Ultrasound diagnostic system, program, ultrasound image display terminal, and ultrasound diagnostic device

Abstract

To prevent a medical error due to an occurrence of transmission delay even when an ultrasonic diagnostic device is wirelessly connected with an ultrasonic image display terminal.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 in which an ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 for generating ultrasonic image data and an ultrasonic image display terminal 20 for displaying an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic image data, which is separate from the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10, are connected by a wireless network N includes: a transmission unit for transmitting ultrasonic image data from the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 to the ultrasonic image display terminal 20; and an output unit for outputting delay information indicating that transmission delay of the ultrasonic image data is occurring.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic system, a program, an ultrasound image display terminal, and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound diagnostic devices can obtain ultrasound images of organs and tissues by simply placing an ultrasound probe on the surface of the patient's body or inside a body cavity. These ultrasound diagnostic devices are also used in the puncture process to detect the tip position of a puncture needle inserted into the subject's body.

[0003] Here, it is desirable that the puncture process be performed with the direction in which the surgeon views the ultrasound image display aligned with the direction in which the puncture needle will enter. This eliminates the need for the surgeon to turn his or her head to the side when viewing the display, preventing shaking of the probe or deviation in the entry direction of the puncture needle.

[0004] The display is an easily portable tablet device or the like. In this case, the ultrasound diagnostic device and the display are wirelessly connected via WiFi or the like. The same ultrasound images as those displayed by the ultrasound diagnostic device are displayed on the screen of the wirelessly connected display. The wireless configuration can improve the convenience of the device, such as operability and layout.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes an ultrasound imaging device including an ultrasound imaging system and a wireless display separated from the ultrasound imaging system. IEEE standard 802.15.3 is used for transmitting images from the ultrasound imaging system to each of the wireless displays. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2008-513084 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the conventional technology, when an image is transmitted from an ultrasound imaging system to a display, a transmission delay may occur due to a wireless configuration. As a result, a delay may occur in the ultrasound image displayed on the display screen. For example, if a delay occurs in the image display during puncture for a nerve block, medical errors such as nerve damage may occur.

[0008] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an ultrasound diagnostic system, a program, an ultrasound image display terminal, and an ultrasound diagnostic device that can prevent medical errors due to transmission delays even when the ultrasound diagnostic device and the ultrasound image display terminal are wirelessly connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The ultrasound diagnostic system according to the present invention comprises: An ultrasound diagnostic system in which an ultrasound diagnostic device that generates image data and an ultrasound image display terminal that is separate from the ultrasound diagnostic device and displays an ultrasound image based on the image data are connected via a wireless network, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, an image generating unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe and generates the image data, and a display unit that displays an ultrasonic image. a transmission unit that transmits the image data from the ultrasonic diagnostic device to the ultrasonic image display terminal; an output unit that outputs delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; Equipped with.

[0010] The program according to the present invention comprises: The present invention includes an ultrasonic probe, an image generating unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe and generates image data, and a display unit that displays an ultrasonic image. A program for executing a computer of an ultrasound image display terminal that is connected to an ultrasound diagnostic device via a wireless network and is separate from the ultrasound diagnostic device and displays ultrasound images, The computer includes: a receiving step of receiving the image data transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic device; a display step of displaying the ultrasound image based on the image data; an output step of outputting delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; Execute the command.

[0011] The program according to the present invention comprises: The ultrasonic image display device is connected to an ultrasonic image display terminal that displays ultrasonic images via a wireless network, and is separate from the ultrasonic image display terminal, The present invention includes an ultrasonic probe, an image generating unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe and generates image data, and a display unit that displays an ultrasonic image. A program for executing a computer of an ultrasound diagnostic device, The computer includes: a transmitting step of transmitting the image data to the ultrasound image display terminal; an output step of outputting, to the ultrasound image display terminal, time information for calculating delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; Execute the command.

