Ultrasound diagnosis device, ultrasound imaging method, and program

Abstract

To reduce the burden on an examiner in setting parameters in an examination of ultrasound imaging using a routine set.SOLUTION: An ultrasound diagnosis device includes a control unit. The control unit sequentially performs a series of routines of ultrasound imaging for a first patient through control of an imaging unit on the basis of information on a routine set. The imaging unit performs ultrasound imaging of an object of the patient and generates ultrasound image data. The routine set includes routines R1, R2, R3 for performing ultrasound imaging using the parameters. When the parameters of a given routine R1 are modified, the control unit modifies the parameters of downstream routines R2, R3 of the routine R1 using the modified parameters P1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is known which irradiates ultrasonic waves into a subject by an ultrasonic probe, receives the reflected waves, and analyzes them to display an ultrasonic image inside the subject. The subject is a living body of a patient or the like.

[0003] In ultrasonic diagnosis (examination), there is known an examination method in which a plurality of types of ultrasonic images are taken by sequentially executing a series of a plurality of examination steps. For example, there is known an ultrasonic examination system that creates a series of examination protocols (examination steps) by arranging a plurality of images obtained by operating a plurality of pieces of operation information (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, there is known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates a series of examination protocols (examination procedures) by machine learning an operation history and examination contents executed by the operation (see Patent Document 2).

[0005] Also, there is known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs an automatic operation according to a registered series of operation sequences (examination steps) and temporarily stops by a command operation during the execution. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus executes a desired treatment (examination step) by an operation during the temporary stop and releases the temporary stop by a command operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The inspection protocols and sequences described in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 are all inspection steps of ultrasonic (image) imaging corresponding to the operation content. However, due to individual differences among patients, the optimal parameter settings for ultrasonic imaging in each step are different. If the patient has been examined before, the parameters in the previous examination can be used. However, in the case of a new patient, it is efficient for the examiner to use a typical example (template) of the parameter set in the routine or the parameter set of another patient who seems to be similar to this patient to proceed with the examination. However, when using a template or the parameter set of another patient, the parameter values do not completely match this patient. For this reason, adjustment of parameters is required in each inspection step. Furthermore, in the execution of a series of inspection steps (routine set), there may be a case where common parameter settings are made between the parameter settings in one routine and the downstream routine. In this case as well, adjustment of the same parameters is required in each routine. For this reason, the burden on examiners such as doctors is large.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the examiner in setting parameters in the inspection of ultrasonic imaging by a routine set.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the invention described in claim 1 Based on the information of a routine set having a plurality of routines for performing ultrasonic imaging using parameters, by controlling an imaging unit that ultrasonically images a patient's subject to generate ultrasonic image data, a series of ultrasonic imaging of each of the routines for a first patient is sequentially performed, and when the parameters of an arbitrary routine are modified, a control unit is provided that changes the parameters of the routine downstream of the arbitrary routine to the modified parameters.

[0010] The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information of the routine set corresponds to a plurality of routines of the second patient whose imaging has been completed.

[0011] The invention according to claim 3 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the personal information of the second patient has been deleted from the information of the routine set.

[0012] The invention according to claim 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information of the routine set has the ultrasonic image data of the second patient whose imaging has been completed for each routine, and the control unit displays, on the display unit, the ultrasonic image data of the second patient whose imaging has been completed for each routine of the routine set at the time of ultrasonic imaging for each routine of the routine set.

[0013] The invention according to claim 5 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit displays, on the display unit, the ultrasonic image data of the second patient whose imaging has been completed in different display modes according to whether the second patient is the first patient or another patient other than the first patient.

[0014] The invention according to claim 6 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit displays, on the display unit, a first operation element that accepts a transition operation to a display process of the ultrasonic image data of the second patient whose imaging has been completed or a correction process of parameters of the arbitrary routine.

[0015] The invention according to claim 7 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit accepts an operation of adding a new routine to each routine of the routine set, and performs ultrasonic imaging of the new routine under the control of the imaging unit.

[0016] The invention according to claim 8 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The control unit displays a second operation element on the display unit that accepts a transition operation to the addition process of the new routine.

[0017] The ultrasonic imaging method of the invention according to claim 10 is Based on the information of a set of routines having a plurality of routines for performing ultrasonic imaging using parameters, by controlling an imaging unit that generates ultrasonic image data by performing ultrasonic imaging of a subject of a patient, a series of ultrasonic imaging of each of the routines for a first patient is performed in order, and when the parameters of an arbitrary routine are modified, it includes a control step of changing the parameters of the routine downstream of the arbitrary routine with the modified parameters.

