Ultrasonic diagnostic device, program, ultrasonic diagnostic method, and ultrasonic diagnostic system

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device etc. which enables a user to arbitrarily select whether or not to output an ultrasonic image and a report simultaneously.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device comprises a control unit which performs control of displaying an image thumbnail U and a check box C2 for selecting whether or not to output an ultrasonic image associated with an inspection and a report thumbnail R and a check box C3 for selecting whether or not to output a report associated with the inspection, on an identical thumbnail display unit 122 in an inspection data list screen 120A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Ultrasound diagnostic devices are capable of outputting to an external device ultrasound images obtained by an examination and a report summarizing the measurement results of predetermined measurement items in the ultrasound images. Conventionally, a user had to perform an operation to output the ultrasound images on the examination data list screen and an operation to output the report on the report screen.

[0003] A technique for solving the above-mentioned problem is known from Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a medical image management device that, when an operation to write medical image data to a medium is performed, writes selected medical image data and numerical report information for that medical image data to a medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-284175 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional technology, both medical image data and numerical report information are output to a medium at the same time. However, some users do not necessarily want to output and save both medical image data and numerical report information to an external device at the same time. In other words, there are cases where users want to output both medical image data and numerical report information, and cases where users want to output only one of medical image data and numerical report information.

[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device, a program, an ultrasound diagnostic method, and an ultrasound diagnostic system that allow a user to freely select whether to output ultrasound images and reports simultaneously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: The system is provided with a control unit that controls the display on the same screen of an image output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a medical image associated with an examination, and a report output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a report associated with the examination.

[0008] The program according to the present invention comprises: Computer, a control unit that controls displaying on the same screen an image output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a medical image associated with an examination and a report output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a report associated with the examination; Function as.

[0009] The ultrasonic diagnostic method according to the present invention comprises: The method includes a step of controlling the display on the same screen of an image output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a medical image associated with an examination, and a report output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a report associated with the examination.

[0010] The ultrasound diagnostic system according to the present invention comprises: an ultrasound diagnostic device that displays, on the same screen, an image output selection means for selecting whether to output a medical image associated with an examination and a report output selection means for selecting whether to output a report associated with the examination, and outputs at least one of the image output selection means and the report output selection means selected on the screen; and an image management device that stores at least one of the image output selection means and the report output selection means output by the ultrasonic diagnostic device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the user can arbitrarily select on the same screen whether or not to output the medical image and the report simultaneously. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an examination data list screen displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus during an examination according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus when at least one of ultrasound image data and a report is output to a PACS on the examination data list screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an examination data list screen displayed on a display unit according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an examination data list screen displayed on a display unit according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an examination screen displayed on a display unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thumbnail list screen displayed on a display unit according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a program, an ultrasound diagnostic method, and an ultrasound diagnostic system according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [Configuration example of ultrasound diagnostic system 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 includes an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10, a PACS 20, and an electronic medical record terminal 30. PACS is a medical image management system and is an abbreviation for Picture Archiving and Communication System. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10, the PACS 20, and the electronic medical record terminal 30 are communicatively connected via a network N such as a LAN. The network N may be wired or wireless. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. Note that when each apparatus is installed, for example, outside a medical facility, the network N may be, for example, a WAN, the Internet, or the like. WAN is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network.

[0015] The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data according to the state of the patient's internal tissues and displays an ultrasound image based on the generated ultrasound image data on an examination screen. An ultrasound image is an example of a medical image. The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 creates a report summarizing measurement results of predetermined measurement items in the ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 generates an image file conforming to the DICOM standard, for example, by adding examination information to ultrasound image data and report data, and transmits the generated image file to the PACS 20. DICOM is an abbreviation for Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine. Note that, hereinafter, the patient may be referred to as the subject, and the ultrasound image data may be referred to as image data.

[0016] The PACS 20 stores and manages image data, report data, etc. transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 via the network N. The PACS 20 reads out predetermined image data, etc. in response to a reference request from another apparatus, and outputs the read-out image data, etc. to an information terminal, such as a client terminal, that has made the reference request. Note that, although an example in which image data, etc. is stored in the PACS 20 will be described in this embodiment, the image data, etc. may also be stored in an external apparatus other than the PACS 20.

