Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The purpose of the present invention is to organize and manage ultrasonic data acquired by performing an ultrasonic test different from a pre-registered test step. Ultrasonic data is acquired by performing an ultrasonic examination. The association unit (24) associates first ultrasonic data acquired by performing an ultrasonic test in accordance with a pre-registered test step with a test step corresponding to the ultrasonic test. The association unit (24) also associates second ultrasonic data acquired by performing an ultrasonic test in a step different from the pre-registered test step with a test step corresponding to the ultrasonic test.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic device and a program. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an inspection using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a plurality of inspection processes. For example, the steps of the plurality of inspection processes are pre-registered in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and inspections corresponding to the inspection processes (for example, B-mode imaging or Doppler imaging, etc.) are performed according to the steps.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a device that extracts a portion to be corrected from the arrangement order of a plurality of image data.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a device that displays inspection identification data superimposed on each inspection pattern image data.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-173667

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-280640

[0007] When an ultrasonic examination is performed according to a pre-registered examination procedure, ultrasonic data acquired by performing the ultrasonic examination may be associated with an examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination.

[0008] In the past, when an ultrasonic examination was performed in a step different from the pre-registered examination step, the ultrasonic data obtained by performing the ultrasonic examination was simply saved in the order in which it was obtained. For example, sometimes after performing a certain examination, additional ultrasonic data is obtained by performing an additional examination. In this case, the additional ultrasonic data is saved in the order in which it was obtained. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult for a user (such as a doctor or an examination technician, etc.) to know which examination process the ultrasonic data belongs to. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to organize and manage ultrasonic data acquired by performing an ultrasonic examination in a procedure different from a pre-registered examination procedure.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that it includes: an acquisition unit that acquires ultrasonic data by performing an ultrasonic examination; and an association unit that associates first ultrasonic data acquired by the acquisition unit by performing an ultrasonic examination in accordance with a pre-registered examination step with an examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination, and the association unit also associates second ultrasonic data acquired by performing an ultrasonic examination in a step different from the pre-registered examination step with the examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination.

[0011] The associating unit may associate the inspection process designated by the user with the second ultrasonic data.

[0012] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a display control unit that displays an image schematically showing an examination site that is a candidate for ultrasonic examination on the display unit. The associating unit may associate the examination process corresponding to the examination site specified by the user from the image with the second ultrasonic data.

[0013] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a display control unit, the display control unit further displaying the first ultrasonic data in parallel on the display unit in the order of the inspection procedures associated with the first ultrasonic data, and displaying the second ultrasonic data in parallel on the display unit in the order of the inspection procedures associated with the second ultrasonic data. When a user specifies an inspection procedure on a screen displaying the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data, the associating unit may correct the inspection procedure associated with the second ultrasonic data by associating the inspection procedure specified by the user on the screen with the second ultrasonic data.

[0014] The following may be the case: when the second ultrasonic data is acquired by the acquisition unit, information indicating the inspection process for acquiring the second ultrasonic data may be attached to the second ultrasonic data as additional information. The following may be the case: when the inspection process indicated by the additional information is different from the inspection process specified by the user, the association unit may correct the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data by associating the inspection process indicated by the additional information with the second ultrasonic data.

[0015] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a display control unit configured to display the ultrasonic data group before the correction examination process and the ultrasonic data group after the correction examination process side by side on a display unit. The ultrasonic data group includes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data.

[0016] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include an analyzing unit that identifies an inspection process corresponding to an ultrasonic inspection that obtained the second ultrasonic data by analyzing the second ultrasonic data. The associating unit may associate the inspection process identified by the analyzing unit with the second ultrasonic data.

[0017] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a display control unit, the display control unit further causing the first ultrasonic data to be displayed on the display unit in the order of the examination process, causing the second ultrasonic data to be displayed on the display unit in the order of the examination process specified by the user, and causing the second ultrasonic data to be displayed on the display unit in the order of the examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination determined by the analysis unit. When the user specifies the examination process on the screen displaying the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data, the association unit may correct the examination process associated with the second ultrasonic data by associating the examination process specified by the user on the screen with the second ultrasonic data.

[0018] One embodiment of the present invention is a program, characterized in that a computer is caused to function as the following units: an acquisition unit that acquires ultrasonic data by performing an ultrasonic examination; and an association unit that associates first ultrasonic data acquired by the acquisition unit by performing an ultrasonic examination in accordance with a pre-registered examination procedure with an examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination, and the association unit also associates second ultrasonic data acquired by performing an ultrasonic examination in a step different from the pre-registered examination step with the examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to organize and manage ultrasonic data acquired by performing an ultrasonic examination different from an examination procedure registered in advance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 The figure shows a screen displaying an ultrasonic image and a view list.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining Example 1.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining Example 1.

[0025] Figure 5 is a graph representing a list of views.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a display example of an ultrasonic image.

[0027] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display example of a view list and an ultrasonic image.

[0028] Explanation of symbols

[0029] 10-ultrasonic diagnostic device, 24-associating unit, 26-analyzing unit, 30-display control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] refer to Figure 1 , an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 1 An example of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the embodiment is shown.

[0031] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 transmits ultrasonic waves into a subject through the ultrasonic probe 12 and receives ultrasonic waves reflected in the subject, thereby generating an ultrasonic image showing internal tissues of the subject.

