Medical image diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

To improve a workflow related to measurement.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic apparatus of an embodiment includes a collection part and a display control part. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a medical image of a subject. The display control part displays a first auxiliary line for measuring the subject and a second auxiliary line always having a prescribed angle to the first auxiliary line together on the medical image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various measurements have been performed in ultrasound examinations. For example, the inferior facial angle (IFA) of a fetus is measured at 18-21 weeks of pregnancy as an indicator of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. IFA is also called the inferior facial angle. Below, an overview of general IFA measurements will be explained using FIG. 18.

[0003] Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a general IFA measurement. As shown in Fig. 18, the IFA measurement is generally performed in the following procedure.

[0004] An ultrasound image US8 representing the fetus's midsagittal section is collected, and (1) a line is drawn extending the fetus's "forehead (the line representing the flattest part of the frontal bone)." (2) A "perpendicular line" is drawn between the fetus's forehead and nasal bone to the line drawn in (1). (3) The IFA is measured, which is the angle between the line drawn in (2) and the "line connecting the fetus's upper lip, lower lip, and chin," with the intersection of these two lines as the vertex. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-108725 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein aim to solve is to improve the workflow related to measurement. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of the configurations described in the embodiments below can also be considered as other problems that the embodiments disclosed herein aim to solve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires medical images of a subject. The display control unit displays, on the medical images, a first auxiliary line for measuring the subject and a second auxiliary line that is always at a predetermined angle with respect to the first auxiliary line. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the first modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the first modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the second modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the second modification. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the third modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the third modification. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the fourth modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining another example of the IFA measurement tool according to the fourth modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the fifth modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the fifth modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the sixth modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to the seventh modification. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a general IFA measurement. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measurement tool according to a comparative example. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measurement tool according to a comparative example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measurement tool according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present application are not limited to the embodiments described below. In the following description, similar components will be assigned common reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 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 an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes an ultrasound probe 1, a display 2, an input interface 3, and a device main body 4, and the ultrasound probe 1, the display 2, and the input interface 3 are connected to the device main body 4 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 1 is connected to a transmission / reception circuit 41 included in the device main body 4. The ultrasonic probe 1 has, for example, a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in the probe main body, and these plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on drive signals supplied from the transmission / reception circuit 41. The ultrasonic probe 1 also receives reflected waves from the subject and converts them into electrical signals. The ultrasonic probe 1 also has, in the probe main body, matching layers provided on the piezoelectric vibrators, a backing material that prevents ultrasonic waves from propagating backward from the piezoelectric vibrators, and the like.

[0012] The ultrasonic probe 1 is detachably connected to the device main body 4. For example, the ultrasonic probe 1 is a sector type, linear type, or convex type ultrasonic probe.

[0013] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected successively by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the subject's internal tissues and received as reflected wave signals by multiple piezoelectric transducers of the ultrasonic probe 1. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces where the ultrasonic waves are reflected.

[0014] When the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the surface of a moving blood flow or the heart wall, the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect, depending on the velocity component of the moving object in the direction of ultrasonic transmission.

[0015] This embodiment is applicable to both cases where a subject is scanned two-dimensionally using an ultrasonic probe 1 that is a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which multiple piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a row, and cases where a subject is scanned three-dimensionally using an ultrasonic probe 1 that mechanically vibrates multiple piezoelectric vibrators of a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe or an ultrasonic probe 1 that is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which multiple piezoelectric vibrators are arranged two-dimensionally in a lattice pattern.

[0016] The display 2 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 to input various setting requests using the input interface 3, as well as ultrasound images generated in the apparatus main body 4. The display 2 also displays various messages and display information to notify the operator of the processing status and results of the apparatus main body 4. The display 2 also has a speaker and can output sound.

[0017] The input interface 3 is operated to set predetermined positions (for example, various positions related to measurement), and is realized by, for example, a trackball, switch buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operating surface, a touch monitor that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and a voice input circuit.

[0018] The input interface 3 is connected to a processing circuit 45, which will be described later, and converts input operations received from an operator into electrical signals and outputs the signals to the processing circuit 45. Note that in this specification, the input interface 3 is not limited to an interface equipped with physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard.

[0019] For example, an example of an input interface also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 45.

[0020] The device main body 4 includes a transmitting / receiving circuit 41 , a B-mode processing circuit 42 , a Doppler processing circuit 43 , a memory 44 , and a processing circuit 45 .

[0021] 1, each processing function is stored in the memory 44 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The transmitting / receiving circuitry 41, the B-mode processing circuitry 42, the Doppler processing circuitry 43, and the processing circuitry 45 are processors that realize the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing the program from the memory 44. In other words, each circuit in the state where each program has been read has the function corresponding to the read program.

[0022] The transmitting / receiving circuit 41 includes a pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser, etc., and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1 .

[0023] The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses at a predetermined rate frequency to form transmitted ultrasonic waves. The transmission delay circuit focuses the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 1 into a beam and provides a delay time for each piezoelectric transducer required to determine the transmission directivity to each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator.

[0024] The pulser applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 1 at a timing based on the rate pulse. That is, the transmission delay circuit changes the delay time given to each rate pulse, thereby arbitrarily adjusting the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the piezoelectric transducer surface.

[0025] The transmitter / receiver circuit 41 has a function of being able to instantaneously change the transmission frequency, transmission drive voltage, etc. in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on instructions from the processing circuit 45, which will be described later. In particular, the change in transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type oscillation circuit that can instantaneously switch its value, or a mechanism that electrically switches between multiple power supply units.

[0026] The transmission / reception circuit 41 also includes a preamplifier, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, a reception delay circuit, an adder, etc., and performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1 to generate reflected wave data.

[0027] The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the amplified reflected wave signal. The receive delay circuit provides the delay time required to determine the receive directivity. The adder adds the reflected wave signals processed by the receive delay circuit to generate reflected wave data. The adder's addition process emphasizes the reflected components from the direction corresponding to the receive directivity of the reflected wave signal, and an overall beam for ultrasonic transmission and reception is formed based on the receive directivity and transmit directivity.

[0028] The B-mode processing circuit 42 receives the reflected wave data from the transmission / reception circuit 41, and performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc. to generate data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed as brightness.

[0029] The Doppler processing circuit 43 performs frequency analysis on the velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmitting / receiving circuit 41, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) that extracts moving object information such as velocity, dispersion, and power for multiple points. For example, the moving object is a fluid such as blood flowing in blood vessels or lymph flowing in lymphatic vessels.

[0030] The B-mode processing circuit 42 and the Doppler processing circuit 43 are capable of processing both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the B-mode processing circuit 42 generates two-dimensional B-mode data from two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional B-mode data from three-dimensional reflected wave data. Also, the Doppler processing circuit 43 generates two-dimensional Doppler data from two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional Doppler data from three-dimensional reflected wave data.

