Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, image managing system, image output method, and program

Abstract

To reduce a load of selection input of image data of an output object to a plurality of output destinations and prevent omission, missing, and error of selection.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a selection unit for selecting output destinations of a plurality of pieces of image data from a plurality of output destinations, and a display unit. A first output destination is selected for first output object image data in information display regions 610A and 620A by the selection unit, and a second output destination is selected for second output object image data in the information display region 610A and 640A. Before the first output object image data and the second output object image data are output, the display unit displays the output destinations selected by the selection unit as buttons 614A, 624A, 615A, and 645A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image management system, an image output method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that uses an ultrasonic probe to irradiate ultrasonic waves into the inside of a subject, receives and analyzes the reflected waves, and displays an ultrasonic image of the inside of the subject. The subject is, for example, a living body of a patient.

[0003] The ultrasound diagnostic device can save the displayed ultrasound image as saved image data. The ultrasound diagnostic device displays a review screen (a screen for viewing saved images). The review screen includes a list of saved images of saved image data. Users such as doctors and technicians can view the list of saved images. On the review screen, the user can select and input an image to be output from the list of saved images, and output the image to be output to an external output destination (external server, media). The media is a storage medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, a Compact Disc-Recordable (CD-R), or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)-R.

[0004] Also, a medical image management device is known that stores and manages image data of medical images generated by an ultrasound diagnostic device or the like (see Patent Document 1). The medical image management device displays a viewing screen having a list of patients and accepts selection input of one or more patients from the user. The medical image management device displays a dialog and accepts selection input of a transmission destination (general-purpose PC (Personal Computer), printer) or a writing destination (media). The medical image management device reads out the image data of the selected patient and outputs it to the selected transmission destination and writing destination simultaneously. The patient image data that is output is the same for each transmission destination and writing destination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-189550 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In some cases, ultrasound examinations may involve the involvement of multiple medical departments in a single examination. Examples of such cases include breast + heart (obstetrics and gynecology + cardiology) and heart + abdomen (cardiology + gastroenterology). In these cases, the server that manages the images may differ for each medical department. Also, the server that manages the images may differ depending on the type of image (video, still images, etc.).

[0007] However, the conventional medical image management device described above requires the selected image data to be output for each output destination (transmission destination, writing destination), which is inconvenient because it is not possible to complete the image selection and output operation in one go.

[0008] Here, consider a case where the 11th to 14th image data are output. Specifically, assume that the 11th and 13th image data are transmitted to a first server, and the 12th and 14th image data are transmitted to a second server. A conventional medical image management device displays a viewing screen and accepts a selection input from a user of the 11th and 13th image data to be output and the first server to which the data is to be transmitted. The medical image management device then transmits the selected 11th and 13th image data to the first server.

[0009] Next, the conventional medical image management device accepts selection input from the user of the image data to be next output and the transmission destination. However, at this point, the selection status of the image data corresponding to the first server is not displayed. The user does not know the selection status. This places a heavy burden on the user to select and input the image data to be next output. Also, there is a risk of omissions or errors in the output of image data.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden of selecting and inputting image data to be output to a plurality of output destinations, and to prevent omissions and mistakes in selection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the invention described in claim 1 comprises: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a selection unit that selects an output destination of a plurality of image data from a plurality of output destinations, The device is provided with a display unit that, when the selection unit selects a first output destination for first output target image data and a second output destination for second output target image data, displays the output destination selected by the selection unit before outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data.

[0012] The invention described in claim 2 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, The display unit displays a correspondence relationship between the first output destination and the first output target image data, and a correspondence relationship between the second output destination and the second output target image data so as to be easily understood.

[0013] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the invention described in claim 3 comprises: a selection section that allows a first output destination to be selected for the first output target image data and a second output destination to be selected for the second output target image data on one display screen; An instruction unit that issues an instruction to output the first output target image data and the second output target image data; and an output section that outputs the first output target image data and the second output target image data to the first output destination or the second output destination based on the output instruction.

[0014] The invention described in claim 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 3, a display unit that displays an ultrasound image of the output target image data in an ultrasound image display area; The display unit displays a selection state of the first output destination or the second output destination in the ultrasound image display area or in a location adjacent to the ultrasound image display area.

[0015] The invention described in claim 5 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 3, a display unit that displays an ultrasound image of the output target image data in an ultrasound image display area; The display unit displays a selection state of the first output destination or the second output destination in an area of ​​the ultrasound image display area in which the ultrasound image is not displayed.

[0016] The invention described in claim 6 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in claim 3, A display unit that displays an operation means; a setting unit for setting attribute information of an image of image data selected as image data to be output and an output destination of the image data selected as the image data to be output to the operation means; The device is equipped with an automatic selection unit that, when the operation means is selected, automatically selects, all at once, ultrasound image data corresponding to the set attribute information and output destination from among the ultrasound images of one examination.

[0017] The image management system of the invention described in claim 7 comprises: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The first output destination or the second output destination.

[0018] The image output method of the invention according to claim 8 comprises: 1. An image management method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a selection unit that selects an output destination of a plurality of image data from a plurality of output destinations, comprising: The method includes a display process for displaying the output destination selected by the selection unit before outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data when the selection unit selects a first output destination for the first output target image data and a second output destination for the second output target image data.

[0019] The image output method of the invention according to claim 9 comprises: a selection step of selecting a first output destination for the first output target image data and selecting a second output destination for the second output target image data on one display screen; An instruction unit that issues an instruction to output the first output target image data and the second output target image data; and an output step of outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data to the first output destination or the second output destination based on the output instruction.

[0020] The program of the invention according to claim 10 comprises: A computer of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having a selection unit for selecting an output destination of a plurality of image data from a plurality of output destinations, When the selection unit selects a first output destination for the first output target image data and a second output destination for the second output target image data, the selection unit functions as a display unit that displays the output destination selected by the selection unit before outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data.

[0021] The program of the invention described in claim 11 comprises: Computer, a selection section that allows a first output destination to be selected for the first output target image data and a second output destination to be selected for the second output target image data on one display screen; An instruction unit that issues an instruction to output the first output target image data and the second output target image data; The image processing unit functions as an output unit that outputs the first output target image data and the second output target image data to the first output destination or the second output destination based on the output instruction. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden of selecting and inputting image data to be output to a plurality of output destinations, and to prevent omissions and mistakes in selection. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing a first image output process. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a review screen according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 illustrates an image management table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a review screen of the first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a review screen of the second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a review screen of the third modified example. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a button setting process. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a button setting screen. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a second image output process. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart showing the second image output process continued from FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 illustrates a review screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 illustrates an image management table according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, the first embodiment, the first to third modifications, and the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail in this order with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0025] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. First, the device configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image management system 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0026] 1, the image management system 100 is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital, etc. The image management system 100 is a system that manages medical image data such as ultrasound image data.

[0027] The image management system 100 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and servers 40 and 50. The devices of the image management system 100 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data with each other via a communication network N. The communication network N is a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

[0028] The servers 40, 50 are image management devices of a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). The servers 40, 50 receive, store, and manage ultrasound image data generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. The servers 40, 50 store image data having different image attributes. The image attribute is at least one of the location (the location of the subject being photographed (scanned)), the type of image (image data), and the medical department. The image type is, for example, a video or a still image.

