Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic examination assistance method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic examination assisting method. A protocol modification section (30) generates exclusive protocol information for a specific examinee by modifying standard protocol information. An exclusive protocol execution control section (32) controls execution of a series of procedures constituting an exclusive protocol in accordance with the exclusive protocol information. A reference image and a measurement value are associated with each procedure constituting the exclusive protocol.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic examination assisting method, and particularly relates to generation or management of an examination protocol constituted by a plurality of procedures executed sequentially. BACKGROUND

[0002] In ultrasonic examination, a series of procedures are implemented sequentially in an order determined by an examination guideline or the like. For example, in ultrasonic examination of the abdomen, in each procedure, a given cross section in a diagnostic target organ is displayed as a tomographic image. A required measurement is implemented on each tomographic image. At the end of each procedure, a procedure execution result (tomographic image, measurement result, findings, etc.) is stored.

[0003] During execution of the series of procedures, in order to assist an examiner, several examination protocols are prepared in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as an examination assisting function. For example, if a particular examination protocol is selected and caused to execute, a previously set execution condition is automatically set for each procedure. Further, a required measurement is automatically started in the execution of the procedure. If a store operation is performed, the next procedure is automatically transferred. From the viewpoint of image observation, each procedure constituting the examination protocol is also referred to as a view.

[0004] In Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2010-259614), an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that applies an examination protocol that is best for the subject to the subject is disclosed. The best examination protocol is a past examination protocol that was applied to the subject. In Document 2 (JP Patent Publication No. 2020-141883), an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that registers a new examination process as a branch protocol in the case where the new examination process is executed in the execution of a certain examination protocol is disclosed. In Document 3 (JP Patent Publication No. 2018-61659), an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that creates an examination protocol based on an image list is disclosed. In Documents 1 to 3, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an examination protocol for a specific subject from a general examination protocol and can selectively use the two examination protocols is not disclosed.

[0005] From the viewpoint of assisting ultrasound examinations for various examinees, it is necessary to prepare a general, i.e., standard, examination protocol, but merely preparing a standard examination protocol does not sufficiently assist ultrasound examinations. In the execution of an examination protocol, in some process, a parameter is sometimes changed corresponding to an examinee. Sometimes, a new process is added in the case where an abnormal site is found in the execution of an examination protocol. If such a customized examination protocol can be utilized again in the future, the next ultrasound examination for the same examinee can be performed more efficiently. SUMMARY

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that can assist ultrasound examinations corresponding to examinees. Or, an object of the present disclosure is to realize a structure that can effectively utilize past setting contents when an examination protocol is executed. Or, an object of the present disclosure is to achieve a balance between general-purpose and special-purpose with respect to the utilization of an examination protocol.

[0007] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment is characterized by including: a protocol revision section that generates special-purpose protocol information for executing an examination protocol for a specific examinee by revising standard protocol information for executing a standard examination protocol; and a protocol execution control section that sets a plurality of execution conditions in order based on the standard protocol information in a process of executing a series of processes constituting the standard examination protocol in the case where the standard examination protocol is selected, and sets a plurality of execution conditions in order based on the special-purpose protocol information in a process of executing a series of processes constituting the special-purpose examination protocol in the case where the special-purpose examination protocol is selected.

[0008] The ultrasound examination assistance method according to the embodiment is characterized by including: a process of generating special-purpose protocol information for executing an examination protocol for a specific examinee by revising standard protocol information for executing a standard examination protocol; a process of setting a plurality of execution conditions in order based on the standard protocol information in a process of executing a series of processes constituting the standard examination protocol in the case where the standard examination protocol is selected; and a process of setting a plurality of execution conditions in order based on the special-purpose protocol information in a process of executing a series of processes constituting the special-purpose examination protocol in the case where the special-purpose examination protocol is selected, and displaying reference information associated with the special-purpose examination protocol as information obtained from the specific examinee. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2This is a diagram representing an example of standard scheme information.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram representing an example of information about a specific solution.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a diagram representing multiple standard scheme management tables.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram representing multiple dedicated scheme management tables.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram representing a display example.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a graph that represents measured values.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart representing an example of an action.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram representing a specific example of S24. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following description of the implementation method is based on the accompanying drawings.

