Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and image selection method

Abstract

The invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an image selection method. The present invention addresses the problem of improving the possibility of displaying an appropriate image after a freezing operation. When a freeze operation is performed at time t2, an evaluation period (60) is set for an image sequence (54) in a video memory on the basis of first reference information (58). A recommended image (68) is selected from the image group (62) by individually evaluating the image group (62) belonging to the evaluation period (60). The recommended image (68) is displayed after the freezing operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic device and an image selection method, and more particularly to a technology for selecting an image to be displayed after a freeze operation. Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used in an ultrasonic examination of a subject and is operated by an examiner (doctor, examination technician, etc.) as a user.

[0003] While the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is performing a transmitting and receiving operation, i.e., a real-time operation, a dynamic image is displayed on the display of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. When an image of interest, such as a lesion, appears during observation of the dynamic image, the examiner performs a freeze operation. By the freeze operation, transmission and reception are stopped, and at the same time, the dynamic image display is switched to a still image display. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transitions from a real-time operation state to a freeze state. After the transition, the latest image acquired last is displayed as a still image. Then, the examiner searches for the desired image while performing an image rewind operation or an image forward operation. When the desired image is determined, the image is stored and included in the inspection report.

[0004] It is also possible to control the display in such a way that, at the time of transition to the freeze state, instead of the latest image, a past image acquired at a time point traced back to a predetermined period from the time point of acquisition of the latest image or a past image acquired at the time of the freeze operation is displayed. However, if such uniform processing is performed, the possibility that the displayed image is the image requested by the inspector becomes low.

[0005] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a predetermined time range is set based on the freezing operation time point, and a diagnostic image is selected from a plurality of images within the predetermined time range. The predetermined time range is specified in advance by a user. Patent Document 1 does not describe a technique for adaptively setting the predetermined time range.

[0006] The ultrasonic diagnostic device disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a voice input function. The pronunciation of "freeze" is recognized and a freezing action is performed based on it. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device, an image to be displayed after the transition to the frozen state is selected based on the start time of the voice input. Patent Document 2 does not disclose a technology for adaptively selecting an image to be displayed after the transition to the frozen state.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-161503

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-61040 Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to increase the possibility of displaying an appropriate image after a freeze operation. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to appropriately define a search range for an image displayed after a freeze operation.

[0010] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a storage unit for storing an image sequence consisting of a plurality of images arranged in time sequence and generated by repeatedly sending and receiving ultrasonic waves; a setting unit for adaptively setting an evaluation period for the image sequence based on reference information indicating a condition of an ultrasonic examination in the case of a freeze operation; a selection unit for taking out an image group belonging to the evaluation period from the image sequence and evaluating each image constituting the image group, thereby selecting a recommended image from the image group; and a display unit for displaying the recommended image after the freeze operation.

[0011] The image selection method involved in the present invention is characterized in that it includes the following steps: storing an image column composed of a plurality of images arranged in time sequence generated by repeatedly sending and receiving ultrasonic waves in a storage unit; in the case of a freeze operation, adaptively setting an evaluation period for the image column based on reference information representing the status of the ultrasonic examination; and taking out an image group belonging to the evaluation period from the image column, and evaluating each image constituting the image group, thereby selecting a recommended image from the image group, and after displaying a dynamic image based on the image column, displaying the recommended image as a still image after the freeze operation.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the possibility of displaying an appropriate image after a freeze operation can be increased. Alternatively, the search range of an image to be displayed after a freeze operation can be appropriately specified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing freeze control (image selection method).

[0016] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a freezing control unit.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a first structural example of a setting unit.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a second structural example of the setting unit.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a selection unit.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a second structural example of the selection unit.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a figure which shows a display example.

[0022] Explanation of symbols

[0023] 10-ultrasonic probe, 16-freeze switch, 24-movie memory, 32-sound recognition unit, 34-image analysis unit, 36-freeze control unit, 40-freeze button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] (1) Overview of Implementation

[0026] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a storage unit, a setting unit, a selection unit, and a display unit. The storage unit stores an image sequence consisting of a plurality of images arranged in time order generated by repeating the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. When a freeze operation is performed, the setting unit sets an evaluation period for the image sequence based on reference information indicating the status of the ultrasonic examination. The selection unit extracts an image group belonging to the evaluation period from the image sequence, and evaluates each image constituting the image group, thereby selecting a recommended image from the image group. The display unit displays the recommended image after the freeze operation.