[0018] The program of the invention according to claim 11 is To cause a computer to Based on the information of a set of routines having a plurality of routines for performing ultrasonic imaging using parameters, by controlling an imaging unit that generates ultrasonic image data by performing ultrasonic imaging of a subject of a patient, a series of ultrasonic imaging of each of the routines for a first patient is performed in order, and when the parameters of an arbitrary routine are modified, a control unit that changes the parameters of the routine downstream of the arbitrary routine with the modified parameters, Function as.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, in the inspection of ultrasonic imaging by a set of routines, the burden of setting parameters by an examiner can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0022] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device configuration of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is provided in a medical facility such as a hospital, and emits ultrasonic waves to a subject such as a patient's living body to generate ultrasonic image data.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 and an ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1. The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits ultrasonic waves (transmission ultrasonic waves) into the subject and receives reflected waves (reflected ultrasonic waves: echoes) of the ultrasonic waves reflected in the subject. The ultrasonic probe 2 includes an ultrasonic probe main body 21, a cable 22, and a connector 23. The ultrasonic probe main body 21 is the header part of the ultrasonic probe 2 and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The cable 22 is connected to the ultrasonic probe main body 21 and the connector 23. The cable 22 is a cable through which a drive signal for the ultrasonic probe main body 21 and a reception signal of ultrasonic waves flow. The connector 23 is a plug connector for connecting to a connector (not shown) of a receptacle of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1.

[0025] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 is connected to the ultrasonic probe main body 21 via the connector 23 and the cable 22. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 transmits a drive signal of an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe main body 21 to cause the ultrasonic probe main body 21 to transmit transmission ultrasonic waves to the subject. The ultrasonic probe 2 generates a reception signal, which is an electrical signal, in response to the reflected ultrasonic waves from the subject received by the ultrasonic probe main body 21. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 images the internal state of the subject as ultrasonic image data based on the reception signal generated by the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0026] The ultrasonic probe body 21 has a vibrator 2a (Fig. 2) on the tip side. The vibrators 2a are arranged in a one-dimensional array, for example, in the scanning direction (azimuth direction). Note that the vibrators 2a may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. In the present embodiment, a linear scanning type electronic scan probe is adopted as the ultrasonic probe 2. However, the ultrasonic probe 2 may be either an electronic scanning method or a mechanical scanning method. Further, the ultrasonic probe 2 may be any of a linear scanning method, a sector scanning method, or a convex scanning method. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 and the ultrasonic probe 2 may be configured to perform wireless communication instead of wired communication via the cable 22. This wireless communication is, for example, UWB (Ultra Wide Band).

[0027] The operation input unit 11 is a control panel or the like that receives various operation inputs from an examiner such as a doctor or a technician. The operation input unit 11 has operation elements such as push buttons, encoders, lever switches, joysticks, trackballs, keyboards, touch pads, and multi-function switches.

[0028] The display unit 17 has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 17 displays display information such as ultrasonic image data on the display panel.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 includes an operation input unit 11, a transmission unit 12, a reception unit 13, an image generation unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a display control unit 16, a display unit 17, a control unit 18, and a storage unit 19. The transmission unit 12, the reception unit 13, the image generation unit 14, the image processing unit 15, and the display control unit 16 function as an imaging unit 101 that captures an ultrasonic image of a patient's subject and generates ultrasonic image data.

[0030] The operation input unit 11 receives various operation inputs from the inspector and outputs the operation signals to the control unit 18. The operation input unit 11 may be configured to include a touch panel that is integrally formed on the display screen of the display unit 17 and receives touch inputs from the inspector.

[0031] The transmission unit 12 supplies a drive signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic probe 2 according to the control of the control unit 18 to generate transmitted ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic probe 2. The transmission unit 12 includes, 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 individual path corresponding to each vibrator 2a and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses the transmission beam constituted by the transmitted ultrasonic waves due to the delay. The pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal as the drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmission unit 12 drives a continuous part (for example, 64) of a plurality (for example, 192) of vibrators 2a arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate transmitted ultrasonic waves. Then, the transmission unit 12 scans by shifting the vibrator 2a to be driven in the scanning direction every time transmitted ultrasonic waves are generated.

[0032] The reception unit 13 receives a reception signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasonic probe 2 according to the control of the control unit 18. The reception unit 13 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion circuit, and a phased addition circuit. The amplifier amplifies the reception signal at a preset amplification rate for each individual path corresponding to each vibrator 2a. The A / D conversion circuit performs analog-digital conversion on the amplified reception signal. The phased addition circuit gives a delay time to the A / D-converted reception signal for each individual path corresponding to each vibrator 2a to adjust the phase. The phased addition circuit adds (phased adds) the reception signals after these processes to generate beam data.