[0029] Specifically, for example, the server 40 stores ultrasound image data whose part is the heart, regardless of the type of image. The server 50 stores ultrasound image data whose part is a moving image, regardless of the part of the image. However, the number of servers in the image management system 100 and the image attributes of the ultrasound image data stored by each server are not limited to the above example.

[0030] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 is assumed to be shared and used by multiple departments in a medical facility, for example, and to generate ultrasound image data of various examination sites of a subject.

[0031] The image management system 100 may be configured to be connected to an examination device of a modality other than the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. The examination device may be an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging device), a CT (computed tomography device), a DR (digital X-ray device), etc. In this configuration, the servers 40 and 50 also manage image data of each of the examination devices.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1 and an ultrasound probe 2. The ultrasound probe 2 is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1. The ultrasound probe 2 transmits ultrasound (transmitted ultrasound) into a subject, and receives reflected waves of the ultrasound (reflected ultrasound: echo) reflected within the subject. The ultrasound probe 2 includes an ultrasound probe main body 21, a cable 22, and a connector 23. The ultrasound probe main body 21 is a header part of the ultrasound probe 2, and transmits and receives ultrasound. The cable 22 is connected to the ultrasound probe main body 21 and the connector 23, and is a cable through which a drive signal for the ultrasound probe main body 21 and a reception signal of ultrasound flow. The connector 23 is a plug connector for connecting to a receptacle connector (not shown) of the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 1.

[0033] The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 is connected to the ultrasound probe body 21 via a connector 23 and a cable 22. The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 transmits an electric drive signal to the ultrasound probe body 21, causing the ultrasound probe body 21 to transmit ultrasound to the subject. The ultrasound probe 2 generates a reception signal, which is an electric signal, in response to the reflected ultrasound from within the subject and received by the ultrasound probe body 21. The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 images the internal state of the subject as ultrasound image data based on the reception signal generated by the ultrasound probe 2.

[0034] The ultrasonic probe body 21 has a transducer 2a at the tip side. The transducers 2a are arranged in a one-dimensional array in the azimuth direction (scanning direction), for example. The transducers 2a may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. The number of transducers 2a can be set arbitrarily. In the present embodiment, an electronic scanning probe of a convex scanning type is adopted as the ultrasonic probe 2. However, the ultrasonic probe 2 may be either an electronic scanning type or a mechanical scanning type. The ultrasonic probe 2 may be either a linear scanning type, a sector scanning type, or a convex scanning type. The ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1 and the ultrasonic probe 2 may be configured to communicate wirelessly instead of by wire via the cable 22. The wireless communication is, for example, UWB (Ultra Wide Band).

[0035] The ultrasonic diagnostic device main body 1 includes an operation input unit 11, a transmission unit 12, a reception unit 13, an image generation unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a display control unit 16, an operation display unit 17, a control unit 18, a storage unit 19, a communication unit 31, and a connection unit 32a. The control unit 18 functions as a selection unit, a display unit, an instruction unit, an output unit, and an automatic selection unit.

[0036] The operation input unit 11 has operation elements such as a push button, an encoder, a lever switch, a joystick, a trackball, a keyboard, a touch pad, a multifunction switch, etc. The operation input unit 11 accepts operation input from a user to each operation element, and outputs the operation information to the control unit 18.

[0037] The transmitting unit 12 supplies a driving signal, which is an electric signal, to the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the control unit 18, to cause the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate a transmission ultrasonic wave. The transmitting unit 12 includes, for example, a clock generating circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generating circuit. The clock generating circuit generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the driving signal. The delay circuit sets a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 2a, and delays the transmission of the driving signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses a transmission beam formed by the transmission ultrasonic wave by the delay. The pulse generating circuit generates a pulse signal as a driving signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 12 generates a transmission ultrasonic wave by driving, for example, a continuous part (for example, 64 pieces) of a plurality of transducers 2a (for example, 192 pieces) arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2. Then, the transmitting unit 12 scans by shifting the driven transducer 2a in the azimuth direction (scanning direction) every time a transmission ultrasonic wave is generated.

[0038] The receiving unit 13 receives a received signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the control unit 18. The receiving unit 13 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phasing and summing circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal by a preset amplification factor for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 2a. The A / D conversion circuit performs analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion) of the amplified received signal. The phasing and summing circuit adjusts the time phase by providing a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 2a to the A / D converted received signal, and adds these (phasing and summing) to generate sound ray data.

[0039] The image generating unit 14 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, and the like on the sound ray data from the receiving unit 13 under the control of the control unit 18, and performs brightness conversion by adjusting the dynamic range and gain. The image generating unit 14 generates B (Brightness) mode image data consisting of pixels having brightness values ​​as reception energy through the brightness conversion. In other words, the B mode image data represents the strength of the reception signal by brightness. Note that the image generating unit 14 may be configured to generate image data of other image modes than B mode, such as M (Motion) mode and color Doppler mode.

[0040] The image processing unit 15 has an image memory unit 15a. The image memory unit 15a is composed of a semiconductor memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The image processing unit 15 stores the B-mode image data input from the image generating unit 14 in the image memory unit 15a in units of frames according to the control of the control unit 18. The B-mode image data in units of frames is sometimes called ultrasonic image data. The image processing unit 15 transmits the ultrasonic image data stored in the image memory unit 15a to the display control unit 16 for one frame at a time every predetermined time according to the control of the control unit 18. The image memory unit 15a is composed of a large-capacity memory capable of holding, for example, about 10 seconds of frame image data. The image memory unit 15a holds the ultrasonic image data for the most recent 10 seconds by a first-in first-out (FIFO) method.

[0041] The display control unit 16 performs processing such as coordinate conversion on the B-mode image data input from the image processing unit 15 under the control of the control unit 18 to convert the image data into an image signal for display. The display control unit 16 outputs the image signal to the operation display unit 17.

[0042] The operation display unit 17 has a display unit 17a and a touch panel 17b. The display unit 17a has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 17a displays an ultrasound image on the display panel according to an image signal output from the display control unit 16 under the control of the control unit 18. The display unit 17a also displays various display information input from the control unit 18 on the display panel.

[0043] Touch panel 17b is a capacitive touch panel that is integrally provided on the display surface of display unit 17a. Touch panel 17b receives touch input from a user and outputs touch operation information to control unit 18. Touch panel 17b is not limited to a capacitive touch panel, and may be of another type, such as a resistive film type.

[0044] The control unit 18 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The control unit 18 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM, expands them in the RAM, and controls each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 in cooperation with the expanded programs and the CPU. The ROM is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor. The ROM stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10, various processing programs executable on the system program, and various data such as a gamma table. These programs are stored in the RAM in the form of computer-readable program codes. In particular, the ROM stores a first image output program for executing a first image output process described later. The CPU sequentially executes operations according to the program code on the RAM. The RAM forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

[0045] The storage unit 19 is a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores information such as ultrasound image data in a writable and readable manner.

