Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a storage medium. The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the workload of a user who changes imaging conditions in order to acquire an ultrasonic image suitable for inspection. An acquisition unit (for example, a transmission / reception unit (14) and an image generation unit (16)) acquires a first ultrasonic image of a subject in accordance with a first imaging condition. The recognition unit (28) performs a cross-section recognition process on the first ultrasonic image, and calculates the recognition reliability. The acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image of the subject in accordance with a second imaging condition different from the first imaging condition and corresponding to the recognized cross-section when a state in which the reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a preset time.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There is known a technique for identifying a picked-up cross section from an ultrasonic image acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and performing image processing corresponding to the identified cross section.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a system that performs imaging settings optimized for a specific view.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-551143

[0005] However, sometimes the image quality of an ultrasonic image changes depending on the properties of the subject, or the image quality of an ultrasonic image changes depending on the configuration of organs. For example, in an ultrasonic examination of the abdomen, organs or sections identified based on the ultrasonic image sometimes deviate from standard organs or sections. To give a specific example, when an ultrasonic image of a subject with a BMI above a certain value (e.g., 30) is taken, it is difficult to see the structure of tissues such as blood vessels located deep inside due to the attenuation of the fat layer located on the surface of the subject. As a result, tissue structures that deviate from the standard cross-section will be identified.

[0006] Due to the above problems, there is a problem that the reliability of cross-section identification of the subject cannot be improved. In this case, users such as doctors or laboratory technicians need to adjust the ultrasonic imaging conditions to obtain ultrasonic images suitable for inspection. Therefore, the burden on the user increases. For example, if each of multiple cross sections is adjusted, the user's workload increases accordingly, and the user's burden increases. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to reduce the workload of a user who changes imaging conditions in order to obtain an ultrasonic image suitable for an examination.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that it includes: an acquisition unit, which acquires a first ultrasonic image of a subject according to a first imaging condition; and an identification unit, which performs identification section processing on the first ultrasonic image and calculates the reliability of the identification, when the state in which the reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a predetermined time, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject according to a second imaging condition that is different from the first imaging condition and corresponds to the identified section.

[0009] The acquisition unit may acquire the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition when the state in which the reliability is within a threshold range continues for a preset time.

[0010] The acquisition unit may acquire the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition when the moving average value of the reliability continues to be within a threshold range for a preset time.

[0011] The reliability may be the reliability of identification regarding the cross section for which the highest reliability is obtained.

[0012] The recognition unit may further perform processing on the recognition section of the second ultrasonic image and calculate the reliability of the recognition. When the reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image is higher than the reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image, the acquisition unit may further acquire the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition.

[0013] When the reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image is equal to or lower than the reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image, the acquisition unit may further continue ultrasonic imaging according to the first imaging condition.

[0014] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a control unit configured to display the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image on a display, and the acquisition unit may acquire the ultrasonic image according to an imaging condition selected by a user from among the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition.

[0015] The second imaging condition is a condition related to image processing, and the acquisition unit may acquire the second ultrasonic image by performing image processing according to the second imaging condition on data acquired according to the first imaging condition.

[0016] One embodiment of the present invention is a program that enables a computer to function as the following mechanisms: an acquisition mechanism that acquires a first ultrasonic image of a subject according to a first imaging condition; and an identification mechanism that performs identification section processing on the first ultrasonic image and calculates the reliability of the identification, and when the state in which the reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a predetermined time, the acquisition mechanism acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject according to a second imaging condition that is different from the first imaging condition and corresponds to the identified section.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the workload of a user who changes imaging conditions in order to obtain an ultrasonic image suitable for an examination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a graph showing the temporal change in the reliability of cross-section identification.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a graph showing the temporal change of the moving average value of the reliability of cross-section identification.

[0022] Explanation of symbols

[0023] 10 - ultrasonic diagnostic device, 12 - ultrasonic probe, 14 - transceiver, 16 - image generator, 26 - analyzer, 28 - recognizer, 30 - image quality adjuster, 32 - controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] 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 .

[0025] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 generates ultrasonic image data by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic probe 12. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 transmits ultrasonic waves into a subject and receives ultrasonic waves reflected in the subject, thereby generating ultrasonic image data showing the internal tissue of the subject.

