Acoustic wave diagnostic apparatus and method for

Abstract

The invention provides an acoustic wave diagnostic apparatus and a method for controlling the acoustic wave diagnostic apparatus. An ultrasound diagnostic device (1) that sequentially displays ultrasound images of a plurality of consecutive frames during imaging on a display unit (8), the ultrasound diagnostic device (1) being characterized by being provided with: a measurement object recognition unit (9) that automatically recognizes a measurement object included in an ultrasound image of a current frame displayed on the display unit (8); a measurement algorithm setting unit (12) that sets a measurement algorithm for the measurement object recognized by the measurement object recognition unit (9); and a measurement unit (10) that measures the measurement target on the basis of the measurement algorithm set by the measurement algorithm setting unit (12), and displays the measurement result on a display unit (8) by superimposing the measurement result on the ultrasonic image of the current frame.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with an application date of May 22, 2019, a national application number of 201980044151.8 (international application number of PCT / JP2019 / 020204), and an invention name of “Acoustic Wave Diagnostic Device and Control Method of Acoustic Wave Diagnostic Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an acoustic wave diagnostic device and a control method for the acoustic wave diagnostic device, and in particular to an acoustic wave diagnostic device for measuring a part on an acoustic wave image and a control method for the acoustic wave diagnostic device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, medical ultrasonic diagnostic devices generally have the function of measuring the length, size, area, etc. of various organs or lesions included in the acquired ultrasonic images. In order to measure the measurement object, the user generally uses an input device for inputting coordinates such as a touch pad, a trackball, a mouse, etc. to operate a caliper, i.e., a cursor, and set a measurement point or a region of interest on a displayed image. In this way, when the user performs manual operation, various attempts are being made to automate the operation because it is affected by the user's experience and proficiency.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which, on an acquired ultrasonic image, if a user inputs the position of a caliper for measuring a measurement object via an operation unit, image processing is performed on the peripheral area of ​​the input caliper, thereby correcting the position of the caliper to an appropriate position. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, if a pair of calipers for measuring the distance between two points on an ultrasonic image is input by a user, the pair of calipers are respectively corrected to appropriate positions, and the length of the measurement object is measured based on the corrected pair of calipers.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-111434 Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a single ultrasonic image showing a cross section optimal for measurement is acquired, and the user is required to manually place a caliper on the acquired ultrasonic image, which causes a problem that the user needs a lot of effort and time to perform measurement.

[0010] Furthermore, when obtaining the best ultrasonic image for measurement, the user needs to visually observe the ultrasonic images sequentially displayed on the display unit to determine the best section for measurement. In particular, when an inexperienced user performs measurement, it is difficult to obtain an ultrasonic image showing the best section for measurement.

[0011] The present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an acoustic wave diagnosis device and a control method of the acoustic wave diagnosis device that can perform measurement simply and accurately.

[0012] Means for solving technical problems

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the ultrasonic diagnostic device of the present invention sequentially displays a plurality of consecutive frames of ultrasonic images being photographed on a display unit, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device comprises: a measurement object recognition unit that automatically recognizes a measurement object contained in the ultrasonic image of a current frame displayed on the display unit; a measurement algorithm setting unit that stores a plurality of measurement algorithms that are different for each of a plurality of parts and lesion parts that can become the measurement object, and sets a measurement algorithm for the measurement object recognized by the measurement object recognition unit among the plurality of measurement algorithms stored corresponding to the plurality of parts and lesion parts; and a measurement unit that measures the measurement object according to the measurement algorithm set by the measurement algorithm setting unit, and displays the measurement result on the display unit by overlapping the ultrasonic image of the current frame, wherein even if a new measurement object different from the measurement object appears in the ultrasonic image of the current frame, the measurement unit does not measure the new measurement object, but only measures the existing measurement object.

[0014] In addition, it is preferably equipped with: an image memory; an optimal image determination unit, which determines whether the acoustic wave image of the current frame among multiple consecutive frames being photographed includes the optimal section of the measurement object; and a storage control unit, which stores the acoustic wave image of the current frame and the measurement result in the image memory when the optimal image determination unit determines that the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the optimal section of the measurement object.

[0015] Furthermore, an operation unit for a user to perform input operation may be provided, and the storage control unit may display the acoustic wave image stored in the image memory by the storage control unit on the display unit according to the user operation via the operation unit.

[0016] At this time, when the best image determination unit determines that the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the best section of the measurement object, the storage control unit can overwrite and store the acoustic wave image of the current frame and the measurement result in the image memory.

[0017] Alternatively, when the best image determination unit determines that the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the best section of the measurement object, the storage control unit may additionally store the acoustic wave image of the current frame and the measurement result in the image memory.

[0018] Furthermore, a notification unit may be provided for notifying a user when the acoustic wave image and the measurement result of the current frame are stored by the storage control unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the measurement result may include a measurement value, and when the measurement value in the acoustic wave image of the current frame among the plurality of consecutive frames being captured is the largest, the best image determination unit determines whether the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the best section of the measurement object.

[0020] Furthermore, the measurement object recognition unit is also capable of calculating the likelihood of the measurement object similarity representing the identified measurement object, and when the likelihood in the acoustic wave image of the current frame among the plurality of consecutive frames being captured is the largest, the optimal image determination unit determines whether the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the optimal section of the measurement object.

[0021] The storage control unit can store the acoustic wave images and the measurement results of all frames captured earlier than the current frame by a predetermined time among the plurality of consecutive frames being captured in the image memory.

[0022] At this time, the storage control unit can mark the acoustic wave image of the frame determined by the optimal image determination unit as including the optimal section of the measurement object among the multiple continuous frames being photographed, and save it in the image memory, and select the marked acoustic wave image from the multiple acoustic wave images stored in the image memory according to the user operation through the operation unit and display it on the display unit.

[0023] Furthermore, when the measurement object identification unit identifies multiple measurement objects in the acoustic wave image of the current frame, the measurement algorithm setting unit can set measurement algorithms for the multiple measurement objects in the acoustic wave image of the current frame respectively. For the multiple measurement objects in the acoustic wave image of the current frame, the measurement unit measures the multiple measurement objects according to the corresponding measurement algorithms, and causes the multiple measurement results to overlap with the acoustic wave image of the current frame and display them on the display unit.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be equipped with a measurement control switch, which is operated by a user and is used to issue start instructions and end instructions for a series of measurement actions, wherein the series of actions include identifying a measurement object by a measurement object identification unit, setting a measurement algorithm by a measurement algorithm setting unit, and measuring the measurement object by a measurement unit.

