wave W1 is described. The first reflected wave W1 is obtained by extracting the signal contained in the predetermined waveform acquisition interval T1 in the reflected wave signal. In addition, the method of obtaining the first reflected wave W1 is not limited to the above. For example, the first reflected wave W1 may be obtained by subtracting the preset probe noise data from the reflected wave signal. In any case, if the first reflected wave W1 in the reflected wave signal is obtained, characteristic values ​​such as amplitude, center frequency or bandwidth are obtained based on the first reflected wave W1. For example, in the case of amplitude, the sensitivity peak is calculated as the characteristic value. Specifically, the maximum amplitude value (Vp-p) in the first reflected wave W1 is calculated as the sensitivity peak. In addition, the sensitivity peak is obtained for each channel (each element). The obtained sensitivity peak is stored in the internal storage circuit 130 of the device body 100 as measurement data. In addition, the date and time when the transceiver sensitivity of the ultrasonic probe 101 is measured, the temperature in the ultrasonic probe 101, the identification information of the ultrasonic probe, etc. are associated with the measurement data and stored in the internal storage circuit 130. The measurement data is used when diagnosing the state of the element. Here, the data obtained when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is manufactured among the measurement data is used as the initial data, and the data obtained regularly or irregularly after the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is sold is used as the diagnosis data. Afterwards, the state of the component can be diagnosed based on the difference between the initial data and the diagnosis data of each component. In addition, by assigning a grade to the difference of each component, degradation degree information indicating the degree of degradation of each component can be generated.

[0041] In addition, Figure 1 , the connection relationship between one ultrasonic probe 101 and the device body 100 is illustrated. However, a plurality of ultrasonic probes can be connected to the device body 100. For example, which of the plurality of connected ultrasonic probes to use in ultrasonic scanning can be arbitrarily selected by a software button on the touch panel.

[0042] The device body 100 is a device that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected wave signal received by an ultrasonic probe 101. The device body 100 includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 110, an ultrasonic reception circuit 120, an internal storage circuit 130, an image memory 140, an input interface 150, an output interface 160, a communication interface 170, and a processing circuit 180.

[0043] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 110 is a processor that supplies a driving signal to the ultrasonic probe 101. The ultrasonic transmission circuit 110 is implemented by, for example, a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulser circuit. The trigger generation circuit repeatedly generates a rated pulse for forming a transmitted ultrasonic wave at a specified rated frequency. The delay circuit gives a delay time to each of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators required to converge the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic probe into a beam shape to determine the transmission directivity for each rated pulse generated by the trigger generation circuit. The pulser circuit applies a driving signal (driving pulse) to the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators provided in the ultrasonic probe 101 at a timing based on the rated pulse. By changing the delay time given by the delay circuit to each rated pulse, the transmission direction from the surface of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators can be arbitrarily adjusted.

[0044] In addition, the ultrasonic transmission circuit 110 can arbitrarily change the output intensity of the ultrasonic wave by the driving signal. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, by increasing the output intensity, the influence of the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the subject P can be reduced. By reducing the influence of the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can obtain a reflected wave signal with a large S / N ratio when receiving.

[0045] Generally speaking, if ultrasound waves propagate in the subject P, the intensity of the vibration of the ultrasound waves corresponding to the output intensity (also referred to as acoustic power) attenuates. The attenuation of acoustic power occurs due to absorption, scattering, reflection, etc. In addition, the degree of reduction in acoustic power depends on the frequency of the ultrasound waves and the distance in the radiation direction of the ultrasound waves. For example, as the frequency of the ultrasound waves increases, the degree of attenuation increases. In addition, the longer the distance in the radiation direction of the ultrasound waves, the greater the degree of attenuation.

[0046] The ultrasonic receiving circuit 120 is a processor that applies various processing to the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 101 and generates a received signal. The ultrasonic receiving circuit 120 generates a received signal corresponding to the reflected wave signal of the ultrasonic wave obtained by the ultrasonic probe 101. Specifically, the ultrasonic receiving circuit 120 is implemented by, for example, a preamplifier, an A / D converter, a demodulator, and a beamformer. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 101 for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter converts the reflected wave signal after gain correction into a digital signal. The demodulator demodulates the digital signal. The beamformer, for example, gives the demodulated digital signal a delay time required to determine the receiving directivity, and adds a plurality of digital signals to which the delay time is given. Through the addition processing of the beamformer, a received signal is generated in which the reflected component from the direction corresponding to the receiving directivity is emphasized.

[0047] The internal storage circuit 130 has, for example, a storage medium that can be read by a processor, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The internal storage circuit 130 stores a program for realizing ultrasonic transmission and reception, a program for realizing each function of the processing circuit 180, and various data. The program and various data may be pre-stored in the internal storage circuit 130, for example. In addition, the program and various data may be stored in a non-volatile storage medium and distributed, read from the non-volatile storage medium and installed in the internal storage circuit 130. In addition, the internal storage circuit 130 stores B-mode image data, contrast image data, and image data related to blood flow images generated by the processing circuit 180 in accordance with the operation input via the input interface 150. The internal storage circuit 130 can also forward the stored image data to the external device 104, etc. via the communication interface 170.

[0048] In addition, the internal storage circuit 130 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information between a removable storage medium such as a CD drive, a DVD drive, and a flash memory. The internal storage circuit 130 can also write the stored data to the removable storage medium and allow the external device 104 to store data via the removable storage medium.

[0049] The image memory 140 includes, for example, a storage medium that can be read by a processor, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The image memory 140 stores image data corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before the freeze operation input via the input interface 150. The image data stored in the image memory 140 is displayed continuously (movie display), for example.

[0050] The internal storage circuit 130 and the image memory 140 may not necessarily be implemented by separate storage devices. The internal storage circuit 130 and the image memory 140 may be implemented by a single storage device. In addition, the internal storage circuit 130 and the image memory 140 may each be implemented by a plurality of storage devices.

[0051] The input interface 150 receives various instructions from the operator via the input device 102. The input device 102 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a panel switch, a slide switch, a trackball, a rotary encoder, an operation panel, and a touch screen (TCS: Touch Command Screen). The input interface 150 is connected to the processing circuit 180, for example, via a bus, converts the operation instructions input from the operator into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 180. In addition, the input interface 150 is not limited to being connected to physical operating components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, the following circuit is also included in the example of the input interface, which receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device that is separately provided relative to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 180.

[0052] The output interface 160 is, for example, an interface for outputting an electrical signal from the processing circuit 180 to the output device 103. The output device 103 is any display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, a CRT display, etc. The output device 103 may also be a touch panel display that also serves as the input device 102. The output device 103 may also include a speaker for outputting sound in addition to the display. The output interface 160 is connected to the processing circuit 180 via a bus, for example, and outputs the electrical signal from the processing circuit 180 to the output device 103.

[0053] The communication interface 170 is connected to the external device 104 via the network NW, for example, and performs data communication with the external device 104 .

