Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and aims to determine the examination condition according to a plurality of continuously acquired ultrasonic images. A diagnostic site determination unit (36) receives a plurality of ultrasonic images continuously acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and determines a diagnostic site indicated by each of the plurality of ultrasonic images. The examination condition determination unit (38) determines the examination condition using ultrasonic waves on the basis of the temporal change in the degree of confidence of the determination of the diagnosis site.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In ultrasonic examination, sometimes an imaging mode or image quality parameter corresponding to the examination condition is selected for imaging. For example, the examination condition may include a condition of performing a rough scan, a condition of performing a scan for searching a specific cross section, a condition of performing a measurement, and a condition of saving an image. Generally speaking, an imaging mode or image quality parameter corresponding to the examination condition is selected (for example, the image quality parameter is changed for each condition), and imaging is performed according to the conditions corresponding to the examination condition.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a device that searches for pattern data similar to an image pattern and outputs a diagnosis site corresponding to the pattern data.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a device that reads out image parameters associated with searched patient information and uses the image parameters as image parameters corresponding to a diagnosis target site.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes an apparatus that acquires diagnostic information related to a subject and adjusts image parameters based on the diagnostic information.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-224738

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-167116

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-029351

[0009] It is conceivable that users such as doctors or inspection technicians manually select the imaging mode or image quality parameters corresponding to the inspection status. However, it is not easy for users to accurately grasp the inspection status themselves. Therefore, it is not easy for users to manually select the imaging mode or image quality parameters corresponding to the inspection status. In addition, experience is required to select the imaging mode or image quality parameters corresponding to the inspection status, so it sometimes takes time to make the selection. Even for an experienced person, it is not easy to manually select the imaging mode or image quality parameters corresponding to the inspection status. As a result, the time required for the entire inspection sometimes becomes longer. Therefore, it becomes important to determine the inspection status. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to determine an examination status based on a plurality of ultrasonic images acquired continuously.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic device, which includes: an acquisition unit that continuously acquires multiple ultrasonic images by sending and receiving ultrasonic waves; a diagnostic part determination unit that determines the diagnostic part represented by each of the multiple ultrasonic images; and an examination status determination unit that determines the examination status using ultrasonic waves based on the time change of the confidence level of the diagnosis of the diagnosis part.

[0012] The inspection status determination unit may determine the inspection status based on at least one of a magnitude of the confidence level and a change in the confidence level.

[0013] The examination status determination unit may determine the examination status by changing a determination criterion using at least one of the magnitude of the confidence level and the variation of the confidence level according to the attribute of the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0014] The acquisition unit may acquire an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in an imaging mode corresponding to the examination condition determined by the examination condition determination unit.

[0015] The acquisition unit may further adjust the image quality of the ultrasonic image according to an image quality parameter corresponding to the examination condition determined by the examination condition determination unit.

[0016] The examination status determination unit may further determine the image quality of the ultrasonic image acquired by the acquisition unit, and output information related to the image quality.

[0017] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a presenting unit configured to present to a user a process to be performed next based on a result of determination of the image quality of the ultrasonic image acquired by the acquiring unit.

[0018] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a display control unit configured to display, on a display, a specific region represented by the ultrasonic image acquired by the acquisition unit in a display format corresponding to the examination condition determined by the examination condition determination unit.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as the following units: a diagnostic part determination unit that receives a plurality of ultrasonic images continuously acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to determine the diagnostic part represented by each of the plurality of ultrasonic images; and an examination status determination unit that determines the examination status using ultrasonic waves based on the temporal change in the confidence level of the determination of the diagnostic part.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, the examination status can be determined based on a plurality of ultrasonic images acquired continuously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the inspection sequence.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis unit.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a graph showing the time variation of confidence.

[0026] Explanation of symbols

[0027] 10-ultrasonic diagnostic device, 24-control unit, 26-display control unit, 30-analysis unit, 32-scene analysis unit, 34-parameter analysis unit, 36-diagnosis part determination unit, 38-examination status determination unit, 40-parameter selection unit, 42-mode selection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] refer to Figure 1 , an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The ultrasonic probe 12 is a device for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. For example, the ultrasonic probe 12 includes 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, convex scanning, etc. are used.

[0031] 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 reflected waves (RF signals) from the living body. Thus, a plurality of reception signals are output 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 data of the reception beam is output to the signal processing unit 16. That is, the transceiver 14 performs delay processing on the reception signals obtained from each ultrasonic transducer according to the delay processing conditions 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 conditions are defined by reception delay data indicating a delay time. A reception delay data group (i.e., a delay time group) corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is supplied from the control unit 24.

