Ultrasound diagnostic equipment, ultrasound diagnostic method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasound diagnostic device that can reliably distinguish between peripheral nerve regions and blood flow regions in the peripheral parts of a subject. [Solution] The ultrasound diagnostic device includes a display unit that displays first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. The blood flow velocity and blood flow direction of the blood flow region in the second identification information are displayed on the display unit using a color flow map. When the colors of the second identification information and the first identification information used in the color flow map are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the colors of the second identification information and the first identification information is X≧0.1 and Y≧0.1.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used, for example, when performing a treatment by inserting a puncture needle into a puncture site of a subject. A user such as a doctor can insert the puncture needle while checking the puncture route at the puncture site by looking at the ultrasonic image on the screen. One of the treatments using a puncture needle is a nerve block treatment in which a drug is injected into a nerve. When performing this nerve block treatment, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between the nerve into which the puncture needle should be inserted and the blood vessel into which the puncture needle should not be inserted.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, in order to clearly identify a nerve or the like, it is described that a nerve in an ultrasonic image is identified using an identification model, and the identified nerve is color-displayed on a B-mode image. In addition, it is generally known to recognize a blood flow region in an ultrasonic image in color Doppler mode and color-display the recognized blood flow and the nerve identified by machine learning on a B-mode image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device, an ultrasound diagnostic method, and a program that can reliably distinguish between peripheral nerve regions and blood flow regions in the peripheral part of a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is It is equipped with a display unit that shows first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. The second identification information is displayed on the display unit using a color flow map, showing the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction of the blood flow region. When the color of the second identification information used in the color flow map and the color of the first identification information are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information and the color of the first identification information is X≧0.1 and Y≧0.1.

[0008] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is It is equipped with a display unit that shows first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. The second identification information is displayed on the display unit using a color bar to show the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction in the blood flow region. When the color of the second identification information used in the color bar and the color of the first identification information are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information and the color of the first identification information is X≧0.1 and Y≧0.1.

[0009] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is It is equipped with a display unit that shows first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. The display unit displays the first identification information and the second identification information in different display modes.

[0010] Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic method according to the present invention is The system includes a display step that displays first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. In the aforementioned display step, In the second identification information, the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction of the blood flow region are displayed on the display unit using a color flow map. When the color of the second identification information used in the color flow map and the color of the first identification information are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information and the color of the first identification information is set to X≧0.1 and Y≧0.1.

[0011] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is Computers, The control unit functions by displaying a first identification information indicating a peripheral nerve region recognized by a trained model, and a second identification information indicating a blood flow region recognized by color Doppler mode, on the display unit. The second identification information is displayed on the display unit using a color flow map, showing the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction of the blood flow region. When the colors of the second identification information used in the color flow map and the color of the first identification information are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information and the color of the first identification information satisfies X≧0.1 and Y≧0.1.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the first identification information indicating the peripheral nerve region and the second identification information indicating the blood flow region are displayed with a predetermined chromaticity difference, so that when performing puncture or the like on the peripheral side part of the subject, the peripheral nerve region and the blood flow region can be surely distinguished.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a CIExy chromaticity diagram according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color bar for blood flow display according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when the blood flow region and the peripheral nerve region according to the present embodiment are superimposed and displayed on an ultrasonic image. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic image displayed on an inspection screen of a display unit according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic method, and a program according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Example of Configuration of Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 100 and an ultrasonic probe 150 connected to the apparatus main body 100. An operation unit 102 and a display unit 120 are provided in the apparatus main body 100, respectively. The apparatus main body 100 includes a transmission unit 104, a reception unit 106, a B-mode processing unit 108, a Doppler processing unit 109, an inference unit 170, an image processing unit 110, a display control unit 112, a control unit 130, a storage unit 140, a communication unit 160, and the like.

[0016] The operation unit 102 has, for example, at least one of a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a mouse, a touch panel combined with the display unit 120, and the like. The operation unit 102 receives an input instruction based on various operations of the user, converts the received input instruction into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control unit 130.

