Ultrasonic diagnostic device

Abstract

To facilitate processing for displaying an appropriate Doppler waveform image in an ultrasonic diagnostic device.SOLUTION: An information processing unit 28 included in an ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 executes: processing of generating a B-mode image on the basis of transmission of an ultrasonic wave to an analyte 18 and reception of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the analyte 18; processing of generating a Doppler waveform image on the basis of transmission of an ultrasonic wave to the analyte 18 and reception of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the analyte; processing of recognizing a Doppler observation target in the analyte 18 on the B-mode image; and processing of generating an evaluation value for the Doppler waveform image on the basis of a reference Doppler waveform image corresponding to the Doppler observation target and the Doppler waveform image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and more particularly to a device for generating B-mode images and Doppler waveform images. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound diagnostic devices are widely used. The ultrasound diagnostic device transmits ultrasound from an ultrasound probe to a subject, and generates a B-mode image showing a cross-sectional image of the subject and a Doppler waveform image showing blood flow velocity based on a reception signal obtained by receiving the ultrasound reflected by the subject with the ultrasound probe. As shown in the following Patent Document 1, some ultrasound diagnostic devices display a B-mode image of the subject and further display a Doppler waveform image of blood vessels displayed in the B-mode image. Also, as shown in Patent Documents 2 and 3, some ultrasound diagnostic devices distinguish a region shown in the B-mode image of the subject based on the B-mode image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-082794 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019 / 150715 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2017 / 033503 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an ultrasound diagnostic device, if the position or posture of the ultrasound probe is not appropriate, an appropriate Doppler waveform image may not be displayed. In addition, since the appropriate position or posture of the ultrasound probe varies depending on the part of the observation target, it may be difficult for the user to operate to display an appropriate Doppler waveform image.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to facilitate processing for displaying an appropriate Doppler waveform image in an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises an information processing unit that executes the following processes: a process of generating a B-mode image based on transmitting ultrasound to a subject and receiving ultrasound reflected by the subject; a process of recognizing a Doppler observation target in the subject on the B-mode image; a process of generating a Doppler waveform image for the Doppler observation target based on transmitting ultrasound to the subject and receiving ultrasound reflected by the subject; and a process of generating an evaluation value for the Doppler waveform image based on a reference Doppler waveform image corresponding to the Doppler observation target and the Doppler waveform image.

[0007] Desirably, the information processing unit is provided with the B-mode image to identify a test area as the Doppler observation target, and is provided with information identifying the test area and the Doppler waveform image to construct a machine learning model that outputs the evaluation value for the reference Doppler waveform image.

[0008] Desirably, the information processing unit performs a process of recognizing one of the multiple types of test regions as the Doppler observation target by referring to the B-mode image and a test region database in which a reference B-mode image is associated with each of the multiple types of test regions.

[0009] Desirably, the information processing unit calculates the degree of similarity between the B-mode image and reference B-mode images for multiple types of the test area, identifies the reference B-mode image data having the greatest degree of similarity, and recognizes the test area corresponding to the identified reference B-mode image data as the Doppler observation target.

[0010] Desirably, the information processing unit is given information identifying the test site and the Doppler waveform image data, and constructs a disease determination model that outputs a disease type, a disease possibility evaluation value for the disease, and disease Doppler waveform image data, and the test site is designated as the Doppler observation target.

[0011] Desirably, the information processing unit performs processing to indicate the possibility that a disease is found in the Doppler observation subject based on a disease Doppler waveform image showing a Doppler waveform image when a disease is found in the Doppler observation subject and the Doppler waveform image.

[0012] Desirably, the information processing unit executes a process of displaying the evaluation value, and executes a process of adjusting operating parameters of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus based on the B-mode image or the Doppler waveform image in response to a user operation while the evaluation value is being displayed.

[0013] Preferably, the information processing unit executes a process of adjusting an operating parameter of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on the B-mode image or the Doppler waveform image when the evaluation value is less than a predetermined reference value.

[0014] Desirably, the information processing unit is given information identifying the test area and the Doppler waveform image, and constructs a detail evaluation model that outputs details contained in the test area, the reference Doppler waveform image for that detail, and the evaluation value, and the Doppler observation object for which the evaluation value was previously generated is designated as the test area in the detail evaluation model.

[0015] Desirably, the information processing unit performs a process of recognizing a detail contained in the Doppler observation object for which the evaluation value was previously generated based on the Doppler waveform image and the reference Doppler waveform image for the detail contained in the test area, and the process of generating the evaluation value includes a process of generating the evaluation value based on the Doppler waveform image and the reference Doppler waveform image corresponding to the detail.