[0017] The electronic medical record terminal 30 stores examination information such as the patient's ID, name, gender, age, etc. The electronic medical record terminal 30 transmits the examination information etc. to the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 via the network N based on a predetermined operation by the user. The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 eliminates the need to input patient information during an examination.

[0018] [Configuration example of ultrasound diagnostic device 10] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 is used by users such as doctors and technicians in medical facilities such as hospitals. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 100 and an ultrasound probe 160 connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 100.

[0019] The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 100 includes an operation unit 102, a transmission unit 104, a reception unit 106, an image generation unit 108, and an image processing unit 110. The ultrasound diagnostic device main body 100 further includes a display control unit 112, a display unit 120, a control unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a communication unit 150.

[0020] The operation unit 102 receives input instructions from various operations by the user, converts the received input instructions into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 130. The operation unit 102 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, switches, buttons, etc. The operation unit 102 may be, for example, a touch panel integrally combined with a display, or may be a user interface that receives audio input from a microphone or the like.

[0021] The transmitting unit 104 supplies a drive signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic probe 160 under the control of the control unit 130. The transmitting unit 104 includes, for example, a clock generating circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generating circuit. The clock generating 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 probe 163 (described later) and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses a transmission beam formed by ultrasonic waves. The pulse generating circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 104 generates ultrasonic waves, for example, by driving consecutive parts of the multiple probes 163. The transmitting unit 104 scans by shifting the driven probe 163 in the azimuth direction each time an ultrasonic wave is generated.

[0022] The receiving unit 106 receives a received signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasound probe 160 under the control of the control unit 130. The receiving unit 106 has, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phasing addition circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal at a preset amplification factor for each path provided in each probe 163. The A / D conversion circuit performs analog / digital conversion on the amplified received signal. The phasing addition circuit adjusts the time phase by providing a delay time to the A / D converted received signal for each path provided in each probe 163, and then adds them together. The phasing addition circuit generates sound ray data (sound ray signal) by phasing addition. The receiving unit 106 may also have an amplifier for amplifying the received signal.

[0023] The image generation unit 108 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, etc. on the sound ray data supplied from the receiving unit 106. The image generation unit 108 further adjusts the dynamic range and gain of the sound ray data to convert the brightness, thereby generating B-mode image data. B-mode image data represents the strength of the received signal by brightness, and is tomographic image information regarding the tissue within the subject. The image generation unit 108 is not limited to B-mode image data in B-mode. Other scan modes (image modes) include, for example, A-mode, M-mode, and scan modes using the Doppler method. Examples of the Doppler method include, for example, color Doppler mode and PWD. B-mode is an abbreviation for brightness mode. A-mode is an abbreviation for amplitude mode. M-mode is an abbreviation for motion mode. PWD is an abbreviation for pulsed wave Doppler.

[0024] The image processing unit 110 performs image processing on the B-mode image data output from the image generation unit 108. The image processing unit 110 performs image processing on the B-mode image data in accordance with various image parameters that are being set. The image processing unit 110 has an image memory unit 111 configured with a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory. The image processing unit 110 stores the B-mode image data that has been subjected to image processing in the image memory unit 111 on a frame-by-frame basis under the control of the control unit 130. The image processing unit 110 outputs the image data generated as described above to the display control unit 112 in sequence under the control of the control unit 130.

[0025] The display control unit 112 generates an image signal for display by performing coordinate transformation and the like on the received image data under the control of the control unit 130. The display control unit 112 outputs the generated image signal for display to the display unit 120.

[0026] The display unit 120 displays on the screen a still image or a moving image according to the display image signal output from the display control unit 112 under the control of the control unit 130. The display unit 120 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.

[0027] The control unit 130 includes a processor such as a CPU and a memory such as a RAM. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The CPU reads out various programs 141 stored in the storage unit 140, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the programs. The CPU may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors.