[0046] The communication unit 31 is connected to the communication network N. The communication unit 31 includes a network card and the like. The control unit 18 transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as servers 40 and 50 connected to the communication network N via the communication unit 31.

[0047] The connection unit 32a is a port to which a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 32 serving as a medium is connected. The USB memory 32 is a portable semiconductor memory that stores information such as ultrasound image data in a writable and readable manner. The control unit 18 transmits and receives information to and from the connected USB memory 32 via the connection unit 32a.

[0048] Although the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 is configured to include a connection unit 32a capable of reading and writing information from and to a USB memory 32 as a medium, the present invention is not limited to this. The medium may be other storage media such as an optical disk (CD-R, DVD-R). In this case, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 includes a drive unit capable of reading and writing information from and to an optical disk.

[0049] For each unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, a part or all of the functions of each functional block can be realized as a hardware circuit such as an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is, for example, an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC (Integrated Circuit), a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI. The method of integration is not limited to LSI. The integration may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor, or may use a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI. Each unit may execute a part or all of the functions of the functional blocks by software. In this case, the software is stored in one or more storage media such as a ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk. The arithmetic processor of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 reads the software from the storage medium and executes it.

[0050] Next, the operation of the image management system 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the first image output process. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a review screen 600A. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an image management table 500A.

[0051] A first image output process executed by the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 in the image management system 100 will be described. The first image output process is a process of receiving a selection operation of ultrasound image data to be output and its output destination, and outputting the selected ultrasound image data to the selected output destination. The ultrasound image data to be output is selected from ultrasound image data stored in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. In this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, an example will be described in which the output destination of the ultrasound image data is the server 40 or 50. However, the output destination may also include a medium (USB memory 32).

[0052] It is assumed that the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 has scanned a patient and acquired ultrasound image data in advance, in response to an operation by a user such as a doctor. The ultrasound image data acquired by the scan is stored (saved) in the storage unit 19. Here, an example will be described in which the storage unit 19 stores four sets of ultrasound image data. However, the number of sets of ultrasound image data stored in the storage unit 19 may be more than four.

[0053] In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10, a user inputs an instruction to execute a first image output process via the operation input unit 11 or the touch panel 17b. This input triggers the control unit 18 to execute the first image output process in accordance with the first image output program stored in the ROM.

[0054] 3, first, the control unit 18 displays a review screen on the display unit 17a based on the ultrasound image data stored in the storage unit 19 (step S11). In step S11, for example, a review screen 600A shown in FIG.

[0055] The review screen 600A has information display areas 610A, 620A, 630A, 640A, and a button display area 650A. The information display area 610A is an area that displays information about ultrasound image data having an image No. of "1" as identification information among the ultrasound image data stored in the storage unit 19. The ultrasound image data having an image No. of "1" is referred to as "first image data."

[0056] Similarly, information display area 620A is an area that displays information about ultrasound image data with image No. "2." Ultrasound image data with image No. "2" is referred to as the "second image data." Similarly, information display area 630A displays information about ultrasound image data with image No. "3." Similarly, information display area 640A is an area that displays information about ultrasound image data with image No. "4." Ultrasound image data with image No. "4" is referred to as the "fourth image data."

[0057] For example, the image type of the first image data is assumed to be a "video". The part of the subject in the first image data is assumed to be the "heart". The image type of the second image data is assumed to be a "still image". The part of the subject in the second image data is assumed to be the "heart". The image type of the third image data is assumed to be a "still image". The part of the subject in the third image data is assumed to be the "heart". The image type of the fourth image data is assumed to be a "still image". The part of the subject in the fourth image data is assumed to be the "heart".

[0058] The information display area 610A has a text information display area 611, an image display area 612, and buttons 614A and 615A. The text information display area 611 is an area for displaying text information related to the first image data. The image display area 612 is an area for displaying an ultrasound image of the first image data.

[0059] Button 614A is a button that accepts touch input for selecting server 40 as the output destination of the first image data. Button 615A is a button that accepts touch input for selecting server 50 as the output destination of the first image data. Buttons 614A and 615A are displayed superimposed on the boundary between text information display area 611 and image display area 612. Buttons 614A and 615A are arranged in different colors. For example, button 614A is green. For example, button 615A is blue. When buttons 614A and 615A are touched, a check mark indicating selection is added, and when touched again, the check mark is removed.

[0060] The information display area 620A has a text information display area 621 and an image display area 622 corresponding to the second image data, and buttons 624A and 625A. The information display area 630A has a text information display area 631 and an image display area 632 corresponding to the second image data, and buttons 634A and 635A. The information display area 640A has a text information display area 641 and an image display area 642 corresponding to the fourth image data, and buttons 644A and 645A.

[0061] The button 624A is a button that accepts a touch input for selecting the server 40 as the output destination of the second image data. The button 625A is a button that accepts a touch input for selecting the server 50 as the output destination of the second image data. The button 634A is a button that accepts a touch input for selecting the server 40 as the output destination of the third image data. The button 635A is a button that accepts a touch input for selecting the server 50 as the output destination of the third image data. The button 644A is a button that accepts a touch input for selecting the server 40 as the output destination of the fourth image data. The button 645A is a button that accepts a touch input for selecting the server 50 as the output destination of the fourth image data. For example, the buttons 614A, 624A, 634A, and 644A are arranged in the same color. For example, the buttons 615A, 625A, 635A, and 645A are arranged in the same color.

[0062] Button display area 650A is an area that displays a plurality of buttons for various functions, and in particular has image output button 651. Image output button 651 is a button that accepts touch inputs for deciding the output destination and executing output of the first to fourth image data.

[0063] 3, the control unit 18 determines whether the output destination from the user via the touch panel 17b is a selection input to the server 40 (step S12). In step S12, the target of the selection input is the button 614A, 624A, 634A or 644A.

[0064] When there is a selection input from the server 40 (step S12; YES), the control unit 18 updates the image management table on the RAM (step S13). When step S13 is executed for the first time, the control unit 18 creates an image management table based on the supplementary information of the ultrasound image data stored in the storage unit 19, and stores the image management table in the RAM. For example, an image management table 500A shown in FIG. 5 is generated.

[0065] Image management table 500A is an information table that stores information on attributes and output destinations for each ultrasound image data to be output. Image management table 500A has columns for image No. 501, image type 502 as attribute information of the image, body part 503, and servers 504 and 505 as output destinations.

[0066] Image No. 501 is an identification number of the ultrasound image data. Image type 502 is the image type (moving image or still image) of the ultrasound image data of image No. 501. Location 503 is the location of the subject of the ultrasound image data of image No. 501. Server 504 is information indicating whether the ultrasound image data of image No. 501 is to be output to the output destination server 40. Server 505 is information indicating whether the ultrasound image data of image No. 501 is to be output to the output destination server 50.

[0067] When step S13 is executed for the first time, control unit 18 sets information in the fields of each record based on the supplementary information of each ultrasonic image data stored in storage unit 19. The fields to be set are image No. 501, image type 502, and region 503.