[0033] The image generation unit 14 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, etc. on the voice line data from the reception unit 13 according to the control of the control unit 18. The image generation unit 14 further adjusts the dynamic range and gain of the voice line data after these operations and performs luminance conversion. The image generation unit 14 generates B (Brightness) mode image data composed of pixels having luminance values as received energy by the luminance conversion. That is, the B mode image data represents the strength of the received signal by luminance. Here, a configuration in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 generates and displays B mode image data as a tomographic image will be described. Note that the image generation unit 14 may be configured to be able to generate image data of other image modes other than the B mode, such as the pulsed Doppler mode and the color Doppler mode. The pulsed Doppler mode is an image mode that graphically displays values such as the blood flow velocity between Doppler gates in a tomographic image. The color Doppler (color flow) mode is an image mode that superimposes a tomographic image in which the blood flow velocity, direction, power, dispersion, etc. of the subject are color-mapped on the B mode image data and displays it.

[0034] The image processing unit 15 has an image memory unit 15a. The image memory unit 15a is composed of a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), for example. The image processing unit 15 stores the B mode image data transmitted from the image generation unit 14 in the image memory unit 15a in units of frames according to the control of the control unit 18. The B mode image data in units of frames is sometimes referred to as ultrasonic image data. The image processing unit 15 transmits the ultrasonic image data stored in the image memory unit 15a to the display control unit 16 one frame at a time at predetermined intervals according to the control of the control unit 18.

[0035] The display control unit 16 is, for example, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter). The display control unit 16 performs processing such as coordinate conversion on the B mode image data input from the image processing unit 15 according to the control of the control unit 18 and converts it into an image signal for display. The display control unit 16 outputs the image signal to the display unit 17.

[0036] The display unit 17 displays an ultrasonic image on the display panel according to the image signal output from the display control unit 16 in accordance with the control of the control unit 18. Further, the display unit 17 displays various display information input from the control unit 18 on the display panel.

[0037] The control unit 18 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 18 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and expands them in the RAM, and controls each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 in cooperation with the expanded programs and the CPU. The ROM is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor. The ROM stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, various processing programs executable on the system program, and various data such as a gamma table. In particular, the ROM stores a routine set creation program for executing a routine set creation process described later and a routine set inspection program for executing a routine set inspection process. These programs are stored in the RAM in the form of computer-readable program codes. The CPU sequentially executes operations according to the program codes on the RAM. The RAM forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

[0038] The storage unit 19 is a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores information such as ultrasonic image data in a writable and readable manner.

[0039] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing routine set creation processing. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing routine set inspection processing. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing routine R1 inspection processing. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing additional routine inspection processing. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing routine Rn inspection processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the key group K. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the ultrasonic image 200 during imaging. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the past ultrasonic image 300. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of routine set and parameter change. FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing the additional routine selection menu bar M. FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of routine set, parameter change, and routine addition.

[0040] First, with reference to FIG. 3, the routine set creation processing executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The routine set creation processing is a process of creating a routine set composed of a plurality of routines as a series of inspection steps for a plurality of ultrasonic imaging using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0041] In advance, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, it is assumed that the routine set inspection processing and the inspection of each individual inspection step described later have been executed for past patients to be inspected. The routine information such as the image mode and parameters used in each routine of the inspected routine set, and the captured ultrasonic image data are stored in the storage unit 19. Also, the information such as the image mode and parameters used in the individually inspected inspection steps, and the captured ultrasonic image data are also stored in the storage unit 19. The information obtained in each individual inspection step is also regarded as routine information for convenience of explanation. In each routine, it is assumed that the routine information and the ultrasonic image data are associated with each other. It is assumed that the routine information includes the personal information of the patient to be inspected. Also, it is assumed that the ultrasonic image data includes the personal information of the patient to be inspected in the image and tag information. The personal information is information that can identify the individual of the patient to be inspected.

[0042] The parameters of this embodiment are condition information for ultrasonic imaging, which are various parameters set in the imaging unit 101. When the image mode is the B mode, the parameters are the dynamic range, harmonic on / off, FOV (Field Of View), etc. The FOV is the effective field of view and is the maximum display depth of the tomographic image in the case of ultrasonic examination. When the image mode is the pulsed Doppler mode, the parameters are the Doppler gate width, deflection angle correction, Doppler gate position, etc. When the image mode is the color Doppler mode, the parameters are information such as switching of display information such as blood flow velocity and variance. Also, the parameters common to all image modes are the transmission voltage, transmission and reception frequency, reception gain, etc. Also, the parameters common to all blood flow image modes are the flow velocity range, filter coefficient of the clutter removal filter, etc.

