Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic information processing apparatus, and aims to make it easy to add applications to an information processing apparatus in an ultrasonic diagnostic system in which the information processing apparatus and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are communicatively connected. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (1) includes a control section (20) that transmits ultrasonic diagnostic data generated by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves to an information processing apparatus (50) and acquires external processing data obtained by performing processing on the ultrasonic diagnostic data from the information processing apparatus (50). The control section (20) executes a diagnostic apparatus interface program as an interface program common to a plurality of applications mounted on the information processing apparatus (50), and constructs a diagnostic apparatus interface (28). The diagnostic apparatus interface (28) performs transmission of the ultrasonic diagnostic data and reception of the external processing data to an execution application when the information processing apparatus (50) executes the execution application as one of the plurality of applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic information processing apparatus, and particularly to a technology for transmitting information between an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic information processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Research and development are underway on an ultrasound diagnostic system that connects an information processing device to an ultrasound diagnostic device and enables the information processing device to perform additional image processing. In this system, the ultrasound diagnostic device displays images based on image data generated by the information processing device. The processing performed by the information processing device includes extracting data representing the contour of a tissue from a series of ultrasound image data (real-time ultrasound image data) generated sequentially over time by the ultrasound diagnostic device and depicting the contour of the tissue in the real-time ultrasound images.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for forwarding medical information from an ultrasound diagnostic device to an external terminal. In this ultrasound diagnostic device, forwarding conditions for forwarding medical information are set according to the communication environment, etc. These forwarding conditions include forwarding medical information unchanged and forwarding information with high priority. Patent Document 2 describes a technique for measuring blood flow velocity using the Doppler method, as a related technology to this invention.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP 2013-111100

[0007] Patent Document 2: JP 2015-198777

[0008] In existing ultrasound diagnostic devices, there are devices that individually install interface software for each application integrated into the information processing device. In this case, when adding applications to the information processing device, changes to the operating conditions of the ultrasound diagnostic device are required due to program modifications, which increases the workload for the developers of the ultrasound diagnostic device. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to make it easier to add an information processing device to an ultrasound diagnostic system that communicatively connects an information processing device and an ultrasound diagnostic device.

[0010] The present invention comprises: a control unit that transmits ultrasound diagnostic data generated by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves to an information processing device, and obtains external processing data obtained by processing the ultrasound diagnostic data from the information processing device; the control unit, when causing the information processing device to execute an interface program that serves as a common interface program for multiple applications mounted on the information processing device and is an executable application of one of the multiple applications, executes an interface program for transmitting the ultrasound diagnostic data and receiving the external processing data for the executable application.

[0011] Ideally, by executing the interface program, the control unit, referring to the application list provided by the information processing device that establishes correspondences between action conditions and each application, sends information that follows the action conditions corresponding to the application to the information processing device when the information processing device executes the application.

[0012] Ideally, when the control unit establishes a communication connection with the information processing device, it causes the display device to display a GUI for each of the applications.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention includes: an information processing unit that acquires ultrasound diagnostic data generated by an ultrasound diagnostic device through the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves; the information processing unit causes the ultrasound diagnostic device to establish corresponding application lists by referring to operation conditions and multiple applications for the ultrasound diagnostic data; and executes an application, which is one of the multiple applications, according to instructions received from the ultrasound diagnostic device that references the application lists, and sends the ultrasound diagnostic data processed by the executed application to the ultrasound diagnostic device.

[0014] Ideally, the information processing unit executes a common interface program for multiple applications, each of which sends and receives information with the ultrasound diagnostic device via an interface constructed through the interface program.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, for an ultrasound diagnostic system that communicatively connects an information processing device and an ultrasound diagnostic device, it is easy to add an information processing device to the application. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of an ultrasound diagnostic device and an information processing device.