[0019] (1) Overview of the implementation method

[0020] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a protocol correction unit and a protocol execution control unit. The protocol correction unit generates dedicated protocol information for performing a specific examination plan (i.e., a dedicated plan) for a particular examinee by correcting standard protocol information used for performing a standard examination plan (i.e., a standard plan). When a standard plan is selected, the protocol execution control unit sequentially sets multiple execution conditions based on the standard plan information during the sequential execution of a series of steps constituting the standard plan; when a dedicated plan is selected, it sequentially sets multiple execution conditions based on the dedicated plan information during the sequential execution of a series of steps constituting the dedicated plan. The processor, described later, functions as both the protocol correction unit and the protocol execution control unit.

[0021] Based on the above structure, the standard protocol information is modified by the protocol modification unit to generate specialized protocol information. When executing a protocol, both standard and specialized protocols can be selectively used. Standard protocols can be applied to new patients. For patients for whom specialized protocols have been generated, these protocols can be used to more appropriately assist in the ultrasound examination.

[0022] When revising a standard protocol, parameters input or specified by the inspector are used during the execution of the multiple processes that constitute the standard protocol. For example, if the inspector changes the diagnostic depth range that is set as the default value in the standard protocol, a custom protocol reflecting the changed diagnostic depth is generated.

[0023] In this implementation, the scheme correction unit includes a reference image association establishment unit, which associates multiple ultrasound images obtained through the execution of the series of steps with the series of steps constituting the specific scheme as multiple reference images. The scheme execution control unit includes a reference image display control unit, which performs display control during the sequential execution of the series of steps constituting the specific scheme, so as to sequentially display the multiple reference images associated with the series of steps. According to this structure, multiple ultrasound images previously obtained from a specific patient can be displayed in stages during the current ultrasound examination. By referring to these ultrasound images, the position and orientation of the probe can be easily reproduced. Furthermore, changes in the characteristics of the affected area are easily monitored.

[0024] In this implementation, the scheme correction unit includes a measurement value association establishment unit that associates measurement values ​​obtained through the execution of a measurement-included process in the dedicated scheme with that measurement-included process. The scheme execution control unit includes a measurement value display control unit that performs display control during the execution of the measurement-included process in the dedicated scheme, thereby displaying one or more past measurement values ​​that have been associated with that measurement-included process. With this structure, the current measurement can be performed while referring to previously obtained measurement values. Furthermore, it is easy to compare the acquired measurement value with past measurement values ​​at the point in time.

[0025] In this embodiment, the measurement value display control unit has the function of performing display control to display multiple past measurement values ​​as a measurement value graph. Based on this structure, it is easy to monitor the changes in measurement values ​​over time.

[0026] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a test value association establishment unit that associates multiple test values ​​obtained from a specific subject in a time-series order with a dedicated protocol. The protocol execution control unit has a test value display control unit that performs display control to display a test value graph representing the multiple test values ​​associated with the dedicated protocol during the execution of the protocol. According to this structure, ultrasound examinations can be performed taking into account changes in test values ​​over time.

[0027] In this implementation, the standard solution information includes multiple process information for performing multiple processes constituting the standard solution. The solution correction unit includes: functions for correcting the content of process information that is the object of correction among the multiple process information; and functions for adding new process information to the multiple process information. The solution correction unit may also have functions for deleting processes, copying processes, etc.

[0028] The ultrasonic examination assistance method according to the implementation method includes a first step, a second step, and a third step. In the first step, standard plan information, i.e., a special plan, for performing an examination plan for a specific examinee, is generated by modifying standard plan information used to perform a standard examination plan, i.e., a standard plan. In the second step, when a standard plan is selected, multiple execution conditions are sequentially set based on the standard plan information during the sequential execution of a series of steps constituting the standard plan. In the third step, when a special plan is selected, multiple execution conditions are sequentially set based on the special plan information during the sequential execution of a series of steps constituting the special plan, and simultaneously, reference information associated with the special plan, which is information obtained from the specific examinee, is displayed.