[0025] In this case, it is preferable to provide an acoustic wave probe for transmitting and receiving acoustic waves to the subject, and the measurement control switch is arranged on the acoustic wave probe.

[0026] In the control method of the acoustic wave diagnostic device of the present invention, the acoustic wave diagnostic device displays a plurality of consecutive frames of acoustic wave images being photographed on a display unit in sequence, wherein the control method of the acoustic wave diagnostic device includes the following processing: automatically identifying a measurement object contained in the acoustic wave image of a current frame displayed on the display unit; storing a plurality of measurement algorithms that are different for each of a plurality of parts and lesion parts that can become the measurement object, and setting a measurement algorithm for the identified measurement object among the plurality of measurement algorithms stored corresponding to the plurality of parts and lesion parts; measuring the measurement object according to the set measurement algorithm; overlapping the measurement result with the acoustic wave image of the current frame and displaying it on the display unit; and even if a new measurement object different from the measurement object appears in the acoustic wave image of the current frame, the new measurement object is not measured, but only the existing measurement object is measured.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, an acoustic wave diagnostic device sequentially displays a plurality of consecutive frames of acoustic wave images being shot on a display unit, and the acoustic wave diagnostic device comprises: a measurement object recognition unit, which automatically recognizes a measurement object included in the acoustic wave image of a current frame displayed on the display unit; a measurement algorithm setting unit, which sets a measurement algorithm for the measurement object recognized by the measurement object recognition unit; and a measurement unit, which measures the measurement object according to the measurement algorithm set by the measurement algorithm setting unit, and overlaps the measurement result with the acoustic wave image of the current frame and displays it on the display unit, thereby enabling simple and accurate measurement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the image generating unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of measurement results in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of measurement results in a modified example of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of notification in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of measurement results in a modified example of embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic image selected in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0039] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Implementation Method 1

[0042] Figure 1 FIG. 2 shows the structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a transducer array 2, and a transmitting unit 3 and a receiving unit 4 are connected to the transducer array 2. An AD (Analog Digital) converter 5, an image generator 6, a display controller 7, and a display unit 8 are sequentially connected to the receiving unit 4, and an operation unit 15 is arranged overlapping the display unit 8. Furthermore, a measurement object recognition unit 9 and a measuring unit 10 are connected to the image generator 6, the measuring unit 10 is connected to the measurement object recognition unit 9, and the display controller 7 is connected to the measuring unit 10. Furthermore, a measurement algorithm setting unit 12 is connected to the measurement object recognition unit 9, and the measuring unit 10 is connected to the measurement algorithm setting unit 12.

[0043] In addition, the sending unit 3, the receiving unit 4, the image generating unit 6, the display control unit 7, the measurement object identifying unit 9, the measuring unit 10, and the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 are connected to the device control unit 13, and the operating unit 15 and the storage unit 16 are connected to the device control unit 13.

[0044] The transducer array 2 , the transmitter 3 , and the receiver 4 constitute an ultrasonic probe 21 , and the AD converter 5 , the image generator 6 , the display controller 7 , the measurement object identifier 9 , the measurement unit 10 , the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 , and the device controller 13 constitute a processor 22 .

[0045] Figure 1The transducer array 2 of the ultrasonic probe 21 shown has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in one dimension or two dimensions. These ultrasonic transducers transmit ultrasonic waves respectively according to the driving signal supplied from the transmitting unit 3, and receive the reflected wave from the subject and output the received signal. Each ultrasonic transducer is constituted by, for example, an element having electrodes formed at both ends of a piezoelectric body, and the piezoelectric body is constituted by a piezoelectric ceramic represented by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element represented by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), and a piezoelectric single crystal represented by PMN-PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate: Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate Solid Solution).

[0046] The transmitting unit 3 of the ultrasonic probe 21 includes, for example, a plurality of pulse generators, and based on a transmission delay mode selected according to a control signal from the device control unit 13, adjusts the delay amount of each drive signal and supplies it to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 2 form an ultrasonic beam. In this way, if a pulsed or continuous wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 2, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts, and pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves are generated from each ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic beam is formed by the synthetic wave of these ultrasonic waves.

[0047] The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected on an object such as a part of a subject, and propagates toward the transducer array 2 of the ultrasonic probe 21. The ultrasonic waves propagated toward the transducer array 2 are received by the respective ultrasonic transducers constituting the transducer array 2. At this time, the respective ultrasonic transducers constituting the transducer array 2 expand and contract by receiving the propagated ultrasonic echoes, and generate electrical signals, and output these electrical signals, i.e., received signals, to the receiving unit 4. Although not shown in the figure, the receiving unit 4 has an amplifier for amplifying the received signals input from the respective ultrasonic transducers, and the amplified signals in the amplifier are sent to the AD converter 5.

[0048] The AD converter 5 of the processor 22 converts the reception signal transmitted from the reception unit 4 into digital element data, and transmits the element data to the image generation unit 6 .

[0049] like Figure 2As shown, the image generation unit 6 of the processor 22 has a structure in which a signal processing unit 17, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 18 and an image processing unit 19 are connected in series. The signal processing unit 17 performs a receiving focus processing, which is based on the receiving delay mode selected according to the control signal from the device control unit 13, and gives each element data that follows the set sound speed a respective delay and adds (phase addition). The receiving focus processing generates a sound line signal with a narrowed focus of the ultrasonic echo. In addition, the signal processing unit 17 performs envelope detection processing on the generated sound line signal after correcting the attenuation caused by the propagation distance according to the depth of the position where the ultrasonic wave is reflected, so as to generate a tomographic image information related to the tissue in the subject, namely a B-mode image signal. The B-mode image signal generated in this way is output to the DSC 18.

[0050] The DSC 18 raster-converts the B-mode image signal into an image signal that conforms to the scanning method of a normal television signal, namely, a B-mode image. The image processing unit 19 performs various necessary image processing such as brightness correction, hue correction, sharpness correction, and color correction on the image data obtained by the DSC 18, and then outputs the B-mode image signal to the display control unit 7, the measurement object recognition unit 9, and the measurement unit 10. Hereinafter, the B-mode image is referred to as an ultrasonic image.

