Ultrasonic diagnosis device, ultrasonic diagnosis method, and program

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic diagnosis device and the like which can reduce a workload during test of a user when at least one of position and size of a body mark is changed in a division display mode.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnosis device includes: a generation part for generating ultrasonic image data based on a reflective wave of an ultrasonic wave irradiated onto the subject and reflected at the subject; and a control part for displaying an ultrasonic image on a screen of a display part based on the generated ultrasonic image data. In a display mode where an image is divided in a plurality of display regions, the control part executes display of an ultrasonic image of the predefined tested portion and identification information for identifying a tested portion on the ultrasonic image for each of the plurality of display regions. The control part executes a linkage control where, when changing at least one of a position and size of the identification information of one of the plurality of display regions, at least one of position and size of a body mark in the other display regions are linked and changed accordingly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus irradiates an inspection site such as the heart, breast, or fetus with ultrasonic waves, and images the inside of the inspection site using the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the inspection site. The ultrasonic image data of the inspection site imaged by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is displayed on the screen of a display device. At this time, a symbol image called a body mark for visually identifying the inspection site of the ultrasonic image is displayed on the screen of the display device together with the ultrasonic image.

[0003] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with a split display mode in which the screen of the display device is divided into a plurality of parts, and ultrasonic images are displayed in each of the divided display areas. In the split display mode, for example, when imaging different positions, directions, and angles of the same inspection site, these plurality of ultrasonic images are displayed in each of the divided display areas. A body mark for identifying the inspection site of each ultrasonic image is displayed in each display area where the ultrasonic image is displayed.

[0004] As a technique for dividing the inspection screen into a plurality of parts and displaying ultrasonic images and body marks, for example, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a tomographic image display device that displays a plurality of tomographic images in a predetermined area of a divided screen and body patterns arranged close to each tomographic image in a multi-mode. The body pattern is displayed in a reduced size compared to the single mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, in the split display mode, the body marks displayed in each display area may be changed to an easy-to-see position and size. At this time, all the body marks in the divided display areas may be changed to the same position and size. However, in the conventional technology, for each body mark in each display area, operations to change the position and size had to be performed. Therefore, when changing the position and size of the body marks in each display area, there is a problem that the work burden during the examination by a doctor or the like increases.

[0007] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic method, and a program that can reduce the work burden of a user during an examination when at least one of the position and size of a body mark is changed in a split display mode.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a generation unit that irradiates a subject with ultrasonic waves and generates ultrasonic image data based on the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject, and a control unit that causes an ultrasonic image based on the generated ultrasonic image data to be displayed on the screen of a display unit. The control unit In a display mode in which the screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, for each of the plurality of display areas, an ultrasonic image of a predetermined examination site and identification information for identifying the examination site of the ultrasonic image can be displayed. When at least one of the position and size of the identification information in one of the plurality of display areas is changed, interlocking control is executed to change at least one of the position and size of the body marks in other display areas in an interlocked manner.

[0009] The ultrasonic diagnostic method according to the present invention includes a generation step of irradiating a subject with ultrasonic waves and generating ultrasonic image data based on the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject, A display control step of causing a display unit to display an ultrasonic image based on the generated ultrasonic image data, and in the display control step, in a display mode in which the screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, for each of the plurality of display areas, an ultrasonic image of a predetermined inspection site and identification information for identifying the inspection site of the ultrasonic image are displayed, when at least one of the position and size of the identification information in one of the plurality of display areas is changed, interlocking control is executed to change at least one of the position and size of the body marks in the other display areas in an interlocked manner.

[0010] The program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as a generation unit that irradiates a subject with ultrasonic waves and generates ultrasonic image data based on the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject, and a control unit that causes a display unit to display an ultrasonic image based on the generated ultrasonic image data, and in the control unit, in a display mode in which the screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, for each of the plurality of display areas, an ultrasonic image of a predetermined inspection site and identification information for identifying the inspection site of the ultrasonic image are displayed, when at least one of the position and size of the identification information in one of the plurality of display areas is changed, interlocking control is executed to change at least one of the position and size of the body marks in the other display areas in an interlocked manner.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when the screen is divided and displayed, by changing at least one of the position and size of the identification information in one display area, at least one of the position and size of the body marks in the other display areas can be changed in an interlocked manner. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the work load during the user's inspection.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [Configuration Example of Ultrasonic Diagnostic System 1] First, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 includes a RIS 10, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20, and a PACS 30. The RIS is a radiological information system, which is an abbreviation for Radiological Information System. The PACS is a medical image management system, which is an abbreviation for Picture Archiving and Communication System. The RIS 10, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20, and the PACS 30 are communicably connected via a network N such as a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet. The LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. The WAN is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network.

[0015] The RIS 10 manages information such as medical appointment, report of diagnostic results, and performance management in the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1. The RIS 10 transmits order information generated in an electronic medical record system (not shown) to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20.