[0019] Figure 3It is a sequence diagram when the information processing device executes the j-th application as the execution application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram representing an example of an image displayed on a display device.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 1: Ultrasonic diagnostic device; 10: Ultrasonic probe; 12: Transceiver unit; 14: Signal processing unit; 16: Signal synthesis unit; 18: Image switching unit; 20: Control unit; 22: Report generation unit; 24: Operating device; 26: Data output unit; 28: Diagnostic device interface; 40: Display device; 50: Information processing device; 52: Information processing unit; 54: External interface; 56: Image output unit; 58: External operating device; 60: Memory; 62: First application; 64: Second application; 66: Third application; 80: PACS; 82: Learning list; 84: Data list; 86: Application GUI; 100: Ultrasonic diagnostic system. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures. Identical components shown in the various figures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0024] exist Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an ultrasound diagnostic system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasound diagnostic system 100 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and an information processing device 50 (ultrasound information processing device). The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and the information processing device 50 can be connected by wire or wireless means. When diagnosing a subject, the ultrasound probe 10 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is positioned such that its transceiver surface at its tip is in contact with the surface of the subject. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 causes the ultrasound probe 10 to transmit ultrasound waves. The ultrasound waves transmitted from the ultrasound probe 10 are reflected within the subject and received by the ultrasound probe 10. The ultrasound probe 10 converts the received ultrasound waves into a received signal as an electrical signal.

[0025] The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 generates image data based on received signals. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 causes the information processing unit 50 to perform additional image processing, and displays the image data generated by the information processing unit 50 on its own display device 40. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can also cause the display device 40 to display images based on image data that has not been processed by the information processing unit 50.

[0026] exist Figure 2The structure of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 is shown. The ultrasound diagnostic system 100 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device 1, an information processing device 50, and a PACS 80 (Picture Archiving and Communication System). The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 includes an ultrasound probe 10, a transceiver unit 12, a signal processing unit 14, a signal synthesis unit 16, an image switching unit 18, a display device 40, a control unit 20, a report generation unit 22, an operating device 24, a data output unit 26, and a diagnostic device interface 28.

[0027] The signal processing unit 14, signal synthesis unit 16, image switching unit 18, control unit 20, report generation unit 22, and data output unit 26 may include processors and electronic circuits that execute programs to implement the functions of these components (signal processing unit 14, signal synthesis unit 16, image switching unit 18, control unit 20, report generation unit 22, and data output unit 26). The image switching unit 18 may include electronic circuits that implement communication functions. The image switching unit 32 can perform wired communication or wireless communication.

[0028] The control unit 20 performs overall control of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The operating device 24 may include buttons, joysticks, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operating device 24 may be a touch panel located on the display device 40. The control unit 20 can control the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 based on user operations. The control unit 20 sends and receives information for the information processing device 50 to execute applications via the diagnostic device interface 28.

[0029] Here, the diagnostic device interface 28 is constructed by the control unit 20 executing the diagnostic device interface program. In this process... Figure 2 For ease of explanation, the diagnostic device interface 28 and the control unit 20 are depicted separately using dashed lines. The diagnostic device interface 28 can operate together with electronic circuitry that implements communication functions. This electronic circuitry can perform both wired and wireless communication.

[0030] The ultrasonic probe 10 has multiple ultrasonic transducers. The transceiver 12 outputs a transmission signal as an electrical signal to the multiple ultrasonic transducers. Each ultrasonic transducer converts the transmission signal into ultrasonic waves and transmits them to the object under test. The transceiver 12 forms an ultrasonic beam in a specific direction by adjusting the delay time of the transmission signal output to each ultrasonic transducer.

[0031] Each ultrasonic transducer receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the subject body, converts them into received signals as electrical signals, and outputs them to the signal processing unit 14. The signal processing unit 14 adjusts the delay time of the received signals output from each ultrasonic transducer, and adds the received signals after the delay time adjustment to achieve mutual enhancement of the received signals based on the direction of the ultrasonic beam. The signal processing unit 14 outputs the phase-modulated addition signal generated in this way to the signal synthesis unit 16.

[0032] Furthermore, the transceiver unit 12 varies the delay time of the transmitted signals output to each ultrasonic transducer, so as to scan the ultrasonic beam within a specific observation section of the subject. Additionally, the signal processing unit 14 varies the delay time of the received signals output from each ultrasonic transducer, and sums the received signals after time adjustments to generate a phase-modulated summation signal corresponding to the direction of the ultrasonic beam scanned within the subject.