[0016] Preferably, the information processing unit executes a process of providing a user with instructions regarding the operation of the ultrasonic probe through a man-machine interface based on the evaluation value. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the process of displaying an appropriate Doppler waveform image in an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a Doppler waveform image. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart of a Doppler waveform determination process. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a Doppler waveform image of the location where stenosis occurs. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 shows a Doppler waveform image upstream of the stenosis. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows a Doppler waveform image downstream of the stenosis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to each drawing. The same components shown in multiple drawings are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. In this specification, the term "A image" which is a specific name "A" followed by the term "image" means an image represented by "A image data". In addition, the expression "generating A image data" may be abbreviated to "generating A image".

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a beam control unit 10, a transmission unit 12, an ultrasonic probe 14, a reception unit 20, a control unit 22, an operation unit 24, a memory 26, an information processing unit 28, and a display unit 40. The information processing unit 28 may be configured by one or more processors that execute a program to realize the functions of the phasing addition unit 30, the B-mode image generating unit 32, the image processing unit 34, the Doppler processing unit 36, and the Doppler image generating unit 38. The control unit 22 performs overall control of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. The operation unit 24 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a lever, a button, etc., and outputs information regarding a user's operation to the control unit 22. The operation unit 24 may include a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 40. The control unit 22 may control the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 in response to an operation on the operation unit 24.

[0021] An outline of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 will be described. The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 transmits ultrasound from the ultrasound probe 14 to the subject 18, and receives the ultrasound reflected by the subject 18 at the ultrasound probe 14. The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 performs measurements in B mode and Doppler mode. In the B mode operation, the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 generates a B mode image based on the ultrasound received from the subject 18, and displays it on the display unit 40. In the Doppler mode operation, the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 generates a Doppler waveform image of the inside of the subject 18 based on the Doppler shift frequency of the ultrasound received from the subject 18, and displays it on the display unit 40. Only one of the B mode operation and the Doppler mode operation may be performed, or measurements in these two modes may be performed in a time-division manner.

[0022] A specific configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 and specific processing executed by the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 will be described. The ultrasound probe 14 is in contact with the surface of the subject 18. The ultrasound probe 14 includes a plurality of transducer elements 16. The transmission unit 12 outputs a transmission signal to each transducer element 16 of the ultrasound probe 14 under the control of the beam control unit 10. This causes ultrasound to be transmitted from the ultrasound probe 14. The beam control unit 10 controls the transmission unit 12 to form a transmission beam in the ultrasound probe 14, and scan the subject 18 with the transmission beam. That is, the transmission unit 12 adjusts the delay time or level of each transmission signal under the control of the beam control unit 10, forms a transmission beam in the ultrasound probe 14, and scans the subject 18 with the transmission beam.

[0023] When ultrasonic waves reflected within the subject 18 are received by each transducer element 16 of the ultrasonic probe 14, each transducer element 16 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves to the receiving unit 20. The receiving unit 20 performs processing such as amplification, detection, and frequency band limitation on the received signals output from each transducer element 16 under the control of the beam control unit 10, and outputs the processed signals to the phasing addition unit 30.

[0024] The phasing addition unit 30 generates a phased reception signal by phasing and adding the multiple reception signals output from the receiving unit 20 to the multiple transducer elements 16. This generates a phased reception signal in which the phases of reception signals based on ultrasound received from a specific direction are adjusted and added so that they reinforce each other, and a reception beam is formed in that specific direction. The phasing addition unit 30 outputs the phased reception signal to the B-mode image generation unit 32 when operating in B mode, and outputs the phased reception data to the Doppler processing unit 36 ​​when operating in Doppler mode.

[0025] The operation in B mode will now be described. The phasing addition unit 30 generates each phased receive signal based on the ultrasound received from each direction of the receive beam scanned inside the subject 18, and outputs it to the B-mode image generation unit 32. The B-mode image generation unit 32 generates B-mode image data based on the phased receive signals obtained for each receive beam direction, and outputs it to the image processing unit 34. The B-mode image data based on one scan of the transmit beam and receive beam is image data for one frame, and corresponds to one B-mode image.

[0026] The beam control unit 10, the transmission unit 12, the ultrasonic probe 14, the reception unit 20, the phasing addition unit 30, and the B-mode image generation unit 32 generate B-mode image data one after another while repeatedly scanning the transmission beam and the reception beam, and output each B-mode image data to the image processing unit 34. The image processing unit 34 generates a video signal for displaying a B-mode image based on the B-mode image data, and outputs it to the display unit 40. The display unit 40 displays the B-mode image based on the video signal.