[0016] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 generates an ultrasonic image U according to the order information received from the RIS 10, corresponding to the state of the internal tissues of a patient (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a subject). The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 generates ultrasonic image data based on the received reflected waves, and displays the internal state in the subject as the ultrasonic image U based on the generated ultrasonic image data. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 generates additional information regarding the generated ultrasonic image data based on the order information. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 attaches the additional information to the ultrasonic image data, generates an image file conforming to the DICOM standard, and transmits the generated image file to the PACS 30. DICOM is an abbreviation for Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine.

[0017] The PACS 30 stores and manages the image files and video files generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 based on the additional information and the like included in the image files. The PACS 30 searches for image files and the like using the patient ID, examination ID, etc. specified according to the operation instructions of a doctor or the like as search keys. The PACS 30 outputs the searched image files and the like to the display unit 214 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20, a viewer of a client information terminal (not shown), and the like.

[0018] [Configuration Example of Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus 20] Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 is used in a medical facility such as a hospital by a user such as a doctor or a technician. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 and an ultrasonic probe 250 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200.

[0019] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 includes an operation unit 202, a transmission unit 204, a reception unit 206, an image generation unit 208, and an image processing unit 210. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 further includes a display control unit 212, a display unit 214, a communication unit 220, a control unit 230, and a storage unit 240.

[0020] The operation unit 202 receives input instructions from various user operations, converts the received input instructions into electrical signals, and outputs them to the control unit 230. The operation unit 202 receives inputs such as, for example, a command to execute an installer, parameters related to the display of the ultrasonic image U, and the like. The operation unit 202 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, buttons, and the like. The operation unit 202 may be, for example, a touch panel integrally combined with a display, or may be a user interface that receives voice input such as a microphone. Specifically, the operation unit 202 receives settings such as turning on and off the interlock control mode, and setting display modes such as the two-division display mode and the four-division display mode.

[0021] The transmission unit 204 supplies a drive signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic probe 250 according to the control of the control unit 230. The transmission unit 204 has, for example, a clock generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generation circuit. The clock generation circuit generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the drive signal. The delay circuit sets a delay time for each path provided in each of the vibrators 253 described later, and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses the transmission beam composed of ultrasonic waves. The pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmission unit 204 drives, for example, a continuous part of the plurality of vibrators 253 to generate ultrasonic waves. Each time the transmission unit 204 generates ultrasonic waves, it shifts the driven vibrator 253 in the azimuth direction and scans (scans).

[0022] The receiving unit 206 receives a received signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasonic probe 250 according to the control of the control unit 230. The receiving unit 206 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phased addition circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal at a preset amplification factor for each path provided for each vibrator 253. The A / D conversion circuit performs analog / digital conversion on the amplified received signal. The phased addition circuit gives a delay time to the A / D converted received signal for each path provided for each vibrator 253 to adjust the phase, and adds them. The phased addition circuit generates beam data (beam signal) by phased addition. Note that the receiving unit 206 may have an amplifier for amplifying the received signal.

[0023] The image generation unit 208 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, etc. on the beam data supplied from the receiving unit 206 according to the control of the control unit 230. The image generation unit 208 further adjusts the dynamic range and gain of the beam data for luminance conversion to generate B-mode image data. The B-mode image data represents the strength of the received signal by luminance and is tomographic image information regarding the tissue in the subject. The image generation unit 208 is not limited to the B-mode image data of the B-mode. Other scan modes (image modes) include, for example, the A-mode, the M-mode, and the scan mode by the Doppler method. Examples of the Doppler method include the color Doppler mode, PWD, etc. The B-mode is an abbreviation of the Brightness mode. The A-mode is an abbreviation of the Amplitude mode. The M-mode is an abbreviation of the Motion mode. PWD is an abbreviation of Pulsed Wave Doppler.

[0024] The image processing unit 210 performs image processing on the B-mode image data output from the image generation unit 208 according to the control of the control unit 230. The image processing unit 210 performs image processing on the B-mode image data according to various image parameters being set. The image processing unit 210 has an image memory unit 211 constituted by a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory. The image processing unit 210 stores the B-mode image data on which image processing has been performed in the image memory unit 211 in units of frames according to the control of the control unit 230. In the present embodiment, the image data in units of frames may be referred to as ultrasonic image data or frame image data. The image processing unit 210 outputs the image data generated as described above to the display control unit 212 in order according to the control of the control unit 230.

[0025] The display control unit 212 generates a display image signal by performing coordinate conversion and the like on the received ultrasonic image data according to the control of the control unit 230. The display control unit 212 outputs the generated display image signal to the display unit 214.

[0026] The display unit 214 displays a still image or a moving image corresponding to the display image signal output from the display control unit 212 on the screen according to the control of the control unit 230. The display unit 214 is, for example, a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL display. LCD is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. EL is an abbreviation for Electronic Luminescence. In the present embodiment, the display unit 214 divides the screen into a plurality of display areas according to the set display mode, and displays the ultrasonic image U of the inspection site and the like in each display area. Examples of the display mode include a two-division display mode, a four-division display mode, and the like.