[0012] The ultrasound image display terminal according to the present invention comprises: The present invention includes an ultrasonic probe, an image generating unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe and generates image data, and a display unit that displays an ultrasonic image. An ultrasound image display terminal that is connected to an ultrasound diagnostic device via a wireless network and is separate from the ultrasound diagnostic device and displays ultrasound images, a receiving unit for receiving the image data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic device; a display unit that displays an ultrasound image based on the image data; an output unit that outputs delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; Equipped with.

[0013] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: An ultrasonic diagnostic device that is connected to an ultrasonic image display terminal that displays ultrasonic images via a wireless network and is separate from the ultrasonic image display terminal, and that generates image data, An ultrasonic probe; an image generating unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe and generates the image data; A display unit for displaying an ultrasound image; A transmission unit that transmits the image data to the ultrasound image display terminal; an output unit that outputs, to the ultrasound image display terminal, time information for calculating delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, delay information indicating the occurrence of a transmission delay in image data is output, so that the user can recognize that a transmission delay is occurring during puncture. This allows the puncture to be performed accurately and prevents medical errors caused by transmission delays. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a delay in an ultrasound image displayed on an ultrasound image display terminal according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an ultrasound image display terminal according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus during a pre-scan and a puncture process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound image display terminal during a prescan and puncture according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7A] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display unit of an ultrasound image display terminal when a transmission time according to the present embodiment is within an allowable range. FIG. [Figure 7B] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a display unit of an ultrasound image display terminal when a transmission time according to the present embodiment exceeds an allowable range. FIG. [Figure 8]4 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of a prescan and a puncture process in the diagnostic device 10 and the display terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] [Example of Ultrasound Diagnostic System 1] FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system 1. The ultrasound diagnostic system 1 includes an ultrasound diagnostic device 10 and an ultrasound image display terminal 20 separate from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10. Hereinafter, the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 may be referred to as the diagnostic device 10, and the ultrasound image display terminal 20 may be referred to as the display terminal 20. The diagnostic device 10 and the display terminal 20 are communicatively connected via a wireless network N. Examples of the wireless network N include wireless LAN such as WiFi, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and mobile communication.

[0018] The diagnostic device 10 has an ultrasound diagnostic device main body 100 and an ultrasound probe 150 connected via a cable (not shown). Hereinafter, the ultrasound diagnostic device main body 100 may be referred to as the device main body 100. A user 30, such as a doctor, presses the ultrasound probe 150 against the body surface of a patient 50 lying supine on a bed 40. The ultrasound probe 150 transmits ultrasound into the body of the patient 50 and receives echo signals reflected at tissue boundaries with different acoustic impedances within the body.

[0019] The device main body 100 generates ultrasound image data of the internal state of the body for performing the puncture process based on the echo signal received by the ultrasound probe 150. The device main body 100 wirelessly transmits the generated ultrasound image data to the display terminal 20 and displays a cross-sectional ultrasound image on the display unit 114. The display terminal 20 displays a cross-sectional ultrasound image based on the ultrasound image data transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic device 10 on a screen. In this manner, the puncture process is performed while the ultrasound image displayed on the diagnostic device 10 is mirrored on the display terminal 20.

[0020] In this embodiment, the puncture process is performed on the patient 50 in a state where the viewing direction in which the user 30 views the ultrasound image on the display terminal 20 coincides with the insertion direction of the puncture needle 60. In other words, the user 30, the puncture needle 60 held by the user, and the display terminal 20 are positioned on the same straight line L. In this embodiment, such a puncture process is called in-line puncture.