[0043] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, for example, an execution instruction for routine set creation processing is input from an examiner via the operation input unit 11. The control unit 18 executes the routine set creation processing according to the routine set creation program stored in the ROM using the execution instruction as a trigger.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 18 displays the routine information and ultrasonic image data stored in the storage unit 19 on the display unit 17 as routine candidates (step S11). In step S11, the control unit 18 receives a selection input of a plurality of routine candidates that constitute a new routine set from the examiner via the operation input unit 11.

[0045] The control unit 18 receives an input of the execution order of the plurality of routine candidates selected in step S11 from the examiner via the operation input unit 11 (step S12). This execution order is the execution order of each routine candidate in the new routine set.

[0046] The control unit 18 deletes the patient's personal information from the routine information of the plurality of routine candidates selected in step S11 and the ultrasonic image data (step S13). For example, the character information of the personal information in the routine information and the personal information in the image and tag information of the ultrasonic image data are deleted.

[0047] The control unit 18 stores the routine information of each routine from which the personal information has been deleted in step S13 and the ultrasonic image data in the storage unit 19 (step S14). The routine information of each routine and the ultrasonic image data are stored as the routine information and reference image data of each routine in the new routine set. Each data is stored in association with the identification information (name) of the new routine set. The routine set creation process ends.

[0048] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 12, the routine set inspection process executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The routine set inspection process is a process of sequentially executing inspections of ultrasonic imaging of a series of routines based on the parameters of the selected routine set and the reference image data.

[0049] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, for example, an execution instruction for the routine set inspection process is input from an examiner via the operation input unit 11. The control unit 18 executes the routine set inspection process according to the routine set inspection program stored in the ROM using the execution instruction as a trigger.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 18 displays a list of the names of the routine sets stored in the storage unit 19 on the display unit 17 (step S21). In step S21, the control unit 18 receives a selection input of the routine set to be inspected from the examiner via the operation input unit 11. The control unit 18 substitutes 1 for the variable n of the execution order of each routine in the selected routine set (step S22). The control unit 18 executes a routine R1 inspection process for inspecting the first-execution-order routine R1 in the selected routine set (step S23).

[0051] Here, referring to FIG. 5, the routine R1 inspection process in step S23 will be described. First, the control unit 18 reads out the routine information and reference image data of the routine R1 with the execution order of the first from the storage unit 19 (step S31). The control unit 18 displays the routine information read in step S31 on the display unit 17 and sets its image mode and parameters for ultrasonic imaging (step S32).

[0052] Based on the input from the examiner via the operation input unit 11, the control unit 18 determines whether to display the reference image of the routine R1 (step S33). In step S33, for example, a key group K shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 17. The key group K has, as soft keys, a cross key including an up arrow key K1, a left arrow key K2, a right arrow key K3, and a down arrow key K4, and a click key K5. The up arrow key K1 and the down arrow key K4 function as first operation elements. The click key K5 functions as a second operation element.

[0053] The up arrow key K1 receives, for example, an input for instructing the display of the reference image. The left arrow key K2 receives, for example, a click input for instructing to return to the routine with the previous execution order. The right arrow key K3 receives, for example, a click input for instructing to shift to the routine with the next execution order. The down arrow key K4 receives, for example, a click input for instructing to shift to the current inspection (imaging, parameter setting). The click key K5 receives, for example, a click input for instructing to add a new routine to the current routine set. That is, in step S33, it is determined whether to display the reference image of the routine R1 according to whether a click input of the up arrow key K1 is made.

[0054] Note that each operation element of the above key group is not limited to the example of the key group K in FIG. 8. For example, each of the keys K1 to K4 is not limited to a cross key, and may be, for example, a menu bar including menus for each operation input content. Further, the key group K does not have the click key K5, and the input of an instruction to add a new routine may be accepted, for example, by pressing the downward key K4 for a predetermined time or longer. Note that each operation element of the above key group is not a soft key, and a configuration may be adopted in which an operation element corresponding to the key group K is provided as a hard key in the operation input unit 11.