[0054] The processing circuit 180 is, for example, a processor that functions as the core of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The processing circuit 180 implements functions corresponding to the program by executing the program stored in the internal storage circuit 130. The processing circuit 180, for example, executes a B-mode processing function 181, a Doppler processing function 182, an image generation function 183, a setting function 184 (setting processing), an inspection execution function 185 (diagnosis unit), a report preparation function 186 (preparation unit), a display control function 187 (display control unit), and a system control function 188. In addition, in Figure 1In the description, each function is performed by a single processing circuit 180, but a plurality of independent processors may be combined to form a processing circuit, and each processor may execute a program to perform each function. In addition, the B-mode processing function 181, the Doppler processing function 182, the image generation function 183, the setting function 184, the inspection execution function 185, the report generation function 186, the display control function 187, and the system control function 188 may be respectively referred to as a B-mode processing circuit, a Doppler processing circuit, an image generation circuit, a setting circuit, a inspection execution circuit, a report generation circuit, a display control circuit, and a system control circuit, and may be implemented as separate hardware circuits.

[0055] The B-mode processing function 181 is a function for generating B-mode data based on the reception signal received from the ultrasonic reception circuit 120. In the B-mode processing function 181, the processing circuit 180 performs envelope detection processing and logarithmic compression processing on the reception signal received from the ultrasonic reception circuit 120, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed as brightness. The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B-mode RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scanning line (raster).

[0056] The Doppler processing function 182 is a function for generating data (Doppler information) by extracting motion information of a moving object based on the Doppler effect within a ROI (Region Of Interest) set in a scanning area by frequency analyzing the reception signal received from the ultrasonic reception circuit 120. The generated Doppler information is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data (also referred to as Doppler data) on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scanning line.

[0057] Specifically, the processing circuit 180 estimates the average velocity, average discrete value, average energy value, etc. at a plurality of sample points as motion information of the moving object through the Doppler processing function 182, and generates Doppler data representing the estimated motion information. The moving object is, for example, blood flow, tissue such as the heart wall, or contrast agent.

[0058] The image generation function 183 is a function for generating B-mode image data based on the data generated by the B-mode processing function 181. For example, in the image generation function 183, the processing circuit 180 converts (scan converts) the scan line signal string of the ultrasonic scan into a scan line signal string of a video format represented by a television, etc., and generates image data for display (display image data). Specifically, the processing circuit 180 performs RAW-pixel conversion, such as coordinate conversion corresponding to the ultrasonic scanning method of the ultrasonic probe 101, on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, thereby generating 2-dimensional B-mode image data (also called ultrasonic image data) composed of pixels. In other words, the processing circuit 180 generates a plurality of ultrasonic images (medical images) corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames respectively by using the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves through the image generation function 183.

[0059] In addition, the processing circuit 180 performs RAW-pixel conversion on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, for example, to generate Doppler image data that visualizes the blood flow information. The Doppler image data is average velocity image data, discrete image data, energy image data, or image data obtained by combining them. The processing circuit 180 generates color Doppler image data that displays the blood flow information in color and Doppler image data that displays the blood flow information in a wave shape using grayscale as Doppler image data.

[0060] The setting function 184 is not used in the first embodiment, and thus will be described later. In addition, the setting function 184 may be omitted from the first embodiment. The setting function 184 is an example of setting processing.

[0061] The inspection execution function 185 performs an inspection on an ultrasonic probe having multiple elements that transmit ultrasonic signals and receive reflected wave signals from the subject P or in the air. Such inspections are not only performed in daily ultrasonic diagnosis, but also can be performed in maintenance, regular inspections, etc. of the device. That is, the inspection execution function 185 is used not only by operators who perform ultrasonic diagnosis, but also by device managers and service engineers who perform maintenance, etc. Among them, in this embodiment, the description is given by taking operators such as doctors as examples. In addition, "inspection" can also be called "test" or "diagnosis", etc. Specifically, the inspection execution function 185 diagnoses the status of the multiple elements based on the characteristic value of the reflected wave signal from the air. As the characteristic value, for example, amplitude, center frequency or bandwidth can be appropriately used. For example, in the case of amplitude, the sensitivity peak is used as the characteristic value. Specifically, the maximum amplitude value (Vp-p) in the first reflected wave W1 is used as the sensitivity peak. The status of multiple elements is data representing the difference between the initial data and the diagnostic data of each element. The inspection execution function 185 is an example of a diagnostic unit.

[0062] The report generation function 186 generates degradation degree information indicating the degradation degree of the plurality of components based on the diagnosed state. For example, the report generation function 186 may also generate degradation degree information expressing the degradation degree in a stage corresponding to the size of the difference by classifying the difference of each component as the diagnosed state into one of a plurality of stages. In addition, the larger the difference, the larger the degradation degree. In addition, "degradation" is equivalent to the difference between the initial data and the diagnostic data of each component, and therefore may also be referred to as "difference". "Degradation degree" may also be referred to as "degradation stage", "degradation type" or "degradation level", etc.

[0063] Here, the report generation function 186 is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the positions of multiple elements may be associated with the degradation degrees of the multiple elements to produce the first image 201, and the degradation degree information may be produced as a probe diagnosis report 200 including the first image 201 and the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 101. The report production function 186 saves the produced probe diagnosis report 200 to the internal storage circuit 130. In addition, the report production function 186 may print out the produced probe diagnosis report 200 through a printer that is part of the output device 103. In addition, the report production function 186 may save the produced probe diagnosis report 200 to an external storage medium. In addition, the report production function 186 may also associate the marks corresponding to the degradation degrees of the multiple elements with the positions of the multiple elements to produce the degradation degree information. In addition, the marks corresponding to the degradation degree may be replaced with colors corresponding to the degradation degree. Alternatively, in addition to the marks corresponding to the degradation degree, colors corresponding to the degradation degree may also be used. Hereinafter, "identification information of the ultrasonic probe 101" is also referred to as "probe identification information." In Figure 4 In the example, the probe diagnosis report 200 is superimposed on the ultrasonic image and displayed on the display 103 a which is a part of the output device 103 .

[0064] The probe diagnosis report 200 may include any other information as long as it includes the first image 201 and the degradation degree information of the ultrasonic probe 101. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the probe diagnosis information includes probe-related information including probe identification information, the first image 201 , and a message.

[0065] The probe-related information includes, for example, the name of the operator (Operator), the model name, the probe type, the system sequence, and the probe sequence (probe identification information). The name of the operator (Operator) is the name of the operator who starts the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, for example, the user name input when logging in to start the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is used. The model name is an example of model information for identifying the model model of the ultrasonic probe. The probe type is information indicating the type of probe such as a linear array and a phased array. The system sequence is the manufacturing number of a device that performs an inspection of the ultrasonic probe 101, such as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 or the probe diagnostic apparatus (not shown). The probe sequence is a probe manufacturing number that identifies each ultrasonic probe 101. The probe sequence is an example of probe identification information that identifies each ultrasonic probe 101.