[0032] The ultrasonic probe 12 is a device for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe 12 includes, for example, a 1D array vibrator. The 1D array vibrator is formed by arranging a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators in one dimension. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the 1D array vibrator, and the ultrasonic beam is repeatedly electronically scanned. Thus, a scanning surface is formed in the living body each time the electronic scan is performed. The ultrasonic probe 12 may not include a 1D array vibrator, but may include a 2D array vibrator formed by arranging a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators in two dimensions. As a scanning method, sector scanning, linear scanning, or convex scanning is used. For example, the ultrasonic probe 12 includes an ultrasonic vibrator.

[0033] The transceiver 14 functions as a transmission beamformer and a reception beamformer. When transmitting, the transceiver 14 supplies a plurality of transmission signals having a certain delay relationship to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers included in the ultrasonic probe 12. Thus, an ultrasonic transmission beam is formed. When receiving, the ultrasonic probe 12 receives a reflected wave (RF signal) from the living body, thereby outputting a plurality of reception signals from the ultrasonic probe 12 to the transceiver 14. The transceiver 14 forms a reception beam by applying a phase adjustment and addition process to the plurality of reception signals. The beam data is output to the signal processing unit 16. That is, the transceiver 14 performs delay processing on the reception signal obtained from each ultrasonic transducer according to the delay processing condition for each ultrasonic transducer, and forms a reception beam by performing an addition process on the plurality of reception signals obtained from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The delay processing condition is defined by reception delay data indicating a delay time. The reception delay data set (i.e., delay time set) corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is supplied from the control unit 28.

[0034] The signal processing unit 16 generates an ultrasonic image (for example, a B-mode image) by applying signal processing such as detection, amplitude compression such as logarithmic compression (amplitude conversion), and conversion functions (coordinate conversion functions and interpolation processing functions based on DSC (digital scan converter)) to the beam data output from the transceiver 14. The ultrasonic image is not limited to the B-mode image, and may also be a color Doppler image, a pulsed Doppler image, a strain imaging image (Strain Image) or a shear wave imaging (Shear Wave Elastography Image).

[0035] In addition, the transceiver 14 and the signal processing unit 16 correspond to an example of an acquisition unit.

[0036] The display processing unit 18 generates a display image by superimposing the graphic data required for the ultrasonic image. The display image is output to the display unit 20. One or more images are displayed side by side in a display format that conforms to the display mode.

[0037] The display unit 20 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an EL display. Ultrasonic images such as B-mode images are displayed on the display unit 20. The display unit 20 may be a device that has both a display and an operation unit 32. For example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) may be implemented by the display unit 20. In addition, a user interface such as a touch panel may be implemented by the display unit 20.

[0038] The storage unit 22 constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. The storage unit 22 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various memories (such as RAM, DRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (such as optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof. Images generated by imaging based on the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10, information indicating imaging conditions, and information related to the patient are stored in the storage unit 22.

[0039] The associating unit 24 associates the ultrasonic data acquired by performing the ultrasonic examination according to the pre-registered examination procedure with the examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination. For example, the associating unit 24 associates the ultrasonic data with information indicating the examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination and stores the information in the storage unit 22.

[0040] The ultrasonic data is beam data output from the transceiver 14 , data output from the signal processor 16 (ie, ultrasonic image), or data output from the display processor 18 (ie, display image).

[0041] Ultrasonic examination is an examination for acquiring ultrasonic data, such as B-mode image acquisition or Doppler imaging, etc. Of course, other imaging or data acquisition may also be included in ultrasonic examination.

[0042] The examination procedure is the sequence of various examinations for diagnosing the subject. For example, the various examinations include ultrasound examination and other processing. The other processing is the display of ultrasound images, the detection of abnormalities represented in the ultrasound images, the display of the abnormalities, the measurement, the adjustment of images, and the display or creation of reports. Of course, the various examinations may not include all or part of the other processing.

[0043] The inspection steps are predetermined as inspection protocols. Information indicating the inspection protocol (i.e., information indicating the inspection steps) is pre-stored in the storage unit 22. The inspection protocol is created based on the inspection purpose, inspection site, or diagnosis and treatment department, and is composed of a combination of one or more inspection procedures. The inspection procedure is a procedure corresponding to an ultrasonic inspection or an inspection other than an ultrasonic inspection. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 supports the work of a user such as a doctor or an inspection technician (e.g., an inspection work or a diagnostic work) by performing operations according to the inspection protocol. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 has a protocol auxiliary function as an inspection support function.

[0044] For example, an inspection protocol is determined for each inspection part or each medical department. Information indicating the inspection protocol for each inspection part and information indicating the inspection protocol for each medical department are pre-stored in the storage unit 22. The inspection part is the abdomen, chest, heart, blood vessel, neck, or urinary organ, etc. The medical department is internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, or radiology, etc. Of course, the inspection part or medical department is not limited to these.

[0045] The examination protocol determines the order in which each examination should be performed. For example, the examination protocol specifies that the recording of an ultrasonic image, the detection of an abnormality indicated in the ultrasonic image, the measurement of the abnormality, and the creation of a report are performed in this order. If the recording of an ultrasonic image is described in detail, the part, section, area, and recording order of the ultrasonic image are predetermined and included in the examination protocol.

