Ultrasonic diagnostic device

Abstract

To perform ultrasonic inspection on a plurality of parts under the same scan condition as the previous time.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes a storage control part, an acquisition part, and a display control part. The storage control part stores subject information indicating a subject, a plurality of sites when a joint of the subject is subjected to ultrasonic inspection, and a scan condition for each of the plurality of sites in the ultrasonic inspection, in association with each other, in a storage part. The acquisition part acquires the plurality of sites and the scan condition associated with the subject information indicating the subject from the storage part when next-time ultrasonic inspection is performed on the joint of the subject. The display control part causes a display part to display the scan condition for each of the plurality of sites.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding patients with rheumatism, it is very important to regularly examine whether the symptoms of the patient are worsening using joint echo (joint ultrasound examination). For example, a doctor diagnoses rheumatism by observing the blood flow around the joint. Regarding rheumatism, in particular, it is necessary to compare the previous examination image with the current examination image to diagnose the progression of the patient's symptoms.

[0003] However, it is often difficult to obtain images of the joint under the same scanning conditions (for example, the position and inclination of the probe), so it may be difficult to compare the examination images. And in joint echo, since a plurality of sites, namely, the first joint and the second joint of both hands or both feet are scanned, the examination takes time. Furthermore, since many patients with rheumatism are elderly and use wheelchairs, they generally have difficulty visiting the hospital regularly. Therefore, there is a strong demand for enabling joint echo to be performed at home in a short time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to perform ultrasonic examinations on a plurality of sites under the same scanning conditions as the previous time. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of the respective configurations shown in the respective embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a memory control unit, an acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The memory control unit stores, in the storage unit, by associating them, subject information indicating a subject, a plurality of parts when the joints of the subject are ultrasonically examined, and scan conditions for each of the plurality of parts in the ultrasonic examination. The acquisition unit acquires, from the storage unit, the plurality of parts and scan conditions associated with the subject information indicating the subject when performing the next ultrasonic examination of the joints of the subject. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the scan conditions for each of the plurality of parts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] 〔Embodiment 1〕 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 and an ultrasonic probe 20 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] The ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 is configured such that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 and the inspection data server 3 can communicate with each other via a network N. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is an apparatus for diagnosing a patient using ultrasonic waves. The inspection data server 3 is a server computer having a database for storing inspection data. The network N is constituted by the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0011] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 reads, displays, stores, and reproduces the position, inclination, etc. of the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 includes, in addition to the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10, the ultrasonic probe 20, the optical camera 21, the input interface 30, the display 40, and the optical camera 50. The ultrasonic probe 20 is an example of a probe. The ultrasonic probe 20 has a gyro sensor capable of measuring its own inclination (yaw / roll / pitch). In the following description, a case where all of the ultrasonic probe 20, the input interface 30, the display 40, and the optical camera 50 are provided outside the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 will be described.

[0012] The input interface 30 includes an input device operable by a user and an input circuit for inputting a signal from the input device. The input device is realized by a trackball, a switch, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input device using an optical sensor, a voice input device, or the like. When the input device is operated by the user, the input circuit generates a signal corresponding to the operation and outputs it to the processing circuit 15.

[0013] The display 40 is composed of a general display output device such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display. The display 40 displays various information according to the control of the processing circuit 15. Note that the display 40 is an example of a display unit.

[0014] The optical cameras 21 and 50 use semiconductor sensors such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), which convert light into an electrical signal according to the amount of light, as imaging elements. Note that the optical cameras 21 and 50 are, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) cameras.

[0015] The optical camera 21 may be built into the ultrasonic probe 20 or may be externally attached. In this case, the optical camera 21 captures an image in the direction in which the inspection target of the ultrasonic probe 20 exists (for example, the direction from the inside of the ultrasonic probe 20 toward the contact surface). On the other hand, the optical camera 50 may be installed at a location independent of the ultrasonic probe 20. In this case, the optical camera 50 captures an image of the periphery of the ultrasonic probe 20 from the side of the ultrasonic probe 20, for example.

[0016] The ultrasonic image processing device 10 includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, an image memory 13, a network interface 14, a processing circuit 15, and a main memory 16. The circuits 11 and 12 are constituted by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like. However, it is not limited to that case, and all or part of the functions of the circuits 11 and 12 may be realized by the processing circuit 15 executing a computer program.