[0051] The measurement object recognition unit 9 of the processor 22 performs image recognition on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 6, thereby recognizing the measurement object included in the ultrasonic image. Here, the measurement object can include a part of the measurement object such as an organ, a tumor, a cyst, and a lesion such as bleeding. In addition, the measurement object recognition unit 9 can use machine learning such as deep learning to distinguish the measurement object in the ultrasonic image. In this case, for example, the measurement object recognition unit 9 is made to learn a large amount of typical pattern data for the measurement object as positive data in advance, and a large amount of pattern data other than the typical pattern data for the measurement object is made to learn in advance as negative data, so that a neural network can be constructed. The measurement object recognition unit 9 calculates the length of the characteristic part of the pattern included in the ultrasonic image, and uses the calculation result and the constructed neural network to classify these patterns into the learned pattern data, thereby distinguishing the measurement object.

[0052] At this time, the measurement object identification unit 9 assigns the likelihood relative to the learned pattern data to the pattern included in the ultrasonic image, and performs a threshold determination on the likelihood, thereby being able to identify the measurement object. Here, the likelihood is a value indicating the likelihood of the pattern included in the ultrasonic image relative to the learned plurality of pattern data. For example, if the likelihood of the pattern included in the ultrasonic image is high relative to the pattern data of the gallbladder, the probability that the pattern included in the ultrasonic image is the gallbladder is high.

[0053] Here, as a machine learning method, for example, the method described in Csurka et al.: Visual Categorization with Bags of Keypoints, Proc. of ECCV Workshop on Statistical Learning in Computer Vision, pp. 59-74 (2004) can be used.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, the measurement object recognition unit 9 stores typical pattern data as a template in advance, calculates similarity with respect to the pattern data while searching within the image using the template, and regards the measurement object as existing at a position where the similarity is greater than a threshold and is the largest, thereby being able to identify the measurement object.

[0055] The measurement algorithm setting unit 12 of the processor 22 sets a measurement algorithm for the measurement object identified by the measurement object identification unit 9. The measurement algorithm setting unit 12 stores measurement algorithms corresponding to a plurality of parts that can be measurement objects in advance as a correspondence table, and sets the measurement algorithm with reference to the correspondence table when the measurement object is determined.

[0056] Here, usually, there are different measurement rules for each measurement object. The measurement rule is a rule about how to measure which part of a specific measurement object. For example, in the case where the measurement object is a gallbladder, as a measurement rule, there is a rule as follows: two points on the inner wall of the gallbladder region included in the ultrasonic image are set as endpoints and a line segment passing through the center of gravity of the gallbladder region and having the largest distance is determined as a measurement line, and the length of the determined line segment is measured. And, for example, in the case where the measurement object is a kidney, as a measurement rule, the following situation is determined: the length between the two points on the boundary of the kidney region included in the ultrasonic image at which the distance becomes the largest is measured. The measurement algorithm is an algorithm that determines the calculation method for executing such a measurement rule, and is different for each measurement object.

[0057] Here, the algorithm is an algorithm that defines a calculation method for achieving a purpose such as measurement, and is installed in the device as a software program and executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the measurement algorithm set in the measurement algorithm setting unit 12, a commonly used known algorithm can be used.

[0058] The measuring unit 10 of the processor 22 measures the measuring object identified by the measuring object identifying unit 9 according to the measuring algorithm set by the measuring algorithm setting unit 12, and displays the measurement result on the display unit 8 via the display control unit 7. Here, the set measurement result displayed by the measuring unit 10 on the display unit 8 includes not only the measurement value of the measuring object, but also the name of the measuring object and the measuring line, caliper, etc. used in the measurement.

[0059] The display control unit 7 of the processor 22 performs predetermined processing on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generator 6 under the control of the device controller 13 to display the ultrasonic image on the display 8. The display control unit 7 also displays the measurement results calculated by the measurement unit 10 on the display 8.

[0060] The display unit 8 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 has a display screen (not shown), and displays the ultrasonic image generated by the image generating unit 6, the measurement result calculated by the measuring unit 10, etc. on the display screen under the control of the display control unit 7. The display unit 8 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

[0061] The operation unit 15 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is provided for the user to perform input operations, and includes a touch sensor arranged to overlap with the display unit 8. The touch sensor is arranged to overlap with the display screen of the display unit 8, and is used to perform input operations by so-called touch operations in which the user's finger, stylus pen, etc. touches or approaches the display screen. Information input by the user via the touch sensor of the operation unit 15 is transmitted to the device control unit 13.

[0062] The storage unit 16 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 stores the operation program of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1, etc., and can use recording media or servers such as HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), MT (Magnetic Tape), RAM (Random Access Memory), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc.

[0063] In addition, the processor 22 having an AD conversion unit 5, an image generation unit 6, a display control unit 7, a measurement object recognition unit 9, a measurement unit 10, a measurement algorithm setting unit 12 and an apparatus control unit 13 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a control program for causing the CPU to perform various processes, but can also be composed of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), other ICs (Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof.

[0064] Furthermore, the AD conversion unit 5 , image generation unit 6 , display control unit 7 , measurement object recognition unit 9 , measurement unit 10 , measurement algorithm setting unit 12 , and device control unit 13 of the processor 22 may be partially or entirely integrated into one CPU.

[0065] Next, use Figure 3 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 will explain the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] Next, in step S1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 starts taking ultrasonic images according to the instruction from the user via the operation unit 15. At this time, the ultrasonic probe 21 is operated by the user to contact the body surface of the subject, and the drive signal is sequentially supplied from the transmission unit 3 to the transducer array 2, thereby transmitting the ultrasonic beam from the transducer array 2 into the subject. In addition, the receiving unit 4 of the ultrasonic probe 21 receives the ultrasonic echo from the subject and converts it into a received signal, and the received signal is processed by the AD conversion unit 5 and the image generation unit 6 to sequentially generate ultrasonic images. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, when taking ultrasonic images in this way, the subsequent processing of steps S2 to S7 is automatically performed.

[0067] Next, in step S2 , the latest ultrasonic image generated by the image generator 6 , that is, the ultrasonic image of the current frame, is displayed on the display 8 via the display controller 7 .

[0068] When the ultrasonic image of the current frame is displayed on the display unit 8 , in step S3 , the measurement object recognition unit 9 automatically recognizes the measurement object included in the ultrasonic image of the current frame.

[0069] Next, in step S4, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 sets a measurement algorithm for the measurement object identified in step S3. Figure 4 As shown, when the measurement object is the gallbladder A1, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 determines the line segment with the maximum distance between two points arranged on the inner wall of the region representing the gallbladder A1 on the ultrasonic image U1 as the endpoints as the measurement line, and sets the measurement algorithm for measuring the length of the measurement line. Figure 4 In the example shown, in two directions orthogonal to each other, a measuring line ML1 with calipers C1A and C1B as endpoints and a measuring line ML2 orthogonal to the measuring line ML1 and with calipers C2A and C2B as endpoints are set respectively in a manner so that the distance between two points on the inner wall of the gallbladder A1 becomes the largest.

