Ultrasound diagnostic device, ultrasound image generation method, and program

Abstract

The goal is to generate appropriate ultrasound image data based on the patient's age. [Solution] The ultrasound diagnostic device comprises a transmitting / receiving unit, a generating unit, an image processing unit, an acquisition unit, and an output unit. The transmitting / receiving unit causes an ultrasound probe, which transmits and receives ultrasound from the patient, to transmit and receive ultrasound based on the transmission / receiving conditions. The generating unit generates ultrasound image data based on the received signal from the ultrasound probe. The image processing unit processes the ultrasound image data based on the image processing conditions. The acquisition unit acquires information related to the patient's age. The output unit derives at least one of the transmission / receiving conditions for the ultrasound probe and the image processing conditions based on the age-related information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, ultrasonic diagnosis can obtain the state of the heart or fetus as an ultrasonic image by a simple operation of applying an ultrasonic probe to the body surface or body cavity of a patient's subject. Moreover, since ultrasonic diagnosis is highly safe, the examination can be repeated. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used for performing such ultrasonic diagnosis is known.

[0003] Also, appropriate conditions for ultrasonic transmission and reception change according to the patient's weight. For this reason, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having means for collecting or inputting information regarding the patient's weight is known (see Patent Document 1). The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus initially sets at least one variable setting parameter regarding ultrasonic transmission and reception based on information regarding the patient's weight. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is effective for transmission and reception parameter setting that depends on weight (build), and for example, has a certain effect on ultrasonic examination of obese patients.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, body weight is information that is not correlated with age in adults (excluding those in their growth phase). If body weight is small and similar, the propagation properties of ultrasound are not the same for all patients. In recent years, the elderly population has increased due to the declining birthrate and aging population, and the patients are also getting older. When patients are elderly, the fat in the muscles in the tissues degenerates. This tissue degeneration changes the speed of sound in ultrasound, and as a result of energy attenuation, ultrasound is scattered within the tissue. This causes the focus to shift, and the ultrasound image becomes blurred. A blurred ultrasound image differs from a normal ultrasound image of a typical adult. Therefore, there is a risk that operators such as doctors may not be able to recognize the image when it is blurred.

[0006] For example, visual recognition of ultrasound images makes it difficult to confirm the location of nerves (roots). Currently, when administering nerve block injections, physicians sometimes rely on the lumbar spine to locate the nerve root and identify it by observing the patient's response to pain. However, this method of identifying nerve roots is burdensome for the patient. Therefore, it is preferable to inject near the nerve root using image recognition without the operator directly touching the nerve root.

[0007] Thus, aging can cause changes in the propagation properties of ultrasound, potentially preventing the generation of appropriate ultrasound image data. The conventional ultrasound diagnostic devices described above cannot set appropriate conditions for generating ultrasound image data based on the patient's age.

[0008] The objective of this invention is to generate appropriate ultrasound image data based on the patient's age. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the invention described in claim 1 is An ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound waves from a patient includes a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receives ultrasound waves based on transmission and reception conditions, A generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on the signal received from the ultrasonic probe, An image processing unit that processes the aforementioned ultrasonic image data based on image processing conditions, An acquisition unit that acquires information related to the patient's age, The system includes a derivation unit that derives at least one of the transmission and reception conditions for the ultrasonic transducer and the image processing conditions based on the age-related information.

[0010] The invention described in claim 2 is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, The age-related information mentioned above pertains to adults and older.

[0011] The invention described in claim 3 is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, The aforementioned image processing conditions include at least one of the following: selection of a trained model for image recognition, noise reduction processing, edge enhancement processing, wavelet transformation processing, bilateral filter adjustment processing, temporal processing, morphological processing, sharpening processing, block matching processing, multi-resolution decomposition processing, and thinning algorithm processing.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, The aforementioned transmission and reception conditions are transmission conditions. The transmission conditions are at least one of the following: the output of the ultrasound, the transmission focus position, and the transmission waveform selection.

[0013] The invention described in claim 5 is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, The aforementioned transmission and reception conditions are reception conditions. The reception conditions are at least one of the following: the sound velocity of the ultrasonic wave, the receiving focus position, and the frequency filter conditions of the received waveform.

[0014] The invention described in claim 6 is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus described in claim 1, The age-related information is at least one of the following: age-related information included in the patient's patient information; age-related information analyzed from the patient's medical imaging data; and age-related information analyzed from the patient's examination information.

[0015] The invention according to claim 7 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the medical image data is at least one of ultrasonic image data, X-ray image data, MRI image data, and CT image data.

[0016] The invention according to claim 8 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the examination information is at least one of hearing ability, bone density, muscle mass, blood vessel hardness, blood vessel thickness, and subcutaneous fat amount.