[0017] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 control the transmission directivity and the reception directivity in the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves under the control of the processing circuit 15. Here, the case where both the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 are provided in the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 will be described. However, at least one of the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 20, or may be provided in both the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 and the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0018] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 has a function capable of instantaneously changing the transmission frequency, the transmission drive voltage, etc. in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on an instruction from the processing circuit 15. In particular, the function of changing the transmission drive voltage is realized, for example, by a linear amplifier type transmission circuit capable of instantaneously switching its value, or by a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units.

[0019] Here, when 3D scanning, that is, volume scanning is performed, as the ultrasonic probe 20, a 2D array probe having a scanning method such as a linear type, a convex type, a sector type, etc. is used. Alternatively, when volume scanning is performed, as the ultrasonic probe 20, a 1D probe having a scanning method such as a linear type, a convex type, etc. and having a mechanism that mechanically swings in the elevation direction is used. The latter probe is also called a mechanical 4D probe.

[0020] The image memory 13 has, for example, a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a recording medium readable by a processor such as a semiconductor memory. The image memory 13 stores a plurality of ultrasonic images under the control of the processing circuit 15. Note that the image memory 13 is an example of a storage unit.

[0021] The network interface 14 implements various information communication protocols according to the form of the network N. Also, the network interface 14 may implement various protocols for non-contact wireless communication.

[0022] The processing circuit 15 means an ASIC, a programmable logic device, etc., in addition to a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0023] The main memory 16 is composed of semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The main memory 16 stores various processing programs (including an operating system (OS) in addition to application programs) used in the processing circuit 15 and data necessary for program execution. Note that the main memory 16 is an example of a storage unit.

[0024] Subsequently, the functions of the ultrasonic imaging device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0025] The processing circuit 15 reads and executes a computer program stored in the main memory 16 or a memory within the processing circuit 15, thereby realizing a storage control function 151, a joint condition acquisition function 152, a display control function 153, a condition acquisition function 154, a joint identification function 155, a condition acquisition function 156, and a scan control function 157. Hereinafter, the case where the functions 151 to 157 are realized by a computer program will be described as an example, but all or part of the functions 151 to 157 may be provided as functions of a circuit such as an ASIC in the ultrasonic imaging device 10.

[0026] The storage control function 151 includes a function of associating and storing in the main memory 16 patient information indicating a patient, a plurality of joints when the joints of the patient are ultrasonically examined, and scan conditions for each of the plurality of joints in the ultrasonic examination. A patient is an example of a subject. Patient information is an example of subject information. A joint is an example of a part.

[0027] The joint condition acquisition function 152 includes a function of acquiring, from the main memory 16, a plurality of joints associated with patient information indicating the patient and scan conditions for each joint when performing the next ultrasonic examination of the patient's joint.

[0028] The display control function 153 includes a function of causing the display 40 to display the scan conditions for each of the plurality of joints.

[0029] The condition acquisition function 154 includes a function of acquiring an image captured by the optical camera 21, extracting a QR code (registered trademark) 70 (see FIG. 3) from the image, and acquiring scan conditions for each joint from the QR code 70. The QR code 70 is an example of a two-dimensional code.

[0030] The joint identification function 155 includes a function of identifying the joint to be the subject of the ultrasonic examination.

[0031] The condition acquisition function 156 includes a function of acquiring, from the main memory 16, scan conditions associated with patient information indicating the patient and the identified joint.

[0032] The scan control function 157 includes a function of causing the ultrasonic probe 20 to scan the joint according to the scan conditions.

[0033] The examination data server 3 has, as examination data, a database in which, for each patient P, joints of the hand and foot, scan conditions for the joints, and examination images of the joints are associated. The scan conditions for each of the plurality of joints include information on the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20 with respect to each joint. Further, the scan conditions may include position information of the ultrasonic probe 20 with respect to each joint, the relative positional relationship between the ultrasonic probe 20 and the joint, power mode, depth, depth direction, zoom magnification, DR (dynamic range), CF (receiving frequency), G (gain), FPS (frame rate). And the scan conditions may further include image conditions (image mode, B mode, etc.) at the time of examination in addition to the conditions at the time of scan. Thereby, the display method of the examination image can be made the same as that of the previous time.

[0034] The above inspection data is stored in the main memory 16 of the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 during the scan of the joints of the patient P, and then uploaded to the database of the inspection data server 3. The inspection data is downloaded from the inspection data server 3 to the main memory 16 as necessary. Then, each function of the processing circuit 15 appropriately acquires the inspection data from the main memory 16.