[0068] In step S13, the control unit 18 updates the server 504 of the selected ultrasound image data based on the button selected and input in step S12. The selected button is button 614A, 624A, 634A, or 645A. The control unit 18 displays the button selected and input in step S12 in a selected state (check mark) (step S14).

[0069] The control unit 18 determines whether the output destination from the user via the touch panel 17b is a selection input to the server 50 (step S15). In step S15, the selection input is targeted for the buttons 615A, 625A, 635A, or 645A. If there is no selection input to the server 40 (step S12; NO), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0070] If there is a selection input of the server 50 (step S15; YES), the control unit 18 updates the image management table on the RAM (step S16). In step S16, the control unit 18 updates the image management table by setting the server 505 of the selected ultrasound image data as the output target based on the button selected and input in step S15. The control unit 18 displays the button selected and input in step S12 in a selected state (check mark) (step S17).

[0071] The control unit 18 determines whether or not there is an image output operation by the user touching the image output button 651 via the touch panel 17b (step S18). If there is no selection input from the server 50 (step S15; NO), the process proceeds to step S18. If there is an image output operation (step S18; YES), the control unit 18 outputs the ultrasound image data to be output to the output destination based on the image management table 500A (step S19). In step S19, the ultrasound image data for which the server 504 is the "output target" is transmitted to the server 40 via the communication unit 31. Similarly, the ultrasound image data for which the server 505 is the "output target" is transmitted to the server 50.

[0072] In response to step S19, the server 40 receives image data to be output by the own device from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and stores the received image data in a storage unit of the own device. Similarly, the server 50 receives image data to be output by the own device from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and stores the received image data in a storage unit of the own device.

[0073] The control unit 18 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to end the first image output process via the operation input unit 11 or the touch panel 17b (step S20). If there has been no operation to end the first image output process (step S20; NO), the process proceeds to step S12. If there has been an operation to end the first image output process (step S20; YES), the first image output process ends.

[0074] In the example of the review screen 600A, the buttons 614A to 645A identify the selection state of the image for each output destination. The buttons 614A, 624A, 634A, and 644A can select the server 40 as the output destination for the first to fourth image data. The buttons 615A, 625A, 635A, and 645A can select the server 50 as the output destination for the first to fourth image data. There are also cases where the selection state of the output destination in which a different output destination (server 40, 50) is selected for each image data, such as the first image data, can be displayed. In this way, the selection state of multiple output destinations (servers 40, 50) for image data can be referred to on the same screen. Furthermore, when one output destination is selected for one image data, output destinations other than the selected output destination can also be selected.

[0075] In addition, image data to be output can be selected for each of a plurality of output destinations. A single output operation using the image output button 651 can complete the simultaneous output of a plurality of image data to a plurality of output destinations.

[0076] Moreover, image display areas 612-642 as ultrasound image display areas are areas where ultrasound images can be displayed. Buttons 614A-645A are arranged in locations adjacent to the image display areas 612-642. These adjacent locations are locations where the correspondence with the ultrasound images can be seen. In this embodiment, these adjacent locations are positions on the boundaries between the text information display areas 611-641 and the image display areas 612-642.

[0077] As described above, according to this embodiment, the image management system 100 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and servers 40 and 50. The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 includes a touch panel 17b, a display unit 17a, and a control unit 18. The control unit 18 selects an output destination of a plurality of image data from a plurality of output destinations using the touch panel 17b. The control unit 18 selects a first output destination for the first output target image data. The control unit 18 selects a second output destination for the second output target image data. In this case, the display unit 17a and the control unit 18 display the selected output destination before outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data.

[0078] This reduces the burden of selecting and inputting image data to be output to multiple output destinations. Furthermore, since the selected state of the output destination can be visually confirmed, it is possible to prevent omissions and mistakes in the selection of image data and output destinations.

[0079] The display unit 17a and the control unit 18 display buttons 614A to 645A so that the corresponding relationship between the output destination and the output target image data can be known. The corresponding relationships are the corresponding relationship between the server 40 and the first and second image data, and the corresponding relationship between the server 50 and the first and fourth image data. Therefore, the user can reliably recognize the corresponding relationship between the output destination and the output target image data.

[0080] The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 also includes a touch panel 17b and a control unit 18. The control unit 18 allows the user to select a first output destination for the first output target image data and a second output destination for the second output target image data on one display screen using the touch panel 17b. The control unit 18 issues an instruction to output the first output target image data and the second output target image data using the touch panel 17b. The control unit 18 outputs the first output target image data and the second output target image data to the first output destination or the second output destination based on the output instruction.

[0081] This reduces the burden of selecting and inputting image data to be output to multiple output destinations, and prevents omissions and mistakes in the selection of image data and output destinations. In particular, it eliminates the risk of selecting the wrong image data when sending multiple image data simultaneously. For example, with the conventional procedure of selecting image data → sending to server 40 → selecting image data → sending to server 50, there is a possibility of selecting the wrong image data. In other words, it eliminates the mistake of sending image data that is scheduled to be sent only to server 50, but server 40 also makes the same settings.

[0082] The display unit 17a and the control unit 18 display the ultrasound images of the output target image data in the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642. The display unit 17a and the control unit 18 display the selection status of the output destination by the buttons 614A to 645A in a location adjacent to the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642. The location adjacent to the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642 is the boundary between the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642 and the text information display area. Therefore, the buttons 614A to 645A do not overlap the ultrasound image, so the user can check the image to be selected while checking the ultrasound image. The user can refer to the image selection status for each output destination. The user can intuitively select the output destination near the image by the buttons 614A to 645A. The user can select and refer to the output destination without disturbing the image visibility.

[0083] Furthermore, the control unit 18 accepts the selection operation of image data and output destination from the user via the touch panel 17b on the review screen. This makes it easier to operate by touch operation. The control unit 18 may be configured to accept the operation from the user via the operation input unit 11 on the review screen, etc.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 18 colors the buttons 614A to 645A according to the output destination. This allows the user to easily and reliably recognize the output destination of the image data to be output (selection state of the output destination) without impairing image visibility.

[0085] (First Modification) A first modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a review screen 600B. In this modified example, in the first image output process of the first embodiment, the review screen 600B shown in Fig. 6 is displayed in step S11.

[0086] The review screen 600B has information display areas 610B, 620B, 630B, 640B, and a button display area 650B. The information display area 610B has a text information display area 611 and an image display area 612. The information display area 620B has a text information display area 621 and an image display area 622. The information display area 630B has a text information display area 631 and an image display area 632. The information display area 640B has a text information display area 641 and an image display area 642.

[0087] Frames 614B and 615B can be displayed in the information display area 610B. The frame 614B is a frame indicating the selection state of the server 40 as the output destination of the first image data. The frame 615B is a frame indicating the selection state of the server 50 as the output destination of the first image data. Frames 624B and 625B can be displayed in the information display area 620B. The frame 624B is a frame indicating the selection state of the server 40 as the output destination of the second image data. The frame 625B is a frame indicating the selection state of the server 50 as the output destination of the second image data. Frames 634B and 635B can be displayed in the information display area 630B. The frame 634B is a frame indicating the selection state of the server 40 as the output destination of the third image data. The frame 635B is a frame indicating the selection state of the server 50 as the output destination of the third image data. Frames 644B and 645B can be displayed in the information display area 640B. A frame 644B is a frame indicating the selection state of the server 40 as the output destination of the fourth image data. A frame 645B is a frame indicating the selection state of the server 50 as the output destination of the fourth image data.