[0027] Next, operation in the Doppler mode will be described. The Doppler mode includes a PW Doppler mode (pulsed wave Doppler mode) in which ultrasonic pulses are transmitted at a repetition frequency PRF, and a CW Doppler mode (continuous wave Doppler mode) in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted continuously. Whether to operate in the PW Doppler mode or the CW Doppler mode may be selected by a user operation.

[0028] The Doppler processing unit 36 ​​sequentially performs fast Fourier transform processing on the phased received signals divided into predetermined time lengths to generate frequency spectrum data of the Doppler shift frequency sequentially over time, and outputs the data to the Doppler image generating unit 38. Here, the Doppler shift frequency refers to a frequency that indicates the shift in frequency of the received signal relative to the frequency of the transmitted signal.

[0029] The Doppler image generating unit 38 generates Doppler waveform image data based on a plurality of sets of frequency spectrum data that are sequentially output over time. FIG. 2 shows an example of a Doppler waveform image represented by the Doppler waveform image data. In the Doppler waveform image, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents Doppler shift frequency (blood flow velocity). The brightness of a plurality of images arranged vertically at a certain time on the time axis represents the frequency spectrum corresponding to that time. A baseline 52 that extends linearly horizontally indicates that the Doppler shift frequency is 0. The Doppler image generating unit 38 sequentially generates Doppler waveform image data over time, and outputs the Doppler waveform image data to the image processing unit 34. The image processing unit 34 generates a video signal for displaying a Doppler waveform image based on the Doppler waveform image data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 40. The display unit 40 displays the Doppler waveform image based on the video signal.

[0030] The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 according to this embodiment executes the Doppler waveform determination process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3. The Doppler waveform determination process is a process for determining how appropriate a Doppler waveform image is. The flowchart of Fig. 3 shows the process when the Doppler mode is the PW Doppler mode. In the Doppler waveform determination process, an image freeze operation for stopping the image displayed on the display unit 40 is first performed by the user (S101), and the B-mode image data generated immediately before the image freeze operation is treated as the processing target. The B-mode image to be processed may be displayed on the display unit 40.

[0031] The image processing unit 34 recognizes a test site such as an organ appearing in the B-mode image as a Doppler observation target (S102). Specifically, the image processing unit 34 executes the following process by referring to a test site database stored in the memory 26.

[0032] The test site database includes data for constructing a test site identification model as a machine learning model. The test site identification model outputs information for identifying the test site as a Doppler observation target when the B-mode image data to be processed is given. Here, the information for identifying the test site is, for example, character information indicating the name of the test site, ID (Identification) predetermined for the test site, etc. The test site identification model is constructed, for example, based on a plurality of sets of teacher data obtained by measurements performed in the past on a plurality of different test sites. The teacher data may be, for example, data in which the B-mode image data to be processed and information for identifying the test site as a Doppler observation target are associated with each other. The test site identification model may be constructed using a machine learning algorithm such as CNN, AdaBoost, SVN, etc. The machine learning model described below is also constructed using a machine learning algorithm such as CNN, AdaBoost, SVN, etc. The machine learning algorithm may include a deep learning algorithm.

[0033] The test site may be, for example, a heart, a carotid artery, a liver, a kidney, a uterus, a prostate, an upper limb, a lower limb, etc. The multiple types of reference B-mode image data may be multiple types of image data showing tomographic images at multiple different positions in the test site.

[0034] The image processing unit 34 constructs a test site identification model by referring to the test site database. The image processing unit 34 provides the B-mode image data to be processed to the test site identification model, thereby obtaining information for identifying the test site and recognizing the Doppler observation target.

[0035] The test site database may include a test site table in which information identifying a test site is associated with a plurality of types of reference B-mode image data for the test site. In this case, the image processing unit 34 may execute the following template matching process. That is, the image processing unit 34 obtains an approximation evaluation value indicating the degree of approximation between the B-mode image data to be processed and each reference B-mode image data associated with each test site in the test site database, and identifies the reference B-mode image data having the largest approximation evaluation value. Then, the test site associated with the identified reference B-mode image data is recognized as a Doppler observation target appearing in the B-mode image to be processed, that is, a Doppler observation target on the B-mode image. The degree of approximation between the two image data may be a correlation value for two images indicated by the two image data.