[0033] The signal synthesis unit 16 generates B-mode image data based on phase-modulated addition signals obtained in each direction within the observation section and outputs it to the image switching unit 18. The transceiver unit 12, the signal processing unit 14, and the signal synthesis unit 16 sequentially generate B-mode image data over time at a given frame rate. Here, the frame rate refers to the number of B-mode images generated per unit time.

[0034] In the basic display processing performed by the ultrasound diagnostic system 100, the image switching unit 18 outputs B-mode image data generated sequentially over time to the display device 40. The display device 40 displays a real-time image based on the B-mode image data generated sequentially over time, i.e., a B-mode image.

[0035] The above describes a process in which an ultrasound beam is scanned within the patient's body, and a B-mode image is generated based on the phase modulation addition operation signals corresponding to the ultrasound beams in each direction. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can also perform a Doppler mode operation to determine the blood flow velocity based on the difference (Doppler shift) between the frequency of the phase modulation addition operation signal and the frequency of the transmitted signal. The control unit 20, for example, generates Doppler data characterizing the blood flow velocity within a given range determined on the ultrasound beams in each direction.

[0036] The control unit 20 outputs ultrasound diagnostic data, such as B-mode image data and Doppler data acquired from ultrasound beams in various directions, to the report generation unit 22. The report generation unit 22 generates an ultrasound examination report based on the ultrasound diagnostic data. The ultrasound examination report contains data indicating the size, shape, and visibility of tissue findings. The ultrasound examination report can be generated in a format appropriate to the tissue being diagnosed.

[0037] The ultrasound diagnostic system 100 can perform application display processing as follows: The signal synthesis unit 16 outputs ultrasound diagnostic data generated sequentially over time to the data output unit 26. The data output unit 26 outputs ultrasound diagnostic data generated sequentially over time to the diagnostic device interface 28. The diagnostic device interface 28 sends the ultrasound diagnostic data to the information processing unit 50.

[0038] The information processing device 50 includes an application that performs specific processing on ultrasound diagnostic data. Within this application, there is a first application 62 that generates streaming image data based on B-mode image data generated sequentially over time. Streaming image data refers to data that displays real-time images based on B-mode image data generated sequentially over time.

[0039] The information processing unit 50 executes an application and generates application parsing data (hereinafter referred to as APP parsing data) as external processing data. APP parsing data can be numerical data or image data. When the APP parsing data is image data, the information processing unit 52 outputs the APP parsing data to the parsing image output unit 56. The parsing image output unit 56 sends the APP parsing data to the image switching unit 18, and the image switching unit 18 outputs the APP parsing data to the display device 40. The display device 40 displays an image based on the APP parsing data.

[0040] The structure of the information processing device 50 and the processing performed by the information processing device 50 are described in detail. The information processing device 50 includes an information processing unit 52, an external interface 54, an image parsing output unit 56, an external operating device 58, a memory 60, a first application 62, a second application 64, and a third application 66. The information processing device 50 may include a processor and electronic circuitry that execute programs to implement the functions of each component (information processing unit 52, external interface 54, image parsing output unit 56, first application 62, second application 64, and third application 66). The image parsing output unit 56 may include electronic circuitry that implements communication functions. The image parsing output unit 56 can perform wired communication or wireless communication.

[0041] The information processing device 50 can be a general computer such as a personal computer, tablet computer, or workstation. The information processing unit 52 performs overall control of the information processing device 50. The external operating device 58 can be a keyboard, mouse, etc. If the information processing device 50 has a display device such as a monitor, the external operating device 58 can be a touch panel configured as a display device. The external operating device 58 can be integrated into the same hardware as the operating device 24 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0042] The information processing unit 52 can control the information processing device 50 according to the user's operation of the external operating device 58. The external interface 54 transmits and receives signals between itself and the diagnostic device interface 28. Figure 2 For ease of explanation, the external interface 54 and the information processing unit 52 are depicted separately by dashed lines.

[0043] Here, the external interface 54 is a component constructed by executing an external interface program by the information processing unit 52. The external interface 54 can operate together with electronic circuitry that implements communication functions. This electronic circuitry can perform wired communication or wireless communication.