[0088] The button display area 650B is an area that displays a plurality of buttons for various functions, and has an image output button 651. The button display area 650B can display server buttons 654 and 655. The server button 654 is a button that accepts a selection input of the server 40 as an output destination of the ultrasound image data of the information display areas 610B, 620B, 630B, and 640B. For example, when the information display areas 610B and 620B are touched, the first image data and the second image data are selected. After the image data are selected, the server buttons 654 and 655 are displayed. When the server button 654 is touched, the server 40 is selected as an output destination of the selected first image data and second image data. Frames 614B and 624B are displayed according to the selection state of the server 40 as the output destination of the first image data and the second image data. The server buttons 654 and 655 are erased.

[0089] The server button 655 is a button that accepts a selection input of the server 50 as an output destination of the ultrasound image data of the information display areas 610B, 620B, 630B, and 640B. For example, when the information display areas 610B and 640B are touched, the first image data and the fourth image data are selected. After the image data are selected, the server buttons 654 and 655 are displayed. When the server button 655 is touched, the server 50 is selected as an output destination of the selected first image data and the fourth image data. Frames 615B and 645B are displayed according to the selection state of the server 50 as the output destination of the first image data and the fourth image data. The server buttons 654 and 655 are erased. The server buttons 654 and 655 are arranged in different colors from each other. For example, the server button 654 is green. For example, the server button 655 is blue. For example, the frames 614B and 624B are arranged in the same color as the server button 654. For example, the frames 615B and 645B are colored the same color as the server button 655.

[0090] In step S12 of the first image output process, it is determined whether or not at least one of the information display areas 610B, 620B, 630B, 640B and the server button 654 have been touched. In step S13, the server 504 to which the ultrasound image data selected and input in step S12 is to be output is updated to the output target. In step S14, a frame (at least one of the frames 614B, 624B, 634B, 644B) corresponding to the ultrasound image data selected and input in step S12 is displayed.

[0091] In step S15, it is determined whether or not at least one of the information display areas 610B, 620B, 630B, and 640B and the server button 655 have been touched. In step S16, the server 505 to which the ultrasound image data selected and input in step S15 is to be output is updated to the output target. In step S17, a frame (at least one of the frames 615B, 625B, 635B, and 645B) corresponding to the ultrasound image data selected and input in step S15 is displayed.

[0092] Frames 614B to 645B are disposed in locations adjacent to image display areas 612 to 642. In this modification, the adjacent locations are positions on the boundaries between text information display areas 611 to 641 and other areas.

[0093] As described above, according to this modification, the display unit 17a and the control unit 18 display the selection status of the output destination by using the frames 614B to 645B in a location adjacent to the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642. The location adjacent to the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642 is the boundary between the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642 and other areas. Therefore, the frames 614B to 645B do not overlap with the ultrasound image, so that the user can check the image to be selected while checking the ultrasound image. The user can refer to the image selection status for each output destination. The frames 614B to 645B allow the user to intuitively select an output destination near the image. The user can select and refer to the output destination without interfering with image visibility.

[0094] (Second Modification) A second modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a review screen 600C. In this modified example, in the first image output process of the first embodiment, the review screen 600C shown in Fig. 7 is displayed in step S11.

[0095] The review screen 600C has information display areas 610C, 620C, 630C, 640C, and a button display area 650C. The information display area 610C has a character information display area 611, an image display area 612, and buttons 614C and 615C. The information display area 620C has a character information display area 621, an image display area 622, and buttons 624C and 625C. The information display area 630C has a character information display area 631, an image display area 632, and buttons 634C and 635C. The information display area 640C has a character information display area 641, an image display area 642, and buttons 644C and 645C. The button display area 650C is an area that displays a plurality of buttons for various functions, and has an image output button 651.

[0096] Button 614C is disposed at the left end of character information display area 611. Button 615C is disposed at the right end of character information display area 611. Buttons 614C and 615C have the same functions as buttons 614A and 615A in FIG. 4. Button 624C is disposed at the left end of character information display area 621. Button 625C is disposed at the right end of character information display area 621. Buttons 624C and 625C have the same functions as buttons 624A and 625A in FIG. 4. Button 634C is disposed at the left end of character information display area 631. Button 635C is disposed at the right end of character information display area 631. Buttons 634C and 635C have the same functions as buttons 634A and 635A in FIG. 4. Button 644C is disposed at the left end of character information display area 641. Button 645C is disposed at the right end of text information display area 641. Buttons 644C and 645C have the same functions as buttons 644A and 645A in FIG.

[0097] In step S12 of the first image output process, it is determined whether or not touch input has been made to button 614C, 624C, 634C, or 644C. In step S13, the server 504 to which the ultrasound image data selected and input in step S12 is to be output is updated to the output target. In step S14, a check mark is displayed on the button 614C, 624C, 634C, or 644C selected and input in step S12.

[0098] In step S15, it is determined whether or not touch input has been made to button 615C, 625C, 635C, or 645C. In step S16, the server 505 to which the ultrasound image data selected and input in step S15 is to be output is updated to the output target. In step S17, a check mark is displayed on the button 615C, 625C, 635C, or 645C selected and input in step S15.

[0099] The buttons 614C to 645C do not overlap with the ultrasound images in the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642. This allows the buttons 614C to 645C to not interfere with the display of the ultrasound images, improving the visibility of the ultrasound images. The user can select and input the buttons 614C to 645C while clearly viewing the ultrasound images.

[0100] Buttons 614C to 645C are arranged in locations adjacent to image display areas 612 to 642. In this modification, the adjacent locations are text information display areas 611 to 641.

[0101] As described above, according to this modification, the display unit 17a and the control unit 18 display the selection status of the output destination by the buttons 614C to 645C in a location adjacent to the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642. The adjacent locations are the text information display areas 611, 621, 631, and 641. Therefore, the buttons 614C to 645C do not overlap the ultrasound image. Therefore, the user can check the image to be selected while checking the ultrasound image. The user can refer to the image selection status for each output destination. The user can intuitively select the output destination near the image by the buttons 614C to 645C. The user can select and refer to the output destination without interfering with the image visibility.

[0102] (Third Modification) The third modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a review screen 600D. In this modified example, in the first image output process of the first embodiment, the review screen 600D shown in Fig. 8 is displayed in step S11.

[0103] The review screen 600D has information display areas 610D, 620D, 630D, 640D, and a button display area 650D. The information display area 610D has a character information display area 611, an image display area 612, and buttons 614D and 615D. The information display area 620D has a character information display area 621, an image display area 622, and buttons 624D and 625D. The information display area 630D has a character information display area 631, an image display area 632, and buttons 634D and 635D. The information display area 640D has a character information display area 641, an image display area 642, and buttons 644D and 645D. The button display area 650D is an area that displays a plurality of buttons for various functions, and has an image output button 651.