[0027] The communication unit 220 includes, for example, a communication module including a NIC, a LAN adapter, a receiver, a transmitter, etc. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card. The communication unit 220 communicates various data, information, etc. with the RIS 10, PACS 30, other external devices, etc. connected via the network N, for example.

[0028] The control unit 230 includes a processor such as a CPU and a memory such as a RAM. The CPU reads out various programs 241 stored in the storage unit 240 and expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the programs. The CPU may be composed of a single processor or a plurality of processors.

[0029] The control unit 230 causes the ultrasonic image U based on the generated ultrasonic image data to be displayed on the screen of the display unit 214. In the display mode in which the screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, the control unit 230 displays, for each of the plurality of display areas, the ultrasonic image U of a predetermined inspection site and a body mark for specifying the inspection site of the ultrasonic image U. When the interlock control mode is set to on, the control unit 230 executes an interlock control for changing at least one of the position and size of the body mark in one display area in conjunction with the body mark in another display area. Specifically, when the control unit 230 acquires a change instruction for changing at least one of the position and size of the body mark in one of the plurality of display areas, the control unit 230 changes at least one of the position and size of the body mark in another display area in conjunction with the change instruction.

[0030] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20, which is a computer, may function as a generation unit that irradiates an object with ultrasonic waves and generates ultrasonic image data based on the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the object by executing the program 241, etc. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 may function as a control unit that causes the ultrasonic image U based on the generated ultrasonic image data to be displayed on the screen of the display unit 214. In the function of the control unit, the above-described interlock control mode may be executed.

[0031] The storage unit 240 includes any storage module including, for example, HDD, SSD, ROM, RAM, etc. In the storage unit 240, for example, system programs, application programs, and various data received by the communication unit 220 are stored. In the storage unit 240, a program 241 for executing processes related to ultrasonic inspection, display modes, interlock control modes, etc. is stored.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 250 includes a head portion 252, a cable 254, and a connector 256. The head portion 252 is a portion that presses against the subject. A plurality of vibrators 253 made of piezoelectric elements are provided in the head portion 252. The vibrator 253 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject based on a drive signal transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 and receives a reflected wave reflected by the subject. The vibrators 253 may be arranged in a one-dimensional array in the scanning direction, for example, or may be arranged in a two-dimensional array (matrix shape). The number of vibrators 253 can be arbitrarily set. In the present embodiment, a linear scanning type electronic scan probe is used as the ultrasonic probe 250 to scan ultrasonic waves by a linear scanning method. In addition to the linear scanning method, other scanning methods such as a convex scanning method and a sector scanning method may be adopted.

[0033] One end of the cable 254 is electrically connected to the head portion 252, and the other end is electrically connected to the connector 256. The connector 256 is attached to the other end of the cable 254 and is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200. Note that the communication between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 and the ultrasonic probe 250 is not limited to wired communication using the cable 254. The communication method between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 200 and the ultrasonic probe 250 may be wireless communication using UWB or the like. UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band.

[0034] [Configuration example of body mark B] Next, the body mark B according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 shows an example of the body mark B for identifying the examination site of the ultrasonic image U according to the present embodiment. The body mark B is a mark for visually identifying examination sites such as a fetus, abdomen, right breast, left breast, right shoulder, etc. The types of the body mark B shown in FIG. 3 are an example. The body mark B is superimposed on the ultrasonic image U or displayed in the peripheral part of the ultrasonic image U so as to be able to identify the examination site of the ultrasonic image U displayed on the screen of the display unit 214. As shown in FIG. 3, a probe mark P representing the position, direction, and angle of the ultrasonic probe 250 when the ultrasonic probe 250 is pressed against the examination site of the subject is superimposed on the body mark B. The body mark B and the probe mark P for identifying the examination site of the ultrasonic image U may be listed in association with, for example, a body mark ID or the like and stored in the storage unit 240.

[0035] Note that, in the present embodiment, the body mark B is used as identification information for identifying the examination site, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any mode may be used as long as it can be recognized by a user such as a doctor or a technician which examination site the ultrasonic image U images. For example, the identification information may be a character for identifying the examination site, a symbol, or another figure (mark). Further, the identification information may be a combination of at least two or more of a figure, a character, and a symbol.

[0036] [Operation Example of Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus 20] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 that executes the ultrasonic examination method according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 during the examination according to the embodiment. Each step shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the program 241 in the storage unit 240 being executed by the control unit 230 including a processor. FIG. 5 shows an example of the ultrasonic image U and the body mark B displayed on the screen of the display unit 214. In the figures used in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic image U is illustrated in a simplified manner for convenience.

[0037] The control unit 230 executes patient information input processing (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 230 acquires the order information transmitted from the RIS 10 and also acquires the personal information of the patient input by the operation unit 202.