[0032] 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 Elastophy Image) and the like.

[0033] In addition, the transceiver 14 and the signal processing unit 16 correspond to an example of an acquisition unit.

[0034] 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 manner according to the display mode.

[0035] 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 28. 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.

[0036] 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 (e.g., RAM, DRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (e.g., 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.

[0037] The control unit 24 controls the operation of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. The control unit 24 includes a display control unit 26.

[0038] The display control unit 26 displays the ultrasonic image on the display unit 20. The display control unit 26 may display information or images other than the ultrasonic image on the display unit 20.

[0039] The operation unit 28 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 28 is an operation panel, a switch, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, or the like.

[0040] The analysis unit 30 determines the examination status using ultrasound by analyzing the ultrasound image.

[0041] For example, an inspection using ultrasound includes a plurality of steps. Each step is performed according to a predetermined procedure. The inspection status using ultrasound refers to the inspection step or stage using ultrasound. Determining the inspection status using ultrasound refers to determining the inspection step or stage using ultrasound.

[0042] For example, the steps of each process are predetermined as an inspection protocol. Information indicating the inspection protocol (i.e., information indicating the steps of each process) is pre-stored in the storage unit 22. The inspection protocol is pre-created according to the inspection purpose, inspection site, or diagnosis and treatment department, and is composed of a combination of one or more processes. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 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 apparatus 10 has a protocol auxiliary function as an inspection support function.

[0043] 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.

[0044] For example, the inspection conditions include a condition of acquiring an ultrasonic image, a condition of performing a scan for searching a specific cross section to be scanned by ultrasonic waves, a condition of performing measurements using ultrasonic images, and a condition of storing ultrasonic images. That is, the inspection procedures include a process of acquiring an ultrasonic image, a process of performing a scan for searching a specific cross section to be scanned by ultrasonic waves, a process of performing measurements using ultrasonic images, and a process of storing ultrasonic images.

[0045] For example, the process of acquiring an ultrasonic image is a process of performing a rough scan. A rough scan is a scan in which the density of scan lines (for example, the density of transmission beams in a scan plane) is smaller than a more detailed scan.

[0046] For example, in a process of performing scanning for searching a specific cross section, a rough scan or a detailed scan is performed.

[0047] The analysis result of the analysis unit 30 can be used to obtain an ultrasonic image (that is, the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves). For example, imaging corresponding to the analysis result of the analysis unit 30 can be performed.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 , explaining the inspection sequence. Figure 2 An example of an inspection sequence is shown. The horizontal axis represents time.

[0049] The inspection sequence S includes inspections of each part α, β, γ, δ, ... For example, the inspection of each part is performed according to the inspection protocol. That is, the user performs each process included in the inspection protocol by operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 according to the inspection protocol. Of course, the inspection of each part may not be performed according to the inspection protocol. For example, the user may also perform processing not included in the inspection protocol (for example, acquisition or measurement of ultrasonic images, etc.) by operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 not according to the inspection protocol.

[0050] For example, the inspection of the part α includes steps α1, α2, α3, and α4.

[0051] Step α1 is a step of performing a rough scan. For example, in step α1, a scan with a low density of scan lines is performed. As a result, an ultrasonic image with a rougher image quality than an ultrasonic image generated by performing a more detailed scan is generated. For example, if the user operates the operation unit 28 to instruct to perform a rough scan, the transceiver 14 performs a rough scan under the control of the control unit 24. For example, the ultrasonic image generated by performing the rough scan is displayed on the display unit 20. The user determines whether the part α is represented in the ultrasonic image by referring to the ultrasonic image.

[0052] Step α2 is a step of searching for a specific cross section that should be scanned by ultrasound. For example, in step α2, an ultrasound image is generated by performing a rough scan or a detailed scan. The ultrasound image is displayed on the display unit 20. The user refers to the ultrasound image to determine whether a specific cross section suitable for the diagnostic site α is represented in the ultrasound image. For example, in step α2, the user changes the position or angle of the ultrasound probe 12 on the body surface of the subject to obtain an ultrasound image of a specific cross section suitable for the diagnostic site α. The user refers to the ultrasound image while changing the position or angle of the ultrasound probe 12, thereby determining whether a specific cross section is represented in the ultrasound image.