[0036] After the Doppler observation target is recognized, the image processing unit 34 judges whether or not a Doppler gate can be set on the B-mode image based on the B-mode image data to be processed (S103). Here, the Doppler gate refers to a range on the transmission beam and the reception beam where the blood flow velocity is measured in the Doppler mode operation, and is set on the image of the blood vessel appearing in the B-mode image. When the image processing unit 34 recognizes the blood vessel in the B-mode image, it judges that the Doppler gate can be set, and proceeds to step S104. When the image processing unit 34 does not recognize the blood vessel in the B-mode image by the image recognition technology or the like, it judges that the Doppler gate cannot be set, and proceeds to the processing of step S108.

[0037] The determination of whether or not the Doppler gate can be set may be performed by a user with reference to the image displayed on the display unit 40. In this case, the process executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 proceeds to step S104 or step S108 by the user's operation.

[0038] In steps S104 and S108, the image freeze is released by performing an operation to release the image freeze. Alternatively, the control unit 22 automatically releases the image freeze. As a result, B-mode image data is output from the B-mode image generating unit 32 to the image processing unit 34 in sequence over time. Furthermore, Doppler waveform image data is output from the Doppler image generating unit 38 to the image processing unit 34 in sequence over time. After step S108, the process executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 returns to step S101.

[0039] When the Doppler mode is the CW Doppler mode, steps S103 and S108 do not need to be executed.

[0040] The test site database includes data for constructing a Doppler waveform evaluation model as a machine learning model. The Doppler waveform evaluation model is provided with information identifying a test site and Doppler waveform image data, and outputs a Doppler waveform evaluation value and standard reference Doppler waveform image data for blood flowing through the test site. The Doppler waveform evaluation value may be, for example, an evaluation value that indicates the degree of approximation between the reference Doppler waveform image data and the provided Doppler waveform image data. The Doppler waveform evaluation model is constructed, for example, based on multiple sets of teacher data obtained by measurements performed in the past on multiple different test sites. The teacher data may be, for example, data that associates information identifying a test site with Doppler waveform image data obtained for the test site.

[0041] The image processing unit 34 constructs a Doppler waveform evaluation model by referring to the test site database. The image processing unit 34 provides the Doppler waveform evaluation model with information specifying the test site as a Doppler observation target and Doppler waveform image data to obtain a Doppler waveform evaluation value and acquire reference Doppler waveform image data (S105 and S106). The image processing unit 34 executes a judgment result display process (described later) according to the Doppler waveform evaluation value and the reference Doppler waveform image data (S107).

[0042] When the test site table is used, the test site table may associate reference Doppler waveform image data for blood flowing through each test site with information identifying each test site. In this case, after step S104 is executed, image processing unit 34 refers to the test site database and acquires reference Doppler waveform image data associated with the test site recognized as a Doppler observation target (S106). Image processing unit 34 determines a Doppler waveform evaluation value, which is the degree of similarity between the reference Doppler waveform image data and the Doppler waveform image data output from Doppler image generating unit 38 (S105). Image processing unit 34 executes the following judgment result display process according to the Doppler waveform evaluation value (S107).

[0043] The image processing unit 34 generates determination result information indicating whether or not the Doppler waveform image data has been generated appropriately, etc. The image processing unit 34 generates a video signal for displaying the determination result information, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 40. The display unit 40 displays the determination result information based on the video signal.

[0044] The judgment result information may include, for example, the following information (i) to (iii). The information included in the judgment result information is not limited to the following information (i) to (iii), and any other information may be included in the judgment result information. (i) Name of the test area recognized as a Doppler observation target in the B-mode image (ii) Doppler waveform evaluation value (iii) A Doppler waveform image acquired by an ultrasound diagnostic device and a reference Doppler waveform image of a test area recognized as a Doppler observation target.

[0045] The above information (i) to (iii) may be updated sequentially over time based on Doppler waveform image data that is generated sequentially over time, or may be displayed in real time on display unit 40. The Doppler waveform evaluation value may be replaced with text that indicates the level of the Doppler waveform evaluation value, such as "large," "normal," or "small."

[0046] In this way, the information processing unit 28 included in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 executes processing for generating a B-mode image based on transmitting ultrasound to the subject 18 and receiving ultrasound reflected by the subject 18. The information processing unit 28 also executes processing for recognizing a Doppler observation target in the subject 18 on the B-mode image. This processing may obtain information for identifying the subject region as the Doppler observation target by providing the B-mode image data of the processing target to a subject region identification model.

[0047] Information processing unit 28 executes a process of transmitting ultrasonic waves to subject 18 and generating a Doppler waveform image of the Doppler observation target based on receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by subject 18. Information processing unit 28 may further provide information specifying the test site as the Doppler observation target and the Doppler waveform image generated by Doppler image generating unit 38 to a Doppler waveform evaluation model, thereby determining a Doppler waveform evaluation value and acquiring reference Doppler waveform image data.