[0017] The invention according to claim 9 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information related to the age and gender of the patient, and the derivation unit derives at least one of the transmission / reception conditions to the ultrasonic probe and the image processing conditions based on the information related to the age and gender.

[0018] The invention according to claim 10 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information related to the age based on the input patient information.

[0019] The invention according to claim 11 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it includes an estimation unit that estimates information related to a second age different from the information related to the age based on at least one of the medical image data and examination information of the patient, and the derivation unit derives at least one of the transmission / reception conditions to the ultrasonic probe and the image processing conditions based on the information related to the second age.

[0020] The ultrasonic image generation method of the invention according to claim 12 is a transmission / reception step of causing an ultrasonic probe that performs transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves of a patient to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves based on transmission / reception conditions, a generation step of generating ultrasonic image data based on a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe, An image processing step for processing the aforementioned ultrasonic image data based on image processing conditions, An acquisition step to obtain information related to the patient's age, The method includes a derivation step of deriving at least one of the transmission and reception conditions for the ultrasonic transducer and the image processing conditions based on the age-related information.

[0021] The program of the invention described in claim 13 is An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with a computer that transmits and receives ultrasound based on transmission and reception conditions, which is used in an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound from a patient. A generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on the signal received from the ultrasonic probe. An image processing unit that processes the aforementioned ultrasonic image data based on image processing conditions, An acquisition unit that acquires information related to the patient's age. A derivation unit that derives at least one of the transmission and reception conditions for the ultrasonic transducer and the image processing conditions based on the age-related information, To realize its function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated based on the patient's age. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the first ultrasound image display process. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the second ultrasound image display process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. However, these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define any limitations of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0025] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. First, the device configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100.

[0026] The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is installed in medical facilities such as hospitals. As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 comprises an ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 and an ultrasound probe 2. The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 has an operation unit 11 and a display unit 17. The ultrasound probe 2 is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1. The ultrasound probe 2 transmits ultrasound (transmitting ultrasound) into the subject and receives reflected ultrasound waves (reflected ultrasound: echo) reflected from within the subject. The subject is the living body of a patient, etc. (not shown). The ultrasound probe 2 has an ultrasound probe body 21, a cable 22 and a connector 23. The ultrasound probe body 21 is the head part of the ultrasound probe 2 and transmits and receives ultrasound. The cable 22 is connected to the ultrasound probe body 21 and the connector 23. The cable 22 carries the drive signal for the ultrasound probe body 21 and the ultrasound reception signal. Connector 23 is a plug connector that connects to the connector (not shown) of the receptacle on the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1.

[0027] The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 is connected to the ultrasound probe body 21 via a connector 23 and a cable 22. The ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 transmits an electrical drive signal to the ultrasound probe body 21, causing the ultrasound probe body 21 to transmit ultrasound to the subject. The ultrasound probe body 2 generates a received signal, which is an electrical signal, in response to the reflected ultrasound from within the subject that is received by the ultrasound probe body 21. Based on the received signal generated by the ultrasound probe body 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 images the internal state of the subject as ultrasound image data.

[0028] The ultrasonic probe body 21 has a transducer 211 (Figure 2) at its tip. The transducer 211 is arranged in a one-dimensional array, for example, in the azimuth direction (scanning direction). The transducer 211 may also be arranged in a two-dimensional array. The number of transducers 211 can be set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, a linear scanning electronic scan probe is used as the ultrasonic probe 2. However, the ultrasonic probe 2 may be either an electronic scanning or a mechanical scanning type. The ultrasonic probe 2 may also be a linear scanning, sector scanning, or convex scanning type. Communication between the ultrasonic diagnostic device body 1 and the ultrasonic probe 2 may be wireless instead of wired communication via cable 22. This wireless communication may be UWB (Ultra Wide Band), etc.

[0029] The display unit 17 has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display unit 17 displays display information such as ultrasonic image data on the display panel.

[0030] The control unit 11 is a control panel that receives various operation inputs from operators such as doctors and technicians. The control unit 11 has operation elements such as push buttons, encoders, lever switches, joysticks, trackballs, keyboards, touchpads, and multifunction switches.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the ultrasound diagnostic device body 1 comprises an operation unit 11, a transmission unit 12, a reception unit 13, an image generation unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a display control unit 16, a display unit 17, a control unit 18, a storage unit 191, and a communication unit 192. The transmission unit 12 and the reception unit 13 function as a transmitting and receiving unit. The image generation unit 14 functions as a generation unit. The control unit 18 functions as an acquisition unit, a derivation unit, and an estimation unit.

[0032] The operation unit 11 receives various operation inputs from the operator and outputs the operation signals to the control unit 18. The operation unit 11 may be integrally formed with the display screen of the display unit 17 and may include a touchscreen that receives touch input from the operator.