[0028] In this embodiment, the control unit 130 controls the display of the image output selection means and the report output selection means on the same screen. Displaying them on the same screen means that there is a timing when they are displayed together. The image output selection means is an output selection means for selecting whether to output an ultrasound image as a medical image associated with an examination. The report output selection means is an output selection means for selecting whether to output a report associated with an examination. These output selection means may be images, text, or a combination of images and text. Examples of images include thumbnail images, icons, and check boxes. Examples of text include text that indicates an image, such as a file name. The report includes an analysis report of the examination. The analysis report is a report summarizing the results (measurement values) of measurement of specified measurement items. For example, if there are multiple ultrasound images in one examination, multiple image output selection means are configured. The multiple image output selection means are image output selection means associated with each ultrasound image. Any of the multiple image output selection means can be selected. In one embodiment, a thumbnail image as an image output selection means and a report thumbnail as a report output selection means can be selected at the same time, and the selected output target (item) is output by selecting an output means such as a PACS 30. The image output selection means and the report selection means are output selection means displayed as thumbnails in a similar display format. A similar display format refers to thumbnail display in a similar size.

[0029] The storage unit 140 includes any storage module including, for example, an HDD, an SSD, a ROM, and a RAM. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, system programs, application programs, and various data received by the display unit 120. The storage unit 140 stores a program 141 for executing processes related to ultrasound examinations, output processes for ultrasound image data and report data, etc.

[0030] The communication unit 150 includes, for example, a NIC, a LAN adapter, and a communication module including a receiver and a transmitter. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card. The communication unit 150 communicates various data, information, etc. with, for example, the PACS 20, the electronic medical record terminal 30, etc. via the network N.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , the ultrasound probe 160 includes a head unit 162, a cable 164, and a connector 166. The head unit 162 is a part that is pressed against the body surface of the subject. The head unit 162 is provided with a plurality of probes 163 made of piezoelectric elements. The probes 163 transmit ultrasound waves to the subject based on a drive signal transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 100, and receive waves reflected by the subject. For example, the plurality of probes 163 may be arranged in a one-dimensional array in the scanning direction, or in a two-dimensional array (matrix). The number of probes 163 can be set arbitrarily. A linear scanning electronic scanning probe can be used as the ultrasound probe 160. Note that other scanning methods, such as a convex scanning method or a sector scanning method, may be adopted in addition to the linear scanning method.

[0032] One end of the cable 164 is electrically connected to the head unit 162, and the other end is electrically connected to a connector 166. The connector 166 is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 100. Note that communication between the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 100 and the ultrasound probe 160 is not limited to wired communication using the cable 164. The communication method between the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 100 and the ultrasound probe 160 may be wireless communication using UWB or the like. UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band.

[0033] [Configuration example of the test data list screen 120A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the examination data list screen 120A displayed on the display unit 120 according to this embodiment.

[0034] The examination data list screen 120A is a screen that displays a list of examination information related to the examinations that have been performed, ultrasound diagnostic images saved in the examinations, reports, etc. On the examination data list screen 120A, users such as doctors can arbitrarily select ultrasound images, reports, etc. to be output to the PACS 20 for each examination that has been performed. The examination data list screen 120A can be displayed at any timing, for example, after all examinations for one day have been completed, or after examinations for a predetermined number of people have been completed.

[0035] An examination information display section 121 is provided in the approximate center of the examination data list screen 120A, where examination information for each performed examination is displayed. The examination information display section 121 displays each performed examination in order from top to bottom of the screen. Items of examination information include, for example, ID, name, sex, age, examination date and time, diagnosed area, number of images, size, etc.

[0036] A check box C1 is provided on the left edge of each examination. For example, if it is selected that some of the ultrasound images and reports saved in each examination are to be output to the PACS 20, a square mark (colored) is displayed in the check box C1. If it is selected that all of the ultrasound images and reports saved in each examination are to be output to the PACS 20, a check mark is displayed in the check box C1. If no ultrasound images or reports are selected to be output to the PACS 20, the check box C1 is blank. In this way, by checking the check box C1 for each examination, the user can recognize at a glance whether all or some of the ultrasound images, etc. are to be output in each examination.