[0031] The B-mode processing circuit 42 can also generate three-dimensional reflected wave data by combining multiple two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generate three-dimensional B-mode data from the generated three-dimensional reflected wave data. The Doppler processing circuit 43 can also generate three-dimensional reflected wave data by combining multiple two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generate three-dimensional Doppler data from the generated three-dimensional reflected wave data.

[0032] The memory 44 stores the ultrasound images for display generated by the processing circuitry 45. The memory 44 can also store B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuitry 42 and Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuitry 43. The memory 44 also stores control programs for transmitting and receiving ultrasound, image processing, and display processing, as well as various data such as diagnostic information (e.g., patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocols, and various body marks.

[0033] The processing circuitry 45 controls the overall processing of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10. Specifically, the processing circuitry 45 performs various processes by reading out from the memory 44 and executing programs corresponding to the control function 451, the image generation function 452, the determination function 453, and the calculation function 454 shown in FIG.

[0034] For example, the processing circuitry 45 is a processor that realizes the functions corresponding to each program by reading and executing each program from the memory 44. In other words, the processing circuitry 45 in a state where each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuitry 45 in FIG.

[0035] Here, the control function 451 is an example of a collection unit, a display control unit, and a transmission / reception unit. The image generation function 452 is an example of an image generation unit. The determination function 453 is an example of a determination unit. The calculation function 454 is an example of a calculation unit.

[0036] In this embodiment, it is assumed that each of the processing functions described below is realized by a single processing circuit 45, but it is also possible to configure a processing circuit by combining multiple independent processors and realize the functions by each processor executing a program.

[0037] The control function 451 controls the processing of the transmitter / receiver circuit 41, B-mode processing circuit 42, and Doppler processing circuit 43 based on various setting requests input by the operator via the input interface 3, and various control programs and various data read from the memory 44.

[0038] The control function 451 also controls the display 2 to display an ultrasound image and various information. For example, the control function 451 may cause the display 2 to display, as various information, the number of weeks in pregnancy (GA), expected delivery date (EDD), estimated fetal weight (EFW), and the like, together with the ultrasound image.

[0039] The control function 451 also displays an IFA measurement tool for measuring the IFA of the fetus on the ultrasound image. The IFA measurement tool will be described later.

[0040] The image generation function 452 generates an ultrasound image from the data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 42 and the Doppler processing circuit 43. That is, the image generation function 452 generates an ultrasound image in which the intensity of the reflected wave is represented by brightness from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 42.

[0041] Furthermore, the image generation function 452 generates an ultrasound image representing moving object information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 43. The ultrasound image based on the Doppler data is velocity image data, variance image data, power image data, or image data that is a combination of these.

[0042] Here, the image generation function 452 generally converts (scan converts) a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasonic scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and generates an ultrasonic image for display.

[0043] Specifically, the image generation function 452 generates an ultrasound image for display by performing coordinate conversion in accordance with the ultrasound scanning form of the ultrasound probe 1. In addition to scan conversion, the image generation function 452 also performs various image processing, such as image processing (smoothing processing) for regenerating an average brightness image using multiple image frames after scan conversion, and image processing (edge ​​enhancement processing) using a differential filter within the image.

[0044] The image generation function 452 also combines text information of various parameters, scales, body marks, etc. with the ultrasound image.

[0045] Furthermore, the image generation function 452 generates three-dimensional B-mode image data by performing coordinate transformation on the three-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuitry 42. Also, the image generation function 452 generates three-dimensional Doppler image data by performing coordinate transformation on the three-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuitry 43.

[0046] Furthermore, the image generation function 452 can perform rendering processing on the volume data in order to generate various two-dimensional images for displaying these three-dimensional image data (volume data) on the display 2.

[0047] The determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the auxiliary line used for IFA measurement on the ultrasound image.

[0048] For example, the determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the first caliper in accordance with the position of the forehead of the fetus on the ultrasound image in accordance with the operation instruction received by the control function 451 from the operator via the input interface 3. Similarly, for example, the determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the second caliper in accordance with the positions of the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of the fetus on the ultrasound image.

[0049] The calculation function 454 calculates angles on the ultrasound image derived from the first and second calipers based on the determination of the positions and angles of the first and second calipers on the ultrasound image by the determination function 453.

[0050] For example, the calculation function 454 calculates the IFA of the fetus derived from the position and angle of a first caliper determined to correspond to the position of the fetus's forehead on the ultrasound image, and the position and angle of a second caliper determined to correspond to the positions of the fetus's upper lip, lower lip, and chin on the ultrasound image.

[0051] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, uses dedicated measurement tools corresponding to the indices to be measured to help the user efficiently measure the subject on medical images. The dedicated measurement tools will be described below, along with the operation of each function of the processing circuitry 45 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10.

[0052] First, for comparison with this embodiment, conventional IFA measurement will be described with reference to Fig. 19 to Fig. 21. Fig. 19 to Fig. 21 are diagrams for explaining an example of a measurement tool according to a comparative example.

[0053] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to the comparative example uses general-purpose measurement tools for IFA measurement. Specifically, the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the comparative example performs IFA measurement using three general-purpose measurement tools: a length measurement tool that measures the length of a line drawn on an ultrasound image, a two-line angle measurement tool that measures the angle (acute angle and obtuse angle) formed by two lines drawn on an ultrasound image, and a three-point angle measurement tool that measures the angle derived from three points set on an ultrasound image.

[0054] For example, a length measurement tool measures the distance of a straight line connecting a start point and an end point set on an ultrasound image.

[0055] For example, the two-straight-line angle measurement tool measures the acute and obtuse angles formed by two lines by setting the positions of the two lines so that the two lines intersect on an ultrasound image. Note that if the angle formed by the two lines is 90 degrees, both the acute angle measurement result and the obtuse angle measurement result will be 90 degrees.

[0056] For example, a three-point angle measurement tool measures the angle (the angle with the second point as its vertex) between the line connecting the first point and the second point and the line connecting the second point and the third point by setting the positions of the first point, second point, and third point on an ultrasound image.

[0057] When measuring IFA using these measurement tools, the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the comparative example first uses a length measurement tool to draw a line G on the ultrasound image US9, which is a line that touches the forehead of the fetus F, as a first step, as shown in Fig. 19. Here, the forehead refers to the line that represents the flattest part of the frontal bone.

[0058] Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to the comparative example receives an instruction from a user to activate a length measurement tool. Upon receiving the instruction, the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to the comparative example displays a start point SP, an end point EP, and a line G connecting the start point SP and the end point EP on an ultrasonic image US9.