[0035] The display control function 153 can display on the display 40 the scan conditions of each of a plurality of joints in the previous inspection associated with the patient P. Therefore, the user can easily reproduce the previous scan conditions such as the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20 for each joint by checking the scan conditions displayed on the display 40.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the QR code 70 according to Embodiment 1 is attached. A QR code 70 encoding the scan conditions of each of a plurality of joints of the patient P is attached to each joint. The attachment is an example in the appendix.

[0037] In FIG. 3(A), the QR code 70 is attached to the sock 61. The QR code 70 is attached to the sock 61 so that when the patient P wears the sock 61, each QR code 70 is positioned at each joint of the corresponding toe of the foot. Note that the sock 61 may be a five-toe sock in which the toes are separated, rather than a normal one. This makes it easy to position the QR code 70 on the toes.

[0038] In FIG. 3(B), the QR code 70 is attached to the glove 62. The QR code 70 is attached to the glove 62 so that when the patient P wears the glove 62, each QR code 70 is positioned at each joint of the corresponding finger of the hand.

[0039] On the other hand, in FIG. 3(C), the back surface of the QR code 70 serves as a sticker and is directly attached to the finger. The QR code 70 is attached to the actual finger so as to be positioned at each joint of the finger corresponding to the QR code 70. Thus, even when the patient P feels pain when wearing the socks 61 or the gloves 62, it can be attached to the part to be scanned before scanning.

[0040] As described above, the QR code 70 in which the scanning conditions are encoded is attached to the joint of the patient P to be scanned or the position of the joint. On the other hand, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, the optical camera 21 captures an image of the QR code 70 and stores it in the image memory 13. The condition acquisition function 154 acquires the image captured by the optical camera 21 from the image memory 13, extracts the QR code 70 from the image, and acquires the scanning conditions of the joint from the QR code 70 for each joint. Then, the scan control function 157 causes the ultrasonic probe 20 to scan the joint according to the acquired scanning conditions.

[0041] According to the above, since the scanning conditions are encoded in the QR code 70 attached to each joint, the scanning conditions can be acquired immediately. By displaying the scanning conditions on the display 40 or scanning the joint according to the scanning conditions, scanning under the same scanning conditions as the previous time can be reproduced.

[0042] Note that a command for displaying the previous inspection image may be encoded in the QR code 70 attached to the patient P. The processing circuit 15 reads the command and downloads the previous image of the same patient P from the inspection data server 3 to the image memory 13.

[0043] For example, in the previous image, information on the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20 (such as yaw / roll / pitch, etc.) at the time of the previous scan is embedded as scan conditions. Also, body marks or annotation information is given to the previous image. The body mark 90 is, for example, the figure shown on the right side of FIG. 6, and shows, in an image, which joint among the fingers of the hand or foot was photographed. The annotation information (not shown) indicates which joint the image was taken of, and is, for example, text data such as "PIP joint of the second finger of the left foot" or an arrow to the figure of the hand or foot.

[0044] The processing circuit 15 refers to the body mark or annotation information, selects the previous image of the same joint as the joint currently being scanned from the inspection data server 3, and downloads the previous image to the image memory 13. Next, the condition acquisition function 156 reads the previous image from the image memory 13 and acquires the scan conditions from the main memory 16 from the image. Then, the scan control function 157 causes the ultrasonic probe 20 to scan the joint according to the acquired scan conditions. Further, the display control function 153 causes the display 40 to display the previous image and the current image in parallel.

[0045] According to the above, since a state that is easy to inspect is reproduced, the efficiency of ultrasonic inspection can be improved. Also, since the previous image and the current image are displayed in parallel, the degree of progression of the symptom can be confirmed, which is very useful for diagnosing rheumatism.

[0046] 〔Embodiment 2〕 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the optical camera 21 and the joints of the left hand according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the optical camera 21 is embedded, for example, on the side surface of the ultrasonic probe 20. The optical camera 21 photographs the periphery of the ultrasonic probe 20, for example, the finger of the patient P, and stores the image of the finger in the image memory 13. It is presumed that the joint to be scanned is included in the image.

[0047] The joint identification function 155 of the processing circuit 15 acquires an image captured by the optical camera 21 from the image memory 13, and identifies a joint to be subjected to ultrasonic examination of the patient P from the image using AI technology (for example, deep learning, etc.). As shown in FIG. 4(B), for example, in the case of the left hand, there are five first joints J1 and four second joints J2. The joint identification function 155 identifies which joint the acquired image indicates by AI technology. Next, the condition acquisition function 156 acquires the previous scan conditions associated with the patient information indicating the patient P and the identified joint from the main memory 16. Then, the scan control function 157 causes the ultrasonic probe 20 to scan the joint according to the acquired scan conditions.