[0027] According to the above configuration, since the evaluation period is set according to the conditions of the ultrasonic examination, and since the recommended image is selected by the individual evaluation of the image group belonging to the evaluation period, it is possible to increase the possibility that the recommended image displayed after the freeze operation is the image desired by the examiner. Since a series of processes after the freeze operation are automatically performed, there is no burden on the examiner. After the recommended image is displayed, the displayed image is manually switched as needed. In this case, it is possible to increase the possibility of reaching the desired image in a short time.

[0028] The reference information is information for setting the evaluation period, and is information reflecting the current status of the ultrasonic examination. In an embodiment, the reference information includes at least one of information for determining the type of image group (information for determining the ultrasonic examination method), information for determining the examiner, and information for determining the type of freezing operation. The reference information for setting the evaluation period is the first reference information. The second reference information described below is the same as the first reference information, or is different from the first reference information. In an embodiment, the second reference information is included in the first reference information.

[0029] In the embodiment, the setting unit includes a first determination unit and a second determination unit. The first determination unit determines a past reference time point that serves as a reference when setting the evaluation period based on all or part of the reference information. The second determination unit determines the size of the evaluation period, that is, the time width, based on all or part of the reference information.

[0030] For example, one or both of the reference time point and the time width in the past can be changed according to the type of image group, according to the inspector, or according to the type of freeze operation. If one or both of the reference time point and the time width in the past are changed according to a plurality of information, the evaluation period can be set more appropriately. The reference time point in the past can be specified according to the time when the freeze command is generated or recognized, the time when a specific process is started or ended according to the freeze command, etc.

[0031] In an embodiment, the selection unit evaluates each image constituting the image group based on the second reference information indicating the status of the ultrasonic examination. For example, the evaluation method or evaluation condition can be changed according to the type of the image group or according to the examiner. If the image group is evaluated based on multiple information, a more appropriate evaluation result can be obtained.

[0032] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus involved in the embodiment also has a generating unit. The generating unit generates a guide image including a first display element and a second display element, the first display element indicating an evaluation period, and the second display element indicating a time corresponding to a recommended image. The recommended image and the guide image are displayed on the display unit. According to this structure, information indicating the acquisition timing of the displayed recommended image can be provided to the inspector, and information indicating the evaluation period during which the recommended image was searched can be provided to the inspector. By observing the recommended image and the guide image, the inspector can determine the necessity of manual search, and when performing manual search, can determine the direction or range of the manual search.

[0033] The image selection method involved in the embodiment includes a storage process, a setting process and a selection process. In the storage process, an image sequence consisting of a plurality of images arranged in time order generated by repeating the transmission and reception of ultrasound is stored in a storage unit. In the setting process, in the case of a freeze operation, an evaluation period is set for the image sequence based on reference information indicating the status of the ultrasound examination. In the selection process, an image group belonging to the evaluation period is taken out from the image sequence, and each image constituting the image group is evaluated. Thus, a recommended image is selected from the image group. After displaying a dynamic image based on the image sequence, the recommended image is displayed as a still image after the freeze operation.

[0034] The image selection method can be implemented by hardware functions or software functions. In the latter case, a program for executing the image selection method is installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a network or a portable storage medium. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a non-temporary storage medium storing the program.

[0035] (2) Details of implementation methods

[0036] exist Figure 1 2 shows an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a medical apparatus used for ultrasonic examination of a subject.

[0037] The ultrasonic probe 10 is an instrument for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 10 is composed of a probe head, a cable, and a connector. The probe head is held by the examiner, and the transmitting and receiving wave surface of the probe head abuts against the surface of the subject. A vibration element array composed of a plurality of vibration elements is provided in the probe head. Ultrasonic waves are radiated into the living body from the vibration element array, and reflected waves from the living body are detected by the vibration element array.

[0038] exist Figure 1 1 shows an ultrasonic beam 12 formed by a vibrating element array. A beam scanning plane 14 is formed by electronic scanning of the ultrasonic beam 12. The ultrasonic beam 12 is equivalent to a transmitting beam and a receiving beam. As electronic scanning methods, electronic linear scanning methods, electronic sector scanning methods, etc. are known. A two-dimensional vibrating element array can also be set in the probe head to obtain volume data from a living body.

[0039] If necessary, a switch 16 is provided on the probe head. The switch 16 is a freeze switch. A freeze signal is output to the information processing unit 30 by operating the switch 16. A probe without the switch 16 may also be used.

[0040] The transmission unit 18 is a circuit that functions as a transmission beam former, and supplies a plurality of transmission signals in parallel to the transducer array during transmission, thereby forming a transmission beam.