[0048] In the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 according to the present embodiment, instructions for operating the ultrasound probe 14 are provided to the user by the operation unit 24 and the display unit 40 as a man-machine interface based on the Doppler waveform evaluation value. For example, when the Doppler waveform evaluation value is less than a predetermined threshold, text, graphics, or the like may be displayed to prompt the user to adjust the position or posture of the ultrasound probe 14. In this case, the image processing unit 34 may sequentially obtain the Doppler waveform evaluation value over time based on the Doppler waveform image data that is sequentially generated over time, and may display instructions that change in real time on the display unit 40. The user may adjust the position and posture of the ultrasound probe 14 by referring to the Doppler waveform image and the reference Doppler waveform image displayed on the display unit 40.

[0049] An acceleration sensor may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 14. An acceleration detection value by the acceleration sensor is output to the control unit 22, and a Doppler waveform evaluation value is output from the image processing unit 34 to the control unit 22. For example, when the acceleration detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and the Doppler waveform evaluation value is less than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 22 outputs an instruction to the image processing unit 34 to stop the ultrasonic probe 14. The image processing unit 34 causes the display unit 40 to display the instruction.

[0050] The instructions may be generated by a machine learning model. For example, data in which previously acquired B-mode image data, Doppler waveform image data, Doppler waveform evaluation values, acceleration detection values, and the like are associated with each other is stored as teacher data in the memory 26. The control unit 22 constructs an instructor as a machine learning model in the control unit 22 based on the teacher data stored in the memory 26. The instructor generates instructions including information on how to move the ultrasound probe 14 by providing current B-mode image data, Doppler waveform image data, Doppler waveform evaluation values, and the like. The control unit 22 causes the display unit 40 to display the instructions generated by the instructor.

[0051] In general, a standard Doppler waveform image of a blood vessel that appears in a B-mode image differs depending on the test site. Therefore, even if a B-mode image and a Doppler waveform image are displayed on the display unit 40 for a certain test site, it is difficult for the user to know whether the Doppler waveform image is appropriate or not, and whether the position or posture of the ultrasonic probe 14 in contact with the subject 18 is appropriate. According to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 100 of this embodiment, the Doppler waveform evaluation value indicates how appropriate the Doppler waveform image is. Furthermore, by displaying instructions on the display unit 40, the user can easily know whether the position or posture of the ultrasonic probe 14 in contact with the subject 18 is appropriate or not.

[0052] In the ultrasound diagnostic device 100, a disease determination result display process may be executed instead of or together with the determination result display process (S107). The disease determination result display process is a process for determining whether or not a disease is found in the subject 18 based on the Doppler waveform image data by a machine learning model described below.

[0053] The test site database includes data for constructing a disease determination model as a machine learning model. The disease determination model outputs a type of disease, a disease possibility evaluation value for the disease, and disease Doppler waveform image data by being given information specifying the test site and Doppler waveform image data. For example, when the test site is the carotid artery, the disease may be stenosis of the carotid artery. The disease Doppler waveform image data may include reference Doppler waveform image data at the position where the stenosis occurs, reference Doppler waveform image data upstream of the stenosis, and reference Doppler waveform image data downstream of the stenosis. The disease possibility evaluation value may be, for example, an evaluation value representing the degree of approximation between the disease Doppler waveform image data corresponding to the type of the specified disease and the given Doppler waveform image data.

[0054] The previously described Fig. 2 is a Doppler waveform image of a normal artery. Fig. 4 shows a Doppler waveform image of a position where a stenosis occurs. Fig. 5 shows a Doppler waveform image upstream of the stenosis. Fig. 6 shows a Doppler waveform image downstream of the stenosis.

[0055] The disease diagnosis model is constructed, for example, based on multiple sets of training data obtained by measurements performed in the past on multiple different test sites. The training data may be, for example, data in which information identifying the test site, information identifying the type of disease, and Doppler waveform image data obtained for the disease in the test site are associated with each other.

[0056] The image processing unit 34 constructs a disease determination model by referring to the test site database. The image processing unit 34 provides the information specifying the test site and the Doppler waveform image data to the disease determination model, thereby obtaining information specifying the type of disease, a disease possibility evaluation value for the disease, and disease Doppler waveform image data.

[0057] When multiple types of diseases are identified for the test site recognized as the Doppler observation target, the image processing unit 34 acquires information for identifying the type of disease, a disease possibility evaluation value, and disease Doppler waveform image data for each of the multiple types of diseases. The image processing unit 34 executes the following disease determination result display process according to each acquired information, data, etc.