[0026] The ultrasonic probe 12 is a device for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe 12 includes, for example, a 1D array vibrator. The 1D array vibrator is composed of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators arranged in one dimension. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the 1D array vibrator, and the ultrasonic beam is repeatedly electronically scanned. Thus, a scanning section is formed in the living body each time an electronic scan is performed. The scanning section is equivalent to a two-dimensional echo data acquisition space. The ultrasonic probe 12 may include a 2D array vibrator formed by a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators arranged in two dimensions. If an ultrasonic beam is formed by a 2D array vibrator, and the ultrasonic beam is repeatedly electronically scanned, a scanning section as a two-dimensional echo data acquisition space is formed each time an electronic scan is performed. If a two-dimensional scan of the ultrasonic beam is performed, a three-dimensional space as a three-dimensional echo data acquisition space is formed. As a scanning method, sector scanning, linear scanning, or convex scanning is used.

[0027] 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 predetermined delay relationship to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers included in the ultrasonic probe 12. Thus, an ultrasonic transmission beam is formed. When receiving, the ultrasonic probe 12 receives a reflected wave (i.e., an RF signal) from the living body, thereby outputting a plurality of reception signals from the ultrasonic probe 12 to the transceiver 14. The transceiver 14 applies a phasing addition process to the plurality of reception signals, thereby forming a reception beam. The data of the reception beam is output to the image generation unit 16. That is, for the reception signal obtained from each ultrasonic transducer, the transceiver 14 performs a delay process according to the delay process condition with respect to each ultrasonic transducer, and performs an addition process on the plurality of reception signals obtained from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, thereby forming a reception beam. The delay process condition is specified by reception delay data indicating a delay time. A reception delay data set (i.e., a set of delay times) corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is supplied from the control unit 32.

[0028] The ultrasonic beam (i.e., the transmission beam and the reception beam) is electronically scanned by the transceiver 14, thereby forming a scan section. The scan section is equivalent to a plurality of beams, and the plurality of beams constitute a reception frame (specifically, an RF signal frame). In addition, each beam is composed of a plurality of echoes arranged in the depth direction. By repeatedly performing electronic scanning of the ultrasonic beam, a plurality of reception frames arranged on the time axis are output from the transceiver 14 to the image generator 16. The plurality of reception frames constitute a reception frame sequence.

[0029] When the ultrasonic beam performs two-dimensional electronic scanning by the transceiver 14, a three-dimensional echo data acquisition space is formed, and volume data as an echo data collection body is acquired from the three-dimensional echo data acquisition space. By repeatedly performing electronic scanning of the ultrasonic beam, a plurality of volume data arranged on the time axis is output from the transceiver 14 to the image generator 16. The plurality of volume data constitutes a volume data sequence.

[0030] The image generating unit 16 generates ultrasonic image data (e.g., B-mode image data) by applying signal processing such as detection, amplitude compression (e.g., logarithmic compression), and conversion functions (e.g., coordinate conversion functions and interpolation processing functions based on DSC (digital scan converter)) to the received frames output from the transceiver 14 .

[0031] Hereinafter, image data will be appropriately referred to as "image". For example, ultrasonic image data will be appropriately referred to as "ultrasonic image", or B-mode image data will be appropriately referred to as "B-mode image". In addition, the ultrasonic image involved in this embodiment is not limited to the B-mode image, but may be any image generated by the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. For example, the ultrasonic image involved in this embodiment may also be a color Doppler image, a pulsed Doppler image, a strain imaging image (StrainImage) or a shear wave elastography image (Shear Wave Elastography Image), etc.

[0032] In addition, the transmission and reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16 correspond to an example of an acquisition unit.

[0033] 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 in a display form according to the display mode.

[0034] 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 also be a device that has both a display and an operating unit 22. For example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) may be implemented by the display unit 20 and the operating unit 22. In addition, a user interface such as a touch panel may be implemented by the display unit 20 and the operating unit 22.

[0035] The operation unit 22 is a device for the user to input imaging conditions, instructions, etc. to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. For example, the operation unit 22 is an operation panel, a switch, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, or the like.