[0048] According to the above, since the joint to be examined is identified by AI technology, user input is not required for a plurality of joints, and scanning according to the previous scan conditions can be reproduced.

[0049] In addition, when the acquired scan conditions include the image conditions at the time of the previous examination, the image conditions may be reproduced. Thereby, since there is no need to adjust the image conditions, the time for ultrasonic examination can be shortened. And since the examination image is displayed by the same display method as at the time of the previous examination, it becomes easier to compare the previous image and the current image.

[0050] Further, when an external remote terminal is provided with a display control function 153 and a scan control function 157 and is communicatively connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 and the inspection data server 3, the same scan conditions as the previous time may be displayed on the display of the remote terminal, or the joint may be scanned with the ultrasonic probe connected to the remote terminal. Thereby, even without a specialist in joint echo visiting, joint echo can be realized for the patient P at home under the same scan conditions as the previous time.

[0051] 〔Embodiment 3〕 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the position sensor 80 according to Embodiment 3 and the identification of the joint J to be scanned. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the position sensor 80 is installed on the back of the hand of the patient P. The back of the hand of the patient P is an example of a predetermined position of the subject. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 further includes a position sensor 80 that measures the positional relationship with the ultrasonic probe 20. In this case, by including the position sensor 80, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can identify the scanned joint, associate a body mark indicating the joint with the image, and display the marked image on the display 40.

[0052] FIG. 5(B) is a flowchart showing an example of a process of identifying a joint and adding it to an image. In step S1, the user installs the position sensor 80 at the position of the patient P that serves as a reference point. Thereafter, the position sensor 80 measures the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe 20, that is, the relative positional relationship with the joint to be scanned. In step S2, the joint identification function 155 acquires the positional relationship from the position sensor 80 and identifies the joint J to be the subject of the ultrasonic examination of the patient P based on the positional relationship. The relative positional relationship is, for example, the difference in each coordinate (X-axis coordinate, Y-axis coordinate, and Z-axis coordinate) in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Further, when the reference point where the position sensor 80 is installed is identified, the joint to be scanned is identified.

[0053] In step S3, the processing circuit 15 adds a body mark 90 (see FIG. 6) that schematically shows the identified joint to the inspection image. That is, the memory control function 151 stores in the main memory 16 a marked image in which the body mark 90 is inserted into the joint echo image of the patient P.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a marked image according to Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 6, when the marked image is displayed, an articular echo image and a body mark 90 indicating the position of the joint J are displayed. Thus, by referring to the body mark 90 displayed on the right side, it can be immediately understood which joint the articular echo image is an image of. Therefore, for example, when the previous articular echo image was displayed, it can be immediately understood which joint should be scanned this time, so that the efficiency of ultrasonic inspection can be improved.

[0055] Note that the display control function 153 may cause the display 40 to display the previous marked image and the current marked image in parallel among the marked images.

[0056] 〔Embodiment 4〕 FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the initialization of the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing the appearance of the template 95. The template 95 is recessed and is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane. When the left hand of the patient P is placed on the template 95, the left hand is fixed in a certain posture. Fixing the hand by the template 95 is one of the methods for making the hand in the same state.

[0057] With the left hand fixed, as shown in FIGS. 7(B) and 7(C), the ultrasonic probe 20 is held perpendicular to the base of the middle finger (the portion indicated by the circle). At this time, the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20 is defined as yaw = 0°, roll = 0°, and pitch = 0°.

[0058] This definition, that is, the procedure for initializing the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20 is performed every time at the start of the inspection. Thereby, the information on the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20 included in the past scan conditions can be reused accurately in each inspection.

[0059] The display control function 153 causes the display 40 to display, for example, the numerical values of past yaw, roll, and pitch. While checking the numerical values displayed on the display 40, the user manually adjusts the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20. At this time, the gyro sensor built into the ultrasonic probe 20 measures the current yaw, roll, and pitch. Then, the display control function 153 causes the display 40 to display the measured values in real time. Thereby, it is possible to assist the user in adjusting the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20 so that the current measured value approaches the past numerical value.

[0060] Furthermore, the display control function 153 may cause the display 40 to display the difference between the past numerical value and the current numerical value, or color the numerical value of the difference according to the magnitude of the difference. When the current numerical value approaches or moves away from the past numerical value, the processing circuit 15 may notify the user to that effect by means of a beep sound or voice.