[0021] Here, when transmitting ultrasound image data wirelessly from the diagnostic device 10 to the display terminal 20, a transmission delay exceeding a certain range may occur. Possible causes of the transmission delay include a processing delay and a communication delay in a calculation unit such as a CPU on the diagnostic device 10 side that encodes the ultrasound image data, etc. Other possible causes of the transmission delay include a processing delay and a communication delay in a calculation unit of a CPU on the display terminal 20 side that decodes the ultrasound image data, etc. When a transmission delay occurs in the ultrasound image data, a delay occurs in the ultrasound image displayed on the display terminal 20. As a result, a discrepancy occurs between the puncture action of the user 30 and the movement of the ultrasound image displayed on the display terminal 20 that is visually recognized by the user 30.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the delay of an ultrasound image displayed on the display terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the actual puncture needle 60 has advanced to a position indicated by a dashed line after passing through the target T inside the patient's body. However, due to a transmission delay, the puncture needle 60 is displayed on the screen at a position indicated by a solid line in front of the target T. Since the user only moves the puncture needle 60 during the puncture process, it is difficult for the user to recognize the delay in the ultrasound image. When the delay time DT is large and exceeds the allowable range, the delay in displaying the image also becomes large, which makes it easy for medical errors to occur. In this embodiment, when a transmission delay occurs, delay information indicating that a transmission delay has occurred is displayed on the screen of the display terminal 20 to alert the user.

[0023] [Example of configuration of ultrasound diagnostic device 10] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the diagnostic device 10 according to this embodiment. The diagnostic device 10 is used by users such as doctors, engineers, etc. in medical facilities such as hospitals, etc. The diagnostic device 10 includes a computer, and is provided with a device main body 100 and an ultrasound probe 150 connected to the device main body 100.

[0024] The device main body 100 includes an operation unit 102, a transmission unit 104, a reception unit 106, an image generation unit 108, and an image processing unit 110. The device main body 100 further includes a display control unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication unit 120, a control unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0025] The operation unit 102 accepts various input operations by the user, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 130. The operation unit 102 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, and the like. The operation unit 102 may be, for example, a touch panel integrally combined with a display. The operation unit 102 may be, for example, a user interface that accepts voice input from a microphone or the like. In this embodiment, the operation unit 102 accepts, for example, commands for starting and ending a prescan and a puncture process. The operation unit 102 accepts, for example, input of various image parameters such as frequency, depth, and the like. The image parameters can be set, for example, during a prescan.

[0026] The transmitting unit 104 supplies the ultrasonic probe 150 with a driving signal, which is an electric signal, under the control of the control unit 130. The transmitting unit 104 has, for example, a clock generating circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generating circuit. The clock generating circuit generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the driving signal. The delay circuit sets a delay time for each path provided in each transducer 153 described later, and delays the transmission of the driving signal by the set delay time. The delay circuit focuses a transmission beam formed by the transmission ultrasonic wave. The pulse generating circuit generates a pulse signal as a driving signal at a predetermined period. The transmitting unit 104 drives, for example, a continuous part of the multiple transducers 153 to generate a transmission ultrasonic wave. The transmitting unit 104 scans by shifting the driven transducer 153 in the azimuth direction every time a transmission ultrasonic wave is generated.

[0027] The receiving unit 106 receives a reception signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasonic probe 150 under the control of the control unit 130. The receiving unit 106 has, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phasing and summing circuit. The amplifier amplifies the reception signal at a preset amplification factor for each path provided in each transducer 153. The A / D conversion circuit performs analog-to-digital conversion of the amplified reception signal. The phasing and summing circuit adjusts the time phase by providing a delay time for the A / D converted reception signal for each path provided in each transducer 153, and adds them together. The phasing and summing circuit generates sound ray data (sound ray signal) by phasing and summing. The receiving unit 106 may have an amplifier for amplifying the reception signal.

[0028] The image generating unit 108 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression, and the like on the sound ray data supplied from the receiving unit 106 under the control of the control unit 130. The image generating unit 108 further adjusts the dynamic range and gain of the sound ray data to convert the brightness and generate B-mode image data. The B-mode image data represents the strength of the received signal by brightness, and is tomographic image information on tissues in the subject. The image generating unit 108 is not limited to the B-mode image data of the B-mode. Other scan modes (image modes) include, for example, A-mode, M-mode, and scan modes by the Doppler method. Examples of the Doppler method include, for example, color Doppler mode and PWD. B-mode is an abbreviation for Brightness mode. A-mode is an abbreviation for Amplitude mode. M-mode is an abbreviation for Motion mode. PWD is an abbreviation for Pulsed Wave Doppler.