[0036] The storage unit 24 constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. For example, the storage unit 24 is a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various memories (such as RAM, DRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (such as optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0037] For example, the storage unit 24 stores reception signals received by the transceiver 14 , reception beams generated based on the reception signals, reception frames, volume data, ultrasonic images, information indicating imaging conditions, and information related to a subject (eg, a patient).

[0038] The analysis unit 26 includes a recognition unit 28 and an image quality adjustment unit 30, and determines the imaging conditions for adjusting the image quality of the ultrasonic image by analyzing the ultrasonic image. The analysis unit 26 outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transceiver 14, the image generator 16, or both.

[0039] The imaging condition includes at least one of a condition related to the transceiver 14 and a condition related to the image generating unit 16. The condition related to the transceiver 14 includes a condition related to the transmission of ultrasonic waves and a condition related to the reception of ultrasonic waves. The condition related to the image generating unit 16 includes a condition related to image processing for generating ultrasonic images. When the imaging condition is a condition related to the transceiver 14, the analyzing unit 26 outputs information indicating the imaging condition to the transceiver 14. When the imaging condition is a condition related to the image generating unit 16, the analyzing unit 26 outputs information indicating the imaging condition to the image generating unit 16. When the imaging condition includes a condition related to the transceiver 14 and a condition related to the image generating unit 16, the analyzing unit 26 outputs information indicating the imaging condition to both the transceiver 14 and the image generating unit 16.

[0040] To give a specific example, the photographic conditions include parameters such as brightness, contrast, smoothing, adaptive filtering, gamma value, sharpness, edge enhancement, gain, frame rate, focal depth of the transmission beam, aperture width, center frequency of the transmitted ultrasound, bandwidth of the transmitted ultrasound, frequency characteristics of the received ultrasound, coefficients of the image processing filter (such as a smoothing filter, etc.), apodization shape, characteristics of the receiving bandpass filter, and characteristics of the dynamic range. Of course, these parameters are only examples of photographic conditions, and the photographic conditions involved in this embodiment may also include parameters other than these. For example, the photographic conditions include a combination of multiple parameters.

[0041] When information indicating the imaging conditions determined by the analysis unit 26 is output from the analysis unit 26 to the transceiver 14 , the transceiver 14 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves by the ultrasound probe 12 in accordance with the imaging conditions determined by the analysis unit 26 .

[0042] When information indicating the imaging conditions determined by the analyzing unit 26 is output from the analyzing unit 26 to the image generating unit 16 , the image generating unit 16 adjusts the image quality of the ultrasonic image according to the imaging conditions determined by the analyzing unit 26 .

[0043] When information representing the imaging conditions determined by the analysis unit 26 is output to the transceiver 14 and the image generation unit 16, the transceiver 14 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound waves based on the ultrasound probe 12 according to the imaging conditions determined by the analysis unit 26, and the image generation unit 16 adjusts the image quality of the ultrasound image according to the imaging conditions determined by the analysis unit 26.

[0044] The recognition unit 28 estimates one or more candidates of the scanned cross section to be scanned by ultrasound by performing a process of recognizing a cross section on the ultrasound image (hereinafter referred to as "cross section recognition process"). Furthermore, the recognition unit 28 calculates the reliability of recognition for each candidate of the scanned cross section. The reliability is a score indicating the accuracy of the estimation (i.e., the accuracy or likelihood of the estimation).

[0045] For example, the recognition unit 28 may estimate the candidates of the currently scanned scanning cross section by executing the cross section recognition process on the currently acquired ultrasonic image. That is, the recognition unit 28 may also estimate the candidates of the scanning cross section in real time.

[0046] As another example, the recognition unit 28 may estimate candidates for scan cross sections by executing cross section recognition processing on ultrasonic images that have been acquired and stored in the storage unit 24 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 or an external device.

[0047] By estimating the candidates of the scanned cross section, it is possible to estimate the candidates of the region represented in the ultrasonic image of the scanned cross section. That is, the recognition unit 28 can estimate the candidates of the region scanned by ultrasonic waves by executing the cross section recognition process on the ultrasonic image.