[0038] The control unit 230 acquires the setting information of the split display mode and also acquires the setting information of the interlock control mode (step S2). The split display mode and the interlock control mode can be set, for example, by an input operation of the operation unit 202 by the user on the screen of the display unit 214. In the split display mode, for example, selections such as the normal display mode, the two-split display mode, and the four-split display mode are possible. The split display mode may be four or more splits. The normal display mode is a display mode of one screen. The two-split display mode is a display mode in which the screen is divided into two (the first split number) display areas. The four-split display mode is a display mode in which the screen is divided into four (the second split number) display areas. In the interlock control mode, it is possible to select whether to set the interlock control mode or not to set the interlock control mode.

[0039] The control unit 230 starts the scanning operation (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 230 controls the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the transmission unit 204 and the reception unit 206. The image generation unit 208 and the image processing unit 210 generate ultrasonic image data based on the received ultrasonic waves. The control unit 230 stores the generated ultrasonic image data in the image memory unit 211 for each frame and also displays an ultrasonic image U based on the ultrasonic image data on the screen of the display unit 214. Step S3 corresponds to the generation step.

[0040] The control unit 230 executes body mark input processing (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 230 displays a body mark list in a predetermined display area on the screen of the display unit 214. The control unit 230 acquires identification information regarding the body mark B selected by an input operation on the operation unit 202 in the displayed body mark list. Here, the body mark B selected is a body mark corresponding to the inspection site to be scanned. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the normal mode is selected as the display mode, the body mark B of the fetus as the inspection site is displayed at the lower left of the display area T of the display unit 214. In this case, the probe mark P representing the position, direction, and angle of the ultrasonic probe 250 with respect to the inspection site may be superimposed on the body mark B. The body mark B and the probe mark P can be moved to an arbitrary position by an input operation on the operation unit 202. In the present embodiment, the display position of the body mark B is default-set, for example, at the lower left of each display area T, but it may be at other positions. The default setting may be arbitrarily changeable by the operation unit 202. Step S4 corresponds to a display control step.

[0041] The control unit 230 determines whether setting changes of various parameters have been made (step S5). Examples of the parameters include gamma characteristics, gain, dynamic range, and the like.

[0042] When the control unit 230 determines that setting changes of the parameters have been made, it proceeds to step S13. The control unit 230 implements setting changes of the parameters according to the input operation on the operation unit 202 (step S13). After step S13 ends, it returns to step S5 to confirm whether setting changes of other parameters and the like have been made.

[0043] On the other hand, when the control unit 230 determines that no parameter setting change has been made, it proceeds to step S6. The control unit 230 determines whether there has been a freeze operation (step S6). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether the user has performed an operation to switch the ultrasonic image U being video-displayed on the display unit 214 to a still image. The freeze operation may be executed, for example, by touching the freeze button on the operation unit 202 when the ultrasonic image U is being video-displayed.

[0044] When the control unit 230 determines that there has been a freeze operation, it executes image freeze control (step S7). Image freeze control is control to fixedly display the ultrasonic image U being displayed on the display unit 214 as a still image when a freeze operation is received. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the normal mode is set as the display mode, the ultrasonic image U of the fetus is fixedly displayed at the center of the screen. In this case, the control unit 230 synthesizes the image data of the body mark B and the image data of the ultrasonic image U to be fixedly displayed, and displays the body mark B and the ultrasonic image U obtained by the synthesis process, respectively. The body mark B is displayed in a size smaller than that of the ultrasonic image U. In the present embodiment, while fixedly displaying the ultrasonic image U on the screen in image freeze control, the scanning operation may be performed in parallel. Also, when the input operation of the body mark B is forgotten in step S4 or the like, the body mark B for specifying the inspection site may be input after the end of the image freeze control.

[0045] On the other hand, when the control unit 230 determines that there is no freeze operation, it returns to step S5 and checks whether other parameter setting changes or the like have been made. Step S7 corresponds to a display control step.

[0046] The control unit 230 determines whether there has been an image saving operation (step S8). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether the operation unit 202 has received an operation to save the image data of the ultrasonic image U after the synthesis process in the storage unit 240. If the control unit 230 determines in step S8 that there is no image saving operation, it proceeds to step S11.

[0047] On the other hand, if the control unit 230 determines that there has been an image saving operation, it creates an image file based on the ultrasonic image data with the body mark B synthesized (step S9). Specifically, the control unit 230 reads out the synthesized ultrasonic image data corresponding to the fixedly displayed ultrasonic image U from the image memory unit 211, and converts the read ultrasonic image data into image data for storage. The conversion method of the image file is, for example, bitmap image, JPEG, etc. Next, the control unit 230 adds additional information to the converted image data to generate an image file consisting of DICOM image data. Examples of the additional information include patient information, examination information, series information, image identification information, etc.

[0048] The control unit 230 saves the created image file in the storage unit 240 (step S10). After the control unit 230 finishes saving the image file, it determines whether to end the scanning operation (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether the operation unit 202 has received an end operation to end one examination. Note that regarding whether the end operation has been received, in addition to a predetermined examination end operation, it may also be when other patient information is read. If the control unit 230 determines to end the scanning operation, it ends the series of examination processes. On the other hand, if the control unit 230 determines not to end the scanning operation, it proceeds to step S12.