[0044] Application 1 62 to Application 3 66 are constituent elements constructed by executing Application 1 to Application 3 by Information Processing Unit 52. Among them, in Figure 2 For ease of explanation, the first application 62 to the third application 66 are depicted separately from the information processing unit 52 by dashed lines.

[0045] Applications 62 to 66 transmit and receive different information with the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. On the other hand, the external interface 54 and the diagnostic device interface 28 are common interfaces for applications 62 to 66, transmitting and receiving information corresponding to the actions of each application. That is, applications 62 to 66 do not each have an individual interface for transmitting and receiving information with the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, but rather transmit and receive information with the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via the external interface 54 and the diagnostic device interface 28, which are common to applications 62 to 66.

[0046] Before the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 performs the processing to generate ultrasound diagnostic data, the information processing unit 52 sends an application list to the control unit 20 via the external interface 54 and the diagnostic device interface 28. The application list can be information that establishes a correspondence between action conditions such as start commands, data confirmation information, and action parameters and information identifying each application mounted on the information processing device 50. Based on the application list, the control unit 20 causes the display device 40 to display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for each application.

[0047] Applications mounted on the information processing device 50 can be added or removed. When an application is added or removed, the application list is updated accordingly. The update of the application list can be performed by the information processing unit 52 when it performs the application addition or removal process.

[0048] Here, the startup command is the instruction used to launch the application. Data specification information specifies the data to be used in the application to be launched. For example, in application 62, which displays streaming images, the data specification information specifies B-mode image data. Action parameters may include, for example, the depth of the observation range, the gain of the received signal, time gain control (a control value that adjusts the state of gain increase as reception time elapses), and focus (the degree to which the ultrasonic beam converges). In addition, action parameters may also include control values ​​for adjusting image quality.

[0049] The first application 62 in this embodiment is an application for displaying streaming images (streaming application). The second application is an application for displaying color Doppler images (color Doppler application). In the color Doppler application, ultrasound diagnostic data such as B-mode image data and Doppler data, which are transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to the information processing device 50 across a given number of frames, are stored in the memory 60.

[0050] The information processing unit 52, which performs the color Doppler application, performs, for example, the processing described in Patent Document 2 as follows: The information processing unit 52 extracts contour data representing the outline (pattern) of the heart from the B-mode image data of each frame. Based on the Doppler data and contour data in a given number of frames, the information processing unit 52 calculates the velocity vector of blood flow at each location within the heart, generating Doppler image data representing the velocity vector of blood flow at each location within the heart. The Doppler image data can be data that represents the magnitude of the velocity vector by brightness and the direction of the velocity vector by color. For example, the Doppler image data can be image data where blue pixels represent the velocity vector moving away from the ultrasound probe 10 and red pixels represent the velocity vector moving towards the ultrasound probe 10. The Doppler image data can also be image data where arrows or other graphics represent the velocity vector at each observation location.

[0051] The third application 66 in this embodiment is an AI analysis application (AI analysis application). In the AI ​​analysis application, APP analysis data obtained from other applications (other APP analysis data), ultrasound examination reports, etc., are stored in the memory 60. The data stored in the memory 60 can be sent from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to the information processing device 50. In the memory 60, data representing the machine learning model required for AI analysis (machine learning model data) is pre-stored through machine learning. In the AI ​​analysis application, based on other APP analysis data, ultrasound examination reports, machine learning model data, etc., it is determined whether a lesion has occurred in the subject.

[0052] When the APP parsing data generated by executing the application is image data, the information processing unit 52 outputs the APP parsing data to the parsed image output unit 56. The parsed image output unit 56 sends the APP parsing data to the image switching unit 18. The image switching unit 18 outputs the APP parsing data to the display device 40, and the display device 40 displays an image based on the APP parsing data.

[0053] The information processing unit 52 can output the APP parsing data generated sequentially over time as real-time image data to the parsing image output unit 56. In this case, the parsing image output unit 56 sequentially sends the APP parsing data to the image switching unit 18 over time, and the image switching unit 18 sequentially outputs the APP parsing data to the display device 40 over time. The display device 40 displays the image based on the APP parsing data sequentially output from the image switching unit 18 over time as a real-time image.