[0048] As the section recognition processing involved in this embodiment, a well-known section recognition processing is used. For example, machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in the section recognition processing. The type of machine learning or artificial intelligence 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 forest decision tree learning, support vector machine (SVM), ensemble classifier or other algorithms are used. In addition, pattern matching such as template matching, or algorithms that do not require learning such as correlation coefficient and similarity calculations can also be used for section recognition processing.

[0049] For example, the recognition unit 28 estimates one or more candidates for the scanned cross section by performing cross section recognition processing using machine learning on the ultrasonic image, and calculates a reliability indicating the accuracy of the estimation using the machine learning for each candidate for the scanned cross section. The recognition unit 28 may estimate one or more candidates for the part being scanned by ultrasound, and calculate a reliability indicating the accuracy of the estimation for each candidate for the part.

[0050] The recognition unit 28 can compare an ultrasonic image (e.g., a B-mode image) generated by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves with a plurality of standard cross-sectional images (e.g., a B-mode image), thereby estimating one or more candidates of a scanning cross section scanned by ultrasonic waves, and calculate a reliability indicating the accuracy of the estimation for each candidate of the scanning cross section. For example, the candidate of the scanning cross section is estimated by using a technique such as pattern matching.

[0051] The standard cross-sectional image is an ultrasonic image used to estimate the scanning cross section. For example, one or more standard cross-sectional images are generated in advance for each diagnostic part and stored in the storage unit 24 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 or an external device. The standard cross-sectional image representing a certain part is an ultrasonic image generated by scanning a standard scanning cross section intersecting the part with ultrasonic waves. For example, the standard scanning cross section is a cross section or a representative cross section that should be photographed in an ultrasonic examination.

[0052] The image quality adjustment unit 30 determines imaging conditions for adjusting the image quality of ultrasonic images and outputs information indicating the determined imaging conditions to the transceiver 14 , the image generator 16 , or both.

[0053] For example, when a candidate cross section is estimated by the recognition unit 28 , the image quality adjustment unit 30 determines imaging conditions suitable for imaging the estimated candidate cross section (ie, imaging conditions suitable for ultrasonic examination of the candidate) and outputs information indicating the determined imaging conditions.

[0054] For example, for each cross section of the diagnosis site, an imaging condition suitable for photographing the cross section (i.e., an imaging condition suitable for ultrasonic examination of the cross section) is pre-set, and information indicating the imaging condition of each cross section is pre-stored in the storage unit 24 or an external device. For example, for each cross section, cross section identification information for identifying the cross section and information indicating the imaging condition suitable for photographing the cross section are pre-associated and stored in the storage unit 24 or an external device. The image quality adjustment unit 30 determines the imaging condition associated with the candidate cross section estimated by the identification unit 28, and outputs the information indicating the imaging condition to the transceiver 14, the image generator 16, or both the transceiver 14 and the image generator 16.

[0055] It is also possible to pre-set imaging conditions suitable for imaging the part (i.e., imaging conditions suitable for ultrasonic examination of the part) for each diagnostic part, and store information indicating the imaging conditions for each part in advance in the storage unit 24 or an external device. For example, for each diagnostic part, part identification information for identifying the diagnostic part and information indicating the imaging conditions suitable for imaging the diagnostic part are pre-associated in advance and stored in the storage unit 24 or an external device. The image quality adjustment unit 30 determines the imaging conditions associated with the part including the candidate of the cross section estimated by the recognition unit 28, and outputs the information indicating the imaging conditions to the transceiver 14, the image generator 16, or both the transceiver 14 and the image generator 16.

[0056] The control unit 32 controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 . In addition, the control unit 32 causes the display unit 20 to display various information.

[0057] Hereinafter, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

[0058] First, the acquisition unit acquires a first ultrasonic image of the subject according to the first imaging condition. That is, the transceiver 14 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves through the ultrasonic probe 12 according to the first imaging condition, and the image generator 16 generates an ultrasonic image according to the first imaging condition based on the received frames output from the transceiver 14. The ultrasonic image generated according to the first imaging condition is the first ultrasonic image.