[0033] The transmitting unit 12, in accordance with the control of the control unit 18, supplies a drive signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic transducer 2 to generate transmitted ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic transducer 2. The transmitting unit 12 includes, for example, a clock generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generation circuit. The clock generation circuit generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the drive signal. The delay circuit sets a delay time for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 211 and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses the transmitted beam, which is composed of transmitted ultrasonic waves, by this delay. The pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 12 generates transmitted ultrasonic waves by driving a continuous portion (for example, 64) of the multiple (for example, 192) transducers 211 arranged in the ultrasonic transducer 2. Then, each time the transmitting unit 12 generates transmitted ultrasonic waves, it scans by shifting the driven transducer 211 in the azimuth direction (scanning direction).

[0034] The receiving unit 13 receives the received signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasonic transducer 2 according to the control of the control unit 18. The receiving unit 13 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phase-correcting summing circuit. The amplifier amplifies the received signal at a preset amplification factor for each individual path corresponding to each transducer 211. The A / D conversion circuit converts the amplified received signal from analog to digital (A / D conversion). The phase-correcting summing circuit adjusts the phase of the A / D converted received signal by applying a delay time to each individual path corresponding to each transducer 211, and then adds these together (phase-correcting summing) to generate sound line data.

[0035] The image generation unit 14, in accordance with the control unit 18, performs envelope detection processing and logarithmic compression on the sound line data from the receiving unit 13, and adjusts the dynamic range and gain to perform brightness conversion. Through this brightness conversion, the image generation unit 14 generates B (Brightness) mode image data consisting of pixels having brightness values ​​as received energy. In other words, B-mode image data represents the strength of the received signal in terms of brightness. The image generation unit 14 may also be capable of generating image data in other image modes besides B-mode, such as M (Motion) mode and color Doppler mode.

[0036] The image processing unit 15 has an image memory unit 151. The image memory unit 151 is composed of a semiconductor memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The image processing unit 15 processes the B-mode image data input from the image generation unit 14 according to the control unit 18 and stores it in the image memory unit 151 in frame units. The B-mode image data in frame units is sometimes called ultrasonic image data. The image processing unit 15 outputs the ultrasonic image data stored in the image memory unit 151 to the display control unit 16 one frame at a time at predetermined intervals, according to the control unit 18.

[0037] The display control unit 16, in accordance with the control unit 18, performs processing such as coordinate transformation on the B-mode image data input from the image processing unit 15 and converts it into an image signal for display. The display control unit 16 outputs the image signal to the display unit 17.

[0038] The display unit 17 displays an ultrasound image based on the image signal output from the display control unit 16 on the display panel, in accordance with the control of the control unit 18. The display unit 17 also displays various display information input from the control unit 18 on the display panel.

[0039] The control unit 18 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 18 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and controls various parts of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 in cooperation with the CPU and the loaded programs. The ROM is composed of non-volatile memory such as semiconductors. The ROM stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasound diagnostic device 100, various processing programs that can be executed on the system program, and various data such as gamma tables.

[0040] In particular, the ROM stores the first ultrasound image display program. The first ultrasound image display program is a program for executing the first ultrasound image display process, which will be described later. The first ultrasound image display process generates and displays ultrasound image data using parameters corresponding to the patient's actual age or physical age based on the ultrasound image. This program is stored in RAM in the form of computer-readable program code. The CPU sequentially executes operations according to the program code in RAM. RAM forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

[0041] The memory unit 191 is a memory unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores information such as ultrasonic image data in a writable and readable format.

[0042] The communication unit 192 consists of a network card and other components connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) within the medical facility. The control unit 18 communicates with external devices on the communication network via the communication unit 192. External devices on the communication network include reception terminals, other modalities, image servers, and examination information management servers. The reception terminal is an information processing device that receives patient arrivals and manages patient information for each patient who visits. Patient information includes at least patient identification information, actual age, and gender information. Other modalities are modalities that generate medical image data other than ultrasound diagnostic equipment. Other modalities include imaging devices such as CR (Computed Radiography), DR (Digital Radiography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and CT (Computed Tomography). CR and DR imaging devices generate X-ray image data by taking X-ray images of the subject. MRI imaging devices generate MRI image data by taking tomographic images of the subject. CT imaging devices generate CT image data by taking tomographic images of the subject. The image server is an information processing device that stores and manages ultrasound image data generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 and medical image data generated by other modalities. The examination information management server is an information processing device that stores and manages examination information (diagnostic information, electronic medical records, etc.) for each patient.