[0054] The information processing unit 52 can send the APP parsing data generated by executing the application to the PACS 80, which serves as a database. The PACS 80 stores the APP parsing data. The control unit 20 reads the APP parsing data from the PACS 80 via the diagnostic device interface 28. The control unit 20 can perform processing to make the display device 40 display the information represented by the APP parsing data.

[0055] exist Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the sequence when the information processing device 50 executes the j-th application as the executing application. Here, j is any integer from 1 to 3. Furthermore, in... Figure 3 In the example shown, the parsed data of the j-th application obtained through the j-th application is image data. Before executing each application, the information processing unit 52 sends the application list to the control unit 20 via the external interface 54 and the diagnostic device interface 28 (S1).

[0056] If an operation for executing the j-th application is performed in the operating device 24, the control unit 20 refers to the application list (S2). The control unit 20 obtains the information corresponding to the establishment of the j-th application from the application list (S3). That is, the control unit 20 obtains the start command, data specification information, and action parameters corresponding to the establishment of the j-th application (S3). The control unit 20 sends the start command of the j-th application to the information processing unit 52 via the diagnostic device interface 28 and the external interface 54 (S4).

[0057] If the information processing unit 52 receives a start command for the j-th application, it starts the j-th application (S5). The control unit 20 sends the operation parameters corresponding to the j-th application to the information processing unit 52 via the diagnostic device interface 28 and the external interface 54 (S6). The information processing unit 52 sets the operation state of the information processing device 50 according to the operation parameters (S7). Furthermore, the control unit 20 sends the data specified by the data specification information to the information processing unit 52 via the diagnostic device interface 28 and the external interface 54 (S8).

[0058] The information processing unit 52 performs processing of the j-th application on the data specified by the data specification information (S9). The information processing unit 52 outputs the j-th application parsing data obtained by executing the j-th application to the parsing image output unit 56 (S10). The parsing image output unit 56 sends the j-th application parsing data to the image switching unit 18 (S11). The image switching unit 18 outputs the j-th application parsing data to the display device 40 (S12). The display device 40 displays an image based on the j-th application parsing data (S13).

[0059] When j=1, that is, when the application is the first application 62, the data specification information corresponding to the first application 62 in the application list specifies the B-mode image data. The information processing unit 52, by executing the first application 62, sequentially outputs the B-mode image data (the data parsed by the first application) as data representing a real-time image to the parsed image output unit 56 as time elapses (S10). The parsed image output unit 56 sequentially sends the B-mode image data to the image switching unit 18 as time elapses (S11). The image switching unit 18 outputs the B-mode image data to the display device 40 (S12). The display device 40 displays an image based on the B-mode image data (S13). Thus, the display device 40 displays a B-mode image as a real-time image.

[0060] When j=2, that is, when the application is the second application 64, the data specification information corresponding to the second application 64 in the application list specifies the B-mode image data and Doppler data. The information processing unit 52 generates color Doppler image data spanning multiple frames as the second APP parsing data spanning multiple frames by executing the second application 64, and stores it in the memory 60. The information processing unit 52 reads the color Doppler image data (second APP parsing data) from the memory 60 in chronological order and outputs it to the parsed image output unit 56 (S10). The parsed image output unit 56 sends the color Doppler image data to the image switching unit 18 in chronological order (S11). The image switching unit 18 outputs the color Doppler image data to the display device 40 (S12). The display device 40 displays an image based on the color Doppler image data (S13). Thus, the color Doppler images are displayed sequentially on the display device 40 in chronological order.

[0061] When j=3, that is, when the application is the third application 66, the data specification information corresponding to the third application 66 in the application list specifies the second APP parsing data (other APP parsing data) obtained by executing the second application 64 and the ultrasound examination report. The information processing unit 52 determines whether a lesion has occurred in the subject by executing the third application 66. The information processing unit 52 outputs the third APP parsing data representing the determination result to the parsing image output unit 56 (S10). The parsing image output unit 56 sends the third APP parsing data to the image switching unit 18 (S11). The image switching unit 18 outputs the third APP parsing data to the display device 40 (S12). The display device 40 displays an image based on the third APP parsing data (S13).