[0066] The first image 201 is an image that represents the positions of multiple elements in the ultrasonic probe 101 and the degradation degrees of the multiple elements. For example, the multiple elements are divided into multiple groups that are smaller than the number of the elements based on the positions of the elements, and the degradation degrees are associated with each of the groups, thereby producing the first image 201. Specifically, for example, when 128 elements are arranged from right to left, the degradation degrees of 16 elements are represented by 1 block, thereby representing the degradation degrees of the 128 elements by 8 blocks. In addition, the 128 elements are allocated to 8 element groups of 16 elements each. Then, the degradation degrees of the 8 element groups are represented by 8 blocks, thereby representing the degradation degrees of the 128 elements as the degradation degrees of the 8 element groups. The number of elements, the number of blocks, and the number of element groups are examples and are not limited thereto. In addition, an "element group" is also referred to as a "group". In Figure 4 , the first image 201 shows the degradation degree of each of the first to eighth element groups from the right. The first element group is assigned to the 16th element from the right. The second element group is assigned to the 17th to 32nd element. The third element group is assigned to the 33rd to 48th element. The fourth element group is assigned to the 49th to 64th element. The fifth element group is assigned to the 65th to 80th element. The sixth element group is assigned to the 81st to 96th element. The seventh element group is assigned to the 96th to 112th element. The eighth element group is assigned to the 113th to 128th element.

[0067] Here, as the degree of degradation of the elements in each element group, the maximum degree of degradation among the degrees of degradation of the 16 elements included in the element group is used. In this specification, as the degree of degradation, six stages of healthy and five types A to E are used in order of degradation from small to large. Healthy is a stage with almost no degradation, or a stage where the degradation (difference) is within the specification range. Type E is a stage with significantly large degradation or a stage of element defect. Types A to D are stages between healthy and type E, starting with type A with small degradation, and showing large degradation stages in the order of type B, type C, and type D. However, the degree of degradation is not limited to six stages, and any number of stages can be used. In Figure 4 In the example shown, the degradation levels of the elements in the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group from the right are "healthy". The degradation level of the elements in the fourth element group is "out of specification, type A". In addition, as the degradation level of the elements in the fourth element group "out of specification, type A", the maximum degradation level "out of specification, type A" among the degradation levels "healthy", "healthy", ..., "out of specification, type A", ..., "healthy" of the 49th to 64th elements in the fourth element group is used. The degradation level of the fifth element group is "out of specification, type B". That is, as the degradation degree of the 5th component group "out of specification, type B", the degradation degrees of the 65th to 80th components in the 5th component group are "healthy", ..., "out of specification, type A", ..., "out of specification, type B", ..., and "healthy", which is the greatest degradation degree "out of specification, type B". The degradation degrees of the 6th component group and the 7th component group are "out of specification, type A". The degradation degree of the 8th component group is "healthy". In addition, Figure 4 In the example shown, each degradation degree is displayed in a different color. However, since the degradation degree is indicated by a character string or symbol such as "Healthy" or "Type A", multiple degradation degrees may be displayed in the same color. In addition, when the degradation degree is displayed in different colors, the symbol indicating the degradation degree may be omitted.

[0068] The message is a string of characters that prompts the operator according to the degree of degradation, and is recorded in the message area of ​​the probe diagnosis report 200. For example, as a message, a note that promotes the operator's understanding or action can be used appropriately, such as the degree of degradation of the component, the impact on image diagnosis, and the need for maintenance. In addition, "message" can also be called "note" or "note and message". Such a message, for example Figure 5As shown, the degradation degree and the character string representing the comment and the message may be associated in advance and stored in the internal storage circuit 130, and the stored character string may be recorded. For example, the report generation function 186 may search the internal storage circuit 130 based on the maximum "degradation degree" among the degradation degrees of the components in all component groups, and record the character string included in the obtained "comment and message" in the message area in the probe diagnosis report 200.

[0069] In addition, the report generation function 186 Figure 6 As shown, the degradation degree information can also be produced as a second image 202, which includes one or more straight lines covering the area based on the output of the element with a degradation degree greater than a threshold value among the multiple areas of the ultrasonic image based on the output of multiple elements. For example, when the degradation degree of the 49th to 80th elements from the right among the 128 elements is greater than the threshold value, the second image 202 is a linear image covering the area based on the output of the 49th to 80th elements. In addition, Figure 6 The second image 202 shown is an image including 32 straight lines covering the area based on the output of 32 elements, but in the attached figure, it appears to be an image composed of one thick straight line. In addition, as the second image 202, a semi-transparent image is used that allows the ultrasonic image of the base to be faintly transparent. As the transparency of the semi-transparent image, any transparency between 0% (opaque) and 100% (completely transparent) can be used, but for example, an intermediate transparency of 50%±20% is preferred. In addition, the transparency of the second image 202 may or may not be changed in accordance with the degree of degradation. In addition, the degree of transparency in the semi-transparent image is not limited to transparency, and any characteristic such as transmittance or opacity may be used. In addition, the color of the second image 202 may be the same color as the color representing the corresponding degree of degradation, or a color different from the color representing the corresponding degree of degradation. Figure 6 In the example, the second image 202 is superimposed on the ultrasonic image and displayed on the display 103a. The report generation function 186 is an example of a generation unit.

[0070] The display control function 187 is a function for causing the display (display unit) as the output device 103 to display images based on various ultrasonic image data generated by the image generation function 183. Specifically, for example, the processing circuit 180 controls the display of images based on B-mode image data, Doppler image data, or image data including both generated by the image generation function 183 on the display through the display control function 187. In addition, the display control function 187 superimposes the degradation degree information generated by the report generation function 186 on the ultrasonic image of the subject P and causes the display (display unit) to display it. In addition, in the case of preview display before the ultrasonic examination of the subject P, since there is no ultrasonic image of the subject P, the display control function 187 causes the display to display only the degradation degree information. In addition, in the display control function 187, the processing circuit 180 receives, for example, via the input interface 150, selection instructions for various display modes. The various display modes include, for example, a display mode for ultrasonic images, a first display mode for superimposing and displaying a probe diagnosis report on an ultrasonic image, and a second display mode for superimposing and displaying a second image on an ultrasonic image.

[0071] More specifically, the processing circuit 180 generates display image data by, for example, converting (scanning) a scan line signal string of an ultrasonic scan into a scan line signal string of a video format represented by a television set, etc., through the display control function 187. In addition, the processing circuit 180 may also perform various processes such as dynamic range, brightness, contrast, and gamma curve correction, and RGB conversion on the display image data. In addition, the processing circuit 180 may also add character information of various parameters, scales, body marks, and other accompanying information to the display image data. In addition, the processing circuit 180 may also generate a user interface (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for the operator to input various instructions through an input device, and display the GUI on the display.

[0072] The system control function 188 is a function for controlling the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, in the system control function 188, the processing circuit 180 controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 110 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 120 based on parameters related to the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. In addition, in the system control function 188, the processing circuit 180 receives selection instructions for various imaging modes, for example, via the input interface 150. The various imaging modes include, for example, B mode, Doppler mode, elastic imaging mode, and the like.