[0041] The receiving unit 20 is a circuit that functions as a receiving beam former. When receiving, it applies phase alignment and addition to multiple receiving signals output in parallel from the vibration element array to generate beam data. Accompanying the electronic scanning of the ultrasonic beam, multiple beam data arranged in the electronic scanning direction are generated. These beam data constitute frame data. A beam data processing unit is provided between the receiving unit 20 and the image forming unit 22, but its illustration is omitted.

[0042] The image forming unit 22 forms an ultrasonic image sequence (hereinafter referred to as an image sequence) based on the input frame data sequence. The image forming unit 22 has a digital scan converter (DSC) as a circuit. The DSC has a coordinate transformation function, a pixel interpolation function, etc. The image sequence is composed of a plurality of images arranged on a time axis. Each image is, for example, a tomographic image (B-mode tomographic image). Various images are generated according to an ultrasonic examination method (including an action mode). These various images include, in addition to tomographic images, a color blood flow map (CFM image), an image containing a puncture image (puncture image), an image containing a contrast agent image (contrast image), etc.

[0043] The image sequence generated in the image forming unit 22 is sent to the display processing unit 26 and to the movie memory 24. In the real-time operation state, the image sequence is displayed on the display 28 as a dynamic image. In the freeze state, the still image read from the movie memory 24 is displayed on the display 28. In the embodiment, after the freeze operation, the automatically selected recommended image is first displayed. This will be described in detail later. The display 28 is composed of an organic EL display device, an LCD, etc.

[0044] The cine memory 24 is a storage unit for storing an image sequence, and each image is temporarily stored in the cine memory 24. The cine memory 24 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The cine memory 24 has a ring buffer structure. A plurality of images output from the image forming unit 22 are sequentially stored in the cine memory 24 in chronological order. During this storage process, the oldest image in the cine memory 24 is repeatedly overwritten and erased.

[0045] A film memory may be provided between the receiving unit 20 and the image forming unit 22. In the case of adopting this modification, the frame data sequence is stored in the film memory. The entity of the frame data sequence is the image sequence. In the modification, it can also be said that the image sequence is stored in the film memory.

[0046] The information processing unit 30 functions as a control unit and a computing unit. In the embodiment, the information processing unit 30 is composed of a CPU that executes a program. The information processing unit 30 controls Figure 1 The operations of the components shown in the figure. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , some of the various functions performed by the information processing unit 30 are expressed by a plurality of blocks. The information processing unit 30 functions as a voice recognition unit 32 , an image analysis unit 34 , and a freeze control unit 36 ​​.

[0047] The information processing unit 30 is connected to an operation panel 38. The operation panel 38 is an input device having a plurality of buttons, a plurality of knobs, a trackball, etc. Figure 1, a freeze button 40 included in the operation panel 38 is shown. When the freeze button 40 is operated, a freeze signal is outputted from the freeze button 40 to the information processing unit 30.

[0048] The microphone 42 is provided as needed. Specifically, in the case where the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is operated by voice input, the microphone 42 is provided. The voice recognition unit 32 applies voice recognition to the voice signal output from the microphone 42, and generates a command signal according to the voice recognition result. The information processing unit 30 performs control or processing according to the command signal. In the embodiment, if the voice "freeze" is input into the microphone, the voice recognition unit 32 recognizes "freeze" and generates a freeze signal as a command signal.

[0049] The image analysis unit 34 functions when the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is operated by the movement of the probe head. That is, the image analysis unit 34 functions when a gesture input is performed. Specifically, the image analysis unit 34 analyzes the input image sequence and analyzes the type of movement of the probe head. In an embodiment, a corresponding relationship is established between the detachment movement that separates the transceiver wavefront of the probe head from the body surface of the subject and the freeze operation. The image analysis unit 34 determines whether the detachment movement occurs based on the image sequence, thereby generating a freeze signal. The image analysis unit 34 is provided as needed.

[0050] An electrocardiograph 44 is connected to the information processing unit 30. The electrocardiograph 44 generates an ECG signal. Based on the ECG signal, an electrocardiogram waveform is displayed on the screen of the display 28. The information processing unit 30 may be connected to a foot pedal for freeze operation.

[0051] When a freeze signal is generated, the freeze control unit 36 ​​performs freeze control to transition the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus from the real-time operation state to the freeze state. Specifically, when a freeze signal is generated, the freeze control unit 36 ​​stops sending and receiving, and at the same time, switches from dynamic image display to still image display. In the embodiment, the still image that is first displayed after the transition to the freeze state is a recommended image that is automatically screened. This is described in detail below.

