Ultrasound image display system and its control program

Abstract

To reduce operator stress when performing multiple measurements in an ultrasound imaging system, the processor in the system displays a first measurement portion M1 and a region R indicating candidates for a second measurement portion M2 in a first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2. After displaying the first measurement portion M1, the processor acquires the result of the first measurement based on echo data obtained through the first measurement scan. Furthermore, after displaying the region R, the processor stores the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan in the memory. Once the echo data obtained from the second measurement scan has been stored, the processor acquires the result of the second measurement based on the echo data stored in the memory, once the user interface has accepted operator input to define the second measurement portion M2 within the region R.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ultrasound image display system for acquiring multiple measurement values ​​and its control program. Background Technology

[0002] In examinations using ultrasound diagnostic equipment (examples of ultrasound image display systems), for example, the stiffness of biological tissues is measured based on echo signals from ultrasound to perform diagnoses on parts such as the liver parenchyma (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application KOKAI No. 2015-107311).

[0003] Furthermore, in examinations using ultrasound diagnostic equipment, analysis is sometimes performed by acquiring multiple measurements instead of just one. For example, to assess the liver parenchyma, at least two of the following measurements from a single cross-section are acquired simultaneously: stiffness, viscosity, attenuation, mottle pattern, brightness level, and subcutaneous thickness. These at least two measurements are then used to perform a comprehensive diagnosis.

[0004] When acquiring measurements, operators sometimes define the portion of the ultrasound image that serves as the object of measurement. In this case, the operator experiences pressure while defining a portion of each of the multiple measurements applicable to the measurement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one mode, the ultrasound image display system includes a processor, an ultrasound probe, a display, a memory, and a user interface. The processor is adapted to control the ultrasound probe to perform a B-mode scan of a patient, and to display at least one B-mode image on the display based on echo data obtained through the B-mode scan. The processor is also adapted to display in the B-mode image a first measurement portion acting as an object of a first measurement and an area indicating candidates for a second measurement portion acting as an object of a second measurement. Furthermore, the processor is adapted to: after the first measurement portion has been displayed, control the ultrasound probe to perform a first measurement scan of the first measurement on the patient; acquire the result of the first measurement of the first measurement portion based on the echo data obtained from the first measurement scan; after the area has been displayed, control the ultrasound probe to perform a second measurement scan of the second measurement on the patient; and store the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan in the memory. The user interface is adapted to accept operator input for defining the second measurement portion within the area after the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan has been stored in the memory. The processor is also adapted to acquire the result of the second measurement of the second measurement portion based on the echo data obtained by the second measurement scan and stored in the memory once the user interface has accepted the operator's input.

[0006] According to the ultrasound image display system in the above-described mode, a first measurement scan is performed to acquire the results of a first measurement of a first measurement portion. On the other hand, for the second measurement, after a region indicating a candidate for the second measurement portion to be used as the object of the second measurement has been displayed, a second measurement scan is performed, and the echo data is stored in the memory. After the second measurement scan has been performed and the acquired echo data has been stored in the memory, the second measurement portion is defined by the operator within that region. Therefore, the operator does not need to define the second measurement portion before performing the second measurement scan, and the only requirement is to confirm whether the region is suitable for the second measurement when reviewing the B-mode image in that region, thus allowing the operator to focus on the first measurement. This reduces operator stress. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasound image display system according to one embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of acquiring the results of a first measurement in an ultrasound image display system according to an embodiment;

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a display on which a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image are displayed;

[0010] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing a display on which a first measurement portion and region are displayed in a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image;

[0011] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing a display on which an elastic image is displayed in the first measurement section;

[0012] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of acquiring the results of a second measurement in an ultrasound image display system according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing a display that defines a second measuring portion thereon;

[0014] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing a display on which a B-mode image is displayed in a variant of the implementation scheme;

[0015] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing a display on which the first measurement portion and region are displayed in a B-mode image; and

[0016] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram showing a display that defines a second measuring section thereon. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The ultrasound image display system 1 shown is an example of an ultrasound diagnostic device and includes an ultrasound probe 2, a transmit beamformer 3, and a transmitter 4. The ultrasound probe 2 performs an ultrasound scan on the patient and receives ultrasound echoes. The ultrasound scan includes a B-mode scan, a first measurement scan, and a second measurement scan, which will be discussed below.