[0053] Step α3 is a step of performing measurement. For example, in step α3, an ultrasonic image is generated by performing a detailed scan, and measurement is performed on the ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 has a plurality of different measurement functions. For example, the user selects a measurement function from the plurality of different measurement functions by operating the operation unit 28, and instructs execution of the selected measurement function. The control unit 24 performs measurement on the ultrasonic image by executing the indicated measurement function. For example, a function of measuring the length or size of a part is executed. Of course, functions different from this may also be executed. For example, when an ultrasonic image representing a part of a specific cross section is acquired in step α2, step α3 is executed following step α2.

[0054] Step α4 is a step of saving an ultrasonic image. For example, in step α4, the user transmits and receives ultrasonic waves without changing the position or angle of the ultrasonic probe 12. The user refers to the ultrasonic image acquired and displayed on the display unit 20 and operates the operation unit 28 to select an ultrasonic image to be saved. The ultrasonic image selected by the user is stored in the storage unit 22 or an external storage device. Information indicating the measurement result may be associated with the ultrasonic image and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0055] The steps α1, α2, α3, and α4 are performed in this order, whereby an ultrasonic image is generated in each step. The analysis unit 30 identifies the step (that is, the examination status) in which the ultrasonic image was acquired by analyzing the generated ultrasonic image.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, after the inspection of the part α is completed, the inspection of the part β is performed. The inspection of the part β includes steps β1, β2, β3, and β4. In the inspection of the part β, each step is performed in the same manner as the inspection of the part α. After the inspection of the part β is completed, the inspection of the part Y is performed. After that, the inspection of the part δ is performed, and so on.

[0057] refer to Figure 3 , the structure of the analysis unit 30 is described. Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the analysis unit 30.

[0058] The analysis unit 30 includes a scene analysis unit 32 and a parameter analysis unit 34. The scene analysis unit 32 determines the diagnostic part represented by the ultrasonic image and determines the examination status by analyzing the ultrasonic image. The parameter analysis unit 34 determines the image quality parameter based on the result of the scene analysis unit 32 and outputs the specific result. For example, the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are controlled based on the output of the parameter analysis unit 34, or the image quality of the acquired ultrasonic image is adjusted.

[0059] The scene analysis unit 32 includes a diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​and an examination status determination unit 38 .

[0060] The diagnostic part determination unit 36 ​​determines the diagnostic part indicated by the ultrasonic image. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) is used in this determination. For example, machine learning is performed using an image indicating the diagnostic part for each diagnostic part, thereby determining the diagnostic part indicated by the ultrasonic image, and generating an identifier for identifying the diagnostic part. The diagnostic part determination unit 36 ​​determines the diagnostic part indicated by the ultrasonic image by using the identifier.

[0061] Furthermore, the diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​calculates the confidence of the determination. The confidence of the diagnosis part determination is a probability indicating the accuracy of the determination result. Specifically, the confidence of the diagnosis part determination is a probability indicating the accuracy that the diagnosis part represented by the ultrasonic image is the determined diagnosis part. That is, the confidence of the diagnosis part determination is the probability that the diagnosis part represented by the ultrasonic image is the determined diagnosis part.

[0062] The type of artificial intelligence or machine learning used is not limited, and any algorithm or model can be used. For example, CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), GAN (Generative Adversarial Networks), linear models, random forests and decision tree learning, support vector machines (SVM), ensemble classifiers, or other algorithms can be used. In addition, pattern matching such as template matching and algorithms that do not require learning such as correlation coefficients or similarity calculations can also be applied to the processing based on the diagnostic site determination unit 36.

[0063] The diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​calculates the confidence level for each diagnosis part. For example, when N types of diagnosis parts are determined, the diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​calculates the confidence level for each of the N types of diagnosis parts. For example, the diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​determines that the diagnosis part with the highest confidence level is the diagnosis part shown in the ultrasonic image.

[0064] The diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​may determine which cross section of the diagnosis part the scan plane shown in the ultrasonic image corresponds to. In this case, the diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​calculates the confidence of the determination (i.e., the probability indicating the accuracy of the scan plane being the determined cross section).

[0065] Multiple ultrasonic images are continuously acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. That is, multiple ultrasonic images along a time series are acquired. The diagnostic part determination unit 36 ​​determines the diagnostic part represented by each of the multiple ultrasonic images. Furthermore, the diagnostic part determination unit 36 ​​calculates the confidence of the determination of each diagnostic part for each of the multiple ultrasonic images. Thus, multiple confidences along a time series are calculated for each diagnostic part. That is, data representing the time change of the confidence is generated for each diagnostic part.

[0066] The examination status determination unit 38 determines the examination status using ultrasound based on the temporal change in the confidence level of the diagnosis site determination. Specifically, the examination status determination unit 38 specifies the steps included in the examination using ultrasound based on the temporal change in the confidence level of the diagnosis site determination.