[0058] When the test site table is used, in addition to the reference Doppler waveform image data for the blood flowing through each test site, the test site table may also correspond to disease Doppler waveform image data showing a Doppler waveform image when a disease is found in the test site. In this case, the image processing unit 34 refers to the test site database and obtains disease Doppler waveform image data corresponding to the test site recognized as a Doppler observation target. The image processing unit 34 obtains a disease possibility evaluation value indicating the degree of similarity between the disease Doppler waveform image data and the Doppler waveform image data output from the Doppler image generating unit 38.

[0059] The image processing unit 34 generates disease possibility information indicating the possibility that a disease is found, etc. The image processing unit 34 generates a video signal that displays the disease possibility information, and outputs it to the display unit 40. The display unit 40 displays the disease possibility information based on the video signal.

[0060] The disease possibility information may include, for example, the following information (iv) to (vi). The information included in the disease possibility information is not limited to the following information (iv) to (vi), and any other information may be included in the disease possibility information. (iv) Name of the test area recognized as a Doppler observation target in the B-mode image (v) Disease type and disease probability score for that disease (vi) A Doppler waveform image acquired by the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 and a disease Doppler waveform image for a test area recognized as a Doppler observation target

[0061] The above information (i) to (vi) may be updated sequentially over time based on Doppler waveform image data that is generated sequentially over time, or may be displayed in real time on the display unit 40. In addition, the disease possibility evaluation value may be replaced with text that indicates the level of the disease possibility evaluation value, such as "findings present" or "no findings."

[0062] The test site database includes data for constructing a detail evaluation model as a machine learning model. The detail evaluation model is given information for identifying the test site and Doppler waveform image data, and outputs details and detail reference Doppler waveform image data included in the identified test site, and a detail evaluation value. When the test site is the lower limb of the subject 18, the details may be, for example, peripheral blood vessels. The detail reference Doppler waveform image data is data showing a standard Doppler waveform image for the details. The detail evaluation value indicates the degree of approximation between the detail reference Doppler waveform image data and the given Doppler waveform image data. The detail evaluation model is constructed, for example, based on multiple sets of teacher data obtained by measurements performed in the past on multiple different test sites. The teacher data may be, for example, data in which information for identifying the test site is associated with Doppler waveform image data obtained for the test site and information for identifying the details included in the test site.

[0063] The image processing unit 34 first recognizes the test site as a Doppler observation target on the B-mode image, and then constructs a detail evaluation model by referring to a test site database. The image processing unit 34 provides information specifying the test site and Doppler waveform image data to the detail evaluation model, thereby obtaining information specifying the details, detail reference Doppler waveform image data, and a detail evaluation value.

[0064] By using the detail evaluation model, the details included in the test site previously recognized as a Doppler observation target on the B-mode image are newly recognized as a Doppler observation target. The process of displaying the judgment result for the details recognized as a Doppler observation target and the process of displaying the disease judgment result are the same as when the test site is recognized as a Doppler observation target.

[0065] In addition, when the test site table is used, a plurality of types of detail reference Doppler waveform image data for details included in each test site may be associated with each test site in the test site table. The image processing unit 34 first recognizes the test site as a Doppler observation target on the B-mode image, and then refers to the test site database to acquire detail reference Doppler waveform image data associated with the test site recognized as a Doppler observation target. The image processing unit 34 obtains a detail evaluation value indicating the degree of similarity between the detail reference Doppler waveform image data and the Doppler waveform image data output from the Doppler image generating unit 38. The image processing unit 34 obtains a detail evaluation value for each of the multiple detail reference Doppler waveform images by similar processing. In this case, the image processing unit 34 identifies the detail reference Doppler waveform image data with the largest detail evaluation value. Then, the image processing unit 34 recognizes the details associated with the identified detail reference Doppler waveform image data as the Doppler observation target on the B-mode image. As a result, the details included in the test site previously recognized as the Doppler observation target on the B-mode image are newly recognized as the Doppler observation target. The process of displaying the determination result for the details recognized as the Doppler observation target and the process of displaying the disease determination result are similar to the process of displaying the disease determination result for the details recognized as the Doppler observation target.

[0066] The image processing unit 34, which executes the determination result display process, generates determination result information indicating whether or not the Doppler waveform image data has been generated appropriately. The image processing unit 34 generates a video signal for displaying the determination result information, and outputs it to the display unit 40. The display unit 40 displays the determination result information based on the video signal.