[0017] The transmission unit 104 supplies a drive signal, which is an electrical signal, to the ultrasonic probe 150 according to the control of the control unit 130. The transmission unit 104 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 path provided in each probe 153 described later, and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses the transmission beam composed of ultrasonic waves. The pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined period. The transmission unit 104 drives, for example, a continuous part of a plurality of probes 153 to generate ultrasonic waves. Each time the transmission unit 104 generates ultrasonic waves, it shifts the probe 153 to be driven in the azimuth direction and performs scanning.

[0018] The receiving unit 106 receives an electrical signal from the ultrasonic probe 150 according to the control of the control unit 130. The receiving unit 106 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 path provided in each transducer 153. The A / D conversion circuit converts the amplified received signal from analog to digital. The phase-correcting summing circuit adjusts the phase of the A / D converted received signal by applying a delay time to each path provided in each transducer 153 and then adds them together. The phase-correcting summing circuit generates and acquires the received signal as sound line data through phase-correcting summing. The receiving unit 106 may also have an amplifier for amplifying the received signal.

[0019] The B-mode processing unit 108 performs envelope detection and logarithmic compression on the received signal supplied from the receiving unit 106. The B-mode processing unit 108 further generates B-mode data by adjusting at least one of the dynamic range and gain of the received signal and performing brightness conversion. The B-mode data represents the strength of the received signal in terms of brightness and is tomographic image information about the tissue within the subject.

[0020] The Doppler processing unit 109 executes color Doppler mode. Specifically, the Doppler processing unit 109 processes the received signal output from the receiver unit 106, such as through autocorrelation processing, to extract blood flow information based on the Doppler effect of moving objects such as blood flow regions within the scan area and generate Doppler data. The blood flow information includes information on at least one of the following: blood flow velocity, blood flow direction, and blood flow rate in the blood flow region. The Doppler processing unit 109 outputs the generated Doppler data to the image processing unit 110. Alternatively, a region of interest may be set in the scan area, and blood flow information within the set region of interest may be extracted.

[0021] The inference unit 170 uses B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 108 to infer peripheral nerve regions within the scan area. Specifically, the inference unit 170 has a trained model 171 that is trained to output inference results regarding peripheral nerve regions in response to ultrasound image data input. The trained model is stored, for example, in a memory of the inference unit 170 (not shown). The trained model may also be stored in a storage unit 140 or the like. The inference unit 170 inputs ultrasound image data to the trained model 171 and infers and detects peripheral nerve regions in the B-mode data based on the output data regarding peripheral nerve regions output from the trained model 171. The inference unit 170 outputs the output data, which is the inference result, to the image processing unit 110.

[0022] Here, we will explain the process for creating the pre-trained model 171 described above. A training device, including, for example, a computer, can be used to create the pre-trained model 171. The training device includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), memory for storing programs, an operation unit, a display unit, and a communication unit. The training device uses pairs of ultrasound image data and ground truth labels as training data to generate a pre-trained model 171 that is trained to output inference results regarding peripheral nerve regions in response to ultrasound image data input. Specifically, the training device compares the output data output by the pre-trained model 171 to be trained with the ground truth labels in response to the training ultrasound image data input, and updates the parameters of the pre-trained model 171 based on the error resulting from the comparison. For example, if the pre-trained model 171 is implemented by a convolutional neural network, the training device may adjust the parameters of the pre-trained model 171 according to the error between the output result and the ground truth data according to the backpropagation method until a predetermined completion condition is met. The training device outputs the created trained model 171 to a memory or storage unit 140 provided in the inference unit 170 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0023] The image processing unit 110 generates B-mode image data by performing image processing on the B-mode data output from the B-mode processing unit 108, for example, according to various image parameters being set. The image processing unit 110 generates color Doppler image data by coloring a second identification information indicating blood flow regions based on the blood flow information of the Doppler data output from the Doppler processing unit 109. A color flow map or color bar, described later, can be used for coloring. The image processing unit 110 sets the color of the inferred peripheral nerve region in the B-mode image data based on the color of the second identification information indicating the blood flow region. Furthermore, the image processing unit 110 generates image data by superimposing the second identification information indicating the blood flow region of the color Doppler image data onto the B-mode image data, for example. The image processing unit 110 has an image memory unit 111 composed of a semiconductor memory such as DRAM. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory. The image processing unit 110 stores the image data, etc., that has undergone image processing described above in the image memory unit 111 on a frame-by-frame basis, according to the control of the control unit 130. The image processing unit 110 outputs the image data and other data generated as described above to the display control unit 112 in order, in accordance with the control of the control unit 130.