[0029] The image processing unit 110 performs image processing on the B-mode image data output from the image generating unit 108 according to various image parameters being set under the control of the control unit 130. The image processing unit 110 has an image memory unit 111 configured with a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory. The image processing unit 110 stores the B-mode image data that has been subjected to image processing in the image memory unit 111 in units of frames under the control of the control unit 130. In this embodiment, the B-mode image data in units of frames may be referred to as ultrasound image data or frame image data. The image processing unit 110 outputs the ultrasound image data generated as described above to the display control unit 112 in sequence under the control of the control unit 130.

[0030] The display control unit 112 generates an image signal for display by performing coordinate conversion or the like on the received ultrasound image data under the control of the control unit 130. The display control unit 112 outputs the generated image signal for display to the display unit 114.

[0031] The display unit 114 is, for example, a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL display. LCD is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. EL is an abbreviation for Electronic Luminescence. The display unit 114 displays an ultrasound image showing the internal state inside the patient's body based on an image signal for display on a screen in accordance with the control of the control unit 130. The ultrasound image may be a still image or a moving image.

[0032] The communication unit 120 includes, for example, a communication module including a NIC, a receiver, and a transmitter. The NIC is a network interface card. The communication unit 120 transmits various data related to ultrasound image data to the display terminal 20 connected via a wireless network N. The communication unit 120 functions as a transmission unit.

[0033] The control unit 130 includes a processor such as a CPU and a memory such as a RAM. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the storage unit 140, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the programs. The CPU may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors.

[0034] The processor of the control unit 130 executes a diagnostic program 141 stored in the storage unit 140 or the like to realize a transmission step and an output step. The transmission step is a function of transmitting ultrasound image data from the communication unit 120 to the display terminal 20. The output step is a function of outputting, to the display terminal 20, time information for calculating delay information indicating that a transmission delay in the ultrasound image data has occurred.

[0035] The storage unit 140 includes any storage module including, for example, an HDD, an SSD, a ROM, and a RAM. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. For example, system programs, application programs, and various data received by the communication unit 120 are stored in the storage unit 140. In this embodiment, a diagnostic program 141 for realizing various functions in ultrasound diagnosis is stored in the storage unit 140.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe 150 includes a head unit 152, a cable 154, and a connector 156. The head unit 152 is located at the tip side of the ultrasonic probe 150 and is a member pressed against the body surface of the patient 50. The head unit 152 is provided with a plurality of transducers 153 made of piezoelectric elements. The transducers 153 transmit ultrasonic waves to the patient 50 based on a drive signal transmitted from the device body 100, and receive reflected waves reflected inside the body of the patient 50. The transducers 153 may be arranged in a one-dimensional array in the scanning direction, for example, or in a two-dimensional array (matrix). The number of transducers 153 can be set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, an electronic scanning probe of a linear scanning type is used as the ultrasonic probe 150 to scan ultrasonic waves by a linear scanning type. In addition to the linear scanning type, other scanning types such as a convex scanning type and a sector scanning type may be adopted.

[0037] 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 attached to the other end of the cable 154 and can be connected to the device main body 100. The connector 156 is, for example, a plug-type connector, and is detachably attached to a receptacle-type connector of the device main body 100. Note that the communication between the device main body 100 and the ultrasonic probe 150 is not limited to wired communication using the cable 154. The communication between the device main body 100 and the ultrasonic probe 150 may be wireless communication, such as UWB. UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band.

[0038] In the above example, the image generating unit 108 generates ultrasound image data as a type of image data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image generating unit 108 may generate sound ray data or tomographic image data before a predetermined process is performed, and transmit the sound ray data to the display terminal 20. The display terminal 20 generates ultrasound image data by performing a predetermined process on the received sound ray data or tomographic image data. In this case, a program for processing the sound ray data may be transmitted from the diagnostic device 10 to the display terminal 20. Also, the program for processing the sound ray data may be installed in the display terminal 20 in advance.