[0059] For example, the first imaging condition is a pre-set imaging condition (e.g., a preset condition). The preset condition includes a plurality of parameters, and information indicating the preset condition is pre-stored in the storage unit 24 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. A plurality of different preset conditions may also be created in advance. In this case, a user such as a doctor or a laboratory technician selects a preset condition from a plurality of different preset conditions by operating the operating unit 22. The selected preset condition is the first imaging condition. The acquisition unit (i.e., the transceiver unit 14 and the image generation unit 16) acquires the first ultrasonic image according to the preset condition selected by the user. The user may set a plurality of parameters by operating the operating unit 22, thereby creating the first imaging condition.

[0060] When the first ultrasonic image is acquired, the recognition unit 28 estimates one or more candidates of the scanned cross section by ultrasonic scanning by executing the cross section recognition process on the first ultrasonic image, and calculates the reliability of recognition for each candidate of the scanned cross section.

[0061] When the reliability of the specific candidate continues to satisfy the threshold condition for a preset time T, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject according to the second imaging condition. That is, the transceiver 14 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves through the ultrasonic probe 12 according to the second imaging condition, and the image generator 16 generates an ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition based on the received frame output from the transceiver 14. The ultrasonic image acquired according to the second imaging condition is the second ultrasonic image.

[0062] The second imaging condition is an imaging condition different from the first imaging condition, and is an imaging condition corresponding to the scan cross section identified by the recognition unit 28. As described above, imaging conditions suitable for imaging the cross section (i.e., imaging conditions suitable for ultrasonic examination of the cross section) are pre-set for each cross section of the diagnosis site, and information indicating the imaging conditions of each cross section is pre-stored in the storage unit 24 or an external device. The image quality adjustment unit 30 determines the imaging condition associated with the scan cross section identified by the recognition unit 28 (i.e., the candidate estimated by the recognition unit 28), and outputs the information indicating the imaging condition to the transceiver 14, the image generator 16, or both the transceiver 14 and the image generator 16. When the imaging condition is set for each diagnosis site, the image quality adjustment unit 30 determines the imaging condition associated with the site including the candidate of the cross section estimated by the recognition unit 28, and outputs the information indicating the imaging condition to the transceiver 14, the image generator 16, or both the transceiver 14 and the image generator 16.

[0063] The time T can be changed by a user such as a doctor or a laboratory technician. The time T can be set according to the number of frames of the ultrasonic image. The time T can also be set for each part to be examined by ultrasonic examination.

[0064] The reliability of the above-mentioned specific candidate is the reliability of the identification of the candidate of the cross section with the highest reliability. For example, when multiple candidates are estimated by the identification unit 28, the image quality adjustment unit 30 determines whether the reliability of the candidate of the cross section with the highest reliability among the multiple candidates satisfies the above-mentioned threshold condition. The second imaging condition is the imaging condition corresponding to the specific candidate (i.e., the imaging condition suitable for photographing the candidate of the cross section with the highest reliability).

[0065] For example, the state in which the reliability of a specific candidate satisfies the threshold condition refers to the state in which the reliability of the specific candidate is included in the threshold range. The threshold range can be preset or changed by the user. The threshold range is a range included between the upper threshold value A of the reliability and the lower threshold value B of the reliability. For example, when the state in which the reliability of a specific candidate is included in the threshold range continues for a period of time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition. That is, when the state in which the reliability of the candidate for the cross section with the highest reliability is included in the threshold range continues for a period of time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the imaging condition suitable for photographing the candidate for the cross section with the highest reliability.

[0066] refer to Figure 2 , describing a state in which the reliability of a specific candidate is within a threshold range. Figure 2 Indicates the time change of the reliability of cross-section recognition. The horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis represents the reliability of cross-section recognition.

[0067] Figure 2 The time variation of the reliability of the section with the highest reliability (hereinafter, referred to as “section α” for convenience) is shown in FIG. Figure 2 The time T, the upper threshold value A and the lower threshold value B are shown in FIG.

[0068] The reliability of the cross section α varies greatly in the time zone before time T, but then continues to vary between the upper threshold value A and the lower threshold value B within time T. Figure 2 In the example shown, the reliability changes between the upper threshold value A and the lower threshold value B within the time T. When the state in which the reliability of the section α is included in the threshold range (i.e., between the upper threshold value A and the lower threshold value B) continues within the time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition suitable for imaging the section α.