[0062] Thus, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention includes a control unit 20, which transmits ultrasound diagnostic data generated by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves to an information processing device 50, and obtains externally processed data obtained by processing the ultrasound diagnostic data from the information processing device 50. The control unit 20 executes a diagnostic device interface program as a common interface program for multiple applications mounted on the information processing device 50, and constructs a diagnostic device interface 28. When the information processing device 50 executes an application that is one of the multiple applications, the diagnostic device interface 28 transmits ultrasound diagnostic data to the executed application and receives externally processed data.

[0063] The control unit 20 references the application list provided by the information processing device by executing the diagnostic device interface program. The application list is a list that establishes a correspondence between action conditions and each application. When the control unit 20 causes the information processing device 50 to execute an application, it sends information that follows the action conditions corresponding to the executed application to the information processing device 50.

[0064] Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 50 (ultrasound information processing apparatus) according to the embodiments of the present invention includes an information processing unit 52, which acquires ultrasound diagnostic data generated by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 through the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves. The information processing unit 52 causes the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 to establish application lists corresponding to operating conditions and multiple applications for the ultrasound diagnostic data. The information processing unit 52 executes one of the multiple applications according to instructions received from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 with reference to the application lists, and sends the ultrasound diagnostic data processed by the executed application to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0065] The information processing unit 52 executes an external interface program common to multiple applications, and each application sends and receives information with the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 through an external interface constructed by the external interface program.

[0066] In the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 according to this embodiment, a diagnostic device interface 28 and an external interface 54 are respectively constructed in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and the information processing device 50 as common interfaces for multiple applications. Interfaces for sending and receiving information with the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 are not individually provided for each application. Multiple applications send and receive information with the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via the external interface 54 and the diagnostic device interface 28, which are common to all applications.

[0067] Therefore, by configuring an application suitable for both the external interface 54 and the diagnostic device interface 28, an application can be added to the information processing device 50. This makes it easy to add an application to the information processing device 50.

[0068] Alternatively, a fourth application that performs the following processing may be additionally mounted in the information processing device 50. In the application list, a B-mode image corresponding to the data specification information is established with the fourth application.

[0069] The information processing unit 52, which executes the fourth application, receives B-mode image data transmitted sequentially from the control unit 20 via the diagnostic device interface 28 and the external interface 54 over time. The B-mode image data received sequentially over time represents a real-time ultrasound image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a real-time ultrasound image). The information processing unit 52 extracts the contour of the tissue from the real-time ultrasound image and performs processing to depict the contour of the tissue in the real-time ultrasound image.

[0070] The information processing unit 52 generates contour data representing the outline of the organization based on the B-mode image data transmitted sequentially over time, and combines the contour data and the B-mode image data to generate contour / B-mode image data sequentially over time as the fourth APP image data. The contour / B-mode image data represents an image in which a graphic representing the outline (a graphic depicting the outline with lines) is superimposed on the B-mode image.

[0071] Furthermore, a fifth application that performs the following processing can be additionally mounted in the information processing device 50. In the application list, a data specification information B-mode image corresponding to the fifth application is established.

[0072] The image processing performed in the fifth application can be a fusion display process (simulating the display of basic images such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) images and real-time ultrasound images arranged on a common observation section of the subject. The information processing unit 52 reads the basic images pre-stored in the memory 60. Alternatively, the information processing unit 52 can also read the basic images from an external device. To perform the fusion display process, a position sensor is provided on the ultrasound probe 10, for example. Based on the position of the ultrasound probe 10 detected by the position sensor, the basic image at the section where the real-time ultrasound image is observed is arranged and displayed alongside the real-time ultrasound image.

[0073] The information processing unit 52 synthesizes the image representing the basic image data and the B-mode image data, and generates basic / B-mode image data that arranges the basic image and the B-mode image as time passes, as the 5th APP image data.

[0074] In the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 according to this embodiment, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and the information processing device 50 are connected in a communicable state, the control unit 20 generates image data representing the application GUI (Graphical User Interface) and displays it on the display device 40. The application GUI has the function of being a GUI for an application mounted on the information processing device 50.