[0055] When displaying a reference image (step S33; YES), the control unit 18 displays the reference image data read in step S31 on the display unit 17 (step S34). The ultrasonic image data of the patient under examination taken in the routine R1 in step S37 described later is displayed, for example, as the B-mode ultrasonic image 200 shown in FIG. 9. The ultrasonic image 200 consists only of the ultrasonic image main body 201. The reference image data of the patient under examination or another patient in step S34 is displayed, for example, as the B-mode ultrasonic image 300 shown in FIG. 10. The ultrasonic image 300 has an ultrasonic image main body 301 and a frame 302. The frame 302 is, for example, a red frame arranged around the ultrasonic image main body 301 in order to distinguish the ultrasonic image 300 from the ultrasonic image 200. However, the display mode for distinguishing the ultrasonic image 300 from the ultrasonic image 200 is not limited to the frame 302. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the character "reference image" in red is arranged near the ultrasonic image main body 301 as the display mode. The color of the display mode is not limited to red.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 5, after the execution of step S34 or when the reference image is not displayed (step S33; NO), the process proceeds to step S35. The control unit 18 receives a modified input of the parameter being set in step S32 from the examiner via the operation input unit 11 (step S35). In step S35, the control unit 18 determines whether there is a modified input of the parameter. The modified input of the parameter is the transition to the parameter modification process (mode) by the click input of the downward key K4 and the input of the modified parameter via the operation input unit 11.

[0057] The display position of the reference image in step S34 (for example, the ultrasonic image 300) may be configured to be above the display position of the ultrasonic image (for example, the ultrasonic image 200) in step S37 described later. In this configuration, when step S35 is executed, for example, the downward key K4 is appropriately clicked, and the reference image is made non-displayed. However, it is not limited to this configuration. The display position of the reference image in step S34 may be configured to be different from the display position of the ultrasonic image in step S37. For example, it is a configuration in which the reference image in step S34 and the ultrasonic image in step S37 are displayed in parallel. In this case, the reference image in step S34 may be configured to remain displayed until step S37.

[0058] When there is a modified input of the parameter (step S35; YES), the control unit 18 sets the modified parameter input in step S35 for ultrasonic imaging (step S36). After the execution of step S36, or when there is no modified input of the parameter (step S35; NO), the process proceeds to step S37. The control unit 18 controls the imaging unit 101 based on the image mode and parameters set in steps S32 and S36 to perform ultrasonic imaging of the subject (step S37). In step S37, ultrasonic image data of the subject is generated. The generated ultrasonic image data is displayed on the display unit 17 as the ultrasonic image of routine R1, like the ultrasonic image 200 in FIG. 9.

[0059] The control unit 18 stores the routine information of routine R1, the correction parameter of step S36, and the ultrasonic image data of step S37 in the storage unit 19 in an associated manner (step S38). Each piece of data is stored in association with the identification information (name) of routine R1. The correction parameter is stored when step S36 is executed. The inspection process of routine R1 ends.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 4, the control unit 18 receives an additional inspection input from the inspector via the operation input unit 11 and determines whether there is an additional inspection input (step S24). The additional inspection is an inspection of a routine newly added immediately after the currently executed routine among the routine sets. In step S24, for example, an additional inspection input is received by a click input of the click key K5 of the key group K.

[0061] When there is an additional inspection input (step S24; YES), the control unit 18 executes an additional routine inspection process for performing an inspection of the additional routine (step S25). Here, referring to FIG. 6, the additional routine inspection process of step S25 will be described. First, the control unit 18 displays an additional routine selection menu bar on the display unit 17 (step S41). The additional routine selection menu bar is a menu bar that displays identification information such as the name of the routine corresponding to the routine information stored in the storage unit 19 in a selectable manner. The additional routine selection menu bar displays, for example, the identification information of routines other than each routine of the currently selected routine set. However, it is not limited to this. The additional routine selection menu bar may display, for example, the identification information of routines including each routine of the currently selected routine set.

[0062] The control unit 18 receives a selection input of the additional routine from the inspector via the operation input unit 11 from among the additional routine selection menu bars (step S42). The control unit 18 reads out the routine information and the reference image data of the additional routine selected in step S42 from the storage unit 19 (step S43). Since this additional routine is to be added immediately after the execution of the nth routine Rn in the execution order, it is designated as additional routine Rna.

[0063] The control unit 18 determines whether to reflect the correction parameters of the routine upstream of the additional routine Rna of the selected routine set in the additional routine Rna (step S44). In step S44, for example, the routine information and correction parameters upstream of the storage unit 19 are referred to. When there are parameters common to the additional routine Rna in the correction parameters of the upstream routine, it is determined in step S44 that they are to be reflected.

[0064] Also, there may be cases where it is determined not to reflect in step S44. For example, consider the case where the image mode is the color Doppler mode. Assume that the cut-off frequency of the clutter removal filter when observing the blood flow of the heart is increased. At this time, in many cases, it is not necessary to change the filter settings when observing the blood flow of the liver in the routine downstream of the same routine set. In such cases of correction parameters, they are not allowed to spread downstream. Note that it may also be configured such that an input from the examiner via the operation input unit 11 as to whether to reflect the correction parameters of the upstream routine in the additional routine Rna is received and determined.