[0039] [Example of configuration of ultrasound image display terminal 20] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the display terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The display terminal 20 is a portable terminal, for example, a computer such as a tablet, a notebook personal computer, or a display. The display terminal 20 includes a control unit 200, a display unit 210, an operation unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a communication unit 240. The control unit 200, the display unit 210, the operation unit 220, the storage unit 230, and the communication unit 240 are connected to each other via a bus 250, for example.

[0040] The control unit 200 includes at least a processor such as a CPU and a memory such as a RAM. The CPU loads various programs stored in the storage unit 230 into the RAM and executes the programs to realize various functions related to ultrasound diagnosis. The CPU may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors.

[0041] The processor of the control unit 200 executes the diagnostic program 231 stored in the storage unit 230 or the like to realize a receiving step, a displaying step, and an outputting step. The receiving step is a function of causing the communication unit 240 to receive the ultrasound image data transmitted from the diagnostic device 10. The displaying step is a function of causing the display unit 210 to display an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound image data. The outputting step has a function of an output unit that outputs delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the ultrasound image data has occurred to the display unit 210 or the like. Control unit 200 may display delay information on display unit 210 when a predetermined condition is met. An example of the predetermined condition is when a display button for deciding whether or not to display delay information is selected. Another example of the predetermined condition is when the puncture mode is selected as the operation mode.

[0042] Furthermore, the diagnostic program 231 that realizes the receiving step, the displaying step, and the outputting step may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 140 on the diagnostic device 10 side. In this case, the control unit 130 of the diagnostic device 10 functions as an output unit and outputs the diagnostic program 231 to the display terminal 20 via the wireless network N. The display terminal 20 receives the diagnostic program 141 etc. transmitted from the diagnostic device 10, and installs the received diagnostic program 231.

[0043] The display unit 210 displays an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data received from the diagnostic device 10, a GUI for receiving various input operations from a user, and the like. The display unit 210 is a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. In this embodiment, when a transmission delay occurs when transmitting ultrasound display data, the display unit 210 displays delay information on the display unit 210.

[0044] The operation unit 220 receives instructions according to various input operations from the user, converts the received instructions into operation signals, and outputs the operation signals to the control unit 200. The operation unit 220 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a switch, a button, and the like. The operation unit 220 may be, for example, a touch panel integrally combined with a display. The operation unit 220 may be, for example, a user interface that receives voice input from a microphone or the like.

[0045] The storage unit 230 stores, for example, a system program, an application program, various data, etc. The storage unit 230 includes any storage module including, for example, an HDD, an SSD, a ROM, and a RAM, etc. In this embodiment, the storage unit 230 stores a diagnostic program 231, ultrasound image data received from the diagnostic device 10, a timestamp to be described later, etc.

[0046] The communication unit 240 includes, for example, a wireless communication module including a NIC, a receiver, and a transmitter. The communication unit 240 receives various data, such as ultrasound image data, transmitted from the diagnostic device 10 via the wireless network N. The communication unit 240 functions as a receiving unit.

[0047] [Operation example of ultrasound diagnostic device 10] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of diagnostic apparatus 10 during pre-scanning and puncturing. Note that in this embodiment, the process flow on the diagnostic apparatus 10 side is the same during pre-scanning and puncturing.

[0048] The control unit 130 acquires display image data of the patient 50 by performing an ultrasound scan using the ultrasound probe 150 (step S10).

[0049] The control unit 130 generates a timestamp for the acquired display image data and adds the generated timestamp to the display image data (step S11). The timestamp is an example of time information, and includes the transmission time when the display image data is transmitted from the diagnostic device 10 to the display terminal 20. The timestamp can be acquired, for example, by a clock unit (not shown) that measures time.

[0050] The control unit 130 transmits the display image data and the time stamp added to the display image data to the display terminal 20 (step S12).

[0051] [Example of operation of ultrasound image display terminal 20] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of display terminal 20 during pre-scanning and puncturing. In this embodiment, it is assumed that pre-scanning and puncturing are performed consecutively.

