Ultrasonic diagnosis device and program

Abstract

To reduce burden on a user in changing imaging conditions for acquiring an ultrasonic image suitable for a test.SOLUTION: An acquiring unit (for example, a transmission / reception unit 14 and an image generation unit 16) acquires a first ultrasonic image of a subject according to a first imaging condition. A recognition unit 28 executes a process of recognizing a cross section on the first ultrasonic image, and outputs a plurality of candidates for the cross-section and a reliability of recognition for each of the candidates, When a state where the reliabilities for a plurality of candidates with higher reliability satisfy a threshold condition has continued for a predefined period of time, the acquiring unit acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject according to a second imaging condition which is dependent on the recognized cross section and different from the first imaging condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for recognizing a captured cross-section based on an ultrasound image acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasound, and executing image processing according to the recognized cross-section.

[0003] US Pat. No. 5,399,433 describes a system for optimizing imaging settings for a particular view. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-55143 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although a process of recognizing a cross section may estimate multiple cross section candidates, the estimated candidates are not necessarily highly reliable. In this case, a user such as a doctor or a medical technician needs to adjust the conditions of ultrasound imaging so that an ultrasound image suitable for the examination is obtained. This increases the burden on the user. For example, if adjustments are made for each of the multiple cross sections, the user's work will increase accordingly, and the burden on the user will increase.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the effort required of a user to change imaging conditions in order to obtain an ultrasound image suitable for an examination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is an ultrasound diagnostic device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires a first ultrasound image of a subject in accordance with first shooting conditions, and a recognition unit that performs a process of recognizing cross sections on the first ultrasound image and outputs multiple cross section candidates and the recognition reliability for each candidate, wherein when a state in which the reliability of multiple candidates with the highest reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a predetermined time, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image of the subject in accordance with second shooting conditions different from the first shooting conditions and corresponding to the recognized cross section.

[0008] The reliability of the multiple candidates having the highest reliability may be a sum of the reliability calculated by adding the reliability of each candidate in descending order of reliability. The case where the reliability of the multiple candidates having the highest reliability satisfies the threshold condition for a predetermined period of time may be a case where the sum is included within a threshold range for a predetermined period of time.

[0009] A state in which the reliability of multiple candidates with top reliability satisfies the threshold condition continues for a predetermined period of time may be a state in which the ranking of multiple candidates with top reliability does not change continues for a predetermined period of time and the reliability of each of the multiple candidates with top reliability is less than the threshold.

[0010] The second imaging condition may be an imaging condition corresponding to a candidate whose reliability exceeds a threshold value among a plurality of candidates having high reliability.

[0011] The second shooting condition may be a shooting condition corresponding to a candidate having the highest reliability among a plurality of candidates having high reliability.

[0012] The recognition unit may further perform a process of recognizing a cross-section on the second ultrasound image and calculate a reliability of recognition, and the acquisition unit may further acquire the second ultrasound image according to the second shooting condition if the reliability calculated from the second ultrasound image is higher than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasound image.

[0013] The acquisition unit may further continue imaging using ultrasound in accordance with the first imaging condition when the reliability calculated from the second ultrasound image is equal to or lower than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasound image.

[0014] The ultrasound diagnostic device may further include a control unit that displays the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image on a display, and the acquisition unit may acquire an ultrasound image according to an imaging condition selected by a user from the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition.

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

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to function as an acquisition means for acquiring a first ultrasound image of a subject in accordance with first shooting conditions, and a recognition means for performing a process of recognizing cross sections on the first ultrasound image and outputting multiple cross section candidates and the recognition reliability for each candidate, and when a state in which the reliability of multiple candidates with the highest reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a predetermined time, the acquisition means acquires a second ultrasound image of the subject in accordance with second shooting conditions different from the first shooting conditions and corresponding to the recognized cross section. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the effort required of a user to change imaging conditions in order to obtain an ultrasound image suitable for an examination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in the reliability of cross-section recognition. [Diagram 3]13 is a graph showing the change over time in the reliability of cross-section recognition. [Figure 4] 13 is a graph showing a change in sum of reliability over time. [Diagram 5] 13 is a graph showing a change over time in the moving average value of the sum of reliabilities. [Figure 6] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in the reliability of cross-section recognition. [Figure 7] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in the reliability of cross-section recognition. [Figure 8] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in the reliability of cross-section recognition. [Figure 9] 13 is a graph showing the change over time in the reliability of cross-section recognition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10.

[0020] The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves using the ultrasound probe 12. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 transmits ultrasound waves into a subject and receives ultrasound waves reflected from inside the subject, thereby generating ultrasound image data representing tissues inside the subject.