[0067] The inspection status determination unit 38 determines the inspection status based on at least one of the magnitude of the confidence level and the change in the confidence level.

[0068] For example, the magnitude of the confidence is an absolute value of the confidence, an average value of the confidence, or a moving average value of the confidence, etc. For example, the inspection status determination unit 38 determines the process included in the inspection using ultrasound based on the temporal change of the absolute value of the confidence, the temporal change of the average value of the confidence, or the temporal change of the moving average value of the confidence.

[0069] For example, the inspection status determination unit 38 determines the process included in the inspection using ultrasound based on the time change of the absolute value of the confidence of the diagnostic part with the highest confidence. The inspection status determination unit 38 may determine the process included in the inspection using ultrasound based on the time change of the average value of the confidence of the diagnostic part with the highest confidence. The inspection status determination unit 38 may also determine the process included in the inspection using ultrasound based on the time change of the moving average value of the confidence of the diagnostic part with the highest confidence.

[0070] For example, the change in confidence is a standard deviation, variance, or differential value of the confidence. For example, the inspection status determination unit 38 determines a process included in the inspection using ultrasound based on the temporal change in the standard deviation of the confidence, the temporal change in the variance of the confidence, or the temporal change in the differential value of the confidence.

[0071] Furthermore, the analyzing unit 30 includes a parameter selecting unit 40 and a mode selecting unit 42 .

[0072] The parameter selection unit 40 selects an image quality parameter corresponding to the inspection condition determined by the inspection condition determination unit 38. That is, the parameter selection unit 40 selects an image quality parameter corresponding to the process determined by the inspection condition determination unit 38. For example, for each inspection process, information indicating the process is associated with an image quality parameter for acquiring or displaying an ultrasonic image suitable for the process in advance. Information indicating the association is stored in advance in the storage unit 22.

[0073] For example, the image quality parameters include the sound velocity of the ultrasound wave sent from the ultrasound probe 12, the gain of the ultrasound image, the contrast of the ultrasound image, the frequency of the ultrasound wave sent from the ultrasound probe 12, the power of the ultrasound wave sent from the ultrasound probe 12, the display depth of the ultrasound image, the cutoff frequency and notch frequency of the filter, etc.

[0074] For example, the image quality parameter selected by the parameter selection unit 40 is output to the control unit 24. The control unit 24 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves by the transceiver 14 according to the selected image quality parameter, or adjusts the image quality of the ultrasound image acquired by the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves. The image quality parameter selected by the parameter selection unit 40 may also be output to the parameter analysis unit 34.

[0075] If reference Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , image quality parameters suitable for step α1 , image quality parameters suitable for step α2 , image quality parameters suitable for step α3 , and image quality parameters suitable for step α4 are predetermined. These image quality parameters are stored in the storage unit 22 in advance.

[0076] For example, when the inspection process is determined to be process α1 by the inspection status determination unit 38, the parameter selection unit 40 selects an image quality parameter associated with process α1. For example, according to the selected image quality parameter, the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves by the transceiver 14 is controlled, or the image quality of the ultrasound image acquired by the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves is adjusted. The selected image quality parameter may also be output to the parameter analysis unit 34.

[0077] The mode selection unit 42 selects an imaging mode corresponding to the inspection condition determined by the inspection condition determination unit 38. That is, the mode selection unit 42 selects an imaging mode corresponding to the process determined by the inspection condition determination unit 38. For example, for each inspection process, information indicating the process and information indicating an imaging mode for acquiring or displaying an ultrasonic image suitable for the process are associated in advance. The information indicating the association is stored in advance in the storage unit 22.

[0078] For example, the imaging mode includes harmonic imaging, focus adjustment of ultrasound transmitted from the ultrasound probe 12, coherence factor, frequency compounding processing (for example, the process of synthesizing an ultrasound image obtained by transmitting and receiving high-frequency ultrasound and an ultrasound image obtained by transmitting and receiving low-frequency ultrasound), and spatial compounding processing.

[0079] For example, information indicating the imaging mode selected by the mode selection unit 42 is output to the control unit 24. The control unit 24 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves by the transmission and reception unit 14 according to the selected imaging mode. The information indicating the imaging mode selected by the mode selection unit 42 may be output to the parameter analysis unit 34.

[0080] If reference Figure 2 In the example shown, an imaging mode suitable for step α1, an imaging mode suitable for step α2, an imaging mode suitable for step α3, and an imaging mode suitable for step α4 are predetermined. Information indicating these imaging modes is stored in the storage unit 22 in advance.