[0059] At this stage, the start point SP and the end point EP can be freely moved on the ultrasound image US9, and the position, length, and angle of the straight line G relative to a reference line (for example, a line horizontal to the scanning direction) (hereinafter simply referred to as the angle of the straight line) of the straight line G are in an undetermined state. The position, length, and angle of the straight line G change according to the movement of the positions of the start point SP and the end point EP.

[0060] Next, the ultrasound diagnostic device of the comparative example receives an instruction from the user via the length measurement tool to set the positions of the start point SP and the end point EP so that the straight line G is a straight line extending the forehead of the fetus F.

[0061] This determines the length and angle of the straight line G, and the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the comparative example can draw the straight line G extending from the forehead of the fetus F on the ultrasound image US9. In the first step described above, the user performs five steps of operations: issuing an instruction to activate the length measurement tool, moving the start point SP, determining the start point SP, moving the end point EP, and determining the end point EP.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19, at the end of the first step, the measurement result of the length of the straight line G (DistG 28.0 mm) is displayed in the data display field DF2 on the ultrasound image US9.

[0063] Next, as a second step, the ultrasound diagnostic device of the comparative example uses a two-line angle measurement tool to draw a line H2 on the ultrasound image US9 that passes between the forehead and nasal bone of the fetus F in the width direction and is perpendicular to the line G, as shown in Figure 20.

[0064] Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to the comparative example receives an instruction from a user to activate the two-line angle measurement tool. Upon receiving the instruction, the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to the comparative example displays lines H1 and H2 of predetermined lengths on the ultrasonic image US9.

[0065] At this stage, the lines H1 and H2 can be freely moved and rotated on the ultrasound image US9, and the positions and angles of the lines H1 and H2 are undetermined. The positions and angles of the lines H1 and H2 change according to the movement and rotation of the lines H1 and H2.

[0066] Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the comparative example receives an instruction from the user via the two-line angle measurement tool to set the position and angle of the line H1 so that the line G and the line H1 overlap.

[0067] The ultrasound diagnostic device of the comparative example then receives an instruction from the user to set the position and angle of the straight line H2 so that the position of the straight line H2 on the ultrasound image US9 passes between the forehead and nasal bone of the fetus F and the measurement result of the angle of the straight line H2 is 90 degrees (deg).

[0068] As a result, the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the comparative example can draw a straight line H2 on the ultrasound image US9 that is perpendicular to the straight line G. In the second step, the user performs seven steps of operations: issuing an instruction to activate the two-straight-line angle measurement tool, moving the straight line H1, rotating the straight line H1, determining the position and angle of the straight line H1, moving the straight line H2, rotating the straight line H2, and determining the position and angle of the straight line H2.

[0069] Also, as shown in Figure 20, at the end of the second step, the measurement result of the length of the straight line G and the measurement result of the angle formed by the straight lines H1 and H2 (Angle1 (acute angle) H 90 degrees, Angle2 (obtuse angle) H 90 degrees) are displayed in the data display field DF2 on the ultrasound image US9.

[0070] Next, as a third step, the ultrasound diagnostic device of the comparative example uses a three-point angle measurement tool to set the positions of point P1 on line G, point P2 on line H2, and point P3 on a line passing through the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of fetus F, as shown in FIG. 21, and measures the IFA.

[0071] Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to the comparative example receives an instruction from a user to activate a three-point angle measurement tool. Upon receiving the instruction, the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to the comparative example displays, on an ultrasonic image US9, points P1, P2, and P3, a line Ca1 connecting points P1 and P2, and a line Ca2 connecting points P2 and P3.

[0072] At this stage, points P1, P2, and P3 can move freely on the ultrasound image US9, and the position and angle of the line Ca1 and the line Ca2 are undetermined. The position, length, and angle of the line Ca1 change according to the movement of the positions of points P1 and P2. The position, length, and angle of the line Ca2 change according to the movement of the positions of points P2 and P3.

[0073] Next, the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the comparative example receives an instruction from the user via the three-point angle measurement tool to set the position of point P1 on line H2. Next, the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the comparative example receives an instruction from the user to set the positions of points P2 and P3 so that line Ca2 is a line that passes through the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of fetus F, point P2 is located on line H2, and line Ca2 intersects with line Ca1.

[0074] This allows the ultrasound diagnostic device of the comparative example to measure the IFA of fetus F on ultrasound image US9. In the third step, the user performs seven steps of operations: instructing to activate the three-point angle measurement tool, moving point P1, determining the position of point P1, moving point P2, determining the position of point P2, moving point P3, and determining the position of point P3.

[0075] Also, as shown in Figure 21, at the end of the third step, the measurement result of the length of the straight line G, the measurement result of the angle formed by the straight lines H1 and H2, and the measurement result of the angle representing the IFA (3 Point Angle I 71 deg) are displayed in the data display field DF2 on the ultrasound image US9.

[0076] Thus, when IFA measurement is performed by combining conventional measurement tools, the user must perform a total of 19 steps, making the operation cumbersome. Furthermore, as can be seen from the data display field DF2 on the ultrasound image US9 in Fig. 21, measurement results other than IFA, such as the measurement result of the length of the line G and the measurement result of the angle between the lines H1 and H2, are displayed on the ultrasound image US9.

[0077] In contrast, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment uses a dedicated measurement tool tailored to the measurement indices, thereby enabling efficient measurement and displaying only the measurement results of the measured indices. For example, the dedicated measurement tool is a tool that displays, on the medical image, a first auxiliary line used to measure the subject, a second auxiliary line having a predetermined angle with respect to the first auxiliary line, and a third auxiliary line different from the first and second auxiliary lines.

[0078] Hereinafter, the dedicated measurement tool will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4, taking as an example a case where an IFA measurement tool for measuring the IFA of fetus F is used. Figs. 2 to 4 are diagrams for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first caliper C1 used in IFA measurement of fetus F. In Fig. 2, the first caliper C1 is displayed on an ultrasound image US1 of fetus F.

[0079] The first caliper C1 is made up of a straight line CL11 and a straight line CL12. The straight line CL11 is a straight line that connects point A and point B. The straight line CL11 is an example of a first auxiliary line.

[0080] The straight line CL12 is a line connecting point a and point b. The straight line CL12 is a line that is perpendicular to the straight line CL11 at an angle of 90 degrees, and is an example of a second auxiliary line. 90 degrees is also an example of a predetermined angle. In this embodiment, the first caliper C1 has a cross shape where the straight lines CL11 and CL12 intersect.

[0081] When the control function 451 receives an instruction from the user to start the IFA measurement tool (for example, pressing the IFA button to instruct IFA measurement), it displays the first caliper C1 shown in Figure 2 at a predetermined position on the ultrasound image US1, at a predetermined size and angle.

[0082] At this stage, the first caliper C1 can be freely moved and rotated on the ultrasound image US1, and the positions of points A and B, as well as points a and b, are undetermined. The positions of points A and B, as well as points a and b, change according to the movement and rotation of the first caliper C1.