[0021] The ultrasonic probe 12 is a device for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe 12 includes, for example, a 1D array transducer. The 1D array transducer is configured by arranging a plurality of ultrasonic transducers one-dimensionally. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the 1D array transducer, and the ultrasonic beam is repeatedly electronically scanned. As a result, a scanning section is formed in the living body for each electronic scan. The scanning section corresponds to a two-dimensional echo data acquisition space. The ultrasonic probe 12 may include a 2D array transducer formed by arranging a plurality of ultrasonic transducers two-dimensionally. When an ultrasonic beam is formed by the 2D array transducer, and the ultrasonic beam is repeatedly electronically scanned, a scanning section is formed as a two-dimensional echo data acquisition space for each electronic scan. When the ultrasonic beam is scanned two-dimensionally, a three-dimensional space is formed as a three-dimensional echo data acquisition space. As a scanning method, a sector scan, a linear scan, a convex scan, or the like is used.

[0022] The transmitting / receiving unit 14 functions as a transmitting beamformer and a receiving beamformer. During transmission, the transmitting / receiving unit 14 supplies a plurality of transmitting signals having a certain delay relationship to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers included in the ultrasonic probe 12. This forms an ultrasonic transmission beam. During reception, a reflected wave (i.e., an RF signal) from inside a living body is received by the ultrasonic probe 12, and a plurality of receiving signals are output from the ultrasonic probe 12 to the transmitting / receiving unit 14. The transmitting / receiving unit 14 forms a receiving beam by applying a phasing addition process to the plurality of receiving signals. The data of the receiving beam is output to the image generating unit 16. That is, the transmitting / receiving unit 14 performs a delay process on the receiving signal obtained from each ultrasonic transducer according to the delay process condition for each ultrasonic transducer, and forms a receiving beam by adding the plurality of receiving signals obtained from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The delay process condition is specified by the receiving delay data indicating the delay time. A receiving delay data set (i.e., a set of delay times) corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is supplied from the control unit 32.

[0023] The ultrasonic beam (i.e., the transmission beam and reception beam) is electronically scanned by the operation of the transmission / reception unit 14, thereby forming a scanning cross section. The scanning cross section corresponds to a plurality of beams, which constitute a reception frame (specifically, an RF signal frame). Each beam is composed of a plurality of echoes aligned in the depth direction. By repeating the electronic scanning of the ultrasonic beam, a plurality of reception frames aligned on the time axis are output from the transmission / reception unit 14 to the image generation unit 16. A plurality of reception frames constitute a reception frame sequence.

[0024] When the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned two-dimensionally by the action of the transmitting / receiving unit 14, a three-dimensional echo data acquisition space is formed, and volume data is acquired as an echo data collection from the three-dimensional echo data acquisition space. By repeating the electronic scanning of the ultrasonic beam, a plurality of volume data arranged on the time axis is output from the transmitting / receiving unit 14 to the image generating unit 16. The plurality of volume data constitutes a volume data string.

[0025] The image generating unit 16 applies signal processing such as detection, amplitude compression (e.g., logarithmic compression) and conversion functions (coordinate conversion function and interpolation processing function using a DSC (digital scan converter)) to the received frames output from the transmitting / receiving unit 14, thereby generating ultrasound image data (e.g., B-mode image data).

[0026] Hereinafter, image data will be referred to as "image" as appropriate. For example, ultrasound image data will be referred to as "ultrasound image" as appropriate, and B-mode image data will be referred to as "B-mode image" as appropriate. Note that the ultrasound image according to this embodiment is not limited to a B-mode image, and may be any image generated by transmitting and receiving ultrasound. For example, the ultrasound image according to this embodiment may be a color Doppler image, a pulse Doppler image, a strain imaging image, a shear wave elastography image, or the like.

[0027] The transmitting / receiving unit 14 and the image generating unit 16 correspond to an example of an acquiring unit.

[0028] The display processing unit 18 generates a display image by overlaying the necessary graphic data on the ultrasound image. The display image is output to the display unit 20. One or more images are displayed side by side in a display format according to the display mode.

[0029] The display unit 20 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an EL display. An ultrasound image such as a B-mode image is displayed on the display unit 20. The display unit 20 may be a device that combines a display and an operation unit 22. For example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) may be realized by the display unit 20 and the operation unit 22. Also, a user interface such as a touch panel may be realized by the display unit 20 and the operation unit 22.

[0030] The operation unit 22 is a device that allows a user to input imaging conditions, commands, etc. to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10. For example, the operation unit 22 is an operation panel, a switch, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, or the like.

[0031] The storage unit 24 configures one or more storage areas for storing data. For example, the storage unit 24 is a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various types of memory (e.g., RAM, DRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (e.g., optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0032] For example, the received signal received by the transmission / reception unit 14, the received beam generated based on the received signal, the received frame, volume data, ultrasound image, information indicating the shooting conditions, and information regarding the subject (e.g., a patient) are stored in the memory unit 24.

[0033] The analysis unit 26 includes a recognition unit 28 and an image quality adjustment unit 30, and determines imaging conditions for adjusting the image quality of the ultrasound image by analyzing the ultrasound image. The analysis unit 26 outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transmission / reception unit 14, the image generation unit 16, or both the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16.