[0069] As another example, the state in which the reliability of a specific candidate satisfies the threshold condition refers to the state in which the moving average value of the reliability of the specific candidate is included in the threshold range. The threshold range can be preset or changed by the user. The threshold range is a range between the upper threshold value C of the moving average value and the lower threshold value D of the moving average value. For example, when the state in which the moving average value of the reliability of a specific candidate is included in the threshold range continues for a period of time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition. That is, when the state in which the moving average value of the reliability of the candidate with the highest reliability is included in the threshold range continues for a period of time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the imaging condition suitable for photographing the candidate with the highest reliability.

[0070] refer to Figure 3, describing a state in which the moving average value of the reliability of a specific candidate is included in the threshold range. Figure 3 Indicates the time change of the moving average value of the reliability of cross-section identification. The horizontal axis indicates the time change. The vertical axis indicates the moving average value of the reliability of cross-section identification.

[0071] Figure 3 The moving average value of the reliability of the section α with the highest reliability changes over time. Figure 3 , the time T, the upper threshold C, the lower threshold D, and the deviation Δ are shown. For example, the deviation Δ is the deviation of the moving average value, and is about 10% of the moving average value. Of course, this value is only an example, and other values ​​may be used as the deviation Δ, or the deviation Δ may be set by the user.

[0072] The moving average value of the reliability of the section α changes greatly in the time band before the time T, but then continues to change between the upper threshold value C and the lower threshold value D within the time T. And the deviation of the moving average value is maintained within the deviation Δ. When the state in which the moving average value of the reliability of the section α is included in the threshold range (that is, between the upper threshold value C and the lower threshold value D) continues within the time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition.

[0073] Generally, it is believed that when a user such as a doctor or a laboratory technician searches for a section suitable for ultrasonic examination while taking pictures with the ultrasonic probe 12, the reliability of the section estimation is unstable. For example, during the section search, the user sometimes changes the position or angle of the ultrasonic probe 12 while taking pictures. In this case, it is believed that the change in the reliability calculated during the search process becomes larger, and the reliability is unstable. On the other hand, it is believed that when a section suitable for ultrasonic examination is taken, the user does not change the position or angle of the ultrasonic probe 12 and continues to take pictures. In this case, it is believed that the change in the reliability calculated during the shooting becomes smaller, and the reliability is stable.

[0074] For example, when the reliability of a specific candidate (e.g., section α) is within the threshold range for a period of time T, it is estimated that the reliability is stable. Similarly, when the moving average of the reliability of a specific candidate is within the threshold range for a period of time T, it is estimated that the reliability is stable. That is, it is estimated that a section suitable for ultrasonic examination is captured in these cases. Therefore, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition suitable for capturing the section. As a result, the reliability of cross-section recognition can be improved.

[0075] According to this embodiment, users such as doctors and laboratory technicians can perform ultrasonic examinations using the second ultrasonic image suitable for ultrasonic examinations. As a result, users do not need to set imaging conditions suitable for the diagnosis part, and the workload and time for setting imaging conditions can be reduced.

[0076] Hereinafter, application examples of the present embodiment will be described.

[0077] (Application example 1: abdominal aorta)

[0078] In the ultrasonic examination of the abdominal aorta, if the imaging conditions are inappropriate, the inside of the blood vessel, which is an important observation object, may not be displayed in the ultrasonic image (e.g., B-mode image) showing the cross section of the abdominal aorta due to insufficient sensitivity or the like. As a result, it is likely that the desired diagnosis will not be obtained. According to the present embodiment, when the state in which the reliability of the cross section of the abdominal aorta is included in the threshold range continues for a period of time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition suitable for photographing the cross section. Alternatively, when the state in which the moving average of the reliability of the cross section of the abdominal aorta is included in the threshold range continues for a period of time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition. The second ultrasonic image is acquired using the imaging condition suitable for photographing the abdominal aorta (e.g., the imaging condition in which the focal depth, aperture width, and gain of the transmission beam are adjusted) as the second imaging condition. For example, the focal depth is set to be deep, the aperture width is set to be wide, and the gain is set to be high. In this way, a second ultrasonic image that is highly sensitive and appropriately displays the blood vessel can be generated. In addition, a second ultrasonic image with high reliability is generated.