[0083] This can also be said as automatically changing the position and angle of the straight line CL12 on the ultrasound image US1 to a predetermined position and angle relative to the straight line CL11 in accordance with changes in the position and angle of the straight line CL11 on the ultrasound image US1.

[0084] When displaying the first caliper C1, the control function 451 may adjust the position and angle at which the first caliper C1 is displayed. For example, the control function 451 may identify the position of the forehead of the fetus F using a known image recognition technique, and adjust the position at which the first caliper C1 is displayed so that the straight line CL11 is an extension of the forehead of the fetus F.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, in addition to adjusting the display position as described above, the control function 451 may identify the position of the nasal bone of the fetus F and adjust the position at which the first caliper C1 is displayed so that the straight line CL12 passes through the midpoint of the forehead of the fetus F and the position of the nasal bone of the fetus F in the width direction.

[0086] Further, for example, the control function 451 may store the angle of the straight line CL11 of the first caliper C1 that was previously determined in the memory 44, etc., and adjust the display angle of the first caliper C1 so that the display angle of the straight line CL11 becomes the average value (or the median value) of the angles of the determined straight line CL11.

[0087] The control function 451 receives an operation from the user to determine the position and angle of the first caliper C1 in the state shown in Fig. 2. Specifically, the control function 451 receives an operation from the user to specify the position and angle of the first caliper C1 so that the straight line CL11 is a straight line extending the forehead of the fetus F and the straight line CL12 passes through the midpoint of the forehead of the fetus F and the position of the nasal bone of the fetus F in the width direction.

[0088] At this time, the determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the straight line CL11 and the position and angle of the straight line CL12 in accordance with the operation received by the control function 451.

[0089] When the determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the straight line CL11 and the position and angle of the straight line CL12, the control function 451 automatically displays a second caliper C2 on the ultrasound image US1, as shown in Fig. 3. The second caliper C2 represents the straight line CL2 that intersects with both the straight line CL11 and the straight line CL12. The straight line CL2 is a straight line connecting point D and point E. The second caliper C2 is an example of a third auxiliary line.

[0090] At this stage, the second caliper C2 can move and rotate within a range that allows it to intersect with both the straight line CL11 and the straight line CL12, and the positions of points D and E are undetermined. The positions of points D and E change depending on the movement and rotation of the second caliper C2. In other words, the position and angle of the straight line CL2 are undetermined, and the position and angle of the straight line CL2 change depending on the movement and rotation of the second caliper C2.

[0091] When displaying the second caliper C2, the control function 451 may adjust the position and angle at which the second caliper C2 is displayed. For example, the control function 451 may identify the positions of the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of the fetus F using a known image recognition technique, and adjust the position at which the second caliper C2 is displayed so that the straight line CL2 passes through the positions of the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of the fetus F.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, the control function 451 may store the previously determined angles of the straight line CL2 of the second caliper C2 in the memory 44, etc., and adjust the display angle of the second caliper C2 so that the display angle of the straight line CL2 becomes the average value of the determined angles of the straight line CL2.

[0093] Furthermore, the control function 451 displays a data display field DF1 together with the display of the second caliper C2, as shown in Fig. 3. The data display field DF1 in Fig. 3 displays the measurement result of the IFA when measured (unconfirmed) at the current position and angle of the straight line CL2 (69 deg in Fig. 3).

[0094] In other words, the calculation function 454 calculates in real time the angle formed by the intersection c1 between the line CL11 and the line CL12, the intersection c2 between the line CL12 and the line CL2, and the intersection c3 between the line CL11 and the line CL2 in response to the movement and rotation of the second caliper C2.

[0095] The control function 451 receives an operation from the user to determine the position and angle of the second caliper C2 in the state shown in Fig. 3. Specifically, the control function 451 receives an operation from the user to specify the position and angle of the second caliper C2 so that the straight line CL2 passes through the positions of the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of the fetus F.

[0096] At this time, the determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the straight line CL2 in accordance with the operation received by the control function 451. Then, the calculation function 454 calculates the angle formed by the intersection point c1, the intersection point c2, and the intersection point c3 as the IFA.

[0097] When the calculation function 454 calculates the IFA, the control function 451 displays the IFA calculated by the calculation function 454 as the IFA measurement result (71 deg in the example of FIG. 4) in the data display field DF1, as shown in FIG. 4. The control function 451 displays the IFA measurement result in a display mode (for example, by changing the character color) different from the undetermined state shown in FIG. 3.

[0098] When performing IFA measurement of fetus F using the above-mentioned IFA measurement tool, the user must perform seven steps: instructing the IFA measurement tool to start, moving the first caliper C1, rotating the first caliper C1, determining the position and angle of the first caliper, moving the second caliper C2, rotating the second caliper C, and determining the position and angle of the second caliper C.

[0099] As described above, when measuring the IFA of fetus F using a combination of general-purpose measurement tools, the user must perform 19 steps, whereas when using the IFA measurement tool of this embodiment, the user can measure the IFA of fetus F in 7 steps. In other words, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 of this embodiment can improve the efficiency of IFA measurement.

[0100] 4, in this embodiment, only the measurement results of the IFA are displayed in the data display field DF1. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can also improve the visibility of the display of the measurement results.

[0101] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0102] First, the control function 451 acquires an ultrasound image (step S101). For example, the control function 451 controls the processing of the transmission / reception circuitry 41 and the B-mode processing circuitry 42, and acquires an ultrasound image representing a midsagittal cross section of a fetus.

[0103] Next, the control function 451 determines whether the freeze button has been pressed (step S102). If the freeze button has not been pressed (step S102: No), the process returns to step S101.

[0104] If the freeze button is pressed (step S102: Yes), the control function 451 determines whether an instruction to measure the IFA has been received (step S103). For example, the control function 451 determines whether the IFA button has been pressed by the user. If an instruction to measure the IFA has not been received (step S103: No), the process of step S103 is repeated.

[0105] On the other hand, if an IFA measurement instruction has been received (step S103: Yes), the control function 451 displays the first caliper C1 on the ultrasound image (step S104). Next, the control function 451 receives an instruction from the user to move and rotate the first caliper C1 (step S105).

[0106] Next, the control function 451 determines whether an instruction to fix the position and angle of the first caliper C1 has been received from the user (step S106). If an instruction to fix the position and angle of the first caliper C1 has not been received (step S106: No), the process returns to step S105.

[0107] On the other hand, if an instruction to determine the position and angle of the first caliper C1 is received (step S106: Yes), the determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the straight line CL11 on the ultrasound image, and the position and angle of the straight line CL12 on the ultrasound image, which constitute the first caliper C1, based on the position and angle of the first caliper C1.

[0108] Next, the control function 451 displays the second caliper C2 on the ultrasound image (step S107). Next, the control function 451 receives an instruction from the user to move and rotate the second caliper C2 (step S108).