[0052] exist Figure 2 The contents of the freeze control (image selection method) executed by the freeze control unit are schematically shown in FIG. Figure 2 In the figure, some items are exaggerated. (A) shows multiple events on the time axis. (B) shows the status of the movie memory.

[0053] In the dynamic image observation state, for example, when the examiner recognizes a lesion at time t1, the examiner performs a freeze operation at time t2. Depending on the freeze operation method, the period from time t1 to time t2 (response period) changes.

[0054] For example, when a method based on a freeze button in the operation panel is selected, the response period is generally shortened. When a method based on voice input or a method based on probe operation is selected, the response period is generally longer. In the case of a method based on voice input, the response period depends greatly on the speaking speed. When a method based on a switch set on the probe is selected, the response period varies depending on the inspection site or the switch setting method. The response period may also vary depending on the inspector himself. For example, in the case of an inspector with high ultrasonic inspection skills, the response period is generally shortened. In the case of an inspector with insufficient experience in ultrasonic inspection, the response period is generally longer. The response period may also vary depending on the type of image or the inspection site.

[0055] If the freeze operation is recognized, a transition from the real-time state to the frozen state occurs as described above. It takes a certain amount of time until the transition is completed. Time t3 indicates the time when the frozen state is completed. The recommended image is displayed at time t4. Time t4 can be consistent with time t3. In the example shown in the figure, the state before time t3 is the sending and receiving state (real-time action state). The state after time t3 is the frozen state.

[0056] When the freeze operation is performed at time t2 , the freeze control unit sets an evaluation period (evaluation interval) 60 (reference symbol 56 ) for the image sequence 54 stored in the cine memory based on the first reference information 58 .

[0057] Specifically, the freeze control unit determines the past reference time point ts and the time width Δt based on the first reference information 58. In the embodiment, the center of the evaluation period is defined by the past reference time point ts, and the time width Δt defines the length of the evaluation period.

[0058] In addition, each image is given information (time stamp) indicating the time when the image was acquired (or generated). This information can be used when determining the image group. The time when the freeze command is generated, the time when the freeze command is recognized, the specified time point in the freeze control process, etc. can be used as the reference time point in calculation, and the past reference time point ts can be determined. The time length ta and tb of the start and end of the specified evaluation period 60 can also be determined using the time t3 as the reference in calculation.

[0059] The first reference information is information that is referenced when setting the evaluation period. For example, the first reference information may include information that identifies the inspector, information that identifies the type of image sequence (which may also be referred to as information that identifies the inspection method or information that identifies the inspection site), information that identifies the freezing operation method, etc. A specific example of the first reference information will be described later.

[0060] The freeze control unit identifies the image group 62 belonging to the evaluation period 60 from the image sequence stored in the cine memory, and reads the image group 62 from the cine memory. Next, the freeze control unit evaluates the plurality of images constituting the image group 62 individually based on the second reference information, and assigns a grade (also referred to as a score or an evaluation value) to each image (reference symbol 64). The freeze control unit identifies the highest grade from the assigned multiple grades, and selects the image 68a assigned the highest grade as the recommended image 68 (reference symbol 64).

[0061] The second reference information is information that is referenced when evaluating each image that constitutes the image group that belongs to the evaluation period. For example, the second reference information may include information that identifies the inspector, information that identifies the type of image sequence, etc. All or part of the first reference information may also be used as the second reference information. A specific example of the second reference information will be described later. In addition, various well-known methods can be used as image evaluation methods. The image evaluation method or image evaluation condition may also be switched according to the type of image sequence. The image evaluation model may also be switched according to the type of image sequence.

[0062] The freeze control unit displays the recommended image selected as described above on the display. The display timing is time t4, but in order to make time t4 as close to time t3 as possible, it is desirable to perform freeze control so that time t4 coincides with time t3. The recommended image is the still image that is first displayed after the freeze operation. Then, the image to be displayed is switched as needed. In this case, the image forward operation or the image backward operation is performed with image 68a as the starting point. Image search can also be performed outside the image group 62.

[0063] According to the freeze control, since the evaluation period is set according to the condition of the ultrasonic examination, and the image group can be evaluated individually in consideration of the condition of the ultrasonic examination, it is possible to increase the possibility of displaying the image requested by the examiner as the recommended image after the freeze operation. The display of the recommended image does not impose a burden on the examiner. Even in the case where the recommended image is not the image requested by the examiner, it is possible to increase the possibility of performing the image search in a short time.