[0037] A thumbnail display section 122 is provided at the bottom of the examination data list screen 120A. The thumbnail display section 122 displays thumbnail images of ultrasound images and reports saved in the examination selected in the examination information display section 121. The thumbnail images are images obtained by reducing the size of the ultrasound images and reports. Examples of reduction include compression processing that reduces the resolution of the ultrasound images and reports, and processing that schematically represents the ultrasound images and reports. Hereinafter, a thumbnail image of an ultrasound image will be referred to as an image thumbnail U, and a thumbnail image of a report will be referred to as a report thumbnail R. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when examination I is selected in the examination information display section 121, six image thumbnails U1 to U6 are displayed in the thumbnail display section 122 lined up in the left-right direction of the screen.

[0038] When a report has been created for an examination, a report thumbnail R is displayed at the bottom of the examination data list screen 120A. The report thumbnail R is displayed, for example, at the left end of the thumbnail display section 122, adjacent to the image thumbnail U1. The report thumbnail R is configured, for example, with a substantially rectangular icon that schematically represents the report. The report thumbnail R is approximately the same size as the image thumbnail U and is formed with approximately the same external shape as the image thumbnail U. In this way, in this embodiment, the image thumbnail U and the report thumbnail R are displayed side-by-side in tiles in one thumbnail display section 122 on the same screen.

[0039] Each image thumbnail U has a check box C2 for selecting whether or not to output the ultrasound image associated with the image thumbnail U. By selecting the check box C2 for the image thumbnail U, the ultrasound image of the selected image thumbnail U can be set as an output target to be output to the PACS 20. Each report thumbnail R has a check box C3 for selecting whether or not to output the report associated with the report thumbnail R. By selecting the check box C3 for the report thumbnail R, the report of the selected report thumbnail R can be set as an output target to be output to the PACS 20. Note that in this embodiment, the check boxes C2 and C3 are used to select an output target, but the selection method is not limited to the check box format. For example, a selection method in which an image such as the image thumbnail U is directly selected may also be used.

[0040] A search unit 123 for searching for ultrasound images and reports linked to an examination is provided at the top of the examination data list screen 120A. The search unit 123 has input fields for the patient ID, patient name, patient date of birth, examination period, etc. The examination information of the examination searched by the search unit 123 is displayed in the examination information display unit 121.

[0041] An output button 124 is provided below the thumbnail display section 122. The output button 124 is a button for supplying an output instruction to the control section 130 to output to the PACS 20 the ultrasound image of the image thumbnail U and the report of the report thumbnail R selected in the thumbnail display section 122.

[0042] [Inspection procedure] 4 illustrates the flow of an examination using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. A user such as a doctor registers patient information on a patient registration screen or the like and starts an examination of a predetermined examination region (step S10). At this time, the patient information of the patient may be acquired from the electronic medical record terminal 30.

[0043] When the examination starts, the control unit 130 activates an examination screen on the display unit 120 that can display an ultrasound image. The user starts the examination of the desired diagnostic region by pressing the ultrasound probe 160 against the body surface of the subject. The control unit 130 causes the display unit 120 to display an ultrasound image generated based on the reflected waves reflected from the diagnostic region of the subject (step S11).

[0044] The user performs a freeze operation on the ultrasound image displayed on the examination screen at a predetermined expected image (step S12). Specifically, the user presses a freeze button (not shown) when the live ultrasound image displayed on the examination screen becomes the expected image. When the control unit 130 receives an instruction corresponding to the freeze operation by the user, it freezes the ultrasound image displayed on the examination screen.