[0018] More specifically, the ultrasound probe 2 has multiple vibrating elements 2a for transmitting pulsed ultrasound to a patient (not shown). These multiple vibrating elements 2a are driven by a transmitting beamformer 3 and a transmitter 4 to transmit pulsed ultrasound.

[0019] The ultrasound imaging system 1 also includes a receiver 5 and a receiving beamformer 6. Pulsed ultrasound emitted from the vibrating element 2a is reflected within the patient's body to generate an echo returning to the vibrating element 2a. The echo is converted into an electrical signal by the vibrating element 2a, which is then input to the receiver 5. The echo signal is amplified at the receiver 5 according to the desired gain and then input to the receiving beamformer 6, where receiving beamforming is performed. The receiving beamformer 6 outputs ultrasound data formed by the receiving beam.

[0020] The receiver beamformer 6 can be a hardware beamformer or a software beamformer. If the receiver beamformer 6 is a software beamformer, it may include one or more processors, including one or more of a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any other type of processor capable of performing logical operations. The processor constituting the receiver beamformer 6 may be constructed as a separate processor from the processor 7, which will be discussed later, or may be constructed as processor 7.

[0021] The ultrasound probe 2 may include all or part of the circuitry for performing transmit and / or receive beamforming. For example, all or part of the transmit beamformer 3, transmitter 4, receiver 5, and receive beamformer 6 may be located within the ultrasound probe 2.

[0022] The ultrasound image display system 1 also includes a processor 7 for controlling the transmitting beamformer 3, the transmitter 4, the receiver 5, and the receiving beamformer 6. Furthermore, the ultrasound image display system 1 includes a display 8, a memory 9, and a user interface 10.

[0023] Processor 7 includes one or more processors. Processor 7 communicates electronically with ultrasound probe 2. Processor 7 can control ultrasound probe 2 to acquire ultrasound data. Processor 7 controls which elements in vibrating element 2a are active and the shape of the ultrasonic beam emitted from ultrasound probe 2. Processor 7 also communicates electronically with display 8, and processor 7 can process ultrasound data into ultrasound images for display on display 8. The term "electronic communication" can be defined to include both wired and wireless connections. According to one embodiment, processor 7 may include a central processing unit (CPU). According to other embodiments, processor 7 may include other electronic components capable of performing processing functions, such as a digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), graphics processing unit (GPU), or any other type of processor. According to other embodiments, processor 7 may include multiple electronic components capable of performing processing functions. For example, processor 7 may include two or more electronic components selected from a list of electronic components, including: a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, and a graphics processing unit.

[0024] Processor 7 may also include a demodulator (not shown) for demodulating RF data. In another embodiment, demodulation may be performed earlier in the processing chain.

[0025] Processor 7 is adapted to perform one or more processing operations based on multiple selectable ultrasound modes on the data. Data can be processed in real time during a scanning session as echo signals are received. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "real time" is defined as including processes performed without any intentional delay.

[0026] Data may be temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown) during ultrasound scanning, allowing the data to be processed in real-time operation or in non-real-time offline operation. In this disclosure, the term "data" may be used to refer to one or more datasets acquired using an ultrasound imaging display system.

[0027] Ultrasonic data can be processed by processor 7 through other or different mode-related modules (e.g., B-mode, color Doppler, M-mode, color M-mode, spectral Doppler, contrast-enhanced mode, elastography, TVI, strain, strain rate, etc.) to form ultrasound image data. For example, one or more modules can generate ultrasound images using B-mode, color Doppler, M-mode, color M-mode, spectral Doppler, contrast-enhanced mode, elastography, TVI, strain, strain rate, and combinations thereof.