[0046] The analysis unit 26 determines the inspection process corresponding to the ultrasonic inspection for acquiring the ultrasonic data by analyzing the ultrasonic data. For example, the section or part where the ultrasonic inspection is performed in the inspection process is predetermined. The analysis unit 26 determines the section or part where the ultrasonic image is acquired by applying image analysis to the ultrasonic image. As a technique for determining the section or the inspection part, artificial intelligence (AI) or pattern matching is used. For example, the analysis unit 26 matches the ultrasonic image acquired by the ultrasonic inspection with the typical ultrasonic image of each section for each section, thereby determining the section where the ultrasonic image is acquired. The analysis unit 26 determines the inspection process for performing the ultrasonic inspection on the determined section. Artificial intelligence can also be generated by learning the ultrasonic image acquired by the ultrasonic inspection, the section where the ultrasonic inspection is performed, and the part where the ultrasonic inspection is performed. The analysis unit 26 determines the section or part where the ultrasonic data is acquired by using the artificial intelligence, and determines the inspection process for performing the ultrasonic inspection on the determined section or part.

[0047] The control unit 28 controls the operation of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 .

[0048] The control unit 28 includes a display control unit 30. The display control unit 30 displays the ultrasonic data on the display unit 20. The display control unit 30 may display information or images other than the ultrasonic data on the display unit 20.

[0049] The operation unit 32 is a device for the user to input conditions and commands required for imaging to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. For example, the operation unit 32 is an operation panel, a switch, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, or the like.

[0050] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0051] Sometimes an ultrasonic examination is performed in a step different from the pre-registered examination step. That is, sometimes an ultrasonic examination that is not pre-registered in the examination protocol is performed. For example, sometimes after the pre-registered examination step is completed, an ultrasonic examination is additionally performed according to the instructions of a user such as a doctor or an examination technician. Also, sometimes an ultrasonic examination that is not pre-registered in the examination protocol is performed in the middle of a pre-registered examination step. In this case, the association unit 24 associates the ultrasonic data obtained by performing the ultrasonic examination with the examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination. For example, the association unit 24 associates the ultrasonic data with information indicating the examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination, and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0052] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, ultrasonic data acquired by performing ultrasonic examination according to a pre-registered examination procedure will be referred to as "first ultrasonic data". That is, ultrasonic data acquired by performing ultrasonic examination according to an examination procedure pre-registered in an examination protocol will be referred to as "first ultrasonic data". Ultrasonic data acquired by performing ultrasonic examination in a procedure different from the pre-registered examination procedure will be referred to as "second ultrasonic data". That is, ultrasonic data acquired by performing ultrasonic examination according to an examination procedure not pre-registered in an examination protocol will be referred to as "second ultrasonic data".

[0053] The inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data may be an inspection process that follows a pre-registered inspection procedure, or may be an additional inspection process that is not included in the inspection procedure. The associating unit 24 may associate the second ultrasonic data with an inspection process specified by the user, or may associate the second ultrasonic data with an automatically selected inspection process.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , an example of an operation of associating ultrasonic data with an inspection process is described. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying an ultrasonic image and a view list.

[0055] The display control unit 30 causes the display unit 20 to display the examination screen 34. The examination screen 34 includes a display area 36 and a display area 38. For example, the display control unit 30 causes the display unit 20 to display the examination screen 34 during the execution of an ultrasonic examination (for example, during the execution of ultrasound-based imaging), after the execution of an ultrasonic examination, or after the end of an examination protocol.

[0056] The display region 36 is a region for displaying ultrasonic data. When ultrasonic data is acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, the display control unit 30 displays the ultrasonic data in the display region 36. Here, as an example, a B-mode image 40 is displayed in the display region 36 as an example of ultrasonic data.

[0057] The display area 38 is an area for displaying a view list 42. The view list 42 includes one or more views. A view refers to an inspection process. The view list 42 is a list showing the inspection processes included in the inspection protocol. In the view list 42, one or more views are arranged side by side according to the inspection steps.

[0058] For example, the view list 42 is a list representing the inspection processes included in the inspection protocol of inspection A. The view list 42 includes "View 1", "View 2", ..., "View m". "View 1", "View 2", ..., "View m" are different inspection processes, and are arranged side by side according to the inspection steps. In the order of "View 1", "View 2", ..., "View m", the inspection corresponding to each inspection process is performed. For example, B-mode images are taken or measurements are performed in "View 1", "View 2", ..., "View m", respectively. For example, the imaging conditions associated with the View are automatically set in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10, and the ultrasonic inspection corresponding to the View is performed. In this way, the user's photography is supported.

[0059] Image V1 is an image representing "View 1". Image V2 is an image representing "View 2". Image Vm is an image representing "View m". For example, images V1, V2, ..., Vm are images representing icons or character strings. Images V1, V2, ..., Vm are arranged and displayed according to the inspection steps.

[0060] The control unit 28 controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 to perform ultrasonic examination according to the examination protocol of examination A. That is, the control unit 28 controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 to perform examination in the order of "View 1", "View 2", ..., "View m".

[0061] For example, the control unit 28 makes various settings for executing the ultrasonic examination corresponding to “View 1.” When “View 1” is an examination process for acquiring a B-mode image of a certain cross section, the control unit 28 makes various settings for acquiring the B-mode image.

[0062] When ultrasonic data (for example, B-mode images) are acquired in the examination process “View 1”, the associating unit 24 associates the ultrasonic data with information indicating “View 1” of the examination protocol of examination A, and stores the ultrasonic data and the information indicating “View 1” in the storage unit 22 .

[0063] After "View 1" is completed, the control unit 28 makes various settings for executing ultrasonic examination corresponding to "View 2." When "View 2" is an examination process for acquiring a B-mode image of a certain cross section, the control unit 28 makes various settings for acquiring the B-mode image.

[0064] When ultrasonic data (for example, B-mode images) are acquired in the examination process “View 2”, the associating unit 24 associates the ultrasonic data with information indicating “View 2” of the examination protocol of examination A, and stores the ultrasonic data and the information indicating “View 2” in the storage unit 22 .