[0061] When the current numerical value approaches or moves away from the past numerical value while the ultrasonic probe 20 is stationary for inclination adjustment or moving for scanning, the scan control function 157 may cause the ultrasonic probe 20 to vibrate slightly or greatly, for example. Thereby, it is possible to assist the user holding the ultrasonic probe 20 in reproducing the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0062] 〔Embodiment 5〕 FIG. 8 is a line graph showing the change in the grade of each joint according to Embodiment 5. The grade indicates the degree of progression of the rheumatoid symptoms. The line graph of the black circles and the solid line indicates the grade of the previous examination result. The line graph of the white circles and the broken line indicates the grade of the current examination result. As shown in FIG. 8, among the joints, the symptoms of MCP1, MCP2, and PIP2 have deteriorated by one stage.

[0063] By displaying the previous inspection image and the current inspection image in parallel, the states of a plurality of joints to be inspected can be easily compared, so that the current grade can be easily set while referring to the previous grade. As shown in FIG. 8, the grades of all joints can be displayed, and a report for grasping the degree of progression of symptoms can be created.

[0064] According to Embodiments 1 to 5, in the joint echo for a plurality of sites, the scan under the same scan conditions as the previous time can be easily reproduced. Therefore, by comparing the previous image and the current image under the same scan conditions, it becomes easier to judge the progression of the disease state of the patient P, etc., and the diagnostic efficiency is improved. And even when at home or when a person does not have sufficient scanning skills, a joint echo under the same scan conditions as the previous time is possible. Furthermore, it is possible to operate such that a person with insufficient scanning skills scans at home and a specialist in joint echo refers to the result of the scan online to make a grade diagnosis. By this operation, even with a small number of specialists in joint echo, it is possible to efficiently diagnose the patient P without visiting each patient's home.

[0065] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, an ultrasonic inspection for a plurality of sites can be performed under the same scan conditions as the previous time.

[0066] Note that the memory control function 151 is an example of a memory control unit. The joint condition acquisition function 152 is an example of an acquisition unit. The display control function 153 is an example of a display control unit. The condition acquisition function 154 is an example of a first condition acquisition unit. The joint identification function 155 is an example of an identification unit. The condition acquisition function 156 is an example of a second condition acquisition unit. The scan control function 157 is an example of a scan control unit.

[0067] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0068] 2…Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 13…Image memory 16…Main memory 20…Ultrasonic probe 21, 50…Optical camera 40…Display 70…QR code 80…Position sensor 90…Body mark 151…Memory control function 152…Joint condition acquisition function 153…Display control function 154…Condition acquisition function 155…Joint identification function 156…Condition acquisition function 157…Scan control function J…Joint P…Patient

Claims

1. A storage control unit that associates and stores in a storage unit subject information indicating a subject, a plurality of parts when the joints of the subject are ultrasonically examined, and respective scan conditions of the plurality of parts in the ultrasonic examination; An acquisition unit that, when performing a next ultrasonic examination of the joints of the subject, acquires from the storage unit the plurality of parts and the scan conditions associated with the subject information indicating the subject; A display control unit that causes a display unit to display the respective scan conditions of the plurality of parts; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

2. A two-dimensional code encoding the respective scan conditions of the plurality of parts of the subject is attached to each part, An optical camera that photographs the periphery of the probe, A first condition acquisition unit that acquires an image photographed by the optical camera, extracts the two-dimensional code from the image, and acquires the scan conditions for each part from the two-dimensional code; A scan control unit that causes the probe to scan the part according to the scan conditions; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. A specifying unit that specifies a part to be the subject of the ultrasonic examination; A second condition acquisition unit that acquires from the storage unit the scan conditions associated with the subject information indicating the subject and the specified part; A scan control unit that causes a probe to scan the part according to the scan conditions; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. Further comprising an optical camera that photographs the periphery of the probe, The specifying unit acquires an image photographed by the optical camera and specifies, using AI technology, a part to be the subject of the ultrasonic examination of the subject from the image; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3.

5. A position sensor that measures a relative positional relationship with the probe is installed at a predetermined position of the subject, The specifying unit specifies a part to be the subject of the ultrasonic examination of the subject based on the positional relationship acquired from the position sensor; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The storage control unit stores in the storage unit a marked image in which a body mark schematically indicating the part is inserted into an articular echo image of the part of the subject; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the previous marked image and the current marked image among the marked images in parallel. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The scan conditions for each of the plurality of parts include information on the inclination of the probe with respect to each part. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

Images