[0073] Next, regarding the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as above, use Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 Flowchart of Fig. 9 . In addition, it is assumed that one or more ultrasonic probes 101 whose probe element surfaces are cleaned in advance are connected to the device body 100 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1. In addition, for a newly connected ultrasonic probe, it is assumed that not only the probe element surface but also the probe connector is cleaned in advance. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 101 has a plurality of elements that transmit ultrasonic signals and receive reflected wave signals from the subject P or in the air.

[0074] First, in Figure 7 In step ST10 shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is activated by an operation by an operator such as a physician.

[0075] After step ST10, in step ST20, the processing circuit 180 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 performs diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe 101 that transmits ultrasonic signals and receives reflected wave signals from the air. Specifically, the processing circuit 180 diagnoses the states of the plurality of elements based on the characteristic values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air. This step ST20, for example Figure 8 As shown, steps ST21 to ST25 are executed.

[0076] First, in step ST21 , the processing circuit 180 detects an operation of a start button by the operator.

[0077] In step ST22, if the processing circuit 180 detects the operation of the start button, it performs the diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe 101. Specifically, the processing circuit 180 sends an ultrasonic signal into the air, and the multiple elements of the ultrasonic probe 101 receive the reflected wave signals from the air, thereby diagnosing the status of the multiple elements based on the characteristic values ​​of the reflected wave signals.

[0078] In step ST23 , the processing circuit 180 determines whether poor contact is suspected based on the result of the diagnosis, and moves to step ST24 if the result of the determination is suspected, and moves to step ST25 if not.

[0079] In step ST24, the processing circuit 180 performs Fig. 9 As shown, the display 103a displays a retry message Rm1 and a start button Bt1. Then, the process returns to step ST21. During the period from step ST24 to step ST21, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 confirms the connection between the ultrasonic probe 101 and the apparatus body 100 through the operator's attachment and detachment of the ultrasonic probe 101 and the cleaning of the probe connector.

[0080] In step ST25, the processing circuit 180 determines whether the diagnosis of the state of the component is completed. For example, in the judgment of step ST25, the processing circuit 180 performs the judgment of step ST25 according to whether the state of the component of all the more than one ultrasonic probe 101 connected to the device body 100 has been diagnosed. If the result of the judgment of step ST25 is no, the process returns to step ST22 and continues the diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe 101. In addition, if the result of the judgment of step ST25 is that it has been completed, the processing of step ST20 is terminated. As described above, step ST20 composed of steps ST21 to ST25 is terminated.

[0081] After step ST20, in step ST30, the processing circuit 180 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 generates degradation degree information indicating the degradation degree of the plurality of elements based on the diagnosed state. Fig.10 As shown, steps ST31 to ST35 are executed.

[0082] First, in step ST31 , the processing circuit 180 reads out the result of the diagnosis of the status of the elements in the ultrasonic probe 101 from the internal storage circuit 130 in response to the operator's operation of selecting the ultrasonic probe 101 .

[0083] After step ST31, in step ST32, the processing circuit 180 detects the operator's operation of the report generation button. In addition, the operator's operation in steps ST31 to ST32 can also be omitted by setting. That is, steps ST20 to ST30 can also be performed continuously according to the setting of omitting the operator's operation.

[0084] After step ST32, in step ST33, the processing circuit 180 associates the positions of the plurality of components with the degree of degradation of the plurality of components based on the diagnosis result read out in step ST31 to create a first image 201. Then, the processing circuit 180 creates a probe diagnosis report 200 including the first image 201 and the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 101.

[0085] After step ST33, in step ST34, the processing circuit 180 previews the probe diagnosis report 200. Thus, the operator confirms the probe diagnosis report 200 corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 101 selected in step ST31. The confirmed probe diagnosis report 200 is stored in the internal storage circuit 130.

[0086] After step ST34, in step ST35, the processing circuit 180 determines whether the processing is completed for all the ultrasonic probes 101 that the operator wants to confirm. In addition, all the ultrasonic probes 101 that the operator wants to confirm are at least one ultrasonic probe 101 among all the ultrasonic probes that have performed the examination. In conjunction with this, for example, the processing circuit 180 makes a determination in step ST35 based on whether the operation of the end button is detected. If the result of the determination in step ST35 is no, the process returns to step ST31 and repeatedly executes the processes of the above-mentioned steps ST31 to ST35. In addition, if the result of the determination in step ST35 is that it has been completed, the process of step ST30 is terminated. As described above, step ST30 composed of steps ST31 to ST35 is terminated.

[0087] After step ST30, in step ST40, the processing circuit 180 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 superimposes the probe diagnostic report 200 (deterioration degree information) created in step ST30 on the ultrasonic image of the subject P and displays it on the display 103a. Fig.11 As shown, steps ST41 to ST48 are executed.

[0088] First, in step ST41, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, through the operation of the operator, brings the ultrasonic probe 101 into contact with the subject P, scans the inside of the subject P with ultrasonic signals, and generates an ultrasonic image based on the output of the ultrasonic probe 101 that has received the reflected wave signal. As a result, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, an ultrasonic image of the subject P is displayed on the display 103a. The operator performs ultrasonic image diagnosis while visually recognizing the displayed ultrasonic image.

[0089] After step ST41, in step ST42, the processing circuit 180 determines whether the diagnosis of the ultrasonic image of the subject P is completed. For example, the processing circuit 180 makes the determination in step ST42 based on whether the operation of the end button is detected. If the result of the determination in step ST42 is that the diagnosis is completed, the processing in step ST40 is terminated. In addition, if the result of the determination in step ST42 is no, the process proceeds to step ST43.

[0090] After step ST42, in step ST43, the processing circuit 180 determines whether the probe diagnosis report 200 (deterioration degree information) is superimposed and displayed on the ultrasonic image of the subject P. For example, the processing circuit 180 makes the determination in step ST43 based on whether the operation of the mode change button to change to the first display mode or the second display mode is detected. If the result of the determination in step ST43 is negative, the process returns to step ST41 and continues to display the ultrasonic image of the subject P. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step ST43 is positive, the process moves to step ST44.

[0091] In step ST44, the processing circuit 180 determines whether the transition destination of the mode transition button is the first display mode. If the result of the determination is the first display mode, the processing circuit transfers to step ST45. In addition, if the result of the determination in step ST44 is no (in the case of the second display mode), the processing circuit 180 transfers to step ST46.

[0092] In step ST45 , the processing circuit 180 superimposes the probe diagnosis report 200 on the ultrasonic image of the subject P and displays it.

[0093] In step ST46 , the processing circuit 180 superimposes the second image 202 covering the region with a large degree of degradation on the ultrasonic image of the subject P and displays the image.

[0094] After step ST45 or ST46, in step ST47, the processing circuit 180 determines whether to end the superimposed display of the degradation degree information of the ultrasonic probe 101. For example, the processing circuit 180 makes the determination in step ST47 based on whether the operation of the end button is detected. If the result of the determination in step ST47 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST48.