[0070] In this way, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 sets the measurement algorithm corresponding to the measurement object identified in step S3. At this time, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 can set a measurement algorithm for measuring area in addition to a measurement algorithm for measuring length, or can set a measurement algorithm for measuring both length and area, for example, according to the measurement object.

[0071] Next, in step S5, the measuring unit 10 automatically measures the object to be measured according to the measurement algorithm set in step S4. Figure 4 As shown, the measuring section 10 measures the length of the measurement line ML1 and the length of the measurement line ML2.

[0072] If the measurement result is calculated in this way, then in step S6, Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , the measuring unit 10 displays the calculated measurement result overlapping with the ultrasonic image of the current frame. Figure 4 As shown, the measuring unit 10 can display the measurement line ML1 with the caliper C1A and the caliper C1B as endpoints, the measurement line ML2 with the caliper C2A and the caliper C2B as endpoints, and the measurement result panel PR showing the name of the measurement object and the measurement value as the measurement results superimposed on the ultrasonic image U1. Figure 4 The measurement result panel PR in FIG. 1 shows that the measurement object is the gallbladder A1 , the length of the measurement line ML1 , that is, the length of the gallbladder A1 in the long axis direction, is 5.6 cm, and the length of the measurement line ML2 , that is, the length of the gallbladder A1 in the short axis direction, is 3.1 cm.

[0073] If the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 8 in this manner, the measurement of the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame is completed. In step S7, the ultrasonic image to be measured is updated from the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame to the ultrasonic image of the next frame, and the process returns to step S2. In subsequent steps S2 to S6, the measurement of the measurement object is performed on the ultrasonic image of the next frame to be updated. In step S7, the ultrasonic image to be measured is further updated to the ultrasonic image of the next frame. In this way, the processes of steps S2 to S7 are automatically performed sequentially on the ultrasonic images of the continuous frames being photographed.

[0074] In summary, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, a series of actions such as display of ultrasonic images, recognition of measurement objects, setting of measurement algorithms, measurement of measurement objects, and display of measurement results are automatically performed in sequence for a plurality of consecutive frames of ultrasonic images being captured. Therefore, for example, a user can easily measure a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images while searching for the best section for measuring the measurement object.

[0075] Furthermore, since the ultrasonic image and the measurement result are sequentially displayed on the display unit 8, the user can search for the best section of the measurement object while checking the measurement result. Thus, for example, even a user who is not proficient in ultrasonic diagnosis can easily obtain an ultrasonic image including the best section of the measurement object and accurately perform measurement.

[0076] In the first embodiment, after the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame is displayed on the display unit 8 in step S2, the subsequent processing of steps S3 to S7 is performed, but the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame can be displayed on the display unit 8 at any time in steps S3 to S6. For example, the display of the ultrasonic image U1 in step S2 and the display of the measurement result in step S6 can also be performed simultaneously.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example is described in which the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame includes the object to be measured, but sometimes the object to be measured is not included in the ultrasonic image U1. In this case, the object to be measured cannot be identified in step S3, so after the ultrasonic image of the current frame is displayed in step S2, for example, steps S4 to S6 can be omitted and the frame can be updated immediately in step S7.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the ultrasonic image is started to be captured in step S1 according to the instruction from the user via the operation unit 15, the processing of steps S2 to S7 is automatically performed in sequence on the continuous plurality of frames of the ultrasonic image being captured, but the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can also be terminated according to the instruction from the user via the operation unit 15. For example, the operation of steps S2 to S7 can be terminated by terminating the ultrasonic image capture according to the instruction from the user via the operation unit 15. In this case, for example, at any time in steps S2 to S7, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be terminated by issuing an instruction from the user via the operation unit 15.

[0079] Furthermore, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 automatically sets the measurement algorithm according to the measurement object identified in step S3, but the set measurement algorithm can be preset to a measurement algorithm that meets the user's preference, etc. For example, Figure 4 As shown, for the gallbladder A1, a first measurement algorithm for measuring both the length in the long axis direction, i.e., the length of the measurement line ML1, and the length in the short axis direction, i.e., the length of the measurement line ML2, a second measurement algorithm for measuring only the length of the measurement line ML1 in the long axis direction, and a third measurement algorithm for measuring only the length of the measurement line ML2 in the short axis direction are prepared in advance. By allowing the user to select one of these three measurement algorithms in advance via the operating unit 15, the measurement algorithm for the gallbladder A1 can be set to a measurement algorithm that meets the user's preference.

[0080] Furthermore, when the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 8, the measuring unit 10 can display the multiple measurement values, the corresponding multiple measurement object names, the corresponding multiple measurement lines, the corresponding multiple calipers, etc., in different ways for each measurement value when calculating multiple measurement values. For example, the measuring unit 10 can display at least one of the color, thickness, line type such as solid line and dotted line, and transparency of the items associated with each measurement value in a different way for each measurement value on the display unit 8.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a single measurement target is included in the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame and the single measurement target is measured. However, when the ultrasonic image of the current frame includes a plurality of measurement targets, the plurality of measurement targets can also be measured.

[0082] For example, Figure 5 As shown, when the two measurement objects, the gallbladder A2 and the portal vein A3, are included in the ultrasonic image U2 of the current frame, the gallbladder A2 and the portal vein A3 are identified as the measurement objects by the measurement object identification unit 9 in step S3. Next, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 sets the measurement algorithm corresponding to the gallbladder A2 identified in step S3 and the measurement algorithm corresponding to the portal vein A3 in step S4.

[0083] If the measurement algorithm corresponding to the gallbladder A2 and the measurement algorithm corresponding to the portal vein A3 are set in this way, the measurement unit 10 performs the measurement of the gallbladder A2 and the portal vein A3 in step S5, and in step S6, the measurement results of the gallbladder A2 and the portal vein A3 are as follows: Figure 5 The ultrasonic image U2 shown is overlapped and displayed in the current frame. Figure 5 In the example shown, the following are displayed as measurement results: a pair of calipers C3A and C3B disposed on the inner wall of the gallbladder A2, a measurement line ML3 with the pair of calipers C3A and C3B as endpoints, a pair of calipers C4A and C4B disposed on the inner wall of the portal vein A3, a measurement line ML4 with the pair of calipers C4A and C4B as endpoints, and a measurement result panel PR. The measurement result panel PR shows that the measurement objects are the gallbladder A2 and the portal vein A3, the measurement value of the gallbladder A2 is Xcm, and the measurement value of the portal vein A3 is Ycm.