[0067] The determination result information may include, for example, the following information (a) to (c). (a) Names of details recognized as Doppler observation targets in B-mode images (information identifying details) (b) Detail evaluation value (c) A Doppler waveform image acquired by an ultrasound diagnostic device and a reference Doppler waveform image of a test area recognized as a Doppler observation target.

[0068] The image processing unit 34, which executes the disease determination result display process, generates disease possibility information indicating the possibility that a disease is found, etc. The image processing unit 34 generates a video signal for displaying the disease possibility information and outputs it to the display unit 40. The display unit 40 displays the disease possibility information based on the video signal.

[0069] The disease possibility information may include, for example, the following information (d) to (f). (d) Names of details recognized as Doppler observation targets in B-mode images (e) Disease type and disease probability score for that disease (f) A Doppler waveform image acquired by the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 and a disease Doppler waveform image for a detail recognized as a Doppler observation target.

[0070] In this manner, the information processing unit 28 included in the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 executes a process of recognizing on a B-mode image the details of the Doppler observation target in the subject 18. This process may include a process of providing information specifying the subject region and Doppler waveform image data to a detail evaluation model, and acquiring the details and detail reference Doppler waveform image data included in the specified subject region, and a detail evaluation value.

[0071] When the Doppler waveform evaluation value is less than a predetermined reference value in the judgment result display process in step S107, the image processor 34 may execute an auto-optimization function (Auto Optimizer). The auto-optimization function is a function for adjusting the operation parameters of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 based on the B-mode image data. The B-mode operation parameters include, for example, the depth of the observation range, the gain for the received signal, time gain control (a control value for adjusting the state in which the gain is increased with the passage of reception time), and focus (the degree to which the ultrasonic beam is converged). By executing the auto-optimization function, the image processor 34 adjusts the image quality of the B-mode image to be processed to an image quality that is easily visually recognized by the user.

[0072] The operating parameters of the Doppler mode further include the repetition frequency PRF (velocity range), baseline, etc. By executing the auto-optimization function, the image processing unit 34 traces the Doppler waveform appearing in the Doppler waveform image, and adjusts the range of the Doppler shift frequency, i.e., the velocity range, the position of the baseline, etc., based on the traced Doppler waveform. By the control unit 22 executing the auto-optimization function, the control unit 22 adjusts the operating parameters of the beam control unit 10, the transmission unit 12, the reception unit 20, and the information processing unit 28.

[0073] When the Doppler waveform evaluation value is less than a predetermined reference value, the determination result information may include information prompting the user to execute the auto-optimization function. In response to the display of this information, the user may perform an operation to execute the auto-optimization function. The control unit 22 executes the auto-optimization function in response to the user's operation.

[0074] When the Doppler waveform evaluation value is less than a predetermined reference value, the control unit 22 may execute the auto-optimization function without intervention of a user operation.

[0075] [Configuration of the present invention] Configuration 1: generating a B-mode image based on transmitting ultrasound to a subject and receiving ultrasound reflected from the subject; A process of recognizing a Doppler observation target in the subject on the B-mode image; A process of generating a Doppler waveform image of the Doppler observation target based on transmitting ultrasonic waves to the subject and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject; an information processing unit that executes a process of generating an evaluation value for the Doppler waveform image based on a reference Doppler waveform image corresponding to the Doppler observation target and the Doppler waveform image; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: Configuration 2: 2. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that, when given the B-mode image, identifies a test area as a target for Doppler observation, and, when given information for identifying the test area and the Doppler waveform image, constructs a machine learning model that outputs the evaluation value for the reference Doppler waveform image. Configuration 3: 2. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: an ultrasound diagnostic device that performs a process of recognizing one of a plurality of types of test regions as the Doppler observation target by referring to the B-mode image and a test region database in which a reference B-mode image is associated with each of a plurality of types of test regions. Configuration 4: 4. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, The information processing unit includes: an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which calculates a degree of similarity between the B-mode image and reference B-mode images for a plurality of types of the test area, identifies the reference B-mode image data having the greatest degree of similarity, and recognizes the test area corresponding to the identified reference B-mode image data as the Doppler observation target. Configuration 5: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, The information processing unit includes: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus characterized in that, when information specifying a Doppler observation test site and the Doppler waveform image data are given, a disease determination model is constructed that outputs a disease type, a disease possibility evaluation value for the disease, and disease Doppler waveform image data, and the Doppler observation target is set to the Doppler observation test site. Configuration 6: 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, The information processing unit includes: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus characterized in that a disease Doppler waveform image showing a Doppler waveform image when a disease is found in the Doppler observation object and a process showing the possibility that a disease is found in the Doppler observation object are performed based on the Doppler waveform image. Configuration 7: 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, The information processing unit includes: A process of displaying the evaluation value is executed; an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs a process of adjusting operating parameters of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on the B-mode image or the Doppler waveform image in response to a user operation while the evaluation value is being displayed. Configuration 8: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, The information processing unit includes: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a processor for adjusting an operating parameter of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on the B-mode image or the Doppler waveform image when the evaluation value is less than a predetermined reference value. Configuration 9: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, The information processing unit includes: constructing a detail evaluation model that outputs details included in the detail observation test portion, the reference Doppler waveform image for the details, and the evaluation value when information identifying the detail observation test portion and the Doppler waveform image are given; 11. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a Doppler observation object for which an evaluation value has been generated in advance; the Doppler observation object being set as the detail observation subject part in the detail evaluation model. Configuration 10: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, The information processing unit includes: Executing a process of recognizing a detail included in the Doppler observation target for which the evaluation value was previously generated, based on the Doppler waveform image and the reference Doppler waveform image for the detail included in the test site; The process of generating the evaluation value includes: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further comprises a process for generating the evaluation value based on the Doppler waveform image and the reference Doppler waveform image corresponding to the particular portion. Configuration 11: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, The information processing unit includes: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a processing step of providing a user with instructions for operating the ultrasonic probe through a man-machine interface based on the evaluation value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 beam control unit, 12 transmission unit, 14 ultrasound probe, 16 vibration element, 18 subject, 20 reception unit, 22 control unit, 24 operation unit, 26 memory, 28 information processing unit, 30 phasing and summing unit, 32 B-mode image generation unit, 34 image processing unit, 36 Doppler processing unit, 38 Doppler image generation unit, 40 display unit, 52 baseline.