[0034] The imaging conditions include at least one of the conditions related to the transceiver unit 14 and the conditions related to the image generating unit 16. The conditions related to the transceiver unit 14 include conditions related to the transmission of ultrasound and conditions related to the reception of ultrasound. The conditions related to the image generating unit 16 include conditions related to image processing for generating an ultrasound image. If the imaging conditions are conditions related to the transceiver unit 14, the analysis unit 26 outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transceiver unit 14. If the imaging conditions are conditions related to the image generating unit 16, the analysis unit 26 outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the image generating unit 16. If the imaging conditions include conditions related to the transceiver unit 14 and conditions related to the image generating unit 16, the analysis unit 26 outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to both the transceiver unit 14 and the image generating unit 16.

[0035] As a specific example, the imaging conditions include parameters such as brightness, contrast, smoothing, adaptive filter, gamma value, sharpness, edge enhancement, gain, frame rate, focal depth of the transmission beam, aperture width, center frequency of the transmitted ultrasound, frequency band of the transmitted ultrasound, frequency characteristics of the received ultrasound, coefficients of an image processing filter (e.g., a smoothing filter, etc.), apodization shape, characteristics of a receiving bandpass filter, and characteristics of a dynamic range. Of course, these parameters are merely examples of imaging conditions, and parameters other than these may be included in the imaging conditions according to this embodiment. For example, the imaging conditions include a combination of multiple types of parameters.

[0036] When information indicating the shooting conditions determined by the analysis unit 26 is output from the analysis unit 26 to the transmission / reception unit 14, the transmission / reception unit 14 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound by the ultrasound probe 12 in accordance with the shooting conditions determined by the analysis unit 26.

[0037] When information indicating the shooting conditions determined by the analysis unit 26 is output from the analysis unit 26 to the image generation unit 16, the image generation unit 16 adjusts the image quality of the ultrasound image in accordance with the shooting conditions determined by the analysis unit 26.

[0038] When information indicating the shooting conditions determined by the analysis unit 26 is output to the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16, the transmission / reception unit 14 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound by the ultrasound probe 12 in accordance with the shooting conditions determined by the analysis unit 26, and the image generation unit 16 adjusts the image quality of the ultrasound image in accordance with the shooting conditions determined by the analysis unit 26.

[0039] The recognition unit 28 estimates one or more candidates of the scanning section scanned by the ultrasound by executing a process of recognizing a section on the ultrasound image (hereinafter referred to as "section recognition process"). In addition, the recognition unit 28 calculates the reliability of recognition for each candidate of the scanning section. The reliability is a score indicating the certainty of the estimation (i.e., the accuracy or likelihood of the estimation).

[0040] For example, the recognition unit 28 may estimate candidates for the scanning section currently being scanned by executing a section recognition process on the ultrasound image currently being acquired. That is, the recognition unit 28 may estimate candidates for the scanning section in real time.

[0041] As another example, the recognition unit 28 may estimate candidates for the scanning cross-section by performing a cross-section recognition process on an ultrasound image that has already been acquired and stored in the storage unit 24 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 or an external device.

[0042] By estimating candidates for the scanning section, it is possible to estimate candidates for the part shown in the ultrasound image of the scanning section. In other words, the recognition unit 28 can estimate candidates for the part scanned by the ultrasound by executing a section recognition process on the ultrasound image.

[0043] A known cross-section recognition process is used as the cross-section recognition process according to the present embodiment. For example, machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) may be used for the cross-section recognition process. There is no limitation on the type of machine learning or artificial intelligence used, and any algorithm or model may be used. For example, a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), an RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), a GAN (Generative Adversarial Networks), a linear model, a random forest / decision tree learning, a support vector machine (SVM), an ensemble classifier, or other algorithms may be used. In addition, pattern matching such as template matching, or an algorithm that does not require learning such as correlation coefficient or similarity calculation may be used for the cross-section recognition process.

[0044] For example, the recognition unit 28 estimates one or more candidates for the scanning section by performing a section recognition process using machine learning on the ultrasound image, and calculates a reliability indicating the likelihood of the estimation using machine learning for each candidate for the scanning section. The recognition unit 28 may estimate one or more candidates for the part scanned with the ultrasound, and calculate a reliability indicating the likelihood of the estimation for each candidate for the part.

[0045] The recognition unit 28 may estimate one or more candidates of the scanning section scanned by the ultrasonic wave by comparing an ultrasonic image (e.g., a B-mode image) generated by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves with a plurality of standard cross-sectional images (e.g., B-mode images), and calculate a reliability indicating the likelihood of the estimation for each candidate of the scanning section. For example, the candidates of the scanning section are estimated by using a technique such as pattern matching.

[0046] A standard cross-sectional image is an ultrasound image for estimating a scanning section. For example, one or more standard cross-sectional images are generated in advance for each diagnostic region and stored in the storage unit 24 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 or an external device. A standard cross-sectional image representing a certain region is an ultrasound image generated by scanning a standard scanning section intersecting the region with ultrasound. For example, the standard scanning section is a section to be captured in an ultrasound examination, a representative section, etc.