[0043] Next, we will explain the physical changes in patients that occur with age. Here, we will assume that the patient's age is their actual age. The following are known physical parts and functions that change with age. 1. Decrease in cell count. 2. Arteriosclerosis (decreased blood flow). 3. Increased blood pressure. 4. Decreased renal function. 5. Presbyopia, changes in color vision. 6. Hearing loss (decreased hearing). 7. Bone density (decreased). 8. Changes in the vertebrae of the upper spine (fluid loss from the intervertebral discs → shortening of the spine → decrease in height). 9. Cartilage damage. 10. Decreased elasticity of ligaments and tendons. 11. Muscle mass (decrease, sarcopenia). 12. Increased body fat percentage. 13. A decline in the sense of taste and smell. 14.Dry mouth. 15. Dry skin (chemical changes in collagen and elastin). 16. Subcutaneous fat amount (thinning). 17. The number of sweat glands and blood vessels decreases (reduced blood flow in the deeper layers of the skin). 18. Spots (reduction of melanocytes). 19. A decrease in the number of nerve endings. 20. Decrease in nerve cells in the brain. 21. Reduction of liver size. 22. Kidney shrinkage (decreased renal blood flow). 23. Weakness of the urethral sphincter. 24. Menopause. 25. Erectile dysfunction. 26. Dehydration. 27. Decreased effectiveness of insulin. 28. Decreased blood cell production. 29. Slowing down of immune system cell function. 30. Blood vessel thickness (increase). 31. Increased vascular stiffness.

[0044] For example, regarding "6. Hearing," a quantitative relationship between chronological age [years] and the audible range [Hz] is known. Specifically, after adulthood (20 years old), the audible range decreases as chronological age increases.

[0045] Regarding "17. Bone Density," the relationship between bone mass and chronological age [years] is known. First, men have more bone mass than women across all age groups. In men, bone mass increases with chronological age up to about 25 years old. From about 25 to about 35 years old, bone mass increases gradually with chronological age. From about 35 years old onward, bone mass decreases with chronological age. In women, bone mass increases almost linearly with chronological age up to about 25 years old. From about 25 to about 45 years old, bone mass is almost flat with respect to chronological age. From about 45 years old (post-menopause) to about 50 years old, bone mass decreases sharply with chronological age. From about 50 years old onward, bone mass decreases with chronological age.

[0046] Furthermore, regarding "16. Subcutaneous fat volume," the relationship between subcutaneous fat volume (sebum volume) and chronological age [years] is known. Sebum volume varies depending on the body part. Across all ages, for example, sebum volume is highest in the following order: outer corner of the eye, right cheek, forehead, sides of the nose, and chin. After adulthood (20 years old), sebum volume almost decreases as chronological age increases.

[0047] Furthermore, regarding "11. Muscle mass," the relationship between muscle mass (e.g., upper limb muscle mass [kg]) and actual age [years] is known. Men have more upper limb muscle mass than women across all age groups. In both men and women, upper limb muscle mass levels off relatively evenly with increasing chronological age after adulthood (age 20). After around age 40, upper limb muscle mass decreases with increasing chronological age. Sarcopenia is a condition in which overall muscle mass and strength naturally decline, resulting in reduced physical ability.

[0048] Furthermore, regarding "30. Vascular Thickness," the thicker the wall of a blood vessel, such as the carotid artery, the higher the vascular age. The relationship between carotid artery wall thickness [mm] and actual age [years] is known. After age 50, the thickness of the carotid artery wall decreases as actual age increases.

[0049] Furthermore, strokes and heart attacks are diseases associated with arteriosclerosis, a condition in which blood vessels harden and become brittle due to aging. A stroke is a disease in which the blood vessels in the brain narrow, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. A heart attack is a disease in which the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the heart muscle become blocked. CAVI (Cardio Ankle Vascular Index) is known to directly examine the degree of vascular aging. CAVI is an abbreviation for Index, which is an index of the stiffness of the arteries (Vascular) from the heart (Cardio) to the ankle (Ankle), and is an indicator of arterial stiffness. CAVI can numerically evaluate the stiffness of the arteries from the heart to the ankle, regardless of normal blood pressure. Regarding "31. Vascular Stiffness," the relationship between CAVI and actual age [years] is known for arteries, for example. As actual age increases, the CAVI value also increases.

[0050] The above description of bodily changes refers to age-related changes in chronological age. However, some patients have a physical age that is lower or higher than their chronological age. Therefore, it is preferable to set the conditions for generating ultrasound image data using whichever is more preferable, chronological age or physical age. Also, as mentioned above, some age-related bodily changes differ between sexes.

[0051] In this embodiment, information correlated with age and sex is defined as age and sex themselves, or bodily changes corresponding to age and sex. Such bodily changes may include, for example, muscle mass. However, the bodily changes associated with age and sex are not limited to muscle mass. For example, such bodily changes may include at least one of hearing, bone density, muscle mass, vascular thickness, vascular stiffness, and subcutaneous fat mass. In particular, combining two or more pieces of information, such as muscle mass and subcutaneous fat mass, broadens the range of age-correlated information. Furthermore, information correlated with age and sex may be replaced with information correlated with age (age itself and bodily changes corresponding to age). Also, the age of the target patient for the age-correlated information is defined as adult (e.g., 20 years of age as a physical adult) or older.