[0052] First, a pre-scan is performed. The communication unit 240 receives the display image data and the time stamp from the diagnostic device 10. The control unit 200 acquires the display image data and the time stamp received by the communication unit 240 (step S20). At this time, the control unit 200 acquires the reception time when the display image data is received. The reception time can be acquired, for example, by a clock unit (not shown) that measures time.

[0053] The control unit 200 causes the display unit 210 to display an ultrasound image based on the received display image data (step S21).

[0054] The control unit 200 calculates the delay time using the reception time when the display image data was received and the timestamp received from the diagnostic device 10 (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 200 calculates and acquires the delay time by subtracting the stamped time indicated by the timestamp from the reception time.

[0055] The control unit 200 updates the calculated delay time as a reference delay time and stores the updated reference delay time, for example, in the storage unit 230 (step S23). If a previous reference delay time has already been set, the control unit 200 rewrites the currently calculated delay time as a new reference delay time. The control unit 200 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires reference delay information at a first time. The stamped time indicated by the timestamp corresponds to the first time.

[0056] The reference delay time can be set according to any of the following rules. (1) Calculate the delay time for each frame, and set the delay time of the latest frame as the reference delay time. (2) When the delay time of the latest frame is smaller than a set reference delay time, the delay time of the latest frame is set as the reference delay time. (3) The average of the delay times of multiple frames acquired within a certain period of time is set as the reference delay time. (4) The delay time of the frame acquired at the timing specified by the user or at the timing when the user operates the device is set as the reference delay time.

[0057] The control unit 200 judges whether the prescan has ended (step S24). For example, the control unit 200 may judge that the prescan has ended and the puncture process has started when the user selects a function to highlight the puncture needle. The control unit 200 may judge that the prescan has ended when an operation to end the prescan, for example, a prescan end button, is selected. The control unit 200 may judge that the prescan has ended when an operation to start the puncture process, for example, a puncture start button, is selected. In addition, the prescan has the characteristic that the movement of the ultrasound probe 150 becomes large and the difference between frames also becomes large. Therefore, the control unit 200 may judge that the prescan has ended when the difference between frames becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

[0058] If the control unit 200 determines that the pre-scanning is not completed, the control unit 200 returns to step S20. In this case, the control unit 200 executes the above-mentioned process on the display image data of the next frame, for example. On the other hand, if the control unit 200 determines that the pre-scanning is not in progress, that is, that the pre-scanning is completed, the control unit 200 proceeds to step S25.

[0059] Next, the puncture process is carried out. The communication unit 240 receives the display image data and the time stamp of the display image data from the diagnostic device 10. The control unit 200 acquires the display image data and the time stamp received by the communication unit 240 (step S25). At this time, the control unit 200 acquires the reception time when the display image data is received. The reception time can be acquired, for example, by a clock unit (not shown) that measures time.

[0060] The control unit 200 causes the display unit 210 to display an ultrasound image based on the received display image data (step S26).

[0061] The control unit 200 calculates the delay time using the reception time when the display image data was received and the timestamp received from the diagnostic device 10 (step S27). Specifically, the control unit 200 calculates and acquires the delay time by subtracting the stamped time indicated by the timestamp from the reception time. The control unit 200 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires delay information at a second time. The stamped time indicated by the timestamp corresponds to the second time.

[0062] The control unit 200 calculates a relative difference time using the calculated delay time and the reference delay time acquired in the pre-scan (step S28). Specifically, the control unit 200 calculates the difference time by subtracting the reference delay time from the delay time. The control unit 200 functions as a calculation unit that calculates a delay time indicating the occurrence of a change in transmission delay based on the delay time and the reference delay time.

[0063] The control unit 200 judges whether the calculated difference time is less than 0 msec, between 0 msec and 50 msec, or more than 50 msec (step S29). The control unit 200 functions as a judgment unit that judges whether a transmission delay occurs.