[0049] When the control unit 230 does not end the scanning operation, it performs freeze release control to switch the display on the display unit 214 from fixed display to video display (step S12). After the freeze release control is completed, the control unit 230 returns to step S4, performs scanning of other inspection sites, and repeatedly executes input processing of the body mark B for identifying other inspection sites. When the split display mode is selected, ultrasonic images U of other inspection sites are displayed in a display area different from the display area where the ultrasonic image U or the like fixed by the image freeze control is displayed. In this way, a series of processes such as scanning of the inspection site are executed.

[0050] (When changing the position of the body mark B) Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 when the 4-split mode is selected as the split display mode will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 when changing the position of the body mark B in the 4-split display mode according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram when changing the position of the body mark B1 in the first display area T1 in the 4-split display mode according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram when changing the positions of the body marks B2, B3, and B4 other than the first display area T1 in conjunction when the interlock control mode is on in the 4-split display mode according to the present embodiment.

[0051] First, the 4-split display mode will be described with reference to FIG. 7A. In the 4-screen split display mode, the screen is divided into four display areas, and the ultrasonic image U and the body mark B are displayed in each of the display areas. In each display area T, the ultrasonic image U of each inspection site generated by executing each step of FIG. 4 and the body mark B for identifying the inspection site are displayed. In the present embodiment, the upper left of the screen is called the first display area T1, the upper right of the screen is called the second display area T2, the lower left of the screen is called the third display area T3, and the lower right of the screen is called the fourth display area T4.

[0052] In the center of the first display area T1, an ultrasonic image U1 representing a cross-sectional image of the fetus's abdomen as the examination site is displayed. On the lower left side of the first display area T1, a body mark B1 for identifying the fetus, which is the examination site of the ultrasonic image U1, is displayed. On the body mark B1, a probe mark P1 representing the ultrasonic probe 250 adjusted to the position, direction, and angle for measuring the anteroposterior diameter of the abdominal circumference (APTD) is superimposed and displayed on the ultrasonic image U1.

[0053] In the center of the second display area T2, an ultrasonic image U2 representing a cross-sectional image of the fetus's abdomen as the examination site is displayed. On the lower left side of the second display area T2, a body mark B2 for identifying the fetus, which is the examination site of the ultrasonic image U2, is displayed. On the body mark B2, a probe mark P2 representing the ultrasonic probe 250 adjusted to the position, direction, and angle for measuring the transverse diameter of the abdominal circumference (TTD) is superimposed and displayed on the ultrasonic image U2.

[0054] In the center of the third display area T3, an ultrasonic image U3 representing a cross-sectional image of the fetus's head as the examination site is displayed. On the lower left side of the third display area T3, a body mark B3 for identifying the fetus, which is the examination site of the ultrasonic image U3, is displayed. On the body mark B3, a probe mark P3 representing the ultrasonic probe 250 adjusted to the position, direction, and angle for measuring the biparietal diameter (BPD) is superimposed and displayed on the ultrasonic image U3.

[0055] In the center of the fourth display area T4, an ultrasonic image U4 representing a cross-sectional image of the fetus's head as the examination site is displayed. On the lower left side of the fourth display area T4, a body mark B4 for identifying the fetus, which is the examination site of the ultrasonic image U4, is displayed. On the body mark B4, a probe mark P4 representing the ultrasonic probe 250 adjusted to the position, direction, and angle for measuring the fronto-occipital diameter (FOD) is superimposed and displayed on the ultrasonic image U4.

[0056] Next, the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described. Each step shown in FIG. 6 may be executed, for example, immediately after the body mark input process of step S3 shown in FIG. 4 or after the start of the scanning operation of step S4. Further, each step shown in FIG. 6 may be executed immediately after the determination without the freeze operation of step S6 shown in FIG. 4 or immediately after the image freeze release control of step S12.

[0057] The control unit 230 determines whether or not it has acquired a change instruction for changing the position of the body mark B in the predetermined display area T (step S20). For example, when the operation unit 202 receives a change instruction from the user to change the position of the body mark B in the predetermined display area T, the received change instruction is output to the control unit 230.

[0058] If the control unit 230 determines that it has acquired a change instruction for changing the position of the body mark B in the predetermined display area T, it proceeds to step S21. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the change instruction is an instruction to move the body mark B1 in the first display area T1 from the lower left position to the upper right position in the first display area T1. On the other hand, if the control unit 230 determines that it has not acquired a change instruction for moving the body mark B in the predetermined display area T, it returns to step S20 to check whether another change instruction has been received.

[0059] The control unit 230 determines whether or not the interlock control mode is set to on (step S21). If the control unit 230 determines that the interlock control mode is set to on, it proceeds to step S22. The setting of the interlock control mode may be at the timing of step S2 shown in FIG. 4 or at other timings.