[0052] A correlation information table showing the relationship between age and gender and information on physical changes has been generated in advance. The correlation information table is assumed to be stored in the storage unit 191 in advance.

[0053] Furthermore, a parameter table showing appropriate parameter values ​​corresponding to information correlated with age and sex is assumed to have been generated in advance. The parameter table is assumed to be stored in the storage unit 191 in advance. The appropriate parameters are the appropriate parameter values ​​for generating ultrasound image data in the ultrasound diagnostic device 100. The parameters include the conditions for transmitting and receiving ultrasound to the ultrasound probe 2, and the image processing conditions for generating ultrasound image data. Furthermore, the transmission and reception conditions include the transmission conditions for the transmitted ultrasound and the reception conditions for the echo. The transmission conditions are the conditions for ultrasound output, transmission focus position, and transmission waveform selection, and are set in the transmission unit 12. The ultrasound output is the transmission voltage of the drive signal input to the ultrasound probe 2. The ultrasound output is adjusted to a value such that the ultrasound image is not blurred due to ultrasound scattering, based on information correlated with age and sex. The transmission focus position is the focus position of the transmitted ultrasound. The transmission focus position is adjusted so that the ultrasound image is not blurred, based on information correlated with age and sex. The transmission waveform selection is the selection of the waveform (transmission waveform) of the drive signal input to the ultrasound probe 2. Based on information correlated with age and gender, a transmission waveform is selected that prevents blurring of the ultrasound image.

[0054] The reception conditions are the ultrasonic sound velocity, the reception focus position, and the frequency filter conditions for the received waveform, and are set in the receiver unit 13. The ultrasonic sound velocity is the reception sound velocity of the reflected ultrasound (echo). The depth from the ultrasound probe 2 to the object is determined by the ultrasonic sound velocity × time in the ultrasound image. As the amount of fat in tissue increases with age, the speed of the passing ultrasound also slows down. Based on information correlated with age and sex, the ultrasonic sound velocity is adjusted so that the ultrasound image does not become blurred. The reception focus position is the focus position of the reflected ultrasound. Based on information correlated with age and sex, the reception focus position is adjusted so that the ultrasound image does not become blurred. In addition, ultrasonic scattering by fat that increases with age reduces specific frequency components of the received waveform in the received signal. The frequency filter conditions for the received waveform are the conditions for the frequency components that filter the received signal. Based on information correlated with age and sex, the frequency filter conditions for the received waveform are adjusted so that the ultrasound image does not become blurred.

[0055] Image processing conditions include selection of a pre-trained AI (Artificial Intelligence) model, noise reduction processing, edge enhancement processing, wavelet transformation processing, bilateral filter adjustment processing, temporal processing, morphology processing, sharpening processing, block matching processing, multi-resolution decomposition processing, and thinning algorithm processing. The image processing conditions are set in the image generation unit 14. The pre-trained models are, for example, pre-trained models for applying predetermined image processing to ultrasound image data, and multiple models are provided according to age and gender. Each pre-trained model is trained to apply appropriate predetermined image processing using ultrasound image data of subjects of the same age and gender as training data. When ultrasound image data is input to the pre-trained model, it applies predetermined image processing and outputs the ultrasound image data after the predetermined image processing. From among the multiple pre-trained models, the pre-trained model corresponding to the age and gender of the patient is selected based on information correlated with the age and gender of the patient being examined.

[0056] Noise reduction processing is a process that reduces noise in ultrasound images. Edge enhancement processing is an image processing process that enhances the edges of a specified object in an ultrasound image. Wavelet transform processing is an image processing process that performs noise reduction in ultrasound images using wavelet transform as a frequency analysis. Bilateral filter adjustment processing is an image processing process that removes noise in ultrasound images and preserves edges at the same time by filtering through adjustment of a bilateral filter. Temporal processing is an image processing process that performs temporal motion estimation and motion compensation on ultrasound image data of moving images. Morphology processing is an image processing process that calculates the dimensions, shape, connectivity, geodetic distance, etc., of a region from an ultrasound image. Sharpening processing is an image processing process that performs filtering to increase the pixel value changes (grain changes) of the original ultrasound image, for example, using a sharpening filter. Block matching processing is an image processing process that divides each frame of a moving ultrasound image into blocks of a certain size and calculates the motion vector of the blocks between each frame. Block matching processing searches for where each block in a frame corresponds to in the previous frame and calculates the difference in the positions of the corresponding blocks between frames as a motion vector. Multi-resolution decomposition is an image processing technique that breaks down an ultrasound image into components of different scales (resolutions), and is used, for example, to remove noise from ultrasound images. The thinning algorithm is an image processing technique that removes the white pixel regions from the outside of a binarized ultrasound image, converting it into a line image with a width of 1 pixel. A parameter table for image processing conditions is provided for each of the above-mentioned trained model selection to thinning algorithm processing steps. Each parameter table stores image processing conditions that are effective in reducing blur in ultrasound images, corresponding to information correlated with age and gender.