[0109] During step S108, the calculation function 454 may calculate the IFA of the fetus F at the current position and angle of the second caliper C2. In this case, the control function 451 may display the measurement value of the IFA calculated by the calculation function 454 in the data display field DF1 on the ultrasound image in a display mode that indicates that the measurement result is unconfirmed.

[0110] Next, the control function 451 determines whether an instruction to fix the position and angle of the second caliper C2 has been received from the user (step S109). If an instruction to fix the position and angle of the second caliper C2 has not been received (step S109: No), the process returns to step S108.

[0111] On the other hand, if an instruction to confirm the position and angle of the second caliper C2 is received (step S109: Yes), the determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the straight line CL2 represented by the second caliper C2 on the ultrasound image based on the position and angle of the second caliper C2.

[0112] Next, the calculation function 454 calculates the IFA of the fetus F (step S110). For example, the calculation function 454 calculates the angle formed by the intersection c1 between the line CL11 and the line CL12, the intersection c2 between the line CL12 and the line CL2, and the intersection c3 between the line CL11 and the line CL2 as the IFA.

[0113] Next, the control function 451 displays the measurement result of the IFA of the fetus F (step S111) and ends this process. For example, the control function 451 displays the IFA of the fetus F calculated in step S110 as the measurement result in the data display field DF1 on the ultrasound image.

[0114] As described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 according to the embodiment collects ultrasound images of the midsagittal section of the fetus F and displays a first caliper C1 consisting of a straight line CL11 for measuring the IFA of the fetus F on the ultrasound image and a straight line CL12 that is always at an angle of 90 degrees to the straight line CL11.

[0115] This eliminates the need for the user to perform cumbersome operations, such as drawing a first auxiliary line extending from the forehead of the fetus F on the ultrasound image, and then drawing a second auxiliary line that passes between the forehead and nasal bone of the fetus F and is perpendicular to the first auxiliary line while measuring the angle using an angle measurement tool. That is, the user can draw the first and second auxiliary lines on the ultrasound image simply by determining the position and angle of the first caliper C1. In other words, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can improve the workflow for IFA measurement of the fetus F.

[0116] The above-described embodiment can be modified as needed by partially changing the configuration or functions of each device. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. The following mainly focuses on differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the content already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0117] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, a form has been described in which the first caliper C1 of a predetermined size is displayed regardless of the size of the fetus F. In this modified example, a form will be described in which the display size of the first caliper C1 is adjusted depending on the size of the fetus F.

[0118] The control function 451 according to this modification adjusts the display size of the first caliper C1 according to the number of weeks of pregnancy (GA) and the estimated fetal weight (EFW). An example of adjusting the display size of the first caliper C1 according to the number of weeks of pregnancy (GA) will be described below with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of a measurement tool according to modification 1.

[0119] Fig. 6 is an example of the display of the first caliper C1 on an ultrasound image US2 of fetus F at 18 weeks pregnant (GA18w). Fig. 7 is an example of the display of the first caliper C1 on an ultrasound image US3 of fetus F at 21 weeks pregnant (GA21w). As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the control function 451 adjusts the display size of the first caliper C1 so that the size of the first caliper C1 increases as the number of weeks of pregnancy increases.

[0120] The control function 451 may adjust the display size of the first caliper C1 so that the larger the estimated fetal weight (EFW), the larger the size of the first caliper C1. The control function 451 may also adjust the display size of the first caliper C1 taking into account both the gestational age (GA) and the estimated fetal weight (EFW).

[0121] In addition, the control function 451 may use known image recognition technology to estimate the body size of the fetus F, and adjust the display size of the first caliper C1 so that the larger the estimated body size of the fetus F, the larger the size of the first caliper C1.

[0122] According to this modified example, for example, the possibility that the user will have difficulty setting the position and angle of the first caliper C1 due to the first caliper C1 being too large or too small for the size of the fetus F can be reduced.

[0123] (Variation 2) In the above-described first modification, a form has been described in which the display size of the first caliper C1 is adjusted according to the size of the fetus F. In this modification, a form will be described in which the display position and display size of the first caliper C1 are adjusted according to auxiliary lines used to measure indices (angles) other than the IFA.

[0124] 8 and 9, an example of adjusting the display size of the first caliper C1 when the FMF angle (Frontmaxillary Facial Angle) (also called the forehead-maxillary angle), which is measured using an auxiliary line as a method for identifying a fetus with Down's syndrome, will be described. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining an example of a measurement tool according to Modification 2.

[0125] The ultrasound image US4 in Figure 8 displays the lines L1 and L2 used to measure the FMF angle of fetus F (FMF in Figure 8). Line L1 is a line drawn from the front of the upper jaw along the forehead. Line L1 is an example of the fourth auxiliary line. Line L2 is a line that follows the upper edge of the palate.

[0126] The control function 451 according to this modification displays the first caliper C1 so that the line CL11 overlaps the line L1, as shown in Fig. 9. The control function 451 also adjusts the length of the line CL11 so that the length of the line CL11 matches the length of the line L1, and displays the first caliper C1. Note that, although the control function 451 does not display the lines L1 and L2 in Fig. 9, the lines L1 and L2 may be displayed together with the first caliper C1.

[0127] This allows the line CL11 to be displayed so as to follow the forehead of the fetus F. Here, the line drawn from the front of the upper jaw along the forehead, which is used in FMF measurement, and the line representing the flattest part of the frontal bone, which is used in IFA measurement, do not necessarily coincide. However, it is known that the two lines often have positions and angles that are close to each other. For this reason, it is considered that the user can easily move the first caliper C1 or change its angle so that the line CL11 becomes a straight line extending the forehead of the fetus F. Furthermore, since the size of the first caliper C1 is also adjusted to match the auxiliary line used to measure the FMF angle, similar to the first modification, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the display size of the first caliper makes it difficult to set the position or angle of the first caliper C1.

[0128] Note that even if the FMF angle is measured by directly specifying three points, there may be cases where the "straight line drawn from the front of the upper jaw along the forehead" is not displayed on the ultrasound image. Even in this case, a known image recognition technique may be used to identify that the FMF angle has been measured and the position and angle of the "straight line drawn from the front of the upper jaw along the forehead" from the positions of the points specified for angle measurement, and then the above processing may be performed.

[0129] Although the above describes an example in which an auxiliary line is used to measure the FMF angle, the indicator other than the IFA is not limited to the FMF angle. Any indicator may be used as long as it uses a straight line similar to the "straight line representing the flattest part of the frontal bone" as an auxiliary line for measurement.