[0084] When measuring a plurality of measurement objects in this manner, for example, the measurement can be performed in a predetermined order. For example, any one point on the ultrasonic image U2 can be set as the origin, and the measurement objects close to the origin can be measured in order.

[0085] Here, since the ultrasonic probe 21 is operated by the user, as the ultrasonic probe 21 moves on the body surface of the subject, a new measurement object different from the measurement object first identified after the ultrasonic image is taken appears in the ultrasonic image. At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can, for example, not measure the newly added measurement object, but only measure the existing measurement object. In this way, only the user's target measurement object can be measured, and the calculation load in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, a measurement object newly appearing in an ultrasonic image can be measured in the same manner as a measurement object that has been identified since the start of imaging. For example, after a new measurement object different from an already identified measurement object appears in an ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can start measuring the newly added measurement object triggered by an instruction from the user via the operating unit 15. Thus, measurements that better suit the user's purpose can be performed.

[0087] Implementation Method 2

[0088] In the first embodiment, the user determines whether the ultrasonic image of the current frame includes the best cross section of the measurement object, but the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may also automatically perform the determination.

[0089] Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to Embodiment 2. Figure 1 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown includes an apparatus control unit 13A instead of the apparatus control unit 13 , and additionally includes a storage control unit 23 , an image memory 24 , a best image determination unit 25 , and a notification unit 26 .

[0090] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A of the second embodiment, the image generator 6 is connected in sequence to a storage control unit 23, a display control unit 7, and a display unit 8, and the storage control unit 23 is connected to an image memory 24. Furthermore, the storage control unit 23 is connected to the measurement unit 10 and the best image determination unit 25, and the best image determination unit 25 is connected to the measurement unit 10. Furthermore, the display control unit 7 is connected to a notification unit 26.

[0091] Furthermore, the device control unit 13A is connected to the transmission unit 3, the reception unit 4, the image generation unit 6, the display control unit 7, the measurement object recognition unit 9, the measurement unit 10, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12, the operation unit 15, the storage unit 16, the storage control unit 23, the best image determination unit 25, and the notification unit 26. Furthermore, the AD conversion unit 5, the image generation unit 6, the display control unit 7, the measurement object recognition unit 9, the measurement unit 10, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12, the device control unit 13A, the storage control unit 23, the best image determination unit 25, and the notification unit 26 constitute a processor 22A.

[0092] The best image determination unit 25 of the processor 22A determines whether the ultrasonic image of the current frame among the plurality of consecutive frames being photographed includes the best section of the measurement object, that is, whether the ultrasonic image of the current frame includes the best image. At this time, for example, when the measurement value of the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the largest among the measurement values ​​of the length, area, etc. calculated by the measuring unit 10 for the measurement object included in the plurality of consecutive frames of ultrasonic images being photographed, the best image determination unit 25 can determine that the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the best image. In addition, when the likelihood of the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the largest among the likelihood of the measurement object calculated by the measurement object recognition unit 9 for the measurement object included in the plurality of consecutive frames of ultrasonic images being photographed, the best image determination unit 25 can also determine that the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the best image.

[0093] The image memory 24 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A is used to store ultrasonic images, i.e., measurement results, etc., and thus, like the storage unit 16, a recording medium such as HDD, SSD, FD, MO disk, MT, RAM, CD, DVD, SD card, USB memory, or a server can be used.

[0094] Whenever the best image determination unit 25 determines that the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the best image, the storage control unit 23 of the processor 22A stores the ultrasonic image of the current frame and the measurement result of the ultrasonic image of the current frame obtained by the measurement unit 10 in the image memory 24. At this time, the storage control unit 23 can, for example, store the best image and the measurement result in the image memory 24 by overwriting them. In addition, the storage control unit 23 can also store the best image and the measurement result in the image memory 24 in addition, for example.

[0095] Next, use Figure 7 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1A will be used to explain the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 The flowchart is in Figure 3 In the flowchart shown, steps S8 to S10 are provided between step S6 and step S7.

[0096] Next, in step S1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A starts capturing ultrasonic images in accordance with an instruction from the user via the operation unit 15. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A of the second embodiment starts capturing ultrasonic images in this manner, the subsequent processes of steps S2 to S6, S8 to S10, and S7 are automatically performed.

[0097] When the ultrasonic image of the current frame is generated, the ultrasonic image of the current frame is displayed on the display unit 8 in step S2 .

[0098] Next, in step S3, the measurement object included in the ultrasonic image of the current frame is identified by the measurement object identification unit 9. Based on the measurement object thus identified, in step S4, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 sets a measurement algorithm.

[0099] In step S5 , the measurement object identified in step S3 is measured by the measurement unit 10 according to the measurement algorithm set in step S4 .

[0100] In step S6, if Figure 4 As shown, the measuring unit 10 displays the measurement result obtained in step S5 by superimposing it on the ultrasonic image of the current frame.

[0101] In the subsequent step S8, the best image determination unit 25 determines whether the ultrasonic image of the current frame includes the best section for measuring the measurement object, that is, determines whether the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the best image. At this time, for example, when the measurement value of the ultrasonic image of the current frame obtained in step S5 is the largest among the measurement values ​​of the continuous plurality of frames being photographed, the best image determination unit 25 determines that the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the best image.

[0102] If the best image determination unit 25 determines in step S8 that the ultrasonic image of the current frame is not the best image, the measurement of the ultrasonic image of the current frame is completed and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the measured frame is updated to the next frame and the process returns to step S2.

[0103] When the best image determination unit 25 determines that the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the best image, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0104] In step S9, the storage control unit 23 stores the ultrasonic image of the current frame and the measurement result in the image memory 24. By storing the best image in the image memory 24 in this way, the user can confirm the best image and its measurement result stored in the image memory 24 after the ultrasonic diagnosis is completed.

[0105] In the subsequent step S10, the notification unit 26 notifies the user of the content in which the best image is stored. Figure 8 As shown, the notification unit 26 can display the notification panel PA indicating the content of the stored best image on the display unit 8 via the display control unit 7 .

[0106] Although not shown, for example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A may be provided with a speech generator including a speaker for generating speech, and the notification by the notification unit 26 may be notified to the user by speech via the speech generator.

[0107] When the notification of step S10 is completed, the measurement of the ultrasonic image of the current frame is completed, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the measured frame is updated to the next frame, and the process returns to step S2.