[0104] The button 614D is disposed at the upper left end of the image display area 612. The button 615D is disposed at the upper right end of the image display area 612. The buttons 614D and 615D have the same functions as the buttons 614A and 615A in FIG. 4. The button 624D is disposed at the upper left end of the image display area 622. The button 625D is disposed at the upper right end of the image display area 622. The buttons 624D and 625D have the same functions as the buttons 624A and 625A in FIG. 4. The button 634D is disposed at the upper left end of the image display area 632. The button 635D is disposed at the upper right end of the image display area 632. The buttons 634D and 635D have the same functions as the buttons 634A and 635A in FIG. 4. The button 644D is disposed at the upper left end of the image display area 642. The button 645D is disposed at the upper right corner of the image display area 642. The buttons 644D and 645D have the same functions as the buttons 644A and 645A in FIG.

[0105] In step S12 of the first image output process, it is determined whether or not the button 614D, 624D, 634D, or 644D has been touched. In step S13, the server 504 to which the ultrasound image data selected and input in step S12 is to be output is updated to the output target. In step S14, a check mark is displayed on the button 614D, 624D, 634D, or 644D selected and input in step S12.

[0106] In step S15, it is determined whether or not touch input has been made to button 615D, 625D, 635D, or 645D. In step S16, the server 505 to which the ultrasound image data selected and input in step S15 is to be output is updated to the output target. In step S17, a check mark is displayed on the button 615D, 625D, 635D, or 645D selected and input in step S15.

[0107] The buttons 614D to 645D do not overlap with the fan-shaped ultrasound images displayed by the convex scanning method in the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642. This is because in a fan-shaped ultrasound image, the main body of the ultrasound image is not displayed at the four corners. As a result, the buttons 614D to 645D do not interfere with the display of the ultrasound image, improving the visibility of the ultrasound image. The user can select and input buttons 614D to 645D while clearly viewing the ultrasound image.

[0108] Buttons 614D-645D are arranged in locations adjacent to image display areas 612-642. In this modification, the adjacent locations are the four corners of text information display areas 611-641. Also, in ultrasound images, a part important for diagnosis may be displayed in the center. Therefore, buttons 614D-645D do not interfere with the display of the ultrasound image.

[0109] As described above, according to this modification, the display unit 17a and the control unit 18 display the selection status of the output destination by the buttons 614D to 645D in a location adjacent to the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642. The adjacent locations are the upper four corners of the image display areas 612, 622, 632, and 642. Therefore, the buttons 614D to 645D do not overlap with the ultrasound image, so the user can check the image to be selected while checking the ultrasound image. The user can refer to the image selection status for each output destination. The user can intuitively select the output destination near the image by the buttons 614D to 645D. The user can select and refer to the output destination without interfering with the image visibility.

[0110] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 14. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing button setting processing. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a button setting screen 700. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing second image output processing. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the second image output processing continued from Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a review screen 600E. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an image management table 500E.

[0111] The device configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and uses the image management system 100. However, it is assumed that an image output setting program and a second image output program are stored in the ROM of the control unit 18 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0112] The button setting program is a program for executing a button setting process, which will be described later.The second image output program is a program for executing a second image output setting process, which will be described later.

[0113] Next, the operation of the image management system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. In this embodiment, the output destination of the ultrasound image data is at least one of the servers 40, 50 and a medium (USB memory 32).

[0114] First, a button setting process executed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The button setting process is a process for setting the functions of buttons 656 and 657 as operation means displayed in the second image output setting process.

[0115] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, a command to execute a button setting process is input from the user via the operation input unit 11 or the touch panel 17b. This input triggers the control unit 18 to execute the button setting process in accordance with the button setting program stored in the ROM.

[0116] 9, first, the control unit 18 displays a button setting screen on the display unit 17a (step S31). In step S31, for example, a button setting screen 700 shown in FIG.

[0117] The button setting screen 700 has a setting section 760 for the button 656 and a setting section 770 for the button 657. The buttons 656 and 657 are buttons for receiving an execution input for automatically selecting ultrasound image data of preset image attribute information for output to a preset output destination.

[0118] The setting unit 760 has an image type selection unit 761, a region selection unit 762, and an output destination selection unit 763. The image type selection unit 761 is a radio button that accepts a selection input of an image type as attribute information of the image of the ultrasound image data corresponding to the button 656. The region selection unit 762 is a radio button that accepts a selection input of a region of the subject as attribute information of the image of the ultrasound image data corresponding to the button 656. The output destination selection unit 763 is a radio button that accepts a selection input of an output destination of the ultrasound image data corresponding to the button 656.

[0119] The setting unit 770 has an image type selection unit 771, a region selection unit 772, and an output destination selection unit 773. The image type selection unit 771 is a radio button that accepts a selection input of an image type as attribute information of the image of the ultrasound image data corresponding to the button 657. The region selection unit 772 is a radio button that accepts a selection input of a region of the subject as attribute information of the image of the ultrasound image data corresponding to the button 657. The output destination selection unit 773 is a radio button that accepts a selection input of an output destination of the ultrasound image data corresponding to the button 656.

[0120] The image type selection units 761, 771 accept, for example, a selection input of still image, video, or all (both). The part selection units 762, 772 accept, for example, a selection input of the heart, abdomen, or obstetrics (parts). The output destination selection units 763, 773 accept, for example, a selection input of the server 40, 50 or media (memory 32). The part selection units 762, 772 and the output destination selection units 763, 773 may be configured as check buttons.

[0121] The control unit 18 determines whether or not the user has performed an image type selection operation on the image type selection section 761 or 771 via the touch panel 17b (step S32). If an image type selection operation has been performed (step S32; YES), the control unit 18 displays the image type selection section selected in step S32 in a selected state (step S33).

[0122] Control unit 18 determines whether or not the user has performed a part selection operation on part selection section 762 or 772 via touch panel 17b (step S34). If there has been no image type selection operation (step S32; NO), the process proceeds to step S34. If there has been a part selection operation (step S34; YES), control unit 18 displays the part selection section selected in step S34 in a selected state (step S35).

[0123] The control unit 18 determines whether or not the user has performed an output destination selection operation on the output destination selection unit 763 or 773 via the touch panel 17b (step S36). If there has been no part selection operation (step S42; NO), the process proceeds to step S36. If there has been an output destination selection operation (step S36; YES), the control unit 18 displays the output destination selection unit selected in step S36 in a selected state (step S37).

[0124] The control unit 18 receives an input instruction for a save operation of the information input by the user in steps S32 to S37 via the touch panel 17b (step S38). In step S38, the control unit 18 determines whether or not a save operation has been performed in response to the operation. If there is no save operation (step S38; NO), the control unit 18 receives an input instruction for a cancel operation from the user via the touch panel 17b (step S39). In step S39, the control unit 18 determines whether or not there is a cancel operation of the information input in steps S32 to S37 in response to the operation.