[0065] When reflecting (step S44; YES), the process proceeds to step S45. The control unit 18 reads out the correction parameters of the upstream routine from the storage unit 19 (step S45). In step S45, the control unit 18 changes the corresponding parameters of the additional routine Rna read out in step S43 with the read correction parameters.

[0066] After the execution of step S45, or when not reflecting (step S44; NO), the process proceeds to step S46. Steps S46 to S52 are the same as steps S32 to S38 of the routine R1 inspection process in FIG. 5 corresponding to the additional routine Rna. The additional routine inspection process ends.

[0067] Returning to FIG. 4, after the execution of step S25, or when there is no additional inspection input (step S24; NO), the process proceeds to step S26. The control unit 18 determines whether to end the inspection process of the routine set based on whether there is an unexecuted routine in the currently selected routine set (step S26). That is, when the variable n is equal to the number of routines in the routine set, the inspection process of the routine set ends. When the inspection process of the routine set ends (step S26; YES), the routine set inspection process ends.

[0068] When the inspection process of the routine set does not end (step S26; NO), the control unit 18 increments the variable n by +1 (step S27). The control unit 18 executes a routine Rn inspection process for inspecting the n-th routine Rn in the execution order (step S28). The process proceeds to step S24. Here, referring to FIG. 7, the routine Rn inspection process in step S28 will be described.

[0069] The control unit 18 reads out the routine information and reference image data of the routine Rn whose execution order is the n-th from the storage unit 19 (step S61). After the execution of step S61, the process proceeds to step S62. Steps S62 to S70 are the same as steps S44 to S52 of the additional routine inspection process in FIG. 6 corresponding to the routine Rn. The routine Rn inspection process ends.

[0070] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12(b), a specific example of the routine inspection process will be described. First, referring to FIG. 11, a first example of the routine inspection process when there is a correction parameter will be described. In the first example, the routine set inspection process is executed, and the routine set selected in step S31 has routines R1, R2, and R3 in that execution order. Also, the routine set inspection process is a series of inspections performed on the same patient. Also, it is assumed that the image modes of routines R1, R2, and R3 are B-mode. Also, in the routine set inspection process of the first example, there is no display instruction for the reference image data of each routine and no addition of routines.

[0071] First, in step S23, the routine R1 inspection process is executed. In step S35, there is a modified input of parameters. Let this modified parameter be the modified parameter P1. Since the body type of the patient to be examined is small, the modified parameter P1 is assumed to be a small value of the FOV. In the case of the modified parameter P1, it is preferable to reduce the FOV also in the subsequent routine. Also, for example, when the attenuation of the echo is small and it is easy to depict due to a patient with a small body type, it may be used as a modified parameter to lower the gain. It is appropriate to lower the gain also in the subsequent routine.

[0072] In step S37, the subject is B-mode imaged based on the various parameters of routine R1 including the modified parameter P1. In step S38, the routine information of routine R1, the modified parameter P1, and the B-mode image data are saved.

[0073] After the execution of the routine R1 inspection process, in step S28, the routine R2 inspection process is executed. In step S62, there is the modified parameter P1 of the upstream routine R1. Therefore, in step S63, the parameters of routine R2 are changed with the modified parameter P1. In step S69, the subject is B-mode imaged based on the various parameters of routine R2 including the modified parameter P1. In step S70, the routine information of routine R2 and the B-mode image data are saved.

[0074] After the execution of the routine R2 inspection process, in step S28, the routine R3 inspection process is executed. In step S62, since there is the modified parameter P1 of the upstream routine R1, in step S63, the parameters of routine R3 are changed with the modified parameter P1. In step S69, the subject is B-mode imaged based on the various parameters of routine R3 including the modified parameter P1. In step S70, the routine information of routine R3 and the B-mode image data are saved. The routine inspection process is terminated.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), a second embodiment of the routine inspection process when there are correction parameters and additional routines will be described. As shown in FIG. 12(b), in the second embodiment, the routine set inspection process is executed. Assume that the routine set selected in step S31 has routines R1, R2, and R3 in that execution order. Also, assume that the image modes of routines R1, R2, and R3 are B mode. Further, in the routine set inspection process of the second embodiment, there is no display instruction for the reference image data of each routine.

[0076] First, the routine R1 inspection process is executed in step S23. In step S35, there is a correction input for the parameter. Let this correction parameter be the correction parameter P1. Since the body type of the patient to be examined is small, the correction parameter P1 is assumed to be a small value of the FOV. In step S37, the subject is B-mode imaged based on the various parameters of routine R1 including the correction parameter P1. In step S38, the routine information of routine R1, the correction parameter P1, and the B-mode image data are saved.