[0108] In subsequent steps S2 to S6, the ultrasonic image of the updated frame is displayed, the measurement object is recognized, the measurement algorithm is set, the measurement object is automatically measured, and the measurement result is displayed. In step S8, the best image determination unit 25 determines whether the ultrasonic image of the updated frame is the best image. If the best image determination unit 25 determines in step S8 that the ultrasonic image of the updated frame is not the best image, the measurement of the ultrasonic image of the updated frame is completed, and in step S7, the measured frame is updated to the next frame.

[0109] When the best image determination unit 25 determines that the ultrasonic image of the updated frame is the best image in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9, and the storage control unit 23 stores the ultrasonic image of the updated frame and the measurement result in the image memory 24. At this time, the storage control unit 23 can store the ultrasonic image of the updated frame and the measurement result as the best image and the measurement result in the image memory 24 by overwriting them, or can store them additionally in the image memory 24. When the best image and the measurement result are stored in step S9, the notification unit 26 notifies that the best image is stored in step S10.

[0110] Thus, the measurement of the ultrasonic image of the updated frame is completed, and in step S7, the measured frame is updated to the next frame.

[0111] By repeating the processing of steps S2 to S7 in this manner, a plurality of ultrasonic images and measurement results are sequentially displayed on the display unit 8 , and the ultrasonic image determined as the best image by the best image determination unit 25 and the measurement result thereof are stored in the image memory 24 .

[0112] In summary, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A of embodiment 2, the best image including the cross-section of the measurement object that is best measured is determined by the best image determination unit 25, and the best image and its measurement results are automatically saved in the image memory 24 by the storage control unit 23. Therefore, users who are particularly unskilled in ultrasonic diagnosis can also obtain the best image and perform accurate measurements.

[0113] In the second embodiment, the measuring unit 10 calculates the length of the gallbladder A1 in the long axis direction, that is, the length of the measurement line ML1, and the length of the gallbladder A1 in the short axis direction, that is, the length of the measurement line ML2 as the measurement values. However, in this case, the best image determination unit 25 can determine the ultrasonic image of the frame with the largest length of the measurement line ML1 as the best image, and can also determine the ultrasonic image of the frame with the largest length of the measurement line ML2 as the best image. In this way, when a plurality of measurement values ​​are acquired for one measurement object, the best image determination unit 25 can determine the ultrasonic image of the frame with the largest measurement value among the plurality of measurement values ​​as the best image.

[0114] Furthermore, the best image determination unit 25 can determine the ultrasonic image of the frame with the largest measurement value as the best image for each of the plurality of measurement values. In this case, the storage control unit 23 can store the best image and the measurement result in the image memory 24 for each of the plurality of measurement values.

[0115] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the gallbladder A1 is included as the only measurement object in the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame, but the ultrasonic image of the current frame may also include a plurality of measurement objects. In this case, the best image determination unit 25 can determine the best image for each of the plurality of measurement objects, and the storage control unit 23 can store the best image and the measurement result of each of the plurality of measurement objects in the image memory 24.

[0116] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame is overlapped with the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame and only the measurement result in the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame is overlapped and displayed, for example, Fig. 9 As shown, the storage control unit 23 can also display the measurement value in the best image together with the measurement result in the ultrasonic image of the current frame. Fig. 9 In the example shown, a measurement result panel PR showing that the measurement object is the gallbladder, the measurement value in the ultrasonic image of the current frame is Xcm, and the measurement value in the best image, i.e., the maximum value of the measurement value at the current moment is Ycm, is displayed superimposed on the ultrasonic image U1. In this way, the measurement result in the ultrasonic image of the current frame and the measurement result in the best image are displayed superimposed on the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame, so that the user can confirm the degree of difference between the ultrasonic image U1 of the current frame and the best image through the measurement results.

[0117] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the measured value obtained in step S5 is the largest, the ultrasonic image of the current frame is determined to be the best image in step S8, but when the likelihood calculated by the measurement object identification unit 9 in step S3 is the largest, it is also possible to determine that the ultrasonic image of the current frame is the best image. In this case, the series of actions of step S8 to step S10 can be executed at any time between step S3 to step S7. For example, the series of actions of step S8 to step S10 can be executed at a time between step S3 and step S4.

[0118] Furthermore, when the measured value obtained in step S5 is the smallest, the best image determination unit 25 can determine the ultrasonic image of the current frame as the best image in step S8. For example, when the measurement object included in the ultrasonic image is a part whose size changes periodically due to pulsation, the best image determination unit 25 can determine the ultrasonic image of the current frame with the smallest measured value of the inner diameter, etc., as the best image.

[0119] Implementation 3

[0120] In the second embodiment, the ultrasonic image determined as the best image by the best image determination unit 25 is stored in the image memory 24 by the storage control unit 23, but it is also possible to store a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images being captured in the image memory 24 and display the stored plurality of frames of ultrasonic images on the display unit 8. Figure 6 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment shown is the same.

[0121] In the third embodiment, for example, the storage control unit 23 stores not only the best image among the continuous plurality of frames being photographed, but also the ultrasonic images and measurement results of all frames photographed a predetermined time before the current frame in the image memory 24. In this case, the storage control unit 23 can add a mark to the ultrasonic image of the frame determined as the best image by the best image determination unit 25 and store it in the image memory 24.

[0122] In addition, for example, Fig.10 As shown, the storage control unit 23 can display the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames and the measurement results stored in the image memory 24 on the display unit 8. Here, the storage control unit 23 can be executed, for example, by a user's instruction issued via the operation unit 15. Fig.10 The display mode shown. Fig.10 In the example shown, the ultrasonic image U1 judged as the best image by the best image judgment unit 25 and including the gallbladder A1 as the measurement object, the measurement results in the ultrasonic image U1, namely, calipers C1A, C1B, C2A, C2B, measurement lines ML1, ML2, the measurement result panel PR, the display bar B extending in one direction, and the mark F1 arranged near the display bar B are displayed on the display unit 8.

[0123] Here, for the sake of explanation, the best image determination unit 25 determines the ultrasonic image of the frame in which the length of the gallbladder A1 in the long axis direction, that is, the length of the measurement line ML1 is the largest, as the best image. Fig.10 As shown, the display bar B extends left and right along the horizontal direction D.

[0124] The position of each point of the display bar B in the horizontal direction D corresponds to the ultrasonic image of multiple frames stored in the image memory 24. For example, if the display bar B is touched by the user's finger FU, the ultrasonic image of the frame corresponding to the touched position on the display bar B is displayed on the display unit 8. The position of the display bar B corresponds to the ultrasonic image of the newer frame toward the right, and corresponds to the ultrasonic image of the older frame toward the left. Fig.10 In the example shown, the position corresponding to the best image, that is, the ultrasonic image U1 , in the display bar B is touched by the user's finger FU, and the ultrasonic image U1 and the measurement result are displayed on the display unit 8 .