[0065] Similarly, when ultrasonic data is acquired in other inspection processes, the associating unit 24 associates the acquired ultrasonic data with information indicating the inspection process (i.e., view) in which the ultrasonic data is acquired, and stores the information in the storage unit 22. For example, when measurement is performed in an inspection corresponding to a certain "View", the associating unit 24 associates the measurement result with information indicating the inspection process in which the measurement result is acquired, and stores the information in the storage unit 22.

[0066] In this way, the inspection corresponding to each inspection process is performed in the order shown in the view list 42, and the data obtained in the inspection is associated with the information indicating the inspection process.

[0067] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, ultrasonic data "VIEWS2-1" and "VIEWS2-2" are acquired in "View 2". Image V21 is an image representing ultrasonic data "VIEWS2-1". Image V22 is an image representing "VIEWS2-2". Images V21 and V22 are images representing icons or character strings, etc. Since ultrasonic data "VIEWS2-1" and "VIEWS2-2" are acquired in "View 2", images V21 and V22 are displayed in a state of being associated with image V2. For example, images V21 and V22 are displayed near image V2. The ultrasonic data "VIEWS2-1" and "VIEWS2-2" are respectively associated with information representing "View 2" and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0068] The ultrasonic data acquired in “View 1”, “View 2”, . . . , and “View m” respectively correspond to an example of the “first ultrasonic data”.

[0069] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, after the final inspection process "View m", an additional inspection "View?" is performed. Image Vx is an image showing the additional inspection "View?" The ultrasonic data acquired in "View?" corresponds to an example of "second ultrasonic data".

[0070] For example, when the user operates the operation unit 32 to instruct execution of an additional examination, the control unit 28 executes the additional examination in accordance with the instruction. If the additional examination is an examination for acquiring a B-mode image, the B-mode image is acquired by executing the additional examination.

[0071] The user can associate the second ultrasonic data acquired in "View?" with the view (i.e., the inspection process) specified by the user by moving the image Vx on the inspection screen 34 by operating the operation unit 32. For example, as indicated by an arrow 44, the user can associate the second ultrasonic data with the view by moving the image Vx on the inspection screen 34. The user can move the image Vx by operating the mouse, or by touch operation when the inspection screen 34 is composed of a touch panel.

[0072] For example, when the image Vx is moved between the image V2 indicating "View 2" and the image indicating the next view "View 3", the associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data acquired in "View?" with "View 2". In this case, the associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data with the information indicating "View 2" and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0073] Hereinafter, various embodiments for associating the second ultrasonic data with the inspection process will be described.

[0074] (Example 1)

[0075] In the first embodiment, the display control unit 30 displays an image schematically showing an examination region that is a candidate for ultrasonic examination on the display unit 20. The associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data with an examination process corresponding to the examination region specified by the user from the image. The first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0076] refer to Figure 3 , Example 1 is described. Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining Example 1. Figure 3 The inspection screen 46 and the view list 48 are displayed. The display control unit 30 causes the display unit 20 to display the inspection screen 46 and the view list 48 .

[0077] The pictogram 50 is displayed on the examination screen 46. The pictogram 50 is an example of an image schematically showing an examination site that is a candidate for ultrasonic examination. The pictogram 50 is an image showing one or more organs. The organ shown in the pictogram 50 is an example of an examination site.

[0078] The organs represented by the pictogram 50 are associated with the views (i.e., the inspection process) registered in the view list 48 in advance. For example, for each organ, the organ is associated with the view in which the organ should be photographed in advance. Information indicating the association is registered in advance in the inspection protocol. By specifying the organ represented by the pictogram 50, the view corresponding to the organ is specified.

[0079] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the user operates the operation unit 32 to designate the organ S8 with the pointer 52. In addition, when the examination screen 46 is formed of a touch panel, the organ S8 can also be designated by touch operation.

[0080] The organ S8 is previously associated with "View 20" registered in the view list 48. "View 20" is specified by specifying the organ S8.

[0081] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, "View 1" to "View 25" are pre-registered in the examination protocol. The view list 48 includes these "Views".

[0082] When the user operates the operation unit 32 to instruct the execution of "detailed examination 1" and "detailed examination 2", the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 executes the ultrasonic examination corresponding to "detailed examination 1" and the ultrasonic examination corresponding to "detailed examination 2". For example, the conditions of the ultrasonic examination are specified by the user. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 executes the ultrasonic examination corresponding to each "detailed examination" according to the specified conditions. Thus, the second ultrasonic data corresponding to "detailed examination 1" and the second ultrasonic data corresponding to "detailed examination 2" are acquired.

[0083] When the user operates the operation unit 32 to designate the organ S8 from the pictogram 50, the association unit 24 associates "View 20" associated with the organ S8 with the second ultrasonic data acquired by "Detailed Examination 1" and the second ultrasonic data acquired by "Detailed Examination 2". Figure 3 , the state of the association is schematically shown as indicated by reference numeral 54. When the user operates the operation unit 32 to designate “View 20” included in the view list 48, the associating unit 24 may associate the second ultrasonic data acquired by “Detailed examination 1” and the second ultrasonic data acquired by “Detailed examination 2” with “View 20”. The associating unit 24 stores information indicating the association in the storage unit 22.

[0084] exist Figure 3In the example shown, the user specifies "View 20" already registered in the examination protocol, and the ultrasonic data is associated with "View 20". As another example, "View" may be added to the examination protocol, and the second ultrasonic data may be associated with the added "View".