[0028] The system stores image beams and / or image frames, and can record timing information indicating the time when data is acquired in the memory. These modules may include, for example, a scan conversion module for performing scan conversion operations to convert image frames from beam space coordinates to display space coordinates. A video processor module may be provided that reads image frames from the memory and displays them in real time during the procedure on the patient. The video processor module can store image frames in an image memory, read ultrasound images from the image memory, and display these ultrasound images on the display 8.

[0029] As used herein, the term "image" broadly refers to both a visible image and the data representing that visible image. The term "data" can include both raw data and image data; raw data is ultrasound data prior to the scan conversion operation, and image data is data after the scan conversion operation.

[0030] In cases where processor 7 includes multiple processors, the aforementioned processing tasks to be processed by processor 7 can be handled by multiple processors. For example, a first processor can be used to demodulate and extract RF signals, while a second processor can be used to further process the data before displaying the image.

[0031] For example, if the receiving beamformer 6 is a software beamformer, the processing functions of the receiving beamformer can be executed by a single processor or by multiple processors.

[0032] Display 8 includes LED (light-emitting diode) displays, LCD (liquid crystal display), organic EL (electroluminescent) displays, etc.

[0033] The memory 9 is any known data storage medium. In the example, the ultrasound image display system 1 includes both non-transitory and transient storage media as the memory 9, and includes multiple units of the memory 9. The non-transitory storage medium is, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (hard disk drive) and a ROM (read-only memory). The non-transitory storage medium may include portable storage media such as a CD (optical disc) and a DVD (digital versatile optical disc). The non-transitory storage medium stores the program executed by the processor 7.

[0034] Transient storage media are volatile storage media, such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0035] User interface 10 can accept input from the operator. For example, user interface 10 accepts input of commands and / or information from the operator. User interface 10 is configured to include a keyboard, hard keys, trackball, rotary controls, soft keys, etc. User interface 10 may include a touchscreen for displaying soft keys, etc.

[0036] Next, the operation of the ultrasound image display system 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 In step S1 of the flowchart, the processor 7 controls the ultrasound probe 2 to perform a B-mode scan of the patient. Next, in step S2, the processor 7 displays the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 side-by-side on the display 8 based on the echo data obtained through the B-mode scan, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown. In one example, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are images of the same cross-section within the patient's body and are in the same frame. In this case, at step S1, a one-frame B-mode scan is performed on the specific cross-section within the patient's body. However, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are not limited to images of the same cross-section and in the same frame. For example, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 can be images of the same cross-section but in different frames. In this case, at step S1, a two-frame B-mode scan is performed on the specific cross-section within the patient's body.

[0037] Next, in step S3, the processor 7 displays the first measurement portion M1 in the first B-mode image BI1 and the region R in the second B-mode image BI2, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. The first measuring part M1 is the region that serves as the object of the first measurement. Although the first measuring part M1 is in Figure 4 The area in the figure is rectangular, but not limited to. Area R is an area that indicates a candidate for the second measurement portion that serves as the object of the second measurement. Although area R is a rectangular area in the figure, it is not limited to. Although the first measurement portion M1 is the object of the first measurement as a whole, area R serves as the object of the second measurement that is not a whole, and the second measurement portion as a part of it serves as that object, which will be discussed below.

[0038] The display and definition of the first measurement portion M1 and the region R will now be described. In one example, once the user interface 10 has accepted operator input, the processor 7 displays the first measurement portion M1 at the desired location in the first B-mode image BI1 and the region R at the desired location in the second B-mode image BI2. The user interface 10 can be configured to accept operator input for fixing the position of the first measurement portion M1. In this case, the operator's input may include input for moving the first measurement portion M1 in the first B-mode image BI1. The processor 7 fixes the position of the first measurement portion M1 in the first B-mode image BI1 based on the input at the user interface 10. Thus, the operator can move the first measurement portion M1 to a desired position suitable for the first measurement, and define that desired position.

[0039] On the other hand, processor 7 displays region R at a predetermined position in the second B-mode image BI2. The predetermined position is the position applicable to the second measurement.

[0040] Next, in step S4, the processor 7 controls the ultrasound probe 2 to perform a first measurement scan of the first measurement and a second measurement scan of the second measurement on the patient. The processor 7 acquires the results of the first measurement in the first measurement section M1 based on the echo data obtained through the first measurement scan.