[0130] In this modification, the control function 451 accepts an input as to whether or not to use, in IFA measurement, auxiliary lines used to measure other indices displayed on the ultrasound image when the IFA measurement tool is started. When the control function 451 accepts an input to use, in IFA measurement, auxiliary lines used to measure other indices displayed on the ultrasound image, the control function 451 accepts an input specifying the auxiliary lines used to measure other indices displayed on the ultrasound image.

[0131] In this modified example, the above processing is performed when an input specifying an auxiliary line used to measure other indices displayed on the ultrasound image is received, but the trigger for starting the above processing is not limited to this.

[0132] For example, when the IFA measurement tool is started, if the control function 451 can identify, using a known image recognition technique or the like, that an auxiliary line that can be used for IFA measurement is displayed on the ultrasound image, the control function 451 may automatically adjust the display position and display size of the first caliper C1 according to the type of the identified auxiliary line.

[0133] Although the above describes an example in which the display position and display size of the first caliper C1 are adjusted, the control function 451 may adjust only one of the display position and display size of the first caliper C1 according to the auxiliary lines used to measure other indices. The display size of the second caliper C2 may also be adjusted according to the adjusted display size of the first caliper C1.

[0134] According to this modification, the display position and display size of the first caliper C1 can be adjusted according to the auxiliary lines used to measure other indices, which is expected to reduce the effort required for the user to set the position and angle of the first caliper C1 and improve the visibility of the first caliper.

[0135] (Variation 3) In the above-described first modification, the display size of the first caliper C1 is adjusted according to the size of the fetus F. In this modification, the display size is adjusted according to the display magnification of the fetus F.

[0136] The control function 451 according to this modification adjusts the display size of the first caliper C1 according to the display magnification (Zoom magnification) of the fetus F on the ultrasound image. An example of adjusting the display size of the first caliper C1 according to the display magnification of the fetus F will be described below with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams illustrating an example of a measurement tool according to Modification 3.

[0137] Fig. 10 is an example of the display of the first caliper C1 on the ultrasound image US5 of the fetus F before zooming. Fig. 11 is an example of the display of the first caliper C1 on the ultrasound image US5 of the fetus F after zooming. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the control function 451 adjusts the display size of the first caliper C1 so that the size of the first caliper C1 increases as the display size of the fetus F increases.

[0138] According to this modification, similar to the above-described modification 1, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the size of the first caliper makes it difficult to set the position and angle of the first caliper C1.

[0139] (Variation 4) In the above embodiment, the first auxiliary line and the second auxiliary line (first caliper C1) are displayed in a cross shape. In this modified example, the first auxiliary line and the second auxiliary line are displayed in a shape other than a cross shape.

[0140] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measurement tool according to Modification 4. The example of FIG. 12 is an example of an IFA measurement tool that displays first and second auxiliary lines in an L-shape. In the example of FIG. 12, first, the control function 451 displays a straight line CL11a on the ultrasound image US1 in an undetermined state (for example, a dotted line). The straight line CL11a is a straight line connecting points A1 and A2.

[0141] The straight line CL11a can be freely moved and rotated on the ultrasound image US1. The straight line CL11a is an example of a first auxiliary line. The positions of points A1 and A2 change according to the movement and rotation of the straight line CL11a. In other words, the position and angle of the straight line CL11a are undetermined, and the position and angle of the straight line CL11a change according to the movement and rotation of the straight line CL11a.

[0142] Next, the control function 451 receives an instruction from the user to rotate the straight line CL11a so that the straight line CL11a becomes a straight line extending the forehead of the fetus F. Furthermore, the control function 451 receives an instruction to specify the position of the straight line CL11a so that the point A1 is located closer to the top of the head of the fetus F than the position of the forehead of the fetus F in the width direction, and the point A2 is located between the midpoint of the forehead of the fetus F and the position of the nasal bone of the fetus F in the width direction.

[0143] The determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the straight line CL11a on the ultrasound image US1 in accordance with the instruction. After determining the position and angle of the straight line CL11a, the control function 451 displays the straight line CL11a in a confirmed state (for example, as a solid line) on the ultrasound image US1.

[0144] Furthermore, the control function 451 displays the straight line CL11a on the ultrasound image US1 in the confirmed state, and simultaneously displays the pointer PT1 for determining the position of the point A3 on the ultrasound image US1 in the unconfirmed state.

[0145] Furthermore, in the undetermined state, the control function 451 displays a straight line CL12a on the ultrasound image US1 that is tangent to the point A2 and perpendicular to the straight line CL11a. The straight line CL12a is an example of a second auxiliary line. In other words, the control function 451 displays the straight line CL12a on the ultrasound image US1 so as to form an L-shape together with the straight line CL11a. The above-mentioned pointer PT1 can move freely on the straight line CL12a.

[0146] Furthermore, the control function 451 displays the pointer PT1 and the line CL12a on the ultrasound image US1, and also displays a pointer PT2 for determining the position of the point B1 on the ultrasound image US1 in an undetermined state. The pointer PT2 can move freely on the ultrasound image US1.

[0147] Furthermore, the control function 451 displays a straight line CL2a that passes through points A3 and B1 on the ultrasound image US1 in an undetermined state. The straight line CL2a is an example of a third auxiliary line. The position and angle of the straight line CL2a change in accordance with the movement of the pointers PT1 and PT2.

[0148] The example in FIG. 12 shows a state in which the position and angle of the straight line CL11a are determined, while the positions of the points A3, B1, CL12a, and CL2a are not determined.

[0149] Although not shown, thereafter, the control function 451 receives an instruction from the user to specify the positions of points A3 and B1 using pointers PT1 and PT2 so that the line CL2a passes through the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of the fetus F. The determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the line CL12a on the ultrasound image US1 and the position and angle of the line CL2a in accordance with the instruction.

[0150] Then, the calculation function 454 calculates the angle formed by the points A2, A3, and B1 as the IFA of the fetus F.

[0151] In the example of Figure 12, the user performs eight steps of operations: instructing the IFA measurement tool to start, rotating the straight line CL11a, moving the straight line CL11a, determining the position and angle of the straight line CL11a, moving the pointer PT1, determining the position of the pointer PT1, moving the pointer PT2, and determining the position of the pointer PT2.

[0152] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a measurement tool according to Modification 4. The example in FIG. 13 is an example of an IFA measurement tool that displays an inverted-T-shaped first caliper C1b. In the example in FIG. 13, first, the control function 451 displays, in an undetermined state, an inverted-T-shaped first caliper C1b that is configured with a straight line CL11b and a straight line CL12b that is perpendicular to the straight line CL11b. The first caliper C1b can be freely moved and rotated on the ultrasound image US1.

[0153] Next, the control function 451 receives an instruction from the user to specify the position and angle of the first caliper C1b so that the straight line CL11b passes through the forehead of the fetus F and the point of contact CP between the straight lines CL11b and CL12b is located between the midpoint of the forehead and the position of the nasal bone in the width direction. The determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the straight line CL11b on the ultrasound image US1 in accordance with the instruction.