[0095] In step ST48, the processing circuit 180 determines whether to change the display mode. If the result of the determination is No, the determination of step ST48 is repeatedly performed. Through steps ST47 to ST48, if the button is not operated by the operator, the determination of step ST48 is repeatedly performed, and the superimposed display based on the current display mode is continued.

[0096] In addition, if the result of the judgment in step ST48 is to change the display mode, the process returns to step ST43. For example, in the case of changing from the first display mode in which the probe diagnosis report 200 is superimposed and displayed to the second display mode in which the second image 202 is superimposed and displayed, the process returns to step ST43, and if the result of the judgment in step ST44 is negative (in the case of the second display mode), the process proceeds to step ST46. Similarly, for example, in the case of changing from the second display mode to the first display mode, the process returns to step ST43, and if the result of the judgment in step ST44 is the first display mode, the process proceeds to step ST45. In addition, for example, in the case of changing from the second display mode in which the second image 202 is superimposed and displayed to the display mode in which the degradation degree information is not superimposed and displayed, the process returns to step ST43, and the process proceeds from step ST43 to step ST41.

[0097] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step ST47 is to terminate, the processing in step ST40 is terminated. As described above, step ST40 composed of steps ST41 to ST48 is terminated.

[0098] With the completion of step ST40, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 completes the ultrasonic examination of the subject P. In addition, step ST40 is performed on other subjects P in the same manner.

[0099] As described above, according to the first embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic device is used, which is connected to an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of elements that transmit ultrasonic signals and receive reflected wave signals from a subject or in the air, and is capable of generating an ultrasonic image based on the outputs of the plurality of elements. Here, the ultrasonic diagnostic device diagnoses the states of the plurality of elements based on the characteristic values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic device creates degradation degree information indicating the degree of degradation of the plurality of elements based on the diagnosed states. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic device superimposes the degradation degree information on the ultrasonic image of the subject and displays it on a display unit.

[0100] Therefore, during the ultrasonic examination of the subject, the operator can understand the degradation or defects of the components of the ultrasonic probe. In addition, when using an ultrasonic diagnostic device in daily ultrasonic examinations, it is difficult for the operator to perform ultrasonic examinations while being aware of the degradation of the ultrasonic probe. In contrast, in order to perform a safe examination and an ultrasonic examination based on the recognition of the degradation of the probe, it is necessary to show the inspection results of the ultrasonic probe to the operator in an easy-to-understand manner. According to the first embodiment, the condition of the probe is displayed in comparison with the ultrasonic image, so that the operator can be aware of the degree of degradation of the components of the ultrasonic probe. In addition, the operator can be aware of the presence or absence of defective components with a significant degree of degradation. In addition, by the operator understanding the degradation or defects of the components, the following effects (i) to (iii) can be expected.

[0101] (i) By reducing the number of inspections using degraded ultrasonic probes, accurate image diagnosis can be performed, and omission of lesions can be reduced. In addition, by displaying the state of the ultrasonic probe in comparison with the ultrasonic image, the operator can easily understand the state and perform the inspection, which can help to ensure a safe inspection and appropriate diagnosis.

[0102] (ii) By reducing the number of inspections performed using a degraded ultrasonic probe, the number of repeated inspections can be reduced, and the inspection time and number of inspections can be reduced. As a result, the burden on the operator and the patient can be reduced.

[0103] (iii) Since the condition of the ultrasonic probe can be understood, the operator can appropriately determine when to replace the probe.

[0104] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the positions of the plurality of components and the degradation degrees of the plurality of components may be associated to create the first image, and the degradation degree information may be created as a probe diagnosis report including the first image and the identification information of the ultrasonic probe. In this case, the probe diagnosis report is displayed superimposed on the ultrasonic image of the subject, so that the operator can grasp the positions of the plurality of components and the degradation degrees of the plurality of components for the ultrasonic probe identified by the identification information.

[0105] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the degradation degree information may be generated as a second image including one or more straight lines covering a region based on output of a component having a degradation degree greater than a threshold value among a plurality of regions of an ultrasonic image based on output of a plurality of components. In this case, the second image is displayed superimposed on the ultrasonic image of the subject, so that the operator can understand the region with a large degradation degree in the ultrasonic image.

[0106] According to the first embodiment, the degradation degree information may be generated by associating the marks corresponding to the degradation degrees of the plurality of elements with the positions of the plurality of elements. In this case, the operator can understand the degradation degree by reading the marks.

[0107] <Second embodiment>

[0108] The second embodiment is a method of changing the display pattern of the probe inspection result according to the scanning conditions and the number of image components and displaying it. For example, when the corresponding position of a deteriorated element or a defective element changes due to the change in the depth of the scanning conditions, the display pattern is changed according to the second image after the corresponding position change and the image is displayed superimposed on the ultrasound image.

[0109] Specifically, the display control function 187 of the processing circuit 180 not only has the above-mentioned functions, but also corrects the degradation degree information based on the scanning conditions of the ultrasonic image of the subject P and the number of elements constituting the image of the display object in the ultrasonic image of the subject P, and overlaps the corrected degradation degree information on the image of the display object and displays it on the display 103a.

[0110] Here, the scanning conditions include, for example, the range of the scanning cross section (the depth and angle range of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves), the number of scanning lines contained in each scanning cross section, the scanning line density, the scanning line at which the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves starts in each scanning cross section (scanning start scanning line), and the order of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves relative to the scanning lines of each scanning cross section (transmission and reception sequence).

[0111] The number of elements constituting the image to be displayed is, for example, the number of elements that receive reflected wave signals constituting the ultrasonic image actually displayed, among the 128 elements arranged in the head of the ultrasonic probe 101. In addition, the "number of elements constituting the image to be displayed" may also be referred to as, for example, the "size of the image to be displayed" or the "size of the displayed image."

[0112] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0113] According to the above configuration, in the above step ST46, for example Fig.12 As shown on the upper side of the display 103a, the second image 202 is superimposed on the ultrasonic image of the subject P and displayed on the display 103a. At this time, the ultrasonic image is an image based on the output of 128 elements, and the second image 202 shows a region based on the output of the 49th to 80th elements among the 128 elements from right to left. Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 enlarges and displays the display object Tg represented by the dotted line through the operator's zoom operation. In addition, the zoom operation is, for example, an operation for shallowing the "depth" of the scanning condition and displaying an ultrasonic image based on the output of the 17th to 112th elements, which are 3 / 4 of the 128 elements from right to left.