[0047] The image quality adjustment unit 30 determines imaging conditions for adjusting the image quality of an ultrasound image. The image quality adjustment unit 30 outputs information indicating the determined imaging conditions to the transmission / reception unit 14, the image generation unit 16, or both the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16.

[0048] For example, when a candidate cross section is estimated by the recognition unit 28, the image quality adjustment unit 30 determines shooting conditions suitable for photographing the estimated candidate cross section (i.e., shooting conditions suitable for ultrasound examination of the candidate), and outputs information indicating the determined shooting conditions.

[0049] For example, for each cross section of a diagnostic region, imaging conditions suitable for imaging the cross section (i.e., imaging conditions suitable for ultrasound examination of the cross section) are determined in advance, and information indicating the imaging conditions for each cross section is stored in advance in the storage unit 24 or an external device. For example, for each cross section, cross section identification information for identifying the cross section and information indicating the imaging conditions suitable for imaging the cross section are linked in advance and stored in the storage unit 24 or an external device. The image quality adjustment unit 30 identifies the imaging conditions linked to the candidate cross section estimated by the recognition unit 28, and outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transmission / reception unit 14, the image generation unit 16, or both the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16.

[0050] For each diagnostic site, imaging conditions suitable for imaging the site (i.e., imaging conditions suitable for ultrasound examination of the site) may be determined in advance, and information indicating the imaging conditions for each site may be stored in advance in the storage unit 24 or an external device. For example, for each diagnostic site, site identification information for identifying the diagnostic site and information indicating imaging conditions suitable for imaging the diagnostic site are linked in advance and stored in the storage unit 24 or an external device. The image quality adjustment unit 30 identifies the imaging conditions linked to the site including the candidate cross-section estimated by the recognition unit 28, and outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transmission / reception unit 14, the image generation unit 16, or both the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16.

[0051] The control unit 32 controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. In addition, the control unit 32 causes the display unit 20 to display various types of information.

[0052] The operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 will now be described in detail.

[0053] First, the acquisition unit acquires a first ultrasonic image of the subject according to the first imaging condition. That is, the transmission / reception unit 14 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic probe 12 according to the first imaging condition, and the image generation unit 16 generates an ultrasonic image based on the received frame output from the transmission / reception unit 14 according to the first imaging condition. The ultrasonic image generated according to the first imaging condition is the first ultrasonic image.

[0054] For example, the first imaging condition is a predetermined imaging condition (e.g., a preset condition). The preset condition includes a plurality of types of parameters, and information indicating the preset condition is stored in advance in the storage unit 24 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. A plurality of different preset conditions may be created in advance. In this case, a user such as a doctor or a medical technician operates the operation unit 22 to select a preset condition from a plurality of different preset conditions. The selected preset condition is the first imaging condition. The acquisition unit (i.e., the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16) acquires the first ultrasound image according to the preset condition selected by the user. The user may create the first imaging condition by operating the operation unit 22 to set a plurality of types of parameters.

[0055] When the first ultrasonic image is acquired, the recognition unit 28 performs a slice recognition process on the first ultrasonic image to estimate one or more candidates of the scanning slice scanned by the ultrasonic wave. In addition, the recognition unit 28 calculates the reliability of recognition for each candidate of the scanning slice.

[0056] When the state in which the reliability of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability satisfies the threshold condition continues for a predetermined time T, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject according to the second imaging condition. That is, the transmission / reception unit 14 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic probe 12 according to the second imaging condition, and the image generation unit 16 generates an ultrasonic image based on the received frames output from the transmission / reception unit 14 according to the second imaging condition. The ultrasonic image acquired according to the second imaging condition is the second ultrasonic image.

[0057] The second imaging condition is an imaging condition different from the first imaging condition, and is an imaging condition corresponding to the scanning section recognized by the recognition unit 28. As described above, imaging conditions suitable for imaging the section (i.e., imaging conditions suitable for ultrasonic examination of the section) are determined in advance for each section of the diagnostic region, and information indicating the imaging conditions for each section is stored in advance in the storage unit 24 or an external device. The image quality adjustment unit 30 specifies the imaging condition associated with the scanning section recognized by the recognition unit 28 (i.e., the candidate estimated by the recognition unit 28), and outputs information indicating the imaging condition to the transmission / reception unit 14, the image generation unit 16, or both the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16. When imaging conditions are determined for each diagnostic region, the image quality adjustment unit 30 specifies the imaging condition associated with the region including the candidate section estimated by the recognition unit 28, and outputs information indicating the imaging condition to the transmission / reception unit 14, the image generation unit 16, or both the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16.

[0058] The time T may be changed by a user such as a doctor or a medical technician. The time T may be determined based on the number of frames of an ultrasound image. The time T may be determined for each part to be subjected to an ultrasound examination.

[0059] For example, the reliability of a number of candidates with high reliability is the sum of the reliability calculated by adding the reliability of each candidate in order from the most reliable candidate. The sum of the reliability is calculated by the image quality adjustment unit 30. The image quality adjustment unit 30 calculates the sum of the reliability by adding the reliability of each candidate in order from the most reliable candidate until the sum of the reliability exceeds a threshold. The threshold is a predetermined value. The threshold may be changed by the user. The image quality adjustment unit 30 may calculate the sum of the reliability by adding the reliability of a predetermined number of candidates in order from the most reliable candidate. The predetermined number may be changed by the user.