[0125] The mark F1 corresponds to the mark assigned to the best image by the storage control unit 23 and is a mark for indicating the position on the display bar B corresponding to the best image. By displaying the mark F1 on the display unit 8 in correspondence with the position on the display bar B, the user can easily select the best image from among the plurality of frames of ultrasonic images stored in the image memory 24 and display it on the display unit 8.

[0126] In summary, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the third embodiment, the storage control unit 23 marks the best image, stores the ultrasonic images and measurement results of all frames captured by a predetermined time in advance from the current frame among the continuous plurality of frames being captured in the image memory 24, and further, Fig.10 As shown, when multiple frames of ultrasonic images are selected and displayed, a mark F1 indicating the best image is displayed, so that the user can browse all the multiple frames of ultrasonic images stored in the image memory 24 and easily select the best image and display it on the display unit 8.

[0127] In addition, in Embodiment 3, the best image determination unit 25 determines the ultrasonic image of the frame in which the length of the gallbladder A1 in the long axis direction, that is, the length of the measurement line ML1, is the largest, as the best image, but, for example, the ultrasonic image of the frame in which the length of the gallbladder A1 in the short axis direction, that is, the length of the measurement line ML2, is the largest, can also be determined as the best image. In this case, the storage control unit 23 also assigns a mark to the ultrasonic image of the frame in which the length of the measurement line ML2 is the largest, and a new mark not shown in the figure can be displayed near the display bar B. In this way, when multiple measurement values ​​are obtained for one measurement object, the best image determination unit 25 determines the best image for each of the multiple measurement values, and the storage control unit 23 can assign a mark to the ultrasonic image of the frame determined as the best image for each of the multiple measurement values. At this time, the storage control unit 23 can display marks with different display modes such as shapes and colors for each of the multiple measurement values ​​on the display unit 8.

[0128] Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, the ultrasound image U1 includes only one measurement object, namely the gallbladder A1, but it may also include a plurality of measurement objects. In this case, the best image determination unit 25 determines the best image for each of the plurality of measurement objects, and the storage control unit 23 can assign each mark to the ultrasound image of the frame determined as the best image for each of the plurality of measurement objects. At this time, the storage control unit 23 can display marks with different display modes such as shape and color for each measurement object on the display unit 8.

[0129] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, an example is shown in which the best image determination unit 25 determines that the ultrasonic image of the frame with the largest measurement value of the length of the gallbladder A1 in the long axis direction, that is, the length of the measurement line ML1, is the best image, but it is also possible to determine that the ultrasonic image of the frame with the largest likelihood of the measurement object calculated by the measurement object identification unit 9 is the best image. In this case, the storage control unit 23 can mark the best image with the largest likelihood of the measurement object and store it in the image memory 24.

[0130] Furthermore, for example, the best image determination unit 25 can determine as the best image the ultrasonic image of the frame with the smallest measurement value obtained by the measurement unit 10 . In this case, the storage control unit 23 can mark the best image with the smallest measurement value and store it in the image memory 24 .

[0131] Implementation 4

[0132] Fig.11 FIG. 4 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 1 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in the figure includes an apparatus control unit 13B instead of the apparatus control unit 13 , and includes an ultrasonic probe 21B provided with a measurement control switch 27 instead of the ultrasonic probe 21 .

[0133] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B of the fourth embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 21B is provided with a measurement control switch 27. In addition, the apparatus control unit 13B is connected to the transmitting unit 3, the receiving unit 4, the image generating unit 6, the display control unit 7, the measurement object identifying unit 9, the measuring unit 10, the measurement algorithm setting unit 12, the operating unit 15, the storage unit 16, and the measurement control switch 27.

[0134] Furthermore, the AD conversion unit 5 , the image generation unit 6 , the display control unit 7 , the measurement object recognition unit 9 , the measurement unit 10 , the measurement algorithm setting unit 12 , and the device control unit 13B constitute a processor 22B.

[0135] The measurement control switch 27 of the ultrasonic probe 21B is a switch operated by the user and used to issue a start instruction and an end instruction for a series of measurement actions, wherein the series of actions include identification of the measurement object by the measurement object identification unit 9, setting of the measurement algorithm by the measurement algorithm setting unit 12, and measurement of the measurement object by the measurement unit 10. If the user operates the measurement control switch 27, the start instruction and the end instruction of the series of measurement actions are transmitted to the device control unit 13B, and under the control of the device control unit 13B, the series of measurement actions are started or ended.

[0136] More specifically, for example, the measurement control switch 27 is composed of a push button switch mounted on the housing of the ultrasonic probe 21B, and a series of measurement operations can be started by the user pressing the measurement control switch 27. While the measurement control switch 27 is continuously pressed by the user, a series of measurement operations are sequentially performed, and a series of measurement operations can be terminated by the user releasing the measurement control switch 27.

[0137] In summary, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1B involved in embodiment 4, by operating the measurement control switch 27 set on the ultrasonic probe 21B, it is possible to easily perform start instructions and end instructions for a series of measurement actions. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily control the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1B so that a series of measurement actions are performed only when the target measurement object appears in the ultrasonic image of the current frame, thereby reducing the computational load of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1B.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, even when a series of measurement actions are performed only on the measurement object included in the ultrasonic image at the time of starting measurement, when the target measurement part appears in the ultrasonic image of the current frame, the user operates the measurement control switch 27 to restart the series of measurement actions, thereby enabling the target measurement object to be reliably measured.

[0139] In Embodiment 4, the measurement control switch 27 is shown as an example of a button, but the structure of the measurement control switch 27 is not limited thereto. For example, the measurement control switch 27 can have any structure that can perform switching operations such as a slide switch, a toggle switch, a tactile switch, or a touch switch.

[0140] Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, the measurement control switch 27 is provided on the ultrasonic probe 21B, but the measurement control switch 27 is not particularly limited to being provided on the ultrasonic probe 21B. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B has a housing containing the processor 22B and the like, and the measurement control switch 27 may be provided on the housing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B. However, from the viewpoint of ease of operation, it is preferred that the measurement control switch 27 be provided on the ultrasonic probe 21B.

[0141] Furthermore, the operation unit 15 in Embodiments 1 to 4 includes a touch sensor, but the configuration of the operation unit 15 is not limited thereto. For example, the operation unit 15 may use an interface that allows a user to perform input operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a trackball.