[0114] The processing circuit 180 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 corrects the second image 202 based on the scanning conditions changed by the zoom operation and the number of elements constituting the image to be displayed. For example, based on the fact that the depth becomes shallower and the number of elements constituting the ultrasonic image becomes 3 / 4, the depth of the second image 202 is shallower and the number of elements constituting the second image 202 is halved. The number of elements constituting the second image 202 is halved so as to include the element with the greatest degree of degradation. Thus, the second image 202 is corrected to a region based on the output of, for example, the left half of 65 to 80 elements among the 49th to 80th elements. The ratio of 3 / 4 and half (1 / 2) is arbitrary and is not limited to this example. In addition, the ratio rA of the number of elements constituting the second image 202 after correction to the number of elements constituting the ultrasonic image before correction is smaller than the ratio rB of the number of elements constituting the ultrasonic image after correction to the number of elements constituting the ultrasonic image before correction (rA<rB), which is preferable from the viewpoint of wanting to identify the region affected by the degraded element in a small range when observing the enlarged ultrasonic image. In the above example, rA=1 / 2, rB=3 / 4, and the relationship of rA<rB is established. However, the relationship of rA<rB is not essential. For example, the relationship of rA≤rB may also be used.

[0115] Then, the processing circuit 180 Fig.12 As shown in the lower side of , the corrected second image 202 is superimposed on the image of the display object and displayed on the display 103a. Here, although the ultrasonic image is enlarged, the corrected second image 202 shows a smaller range than the second image 202 before correction. Therefore, when the ultrasonic image of the subject P is enlarged, the corrected second image 202 can more finely show the area with a large degree of degradation. In this case, it can be expected to contribute to more appropriate image diagnosis.

[0116] As described above, according to the second embodiment, based on the scanning conditions of the ultrasonic image of the subject and the number of elements constituting the image to be displayed in the ultrasonic image of the subject, the degradation degree information is corrected, and the corrected degradation degree information is superimposed on the image to be displayed and displayed on the display unit. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the degradation degree information can be corrected and superimposedly displayed in accordance with changes in the scanning conditions and the image to be displayed.

[0117] <Third embodiment>

[0118] The third embodiment is a specific example of a case where the degradation degrees of the elements of the ultrasonic probe 101 are grouped and displayed separately. In the first embodiment, the elements are divided into 8 groups, and the degradation degrees of the elements are displayed together in the 8 element groups. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the number of element divisions is further reduced for display. For example Fig.13 As shown, the components may be divided into three groups, namely, the center and the left and right groups, and the degradation degrees of the components may be displayed as the three component groups. Alternatively, the components may be divided into two groups, namely, the left and right groups, and the degradation degrees of the components may be displayed as the two component groups. The minimum unit is the display of each component. That is, the number of divisions of the component is an example and is not limited thereto. That is, the third embodiment may also display the degradation degree of the component as the first image 201 or the second image 202 according to each number of divisions.

[0119] Here, the report generation function 186 of the processing circuit 180 divides the plurality of components into a plurality of groups less than the number of the components based on the positions of the components, as described above, and associates the degree of degradation for each of the groups, thereby generating degradation degree information. In addition, the report generation function 186 may divide the components according to the number of divisions input by the operator's operation, and distribute the degree of degradation of the components to a plurality of component groups for display. Alternatively, the report generation function 186 may cause the display 103a to display the number of divisions "8", "2", "3", and "128", divide the components according to the number of divisions selected by the operator's operation, and distribute the degree of degradation of the components to a plurality of component groups for display.

[0120] For example Fig.13 The first image 201 shown in FIG. 1 divides 128 elements into three groups based on the selected division number "3", and displays them as a group on the right, a group in the middle, and a group on the left. The group on the right is equivalent to a group of Figure 4 The group shown is composed of the first to third element groups from the right. The group in the center is equivalent to the group of Figure 4 The group shown is composed of the 4th and 5th element groups from the right. The group on the left is equivalent to the group of Figure 4 The group shown is composed of the sixth to eighth element groups from the right. As the degree of degradation shown in each group, the maximum degree of degradation among the degrees of degradation shown in the plurality of element groups included in the group is used.

[0121] The second image 202 is created by combining a plurality of element groups, similarly to the first image 201. Fig.13 The second image 202 corresponding to the first image 201 shown is, for example, Fig.12 As shown on the upper side, a region having a width of about 2 / 8 of the lateral width of the ultrasonic image is displayed.

[0122] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0123] According to the above configuration, in the above step ST45, for example Fig.13 As shown, the elements of the ultrasonic probe 101 can be divided into three groups, namely, the center and the left and right groups, and the degradation degrees of the three element groups can be displayed on the display 103 a .

[0124] As described above, according to the third embodiment, a plurality of elements are divided into a plurality of groups smaller than the number of the elements based on the positions of the elements, and the degradation degrees are associated with each of the groups to generate degradation degree information. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0125] <Fourth embodiment>

[0126] The fourth embodiment is as follows Fig.14 As shown in (a) to (c), the degree of sensitivity degradation is expressed by symbols (for example, good < A < B < C < D < E) and colors (for example, white < light color < intermediate chromaticity < dark color) for each group of elements.

[0127] For example, a degree of degradation that is almost zero is represented by a symbol "good" and a color "white". In addition, for example, a low degree of degradation is represented by a symbol "A" or "B" and a color "light color". In addition, a high degree of degradation is represented by a symbol "C" or "D" and a color "intermediate chromaticity". In addition, a significant degree of degradation that is equivalent to a defect is represented by a symbol "E" and a color "dark color". However, the 6-stage symbol or 4-stage color illustrated is an example and is not limited to this. As a light color, for example, inconspicuous colors such as light yellow, cream, ivory, and beige can be appropriately used. As a dark color, for example, a color that attracts attention such as red can be appropriately used. As an intermediate chromaticity, for example, brown, khaki, etc., or a color in between the two can be appropriately used. However, it is not limited to the case where the hue is changed as described above. It is also possible to use colors of the same hue, increase the amount of white to make a light color, and increase the amount of black to make a dark color.

[0128] Here, the report generation function 186 of the processing circuit 180 associates the positions of the plurality of components with the plurality of colors corresponding to the degrees of degradation of the plurality of components to generate the degree of degradation information. As the color corresponding to the degree of degradation, for example, a color that is darker as the degree of degradation increases can be used. In addition, the report generation function 186 also associates the marks corresponding to the degrees of degradation of the plurality of components with the positions of the plurality of components to generate the degree of degradation information. However, when the degree of degradation is expressed by color, the marks expressing the degree of degradation may be omitted.

[0129] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

[0130] According to the above configuration, in the above step ST45, for example Fig.14 As shown in any one of (a) to (c) of FIG. 1 , the probe diagnosis report 200 including the first image 201 can be superimposed on the ultrasonic image of the subject P and displayed on the display 103 a .

[0131] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the positions of the plurality of components and the plurality of colors corresponding to the degradation degrees of the plurality of components are individually associated to create degradation degree information. Therefore, in addition to the effects of each of the first to third embodiments, the operator can intuitively grasp the degradation degree of the component based on the color indicating the degradation degree.

[0132] In addition, according to the fourth embodiment, the degradation degree information can also be generated by associating the marks corresponding to the degradation degrees of the multiple components with respect to the positions of the multiple components. In this case, the operator can clearly grasp the degradation degree of the component from the marks indicating the degradation degree in addition to intuitively grasping it from the color.

[0133] <Fifth embodiment>

[0134] The fifth embodiment is a mode in which the timing of executing an examination and displaying a report by the ultrasonic probe 101 can be set. For example, a plurality of settings may be prepared as follows so that the operator can select.