[0029] Based on the above structure, standard or specialized protocols can be selectively used for the examinee. When a specialized protocol is selected, examiner assistance based on past performance can be provided. Specific specialized protocols can be automatically selected based on the examinee. Specific specialized protocols can also be automatically selected based on a combination of the examinee and the examination site (or treatment area). Furthermore, probe position information and other information can be linked to each procedure. Hereinafter, depending on the circumstances, both standard and specialized protocols will be referred to simply as "protocol."

[0030] (2) Details of the implementation method

[0031] exist Figure 1 An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment is shown. This ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is installed in a medical institution and is a medical device used during ultrasound examinations.

[0032] The probe 10 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. An array of multiple transducers is disposed within the probe 10. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the transducer array, and this ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned, thereby forming a beam scanning surface.

[0033] The transmitting and receiving unit 12 supplies multiple transmitted signals in parallel to the vibrating element array during transmission, and performs phase-alignment and summing (i.e., delay and summing) operations on the multiple received signals from the vibrating element array during reception. This forms beam data. One received frame data is generated by scanning the ultrasonic beam once. One received frame data consists of multiple beam data arranged in the electronic scanning direction. Each beam data consists of multiple echo data arranged in the depth direction.

[0034] The received frame data, sequentially output from the transmitting / receiving unit 12, is sequentially input to the image forming unit 14. The image forming unit 14 includes a DSC (Digital Scan Converter). The DSC generates a display frame data string from the received frame data string. The DSC has coordinate transformation functions, pixel interpolation functions, etc. One display frame data constitutes one tomographic image data. Figure 1 The ultrasound diagnostic device shown has additional image forming units that form other ultrasound images (e.g., two-dimensional blood flow images).

[0035] The display processing unit 16 has image synthesis and color processing functions, etc. The display processing unit 16 forms display images that are displayed on the monitor 20. The display images include ultrasonic images. Ultrasonic images are dynamic images when in real-time operation and static images when frozen. The monitor 20 is composed of an LCD, an organic EL display, etc. The display images include various images generated in the processor 22. Among these, process list images, measurement list images, measurement value charts, inspection value charts, etc., can be included.

[0036] The processor 22 consists of a CPU that executes programs. The processor 22 controls the operation of various components within the ultrasound diagnostic device and performs necessary information processing. Figure 1 In this context, multiple blocks are used to represent the various functions performed by the processor 22.

[0037] The standard procedure execution control unit 28 controls the execution of the standard procedure according to the standard procedure information that defines the standard procedure. The standard procedure is a universally used procedure that consists of multiple processes executed sequentially.

[0038] The program modification unit 30 generates specialized program information that defines a specialized program by modifying the standard program information. Furthermore, the program modification unit 30 generates other specialized program information by modifying the specialized program information. A specialized program is a program specifically used by the inspected party, and it consists of multiple procedures. Both standard programs and specialized programs are inspection programs, and their entities are identical. However, a standard program is a general program used for non-specific inspected parties, while a specialized program is a customized program used for a specific inspected party; this is the difference between the two.

[0039] The dedicated scheme execution control unit 32 controls the execution of the dedicated scheme according to the dedicated scheme information that defines the dedicated scheme. The standard scheme execution control unit 28 and the dedicated scheme execution control unit 32 are essentially the same entity. Figure 1 In order to distinguish between the two schemes, the standard scheme execution control unit 28 and the special scheme execution control unit 32 are respectively represented.

[0040] During the execution of the plan, at the beginning of each process, the ultrasonic diagnostic device is set with execution conditions specific to that process. These execution conditions include parameters such as operating mode, diagnostic depth, transmission frequency, transmission repetition period, and gain. Operating modes include B-mode, CFM mode, and PW mode. In cases involving measurement processes, measurements are generally performed on a still image displayed after a freeze operation. Examples of measurements include distance measurement, area measurement, volume measurement, and exponential calculation.