[0064] The examiner can choose whether to execute the above-mentioned freeze control. In the case where the above-mentioned freeze control is not executed, the previous freeze control is executed. In this case, the latest image acquired last is displayed as a still image after the transition to the freeze state. The freeze control method can also be switched by switching the operation mode of the input device used for freeze input. For example, the previous freeze control can be executed when the pressing time of the freeze button set on the operation panel is a normal time (short time), and the above-mentioned freeze control can be executed when the pressing time is a long time. A switch, button, etc. for switching the freeze control method can also be set.

[0065] exist Figure 3 , an example of the structure of the freeze control unit 36 ​​is shown in FIG. The freeze control unit 36 ​​is composed of a setting unit 70 and a selection unit 72. The setting unit 70 includes a reference time point determiner 74 that functions as a first determination unit and a time width determiner 76 that functions as a second determination unit. The reference time point determiner 74 determines a past reference time point ts based on all or part of the first reference information 58. The time width determiner 76 determines a time width Δt based on all or part of the first reference information 58. The evaluation period 60 is defined based on the past reference time point ts and the time width Δt.

[0066] exist Figure 3 Specific examples of the first reference information 58 are shown in FIG. The first reference information 58 includes information for specifying the type of image (type of image sequence), information for specifying the examiner, information for specifying the freeze operation method, and the like. The first reference information 58 may include information for specifying the frame rate, information for specifying the cardiac cycle, information for specifying the time required for the freeze operation (or freeze input), and the like.

[0067] The selection unit 72 is notified of the evaluation period 60 set by the setting unit 70. The selection unit 72 reads the image group 62 from the frame memory. The selection unit 72 includes an evaluator 78 that evaluates the image group 62 individually. The evaluator 78 evaluates each image based on the second reference information 66. The second reference information 66 includes, for example, information that specifies the type of image and information that specifies the inspector. The second reference information 66 may also include other information. The evaluator 78 assigns a grade to each image. The selection unit 72 selects the image assigned the highest grade as the recommended image 68.

[0068] exist Figure 4 1 shows a first configuration example of the setting unit 70. The setting unit 70 includes a lookup table (LUT) 82. The LUT 82 functions as the reference timing determiner and the time width determiner. A LUT for the reference timing determiner and a LUT for the time width determiner may be provided.

[0069] In the LUT 82, for each combination of the inspector 84, the image type 86, the freeze operation method, etc., a corresponding past reference time point (ts) 90 and a time width (Δt) 92 are registered. That is, when a combination specified by the first reference information 58 is input to the LUT 82, the past reference time point 90 and the time width 92 corresponding to the combination are output from the LUT.

[0070] exist Figure 5, a second structural example of the setting unit 70 is shown in FIG. The setting unit 70 has a decision model 94 that functions as a reference time point determiner and a time width determiner. The decision model 94 is generated by machine learning. For example, the decision model 94 is composed of a network such as CNN. If the decision model 94 is given information that determines the inspector, information that determines the type of image, information that determines the freezing operation method, etc. as the first reference information 58, the information that determines the past reference time point ts and the time width △t suitable for the first reference information 58 is output from the decision model 94. A decision model that determines the past reference time point and a decision model that determines the time width can also be set.

[0071] exist Figure 6 1 shows a first structural example of the selection unit 72. The selection unit 72 includes an evaluator 78 and a selector 100. The second reference information 66 and the image group 62 are input to the evaluator 78. The evaluator 78 includes a plurality of evaluation models 96-1 to 96-m. Each evaluation model 96-1 to 96-m is an image evaluation model generated by machine learning. The evaluation model actually used is selected based on the second reference information 66. The image group 62 is assigned to the evaluation model. The evaluation model evaluates the quality of each image and outputs a grade 98 for each image. The evaluator 78 is composed of a network such as a CNN.

[0072] For example, the plurality of evaluation models 96 - 1 to 96 - m correspond to a plurality of image types, or the plurality of evaluation models 96 - 1 to 96 - m correspond to a plurality of combinations (combinations of image types and inspectors).

[0073] A plurality of ranks 98 generated by evaluating a plurality of images are input to the selector 100. The selector 100 determines the highest rank among the plurality of ranks 98, and selects an image corresponding to the highest rank from the image group 62 as a recommended image.

[0074] For example, when evaluating a tomographic image, the clarity of the tissue image can be evaluated. When evaluating a blood flow image (including a CFM image), the clarity of the blood flow image or the size of the blood flow image can be evaluated. When evaluating a puncture image, the clarity of the puncture needle image can be evaluated. When evaluating a contrast image, the clarity of the contrast agent image or the size of the contrast agent image can be evaluated.