[0125] If there is no cancel operation (step S39; NO), the process proceeds to step S32. If there is a cancel operation (step S39; YES), the button setting process ends. If there is a save operation (step S39; YES), the control unit 18 saves the information input in steps S32 to S37 as button setting information in the memory unit 19 (step S40). The button setting information includes attribute information (image type, part) and output destination of the images set for each of the buttons 656 and 657. After step S40 is executed, the button setting process ends.

[0126] Next, a second output process executed by the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 14. The second image output process is a process of receiving a selection operation of ultrasound image data to be output and its output destination, and outputting the selected ultrasound image data to the selected output destination. The ultrasound image data to be output is selected from ultrasound image data stored in the ultrasound diagnostic device 10.

[0127] It is assumed that the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 has scanned a patient and acquired ultrasound image data in advance, in response to an operation by a user such as a doctor. The ultrasound image data acquired by the scan is stored in the storage unit 19. Here, an example will be described in which the storage unit 19 stores four sets of ultrasound image data. However, the number of ultrasound image data stored in the storage unit 19 may be a number other than four.

[0128] In the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10, a user inputs an instruction to execute the second image output process via the operation input unit 11 or the touch panel 17b. This input triggers the control unit 18 to execute the second image output process according to the second image output program stored in the ROM.

[0129] 11, first, the control unit 18 displays a review screen on the display unit 17a based on the ultrasound image data stored in the storage unit 19 (step S51). In step S51, for example, a review screen 600E shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

[0130] The review screen 600E has information display areas 610E, 620E, 630E, 640E, and a button display area 650E. The information display area 610E has a text information display area 611, an image display area 612, a marker 618, and a video icon 619. The information display area 620E has a text information display area 621, an image display area 622, and a marker 628. The information display area 630E has a text information display area 631, an image display area 632, and a marker 638. The information display area 640E has a text information display area 641, an image display area 642, a marker 648, and a video icon 649.

[0131] The marker 618 is disposed at the left end of the text information display area 611, but if there is a video icon 619, it is disposed immediately to the right of it. The marker 618 is a rectangular frame in a default unselected state. The marker 618 displays a check mark in a selected state in which the first image data in the information display area 610E is an output target corresponding to the touch input of the button 656 or 657. At this time, the marker 618 is colored the same color as the button 656 or 657 that caused the output target. The video icon 619 is disposed at the left end of the text information display area 611. The video icon 619 is an icon that indicates that it is a video when the image type of the attribute information of the image of the first image data is a video.

[0132] The marker 628 is placed at the left end of the text information display area 621, but if there is a video icon, it is placed immediately to the right of it. The marker 628 is a rectangular frame in the default unselected state. The marker 628 shows a check mark in the selected state of the output target in which the second image data in the information display area 620E corresponds to the touch input of the button 656 or 657. At this time, the marker 628 is colored the same color as the button 656 or 657 that caused the output target. Also, since the image type of the attribute information of the image of the second image data is a still image, no video icon is displayed in the information display area 620E.

[0133] The marker 638 is placed at the left end of the text information display area 631, but if there is a moving image icon, it is placed immediately to the right of it. The marker 638 is a rectangular frame in a default unselected state. The marker 638 shows a check mark in a selected state in which the third image data in the information display area 630E is an output target corresponding to the touch input of the button 656 or 657. At this time, the marker 638 is colored the same color as the button 656 or 657 that caused the output target. Also, since the image type of the attribute information of the image of the third image data is a still image, no moving image icon is displayed in the information display area 630E.

[0134] The marker 648 is disposed at the left end of the text information display area 641, but if there is a video icon 649, it is disposed immediately to the right of it. The marker 648 is a rectangular frame in a default unselected state. The marker 648 displays a check mark in a selected state in which the fourth image data in the information display area 640E is an output target corresponding to the touch input of the button 656 or 657. At this time, the marker 648 is colored the same color as the button 656 or 657 that caused the output target. The video icon 649 is disposed at the left end of the text information display area 641. The video icon 649 is an icon that indicates that it is a video when the image type of the attribute information of the image of the fourth image data is a video.

[0135] The attribute information of the images of the first to fourth image data is displayed as a moving image icon in the text information display area 611, 621, 631, 641 when the image type is a moving image. The user can visually recognize that the image type of the ultrasound image data for which the moving image icon is displayed is a moving image. Furthermore, the display of the attribute information of the image does not overlap with the image display of the ultrasound image data in the image display area 612, 622, 632, 642, and does not interfere with the image display. Furthermore, the user can visually recognize that the image type of the ultrasound image data for which the moving image icon is not displayed is a still image. Note that the part as the attribute information of the images of the first to fourth image data is not displayed. However, the part may be displayed as text information in the text information display area 611, 621, 631, 641, for example.

[0136] The button display area 650E is an area that displays a plurality of buttons for various functions, and includes an image output button 651, and buttons 656 and 657. The buttons 656 and 657 are arranged in different colors. For example, the button 656 is green. For example, the button 657 is blue.

[0137] 11, the control unit 18 reads out the button setting information from the storage unit 19 (step S52). The control unit 18 receives a touch input operation of the button 656 from the user via the touch panel 17b (step S53). In step S53, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the button 656 has been operated in response to the operation.

[0138] If button 656 is operated (step S53; YES), control unit 18 selects the top image No. 501 in the image management table (step S54). When step S54 is executed for the first time, control unit 18 generates an image management table based on the additional information of the ultrasound image data stored in storage unit 19. The generated image management table is, for example, image management table 500E shown in FIG.

[0139] Image management table 500E has columns for image No. 501, image type 502 as attribute information of the image, location 503, servers 504 and 505, and media 506. Media 506 is information indicating whether the ultrasound image data of image No. 501 is to be output to the destination media (USB memory 32). When step S54 is executed for the first time, information is stored only in image No. 501, image type 502, and location 503. At this time, image No. 501="1" (record) is selected.

[0140] The control unit 18 determines whether the image type 502 and part 503 corresponding to the selected image No. 501 match the image type and part of the button 656 in the button setting information (step S56). If they match (step S55; YES), the control unit 18 specifies the output destination of the record of the selected image No. 501 based on the output destination of the button 656 (step S56). In step S56, the control unit 18 stores "output target" in the field of the column of the specified output destination to update the image management table 500E.

[0141] The control unit 18 determines whether or not there is an unselected image No. 501 following the selected image No. 501 in the image management table 500E (step S57). If there is no match (step S55; NO), the process proceeds to step S57. If there is a next image No. 501 (step S57; YES), the control unit 18 increments the value of the selected image No. 501 by 1 (step S58). After step S58, the process proceeds to step S55.

[0142] If there is no next image No. 501 (step S57; NO), the control unit 18 displays the marker of the output target of the output destination of the button 656 in a selected state (step S59). In step S59, the control unit 18 refers to the image management table 500E, and puts a check mark on the marker of the information display area of ​​the output destination that was updated to the output target in step S56. The marker of the information display area is at least one of the markers in the information display areas 610E, 620E, 630E, and 640E. In other words, this marker is at least one of the markers 618, 628, 638, and 648. Furthermore, the marker that has been put a check mark on in step S59 is colored the same as the button 656.