[0041] Perform a first measurement scan to include at least the region within the patient's body corresponding to the first measurement portion M1. Perform a second measurement scan to include at least the region within the patient's body corresponding to region R.

[0042] In one example, the first measurement scan is a scan used to measure values ​​related to the elasticity of the patient's biological tissue. In another example, the second measurement scan is a scan used to measure the values ​​of ultrasound attenuation in the patient's biological tissue.

[0043] In one example, the value associated with the elasticity of biological tissue is the propagation velocity of shear waves induced by an ultrasound pulse (push pulse) transmitted to the biological tissue. The first measurement scan includes transmitting a push pulse to generate shear waves in the biological tissue, and transmitting / receiving an ultrasound detection pulse to detect the shear waves generated by the push pulse in the biological tissue. The propagation velocity of the shear waves propagating through the biological tissue is calculated based on the echo data obtained from the transmission of the ultrasound detection pulse. The propagation velocity is an example of the result of the first measurement.

[0044] Processor 7 can calculate the elastic value (Young's modulus (in Pa; Pascals)) of biological tissue based on the propagation speed of shear waves. The elastic value is another example of the result of the first measurement.

[0045] Processor 7 can acquire the results of a first measurement, such as propagation velocity or elasticity value, for each pixel in the region of the first measurement portion M1. Processor 7 can generate an elasticity image of the region of the first measurement portion M1 based on the propagation velocity or elasticity value. Processor 7 displays the elasticity image EI in the first measurement portion M1 defined in the first B-mode image BI1, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The elasticity image EI is a semi-transparent color image through which the first B-mode image BI1 in the background passes. The color image is an image with colors that depend on the propagation speed or elasticity value, which in turn depends on the elasticity of the biological tissue.

[0046] Furthermore, at step S4, the processor 7 also stores the echo data of the second measurement obtained through the second measurement scan in the memory 9. Here, the second measurement is not performed; only the storage of the echo data of the second measurement is performed. At this time, the operator is not required to limit themselves to the second measurement portion, which is the object on which the second measurement is to be performed. The only operation performed by the operator on the second measurement at this point in time is to confirm whether the second B-mode image BI2 in region R is suitable for the second measurement, i.e., the measurement of attenuation. Therefore, the operator can focus on the first measurement.

[0047] The processor 7 can store the echo data obtained through the first measurement scan and the result of the first measurement based on the echo data in the memory 9.

[0048] Additionally, in step S4, before performing the first measurement scan, the processor 7 can control the ultrasound probe to perform a B-mode scan of the B-mode image in one frame, and refresh the first B-mode image BI1 based on the echo data based on the B-mode scan. The processor 7 also displays the first measurement portion M1 in the refreshed first B-mode image BI1.

[0049] Furthermore, in step S4, before performing the second measurement scan, the processor 7 can control the ultrasound probe to perform a B-mode scan of the B-mode image in one frame, and refresh the second B-mode image BI2 based on the echo data based on the B-mode scan. The processor 7 also displays region R in the refreshed second B-mode image BI2.

[0050] For example, at step S4, a scan can be performed in the following order: a B-mode scan of a frame, a first measurement scan of a frame, a B-mode scan of a frame, and a second measurement scan of a frame. Alternatively, scans of multiple frames can be performed by a sequence comprising: a B-mode scan of a frame, a first measurement scan of a frame, a B-mode scan of a frame, and a second measurement scan of a frame, repeated in this order.

[0051] Therefore, the first measurement is completed through steps S1 to S4 above. After completing the first measurement, according to... Figure 6 The flowchart in the document acquires the results of the second measurement. In one example, the process begins by displaying the first ultrasound image BI1, the second ultrasound image BI2, and the elastography image EI. Figure 6 Processing of flowcharts in, such as Figure 5 As shown.