[0024] The display control unit 112 generates display image data by performing coordinate transformations and other operations on the acquired image data, etc., in accordance with the control unit 130. The display control unit 112 outputs the generated display image data to the display unit 120.

[0025] The display unit 120 displays an ultrasound image of the peripheral part of the subject, etc., on the screen, based on display image data output from the display control unit 112, in accordance with the control of the control unit 130. The ultrasound image may be a still image or a moving image. In this embodiment, the display unit 120 displays a first identification information indicating the peripheral nerve region and a second identification information indicating the blood flow region in the ultrasound image with a predetermined chromaticity difference. The chromaticity difference between the color of the first identification information and the color of the second identification information will be described later. The display unit 120 may be a display device connected to the main body 100 via, for example, wiring, a network, etc.

[0026] The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 by controlling the B-mode processing unit 108, the Doppler processing unit 109, the inference unit 170, and the image processing unit 110, etc. For example, the control unit 130 executes the program P of the memory unit 140 to realize a function that displays first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode with a predetermined chromaticity difference.

[0027] The storage unit 140 includes, for example, at least one storage module from among HDD, SSD, ROM, and RAM. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The storage unit 140 stores system programs, application programs, and various data received by the communication unit 160. For example, the storage unit 140 stores a program P for executing a display function that displays first identification information indicating a peripheral nerve region and second identification information indicating a blood flow region with a predetermined chromaticity difference.

[0028] The communication unit 160 includes, for example, a communication module including a NIC, a LAN adapter, a receiver, and a transmitter. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card. The communication unit 160 communicates various data, information, etc., with external devices via a network, for example.

[0029] The ultrasound probe 150 comprises a head 152, a cable 154, and a connector 156. The head 152 is the part that is pressed against the body surface of the subject. The head 152 is equipped with a plurality of transducers 153 made of piezoelectric elements. The transducers 153 transmit ultrasound to the target area of ​​the subject based on a drive signal transmitted from the main body 100 of the device, and also receive reflected waves reflected from the target area within the subject. The transducers 153 may be arranged in a one-dimensional array in the scanning direction, or in a two-dimensional array. The number of transducers 153 can be set arbitrarily. The ultrasound probe 150 can employ a linear scanning method, a convex scanning method, or a sector scanning method, etc.

[0030] One end of the cable 154 is electrically connected to the head unit 152, and the other end is electrically connected to the connector 156. The connector 156 is connected to the main body of the device 100. However, communication between the main body of the device 100 and the ultrasonic probe 150 is not limited to wired communication using the cable 154. The communication method between the main body of the device 100 and the ultrasonic probe 150 may be wireless communication using UWB or the like. UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band.

[0031] The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 functions as a computer and has at least one processor to implement each of the following functions: B-mode processing unit 108, Doppler processing unit 109, inference unit 170, and control unit 130. The processor implements each of the B-mode processing unit 108, Doppler processing unit 109, inference unit 170, and control unit 130 by executing programs stored in the memory of the memory within the processor's circuit. The processor includes, for example, at least one dedicated or general-purpose CPU, GPU, etc. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. GPU is an abbreviation for Graphical Processing Unit. The processor may also include application-specific integrated circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array. Note that each of the functions such as the B-mode processing unit 108, Doppler processing unit 109, inference unit 170, and control unit 130 may be included in a single circuit. Furthermore, the control unit 130 may include at least one of the following functions: a B-mode processing unit 108, a Doppler processing unit 109, and an inference unit 170.

[0032] [Regarding the relationship between the color of the first identification information indicating the peripheral nerve region and the color of the second identification information indicating the blood flow region] The display unit 120 superimposes on the B-mode ultrasound image first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. The second identification information is information superimposed on the ultrasound image in real time using a color flow map, showing blood flow velocity and blood flow direction in the blood flow region. A color flow map is a display mode of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, used in color Doppler mode and other modes that display blood flow information in color, and represents the correspondence between values ​​and colors. In addition to color Doppler mode, the color flow map can also be used for power display, which displays blood flow rate in the blood flow region in color. In this embodiment, the color of the second identification information indicating the blood flow region is set using a blood flow display color bar in which colors are assigned according to blood flow velocity and blood flow direction in the color flow map. The color of the first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions may be set based on the color of the second identification information indicating blood flow regions. This makes it possible to visualize the blood flow region and the peripheral nerve region by coloring them.