[0060] The state where the reliability of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability satisfies the threshold condition means a state where the sum of the reliability is included within a threshold range. The threshold range may be determined in advance or may be changed by the user. The threshold range is a range included between an upper threshold A and a lower threshold B of the reliability. For example, when the state where the sum of the reliability is included within the threshold range continues for a time T, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second imaging condition.

[0061] As another example, a state in which the reliability of a plurality of candidates with higher reliability satisfies the threshold condition is a state in which the moving average value of the sum of reliability is included within a threshold range. The threshold range may be determined in advance or may be changed by the user. The threshold range is a range included between an upper threshold C of the moving average value and a lower threshold D of the moving average value. For example, when the state in which the moving average value of the sum of reliability is included within the threshold range continues for a time T, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second imaging condition. The moving average value of the sum of reliability is calculated by the image quality adjustment unit 30.

[0062] Hereinafter, the change over time in the reliability of the cross-section recognition will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the change over time in the reliability of the cross-section recognition. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the reliability of the cross-section recognition.

[0063] Reference numeral 34 indicates the change over time in the reliability of cross section α. ​​Reference numeral 36 indicates the change over time in the reliability of cross section β. Reference numeral 38 indicates the change over time in the sum of the reliability of cross section α and the reliability of cross section β.

[0064] Cross sections α and β are the candidates with the highest reliability. For example, cross section α is the candidate with the highest reliability or the candidate with the second highest reliability, and cross section β is the candidate with the highest reliability or the candidate with the second highest reliability. When the reliability of cross section α is the highest, the reliability of cross section β is the second highest, and when the reliability of cross section α is the second highest, the reliability of cross section β is the highest. Therefore, cross sections α and β correspond to the candidates with the highest reliability. As another example, when a user specifies two as the number of top candidates, cross sections α and β are determined to be the candidates with the highest reliability.

[0065] 2, the reliability of the cross section α and the reliability of the cross section β fluctuate up and down with time, and the ranking of the cross section α and the ranking of the cross section β change with time, as indicated by the reference numerals 34 and 36. For example, when the cross section actually scanned by the ultrasound has the image characteristics of the cross section α and the image characteristics of the cross section β, the change in the reliability indicated by the reference numerals 34 and 36 with time is observed.

[0066] 3 shows another time variation of the reliability of the cross-section recognition, where the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates the reliability of the cross-section recognition.

[0067] Reference numeral 40 indicates the change over time in the reliability of cross section α. ​​Reference numeral 42 indicates the change over time in the reliability of cross section β. Reference numeral 44 indicates the change over time in the sum of the reliability of cross section α and the reliability of cross section β.

[0068] As in the example shown in Fig. 2, cross sections α and β are candidates with the highest reliability. When the reliability of cross section α is the highest, the reliability of cross section β is the second highest, and when the reliability of cross section α is the second highest, the reliability of cross section β is the highest.

[0069] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the reliability of the cross section α and the reliability of the cross section β are each 0.5 (i.e., 50%) or less and do not fluctuate much up or down with the passage of time, as indicated by the reference numerals 40 and 42. For example, when the cross section actually scanned by the ultrasound does not have many image features of either the cross sections α or β, the time changes indicated by the reference numerals 40 and 42 are observed.

[0070] The relationship between the sum of reliability and the threshold range will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows the change over time of the sum of reliability. The horizontal axis shows time, and the vertical axis shows the reliability of cross-section recognition. Time T, upper threshold A, and lower threshold B are also shown in Fig. 4.

[0071] Reference numeral 38 indicates the change over time of the sum of the reliability of cross section α and the reliability of cross section β. The graph indicated by reference numeral 38 in FIG. 4 is the same as the graph indicated by reference numeral 38 in FIG.

[0072] 2 and 4, the sum of the reliability fluctuates greatly in the time period before time T, but thereafter continues to fluctuate between the upper threshold A and the lower threshold B during the time T. In the example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the sum of the reliability fluctuates between the upper threshold A and the lower threshold B for a time period equal to or longer than time T. When the state in which the sum of the reliability falls within the threshold range (i.e., between the upper threshold A and the lower threshold B) continues for the time T, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second shooting condition.

[0073] 3 also fluctuates significantly in the time period before time T, but thereafter, during the time period T, it continues to fluctuate between the upper threshold A and the lower threshold B. Therefore, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasound image according to the second imaging condition.

[0074] The relationship between the moving average value of the sum of reliability and the threshold range will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows the change over time of the moving average value of the sum of reliability. The horizontal axis shows time, and the vertical axis shows the moving average value of the reliability of cross-section recognition. Time T, upper threshold C, lower threshold D, and variation Δ are also shown in Fig. 5.