[0057] Next, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the first ultrasound image display process.

[0058] It is assumed that the patient to be examined (referred to as the "examined patient") has already arrived at the medical facility. The reception terminal receives and stores the patient's information entered by the receptionist. The examined patient enters the examination room where the doctor, who is the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100, is waiting. The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is installed in the examination room. The operator examines the examined patient using ultrasound images. The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 receives an instruction from the operator to execute the first ultrasound image display process via the control unit 11. Triggered by this input, the control unit 18 executes the first ultrasound image display process according to the first ultrasound image display program stored in the ROM.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 18 receives input from the operator via the operation unit 11 to select the type of parameter to be adjusted during ultrasonic image data generation (step S10). Specifically, at least one type of parameter is selected from all the conditions in the transmission conditions, reception conditions, and image processing conditions.

[0060] The control unit 18 receives and acquires patient information from the operator via the operation unit 11 (step S11). Patient information includes actual age, gender, weight, date of birth, etc., and shall include at least actual age and gender. In step S11, the control unit 18 retrieves the actual age and gender of the patient from the patient information. Alternatively, in step S11, the control unit 18 may receive patient information from the reception terminal via the communication unit 192.

[0061] The control unit 18 acquires the patient's actual age (or physical age set in step S18, described later) and gender obtained in step S11 (step S12). In step S12, the control unit 18 refers to the parameter table stored in the memory unit 191. In step S12, the control unit 18 reads and determines the various parameters that correspond to the acquired actual age or physical age and that were selected and input in step S10.

[0062] The control unit 18 controls the transmitting unit 12 and the receiving unit 13 based on the transmission and reception conditions of the parameters determined in step S12 (step S13). In step S13, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received from the ultrasonic probe 2 according to the transmission conditions of the transmission and reception conditions, and the receiving unit 13 generates a received signal (sound line data) based on the reception conditions.

[0063] The control unit 18 controls the image generation unit 14 and the image processing unit 15 based on the image processing conditions of the parameters determined in step S12 (step S14). In step S14, the image generation unit 14 generates ultrasonic image data based on the received signal generated by the receiving unit 13, and the image processing unit 15 performs image processing based on the image processing conditions. In step S14, the control unit 18 controls the display control unit 16 and the display unit 17 to display the ultrasonic image of the processed ultrasonic image data on the display unit 17. The operator observes the ultrasonic image being displayed.

[0064] The control unit 18 receives input from the operator via the operation unit 11, for example, whether the displayed ultrasound image, including the image processing result, is appropriate and free from blurring (step S15). In step S15, the control unit 18 determines whether or not there is input indicating whether or not the displayed ultrasound image is appropriate. If there is no input (step S15; NO), the process proceeds to step S13. If there is input (step S15; YES), the control unit 18 determines whether or not the displayed ultrasound image is appropriate based on the input from step S15 (step S16).

[0065] If inappropriate (step S16; NO), the control unit 18 performs image analysis on the displayed ultrasound image data (step S17). In step S17, the control unit 18 extracts information on bodily changes that correlate with the age and sex of the patient through image analysis. This bodily change information may be, for example, muscle mass. This bodily change information may also be at least one of bone density, muscle mass, vascular thickness, and subcutaneous fat mass. In step S17, the image analysis is performed, for example, using a trained model for extracting bodily change information that is pre-stored in the memory unit 191. This trained model is trained, for example, using bodily change information and ultrasound image data corresponding to this change information as training data. When ultrasound image data is input to the trained model, it outputs the bodily change information of the subject. The control unit 18 uses a correlation information table to obtain and set the physical age corresponding to the bodily change information extracted in step S17 (step S18). The process then proceeds to step S12.

[0066] If appropriate (step S16; YES), the control unit 18 determines the ultrasound image data being displayed to be the optimal ultrasound image data for the age (step S19). In step S19, the control unit 18 appropriately stores the ultrasound image data determined to be optimal in the storage unit 191 in response to instructions from the operator via the operation unit 11. The first ultrasound image display process ends.

[0067] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 comprises a transmitting unit 12, a receiving unit 13, an image generation unit 14, an image processing unit 15, and a control unit 18. The transmitting unit 12 and the receiving unit 13 cause the ultrasound probe 2, which transmits and receives ultrasound from the patient, to transmit and receive ultrasound based on the transmission and reception conditions. The image generation unit 14 generates ultrasound image data based on the received signal from the ultrasound probe 2. The image processing unit 15 processes the ultrasound image data based on the image processing conditions. The control unit 18 acquires information correlated with the patient's age. Based on the information correlated with age, the control unit 18 derives at least one of the transmission and reception conditions for the ultrasound probe and the image processing conditions. Therefore, ultrasound is transmitted and received according to the derived transmission and reception conditions, and image processing is performed according to the derived image processing conditions to generate ultrasound image data. Thus, ultrasound image data appropriate for diagnosis can be generated based on the patient's age.