[0033] In this embodiment, the color of the first identification information indicating the peripheral nerve region and the color of the second identification information indicating the blood flow region satisfy the following relationship. Figure 2 is a diagram of the CIExy chromaticity diagram according to this embodiment. Specifically, when the colors of the first identification information 200 and the second identification information 210 are plotted on the CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the first identification information 200 and the color of the second identification information 210 satisfies the relationship x≧0.1, y≧0.1. For example, the color of the first identification information 200 indicating the peripheral nerve region is set such that, when the color of the second identification information 210 indicating the blood flow region is used as a reference, the chromaticity difference between the first identification information 200 and the second identification information 210 is x≧0.1, y≧0.1. The chromaticity difference between the color of the first identification information 200 and the color of the second identification information 210 is preferably x≧0.2, y≧0.2, and more preferably x≧0.3, y≧0.3. In this way, the first identification information 200 and the second identification information 210 are always displayed in different colors and are always displayed in a distinguishable manner. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the brightness difference between the color of the first identification information 200 and the color of the second identification information 210 is 5 or more. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the saturation difference between the color of the first identification information 200 and the color of the second identification information 210 is 5 or more. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the hue difference between the color of the first identification information 200 and the color of the second identification information 210 is 1 or more. By setting the chromaticity difference, etc., between the color of the first identification information 200 and the color of the second identification information 210, peripheral nerve regions and blood flow regions can be easily distinguished in ultrasound images displayed in B mode.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the blood flow indicator color bar 220 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the blood flow indicator color bar 220 is composed of a first bar 221 and a second bar 222. The first bar 221 is a color assigned to the blood flow region in the direction of blood flow coming toward the ultrasound probe 150, and the red to yellow range of the CIExy chromaticity diagram shown in Figure 2 is used. In the first bar 221, the blood flow velocity slows down toward the lower end and increases toward the upper end. The second bar 222 is a color assigned to the blood flow region in the direction of blood flow moving away from the ultrasound probe 150, and the green to blue range of the CIExy chromaticity diagram shown in Figure 2 is used. In the second bar 222, the blood flow velocity slows down toward the upper end and increases toward the lower end. At the boundary between the first bar 221 and the second bar 222, the blood flow velocity is zero. Furthermore, the blood flow display color bar 220 allows for, for example, changing the allocation of flow velocity ranges between nerve regions relatively close to the spine and peripheral nerve regions far from the spine.

[0035] [Example of operation of ultrasound diagnostic device 1] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 when a second identification information indicating a blood flow region and a first identification information indicating a peripheral nerve region are superimposed on an ultrasound image according to this embodiment. The control unit 130, etc. of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 executes a program P stored in the storage unit 140, etc., to realize various processes including display steps.

[0036] The ultrasound probe 150 transmits ultrasound waves toward the peripheral part of the subject and receives the reflected waves reflected by the tissues of the peripheral part. The receiving unit 106 generates and acquires a received signal by performing predetermined signal processing on the reflected waves output from the ultrasound probe 150 (step S1). The receiving unit 106 outputs the acquired received signal to the B-mode processing unit 108 and the Doppler processing unit 109, respectively.

[0037] The B-mode processing unit 108 generates B-mode data by performing processes such as envelope detection, logarithmic compression, dynamic range and gain adjustments on the received signal output from the receiving unit 106 to convert it to brightness (step S2). The B-mode processing unit 108 outputs the generated B-mode data to the image processing unit 110 and the inference unit 170, respectively.

[0038] The inference unit 170 uses the B-mode data acquired from the B-mode processing unit 108 to infer the peripheral nerve regions included within the scan area of ​​the peripheral region (step S3). Specifically, the inference unit 170 inputs the B-mode data into a trained model and acquires the output data output from the trained model. Based on the acquired output data, the inference unit 170 detects the peripheral nerve regions included within the scan area of ​​the peripheral region.