[0154] After determining the position and angle of the straight line CL11b, the control function 451 displays only the straight line CL11b in a confirmed state on the ultrasound image US1 out of the straight lines CL11b and CL12b that constitute the first caliper C1b.

[0155] Furthermore, the control function 451 displays a straight line CL11b on the ultrasound image US1 in the confirmed state, and simultaneously displays a pointer PT3 for determining the position of point D1 on the ultrasound image US1 in the unconfirmed state. The pointer PT3 is freely movable on the straight line CL12b.

[0156] Furthermore, the control function 451 displays the pointer PT3 and the line CL12b on the ultrasound image US1, and also displays a pointer PT4 for determining the position of the point E1 on the ultrasound image US1 in an undetermined state. The pointer PT4 can be freely moved on the ultrasound image US1.

[0157] Furthermore, the control function 451 displays a straight line CL2b that passes through points D1 and E1 on the ultrasound image US1 in an undetermined state. The position and angle of the straight line CL2b change according to the movement of the pointers PT3 and PT4. The example in Fig. 13 shows a state in which the position and angle of the straight line CL11b are determined, while the positions of points D1, E1, CL12b, and CL2b are undetermined.

[0158] Although not shown, thereafter, the control function 451 receives an instruction from the user to specify the positions of points D1 and E1 using pointers PT3 and PT4 so that the line CL2b passes through the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of the fetus F. The determination function 453 determines the position and angle of the line CL12b and the position and angle of the line CL2b on the ultrasound image US1 in accordance with the instruction.

[0159] Then, the calculation function 454 calculates the IFA of the fetus F as the angle formed by the point of contact CP between the straight lines CL11b and CL12b, the point D1, and the point E1.

[0160] In the example of Figure 13, the user performs eight steps of operations: instructing the IFA measurement tool to start, rotating the first caliper C1b, moving the first caliper C1b, determining the position and angle of the first caliper C1b, moving the pointer PT3, determining the position of the pointer PT3, moving the pointer PT4, and determining the position of the pointer PT4.

[0161] According to this modification, the workflow relating to IFA measurement of the fetus F can be improved using a display method different from that of the above-described embodiment.

[0162] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, the first caliper C1 is displayed, and the second caliper C2 is displayed after the position and angle of the first caliper C1 are determined. In this modified example, the first caliper C1 and the second caliper C2 are displayed simultaneously.

[0163] 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating an example of a measurement tool according to Modification 5. In this modification, as shown in Fig. 14, the control function 451 displays a first caliper C1c and a second caliper C2c in an undetermined state on an ultrasound image US6.

[0164] The first caliper C1c is made up of a straight line CL11c and a straight line CL12c. The straight line CL11c is a line connecting the point T1 and the point T3. The straight line CL11c can be freely moved and rotated on the ultrasound image US6, and the positions of the point T1 and the point T3 change in accordance with the movement and rotation of the straight line CL11c.

[0165] The line CL12c is a line connecting the points a and b. It can be freely moved and rotated on the ultrasound image US6, and the positions of the points a and b change as the line CL11c moves and rotates.

[0166] Furthermore, the straight lines CL11c and CL12c are displayed so as to always be perpendicular to each other. That is, for example, when the straight line CL11c is rotated, the straight line CL12c automatically rotates so as to be perpendicular to the straight line CL11c. On the other hand, when the straight line CL12c is rotated, the straight line CL11c automatically rotates so as to be perpendicular to the straight line CL12c.

[0167] Furthermore, point T2 represents the intersection of lines CL11c and CL12c. For example, if the position of line CL11c is determined before the position of line CL12c, line CL12c becomes movable within a range in which point T2 is on line C11c and is the intersection of lines CL11c and CL12c.

[0168] On the other hand, if the position of the line CL12c is determined before the position of the line CL11c, the line CL11c becomes movable within a range in which the point T2 is on the line CL12c and the point T2 is the intersection of the lines CL11c and CL12c.

[0169] The control function 451 may display the lines CL11c and CL12c so that the point T2 represents the point of contact between the lines CL11c and CL12c. In this case, the lines CL11c and CL12c are displayed to form an L-shape or an inverted T-shape on the ultrasound image US6.

[0170] The second caliper C2c is formed by a straight line CL2c. The straight line CL2c connects the points D2 and E2. The straight line CL11c can be freely moved and rotated on the ultrasound image US6, and the positions of the points D2 and E2 change in accordance with the movement and rotation of the straight line CL2c.

[0171] As in the example of Figure 14, when there is at least one straight line whose position and angle are undetermined, the control function 451 displays in the data display field DF2 on the ultrasound image US6 the angle between point T2, the tangent point c4 (see Figure 15) between the straight line extending straight line CL12c in the direction of point D2 and the straight line extending straight line CL2c in the direction of point a1, and point E2, which is calculated in real time, in an undetermined state.

[0172] In this modification, the control function 451 receives instructions from the user to fix the positions and angles of the straight lines CL11c, CL12c, and CL2c in no particular order.

[0173] Specifically, the control function 451 accepts an instruction to determine the position and angle of the straight line CL11c so that the straight line CL11c passes through the forehead of the fetus F. The control function 451 also accepts an instruction to determine the position and angle of the straight line CL12c so that the straight line CL12c passes between the forehead and nasal bone of the fetus F. The control function 451 also accepts an instruction to determine the position and angle of the straight line CL2c so that the straight line CL2c passes through the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of the fetus F.

[0174] The positions and angles of the lines CL11c, CL12c, and CL2c may not be finalized until the user presses a confirmation button to finalize the positions and angles of the lines CL11c, CL12c, and CL2c. This allows the user to reset the positions and angles of the lines even after they have been set once. This makes it easier for the user to fine-tune the positions and angles of the lines.

[0175] Next, the determination function 453 determines the positions and angles of the lines CL11c, CL12c, and CL2c in accordance with the user's instructions. Then, the calculation function 454 calculates the angle between the point T2, the tangent point c4, and the point E2 as the IFA of the fetus F.

[0176] Thereafter, the control function 451 displays the lines CL11c, CL12c, and CL2c in a confirmed state as shown in Fig. 15. Furthermore, in this modification, if the point a of the line CL12c and the point D2 of the line CL2c are not in contact with each other, the control function 451 extends both lines and displays them in a state where they are in contact with each other at a contact point c4.

[0177] In addition, the control function 451 may display the lines CL12c and CL2c even when the positions and angles of all the lines are fixed and point a of the line CL12c and point D2 of the line CL2c are not in contact with each other.

[0178] Furthermore, the control function 451 causes the IFA of the fetus F calculated by the calculation function 454 to be displayed in the data display field DF2 on the ultrasound image US6.