[0081] For example, when the inspection process is determined to be process α1 by the inspection status determination unit 38, the mode selection unit 42 selects an imaging mode associated with process α1. For example, according to the selected imaging mode, the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves by the transceiver 14 is controlled. Information indicating the selected imaging mode may also be output to the parameter analysis unit 34.

[0082] The parameter analysis unit 34 selects an image quality parameter suitable for the imaging mode based on the image quality parameter selected by the parameter selection unit 40 and the imaging mode selected by the mode selection unit 42. For example, for each imaging mode, an image quality parameter suitable for the imaging mode is predetermined, and the parameter analysis unit 34 selects an image quality parameter corresponding to the selected imaging mode. The selected image quality parameter is output to the control unit 24. The control unit 24 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound by the transceiver 14 according to the selected image quality parameter, or adjusts the image quality of the ultrasound image acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasound.

[0083] Below, reference Figure 4 , a specific example of the processing based on the scene analysis unit 32 is described. Figure 4 Represents the time variation of confidence.

[0084] Figure 4 The horizontal axis in represents time. The vertical axis represents the confidence calculated by the diagnosis part determination unit 36. For example, the confidence of the diagnosis part with the highest confidence among the plurality of diagnosis parts is the confidence represented along the vertical axis. Figure 4 The graph 44 shown shows the time variation of this confidence level.

[0085] For example, when the diagnosis part determining unit 36 ​​determines that the diagnosis part with the highest confidence level continuously changes, the examination state determining unit 38 determines that the examination state is in the screening phase. The screening phase is a process of performing a rough scan (for example, process α1). Figure 4 The A phase shown is an example of a screening phase. For example, when the condition with the highest confidence level being less than the first threshold value continues for a predetermined time or longer, the inspection condition determination unit 38 determines that the inspection condition is a screening phase. The first threshold value is a predetermined value. The first threshold value can be changed by the user.

[0086] For example, when the diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​determines that a plurality of ultrasonic images representing the same diagnosis part are acquired and the plurality of ultrasonic images respectively represent different cross sections, the inspection condition determination unit 38 determines that the inspection condition is the cross-section identification phase. The cross-section identification phase is a process (e.g., process α2) of searching for a specific cross section that should be scanned by ultrasound. The cross-section identification phase can also be said to be a quasi-diagnosis mode (semi-diagnosis mode). For example, when ultrasonic images representing different cross sections of the same diagnosis part are discretely acquired, the inspection condition determination unit 38 determines that the inspection condition is the cross-section identification phase. Figure 4 The B phase shown is an example of a cross-sectional determination phase. For example, when the differential (i.e., slope) of the moving average of the highest confidence is greater than the second threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 determines that the inspection status is a cross-sectional determination phase. As another example, when the variance value of the highest confidence is greater than the third threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 may determine that the inspection status is a cross-sectional determination phase. As yet another example, when the change value per unit time of the highest confidence (e.g., the difference in confidence) is greater than the fourth threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 may determine that the inspection status is a cross-sectional determination phase. The second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold are predetermined values. The second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold can be changed by the user.

[0087] For example, when the diagnostic part determination unit 36 ​​determines that ultrasonic images of the same cross section representing the same diagnostic part are continuously acquired, the examination status determination unit 38 determines that the examination status is the diagnostic phase. The diagnostic phase is a process in which the user makes a diagnosis with reference to the ultrasonic image. Measurement may also be performed in the diagnostic phase (for example, process α3). Figure 4 The C phase shown is an example of a diagnostic phase. For example, when the highest confidence is above the 5th threshold and the differential of the moving average of the highest confidence is less than the 2nd threshold and is above the 6th threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 determines that the inspection status is a diagnostic phase. As another example, when the highest confidence is above the 5th threshold and the variance value of the highest confidence is less than the 3rd threshold and is above the 7th threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 can determine that the inspection status is a diagnostic phase. As another example, when the highest confidence is above the 5th threshold and the change value per unit time of the confidence is less than the 4th threshold and is above the 8th threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 can determine that the inspection status is a diagnostic phase. The 6th threshold is a value less than the 2nd threshold. The 7th threshold is a value less than the 3rd threshold. The 8th threshold is a value less than the 4th threshold. The 5th threshold, the 6th threshold, the 7th threshold and the 8th threshold are predetermined values. The 5th threshold, the 6th threshold, the 7th threshold and the 8th threshold can be changed by the user.