[0075] exist Figure 7 A second configuration example of the selection unit 72 is shown in FIG. Figure 7 In, with Figure 6The same components are marked with the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted. The evaluator 78 has a single evaluation model 104. The evaluation model 104 is a model that evaluates each image constituting the image group 62 while considering the second reference information 66. The evaluation model 104 is also generated by machine learning. The evaluation model 104 is composed of a network such as CNN.

[0076] exist Figure 8 1 shows an example of an image displayed when the freeze state is established. A recommended image 108 is displayed on the display screen 106. In the example shown in the figure, the recommended image 108 is a tomographic image. According to the ultrasonic examination method, a CFM image, a puncture image, a contrast image, etc. are displayed.

[0077] An electrocardiogram waveform 130 is displayed below the recommended image 108. The electrocardiogram waveform 130 includes a graph 132 indicating a time axis and a plurality of R waves. A guide image 110 is displayed below the electrocardiogram waveform 130. The guide image 110 includes a graph 112 indicating a time axis, a graph 114 indicating an evaluation period, and a graph 116 indicating a time point when the recommended image is acquired. The right end 120 of the time axis corresponds to a time point when the freeze state is established. The time axis scale of the electrocardiogram waveform 130 is consistent with the time axis scale of the guide image 110. Each graph is a display element.

[0078] By observing the graph 114, the start and end of the evaluation period can be easily identified. By observing the graph 116, the acquisition period of the recommended image can be easily identified. The graph 114 has a strip shape, but other shapes can be used instead of the strip shape. The graph 116 has a triangle shape, but other shapes can be used instead of the triangle.

[0079] The indicator 122 is composed of a numerator 126 and a denominator 128. The denominator 128 indicates the total number of images constituting the image sequence stored in the movie memory. The numerator 126 indicates the number of the recommended image 108 among the total number of images.

[0080] If an image forward operation or image backward operation is performed after the recommended image 108 is displayed, the graphic 116 slides in the right direction or the left direction (reference symbol 118). At the same time, the images displayed on the screen 106 are switched in sequence. The content of the indicator 122 also changes. According to the guide image 110, the examiner can intuitively recognize the period when the recommended image is acquired, the size or position of the evaluation period, etc.

[0081] It is also possible to display a plurality of recommended images after the freeze operation. In this case, a plurality of recommended images that are continuous in time may be displayed, or a plurality of recommended images that are discretely determined on the time axis may be displayed. It is also possible to display a graph showing the time change of the ranking sequence assigned to the image sequence in the graph (frame) 114. If this structure is adopted, it is easy to search for images. Such a graph may also be displayed outside the graph 114.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that: include: a storage unit storing an image sequence consisting of a plurality of images arranged in time sequence and generated by repeating transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves; a setting unit that sets an evaluation period for the image sequence based on reference information indicating a condition of ultrasonic examination when a freeze operation is performed; a selection unit that extracts an image group belonging to the evaluation period from the image sequence and evaluates each image constituting the image group, thereby selecting a recommended image from the image group; and The display unit displays the recommended image after the freeze operation.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The setting unit includes: a first determination unit that determines a past reference time point that serves as a reference when setting the evaluation period based on all or part of the reference information; and The second determination unit determines the size of the evaluation period, that is, the time width, based on all or part of the reference information.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The reference information includes at least one of information identifying the type of the image sequence, information identifying an inspector, and information identifying the type of the freeze operation.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The reference information is the first reference information, The selection unit evaluates each image constituting the image group based on second reference information indicating a condition of an ultrasonic examination.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second reference information includes at least one of information identifying the type of the image sequence and information identifying an inspector.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a generating unit configured to generate a guide image including a first display element indicating the evaluation period and a second display element indicating a time corresponding to the recommended image. The recommended image and the guide image are displayed on the display unit.

7. An image selection method, characterized in that: Including the following processes: storing, in a storage unit, an image sequence consisting of a plurality of images arranged in time sequence and generated by repeating transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves; When a freeze operation is performed, an evaluation period is set for the image sequence based on reference information indicating a condition of ultrasonic examination; and extracting an image group belonging to the evaluation period from the image sequence, and evaluating each image constituting the image group, thereby selecting a recommended image from the image group, After displaying a dynamic image based on the image sequence, the recommended image is displayed as a still image after a freeze operation.

Images