[0052] In step S10, a second measurement portion M2, which acts as the object of the second measurement, is defined. Once the user interface 10 has accepted the operator's input, the processor 7 defines the second measurement portion M2 in the second B-mode image BI2, as follows. Figure 7As shown. The second measuring section M2 is defined at a desired location in the region R formed by the line segment L in the frame F. The line segment L extends in the direction of the acoustic line used for transmitting / receiving ultrasound at the ultrasound probe 2.

[0053] Next, in step S11, the processor 7 acquires the result of the second measurement of the second measurement portion M2 based on the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan and stored in the memory 9. The result of the second measurement is the ultrasonic attenuation value, which is the degree of attenuation of the echo signal along a portion of line segment L. The obtained attenuation value can be displayed on the display 8.

[0054] As described above, the operator must define the second measurement section M2 in step S10 only after the second measurement scan is completed and the echo data is stored in memory 9 in step S4. Therefore, the operator's workload can be reduced.

[0055] Next, a variation will be described. At step S2 as previously described, the processor 7 can display only one B-mode image BI on the display 8, such as... Figure 8 As shown, instead of displaying the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 side by side, in this case, at step S3, the processor 7 displays the first measurement portion M1 and the region R in the B-mode image BI, as shown. Figure 9 As shown. Furthermore, in step S10, the second measurement portion M2 is defined within region R displayed in the B-mode image BI, as... Figure 10 As shown. In Figure 10 In this embodiment, the second measuring portion M2 is defined within the area of ​​the first measuring portion M1. However, the location defining the second measuring portion M2 is not limited to the area within the first measuring portion M1. Furthermore, the location defining the first measuring portion M1 is not limited to the area within region R.

[0056] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes and / or equivalent substitutions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and the invention is intended to cover all embodiments falling within the appended claims.

[0057] For example, the first measurement could be a measurement of ultrasound attenuation values ​​in biological tissue, and the second measurement could be a measurement of elasticity-related values ​​in biological tissue. Furthermore, the first and second measurements are not limited to measurements of attenuation-related values ​​or elasticity-related values. For example, the first and second measurements could be echo-based measurements, which are any combination of different types of measurements, including: measurements related to elasticity, viscosity, subcutaneous thickness, and ultrasound attenuation in the patient's biological tissue; measurements of convexity on the surface of the patient's liver; and analysis of the texture of the aforementioned B-mode images. Analysis of the texture of the B-mode images includes measurements of the pattern and brightness of the blotches in the B-mode images.

[0058] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be a method for controlling an ultrasound image display system, which includes a processor, an ultrasound probe, a display, a memory, and a user interface, wherein in the control method,

[0059] The processor performs control actions including the following:

[0060] The ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a B-mode scan of the patient to obtain B-mode images;

[0061] At least one B-mode image is displayed on the display based on the echo data obtained through the B-mode scan;

[0062] The B-mode image displays a first measurement portion of the object that serves as the first measurement and an area indicating candidates for the second measurement portion of the object that serves as the second measurement.

[0063] After the first measurement portion has been displayed, the ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a first measurement scan of the first measurement on the patient, and the result of the first measurement of the first measurement portion is acquired based on the echo data obtained through the first measurement scan; and

[0064] After the area has been displayed, the ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a second measurement scan on the patient, and the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan is stored in the memory.

[0065] The user interface is adapted to accept operator input for defining the second measurement portion of the region after the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan has been stored in the memory, and

[0066] Once the user interface has accepted the operator's input, the processor also acquires the results of the second measurement based on the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan and stored in the memory.

Claims

1. An ultrasound image display system, the ultrasound image display system comprising a processor, an ultrasound probe, a display, a memory, and a user interface, wherein... The processor is adapted to perform control including the following actions: The ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a B-mode scan of the patient to obtain B-mode images; At least one B-mode image is displayed on the display based on the echo data obtained through the B-mode scan; The B-mode image displays a first measurement portion of the object that serves as the first measurement and an area indicating candidates for the second measurement portion of the object that serves as the second measurement. After the first measurement portion has been displayed, the ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a first measurement scan of the first measurement on the patient, and the result of the first measurement of the first measurement portion is acquired based on the echo data obtained through the first measurement scan. as well as After the area has been displayed, the ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a second measurement scan on the patient, and the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan is stored in the memory. The user interface is adapted to accept operator input for fixing the position of the first measurement portion, and, after the echo data obtained by the second measurement scan has been stored in the memory, to accept operator input for defining the second measurement portion in the area. The processor is adapted to acquire the result of the second measurement of the second measurement portion based on the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan and stored in the memory, once the user interface has accepted input from the operator.