[0179] According to this modification, it is possible to accept instructions to determine the positions and angles of the lines CL11c, CL12c, and CL2c in any order. Therefore, for example, the user can determine the positions and angles of the lines in order of ease of determination. In other words, this modification improves user convenience.

[0180] (Variation 6) In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the first caliper C1c and the second caliper C2c are displayed at a predetermined angle regardless of the orientation of the fetus F. In this modified example, the first caliper C1c and the second caliper C2c are displayed in an orientation that corresponds to the orientation of the fetus F.

[0181] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to Modification 6. In this modification, when the control function 451 recognizes by a known image recognition technique that the fetus F is displayed facing downward (the nasal bone is at the bottom of the screen), it displays a line CL11c and a line CL2c at (180 degrees - a predetermined angle) on the ultrasound image US7, as shown in Fig. 16.

[0182] This can also be said as follows: when it is recognized that the fetus F is displayed upside down from the expected orientation, the control function 451 displays the straight line CL11c and the straight line CL2c on the ultrasound image US7 at (180 degrees - specified angle).

[0183] In this modified example, when it is recognized that the fetus F is displayed in a left-right inverted orientation from the expected orientation, the control function 451 displays the straight line C11c on the ultrasound image US7 at (180 degrees - specified angle).

[0184] According to this modification, the display angles of the first caliper C1c and the second caliper C2c change according to the orientation of the fetus F. This makes it easier for the user to determine the angles of the straight line CL11c (or the straight line CL12c) and the straight line CL2c. In other words, this modification can improve user convenience.

[0185] (Variation 7) In variant 5 or variant 6, if the angle formed by point T2, tangent point c4, and point E2 becomes an obtuse angle, the control function 451 may change the position of point E2 and display it so that the angle formed by point T2, tangent point c4, and point E2 becomes an acute angle.

[0186] 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of an IFA measurement tool according to Modification 7. A case will be described in which the angle formed by the point T2, the tangent point c4, and the point E2 is an obtuse angle, as in the example of FIG.

[0187] In this case, in this modification, the control function 451 changes the position of point E2 so that it is in a position symmetrical with respect to a line that passes through point a1 and is parallel to the reference line, and displays the point. Note that the method for changing the position of point E2 is not limited to the above. Any method may be used as long as the angle formed by point T2, tangent point c4, and point E2 becomes an acute angle.

[0188] In addition to the above, the control function 451 may also display a message prompting the user to adjust the position and angle of the second caliper C2c so that the straight line CL2c becomes "the line connecting the upper lip, lower lip, and chin of the fetus."

[0189] According to this modification, the user can measure the IFA of the fetus F so that the IFA is always between 0 and 90 degrees.

[0190] (Variation 8) In the above embodiment, the medical image is an ultrasound image obtained from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The medical image may be an image obtained from a medical imaging diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, an angio-CT system, a tomosynthesis device, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device, or a PET (Positron Emission Computed Tomography) device.

[0191] According to this modification, the workflow relating to measurement can be improved even when measuring angles using medical images other than ultrasound images.

[0192] (Variation 9) In the above-described embodiment, a case where IFA measurement is performed has been described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and any method can be applied as long as it displays a first auxiliary line and a second auxiliary line that has a predetermined angle with respect to the first auxiliary line on a medical image and measures the subject.

[0193] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). A processor realizes its functions by reading and executing programs stored in a memory.

[0194] Instead of storing a program in memory, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function.

[0195] Note that the components of each device illustrated in the above description of the embodiments are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device can be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0196] The determination method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared determination program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This determination program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. This determination program can also be recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a USB memory, or a flash memory such as an SD card memory, and can be executed by being read from the non-transitory recording medium by a computer.

[0197] As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to improve the workflow relating to measurement.

[0198] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 10 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 45 Processing circuit 451 Control Functions 452 Image generation function 453 Decision Function 454 Calculation Function

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires medical images of a subject; a display control unit that displays, on the medical image, a first auxiliary line for measuring the subject and a second auxiliary line that always has a predetermined angle with respect to the first auxiliary line; A medical image diagnostic device comprising:

2. the display control unit displays a caliper in which the first auxiliary line and the second auxiliary line are integrated on the medical image. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the display control unit displays the caliper where the first auxiliary line and the second auxiliary line intersect on the medical image. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the display control unit displays, on the medical image, a third auxiliary line that has an angle with respect to a reference line on the medical image different from that of the first auxiliary line and the second auxiliary line; a calculation unit that calculates an angle between the first auxiliary line or the second auxiliary line and the third auxiliary line as a measurement angle. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a determination unit that determines a position of the first extension line on the medical image and an angle of the first extension line with respect to the reference line, a position of the second extension line on the medical image and an angle of the second extension line with respect to the reference line, and a position of the third extension line on the medical image and an angle of the third extension line with respect to the reference line, the determination unit determines at least an angle of the second extension line based on the determined position and angle of the first extension line; the calculation unit calculates the measured angle before and after determining positions and angles of the first extension line, the second extension line, and the third extension line; the display control unit changes a display mode before and after the determination and displays the calculation result of the measurement angle together with the medical image. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. the medical image is an ultrasound image, a transmitting / receiving unit that performs an ultrasonic scan by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject via an ultrasonic probe; an image generating unit that generates the ultrasound image based on reception data received by the ultrasound scan, The medical image diagnostic device according to claim 5, Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

7. the ultrasound image is an image obtained by performing an ultrasound scan on a fetus; The first auxiliary line is for determining a first straight line obtained by extending a straight line representing the flattest part of the frontal bone of the fetus, The second auxiliary line is for determining a second straight line that is a straight line perpendicular to the first straight line. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6.

8. the third auxiliary line is for determining a third straight line connecting the upper lip, the lower lip, and the chin of the fetus; the determination unit determines a position and an angle of the first extension line so that the first extension line represents the first straight line, determines a position and an angle of the second extension line so that the second extension line represents the second straight line based on the determination of the position and angle of the first extension line, and determines a position and an angle of the third extension line so that the third extension line represents the third straight line; The calculation unit calculates an angle formed by the second auxiliary line and the third auxiliary line as an IFA (Inferior Facial Angle) of the fetus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7.

9. the display control unit changes display sizes of the first auxiliary line and the second auxiliary line on the medical image based on at least one of a gestational age (GA) and an estimated fetal weight (EFW) of the fetus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7.

10. the display control unit changes the display sizes of the first auxiliary line and the second auxiliary line on the medical image based on the display size of a fourth auxiliary line used for measuring the angle of the fetus other than IFA. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7.

11. the display control unit changes the display sizes of the first auxiliary line and the second auxiliary line on the medical image based on the display size of the fetus on the medical image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7.

12. the display control unit changes display angles of the first auxiliary line, the second auxiliary line, and the third auxiliary line on the medical image based on an orientation in which the fetus is displayed on the medical image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.

Images