[0088] For example, when the diagnosis part determination unit 36 ​​determines that an ultrasonic image showing the same cross section of the same diagnosis part is acquired and the highest confidence level is almost unchanged, the examination status determination unit 38 determines that the examination status is a reporting phase. The reporting phase is a process of capturing an ultrasonic image for storage in order to create a report (for example, process α4). Figure 4 The D phase shown is an example of a reporting phase. For example, when the highest confidence is above the 5th threshold and the differential of the moving average of the highest confidence is less than the 6th threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 determines that the inspection status is a reporting phase. As another example, when the highest confidence is above the 5th threshold and the variance value of the highest confidence is less than the 7th threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 may determine that the inspection status is a reporting phase. As yet another example, when the highest confidence is above the 5th threshold and the change value of the confidence per unit time is less than the 8th threshold, the inspection status determination unit 38 may determine that the inspection status is a reporting phase. That is, when the change in confidence is less than the change in confidence in the diagnostic phase, the inspection status determination unit 38 determines that the inspection status is a reporting phase.

[0089] The display control unit 26 may display the result of the scene analysis unit 32 on the display unit 20. For example, when the current inspection status is process α1, the display control unit 26 displays information indicating that the current inspection status is process α1 on the display unit 20. Thus, the user can confirm the current inspection status.

[0090] The examination status determination unit 38 may determine the examination status by changing the determination criterion using at least one of the magnitude of the confidence level and the change in the confidence level, according to the attribute of the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 .

[0091] For example, the user's attribute is the user's proficiency in ultrasound imaging or examination, or the user's qualifications. For example, the proficiency is the number of years of experience in ultrasound imaging or examination. The higher the number of years of experience, the higher the proficiency. For example, the qualifications are a doctor, a nurse, a medical radiologist, or a clinical examination technician.

[0092] For example, when performing imaging or examination using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, attribute information indicating the attributes of the user is input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. For example, the user uses the operation unit 28 to input the attribute information of the user to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. Alternatively, the attribute information of the user may be input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 by storing the attribute information of the user in an IC card and having the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 read the information stored in the IC card. The examination status determination unit 38 determines the examination status by changing the determination criterion according to the attributes indicated by the input attribute information.

[0093] For example, the determination criterion is a threshold value relative to the confidence level or a threshold value relative to the change in the confidence level (for example, a variance or a differential value). For example, the determination criterion is a threshold value such as the first threshold value to the eighth threshold value described above. For example, the inspection status determination unit 38 changes the first threshold value to the eighth threshold value according to the attributes of the user and determines the inspection status.

[0094] For example, the higher the proficiency, the higher or lower the thresholds may be. For example, thresholds corresponding to proficiency are predetermined, and the inspection status determination unit 38 determines the inspection status using the thresholds corresponding to the proficiency.

[0095] The inspection status determination unit 38 may increase or decrease each threshold value according to the user's qualifications. For example, each threshold value corresponding to the user's qualifications is predetermined, and the inspection status determination unit 38 determines the inspection status using each threshold value corresponding to the user's qualifications.

[0096] The inspection status determination unit 38 may also define a plurality of steps as one step and determine the inspection status according to the user's proficiency. Figure 4In the example shown, the examination status determination unit 38 may also determine the examination status by defining a plurality of phases as one phase according to the user's proficiency. For example, when the proficiency is above the threshold, the examination status determination unit 38 defines the screening phase and the cross-section determination phase as one phase, and determines whether the examination status is the one phase using the threshold corresponding to the one phase. When the proficiency is below the threshold, the examination status determination unit 38 determines the examination status by separating the screening phase and the cross-section determination phase. That is, even if the examination status determination unit 38 does not determine the examination status by separating the screening phase and the cross-section determination phase, a user with a proficiency above the threshold can determine the examination status. On the other hand, if the examination status determination unit 38 does not determine the examination status by separating the screening phase and the cross-section determination phase, a user with a proficiency below the threshold may not be able to determine the examination status. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing of separating the screening phase and the cross-section determination phase for determination when the user's proficiency is above the threshold. When the user's proficiency is below the threshold, processing that is helpful to the user is performed by separating the screening phase and the cross-section determination phase to determine the examination status.

[0097] If the examination condition is determined by the examination condition determination unit 38, the mode selection unit 42 can select an imaging mode corresponding to the examination condition. In this case, the control unit 24 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound by the transceiver 14 or adjusts the image quality of ultrasound images acquired by the transmission and reception of ultrasound according to the selected imaging mode.

[0098] Furthermore, the parameter selection unit 40 may select an image quality parameter corresponding to the determined examination condition. In this case, the control unit 24 adjusts the image quality of the ultrasonic image according to the selected image quality parameter.