[0041] Typically, when a save operation is performed, the process moves to the next step. If a save operation is performed while displaying a moving image, the moving image is saved; if a save operation is performed while displaying a still image, the still image is saved. The saved image becomes part of the inspection report. Usually, measurement values ​​and annotations are also saved along with the image.

[0042] During the execution of the plan, specifically during the execution of each step, the inspector can change any parameters as needed. For example, the diagnostic depth range can be changed. In this case, a new dedicated plan is generated upon completion of the plan's execution. This allows the new dedicated plan to be used in the next ultrasound examination. If, during the execution of a certain step, basic parameters such as the operation mode are changed, the plan's execution is temporarily interrupted, and a new step is added. After the completion of this step, the plan's execution resumes. In such cases, the plan correction unit 30 can also generate a new dedicated plan including the added steps upon completion of the plan's execution.

[0043] The scheme correction unit 30, in the illustrated structural example, includes a reference image association establishment unit 34, a measurement value association establishment unit 36, and an inspection value association establishment unit 38. The reference image association establishment unit 34 establishes an association between the images stored in each process and that process, using them as reference images. The measurement value association establishment unit 36 ​​establishes an association between the measurement values ​​obtained in each process and that process. The inspection value association establishment unit 38 establishes an association between the inspection values ​​obtained from the examinee and the dedicated scheme. Examples of inspection values ​​include height, weight, BMI, and blood analysis results. The probe's position information can also be associated with each process.

[0044] Furthermore, in this application specification, values ​​obtained through measurements of ultrasonic images are referred to as measured values, and values ​​obtained through examinations other than ultrasonic testing are referred to as inspection values. That is, measured values ​​are ultrasonic measured values, and inspection values ​​are non-ultrasonic measured values.

[0045] The dedicated scheme execution control unit 32, in the illustrated structural example, includes a reference image display control unit 40, a measurement value display control unit 42, and an inspection value display control unit 44. The reference image display control unit 40 performs control during the execution of each process by displaying a reference image (an ultrasonic image obtained during the previous inspection) associated with that process on the screen. When switching processes, the content of the reference image also changes.

[0046] During the execution of each process, the measurement value display control unit 42 displays the measurement values ​​(measurement values ​​obtained during the previous inspection) associated with that process as numerical values. When multiple measurement values ​​are associated with the structure in a time sequence, a measurement value chart can be generated based on them and displayed. That is, the measurement value display control unit 42 has a chart generation function.

[0047] When a plan is executed, the check value display control unit 44 displays the check values ​​associated with it as numerical values. When multiple check values ​​are associated with the plan in chronological order, a check value chart can be generated and displayed based on them. In other words, the check value display control unit 44 has a chart generation function.

[0048] The storage unit 26 comprises a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 26 stores standard protocol information group 46 and dedicated protocol information group 48. The standard protocol information group 46 consists of multiple standard protocol information corresponding to multiple diagnostic sites or multiple diagnostic and treatment subjects. The dedicated protocol information group 48 consists of multiple dedicated protocol information corresponding to multiple examinees.

[0049] The storage unit 26 also stores a standard image group 50, a reference image group 52, a measurement value group 54, and an inspection value group 56. The standard image group 50 includes multiple standard images displayed during the execution of multiple processes constituting each standard scheme. Each standard image is composed of ultrasound images, diagrams, etc., from other people and is not an image obtained from the person being inspected.

[0050] The reference image group consists of multiple ultrasound images obtained from each subject. During the execution of this protocol, a series of ultrasound images obtained during the previous protocol execution are displayed sequentially.

[0051] Measurement value group 54 consists of multiple measurement values ​​obtained from each inspectee. During the execution of this plan, a series of measurement values ​​obtained during the previous plan execution are displayed sequentially. As described above, it can also replace numerical display with graphical display. Inspection value group 56 consists of multiple inspection values ​​obtained from each inspectee. During the execution of this plan, it can display currently obtained or previously obtained inspection values. It can also replace numerical display with graphical display, as described above.