[0045] The user performs measurements for predetermined measurement items on the ultrasound image displayed on the examination screen (step S13). For example, when measuring the major diameter of a fetus's head in obstetrics, the user inputs the start and end positions of the head on the ultrasound image by operating the operation unit 102, etc. The control unit 130 calculates the major diameter of the fetus's head based on the input start and end positions. When measuring the abdominal circumference of a fetus, the user inputs the major axis length and minor axis length of the abdomen on the ultrasound image by operating the operation unit 102, etc. The control unit 130 calculates the abdominal circumference of the fetus based on the input major axis length and minor axis length. The control unit 130 creates a report summarizing the measurement values ​​of each calculated measurement item.

[0046] The user inputs a save instruction to save the frozen ultrasound image and the created report by operating the operation unit 102, etc. (step S14). Based on the input save instruction, the control unit 130 stores the ultrasound image and the report in the storage unit 140 in association with, for example, patient information, etc.

[0047] [Example of operation of ultrasound diagnostic device 10 when selecting an output target] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 when at least one of ultrasound image data and a report is output to the PACS 20 on the examination data list screen 120A. The control unit 130 executes a program stored in the storage unit 140 to realize each of the steps shown below.

[0048] The control unit 130 determines whether or not a display instruction for the test data list screen 120A has been acquired from the operation unit 102 or the like (step S20). If the control unit 130 determines that a display instruction for the test data list screen 120A has been acquired, the control unit 130 proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if the control unit 130 has not acquired a display request for the test data list screen 120A, the control unit 130 repeatedly executes the process of step S20.

[0049] The control unit 130 causes the display unit 120 to display the examination data list screen 120A (step S21). When a predetermined examination is selected by the user in the examination information display unit 121 shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 130 causes the thumbnail display unit 122 to display an image thumbnail U and a report thumbnail R associated with the selected examination.

[0050] The control unit 130 determines whether or not an instruction to output both the ultrasound images and the report has been acquired on the examination data list screen 120A (step S22). An example of step S22 is when the user selects examination I on the examination information display unit 121, selects the check boxes C2 for the image thumbnails U3 and U4 and the check box C3 for the report thumbnail R, and presses the output button 124. In this case, the control unit 130 acquires an output instruction to output the image data of the third and fourth ultrasound images of examination I and the report data of the report for that examination I.

[0051] If the control unit 130 determines that it has received an instruction to output both the ultrasound image and the report, it proceeds to step S23. Based on the received output instruction, the control unit 130 outputs the image data of the ultrasound image of the examination selected on the examination information display unit 121 and the report data of the report to the PACS 20 (step S23). For example, the control unit 130 reads out the third and fourth image data and report data of examination I selected on the examination information display unit 121 from the storage unit 140 and outputs them to the PACS 20.

[0052] On the other hand, if the control unit 130 has not received an instruction to output both the ultrasound images and the report in step S22, the control unit 130 proceeds to step S24. The control unit 130 determines whether or not an instruction to output only the ultrasound images has been received on the examination data list screen 120A (step S24). An example of step S24 is when examination I is selected in the examination information display unit 121, the check boxes C2 of the image thumbnails U3 and U4 are selected, and the output button 124 is pressed. In this case, the control unit 130 receives an output instruction to output the third and fourth ultrasound images of examination I.

[0053] If the control unit 130 determines that an instruction to output an ultrasound image has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S25. Based on the acquired instruction to output an ultrasound image, the control unit 130 outputs report data of the image data of the ultrasound image of the examination selected on the examination information display unit 121 to the PACS 20 (step S25). For example, the control unit 130 reads out the third and fourth image data of examination I selected on the examination information display unit 121 from the storage unit 140 and outputs them to the PACS 20.

[0054] On the other hand, if the control unit 130 has not received an instruction to output an ultrasound image in step S24, the process proceeds to step S26. The control unit 130 determines whether or not an instruction to output only a report has been received on the examination data list screen 120A (step S26). An example of step S26 is when examination I is selected in the examination information display unit 121, the check box C3 of the report thumbnail R is selected, and the output button 124 is pressed. In this case, the control unit 130 receives an output instruction to output the report of examination I.