[0143] The control unit 18 receives a touch input operation of the button 657 from the user via the touch panel 17b (step S60). In step S60, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the button 657 has been operated in response to the operation. If the button 656 has not been operated (step S53; NO), the process proceeds to step S60.

[0144] If the button 657 is operated (step S60; YES), the control unit 18 selects the first image No. 501 in the image management table 500E (step S61).

[0145] The control unit 18 determines whether the image type 502 and part 503 corresponding to the selected image No. 501 match the image type and part of the button 657 in the button setting information (step S62). If they match (step S62; YES), the control unit 18 specifies the output destination of the record of the selected image No. 501 based on the output destination of the button 657 (step S63). In step S63, the control unit 18 stores "output target" in the column of the specified output destination to update the image management table 500E.

[0146] The control unit 18 determines whether or not there is an unselected image No. 501 following the selected image No. 501 (step S64). If there is no match (step S62; NO), the process proceeds to step S64. If there is a next image No. 501 (step S64; YES), the control unit 18 increments the value of the selected image No. 501 by 1 (step S65). After step S65, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0147] If there is no next image No. 501 (step S64; NO), the control unit 18 displays the marker of the output target of the output destination of the button 657 in a selected state (step S66). In step S66, the control unit 18 refers to the image management table 500E, and checks the marker of the information display area of ​​the output destination that was updated to the output target in step S63. The marker of the information display area is at least one of the markers in the information display areas 610E, 620E, 630E, and 640E. In other words, this marker is at least one of the markers 618, 628, 638, and 648. Furthermore, the marker checked in step S66 is colored the same as the button 657.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 12, steps S67, S68, and S69 are similar to steps S18, S19, and S20 of the first image output process in Fig. 3. If the button 657 is not operated (step S60; NO), the process proceeds to step S67. If the end operation is not performed (step S69; NO), the process proceeds to step S53.

[0149] As described above, according to this embodiment, the display unit 17a and the control unit 18 display the buttons 656, 657. The control unit 18 sets the attribute information (image type and region) of the image of the image data selected as the image data to be output, and the output destination of the image data, for the buttons 656, 657. When the control unit 18 selects and inputs the button 656, 657, it automatically selects all the ultrasound image data corresponding to the set attribute information (image type and region) and output destination from among the ultrasound image data of one examination. Therefore, appropriate ultrasound image data to be output for each output destination can be easily selected with the button 656 or 657. Since the operation is simple, it is possible to prevent the wrong ultrasound image data from being selected.

[0150] In addition, the control unit 18 colors the buttons 656, 657 and the markers 618, 628, 638, 648 according to the buttons. This allows the user to easily and reliably recognize which button automatically selected the image data to be output, without impairing image visibility.

[0151] In the above-mentioned second image output process, the control unit 18 performs a process of automatically selecting ultrasound image data and its output destination by operating the buttons 656 and 657. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 18 may be configured to accept an operating input for manually selecting ultrasound image data and its output destination in addition to the operating input of the buttons 656 and 657. Furthermore, the control unit 18 may be configured to appropriately accept an operating input for manually changing the ultrasound image data and its output destination that have been automatically selected by operating the buttons 656 and 657.

[0152] In the second embodiment, the attribute information of the image of the ultrasound image data that can be set to the buttons 656 and 657 is configured to be the image type and the part. However, this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the attribute information of the image of the ultrasound image data that can be set to the buttons may be other attribute information such as the date and time the ultrasound image data was saved and the type of ultrasound probe used for the examination. Furthermore, the number of buttons that can be set may be one, or three or more.

[0153] In the above description, an example in which a ROM is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention has been disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, non-volatile memories such as flash memories and portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can be applied. In addition, carrier waves can also be applied to the present invention as a medium for providing data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0154] The description of the above embodiment is merely an example of the ultrasound diagnostic device, image management system, image output method, and program according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. For example, at least two of the above embodiment and modified examples may be appropriately combined.

[0155] Additionally, the detailed configuration and operation of the image management system 100 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 100 Image Management System 10. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1. Ultrasound diagnostic device body 11 Operation input section 12 Transmitter 13 Receiving section 14 Image Generation Unit 15 Image processing section 16 Display control section 17 Operation display section 17a Display section 17b Touch Panel 18 Control Unit 19 Memory section 31 Communications Department 32a Connection 32 USB memory 40,50 servers N Communication Network

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a selection unit that selects an output destination of a plurality of image data from a plurality of output destinations, an ultrasound diagnostic device comprising: a display unit that displays, when the selection unit selects a first output destination for first output target image data and a second output destination for second output target image data, the output destination selected by the selection unit before outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data.

2. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays a correspondence relationship between the first output destination and the first output target image data, and a correspondence relationship between the second output destination and the second output target image data, so that the correspondence relationship can be seen.

3. a selection section that allows a first output destination to be selected for first output target image data and a second output destination to be selected for second output target image data on one display screen; An instruction unit that issues an instruction to output the first output target image data and the second output target image data; an output unit that outputs the first output target image data and the second output target image data to the first output destination or the second output destination based on the output instruction.

4. a display unit that displays an ultrasound image of the output target image data in an ultrasound image display area; The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the display unit displays a selection state of the first output destination or the second output destination in the ultrasound image display area or in a location adjacent to the ultrasound image display area.

5. a display unit that displays an ultrasound image of the output target image data in an ultrasound image display area; The ultrasound diagnostic device of claim 3 , wherein the display unit displays a selection state of the first output destination or the second output destination in an area of ​​the ultrasound image display area in which the ultrasound image is not displayed.

6. A display unit that displays an operation means; a setting unit for setting attribute information of an image of image data selected as image data to be output and an output destination of the image data selected as the image data to be output to the operation means; and an automatic selection unit that, when the operation means is selected and input, automatically selects, from among the ultrasound image data of one examination, ultrasound image data corresponding to the set attribute information and the set output destination all at once.

7. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An image management system comprising the first output destination and the second output destination.

8. 1. An image output method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a selection unit that selects an output destination of a plurality of image data from a plurality of output destinations, comprising: An image output method including a display process for displaying the output destination selected by the selection unit before outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data when the selection unit selects a first output destination for first output target image data and a second output destination for second output target image data.

9. a selection step of selecting a first output destination for the first output target image data and selecting a second output destination for the second output target image data on one display screen; An instruction unit that issues an instruction to output the first output target image data and the second output target image data; an output step of outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data to the first output destination or the second output destination based on the output instruction.

10. A computer of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having a selection unit for selecting an output destination of a plurality of image data from a plurality of output destinations, A program for functioning as a display unit that displays the output destination selected by the selection unit before outputting the first output target image data and the second output target image data, when the selection unit selects a first output destination for the first output target image data and a second output destination for the second output target image data.

11. Computer, a selection section that allows a first output destination to be selected for the first output target image data and a second output destination to be selected for the second output target image data on one display screen; An instruction unit that issues an instruction to output the first output target image data and the second output target image data; A program for causing the computer to function as an output unit that outputs the first output target image data and the second output target image data to the first output destination or the second output destination based on the output instruction.

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