[0075] For example, the image quality adjustment unit 30 calculates a moving average value of the sum of the reliability indicated by the reference numeral 38 in Fig. 2. Reference numeral 46 indicates a change over time in the moving average value of the sum of the reliability indicated by the reference numeral 38. For example, the variation Δ is the variation of the moving average value, and is about 10% of the moving average value. Of course, this value is merely an example, and another value may be used as the variation Δ, or the variation Δ may be set by the user.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 5, the moving average value of the sum of the reliability fluctuates significantly in the time period before time T, but thereafter continues to fluctuate between the upper threshold C and the lower threshold D during time T. Furthermore, the variation in the moving average value falls within the variation Δ. When the state in which the moving average value of the sum of the reliability is included within the threshold range (i.e., between the upper threshold C and the lower threshold D) continues for time T, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second shooting condition.

[0077] In general, when a user such as a doctor or a medical technician searches for a cross section suitable for an ultrasound examination while taking an image using the ultrasound probe 12, it is considered that the reliability of the cross section estimation is not stable. For example, while searching for a cross section, the user may take an image while changing the position or angle of the ultrasound probe 12. In this case, it is considered that the fluctuation of the reliability calculated during the search becomes large and the reliability is not stable. On the other hand, when the user continues taking an image without changing the position or angle of the ultrasound probe 12, it is considered that the fluctuation of the reliability calculated during the image taking becomes small and the reliability is stable.

[0078] For example, if the state in which the sum of the reliability is included within the threshold range continues for time T, the sum of the reliability is presumed to be stable. Similarly, if the state in which the moving average value of the sum of the reliability is included within the threshold range continues for time T, the sum of the reliability is presumed to be stable. That is, in these cases, it is presumed that a certain cross section is stably scanned. Therefore, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasound image according to the second imaging condition. As a result, it is possible to increase the reliability of the recognition of the cross section.

[0079] The case where the reliability of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability satisfies the threshold condition may be the case where the order of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability does not change and the reliability of each of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability is less than the threshold. The threshold is a predetermined value. The threshold may be changed by the user. For example, when the reliability of the cross section α is the highest and the reliability of the cross section β is the second highest and the reliability of the cross section α and the reliability of the cross section β are each less than the threshold, it is assumed that a certain cross section is stably scanned. Therefore, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasound image according to the second imaging condition.

[0080] A specific example of the second shooting condition will be described below.

[0081] For example, the second photographing condition is a photographing condition corresponding to a candidate whose reliability exceeds a threshold value among a plurality of candidates with high reliability. The threshold value is a predetermined value. The threshold value may be changed by the user.

[0082] 2 and 3, when the reliability of the cross section α exceeds the threshold value and the reliability of the cross section β does not exceed the threshold value, the image quality adjustment unit 30 specifies the imaging conditions suitable for imaging the cross section α (i.e., the imaging conditions linked to the cross section α) as the second imaging conditions, and outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transmitting / receiving unit 14, the image generating unit 16, or both the transmitting / receiving unit 14 and the image generating unit 16. As a result, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second imaging conditions corresponding to the cross section α.

[0083] When the reliability of the cross section α does not exceed the threshold value and the reliability of the cross section β exceeds the threshold value, the image quality adjustment unit 30 specifies the imaging conditions suitable for imaging the cross section β (i.e., the imaging conditions linked to the cross section β) as the second imaging conditions, and outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transmission / reception unit 14, the image generation unit 16, or both the transmission / reception unit 14 and the image generation unit 16. As a result, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second imaging conditions corresponding to the cross section β.

[0084] The second imaging condition may be an imaging condition corresponding to the most reliable candidate among the multiple candidates with the highest reliability. For example, when the reliability of the cross section α and the reliability of the cross section β both exceed a threshold, the image quality adjustment unit 30 specifies the imaging condition corresponding to the cross section with the highest reliability among the cross sections α and β as the second imaging condition.

[0085] When the reliability of the cross section α is higher than the reliability of the cross section β, the image quality adjustment unit 30 specifies the imaging conditions suitable for imaging the cross section α (i.e., the imaging conditions linked to the cross section α) as the second imaging conditions, and outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transmitting / receiving unit 14, the image generating unit 16, or both the transmitting / receiving unit 14 and the image generating unit 16. As a result, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second imaging conditions corresponding to the cross section α.

[0086] When the reliability of the cross section β is higher than the reliability of the cross section α, the image quality adjustment unit 30 specifies the imaging conditions suitable for imaging the cross section β (i.e., the imaging conditions linked to the cross section α) as the second imaging conditions, and outputs information indicating the imaging conditions to the transmitting / receiving unit 14, the image generating unit 16, or both the transmitting / receiving unit 14 and the image generating unit 16. As a result, the acquiring unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second imaging conditions corresponding to the cross section β.

[0087] According to this embodiment, a user such as a doctor or a medical technician can perform an ultrasound examination using the second ultrasound image suitable for the ultrasound examination. As a result, the user does not need to set an imaging condition suitable for a diagnostic region, and the effort and time required for setting the imaging condition can be reduced.