[0060] When the interlock control mode is set to on, the control unit 230 changes the positions of the body marks B in all other display areas T in conjunction with the change in the position of the body mark B in the predetermined display area T (step S22). The control unit 230 moves all other body marks B in the display area T by the same moving distance in the same moving direction as the body mark B in the predetermined display area T.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit 230 moves the body mark B1 in the first display area T1 from the lower left position to the upper right position based on the acquired change instruction. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7B, the control unit 230 moves the body mark B2 in the second display area T2, the body mark B3 in the third display area T3, and the body mark B4 in the fourth display area T4 in conjunction with the body mark B1 in the first display area T1. Specifically, the control unit 230 moves the body mark B2 in the second display area T2 from the lower left position to the upper right position in the second display area T2. The control unit 230 moves the body mark B3 in the third display area T3 from the lower left position to the upper right position in the third display area T3. The control unit 230 moves the body mark B4 in the fourth display area T4 from the lower left position to the upper right position in the fourth display area T4.

[0062] 7A and 7B, after the body mark B in a predetermined display area T is moved, all the body marks B in the other display areas T are moved consecutively, but this is not limited to this. For example, all the body marks B in the other display areas T may be moved simultaneously or approximately simultaneously with the movement of the body mark B in the predetermined display area T. In this way, in the linked control mode, by moving the body mark B in one display area T, the body marks B in the remaining display areas T can be moved in a linked manner. In other words, in this embodiment, all the body marks B can be moved with one operation.

[0063] On the other hand, when the control unit 230 determines that the interlock control mode is not set, it proceeds to step S23. When the control unit 230 determines that the interlock control mode is not set, it moves only the body mark B in a predetermined display area T based on the acquired change instruction (step S23). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit 230 moves the body mark B1 from the lower left position to the upper right position in the first display area T1 based on the acquired change instruction. When the interlock control mode is not set, the control unit 230 moves only the body mark B1 that has received the change instruction and does not move the body marks B2, B3, and B4.

[0064] (When changing the size of the body mark B) The above-described interlock control mode can also be applied when changing the size of the body mark B. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 when changing the size of the body mark B in the four-division display mode according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram when changing the size of the body mark B1 in the first display area T1 in the four-division display mode according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram when changing the sizes of the body marks B2, B3, and B4 other than the first display area T1 in conjunction with each other when the interlock control mode is set to on in the four-division display mode according to the present embodiment.

[0065] The control unit 230 determines whether or not a change instruction for changing the size of the body mark B in a predetermined display area T has been acquired (step S30). For example, when the operation unit 202 receives a change instruction for changing the size of the body mark B in a predetermined display area T from the user, it outputs the received change instruction to the control unit 230.

[0066] When the control unit 230 determines that it has acquired a change instruction to change the size of the body mark B in a predetermined display area T, it proceeds to step S31. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the change instruction is an instruction to reduce the size of the body mark B1 in the first display area T1. On the other hand, when the control unit 230 determines that it has not acquired a change instruction to change the size of the body mark B in the predetermined display area T, it returns to step S30 to check whether another change instruction has been received.

[0067] The control unit 230 determines whether the linked control mode is set to on (step S31). When the control unit 230 determines that the linked control mode is set to on, it proceeds to step S32. Note that the setting of the linked control mode may be at the timing of step S2 shown in FIG. 4, or at other timings.

[0068] When the linked control mode is on, the control unit 230 changes the sizes of the body marks B in all other display areas T in conjunction with the change in the size of the body mark B in the predetermined display area T (step S32). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, the control unit 230 reduces the size of the body mark B1 in the first display area T1 based on the acquired change instruction. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9B, the control unit 230 reduces the sizes of the body marks B2 in the second display area T2, B3 in the third display area T3, and B4 in the fourth display area T4 in conjunction with the body mark B1 in the first display area T1.

[0069] In FIGS. 9A and 9B, after reducing the size of the body mark B in a predetermined display area T, the sizes of all the body marks B in other display areas T are continuously reduced, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the sizes of all the body marks B in other display areas T may be reduced simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the reduction of the size of the body mark B in a predetermined display area T. Thus, according to the interlocking control mode, by changing the size of the body mark B in one display area T, the body marks B in the other remaining display areas T can be changed in an interlocking manner. That is, according to the present embodiment, the sizes of the body marks B in all the display areas T can be changed by one operation.

[0070] On the other hand, when the control unit 230 determines that the interlocking control mode is not set, it proceeds to step S33. When the control unit 230 determines that the interlocking control mode is not set, it changes the size of only the body mark B in a predetermined display area T based on the acquired change instruction (step S33). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, the control unit 230 reduces the size of only the body mark B1 in the first display area T1 based on the acquired change instruction. When the interlocking control mode is not set, the control unit 230 moves only the body mark B1 that has received the change instruction and does not move the other body marks B2, B3, B4.

[0071] Note that in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the case where the size of the body mark B is reduced has been described, but the interlocking control mode can also be applied to the case where the size of the body mark B is enlarged. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the interlocking control mode is applied separately for the case of changing the position of the body mark B and the case of changing the size of the body mark B has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the interlocking control mode can also be applied to the case where both operations of changing the position of the body mark B and changing the size of the body mark B are performed.