[0142] Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 to 4, the measurement of the measurement object is performed based on the ultrasonic image, but the measurement of the measurement object can also be performed on an acoustic wave image other than the ultrasonic image. For example, although not shown in the figure, a so-called photoacoustic wave probe is formed by providing a laser light source for generating a so-called photoacoustic wave image in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of Embodiments 1 to 4, and the acoustic wave from the subject originating from the laser beam can be received by the transducer array 2 of the photoacoustic wave probe to generate a photoacoustic wave image.

[0143] In this way, the measurement object can be measured using an ultrasonic probe such as an ultrasonic probe or a photoacoustic probe, using an ultrasonic image, a photoacoustic image, or a composite image in which an ultrasonic image and a photoacoustic image are superimposed.

[0144] Explanation of symbols

[0145] 1, 1A, 1B-ultrasonic diagnostic device, 2-transducer array, 3-transmitter, 4-receiver, 5-AD converter, 6-image generator, 7-display controller, 8-display, 9-measurement object identification, 10-measurement, 12-measurement algorithm setting, 13, 13A, 13B-device controller, 15-operator, 16-storage, 17-signal processor, 18-DSC, 19-image processor, 21-ultrasonic probe, 22, 22A, 22B-processing Device, 23-save control unit, 24-image memory, 25-optimal image determination unit, 26-notification unit, 27-measurement control switch, A1, A2-gallbladder, A3-portal vein, B-display bar, C1A, C1B, C2A, C2B, C3A, C3B, C4A, C4B-caliper, D-lateral, F1-mark, FU-finger, ML1, ML2, ML3, ML4-measurement line, PA-notification panel, PR-measurement result panel, U1, U2-ultrasound image.

Claims

1. An acoustic wave diagnostic device that sequentially displays a plurality of consecutive frames of acoustic wave images being photographed on a display unit, the acoustic wave diagnostic device comprising: a measurement object recognition unit that automatically recognizes a measurement object included in the acoustic wave image of a current frame displayed on the display unit; a measurement algorithm setting unit that stores a plurality of measurement algorithms that are different for each of a plurality of sites and lesion portions that can be the measurement object, and sets a measurement algorithm for the measurement object identified by the measurement object identification unit among the plurality of measurement algorithms stored corresponding to the plurality of sites and lesion portions; and a measuring unit that measures the measurement object according to the measurement algorithm set by the measurement algorithm setting unit, and displays the measurement result on the display unit by overlapping the acoustic wave image of the current frame, Even when a new measurement object different from the measurement object appears in the acoustic wave image of the current frame, the measuring unit does not measure the new measurement object but measures only the existing measurement object.

2. The acoustic wave diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein: The ultrasonic diagnostic device has: Image memory; an optimal image determination unit that determines whether the acoustic wave image of the current frame among the plurality of consecutive frames being photographed includes an optimal cross-section of the measurement object; and A storage control unit stores the acoustic wave image of the current frame and the measurement result in the image memory when the best image determination unit determines that the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the best section of the measurement object.

3. The acoustic wave diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein: The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes an operating unit for a user to perform input operations. The storage control unit causes the display unit to display the acoustic wave image stored in the image memory by the storage control unit according to a user operation via the operation unit.

4. The acoustic wave diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein: When the best image determination unit determines that the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the best section of the measurement object, the storage control unit overwrites and stores the acoustic wave image of the current frame and the measurement result in the image memory.

5. The acoustic wave diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein: When the best image determination unit determines that the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the best section of the measurement object, the storage control unit additionally stores the acoustic wave image of the current frame and the measurement result in the image memory.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The acoustic wave diagnosis apparatus includes a notification unit configured to notify a user when the acoustic wave image and the measurement result of the current frame are stored by the storage control unit.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The measurement result includes a measurement value, When the measurement value in the acoustic wave image of the current frame among the plurality of frames being continuously photographed is the largest, the best image determination unit determines that the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the best section of the measurement object.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The measurement object identification unit calculates a likelihood indicating a measurement object similarity of the identified measurement object, When the likelihood in the acoustic wave image of the current frame among the plurality of frames being continuously photographed is the largest, the best image determination unit determines that the acoustic wave image of the current frame includes the best section of the measurement object.

9. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The storage control unit stores the acoustic wave images and the measurement results of all frames captured earlier than the current frame by a predetermined time among the plurality of consecutive frames being captured in the image memory.

10. The acoustic wave diagnostic device according to claim 9, wherein: The storage control unit assigns a mark to the acoustic wave image of the frame determined by the optimal image determination unit as including the optimal section of the measurement object among the plurality of continuous frames being photographed, and stores the mark in the image memory, and selects the acoustic wave image assigned the mark among the plurality of acoustic wave images stored in the image memory according to a user operation via the operation unit, and displays the mark on the display unit.

11. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: When a plurality of the measurement objects are identified in the acoustic wave image of the current frame by the measurement object identification unit, The measurement algorithm setting unit sets the measurement algorithm for each of the plurality of measurement objects in the acoustic wave image of the current frame. For the multiple measurement objects in the acoustic wave image of the current frame, the measurement unit measures the multiple measurement objects according to the corresponding measurement algorithms, and overlaps the multiple measurement results with the acoustic wave image of the current frame and displays them on the display unit.

12. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a measurement control switch, which is operated by a user and is used to issue start instructions and end instructions for a series of measurement actions, wherein the series of measurement actions include identification of the measurement object by the measurement object identification unit, setting of the measurement algorithm by the measurement algorithm setting unit, and measurement of the measurement object by the measurement unit.

13. The acoustic wave diagnostic device according to claim 12, wherein: The acoustic wave diagnostic device includes an acoustic wave probe for transmitting and receiving acoustic waves to a subject. The measurement control switch is configured on the acoustic wave probe.

14. A control method for an acoustic wave diagnostic device, wherein the acoustic wave diagnostic device sequentially displays a plurality of consecutive frames of acoustic wave images being photographed on a display unit, wherein: The control method of the acoustic wave diagnostic device includes the following processing: automatically identifying a measurement object included in the acoustic wave image of a current frame displayed on the display unit; storing a plurality of different measurement algorithms for each of a plurality of sites and lesion parts that can be the measurement object, and setting a measurement algorithm for the identified measurement object among the plurality of stored measurement algorithms corresponding to the plurality of sites and lesion parts; Measuring the measurement object according to the set measurement algorithm; Overlaying the measurement result with the sound wave image of the current frame and displaying them on the display unit; as well as Even when a new measurement object different from the measurement object appears in the acoustic wave image of the current frame, the new measurement object is not measured, but only the existing measurement object is measured.

Images