[0068] The information correlated with age is information correlated with adulthood (20 years or older). Therefore, appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated for diagnosis and other purposes without relying on weight. In addition, appropriate transmission and reception conditions and image processing conditions are automatically set for generating ultrasound image data, reducing the burden on the operator.

[0069] The image processing conditions include at least one of the following: selection of a trained model for image recognition, noise reduction, edge enhancement, wavelet transformation, bilateral filter adjustment, temporal processing, morphological processing, sharpening, block matching, multi-resolution decomposition, and thinning algorithm processing. Therefore, the ultrasound image data can be appropriately processed, or accurate image processing results can be obtained from the ultrasound image data.

[0070] The transmission and reception conditions include transmission conditions. These transmission conditions are at least one of the following: ultrasonic output, transmission focus position, and transmission waveform selection. Therefore, the transmission conditions allow for the generation of more appropriate ultrasonic image data.

[0071] The transmission and reception conditions include reception conditions. The reception conditions are at least one of the following: the speed of sound of the ultrasound, the reception focus position, and the frequency filter conditions of the received waveform. Therefore, depending on the reception conditions, more appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated.

[0072] The information correlated with age is either information related to the patient's actual age included in the patient's patient information, or information correlated with physical age analyzed from ultrasound image data. Therefore, for patients whose actual age is the same as their physical age, appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated based on their actual age. Furthermore, for patients whose actual age and physical age differ, appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated based on their physical age.

[0073] At least one of the following pieces of information correlates with age: bone density, muscle mass, vascular thickness, and subcutaneous fat volume. Therefore, more appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated based on the patient's age.

[0074] The control unit 18 acquires information correlated with the patient's age and sex. Based on the age and sex-correlated information, the control unit 18 derives at least one condition for transmission / reception to the ultrasound transducer 2 and an image processing condition. Therefore, more appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated based on the patient's age and sex.

[0075] The control unit 18 acquires age-correlated information based on patient information input via the operation unit 11. Therefore, age-correlated information can be easily acquired.

[0076] The control unit 18 estimates information related to physical age, which is a second age, based on ultrasound image data, and which differs from information correlated with chronological age. Based on the information related to physical age, the control unit 18 derives at least one of the following conditions: transmission / reception conditions to the ultrasound transducer 2 and image processing conditions. Therefore, for patients whose chronological age and physical age differ, appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated based on physical age.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the second ultrasonic image display process.

[0078] As with the first embodiment, the apparatus configuration of this embodiment uses an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100. However, the ROM of the control unit 18 stores a second ultrasound image display program instead of the first ultrasound image display program. The second ultrasound image display program is a program for executing the second ultrasound image display process, which will be described later.

[0079] Referring to Figure 4, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 100 will be explained. It is assumed that a patient has already arrived at the medical facility. The reception terminal receives and stores the patient's information entered by the receptionist. The patient enters the examination room where the operator (doctor) is waiting. The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 is installed in the examination room. The operator examines the patient using ultrasound images. The ultrasound diagnostic device 100 receives an instruction from the operator via the control unit 11 to execute the second ultrasound image display process. Triggered by this input, the control unit 18 executes the second ultrasound image display process according to the second ultrasound image display program stored in the ROM.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, steps S30 to S36 are the same as steps S10 to S16 of the first ultrasound image display process in Figure 3. If inappropriate (step S36; NO), the control unit 18 obtains the patient identification information of the patient information acquired in step S31 via the communication unit 192 (step S37). In step S37, the control unit 18 receives image data of the patient from another modality corresponding to the patient identification information from the image server via the communication unit 192. The image data is image data taken with the device of the other modality. In step S37, the control unit 18 performs image analysis on the image data of the other modality. In step S37, the control unit 18 extracts information on bodily changes in information correlated with the age and sex of the patient through image analysis. The information on bodily changes is, for example, muscle mass. The information on bodily changes may be at least one of bone density, muscle mass, blood vessel thickness, and subcutaneous fat mass. The image analysis is performed, for example, using a pre-trained model for extracting information on bodily changes that is stored in the memory unit 191. This pre-trained model is trained using, for example, information correlated with age and sex, and corresponding image data from other modalities, as training data. When image data from other modalities is input to the pre-trained model, it outputs information on the subject's bodily changes.