[0079] (Application example 2: Gallbladder)

[0080] In the ultrasonic examination of the gallbladder, the form of multiple reflections near the wall may change when the subject is thin or fat. When the degree of multiple reflections is large, the reliability of the ultrasonic image representing the gallbladder cross section may become low. As a result, the lesions inside the gallbladder may be missed. According to this embodiment, when the state in which the reliability of the gallbladder cross section is included in the threshold range continues within the time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition suitable for photographing the cross section. Alternatively, when the state in which the moving average of the reliability of the gallbladder cross section is included in the threshold range continues within the time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition. The imaging condition suitable for photographing the gallbladder (for example, the imaging condition in which the focal depth of the transmitted beam, the frequency band of the transmitted ultrasonic wave, and the image processing filter are adjusted) is used as the second imaging condition to acquire the second ultrasonic image. For example, the focal depth is set to be shallow, and the frequency band of the transmitted ultrasonic wave is set to be a narrow band. In this way, multiple reflections can be reduced and a second ultrasonic image with high reliability can be acquired.

[0081] (Application example 3: kidney, liver)

[0082] The cross section for the kidney and liver is a cross section for observing the contrast ratio of the kidney and the liver at the same depth. Depending on the imaging conditions, the display of the kidney deteriorates and the reliability of the ultrasonic image decreases. According to the present embodiment, when the state in which the reliability of the cross section of the kidney and the liver is included in the threshold range continues for a period of time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition suitable for photographing the cross section. Alternatively, when the state in which the moving average of the reliability of the cross section of the kidney and the liver is included in the threshold range continues for a period of time T, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition. The second ultrasonic image is acquired using the imaging condition suitable for photographing the kidney and the liver (for example, the imaging condition in which the apodization for reducing the side lobe, the receiving bandpass filter, the gain dynamic range and the image processing filter (for example, the smoothing filter) are adjusted) as the second imaging condition. In this way, the fine structure of the kidney can be displayed and a second ultrasonic image with high reliability can be acquired. As a result, users such as doctors or laboratory technicians can observe the contrast ratio of the kidney and the liver.

[0083] Modifications will be described below.

[0084] (Variant 1)

[0085] In Modification 1, the recognition unit 28 estimates one or more candidates of the scan cross section by executing the cross section recognition process on the second ultrasonic image, and calculates the reliability of the recognition for each candidate of the scan cross section.

[0086] The image quality adjustment unit 30 compares the reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image and the reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image. For example, the image quality adjustment unit 30 compares the highest reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image (i.e., the reliability of the cross section with the highest reliability) and the highest reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image (i.e., the reliability of the cross section with the highest reliability).

[0087] When the reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image is higher than the reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image, the image quality adjustment unit 30 outputs information indicating the second imaging condition to the transceiver 14, the image generator 16, or both the transceiver 14 and the image generator 16. The acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition.

[0088] When the reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image is less than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image, the image quality adjustment unit 30 does not change the imaging condition but maintains the imaging condition at the first imaging condition. The acquisition unit continues imaging using ultrasound according to the first imaging condition.

[0089] According to Modification 1, since an ultrasonic image is acquired under imaging conditions that can obtain higher reliability, a more appropriate ultrasonic examination can be realized.

[0090] (Variant 2)

[0091] In the second modification, the control unit 32 causes the display unit 20 to display the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image. For example, the control unit 32 displays the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image side by side on the display unit 20. The control unit 32 may also switch the display of the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image on the display unit 20. For example, if the user issues a switching instruction by operating the operation unit 22, the control unit 32 switches the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image and displays them on the display unit 20. The control unit 32 may also automatically switch the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image and display them on the display unit 20 every time a preset time passes.

[0092] The user refers to the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit 20 and selects the first imaging condition or the second imaging condition by operating the operating unit 22. The acquisition unit acquires an ultrasonic image according to the imaging condition selected by the user.