[0099] For example, when it is determined that the current examination status is a screening phase, the mode selection unit 42 selects an imaging mode corresponding to the screening, and the parameter selection unit 40 selects an image quality parameter corresponding to the screening. Thus, ultrasound is transmitted and received according to the imaging mode corresponding to the screening, and the ultrasound image is adjusted according to the image quality parameter corresponding to the screening. As a result, an ultrasound image suitable for the screening phase is displayed. The user can perform observation or examination, etc., which should be performed in the screening phase, by referring to the ultrasound image.

[0100] In the time phase other than the screening phase, the imaging mode or image quality parameter corresponding to the time is selected in the same manner as the screening phase. Ultrasound is transmitted and received according to the imaging mode, or the ultrasonic image is adjusted according to the image quality parameter. Thus, the user can perform observation or inspection suitable for the time phase.

[0101] Since the imaging mode or image quality parameter is automatically set, the burden of adjusting the imaging mode or image quality parameter on the user can be reduced. In addition, the efficiency of ultrasonic examination can be improved, and as a result, the burden on the patient can be reduced.

[0102] Other embodiments will be described below.

[0103] The examination status determination unit 38 may also determine the image quality of the ultrasonic image acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and output information related to the image quality. For example, the display control unit 26 displays the information related to the image quality on the display unit 20. The display control unit 26 may also display information indicating the examination status and information related to the image quality on the display unit 20.

[0104] For example, the image quality of an ultrasonic image includes the distribution of contrast and brightness of the ultrasonic image, the presence or absence of defective parts in the ultrasonic image (for example, low brightness areas at the end caused by the lifting of the body surface from the ultrasonic probe 12, etc.), the presence or absence of shaking or blurring of the ultrasonic image caused by the user's operation of the ultrasonic probe 12 or body movement, etc. For example, the shaking or blurring of the ultrasonic image is determined as a reduction in resolution of speckle. For example, the display control unit 26 displays this information on the display unit 20 as information related to the image quality.

[0105] By displaying the information indicating the examination status and the information related to the image quality, the user can check not only the examination status but also the image quality of the ultrasonic image acquired under the status.

[0106] The control unit 24 can prompt the user for the next process to be performed based on the result of the determination of the image quality of the ultrasonic image. For example, the display control unit 26 displays information indicating the next process to be performed on the display unit 20. The control unit 24 is an example of a prompting unit.

[0107] For example, the control unit 24 determines whether to perform a subsequent image quality adjustment based on the result of the determination of the image quality of the ultrasonic image. For example, a criterion indicating the goodness of the image quality is predetermined. When the examination status determination unit 38 determines that the image quality of the ultrasonic image satisfies the criterion and is good, the control unit 24 does not adjust the image quality. In this case, the display control unit 26 displays information indicating that image quality adjustment is not required on the display unit 20. On the other hand, when the examination status determination unit 38 determines that the image quality of the ultrasonic image does not meet the criterion and is not good, the display control unit 26 displays information on the display unit 20 to urge the user to adjust the image quality. For example, the display control unit 26 displays information on the display unit 20 to urge the user to improve the position or pressing force of the ultrasonic probe 12 as information indicating the processing to be performed next.

[0108] Furthermore, the control unit 24 may also reflect information indicating the image quality of the ultrasonic image in the report. For example, if the image quality of the ultrasonic image is good, the control unit 24 records a mark "⊙" in the report. If the image quality of the ultrasonic image is not good, the control unit 24 records a mark "△" in the report.

[0109] The control unit 24 may also feed back the result of the image quality adjustment to the scene analysis unit 32. For example, the control unit 24 feeds back the result of improving the image quality or the result of not improving the image quality to the scene analysis unit 32. The scene analysis unit 32 receives the feedback and determines the image quality of the ultrasonic image. The determination result may be displayed on the display unit 20 or recorded in a report.

[0110] When the examination status determination unit 38 determines that the image quality of the ultrasonic image is good, the control unit 24 may automatically execute the next examination mode (for example, Doppler imaging) or may display a message on the display unit 20 prompting the user to execute the next examination mode.

[0111] The display control unit 26 may display the specific region represented by the ultrasonic image on the display unit 20 in a display format corresponding to the examination status determined by the examination status determination unit 38 .