[0055] When the control unit 130 acquires an instruction to output a report, the control unit 130 proceeds to step S27. Based on the acquired instruction to output a report, the control unit 130 outputs report data of the examination selected on the examination information display unit 121 to the PACS 20 (step S27). For example, the control unit 130 reads out report data of examination I selected on the examination information display unit 121 from the storage unit 140 and outputs it to the PACS 20. On the other hand, when the control unit 130 does not acquire an instruction to output a report and acquires an instruction other than an instruction to output an ultrasound image and a report, the control unit 130 executes processing according to the other instruction.

[0056] According to the first embodiment, on the examination data list screen 120A, it is possible to arbitrarily select both ultrasound images and reports, only ultrasound images, or only reports as output targets. Specifically, if it is desired to simultaneously output both images and reports to the PACS 20, it is possible to select both images and reports as output targets by selecting check boxes C2 and C3 on the examination data list screen 120A. If it is desired to output only images to the PACS 20, it is possible to select only images as output targets by selecting check box C2 on the examination data list screen 120A. If it is desired to output only reports to the PACS 20, it is possible to select only reports as output targets by selecting check box C3 on the examination data list screen 120A. This allows the user to arbitrarily select output targets, thereby freely selecting the optimal output format depending on the circumstances, such as the contents of the examination.

[0057] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to select images and reports on the same examination data list screen 120A without switching screens, which reduces the operational burden on the user and shortens the time required to select an output target.

[0058] <First Modification of First Embodiment> In the first modified example of the first embodiment, a display example of the examination data list screen 120B when different reports are created by multiple medical departments for the examination of one patient will be described. Note that in the first modified example, components common to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0059] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the examination data list screen 120B displayed on the display unit 120 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. For example, there are cases where examinations are performed on a single patient in multiple departments, such as the obstetrics department, which performs examinations on the fetus, etc., and the cardiology department, which performs examinations on the cardiac region. In this case, ultrasound images and reports are acquired in the obstetrics department, and ultrasound images and reports are acquired in the cardiology department. In other words, each department creates a report that is the analysis result of the ultrasound image, and the reports are managed for each department.

[0060] The thumbnail display area 122 of the examination data list screen 120B displays thumbnail images of ultrasound images and reports acquired by the examination selected in the examination information display area 121. For example, if an examination is performed in two departments, obstetrics and cardiology, the examination information display area 121 displays report thumbnails Ra representing thumbnail images of the reports. The report thumbnails Ra include a report thumbnail R1 created by obstetrics and a report thumbnail R2 created by cardiology. The report thumbnails Ra are, for example, configured as icons that schematically represent reports, with the characters "Obstetrics" and "Heart" displayed on the icons to indicate that reports from two medical departments are included. In the first modified example, by selecting the check box C3 for one report thumbnail Ra, both the obstetrics report thumbnail R1 and the cardiology report thumbnail R2 can be selected as output targets to the PACS 20. Note that the report thumbnail Ra in the first modified example corresponds to a first report output selection means in which multiple reports are combined into one output selection means.

[0061] The thumbnail display section 122 displays image thumbnails U of ultrasound images acquired in the obstetrics department and the cardiology department. In FIG. 6, image thumbnails U1 to U6 of the obstetrics department, which performed the examination first, are displayed adjacent to the report thumbnail Ra and are aligned horizontally on the screen. For example, image thumbnails U of ultrasound images acquired in other medical departments, such as the cardiology department, may be displayed by scrolling the scroll bar B of the thumbnail display section 122 horizontally. The image thumbnail U and the report thumbnail Ra are simultaneously displayed in the thumbnail display section 122 in a similar display format with the same shape and size.

[0062] When the user selects the check box C3 of the report thumbnail Ra on the examination data list screen 120B, the control unit 130 outputs the report data of the selected obstetrics and cardiology reports to the PACS 20. When the user selects the image thumbnail U on the examination data list screen 120B, the control unit 130 outputs the image data of the selected ultrasound image to the PACS 20.