[0072] (When displaying different body marks B) In FIG. 7A and the like, an example in which the ultrasonic image U of the same examination site and the same body mark B for specifying the examination site are displayed in each display area in the four-division display mode has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, different ultrasonic images U of different examination sites and different body marks B for specifying the examination sites can also be displayed in each display area in the four-division display mode.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the ultrasonic image U and the body mark B displayed on the screen of the display unit 214 in the four-division display mode according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in the first display area T1, an ultrasonic image U1 representing a cross-sectional image of a fetus is displayed, and a body mark B1 for specifying the fetus is displayed. In the second display area T2, an ultrasonic image U2 representing a cross-sectional image of the abdomen is displayed, and a body mark B2 for specifying the abdomen is displayed. In the third display area T3, an ultrasonic image U3 representing a cross-sectional image of the right breast is displayed, and a body mark B3 for specifying the right breast is displayed. In the fourth display area T4, an ultrasonic image U4 representing a cross-sectional image of the right shoulder is displayed, and a body mark B4 for specifying the right shoulder is displayed. In FIG. 10, the probe mark P is omitted for illustration, but the probe mark P may be superimposed on the body mark B in the same manner as in FIG. 7A.

[0074] Even when different ultrasonic images U of different examination sites and the probe mark P are displayed in each display area of the display unit 214 shown in FIG. 10, the above-described interlocking control mode can be applied. For example, when at least one of the position and size of the body mark B1 in the first display area T1 is changed, at least one of the positions and sizes of the other body marks B2, B3, and B4 can be changed in conjunction therewith.

[0075] (Regarding the body mark set) In ultrasonic examinations, there are cases where a plurality of examination sites are imaged in a predetermined order. For example, in a fetal echocardiogram, an ultrasonic image for measuring the anteroposterior diameter of the abdominal circumference of the abdomen is acquired first, and then an ultrasonic image for measuring the transverse diameter of the abdominal circumference of the abdomen is acquired second. Subsequently, in a fetal echocardiogram, an ultrasonic image for measuring the large transverse diameter of the head is acquired third, and an ultrasonic image for measuring the anteroposterior diameter of the fetal skull is acquired fourth. In this case, a body mark set associating each order of the examination sites of the ultrasonic images with a body mark B for specifying the examination site of each order can be provided in advance. Also, since the position of the ultrasonic probe 250 may be varied at the same examination site, a body mark set may be created by combining a probe mark P with the body mark B. The body mark set is stored in, for example, the storage unit 240. The body mark set is an example of an identification information set.

[0076] When the split display mode is set and the order of measuring a plurality of examination sites is predetermined, the control unit 230 automatically applies the body mark B to each display area using the body mark set. This will be specifically described below. When there is a freeze operation at the first examination site, the control unit 230 displays the ultrasonic image U1 in the first display area T1 and reads out the body mark B2 corresponding to the first examination site from the mark set and displays it in the first display area T1. When there is a freeze operation at the second examination site, the control unit 230 displays the ultrasonic image U2 in the second display area T2 and reads out the body mark B2 corresponding to the second examination site from the body mark set and displays it in the second display area T2. When there is a freeze operation at the third examination site, the control unit 230 displays the ultrasonic image U3 in the third display area T3 and reads out the body mark B3 corresponding to the third examination site from the body mark set and displays it in the third display area T3. When there is a freeze operation at the fourth examination site, the control unit 230 displays the ultrasonic image U4 in the fourth display area T4 and reads out the body mark B4 corresponding to the fourth examination site from the body mark set and displays it in the fourth display area T4.

[0077] [Modification Example] The modification example differs from the above embodiment in that the interlock control mode is applied only to a specific split display mode. Note that the description will focus on the differences from the above embodiment, and the description of the points common to the above embodiment will be omitted. Also, in the description of the modification example, the parts common to the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and described.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 when the interlock control mode according to the modification example is applied to a specific split display mode. As the split display mode, for example, a two-split display mode and a four-split display mode will be described as examples.

[0079] The control unit 230 determines whether or not it has acquired a change instruction for changing at least one of the position and size of the body mark B in a predetermined display area T (step S40).

[0080] If the control unit 230 determines that it has acquired a change instruction for changing at least one of the position and size of the body mark B, it proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if the control unit 230 determines that it has not acquired a change instruction for changing at least one of the position and size of the body mark B, it returns to step S40 to check whether another change instruction has been received.

[0081] The control unit 230 determines whether the 4-division display mode is set as the division display mode to which the interlock control mode is applied (step S41). The setting of the interlock control mode being on and the setting of the display mode may be performed, for example, in step S2 of FIG. 4 or at other timings. The reason for applying the interlock control mode to the 4-division display mode instead of the 2-division display mode is as follows. In the case of the 4-division display mode, compared with the 2-division display mode, the number of screen divisions is larger and the size of one display area becomes smaller. Therefore, when changing the position and size of the body mark B for each display area, fine operations by the operation unit 202 are required, and the work load during the user's inspection may increase. Also, when the divided display areas are small, there are fewer requests to change the position and size of the body mark B for each display area. If the control unit 230 determines that the 4-division display mode is set, it proceeds to step S42.