[0088] An application example of this embodiment will be described below.

[0089] For example, in an ultrasound examination of the liver, if the imaging conditions are not appropriate, the portal vein may not be easily depicted in an ultrasound image representing an intercostal cross section of the liver due to insufficient sensitivity or the like. As a result, the reliability of the cross section recognition may decrease. According to this embodiment, for example, when the sum of the reliabilities of the two cross sections with the highest reliability is included within the threshold range continues for a time T, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasound image according to the second imaging conditions. For example, imaging conditions suitable for an intercostal cross section of the liver (for example, imaging conditions in which the focal depth, aperture width, gain, etc. of the transmission beam are adjusted) are used as the second imaging conditions to acquire the second ultrasound image. In this way, high sensitivity is obtained, and a second ultrasound image in which blood vessels are appropriately depicted is generated. Also, a second ultrasound image with high reliability is generated.

[0090] A specific example of the second imaging condition will be described below with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 9. Fig. 6 to Fig. 9 show changes in the reliability of cross-section recognition over time. In Fig. 6 to Fig. 9, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates reliability.

[0091] FIG. 6 shows a change over time in the reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image. Reference numeral 48 indicates a change over time in the reliability of cross section α. ​​Reference numeral 50 indicates a change over time in the reliability of cross section β. Reference numeral 52 indicates a change over time in the sum of the reliability of cross section α and the reliability of cross section β. Each reliability is a value calculated from the first ultrasonic image. When the state in which the sum of the reliability satisfies the threshold condition continues for time T, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition.

[0092] 7 to 9 show the change over time in the reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image.

[0093] The reliability of each cross section shown in Fig. 7 is calculated from a second ultrasound image acquired according to a second imaging condition that prioritizes contrast. Reference numeral 54 indicates a time change in the reliability of cross section α. ​​Reference numeral 56 indicates a time change in the reliability of cross section β. Reference numeral 58 indicates a time change in the sum of the reliability of cross section α and the reliability of cross section β.

[0094] The reliability of each cross section shown in Fig. 8 is calculated from the second ultrasound image acquired according to the second imaging condition that prioritizes resolution. Reference numeral 60 indicates the time change in the reliability of cross section α. ​​Reference numeral 62 indicates the time change in the reliability of cross section β. Reference numeral 64 indicates the time change in the sum of the reliability of cross section α and the reliability of cross section β.

[0095] The reliability of each cross section shown in Fig. 9 is calculated from a second ultrasound image acquired according to a second imaging condition that prioritizes sensitivity in deep areas. Reference numeral 66 indicates a change in reliability of cross section α over time. Reference numeral 68 indicates a change in reliability of cross section β over time. Reference numeral 70 indicates a change in the sum of the reliability of cross section α and the reliability of cross section β over time.

[0096] The following describes modified examples.

[0097] (Variation 1) In the first modification, the recognition unit 28 estimates one or more candidates for the scanning cross section by performing a cross section recognition process on the second ultrasonic image. In addition, the recognition unit 28 calculates the reliability of recognition for each candidate for the scanning cross section.

[0098] The image quality adjustment unit 30 compares the reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image with the reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image. For example, the image quality adjustment unit 30 compares the highest reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image (i.e., the reliability of the cross section having the highest reliability) with the highest reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image (i.e., the reliability of the cross section having the highest reliability).

[0099] If the reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image is higher than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image, the image quality adjustment unit 30 outputs information indicating the second imaging condition to the transceiver unit 14, the image generation unit 16, or both the transceiver unit 14 and the image generation unit 16. The acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition.

[0100] If the reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image is equal to or lower than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image, the image quality adjustment unit 30 does not change the imaging conditions and maintains the imaging conditions as the first imaging conditions. The acquisition unit continues imaging using ultrasound according to the first imaging conditions.

[0101] According to the first modification, an ultrasonic image is acquired according to imaging conditions that provide a higher degree of reliability, so that a more appropriate ultrasonic examination can be realized.

[0102] (Variation 2) In the second modification, the control unit 32 causes the display unit 20 to display the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image. For example, the control unit 32 causes the display unit 20 to display the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image side by side. The control unit 32 may switch between the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image and cause them to be displayed on the display unit 20. For example, when a user issues an instruction to switch by operating the operation unit 22, the control unit 32 causes the display unit 20 to switch between the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image and cause them to be displayed on the display unit 20. The control unit 32 may automatically switch between the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image and cause them to be displayed on the display unit 20 every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0103] The user selects the first or second imaging condition by referring to the first and second ultrasonic images displayed on the display unit 20 and operating the operation unit 22. The acquisition unit acquires an ultrasonic image according to the imaging condition selected by the user.

[0104] For example, the control unit 32 causes an image for selecting a first photographing condition (for example, an icon or button image representing the first photographing condition) and an image for selecting a second photographing condition (for example, an icon or button image representing the second photographing condition) to be displayed side by side on the display unit 20. The user selects a photographing condition by pressing an icon, button image, or the like.