[0063] According to the first modified example, even when multiple reports are created for multiple medical departments, by selecting the checkboxes C3 of the report thumbnails Ra, multiple reports can be set as targets for output to the PACS 20 with a single operation. In other words, multiple reports can be set as targets for output with a single operation. This eliminates the need to select reports for each report when it is a rule that created reports must be output and saved to the PACS 20, thereby reducing the workload on the user.

[0064] <Second Modification of First Embodiment> In the second modified example of the first embodiment, a display example of the examination data list screen 120C when different reports are created by multiple medical departments for the examination of one patient will be described. Note that in the second modified example, components common to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0065] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an examination data list screen 120C displayed on the display unit 120 according to the second modified example of the first embodiment. For example, there are cases where examinations are performed on a single patient in multiple departments, such as obstetrics and cardiology. In this case, ultrasound images and reports are acquired in the obstetrics department, and ultrasound images and reports are acquired in the cardiology department.

[0066] The thumbnail display area 122 of the examination data list screen 120C displays thumbnail images of the ultrasound images and reports acquired in the examination selected in the examination information display area 121. For example, if an examination is performed in two locations, an obstetrics department and a cardiology department, the examination information display area 121 displays a report thumbnail R1 created in the obstetrics department and a report thumbnail R2 created in the cardiology department side by side in the left-right direction of the screen. The report thumbnails R1 and R2 are, for example, configured as icons that schematically represent the reports. The word "OBGYN" is displayed on the icon of the report thumbnail R1, indicating that it is a report created in the obstetrics department. The word "CARDIVA" is displayed on the icon of the report thumbnail R2, indicating that it is a report created in the cardiology department. In the second modified example, by selecting the check box C3 of each report thumbnail R1 or R2, at least one of the obstetrics report thumbnail R1 and the cardiology report thumbnail R2 can be selected as the report to be output to the PACS 20.

[0067] In the second modified example, the report thumbnail R1 of the report created by the obstetrics department and the report thumbnail R2 of the report created by the cardiology department correspond to a second report output selection means to which one output selection means is assigned for each report. For example, if there are multiple reports for one examination, multiple report output selection means are configured. The multiple report output selection means are report output selection means associated with each report. Any report output selection means can be selected from the multiple report output selection means.

[0068] The thumbnail display section 122 displays image thumbnails U of ultrasound images acquired in the obstetrics department and the cardiology department. In FIG. 7, the image thumbnails U1 to U5 of the obstetrics department, which performed the examination first, are displayed adjacent to the report thumbnail Ra and are aligned horizontally on the screen. For example, by scrolling the scroll bar B of the thumbnail display section 122 horizontally, it may be possible to display image thumbnails U of ultrasound images acquired in other medical departments, such as the cardiology department. The image thumbnail U and the report thumbnails R1 and R2 are simultaneously displayed in the thumbnail display section 122 in a similar display format with the same shape and size.

[0069] When the user selects at least one of the check boxes C3 for the report thumbnails R1 and R2 on the examination data list screen 120C, the control unit 130 outputs the report data of the selected obstetrics and cardiology reports to the PACS 20. When the user selects the image thumbnail U on the examination data list screen 120C, the control unit 130 outputs the image data of the selected obstetrics and cardiology ultrasound images to the PACS 20.

[0070] According to the second modification, when reports are created by multiple medical departments, each medical department can arbitrarily select whether or not to output the report to the PACS 20. Depending on the medical department, examination contents, etc., there may be cases where the report does not need to be output to the PACS 20. In such cases, by deselecting the check box C3 corresponding to the report that does not need to be output, it is possible to control the report not to be output to the PACS 20.

[0071] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the selection of ultrasound images and report output targets is performed on a thumbnail list screen 320 that is launched after the end of the examination, rather than on the examination data list screen 120A or the like described above. Note that the second embodiment has substantially the same functional configuration as the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 or the like of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0072] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an examination screen 220 displayed on the display unit 120 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thumbnail list screen 320 displayed on the display unit 120 according to the second embodiment.