[0039] The Doppler processing unit 109 autocorrelates the received signal output from the receiving unit 106 in parallel with the processing of the B-mode processing unit 108, extracts blood flow information in the blood flow region included in the scan area, and generates Doppler data (step S4). The Doppler processing unit 109 outputs the generated Doppler data to the image processing unit 110. In this embodiment, an example in which B-mode processing and Doppler processing are performed in parallel is described, but the order of each process is not limited to the order shown in Figure 4.

[0040] The image processing unit 110 generates B-mode image data by performing predetermined processing on the B-mode data output from the B-mode processing unit 108. The image processing unit 110 also generates Doppler image data based on the Doppler data output from the Doppler processing unit 109 (step S5). In this case, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the image processing unit 110 uses a blood flow display color bar 220 to determine the color of the second identification information 210 that indicates the blood flow region included in the Doppler image data. The color of the second identification information is a color assigned to each piece of blood flow information, such as the blood flow direction, within the blood flow display color bar 220. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, we will describe the case where the color of the second identification information 210 indicating the blood flow region is, for example, a yellowish color with x=0.46 and y=0.53 in the CIExy chromaticity diagram. Note that if the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction differ at each position within the blood flow region, the color of the second identification information 210 may consist of multiple colors.

[0041] The image processing unit 110 sets the color of the first identification information indicating the inferred peripheral nerve region based on the color corresponding to the blood flow velocity or blood flow rate of the second identification information indicating the blood flow region in the determined Doppler image data (step S6). Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the image processing unit 110 determines the color of the first identification information 200 indicating the peripheral nerve region such that the chromaticity difference between the color of the first identification information 200 indicating the peripheral nerve region and the color of the second identification information 210 indicating the blood flow region is X≧0.3, Y≧0.25. For example, if the color of the second identification information 210 is yellowish with x=0.46, y=0.53 on the CIExy chromaticity diagram, the image processing unit 110 sets the color of the first identification information 200 indicating the peripheral nerve region to greenish with x=0.16, y=0.78. Next, the image processing unit 110 generates image data by superimposing a yellowish color onto the second identification information 210, which indicates the blood flow region of the B-mode image data, and a greenish color onto the first identification information 200, which indicates the peripheral nerve region, and outputs this image data to the display control unit 112.

[0042] The first identification information 200 indicating the peripheral nerve region may consist of multiple colors. For example, if the second identification information 210 has multiple colors, these colors can be used to set the color of the first identification information 200. Furthermore, the coloring of the first identification information 200 indicating the peripheral nerve region may take into account the likelihood of the peripheral nerve region existing in that region. For example, the inference unit 170 uses a trained model to distinguish between regions with a high likelihood of existence and regions with a low likelihood of existence in the ultrasound image. Based on the distinguished regions with high likelihood and low likelihood, the image processing unit 110 can color the peripheral nerve region with multiple colors, for example, using the aforementioned green color scheme as a base. In addition, the above example described an example where y was shifted to the positive side based on the color of the second identification information 210, but it is not limited to this, and for example, y may be shifted to the negative side.

[0043] The display unit 120 superimposes first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions and second identification information indicating blood flow regions onto the B-mode ultrasound image in different colors based on the image data (step S7). Figure 5 shows an example of an ultrasound image 300 displayed on the examination screen 120a of the display unit 120 according to this embodiment. The examination screen 120a of the display unit 120 displays, for example, an ultrasound image 300 representing a cross-section of the peripheral part of the arm of the subject. Furthermore, in the ultrasound image 300, the second identification information 210 indicating blood flow regions is superimposed in a yellow color, and the first identification information 200 indicating peripheral nerve regions is superimposed in a green color. Thus, in this embodiment, the first identification information 200 indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by the trained model and the second identification information 210 indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode are displayed in different display modes. On the left edge of the examination screen 120a, a blood flow color bar 220, used to display the color of the blood flow area, and a nerve color bar 230, used to display the color of the peripheral nerve area, are displayed. Note that the blood flow color bar 220 and the nerve color bar 230 can be hidden.