[0077] After the execution of the routine R1 inspection process, an additional inspection is input in step S24. The additional routine inspection process is executed in step S25. In step S41, the additional routine selection menu bar M shown in FIG. 12(a) is displayed. The additional routine selection menu bar M enables the selection and input of additional routines R1a1, R1a2, and R1a3 that can be selected other than routines R1, R2, and R3. Here, assume that the additional routine R1a1 is selected and input in step S42.

[0078] At this time, in step S44, there is the correction parameter P1 of the upstream routine R1. Therefore, in step S45, the parameters of the additional routine R1a1 are changed with the correction parameter P1. In step S51, the subject is B-mode imaged based on the various parameters of the additional routine Rna1 including the correction parameter P1. In step S52, the routine information of the additional routine Rna1 and the B-mode image data are saved.

[0079] After the execution of the additional routine Rna1 inspection process, the routine R2 inspection process is executed in step S28. At this time, in step S62, there is a correction parameter P1 of the upstream routine R1. Therefore, in step S63, the parameter of the routine R2 is changed with the correction parameter P1. In step S69, the subject is B-mode imaged based on various parameters of the routine R2 including the correction parameter P1. In step S70, the routine information of the routine R2 and the B-mode image data are saved.

[0080] After the execution of the routine R2 inspection process, the routine R3 inspection process is executed in step S28. In step S62, there is a correction parameter P1 of the upstream routine R1. Therefore, in step S63, the parameter of the routine R3 is changed with the correction parameter P1. In step S69, the subject is B-mode imaged based on various parameters of the routine R3 including the correction parameter P1. In step S70, the routine information of the routine R3 and the B-mode image data are saved. The routine inspection process is terminated.

[0081] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a control unit 18. The control unit 18 sequentially performs ultrasonic imaging of each routine of a series of patients to be examined based on the information of the routine set under the control of the imaging unit 101. The imaging unit 101 generates ultrasonic image data by ultrasonically imaging the subject of the patient. The routine set has a plurality of routines for performing ultrasonic imaging using parameters. When the parameter of an arbitrary routine is corrected, the control unit 18 changes the parameter of the routine downstream of the arbitrary routine with the corrected correction parameter.

[0082] Therefore, ultrasonic imaging inspection can be performed using the routine set as a template. In the ultrasonic imaging inspection by the routine set, the setting and correction of parameters can be minimized, and the burden on the examiner for parameter setting can be reduced. In particular, even in the routine downstream of an arbitrary routine, the inspection can be started with a good correction parameter even if it is not optimal.

[0083] The routine set information corresponds to a plurality of routines of past photographed patients. The routine set information (routine information, reference image data) has had the personal information of past photographed patients deleted. Therefore, the routine set information can be easily reused without worrying about the personal information, which is the confidential information of past photographed patients. For example, when displaying the routine set information, it is possible to protect privacy by preventing the display of the personal information of past photographed patients.

[0084] The routine set information has ultrasonic image data of past photographed patients for each routine. When performing ultrasonic imaging for each routine of the routine set, the control unit 18 displays the ultrasonic image data of past photographed patients for each routine on the display unit 17. Therefore, by visually observing the reference image, the examiner can stabilize the technique angle, viewing angle, etc. of the ultrasonic image data of the patient being examined.

[0085] The control unit 18 displays a key group K as an operation element on the display unit 17. The key group K accepts a transition operation to the display process of the ultrasonic image data of the photographed patient to be examined by the upward key K1. The key group K accepts a transition operation to the modification process of the parameters of an arbitrary routine by the downward key K4. Therefore, in the routine set examination, the transition to the display process of the photographed ultrasonic image data and the transition to the modification process of the parameters of an arbitrary routine can be easily operated by the UI (User Interface).

[0086] The control unit 18 accepts an addition operation of a new additional routine to each routine of the routine set, and under the control of the imaging unit 101, performs ultrasonic imaging of the additional routine. Therefore, a new additional routine can be easily added to the routine set for ultrasonic imaging.

[0087] The control unit 18 displays the click key K5 of the key group K as a second operation element that accepts the operation of shifting to the addition process of a new routine on the display unit 17. For this reason, the shift to the addition process of a new addition routine can be easily operated by the UI.

[0088] In the above description, an example in which the ROM of the control unit 18 is used as a computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention has been disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, non-volatile memories such as flash memories and portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can be applied. In addition, a carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing the data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0089] Note that the description in the above embodiment is an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic imaging method, and a program according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] In the above embodiment, in the routine set inspection process, the reference image data of a past inspection target patient or another patient is displayed in a manner distinguishable from the ultrasonic image during the inspection. For example, the ultrasonic image 300 during inspection in FIG. 10 in a different mode from the ultrasonic image 200 during inspection in FIG. 9 is displayed as a reference image. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in steps S34, S48, and S66 of the routine set inspection process, the reference image of the patient during the inspection and the reference image of another patient may be displayed in a distinguishable display mode. For example, the past ultrasonic image of another patient of the patient during the inspection is displayed in the same display mode as the ultrasonic image 300 in FIG. 10. The past ultrasonic image of the patient during the inspection is displayed in the same display mode as the ultrasonic image 400 in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the past ultrasonic image 400.