[0085] refer to Figure 4 , a process of associating the second ultrasonic data with the newly added “View” will be described. Figure 4 The inspection screen 46 and the view list 56 are displayed. The display control unit 30 causes the display unit 20 to display the inspection screen 46 and the view list 56. Figure 4 In the example shown, "View 1" to "View 25" are registered in the examination protocol. The view list 56 includes these "Views".

[0086] In accordance with the user's instruction, the additional examinations, ie, "detailed examination 1" and "detailed examination 2" are executed, and the second ultrasonic data is acquired in each ultrasonic examination.

[0087] When the user operates the operation unit 32 to instruct the addition of a "View", the association unit 24 creates a new "View" and adds it to the examination protocol. Figure 4 In the example shown, "View 26" is newly created and added to the inspection protocol.

[0088] The associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data acquired by “Detailed Examination 1” and the second ultrasonic data acquired by “Detailed Examination 2” with “View 26”. Figure 4 In FIG. 5 , the state of the association is schematically shown as indicated by reference numeral 58. The association unit 24 stores information indicating the association in the storage unit 22.

[0089] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the user can associate the ultrasonic data acquired by the additional ultrasonic examination with the ultrasonic examination by a simple operation such as operating the object map 50 or the view list.

[0090] (Example 2)

[0091] When the ultrasonic data is acquired, the additional information is attached to the ultrasonic data. For example, the control unit 28 attaches the additional information to the ultrasonic data. The additional information includes identification information of the subject (for example, patient ID, information indicating the name, etc.), information indicating the examination category, measurement information, setting information, and information indicating the View (i.e., the examination process), etc.

[0092] For example, when performing an ultrasonic examination, identification information of the subject is input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. Information indicating the examination type, setting information, and information indicating the view are pre-associated with the ultrasonic examination. When the ultrasonic examination is performed to acquire ultrasonic data, these information are attached to the acquired ultrasonic data as supplementary information. When the second ultrasonic data is acquired by performing an additional ultrasonic examination, the supplementary information is attached to the second ultrasonic data.

[0093] In the second embodiment, when the inspection process (i.e., View) indicated by the supplementary information attached to the second ultrasonic data is different from the inspection process designated by the user, the associating unit 24 associates the inspection process indicated by the supplementary information with the second ultrasonic data. Thus, the associating unit 24 corrects the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data.

[0094] refer to Figure 5 , Example 2 is described. Figure 5 Indicates the view list 60. For example, by additionally executing the ultrasonic examination corresponding to "View 2", the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20" are acquired. The ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20" are examples of the second ultrasonic data. Supplementary information is attached to the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20". The supplementary information includes information indicating "View 2".

[0095] After the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20" are acquired, the user associates the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20" with "View m" as the inspection process. That is, information indicating "View m" is associated with the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20", respectively.

[0096] "View m" is different from "View 2" indicated by the supplementary information. In this case, the associating unit 24 cancels "View m" associated with the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20" and associates the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20" with "View 2". As a result, the associating unit 24 corrects the inspection process associated with the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20". As a result of the correction, "View 2" is associated with the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20", and "View m" is not associated with the ultrasonic data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20".

[0097] For example, when the user operates the operation unit 32 to instruct correction of the inspection process, the associating unit 24 corrects the view (ie, the inspection process) associated with the ultrasonic data “VIEWS19” and “VIEWS20” from “View 2”.

[0098] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, image V19 is an image representing ultrasound data "VIEWS19". Image V20 is an image representing ultrasound data "VIEWS20". Since ultrasound data "VIEWS19" and "VIEWS20" are associated with "View m" according to the user's instruction, images V19 and V20 are associated with image Vm representing "View m". The associating unit 24 associates images V19 and V20 with image V2 representing "View 2" by correcting the association. For example, as shown by reference numeral 62, images V19 and V20 are moved to image V2 and associated with image V2.

[0099] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the ultrasonic data and the inspection process are associated with each other based on the supplementary information added to the ultrasonic data, and the ultrasonic data is reorganized.

[0100] (Example 3)

[0101] In the third embodiment, the associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data with the inspection process based on the analysis result of the analyzing unit 26 .

[0102] The analysis unit 26 determines the inspection process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination from which the second ultrasonic data was obtained by analyzing the second ultrasonic data. For example, the analysis unit 26 determines the cross section or the inspection part that was scanned by ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic examination. That is, the analysis unit 26 determines the cross section or the inspection part from which the second ultrasonic data was obtained. In the ultrasonic examination, the cross section or the inspection part that was scanned by ultrasonic waves is predetermined, and the cross section or the inspection part is associated with the ultrasonic examination in advance. By determining the cross section or the inspection part from which the second ultrasonic data was obtained, the ultrasonic examination from which the second ultrasonic data was obtained is determined.

[0103] For example, the analysis unit 26 determines the ultrasonic examination for acquiring the second ultrasonic data by applying a technique for analyzing similar images to the second ultrasonic data. As the technique for analyzing similar images, artificial intelligence (AI) may be used, or a determination technique using statistical structure pattern recognition may be used. The image that serves as a reference for the similar image may be a reference data prepared in advance, or may be data that has already been acquired by performing an examination. A learning model may also be used. Based on the result of the recognition, the analysis unit 26 attaches the additional information to the second ultrasonic data.

[0104] The associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data with the inspection process determined by the analyzing unit 26 .