[0082] The control unit 230 determines whether the current display mode setting is the 4-division display mode (step S42). The setting of the display mode may be determined based on, for example, the setting information in step S2 of FIG. 4. If the control unit 230 determines that the current display mode setting is the 4-division display mode, it proceeds to step S43.

[0083] The control unit 230 changes at least one of the position and size of the body mark B in all other display areas T in conjunction with the change of at least one of the position and size of the body mark B in a predetermined display area T (step S43).

[0084] On the other hand, if the interlock control mode is not set in step S41 or if the display mode is other than the 4-division display mode in step S42, the control unit 230 proceeds to step S44. The case where the display mode is other than the 4-division display mode is, for example, the case of the normal single-screen display mode, the 2-division display mode, etc. In this case, the control unit 230 changes at least one of the position and size of only the body mark B in a predetermined display area T specified based on the acquired change instruction (step S44).

[0085] Conventionally, when changing the position and size of the body mark B in the four-division display mode, fine operations are required, which may increase the user's inspection time. Also, when the display area is small like in the four-division display mode, there may be few requests to change the position and size of the body mark B in each display area. According to this modification example, the four-division display mode can be selected as the division display mode to which the interlock control mode is applied. Thereby, by changing the position and size of the body mark B in one display area, the positions and sizes of the body marks B in all the remaining display areas can be changed in interlock. Thereby, all the body marks B can be changed to the same position and the same size by a single operation, so that the work load during the user's inspection can be reduced. Also, in the two-division display mode, since the interlock control mode is not applied, the position and size of the body mark B can be freely changed according to the size, direction, etc. of the ultrasonic image U for each display area.

[0086] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. Also, within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims of those skilled in the art, various modified examples and improvements naturally belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] For example, when transitioning from the two-division display mode to the four-division display mode, the body mark B and the probe mark P used in the display area that was active in the two-division display mode may be carried over to the four-division display mode. Also, in the transition during live operation in the four-division display mode, when a body mark B is set in the source of the transition, it may be possible to set whether to carry over the body mark B of the source of the transition to the destination of the transition or not. Also, when not all the display areas are used in the four-division display mode or the like, for example, even when only three display areas are used, the interlock control mode of this embodiment can be applied.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 20 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 202 Operation unit 208 Image generation unit 214 Display unit 230 Control unit B Body mark (identification information) P Probe mark U Ultrasonic image

Claims

1. A generation unit that irradiates a subject with ultrasonic waves and generates ultrasonic image data based on the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject; A control unit that causes an ultrasonic image based on the generated ultrasonic image data to be displayed on the screen of a display unit, comprising: The control unit: In a display mode in which the screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, for each of the plurality of display areas, an ultrasonic image of a predetermined examination site and identification information for identifying the examination site of the ultrasonic image can be displayed; When at least one of the position and size of the identification information in one of the plurality of display areas is changed, interlocking control is executed to change at least one of the position and size of the body marks in the other display areas in an interlocking manner. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

2. The identification information is at least one of a body mark, a character, and a symbol. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit does not execute the interlocking control when the number of divisions of the screen is a first number of divisions, and executes the interlocking control when the number of divisions of the screen is a second number of divisions greater than the first number of divisions. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The first number of divisions is 2, and the second number of divisions is 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3.

5. An operation unit is provided that accepts a setting of whether to execute the interlocking control or not. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The control unit can display different identification information in the plurality of display areas. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The control unit uses an identification information set combining the identification information of a plurality of examination sites, and sequentially reads and displays the identification information from the identification information set in each of the plurality of display areas. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

8. A generation step of irradiating a subject with ultrasonic waves and generating ultrasonic image data based on the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject; A display control step of causing an ultrasonic image based on the generated ultrasonic image data to be displayed on the screen of a display unit, having: In the display control step: In a display mode in which the screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, for each of the plurality of display areas, an ultrasonic image of a predetermined examination site and identification information for identifying the examination site of the ultrasonic image are displayed. When changing at least one of the position and size of the identification information of one of the plurality of display areas, execute interlocking control to change at least one of the position and size of the body marks of the other display areas in an interlocked manner. Ultrasonic diagnosis method.

9. On a computer, A generation unit that irradiates a subject with ultrasonic waves and generates ultrasonic image data based on the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject, Function as a control unit that causes a display unit to display an ultrasonic image based on the generated ultrasonic image data on the screen of the display unit. In the control unit, In a display mode in which the screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, for each of the plurality of display areas, display an ultrasonic image of a predetermined examination site and identification information for identifying the examination site of the ultrasonic image. When changing at least one of the position and size of the identification information of one of the plurality of display areas, cause interlocking control to be executed to change at least one of the position and size of the body marks of the other display areas in an interlocked manner. Program.

Images