[0052] An operation panel 24 is connected to the processor 22. The operation panel 24 consists of multiple switches, multiple knobs, a keyboard, a trackball, etc.

[0053] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an example of standard procedure information. Standard procedure information 58 is the information required to control the execution of a standard procedure. A standard procedure consists of multiple steps, and standard procedure information 58 contains multiple step information 60 corresponding to these steps. Each step information 60 includes a step number 62, a step name 64, execution conditions 66, a standard image indicator 68, etc. Execution conditions 66 consist of multiple parameters defining the actions of the step. The standard image indicator 68 is the link information that identifies the standard image 70 associated with the step, such as a URL. At the start of each step's execution, the standard image associated with that step is displayed. The probe's position and orientation can be adjusted while comparing the standard image and the ultrasound image.

[0054] During the execution of any process, any parameter can be changed. For example, the diagnostic depth range can be changed. Figure 2 In the diagram, multiple parameters modified by the inspector are enclosed in multiple boxes 72. For example, a standard scheme is modified by replacing a specific parameter with a changed parameter 74 (refer to reference numeral 74A in the attached diagram). However, the content of the registered standard scheme itself is maintained.

[0055] During the execution of any process, if the operation mode is changed, or if other basic parameters are changed, the execution of the standard procedure is temporarily interrupted, and an additional process is implemented. Reference numeral 78 indicates process information 78 corresponding to the additional process, which includes process number 62a, process name 64a, execution conditions 66a, standard image indicator 68a, etc. If an ultrasonic image is stored in the additional process, it is managed as a reference image. The standard image indicator 68a provides information determining the location of the standard image. Reference numeral 76 indicates the position where the additional process is inserted.

[0056] The protocol modification department manages and records parameter modifications and process additions (see attached reference numeral 80). Based on the recorded information, a customized protocol is generated for the patient currently undergoing ultrasound examination.

[0057] exist Figure 3 This example illustrates dedicated program information. Dedicated program information 88 is the information required to control the execution of a dedicated program. A dedicated program consists of multiple steps, and dedicated program information 88 includes multiple step information 90 corresponding to these steps. Each step information 90 includes a step number 92, a step name 94, execution conditions 96, a reference image indicator 98, measurement history 100, etc. Execution conditions 96 consist of multiple parameters defining the actions of the step. The reference image indicator 98 is link information, such as a URL, to a reference image (an image obtained during the previous inspection) 102 associated with that step. The reference image associated with that step is displayed at the start of execution of each step. The probe position and orientation can be adjusted while comparing the reference image and the ultrasound image. Furthermore, ultrasound image readings (including observations) can be performed while referring to the reference image.

[0058] It can also correct specific solution information. The multiple parameters surrounded by boxes 104 are the corrected parameters. For example, parameter 104A can be replaced with the original parameter 106. Process additions can also be performed.

[0059] The examinee's information and examination information are linked to the special protocol information 88 (see attached diagram 108). The examinee's information includes ID, name, gender, age, and examination site. The examination information consists of a group of examination values ​​obtained from examinations other than ultrasound.

[0060] exist Figure 4 This illustration shows an example of managing standard protocol information group 110. For instance, multiple tables 112 are constructed corresponding to multiple medical specialties, and multiple standard protocols are managed through each table 112. In the illustrated example, ID, standard protocol name, and indicator are managed for each standard protocol. The indicator is used to determine the location of the standard protocol information.

[0061] exist Figure 5 This illustration shows a management example of a dedicated scheme information group 114. Here, multiple tables 115 are constructed corresponding to multiple inspectees. Multiple dedicated schemes are managed through each table 115. In the illustrated example, ID, dedicated scheme name, inspectee information, inspection information, and indicators are managed for each dedicated scheme. The location of the dedicated scheme information is determined by the indicators. By constructing such tables 115, one or more dedicated scheme information applicable to each inspectee can be quickly determined.