[0105] For example, when the second ultrasonic data is acquired by an additional ultrasonic examination, the analyzing unit 26 determines the cross section or the examination part where the second ultrasonic data is acquired by analyzing the second ultrasonic data, and determines the examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination where the second ultrasonic data is acquired. The associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data with the determined examination process. For example, when the examination process is "View 2", the associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data with information indicating "View 2".

[0106] For example, when the user operates the operation unit 32 to instruct execution of the process according to the third embodiment, the process according to the third embodiment is executed, and the inspection process is associated with the second ultrasonic data.

[0107] According to the third embodiment, the user does not need to manually associate the inspection process with the second ultrasonic data, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0108] (Example 4)

[0109] In the fourth embodiment, the display control unit 30 displays the ultrasonic data group before the correction examination process and the ultrasonic data group after the correction examination process side by side on the display unit 20. The ultrasonic data group includes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data, that is, the display control unit 30 displays the ultrasonic data group before the sorting and the ultrasonic data group after the sorting side by side on the display unit 20.

[0110] refer to Figure 6 , Example 4 is described. Figure 6 An example of display of an ultrasonic image is shown. For example, the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data are B-mode images or color Doppler images, etc. Of course, the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data are not limited to these images.

[0111] The display control unit 30 generates thumbnail images (ie, reduced images) of each of the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data. For example, the display control unit 30 generates thumbnail images of ultrasonic images such as B-mode images and color Doppler images.

[0112] The display control unit 30 displays a plurality of thumbnail images before the correction inspection process on the display unit 20 in the order of the inspection process, and displays a plurality of thumbnail images after the correction inspection process on the display unit 20 in the order of the inspection process.

[0113] exist Figure 6. The display example is shown in . Image group 64 includes multiple thumbnail images before the associated inspection process is corrected. That is, image group 64 includes multiple thumbnail images before sorting. Image group 66 includes multiple thumbnail images after the associated inspection process is corrected. That is, image group 66 includes multiple thumbnail images after sorting. The display control unit 30 displays the image group 64 and the image group 66 side by side on the display unit 20.

[0114] The image groups 64 and 66 include thumbnail images 71 to 84. The thumbnail images 71 to 84 are images generated by reducing ultrasonic images such as B-mode images and color Doppler images. The thumbnail images 71 to 84 are thumbnail images generated based on different ultrasonic data (for example, ultrasonic images such as B-mode images and color Doppler images).

[0115] Thumbnail images 71 to 79 and 82 to 84 are thumbnail images of the first ultrasonic data, respectively. Thumbnail images 80 and 81 are thumbnail images of the second ultrasonic data, respectively.

[0116] In addition, images 86 to 100 representing “View” as the inspection process are displayed. Images 86 to 92 are included in the image group 64. Images 94 to 100 are included in the image group 66.

[0117] The display control unit 30 displays the images 86 to 92 representing "View" in parallel on the display unit 20 in the order of the inspection process registered in the inspection protocol. In the order of "View 1", "View 2", ..., "View m", and "View n", the ultrasonic inspection corresponding to each inspection process is performed. Therefore, the images 86 to 92 are displayed in this order.

[0118] Similarly, the display control unit 30 displays the images 94 to 100 representing "View" side by side on the display unit 20 in the order of the inspection process registered in the inspection protocol. In the order of "View 1", "View 2", ..., "View m", and "View n", the ultrasonic inspection corresponding to each inspection process is performed. Therefore, the images 94 to 100 are displayed in this order.

[0119] Each first ultrasonic data set and each second ultrasonic data set is associated with a “View” (ie, an inspection process). In accordance with this association, the display control unit 30 displays each thumbnail image on the display unit 20 in association with information indicating the “View”.

[0120] For example, the first ultrasonic data that is the basis of the thumbnail image 71 and the first ultrasonic data that is the basis of the thumbnail image 72 are ultrasonic data acquired in the inspection process of "View 1". Therefore, the display control unit 30 displays the thumbnail images 71 and 72 on the display unit 20 in association with the image 86 representing "View 1". For example, the display control unit 30 displays the thumbnail images 71 and 72 near the image 86 representing "View 1". The same is true for the thumbnail images corresponding to the other first ultrasonic data.

[0121] The display control unit 30 displays the thumbnail images 71 to 79 and 82 to 84 corresponding to the first ultrasonic data on the display unit 20 in parallel in the order of the inspection steps registered in the inspection protocol.

[0122] The display control unit 30 arranges the thumbnail images 80 and 81 corresponding to the second ultrasonic data in the image group 64 at positions corresponding to the order of the inspection process specified by the user, and displays the thumbnail images 80 and 81 on the display unit 20. The state of this arrangement is the state before correction (i.e., the state before arrangement). For example, since the inspection process "Viewm" is specified by the user, the display control unit 30 displays the thumbnail images 80 and 81 near the image 90 indicating "Viewm".

[0123] As described in the second embodiment, after the inspection process designated by the user is associated with the second ultrasonic data, the inspection process included in the supplementary information is associated with the second ultrasonic data, thereby correcting the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data.

[0124] The second ultrasonic data to be the basis of the thumbnail image 80 and the second ultrasonic data to be the basis of the thumbnail image 81 are associated with the inspection process "View m" by the user, but the accompanying information of these second ultrasonic data includes information indicating the inspection process "View 2". In this case, the associating unit 24 removes the association of "View m" from these second ultrasonic data and associates the inspection process "View 2" with these second ultrasonic data. In this way, the inspection process is corrected and organized.