[0112] For example, the inspection status determination unit 38 can determine the presence or position of a lesion on the scanning surface, and can also determine the presence or position of a specific region of interest (ROI) determined for each diagnostic site. In the presence of a lesion or a region of interest, the display control unit 26 displays an ultrasonic image representing the lesion or region of interest on the display unit 20, and emphasizes the lesion or region of interest and displays it on the display unit 20. The display control unit 26 can increase the resolution of the lesion or region of interest and display it on the display unit 20. The parameter selection unit 40 can select an image quality parameter for emphasizing the lesion or region of interest, and the display control unit 26 can display the ultrasonic image on the display unit 20 according to the image quality parameter. Thereby, the ability to diagnose lesions or regions of interest can be improved. As a technology for extracting lesions or regions of interest, a well-known technology is used. For example, lesions or regions of interest are extracted through matching processing or artificial intelligence.

[0113] Furthermore, the best image quality parameters specialized for each case or each imaging scene may be stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the image quality parameters selected by the parameter selection unit 40 are stored in the storage unit 22 as the best image quality parameters. The control unit 24 uses the stored best image quality parameters to adjust the image quality of the ultrasonic image in the next and subsequent examinations. For example, the best image quality parameters for each case or each imaging scene are stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 24 uses the best image quality parameters corresponding to the case or imaging scene determined by the scene analysis unit 32 to adjust the image quality of the ultrasonic image. The best image quality parameters selected by the parameter selection unit 40 may be read out and used, or may be used as initial values.

[0114] For example, the parameter selection unit 40 selects the image quality parameters applicable to the ultrasonic image with the highest confidence as the best image quality parameters. When the confidence is low (for example, when the confidence is below the threshold), the control unit 24 may select the image quality parameters applicable to the ultrasonic image with the highest confidence in the previous same imaging scene as the best image quality parameters.

[0115] Hereinafter, application examples of the present embodiment will be described.

[0116] For example, when it is determined that the acquired ultrasonic image is an image (for example, an image representing the liver) acquired in a state where the end of the transmitting and receiving surface of the ultrasonic probe 12 floats from the body surface of the subject, the parameter selection unit 40 selects an image quality parameter for adjusting the gain. The control unit 24 uses the selected image quality parameter to adjust the ultrasonic image to suppress glare. When the floating of the ultrasonic probe 12 disappears, the standard cross section is determined and the liver is segmented. The image quality or photography mode corresponding to the determined segment is selected to automatically adjust the image quality of the ultrasonic image. In this way, the user is prevented from making unnecessary image quality adjustments, thereby performing necessary image quality adjustments.

[0117] In addition, the scene is analyzed (for example, a situation where the transceiver surface of the ultrasonic probe 12 floats from the body surface of the subject, a situation where the subject has a lot of body movement, or a situation where the diaphragm exists). As a result, it is possible to perform more detailed image quality adjustment than the conventional technology (automatic image quality adjustment based only on analysis of adjustment parameters). For example, when the diaphragm is shown in the ultrasonic image, it is possible to perform processing to reduce the gain of the diaphragm to avoid signal clipping and to increase the contrast of the portion other than the diaphragm.

[0118] The signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the control unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the analysis 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 control unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the analysis unit 30 can be implemented by a computer, for example. That is, the signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the control unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the analysis 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, etc. 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 control unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the analysis 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 control unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the analysis unit 30 may be implemented by a single device, or the functions of the signal processing unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the control unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the analysis unit 30 may be implemented by one or more devices.

[0119] In addition, the function of the analysis unit 30 may be performed by a device other than the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 (for example, a personal computer or a server). In this case, the analysis result of the analysis unit 30 may be input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 .

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, comprising: an acquisition unit, which continuously acquires a plurality of ultrasonic images by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a diagnosis part determination unit for determining a diagnosis part indicated by each of the plurality of ultrasonic images; and The examination status determination unit determines the examination status using ultrasound based on a temporal change in the confidence level of determination of the diagnosis site.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The inspection status determination unit determines the inspection status based on at least one of the magnitude of the confidence level and the change in the confidence level.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The examination status determination unit determines the examination status by changing a determination criterion using at least one of the magnitude of the confidence level and the variation of the confidence level according to the attribute of the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in an imaging mode corresponding to the examination condition determined by the examination condition determination unit.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The acquisition unit further adjusts the image quality of the ultrasonic image according to an image quality parameter corresponding to the examination condition determined by the examination condition determination unit.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The examination status determination unit further determines the image quality of the ultrasonic image acquired by the acquisition unit, and outputs information related to the image quality.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: Also includes: The presenting unit presents a process to be performed next to the user based on the determination result of the image quality of the ultrasonic image acquired by the acquiring unit.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The display control unit displays the specific region represented by the ultrasonic image acquired by the acquisition unit on the display in a display format corresponding to the examination status determined by the examination status determination unit.

Images