[0073] When the control unit 130 receives an instruction from the user to start an examination, it causes the display unit 120 to display an examination screen 220. As shown in Fig. 8, an image display unit 221 is provided in the center of the examination screen 220, on which an ultrasound image of the examination region acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves by the ultrasound probe 160 is displayed. An icon display unit 222 is provided on the periphery of the image display unit 221, on which a plurality of icons for executing predetermined functions are displayed. The plurality of icons includes an examination end button 223 for ending the examination.

[0074] When the user selects the end examination button 223 after the examination is completed, the control unit 130 switches the examination screen 220 displayed on the display unit 120 to a thumbnail list screen 320, as shown in FIG. 9. The thumbnail list screen 320 is provided with a thumbnail display section 321. The thumbnail display section 321 displays thumbnail images of the ultrasound images and reports acquired in the immediately preceding examination. For example, if three ultrasound images are acquired in the examination, the thumbnail display section 321 displays three image thumbnails U1, U2, and U3 lined up horizontally on the screen. If a report related to the ultrasound images has been created, the thumbnail display section 321 displays a report thumbnail R adjacent to the image thumbnail U1.

[0075] An output button 322 is provided at the bottom of the thumbnail list screen 320. The output button 322 is a button for supplying an output instruction to the control unit 130 to output at least one of the ultrasound image of the selected image thumbnail U and the report of the report thumbnail R to the PACS 20.

[0076] When the user selects at least one of the image thumbnail U and the report thumbnail R on the thumbnail list screen 320, the control unit 130 outputs at least one of the ultrasound image and the report to the PACS 20. Note that in FIG. 9, when the image thumbnail U or the report thumbnail R is pressed, it can be set as the output target to the PACS 20. In this case, the pressed image thumbnail U or report thumbnail R may be highlighted. As in the first embodiment, a check box may be provided for each image thumbnail U and report thumbnail R.

[0077] For example, when an examination is completed, there may be a case where the user wishes to output the ultrasound images and reports acquired in the examination to the PACS 20. According to the second embodiment, by pressing the examination end button 223, the examination screen 220 can be immediately switched to a simple thumbnail list screen 320. This allows the user to select the ultrasound images and reports to be output with simpler operations on the thumbnail list screen 320, thereby reducing the user's workload. Furthermore, the user can select any ultrasound image or report by selecting check boxes C2 and C3 provided in the thumbnail display area 321. This allows for flexible response to the user's output request regarding whether or not to output the ultrasound images and reports to the PACS 20.

[0078] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. A person skilled in the art of the present disclosure would understand that various modifications and improvements made within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims would naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 20 PACS (image management device) 120 Display section 120A, 120B, 120C Inspection data list screen 130 control section 320 Thumbnail list screen C2 Checkbox (image output selection means) C3 Checkbox (report output selection method) I. Inspection R Report thumbnail (report output selection method) Ra Report thumbnail (first report output selection means) R1, R2 Report thumbnail (second report output selection method) U Image thumbnail (image output selection means)

Claims

1. a control unit that controls displaying on the same screen an image output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a medical image associated with an examination and a report output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a report associated with the examination; Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. the report output selection means is a first report output selection means in which a plurality of reports are grouped together as one output selection means; 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the report output selection means is a second report output selection means including a plurality of reports, one output selection means being assigned to each of the plurality of reports; 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The plurality of reports are reports from different medical departments.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The image output selection means and the report output selection means are selection means displayed as thumbnails in a similar display format.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

6. Computer, a control unit that controls displaying on the same screen an image output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a medical image associated with an examination and a report output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a report associated with the examination; A program to function as a

7. a step of controlling the display on the same screen of an image output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a medical image associated with an examination and a report output selection means for selecting whether or not to output a report associated with the examination; Ultrasound diagnostic methods.

8. an ultrasound diagnostic device that displays, on the same screen, an image output selection means for selecting whether to output a medical image associated with an examination and a report output selection means for selecting whether to output a report associated with the examination, and outputs at least one of the image output selection means and the report output selection means selected on the screen; an image management device that stores at least one of the image output selection means and the report output selection means output by the ultrasonic diagnostic device; An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising:

Images