[0081] Alternatively, in step S37, the control unit 18 receives examination information corresponding to the patient's identification information from the examination information management server via the communication unit 192. This examination information may be, for example, muscle mass. This examination information may also be at least one of hearing, bone density, muscle mass, vascular thickness, and subcutaneous fat mass. In step S37, the control unit 18 analyzes the received examination information and extracts information on changes in the body that correlate with the patient's age and sex. Steps S38 and S39 are the same as steps S18 and S19 in Figure 3, respectively.

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, the medical image data (image data from other modalities) is at least one of X-ray image data, MRI image data, and CT image data. The information correlated with age (and sex) is information correlated with physical age analyzed from other modality image data or information correlated with physical age analyzed from examination information. The control unit 18 estimates information related to physical age, which is a second age, that is different from the information correlated with actual age, based on at least one of the other modality image data and examination information. Based on the information related to physical age, the control unit 18 derives at least one of the transmission / reception conditions for the ultrasound transducer 2 and the image processing conditions. Therefore, for patients whose actual age and physical age differ, appropriate ultrasound image data can be generated based on physical age.

[0083] The above description of the embodiments is merely an example of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, ultrasound image generation method, and program according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. For example, the first and second embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the first ultrasound image display process, the control unit 18 may be configured to execute step S17 and S37 in Figure 4 in parallel. In step S18, the control unit 18 sets the physical age based on at least one of the ultrasound image data, other modality image data, and examination information.

[0084] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the terms of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 100 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 1. Ultrasound diagnostic device main unit 11 Control section 12 Transmitter 13 Receiving Unit 14 Image generation unit 15 Image Processing Unit 151 Image memory section 16 Display Control Unit 17 Display 18 Control Unit 191 Storage section 192 Communications Department 2 Ultrasonic probe 21 Ultrasonic probe body 211 Oscillator 22 Cables 23 Connectors

Claims

1. An ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound waves from a patient includes a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receives ultrasound waves based on transmission and reception conditions, A generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on the signal received from the ultrasonic probe, An image processing unit that processes the aforementioned ultrasonic image data based on image processing conditions, An acquisition unit that acquires information related to the patient's age, An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprising: a derivation unit that derives at least one of the transmission and reception conditions for the ultrasound transducer and the image processing conditions based on the age-related information.

2. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the age-related information is information relating to an adult or older age.

3. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing conditions are at least one of the following: selection of a trained model for image recognition, noise reduction processing, edge enhancement processing, wavelet transformation processing, bilateral filter adjustment processing, temporal processing, morphology processing, sharpening processing, block matching processing, multi-resolution decomposition processing, and thinning algorithm processing.

4. The aforementioned transmission and reception conditions are transmission conditions. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission conditions are at least one of the output of the ultrasound, the transmission focus position, and the transmission waveform selection.

5. The aforementioned transmission and reception conditions are reception conditions. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving conditions are at least one of the sound velocity of the ultrasonic waves, the receiving focus position, and the frequency filter conditions of the received waveform.

6. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the age-related information is at least one of the age-related information included in the patient information of the patient, the age-related information analyzed from the patient's medical image data, and the age-related information analyzed from the patient's examination information.

7. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the medical image data is at least one of ultrasound image data, X-ray image data, MRI image data, and CT image data.

8. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the aforementioned examination information is at least one of hearing, bone density, muscle mass, vascular stiffness, vascular thickness, and subcutaneous fat volume.

9. The acquisition unit acquires information related to the patient's age and gender. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the derivation unit derives at least one of the transmission and reception conditions to the ultrasound transducer and the image processing conditions based on the information relating to age and gender.

10. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires age-related information based on the input patient information.

11. The system includes an estimation unit that estimates a second age-related information, which is different from the age-related information, based on at least one of the patient's medical image data and test information. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the derivation unit derives at least one of the transmission and reception conditions to the ultrasound transducer and the image processing conditions based on the information relating to the second age.

12. An ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasound waves from a patient, comprising a transmission and reception process that causes ultrasound waves to be transmitted and received based on transmission and reception conditions, A generation step of generating ultrasonic image data based on the signal received from the ultrasonic probe, An image processing step for processing the aforementioned ultrasonic image data based on image processing conditions, An acquisition step to obtain information related to the patient's age, An ultrasonic image generation method comprising a derivation step of deriving at least one of the transmission and reception conditions for the ultrasonic transducer and the image processing conditions based on the age-related information.

13. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with a computer that transmits and receives ultrasound based on transmission and reception conditions, which is used in an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound from a patient. A generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on the signal received from the ultrasonic probe. An image processing unit that processes the aforementioned ultrasonic image data based on image processing conditions, An acquisition unit that acquires information related to the patient's age. A derivation unit that derives at least one of the transmission and reception conditions for the ultrasonic transducer and the image processing conditions based on the age-related information, A program designed to implement a specific function.

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