2. The ultrasound image display system according to claim 1, wherein: The user interface is adapted to further accept operator input for fixing the position of the first measurement portion displayed in the B-mode image, and the input includes operator input for moving the first measurement portion on the B-mode image, and the processor Based on the input, the position of the first measurement portion in the B-mode image is fixed, and The region is displayed at a predetermined location in the B-mode image.

3. The ultrasound image display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one B-mode image is a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image displayed side by side. In the first B mode, the first measurement section is displayed, and In the second B mode, the second measurement section is displayed.

4. The ultrasound image display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first and second measurements include any one of the following: measurements related to elasticity, viscosity, subcutaneous thickness, and ultrasound attenuation in biological tissues within the patient's body; measurements of protrusions on the surface of the patient's liver; and analysis of texture in the B-mode image.

5. The ultrasound image display system according to claim 4, wherein: The first measurement is a measurement related to the elasticity of biological tissues in the patient's body, and the second measurement is a measurement of ultrasound attenuation in the biological tissues in the patient's body.

6. The ultrasound image display system according to claim 5, wherein: Measurements related to the elasticity of biological tissues within the patient's body are used to measure the propagation speed of shear waves generated in the biological tissue by a push pulse transmitted to the biological tissue.

7. The ultrasound image display system according to claim 6, wherein: The processor also displays an elastic image in the first measurement section, the elastic image having a color that depends on the propagation speed.

8. The ultrasound image display system according to claim 5, wherein: Measurements related to the elasticity of biological tissues within the patient's body include measurements that acquire the propagation speed of shear waves generated in the biological tissue by a push pulse transmitted to the biological tissue, in order to acquire the elasticity value of the biological tissue based on the propagation speed.

9. The ultrasound image display system according to claim 8, wherein: The processor also displays an elasticity image in the first measurement section, the elasticity image having a color that depends on the elasticity value.

10. The ultrasound image display system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: Prior to the first measurement scan, the processor controls the ultrasound probe to perform an additional B-mode scan on the patient and refreshes the B-mode image in which the first measurement portion is displayed.

11. The ultrasound image display system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: Prior to the second measurement scan, the processor controls the ultrasound probe to perform an additional B-mode scan on the patient and refreshes the B-mode image in which the region is displayed.

12. The ultrasound image display system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The first measurement scan is performed to include at least a portion of the patient corresponding to the first measurement portion, and the second measurement scan is performed to include at least a portion of the patient corresponding to the region within the patient's body.

13. A program product for controlling an ultrasound image display system comprising a processor, an ultrasound probe, a display, a memory, and a user interface, wherein... The program product for control is adapted to cause the processor to perform control including the following actions: The ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a B-mode scan of the patient to obtain B-mode images; At least one B-mode image is displayed on the display based on the echo data obtained through the B-mode scan; The B-mode image displays a first measurement portion of the object that serves as the first measurement and an area indicating candidates for the second measurement portion of the object that serves as the second measurement. After the first measurement portion has been displayed, the ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a first measurement scan of the first measurement on the patient, and the result of the first measurement of the first measurement portion is acquired based on the echo data obtained through the first measurement scan; and After the area has been displayed, the ultrasound probe is controlled to perform a second measurement scan on the patient, and the echo data obtained through the second measurement scan is stored in the memory. The user interface is adapted to accept operator input for fixing the position of the first measurement portion, and, after the echo data obtained by the second measurement scan has been stored in the memory, to accept operator input for defining the second measurement portion in the area. The program product for control is also adapted to cause the processor to perform the following actions: Once the user interface has accepted the operator's input, the result of the second measurement of the second measurement portion is obtained based on the echo data that has been obtained through the second measurement scan and stored in the memory.

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