[0093] For example, the control unit 32 displays an image for selecting a first imaging condition (e.g., an icon or button image indicating the first imaging condition) and an image for selecting a second imaging condition (e.g., an icon or button image indicating the second imaging condition) side by side on the display unit 20. The user presses the icon or button image to select an imaging condition.

[0094] As another example, the user may select an imaging condition by selecting a displayed ultrasonic image, and the image quality adjustment unit 30 may accept the selection. For example, when the user selects the first ultrasonic image by operating the operation unit 22, the image quality adjustment unit 30 accepts the selection and sets the imaging condition to the first imaging condition. When the user selects the second ultrasonic image by operating the operation unit 22, the image quality adjustment unit 30 accepts the selection and sets the imaging condition to the second imaging condition. The acquisition unit acquires the ultrasonic image according to the imaging condition set by the image quality adjustment unit 30.

[0095] According to the second modification, an ultrasonic image is acquired according to the imaging conditions desired by the user, so that an ultrasonic image desired by the user is generated and presented to the user.

[0096] In addition, when the reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image is lower than the reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image, the control unit 32 may not display the second ultrasonic image on the display unit 20. In this case, if the reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image is higher than the reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image, the control unit 32 displays the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image on the display unit 20.

[0097] (Variant 3)

[0098] In the third modification, the second imaging condition is a condition related to the image processing performed by the image generator 16. The image quality adjustment unit 30 outputs information indicating the second imaging condition to the image generator 16. The image generator 16 performs image processing according to the second imaging condition on the data (e.g., received frame) acquired according to the first imaging condition, thereby generating a second ultrasonic image. The image processing performed according to the second imaging condition is image processing suitable for the estimated cross section, for example, image processing in which an image processing filter (e.g., smoothing filter) is adjusted.

[0099] According to the third modification, the second ultrasonic image can be acquired simply by changing the image processing conditions using the data acquired under the first imaging conditions.

[0100] The image generation unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 can be implemented by hardware resources such as a processor or an electronic circuit, and in the implementation, a device such as a memory can be used as needed. In addition, the image generation unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 can be implemented by a computer, for example. That is, the image generation unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 can be implemented in whole or in part by the cooperation of hardware resources such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a memory possessed by the computer and software (program) that specifies the operation of the CPU, etc. The program is stored in the storage unit 24 or other storage devices of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 through a storage medium such as a CD or DVD, or through a communication path such as a network. As another example, the image generation unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 can also 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) etc. may also be used. The image generation unit 16 , the display processing unit 18 , the analysis unit 26 , and the control unit 32 may be realized by a single device or by a plurality of devices.

[0101] In addition, the functions of the image generating unit 16 , the display processing unit 18 , the analyzing unit 26 , and the control unit 32 may be performed by a device other than the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 (eg, a personal computer or a server).

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that: include: an acquisition unit that acquires a first ultrasonic image of the subject according to a first imaging condition; and a recognition unit that performs a process of recognizing a cross section on the first ultrasonic image and calculates a reliability of the recognition, When the state in which the reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a preset time, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject under a second imaging condition that is different from the first imaging condition and corresponds to the identified cross section.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition when the state in which the reliability is within the threshold range continues for a preset time.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition when the moving average value of the reliability continues to be within a threshold range for a preset time.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The reliability is the reliability of identification with respect to the cross section for which the highest reliability is obtained.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The recognition unit further performs a process of recognizing a cross section on the second ultrasonic image and calculates a reliability of the recognition. When the reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image is higher than the reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image, the acquisition unit further acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the reliability calculated based on the second ultrasonic image is equal to or lower than the reliability calculated based on the first ultrasonic image, the acquisition unit further continues ultrasonic imaging according to the first imaging condition.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a control unit that displays the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image on a display, The acquisition unit acquires an ultrasonic image according to an imaging condition selected by a user from among the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The second photographing condition is a condition related to image processing. The acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image by performing image processing according to the second imaging condition on the data acquired according to the first imaging condition.

9. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires a first ultrasonic image of the subject according to a first imaging condition; and The recognition means performs a process of recognizing a cross section on the first ultrasonic image and calculates a reliability of the recognition, When the state in which the reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a preset time, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject under a second imaging condition that is different from the first imaging condition and corresponds to the identified cross section.

Images