[0105] As another example, the user may select the imaging conditions by selecting a displayed ultrasound image, and the image quality adjustment unit 30 may accept the selection. For example, when the user selects a first ultrasound image by operating the operation unit 22, the image quality adjustment unit 30 accepts the selection and sets the imaging conditions to the first imaging conditions. When the user selects a second ultrasound image by operating the operation unit 22, the image quality adjustment unit 30 accepts the selection and sets the imaging conditions to the second imaging conditions. The acquisition unit acquires the ultrasound image according to the imaging conditions set by the image quality adjustment unit 30.

[0106] According to the second modification, an ultrasound image is acquired according to the imaging conditions intended by the user, so that an ultrasound image intended by the user is generated and presented to the user.

[0107] When the reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image is lower than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image, the control unit 32 may not display the second ultrasonic image on the display unit 20. In this case, when the reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image is higher than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image, the control unit 32 displays the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image on the display unit 20.

[0108] (Variation 3) In the third modification, the second imaging condition is a condition related to image processing by the image generating unit 16. The image quality adjusting unit 30 outputs information indicating the second imaging condition to the image generating unit 16. The image generating unit 16 generates a second ultrasound image by executing image processing according to the second imaging condition on data (e.g., received frames) acquired according to the first imaging condition. The image processing according to the second imaging condition is image processing suitable for the estimated cross section, for example, image processing in which an image processing filter (e.g., a smoothing filter) is adjusted.

[0109] According to the third modification, the second ultrasonic image can be acquired by using the data acquired according to the first imaging conditions and simply changing the conditions for image processing.

[0110] The image generating unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 can be realized by using hardware resources such as a processor or an electronic circuit, and a device such as a memory may be used for the realization as necessary. The image generating unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 may be realized by, for example, a computer. That is, the image generating unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 may be realized in whole or in part by cooperation between hardware resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) and memory provided in a computer and software (program) that specifies the operation of the CPU, etc. The program is stored in the storage unit 24 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 or another storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. As another example, the image generating unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 may be realized by a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. Of course, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or the like may be used. The image generation unit 16, the display processing unit 18, the analysis unit 26, and the control unit 32 may be realized by a single device or by multiple devices.

[0111] The functions of the image generator 16, the display processor 18, the analyzer 26, and the controller 32 may be executed by a device other than the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 (for example, a personal computer, a server, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 ultrasound diagnostic device, 12 ultrasound probe, 14 transmission / reception unit, 16 image generation unit, 26 analysis unit, 28 recognition unit, 30 image quality adjustment unit, 32 control unit.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a first ultrasonic image of a subject according to a first imaging condition; a recognition unit that executes a process of recognizing a slice of the first ultrasonic image and outputs a plurality of candidates of the slice and a recognition reliability for each candidate; Including, When a state in which the reliability of a plurality of candidates having higher reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a predetermined time, the acquisition unit acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject according to a second imaging condition that is different from the first imaging condition and corresponds to the recognized cross section.

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The reliability of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability is the sum of the reliability calculated by adding the reliability of each candidate in order from the most reliable candidate, A state in which the reliability of a plurality of candidates having high reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a predetermined period of time means a state in which the sum is included within a threshold range continues for a predetermined period of time.

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

3. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, A state in which the reliability of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability satisfies the threshold condition continues for a predetermined time period means a state in which the ranking of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability does not change continues for a predetermined time period, and the reliability of each of the multiple candidates with the highest reliability is less than a threshold.

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

4. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The second imaging condition is an imaging condition corresponding to a candidate whose reliability exceeds a threshold value among a plurality of candidates having high reliability.

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

5. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, the second photographing condition is a photographing condition corresponding to a candidate having the highest reliability among a plurality of candidates having high reliability; 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

6. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, The recognition unit further executes a process of recognizing a cross section of the second ultrasonic image and calculates a reliability of the recognition, The acquisition unit further acquires the second ultrasonic image according to the second imaging condition when the reliability calculated from the second ultrasonic image is higher than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasonic image.

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

7. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, The acquisition unit further continues imaging using ultrasound according to the first imaging condition when the reliability calculated from the second ultrasound image is equal to or lower than the reliability calculated from the first ultrasound image.

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

8. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, a control unit that displays the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image on a display; The acquisition unit acquires an ultrasound image according to an imaging condition selected by a user from the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition.

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

9. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, the second photographing condition is a condition related to image processing, the acquisition unit acquires the second ultrasound image by performing image processing according to the second imaging condition on the data acquired according to the first imaging condition; 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

10. Computer, an acquisition means for acquiring a first ultrasonic image of the subject according to a first imaging condition; a recognition means for executing a process of recognizing a slice of the first ultrasonic image and outputting a plurality of candidates of the slice and a recognition reliability for each candidate; Function as a When a state in which the reliability of a plurality of candidates having higher reliability satisfies a threshold condition continues for a predetermined time, the acquisition means acquires a second ultrasonic image of the subject according to a second imaging condition that is different from the first imaging condition and corresponds to the recognized cross section. program.

Images