[0044] This embodiment provides the following effects. In recent years, minimally invasive local anesthesia has been chosen when performing surgery or other procedures on the peripheral part of the arm of a patient. The physician injects anesthetic into the peripheral nerve by inserting a puncture needle into the peripheral nerve. Here, the peripheral nerve area and the blood flow area are closer to each other as one moves toward the periphery. Therefore, conventionally, there was a possibility of accidentally inserting the puncture needle into the blood vessel area, such as an artery. In contrast, this embodiment displays the color of the first identification information indicating the peripheral nerve area and the color of the second identification information indicating the blood flow area on the display unit 120 with a predetermined chromaticity difference. In other words, the color of the first identification information indicating the peripheral nerve area and the color of the second identification information indicating the blood flow area are displayed with colors that can be distinguished. As a result, the physician can reliably distinguish between the peripheral nerve area and the blood flow area in the ultrasound image, and can perform puncture on the peripheral nerve area while avoiding the blood flow area. As a result, serious medical errors such as puncturing a blood vessel, such as an artery, can be prevented.

[0045] Although preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, various modifications and improvements naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure, within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims for those skilled in the art.

[0046] For example, multiple color bars 220 for displaying blood flow may be provided, for instance, so that the user can select one according to their preference. The color flow map described above is used to create multiple color bars 220 for displaying blood flow. In addition, multiple color bars 230 for displaying nerves can be provided for each color bar 220 corresponding to the multiple color bars 220 for displaying blood flow. In this case, it is preferable that the chromaticity difference between each color in the multiple color bars 220 and each corresponding color in the multiple color bars 230 for displaying nerves satisfies the conditions x≧0.2 and y≧0.2. That is, the minimum chromaticity difference between each color in the multiple color bars 220 and each corresponding color in the multiple color bars 230 for displaying nerves is 0.2 or more. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 108 B-mode processing unit 109 Doppler Processing Unit 110 Image Processing Unit (Processing Unit) 120 Display section 130 Control Unit 170 Reasoning Department 171 Pre-trained models 200 First Identification Information 210 Second Identification Information 220 Color bar for blood flow display P Program

Claims

1. It is equipped with a display unit that shows first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. The second identification information is displayed on the display unit using a color flow map, showing the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction of the blood flow region. When the color of the second identification information used in the color flow map and the color of the first identification information are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information and the color of the first identification information is X ≥ 0.1 and Y ≥ 0.

1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. It is equipped with a display unit that shows first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. The second identification information is displayed on the display unit, with the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction of the blood flow region assigned to the colors displayed on the color bar. When the color of the second identification information used in the color bar and the color of the first identification information are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information and the color of the first identification information is X ≥ 0.1 and Y ≥ 0.

1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

3. The aforementioned chromaticity difference is X ≥ 0.2 and Y ≥ 0.

2. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned chromaticity difference is X ≥ 0.3 and Y ≥ 0.

3. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The minimum chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information used in the color flow map and the color of the first identification information is 0.2 or more. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned trained model is a trained model that has learned the peripheral nerve region. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. An estimation unit that estimates neural regions using the aforementioned trained model, A processing unit sets the color of the first identification information indicating the nerve region estimated by the estimation unit based on the color of the second identification information indicating the blood flow region. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

8. It is equipped with a display unit that shows first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. The display unit displays the first identification information and the second identification information in different display modes. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

9. The system includes a display step that displays first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode. In the aforementioned display step, In the second identification information, the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction of the blood flow region are displayed on the display unit using a color flow map. When the color of the second identification information used in the color flow map and the color of the first identification information are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information and the color of the first identification information is set to X ≥ 0.1 and Y ≥ 0.

1. Ultrasound diagnostic methods.

10. Computers, The control unit functions as a unit that displays first identification information indicating peripheral nerve regions recognized by a trained model, and second identification information indicating blood flow regions recognized by color Doppler mode, on the display unit. The second identification information is displayed on the display unit using a color flow map, showing the blood flow velocity and blood flow direction of the blood flow region. When the color of the second identification information used in the color flow map and the color of the first identification information are plotted on a CIExy chromaticity diagram, the chromaticity difference between the color of the second identification information and the color of the first identification information is X ≥ 0.1 and Y ≥ 0.

1. program.

Images