Claims

1. generating a B-mode image based on transmitting ultrasound to a subject and receiving ultrasound reflected from the subject; A process of recognizing a Doppler observation target in the subject on the B-mode image; A process of generating a Doppler waveform image of the Doppler observation target based on transmitting ultrasonic waves to the subject and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject; an information processing unit that executes a process of generating an evaluation value for the Doppler waveform image based on a reference Doppler waveform image corresponding to the Doppler observation target and the Doppler waveform image; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprising: a machine learning model that, when the B-mode image is provided, identifies a test area as a target for Doppler observation; and, when information for identifying the test area and the Doppler waveform image are provided, outputs the evaluation value for the reference Doppler waveform image.

3. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that performs a process of recognizing one of a plurality of types of test regions as the Doppler observation target by referring to the B-mode image and a test region database in which a reference B-mode image is associated with each of a plurality of types of test regions.

4. 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, The information processing unit includes: an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprising: an ultrasound imaging apparatus for imaging a subject region including a plurality of test sites; a reference B-mode image data set having the greatest degree of similarity; and a test site corresponding to the determined reference B-mode image data set, the reference B-mode image data set being recognized as a target for Doppler observation.

5. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus characterized in that, when information identifying a test site and the Doppler waveform image data are given, a disease determination model is constructed that outputs a disease type, a disease possibility evaluation value for the disease, and disease Doppler waveform image data, and the test site is designated as the Doppler observation target.

6. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus characterized in that a disease Doppler waveform image showing a Doppler waveform image when a disease is found in the Doppler observation object and a process showing the possibility that a disease is found in the Doppler observation object are performed based on the Doppler waveform image.

7. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: A process of displaying the evaluation value is executed; an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs a process of adjusting operating parameters of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on the B-mode image or the Doppler waveform image in response to a user operation while the evaluation value is being displayed.

8. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a processing for adjusting an operating parameter of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus based on the B-mode image or the Doppler waveform image when the evaluation value is less than a predetermined reference value.

9. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: constructing a detail evaluation model that, when information specifying a test site and the Doppler waveform image are given, outputs a detail included in the test site, the reference Doppler waveform image for the detail, and the evaluation value; 2. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a Doppler observation object for which an evaluation value has been generated in advance; the Doppler observation object being set as the examination region in the detail evaluation model.

10. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: Executing a process of recognizing a detail included in the Doppler observation target for which the evaluation value was previously generated, based on the Doppler waveform image and the reference Doppler waveform image for the detail included in the test site; The process of generating the evaluation value includes: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further comprises a process for generating the evaluation value based on the Doppler waveform image and the reference Doppler waveform image corresponding to the particular portion.

11. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The information processing unit includes: an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that executes a process of providing a user with instructions for operating the ultrasonic probe through a man-machine interface based on the evaluation value;

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