[0091] In this configuration, it is assumed that personal information is not deleted from the routine information of the routine set and the ultrasonic image data. For example, the control unit 18 discriminates whether the subject of the past reference image is the patient to be examined or another patient based on the personal information. When the subject of the past reference image is another patient other than the patient to be examined, the control unit 18 displays the ultrasonic image 300 on the display unit 17 as a reference image. When the subject of the past reference image is the patient to be examined, the control unit 18 displays the ultrasonic image 400 on the display unit 17 as a reference image. The ultrasonic image 400 includes an ultrasonic image main body 401 and a frame 402. The frame 402 is, for example, a green frame arranged around the ultrasonic image main body 401 in order to identify the ultrasonic image 400 from the ultrasonic images 200 and 300. However, the display mode for identifying the ultrasonic image 400 from the ultrasonic images 200 and 300 is not limited to the frame 402. For example, the configuration may be such that the characters of "reference image" in green are arranged in the vicinity of the ultrasonic image main body 401 as the display mode. The color of the display mode is not limited to green. For example, the control unit 18 is configured not to display personal information other than the frames 302 and 402 on the display unit 17 for the routine information and ultrasonic image data of the patient who is the subject of the past reference image.

[0092] The control unit 18 displays the captured ultrasonic image data on the display unit 17 with different display modes according to whether the captured patient is the patient to be examined or another patient other than the patient to be examined. Therefore, it is possible to accurately and easily discriminate the patient (the patient to be examined or another patient) who is the subject of the reference image data, and inspection errors can also be prevented.

[0093] In addition, regarding the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 in the above embodiment, it can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 100 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 101 Imaging unit 11 Operation input unit 12 Transmission unit 13 Receiver unit 14 Image generation unit 15 Image processing unit 15a Image memory unit 16 Display control unit 17 Display unit 18 Control unit 19 Memory unit 2 Ultrasonic probe 21 Ultrasonic probe body 2a Vibrator 22 Cable 23 Connector

Claims

1. Based on the information of a set of routines having a plurality of routines for performing ultrasonic imaging using parameters, by controlling an imaging unit that generates ultrasonic image data by performing ultrasonic imaging on a subject of a patient, a series of ultrasonic imaging of each of the routines for a first patient is sequentially performed, and when the parameters of an arbitrary routine are modified, a control unit that changes the parameters of the routine downstream of the arbitrary routine to the modified parameters is provided. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information of the set of routines corresponds to a plurality of routines of a second patient who has already been imaged.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information of the set of routines has the personal information of the second patient deleted.

4. The information of the set of routines has the ultrasonic image data of the second patient that has been imaged for each routine, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit displays, on a display unit, the ultrasonic image data of the second patient that has been imaged for each routine of the set of routines when performing ultrasonic imaging of each routine of the set of routines.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit displays the ultrasonic image data that has been imaged in a different display mode on the display unit according to whether the second patient is the first patient or another patient other than the first patient.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit displays, on the display unit, a first operation element that accepts a display process of the ultrasonic image data of the second patient that has been imaged or a transition operation to a modification process of the parameters of the arbitrary routine.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit accepts an operation of adding a new routine to each routine of the set of routines, and performs ultrasonic imaging of the new routine by controlling the imaging unit.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit displays, on the display unit, a second operation element that accepts a transition operation to an addition process of the new routine.

9. Based on the information of a set of routines having a plurality of routines for performing ultrasonic imaging using parameters, by controlling an imaging unit that performs ultrasonic imaging on a subject of a patient to generate ultrasonic image data, a series of ultrasonic imaging of each of these routines for a first patient is performed in order. When the parameters of an arbitrary routine are modified, a control step is included of changing the parameters of the routine downstream of the arbitrary routine with the modified parameters. An ultrasonic imaging method.

10. A computer, Based on the information of a set of routines having a plurality of routines for performing ultrasonic imaging using parameters, by controlling an imaging unit that performs ultrasonic imaging on a subject of a patient to generate ultrasonic image data, a series of ultrasonic imaging of each of these routines for a first patient is performed in order. When the parameters of an arbitrary routine are modified, a control unit that changes the parameters of the routine downstream of the arbitrary routine with the modified parameters, A program for functioning as.

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