[0125] The display control unit 30 arranges thumbnail images 80 and 81 corresponding to the second ultrasonic data at positions corresponding to the corrected order of the inspection process in the image group 66, and displays the thumbnail images 80 and 81 on the display unit 20. This arrangement state is a corrected state (ie, an organized state).

[0126] like Figure 6As shown by arrow 102 in FIG. 1 , thumbnail images 80 and 81 move from “View 1” before correction to “View 2” after correction, and are displayed near image 96 representing “View 2”.

[0127] Since the image groups 64 and 66 are displayed side by side, the user can visually confirm whether the correction (ie, arrangement) of the relationship between the inspection processes is performed correctly.

[0128] For example, the thumbnail images 80 and 81 are displayed in association with "View m" before correction and in association with "View 2" after correction. The user can visually recognize that the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data is changed from "View m" to "View 2" by referring to this display state.

[0129] As an example different from the above example, the "View 2" associated with the thumbnail images 80 and 81 included in the image group 66 may be an inspection process associated based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 26. That is, the display control unit 30 may display the image group 64 including the thumbnail images of the second ultrasonic data associated with the inspection process by the user and the image group 66 including the thumbnail images of the second ultrasonic data associated with the inspection process based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 26 side by side on the display unit 20. Thus, the user can compare and examine the result of the association established by the user and the result of the association based on the analysis result.

[0130] (Example 5)

[0131] In the fifth embodiment, the display control unit 30 displays the first ultrasonic data in the order of the inspection process associated with the first ultrasonic data on the display unit 20, and displays the second ultrasonic data in the order of the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data on the display unit 20. The display control unit 30 displays the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data on the display unit 20 side by side.

[0132] When the user designates an inspection process on the screen of the display unit 20 displaying the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data, the associating unit 24 associates the inspection process designated by the user on the screen with the second ultrasonic data, thereby correcting the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data. That is, the associating unit 24 cancels the association of the inspection process originally associated with the second ultrasonic data, and associates the inspection process designated by the user with the second ultrasonic data. Thus, the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data is corrected. Information indicating the inspection process originally associated with the second ultrasonic data is not associated with the second ultrasonic data, and information indicating the inspection process designated by the user is associated with the second ultrasonic data.

[0133] refer to Figure 7 , Example 5 is described. Figure 7 Shows a display example of a view list and an ultrasonic image.

[0134] The screen 104 is displayed on the display unit 20. For example, when the user instructs to display the screen 104, the display control unit 30 causes the screen 104 to be displayed on the display unit 20. The view list 106, the image group 108, and the image group 110 are displayed on the screen 104.

[0135] The view list 106 includes a plurality of views registered in the examination protocol of the examination A. As shown in FIG.

[0136] The image groups 108 and 110 are respectively identical to the image groups 64 and 66 (see Figure 6 ) also includes a plurality of thumbnail images. Each thumbnail image is a reduced image of ultrasound data (for example, ultrasound images such as B-mode images or color Doppler images). Image group 108 is an image group before the association of the correction inspection process. Image group 110 is an image group after the association of the correction inspection process.

[0137] Among the plurality of thumbnail images included in the image groups 108 and 110, thumbnail images 112 and 114 are thumbnail images of the second ultrasonic data. Thumbnail images other than thumbnail images 112 and 114 are thumbnail images of the first ultrasonic data.

[0138] and Figure 6 Similarly to the display example of , the thumbnail images corresponding to the first ultrasonic data are displayed side by side in the order of the inspection steps registered in the inspection protocol.

[0139] And, with Figure 6 Similarly, an image representing "View" is displayed. For example, an image representing "View 1", an image representing "View 2", ..., an image representing "Viewm", and an image representing "Viewn" are included in the image groups 108 and 110, respectively, and are displayed side by side in the order of the inspection process.

[0140] Before the association of the inspection process is corrected, the thumbnail images 112 and 114 are displayed in association with the image representing "Viewm" (reference image group 108). That is, the second ultrasonic data corresponding to the thumbnail images 112 and 114 are associated with the inspection process "Viewm". This association can be performed by the user or automatically by the analysis unit 26 or the like.

[0141] The user can correct the inspection process associated with the ultrasonic data by following the steps below.

[0142] First, the user operates the operation unit 32 to select a thumbnail image to be corrected from the image group 108. The user can select a thumbnail image by operating a device such as a mouse, or by touching the touch panel. Here, as an example, thumbnail images 112 and 114 corresponding to the second ultrasonic data are selected.

[0143] Next, the user operates the operation unit 32 to select an image representing the "View" corresponding to the corrected inspection process from the image group representing the "View" included in the image group 110. For example, when the user selects the image 116 representing "View 2", as indicated by the arrow 118, the display control unit 30 moves the thumbnail images 112 and 114 from the display position of the image representing "View 1" in the image group 108 to the display position of the image 116 representing "View 2" in the image group 110. As a result, the thumbnail images 112 and 114 are displayed near the image representing "View 2" in the image group 110. The associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data corresponding to the thumbnail images 112 and 114 with the inspection process "View 2". That is, the associating unit 24 deletes the information indicating "View m" associated with the second ultrasonic data corresponding to the thumbnail images 112 and 114, and associates the second ultrasonic data corresponding to the thumbnail images 112 and 114 with the information indicating "View 2". In this way, the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data is corrected.

[0144] The user can also correct the inspection process associated with the ultrasound data by moving the thumbnail image on the screen 104. For example, the user operates the operation unit 32 to select the thumbnail images 112 and 114 included in the image group 108. The user drags and drops the selected thumbnail images 112 and 114 to the position of the image 116 representing "View 2". The association unit 24 corrects the inspection process associated with the second ultrasound data corresponding to the thumbnail images 112 and 114 to the inspection process of "View 2". When the screen 104 is composed of a touch panel, the user can move the thumbnail images 112 and 114 by touch operation or slide operation.