[0135] (a) A setting in which a component is checked and the degree of degradation of the component is displayed every time the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is started up.

[0136] (b) A setting in which a component is checked and the degree of deterioration of the component is displayed every time a patient is examined.

[0137] (c) Setting for inspecting components and displaying the degree of degradation of the components for each pre-selected period. Here, as the selectable period, a length associated with a calendar such as 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months can be appropriately used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as the selectable period, a length associated with a number of days such as 10 days, 30 days, 90 days, or 180 days can also be used.

[0138] In conjunction with this, the processing circuit 180 includes a setting function 184. The setting function 184 of the processing circuit 180 sets the timing for executing each function of the inspection execution function 185, the report generation function 186, and the display control function 187 in accordance with the operation of the operator. Fig.15As shown, the display 103a may display a GUI 203 for setting a timing for executing each function. That is, the setting function 184 may set any one of a first timing for executing each function each time the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is activated, a second timing for executing each function each time an ultrasonic examination of the subject P as a patient is performed, and a third timing for executing each function at a predetermined period. In this case, the setting function 184 sets the first timing, for example, based on an operation of the "activation" check box in the GUI 203. In addition, the setting function 184 sets the second timing, for example, based on an operation of the "new patient" check box in the GUI 203. In addition, the setting function 184 sets the third timing, for example, based on an operation of any one of the "1 week", "1 month", "3 months", and "6 months" check boxes in the GUI 203.

[0139] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0140] According to the above configuration, the processing circuit 180 sets the first trigger, the second trigger, or the third trigger in advance by the operator's operation. Therefore, in the subsequent step ST20, instead of the step ST21 of operating the start button, the step ST21a based on the setting is executed.

[0141] In step ST21a, the processing circuit 180 determines whether to start the inspection based on the setting of GUI203. If the result of this determination is no, step ST20 ends. For example, if "1 Week" is set in GUI203 and one week has not passed since the last inspection, it is equivalent to a no situation. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step ST21a is to start the inspection, the process moves to step ST22.

[0142] In step ST22, the processing circuit 180 performs diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe 101. Specifically, the processing circuit 180 transmits ultrasonic signals into the air, and the multiple elements of the ultrasonic probe 101 receive reflected wave signals from the air, thereby diagnosing the status of the multiple elements based on the characteristic values ​​of the reflected wave signals.

[0143] In step ST23 , the processing circuit 180 determines whether poor contact is suspected based on the result of the diagnosis, and moves to step ST24 a - 1 if the result of the determination is suspected, and moves to step ST25 if not.

[0144] In step ST24a-1, the processing circuit 180 performs Fig. 9As shown, the display 103a displays a retry message Rm1 and a start button Bt1. Thus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 checks the connection between the ultrasonic probe 101 and the apparatus body 100 by the operator attaching and detaching the ultrasonic probe 101 and cleaning the probe connector.

[0145] After the connection is confirmed, in step ST24 a - 2 , the processing circuit 180 detects the operator's operation of the start button Bt1 , and returns to step ST22 .

[0146] On the other hand, after step ST23, in step ST25, the processing circuit 180 determines whether the diagnosis of the state of the component is completed. For example, in the judgment of step ST25, the processing circuit 180 makes the judgment of step ST25 according to whether the state of the component of all the more than one ultrasonic probe 101 connected to the device body 100 has been diagnosed. If the result of the judgment of step ST25 is no, the process returns to step ST22 and continues the diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe 101. In addition, if the result of the judgment of step ST25 is that it has been completed, the processing of step ST20 is terminated. As described above, step ST20 composed of steps ST21 to ST25 is terminated.

[0147] Thereafter, steps ST30 to ST40 are performed in the same manner as described above.

[0148] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the timing for executing each of the diagnosis unit, the production unit, and the display control unit is set according to the operation of the operator. Thus, in addition to the effects of each of the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to set a desired timing, and execute the diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe and display the diagnosis result according to the set timing.

[0149] Furthermore, according to the fifth embodiment, any one of the first timing for executing each of the processes each time the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is activated, the second timing for executing each of the processes each time an ultrasonic examination of the subject is performed, and the third timing for executing each of the processes at each predetermined period can be set. In this case, in addition to the effect of being able to execute each of the processes at a desired timing, each of the processes can also be executed at a desired frequency corresponding to the desired timing.

[0150] <Sixth embodiment>

[0151] The sixth embodiment is a modification of the first to fifth embodiments, and is a method of inspecting the components of the ultrasonic probe 101 and displaying the degree of degradation of the components immediately before shutting down the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Fig.17As shown in the flowchart on the upper side of , step ST40 is executed after step ST10, and steps ST20 to ST30 are executed after step ST40. Here, in the case of a modification of the first to fourth embodiments, if the processing circuit 180 detects the operation of the end button instead of the start button in step ST21, steps ST22 to ST25 and ST30 are executed to end the processing. Fig.17 In the flowchart on the upper side of FIG. 1 , in the case of a modification of the fifth embodiment, the setting function 184 of the processing circuit 180 may set a fourth timing for executing each of the functions of the inspection execution function 185 and the report generation function 186 each time the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is terminated, in addition to the first to third timings described above. Alternatively, the setting function 184 of the processing circuit 180 may set a fourth timing for executing each of the functions each time the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is terminated, instead of the first timing described above.

[0152] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0153] According to the above composition, Fig.17 As shown in the flowchart on the upper side of FIG, after steps ST10 and ST40, steps ST20 to ST30 are executed. Thus, on the diagnosis day of the ultrasonic probe 101, just before the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is shut down, the components of the ultrasonic probe 101 are checked, and a probe diagnostic report 200 indicating the degree of deterioration of the components is displayed. This display is a preview display of step ST34. With the end of step ST30, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ends its operation.

[0154] In addition, on the second day of the diagnosis day of the ultrasonic probe 101, in step ST10, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is activated. After step ST10, in step ST40, the processing circuit 180 superimposes the latest probe diagnostic report 200 on the ultrasonic image of the subject P and displays it on the display 103a. In addition, in step ST40, the processing circuit 180 superimposes the latest second image 202 on the ultrasonic image of the subject P and displays it on the display 103a. In the case where step ST40 is executed on the second day of the diagnosis day of the ultrasonic probe 101, the latest probe diagnostic report 200 and the latest second image 202 are based on the examination results of the previous day. In addition, with the end of step ST40, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ends the ultrasonic examination of the subject P. In addition, step ST40 is similarly executed for other subjects P.

[0155] When step ST40 is completed for all subjects P, steps ST20 to ST30 are executed in the same manner as described above.

[0156] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the diagnosis unit and the production unit are executed each time the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is terminated. Thus, in addition to the effects of each of the first to fifth embodiments, for an operator who does not want to perform a probe check at startup in the morning, the probe check can be performed at the end of the night, thereby responding to the operator's needs.

[0157] According to at least one embodiment described above, during ultrasonic examination of a subject, an operator can understand degradation or defects of an element of an ultrasonic probe.