[0075] exist Figure 4 An example of an image displayed on display device 40 is shown. A learning list 82 is displayed in the upper left corner of the display screen, and a data list 84 is displayed in the lower left corner. Learning list 82 and data list 84 are lists representing diagnostic results stored in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 or PACS 80. In learning list 82, patient ID, diagnosis date, style, and diagnostic object are mapped to patient name. In the style, “US” indicates that the data identified by the patient name or patient ID was obtained through an ultrasound diagnostic device. “MR” indicates that the data identified by the patient name or patient ID was obtained through MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). “CT” indicates that the data identified by the patient name or patient ID was obtained through CT (Computed Tomography).

[0076] In data list 84, data type 1, style, and data type 2 are mapped to data numbers (No.). In data type 1, "Image" means that the data identified by the data number is image data. "Analysis Result" means that the data identified by the data number is represented numerically. In "Style," "US" indicates that the data identified by the data number was obtained through an ultrasound diagnostic device. In "Style," "Application 1" indicates that the data identified by the data number was obtained through Application 1 62. In "Style," "Application 2" indicates that the data identified by the data number was obtained through Application 2 64. In data type 2, "DCM" indicates that the data identified by the data number is in a format conforming to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard. In data type 2, "CSV" indicates that the data identified by the data number is in CSV (Comma Separated Value) format.

[0077] Regarding learning list 82, for example, by clicking the display bar for a patient name or patient ID with the cursor, an image based on the data corresponding to that patient name or patient ID is displayed on display device 40. Regarding data list 84, for example, by clicking the display bar for a data number with the cursor, an image based on the data corresponding to that data number is displayed on display device 40.

[0078] Image 86 is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen. Additionally, the application GUI 88 is displayed in the lower right corner. Figure 4An example is shown where applications 1 through 6 are integrated into the information processing device 50. In the application GUI 88, each of applications 1 through 6 has a button App1 through a button App6. Clicking any one of buttons App1 through App6 launches the application corresponding to that clicked button.

[0079] In this way, by displaying the application GUI88, the user is shown the applications that can be executed by the information processing device 50. As a result, the user can easily identify what kind of applications can be executed, and the operation of executing the applications becomes easy.

[0080] Additionally, in the above, such as Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment is illustrated where the information processing device 50 is configured close to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. The information processing device 50 can also be configured in a location isolated from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. For example, the information processing device 50 can be configured in a different room than the room where the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is located. The information processing device 50 can be connected via a communication line such as a local area network.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that, have: The control unit transmits ultrasound diagnostic data generated through ultrasound transmission and reception to the information processing device, and obtains externally processed data obtained by processing the ultrasound diagnostic data from the information processing device. The control unit executes a common interface program for multiple applications mounted on the information processing device. When the information processing device executes one of the multiple applications, the interface program transmits the ultrasound diagnostic data and receives the externally processed data for that application. Applications integrated into the information processing device can be added or removed. When an application is added or removed, the information processing device updates the application list by establishing corresponding action conditions with each application. By executing the interface program, the control unit refers to the updated application list sent by the information processing device before executing the processing to generate the ultrasound diagnostic data, and sends information on the action conditions corresponding to the application to the information processing device when the information processing device executes the application.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit establishes a communication connection with the information processing device, it causes the display device to display a GUI for each of the applications.

3. An ultrasonic information processing device, characterized in that, have: The information processing department acquires ultrasound diagnostic data generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device through the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves. Applications for the ultrasound diagnostic data, integrated into the ultrasound information processing device, can be added or removed. When an application is added or removed, the ultrasound information processing device updates the application list by establishing corresponding action conditions and applications for each application. Before the ultrasound diagnostic device performs the process of generating the ultrasound diagnostic data, the ultrasound information processing device sends the updated application list to the ultrasound diagnostic device. The information processing unit causes the ultrasound diagnostic device to refer to the updated application list received from the ultrasound information processing unit, and execute one of the multiple applications according to the instructions received from the ultrasound diagnostic device that references the application list, and sends the ultrasound diagnostic data processed by the executed application to the ultrasound diagnostic device. The information processing unit executes a common interface program for multiple applications, each of which sends and receives information with the ultrasound diagnostic device via an interface constructed through the interface program.

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