[0145] In addition, the inspection process associated with the first ultrasonic data may be corrected. For example, the user moves the thumbnail image of the first ultrasonic data from the display position of the image representing the "View" before correction to the display position of the image representing the "View" after correction. In this case, the associating unit 24 cancels the association between the first ultrasonic data and the "View" before correction, and associates the first ultrasonic data with the "View" after correction. Of course, the inspection process associated with the first ultrasonic data may be corrected by the user specifying the image representing the "View" after correction.

[0146] (Example 6)

[0147] As another example, in Embodiment 5, “View 2” associated with the thumbnail images 112 and 114 included in the image group 110 may be an inspection process associated based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 26. “View 2” associated with the thumbnail images 112 and 114 included in the image group 108 is an inspection process associated by the user.

[0148] That is, the image group 108 includes thumbnail images 112 and 114 of the second ultrasonic data associated with the inspection procedure by the user. The image group 110 includes thumbnail images 112 and 114 of the second ultrasonic data associated with the inspection procedure based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 26 .

[0149] As in the fifth embodiment, when the user selects the thumbnail images 112 and 114 from the image group 108 and selects an inspection process, the associating unit 24 associates the second ultrasonic data corresponding to the thumbnail images 112 and 114 with the selected inspection process. Thus, the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data is corrected. As in the fifth embodiment, the thumbnail image may be moved by dragging and dropping or sliding the thumbnail image to select the corrected inspection process.

[0150] According to the sixth embodiment, by comparing the image groups 108 and 110 , the user can compare the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data by the user and the inspection process automatically associated with the second ultrasonic data based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 26 .

[0151] The signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the association unit 24, the analysis unit 26, the control unit 28, and the display control unit 30 can be implemented by hardware resources such as a processor and an electronic circuit, and devices such as a memory can be used in the implementation as needed. In addition, the signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the association unit 24, the analysis unit 26, the control unit 28, and the display control unit 30 can be implemented by a computer, for example. That is, the signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the association unit 24, the analysis unit 26, the control unit 28, and the display control unit 30 can be implemented in whole or in part by the cooperation of hardware resources such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory possessed by the computer and software (program) that defines the operation of the CPU and the like. The program is stored in the storage unit 22 or other storage device of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 via a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD or via a communication path such as a network. As another example, the signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the association unit 24, the analysis unit 26, the control unit 28, and the display control unit 30 may be implemented by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Of course, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or the like may also be used. The signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the association unit 24, the analysis unit 26, the control unit 28, and the display control unit 30 may be implemented by a single device, and the functions of the signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the association unit 24, the analysis unit 26, the control unit 28, and the display control unit 30 may be implemented by one or more devices.

[0152] In addition, the association by the associating unit 24 and the analysis by the analyzing unit 26 may be performed by a device other than the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 (for example, a personal computer or a server).

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that: include: an acquisition unit that acquires ultrasonic data by performing ultrasonic examination; and a correlating unit that correlates the first ultrasonic data acquired by the acquiring unit by performing the ultrasonic inspection according to the pre-registered inspection procedure and the inspection process corresponding to the ultrasonic inspection, The associating unit further associates second ultrasonic data acquired by performing an ultrasonic examination in a procedure different from the pre-registered examination procedure with an examination process corresponding to the ultrasonic examination.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The associating unit associates the inspection process designated by the user with the second ultrasonic data.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The ultrasonic diagnostic device also has: The display control unit causes the display unit to display an image schematically showing an inspection region that is a candidate for ultrasonic inspection, The associating unit associates the inspection process corresponding to the inspection region designated by the user from the image with the second ultrasonic data.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a display control unit. The display control unit further displays the first ultrasonic data on the display unit in parallel in the order of the inspection process associated with the first ultrasonic data, and displays the second ultrasonic data on the display unit in parallel in the order of the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data. When a user designates an inspection process on a screen displaying the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data, the associating unit corrects the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data by associating the inspection process designated by the user on the screen with the second ultrasonic data.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: When the second ultrasonic data is acquired by the acquisition unit, information indicating the inspection process in which the second ultrasonic data was acquired is attached to the second ultrasonic data as additional information. When the inspection process indicated by the supplementary information is different from the inspection process designated by the user, the associating unit corrects the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data by associating the inspection process indicated by the supplementary information with the second ultrasonic data.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a display control unit. The display control unit displays the ultrasonic data group before the correction inspection process and the ultrasonic data group after the correction inspection process side by side on the display unit, The ultrasonic data group includes the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The ultrasonic diagnostic device also includes: an analyzing unit that determines, by analyzing the second ultrasonic data, an inspection process corresponding to the ultrasonic inspection for obtaining the second ultrasonic data; The associating unit associates the inspection process determined by the analyzing unit with the second ultrasonic data.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a display control unit. The display control unit further causes the first ultrasonic data to be displayed on the display unit in the order of the inspection process, causes the second ultrasonic data to be displayed on the display unit in the order of the inspection process specified by the user, and causes the second ultrasonic data to be displayed on the display unit in the order of the inspection process corresponding to the ultrasonic inspection determined by the analysis unit, When a user designates an inspection process on a screen displaying the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data, the associating unit corrects the inspection process associated with the second ultrasonic data by associating the inspection process designated by the user on the screen with the second ultrasonic data.

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