[0062] exist Figure 6 An example is shown. Figure 6 The layout shown is one example; various layouts can be adopted to suit different situations and needs.

[0063] Display image 117 includes ultrasound image 116. Ultrasound image 116 is, for example, a tomographic image. If a specific scheme is selected, a process list 118 showing the contents of that specific scheme is displayed. Process list 118 consists of multiple process displays 120 corresponding to multiple processes. The process display corresponding to the currently executing process 120A is identified and displayed. The measurement list 122 displays information (measurement name, etc.) defining one or more measurements for the currently executing process. The measured measurement values ​​are displayed in the measurement value display column 123.

[0064] During the execution of the specialized procedure, a reference image 124 associated with that procedure is displayed from the start of each step. This is the same type of ultrasound image obtained from the same subject. The position and orientation of the probe can be adjusted while referring to this image. Furthermore, the content of the ultrasound image 116 can be evaluated while referring to this image.

[0065] Furthermore, during the execution of the specialized protocol, measurement value chart 126 can be displayed as needed during each process. Measurement value chart 126 represents multiple measurements obtained sequentially over time from the same inspector. In the case of only one measurement, it can be displayed as a numerical value or presented as a chart along with the current measurement.

[0066] Furthermore, during the execution of the dedicated solution, the inspection value chart 128 can be displayed as needed during the execution of each process. The inspection value chart 128 represents multiple inspection values ​​obtained from the same inspected object in a time-series order. In the case of only one inspection value, the measured value is displayed as a numerical value. Multiple inspection value charts can also be displayed. The lower part of the displayed image 117 includes multiple thumbnail images 130 representing multiple stored ultrasound images.

[0067] exist Figure 7The diagram illustrates a measurement chart. Measurement chart 126A consists of multiple measurements a through d. The horizontal axis is the time axis, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the measurement. Measurements a through c were obtained in the past, and measurement d was obtained at the current time. Thus, by reflecting the currently obtained measurement d in measurement chart 126A, it is easier to observe the past. Reference numeral 132 indicates the portion of the chart extended by plotting the measurement d.

[0068] use Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 An example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device will be explained, and the ultrasound examination auxiliary method involved in the embodiment will be summarized.

[0069] In S10, the inspector enters the inspected party's ID, etc., and accepts this input. In S12, the inspector selects the scheme category. Specifically, they select either a standard scheme or a special scheme. In S14, the selected scheme category is determined. If a standard scheme is selected, a list of standard schemes is displayed in S16. If a special scheme is selected, a list of special schemes is displayed in S18. In S20, the inspector selects a specific scheme.

[0070] If a unique solution can be established corresponding to the inspected person's ID, that solution can be automatically selected after the S10 procedure. The solution can be automatically selected based on a combination of the inspected person's ID and other information (such as inspection location information).

[0071] The execution of the selected specific plan begins at S22. Specifically, the steps are executed sequentially starting from the first step. This process is represented by S24. Here, with k = 1, 2, 3, ... as the premise, the k-th step is executed. If there is a parameter correction at this time (S26), it is recorded. In addition, if an additional step is executed (S28), its contents are recorded.

[0072] In S30, determine whether the final process is complete. If there are any unexecuted processes remaining, repeat S24. If, in S32, the inspector selects "yes" to the question about whether a new special solution reflecting the modifications has been registered, create the new special solution in S34 and register it. If the inspector selects "no" in S32, postpone the registration of the new special solution.

[0073] Even when a new dedicated scheme is registered, the original schemes (standard scheme and dedicated scheme) are maintained. Therefore, multiple dedicated schemes with different versions can be generated. During version upgrades, measurement values ​​and check values ​​are inherited.

[0074] Figure 9A specific example is shown regarding a portion of S24 above. The illustrated content is based on a specific solution. In S40, the execution conditions for the ultrasound diagnostic device are set by the solution execution control unit. If it is determined in S42 that a reference image should be displayed, the reference image is displayed in S44. If it is determined in S46 that a measurement value chart should be displayed, the measurement value chart is displayed in S48. If it is determined in S50 that an inspection value chart should be displayed, the inspection value chart is displayed in S52. The presence or absence of each display element can be pre-specified using markers, etc.