[0158] The term "processor" used in the above description means, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor implements its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit. In addition, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program can be directly loaded into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor implements its functions by reading and executing the program loaded into the circuit. In addition, the processors of the present embodiment are not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and multiple independent circuits can be combined to form one processor to implement its functions. Furthermore, Figure 1 Multiple components in a processor are integrated into one processor to realize its functions.

[0159] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention are described above, but these embodiments are presented as examples, and their intention is not to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the main purpose of the invention. These embodiments or modifications are included in the scope and main purpose of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the scope of their equivalents.

[0160] Regarding the above-mentioned embodiments, the following supplementary notes [c1] to [c9] are disclosed as one aspect and optional features of the invention.

[0161] [c1]

[0162] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is connected to an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of elements for transmitting ultrasonic signals and receiving reflected wave signals from a subject or in the air, and is capable of generating an ultrasonic image based on outputs of the plurality of elements, and comprises:

[0163] a diagnosis unit that diagnoses the states of the plurality of elements based on a characteristic value of the reflected wave signal from the air;

[0164] a creating unit that creates degradation degree information indicating the degradation degrees of the plurality of elements based on the diagnosed states; and

[0165] The display control unit superimposes the degradation degree information on the ultrasonic image of the subject and causes the display unit to display the image.

[0166] [c2]

[0167] In the above [c1], the production unit may produce the first image by associating the positions of the plurality of components with the degrees of degradation of the plurality of components, and produce the degradation degree information as a probe diagnosis report including the first image and identification information of the ultrasonic probe.

[0168] [c3]

[0169] In the above [c1], the production unit may produce the degradation degree information as a second image, wherein the second image includes one or more straight lines covering the following area, wherein the area is an area based on the output of the element whose degradation degree is greater than a threshold value among multiple areas of the ultrasonic image based on the output of the multiple elements.

[0170] [c4]

[0171] In any of the above items [c1] to [c3], the display control unit may correct the degradation degree information based on the scanning conditions of the ultrasonic image of the subject and the number of elements constituting the image of the display object in the ultrasonic image of the subject, and superimpose the corrected degradation degree information on the image of the display object and display it on the display unit.

[0172] [c5]

[0173] In any of the above [c1] to [c4], the production unit may divide the plurality of components into a plurality of groups smaller than the number of the components based on the position of each component, associate the degree of degradation with each group, and thereby produce the degree of degradation information.

[0174] [c6]

[0175] In any one of the above-mentioned [c1] to [c5], the creation unit may create the degradation degree information by individually associating the positions of the plurality of components with a plurality of colors corresponding to the degradation degrees of the plurality of components.

[0176] [c7]

[0177] In the above-mentioned [c6], the production unit may also produce the degradation degree information by associating symbols corresponding to the degradation degrees of the plurality of elements with respect to positions of the plurality of elements.

[0178] [c8]

[0179] Any one of the above-mentioned [c1] to [c7] may further include: a setting unit that sets a timing for executing each of the diagnosis unit, the creation unit, and the display control unit in accordance with an operation by an operator.

[0180] [c9]

[0181] In the above [c8], the setting unit may set any one of a first opportunity to execute the each unit each time the ultrasonic diagnostic device is started, a second opportunity to execute the each unit each time an ultrasonic examination of the subject is performed, and a third opportunity to execute the each unit at each pre-set period.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, wherein: An ultrasonic probe having a plurality of elements for transmitting ultrasonic signals and receiving reflected wave signals from a subject or in the air is connected, and an ultrasonic image can be generated based on the outputs of the plurality of elements, comprising: a diagnosis unit that diagnoses the states of the plurality of elements based on the reflected wave signal from the air; a generating unit that generates a plurality of types of degradation degree information corresponding to the degree of degradation for each group constituting the plurality of components based on the diagnosed states of the plurality of components; as well as The display control unit causes the plurality of types of degradation degree information to be associated with the ultrasonic image, overlapped with the ultrasonic image, and compared with the ultrasonic image in a manner that the plurality of types of degradation degree information can be identified for each type of degradation degree information, and causes the display unit to display the information. The creating unit creates a first image by associating positions of the plurality of components arranged from right to left with the degrees of degradation of the plurality of components, and creates the degradation degree information as a probe diagnosis report including the first image and identification information of the ultrasonic probe.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The creating unit creates the degradation degree information as a second image including one or more straight lines covering a region based on outputs of the elements having the degradation degree greater than a threshold value among a plurality of regions of the ultrasonic image based on outputs of the plurality of elements.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The display control unit corrects the degradation degree information based on the scanning conditions of the ultrasonic image of the subject and the number of elements constituting the image of the display target in the ultrasonic image of the subject, and superimposes the corrected degradation degree information on the image of the display target to display the display unit.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The creating unit creates the degradation degree information by dividing the plurality of components into a plurality of groups whose number is smaller than the number of the components based on the positions of the components and associating the degradation degrees for each of the groups.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The creation unit creates the degradation degree information by individually associating the positions of the plurality of components with a plurality of colors corresponding to the degradation degrees of the plurality of components.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The creation unit further creates the degradation degree information by associating the marks corresponding to the degradation degrees of the plurality of elements with respect to the positions of the plurality of elements.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Also available: The setting unit sets a timing for executing each of the diagnosis unit, the creation unit, and the display control unit according to an operation by an operator.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The setting unit sets any one of a first timing for executing each unit every time the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is activated, a second timing for executing each unit every time an ultrasonic examination of a subject is performed, and a third timing for executing each unit at each preset period.

9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The display control unit causes the display unit to display the degradation degree information in a different color for each type of the degradation degree information.

10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The degradation degree information includes the degradation degree of the elements in the group and information on whether there is an influence on image diagnosis.

11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The degradation degree information includes the degradation degree of the elements in the group and information on whether they can be used in image diagnosis.

12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The display control unit causes the display unit to display a second image superimposed on the ultrasonic image in a manner that covers an area based on the output of the element whose degradation degree is larger than a threshold value, wherein the second image is degradation degree information of the plurality of types whose degradation degree is larger than a threshold value.

13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The second image is a semi-transparent image that allows the ultrasonic image to lightly penetrate. The transparency of the semi-transparent image is set according to the degree of degradation.

14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The display control unit generates a second image, and causes the display unit to superimpose the probe diagnosis report or the second image on the ultrasonic image and display the second image covering a region based on the output of the element having a degradation degree greater than a threshold value in accordance with an operation of the operator.

15. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: When the scanning conditions of the ultrasonic image are changed according to the operation of the operator, the display control unit corrects the second image based on the changed scanning conditions and the number of elements constituting the image to be displayed in the ultrasonic image, superimposes the corrected second image on the image to be displayed, and causes the display unit to display the image. A ratio rA of the number of elements constituting the second image after the correction to the number of elements constituting the second image before the correction is smaller than a ratio rB of the number of elements constituting the ultrasonic image after the correction to the number of elements constituting the ultrasonic image before the correction (rA<rB).

Images