[0075] According to the above implementation method, the standard protocol information is corrected by the protocol correction unit, and dedicated protocol information is automatically generated. Based on this, both the standard protocol and the dedicated protocol can be selected when executing the protocol. That is, the standard protocol can be applied to new examinees. For examinees for whom a dedicated protocol has been generated, the dedicated protocol can be used to further assist in the ultrasound examination.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that, Include: The program modification unit (30) generates special program information for performing a specific inspection plan, i.e., a special plan, by modifying the standard program information used to perform the standard inspection plan, i.e., the standard plan; and The scheme execution control unit (28, 32), when the standard scheme is selected, sequentially sets multiple execution conditions based on the standard scheme information during the sequential execution of a series of processes constituting the standard scheme; when the dedicated scheme is selected, sequentially sets multiple execution conditions based on the dedicated scheme information during the sequential execution of a series of processes constituting the dedicated scheme. The standard scheme information includes multiple process information used to set multiple execution conditions corresponding to multiple processes constituting the standard scheme. The multiple process information each contains multiple parameters. The scheme correction unit performs the following processing: During the execution of each step constituting the standard solution, if the parameters contained in the step information corresponding to that step are modified by the inspector, the modification is recorded. During the execution of the standard procedure, if the inspector adds a step to the multiple steps, the added step is recorded. Upon completion of the standard solution, the dedicated solution information is generated based on the recorded corrections and additions. The scheme correction unit has: The reference image association establishment unit associates multiple ultrasound images obtained by performing a series of steps constituting the dedicated solution as multiple reference images with the series of steps. The scheme execution control unit has: The reference image display control unit performs display control during the sequential execution of a series of steps constituting the dedicated solution, so as to sequentially display multiple reference images associated with the series of steps.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scheme correction unit (30) has: The measurement value association establishment unit (36) establishes an association between the measurement values ​​obtained by executing the measurement process in the dedicated scheme and the measurement process. The scheme execution control unit (32) has: The measurement value display control unit (42) performs display control during the execution of the measurement process in the dedicated scheme, so as to display one or more past measurement values ​​associated with the measurement process.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The measurement value display control unit (42) has the function of performing the display control to display the past multiple measurement values ​​as a measurement value chart.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: The check value association establishment unit (38) establishes an association between multiple check values ​​obtained from the specific inspected person in chronological order and the dedicated scheme. The scheme execution control unit (32) includes: The check value display control unit (44) performs display control so that, when the special program is executed, a check value chart representing multiple check values ​​associated with the special program is displayed.

5. An auxiliary method for ultrasound examination, characterized in that, Include: Process (30) generates special program information for performing a specific inspection plan, i.e., a special program, by modifying the standard program information used to perform the standard inspection plan, i.e. the standard program information. In step (28), when the standard solution is selected, multiple execution conditions are sequentially set based on the standard solution information during the sequential execution of a series of steps constituting the standard solution; and In step (32), when the dedicated solution is selected, during the sequential execution of a series of steps constituting the dedicated solution, multiple execution conditions are sequentially set based on the dedicated solution information, and reference information associated with the dedicated solution, which is obtained from the specific inspected party, is displayed. The standard scheme information includes multiple process information used to set multiple execution conditions corresponding to multiple processes constituting the standard scheme. The multiple process information each contains multiple parameters. During the execution of each step constituting the standard solution, if the parameters contained in the step information corresponding to that step are modified by the inspector, the modification is recorded. During the execution of the standard procedure, if the inspector adds a step to the multiple steps, the added step is recorded. Upon completion of the standard solution, the dedicated solution information is generated based on the recorded corrections and additions. Multiple ultrasonic images obtained by performing a series of steps constituting the specific solution are associated with the series of steps as multiple reference images. Display control is performed during the sequential execution of a series of steps constituting the special solution, so that multiple reference images associated with the series of steps are displayed sequentially.

Images