[0064] If the calculated differential time is between 0 msec and 50 msec, the control unit 200 proceeds to step S32. In this case, the control unit 200 determines that a significant delay in transmission of the display image data has not occurred and that the differential time is within the allowable range.

[0065] Fig. 7A shows an example of a screen of the display unit 210 of the display terminal 20 when the transmission delay is within an allowable range. That is, Fig. 7A shows a screen of the display unit 210 in normal times.

[0066] The screen of the display unit 210 has a display area 211 where an ultrasound image is displayed. Above the display area 211, a clock icon 212 that displays the time and a level meter 213 that indicates the magnitude of the transmission delay are provided. A bar B in the level meter 213 becomes longer or shorter depending on the degree of the transmission delay. Specifically, when the difference time is within the allowable range, the bar B of the level meter 213 moves, for example, in a range to the left of the center. In this case, the bar B of the level meter 213 does not need to be alerted to the user, so it may be displayed in blue or green, for example. 7A, the level meter 213 is configured using the bar B, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bar B of the level meter 213 may be changed to a needle. Also, instead of the level meter 213, the time indicating the transmission delay may be displayed digitally using numbers or the like.

[0067] If the calculated difference time is less than 0 msec, the control unit 200 updates the difference time as the reference delay time (step S30). Specifically, if the difference time is relatively shorter than the set reference delay time, the control unit 200 sets the minimum difference time as the reference delay time. In this case, since almost no transmission delay occurs, the display unit 210 displays the normal screen shown in FIG. 7A.

[0068] If the calculated difference time exceeds 50 msec, the control unit 200 proceeds to step S31. In this case, the control unit 200 determines that a transmission delay has occurred in the ultrasound image displayed on the display unit 210 of the display terminal 20. If the difference time exceeds 50 msec, a delay occurs in the ultrasound image being displayed, and the puncture needle may erroneously pierce a nerve due to the puncture speed. If a transmission delay has occurred, the control unit 200 displays delay information on the screen of the display unit 210 to alert the user (step S31).

[0069] Fig. 7B shows an example of a screen of the display unit 210 of the display terminal 20 when the transmission delay exceeds the allowable range. Note that the basic display configuration of the screen is the same as that of Fig. 7A, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0070] When the difference time exceeds 50 msec, the control unit 200 displays delay information on the display unit 210 to alert the user that a transmission delay has occurred. Specifically, when the difference time exceeds the allowable range, the bar B of the level meter 213 moves, for example, within a range from the center to the right. In this case, the bar B of the level meter 213 may be displayed, for example, in orange or red to alert the user.

[0071] The control unit 200 may display text information 215, for example, "Delay Occurred" on the right side of the level meter 213. The text information 215 may be displayed in different characters depending on the degree of the transmission delay. For example, when the transmission delay is large, "Large Delay" may be displayed, and when the transmission delay is slightly larger than normal, "Delayed" may be displayed. The control unit 200 may display a caution mark 216 superimposed on the clock icon 212. The control unit 200 may also display a frame 217 surrounding the periphery of the display area 211. The color of the frame 217 may be displayed differently depending on the degree of the transmission delay. For example, when the transmission delay is large, the frame 217 may be displayed in yellow, red, or the like, or the frame 217 may be displayed in a blinking manner.

[0072] The control unit 200 determines whether the puncture process has ended (step S32). For example, the control unit 200 may determine that the puncture process has ended when an operation to end the puncture process, such as a puncture end button, is selected. The control unit 200 may also determine that the puncture process has ended when the power button is turned off or when order information for the next patient is accepted.

[0073] If the control unit 200 determines that the puncture process is completed, the control unit 200 ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if the control unit 200 determines that the puncture process is not completed, the control unit 200 returns to step S25. In this case, the control unit 200 determines, for example, whether or not there is a transmission delay in the next frame transmitted from the display terminal 20.

[0074] [Sequence diagram of pre-scan and puncture processing] 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the prescan and puncture process in diagnostic device 10 and display terminal 20. Note that in diagnostic device 10 and display terminal 20, the time on diagnostic device 10 and the time on display terminal 20 are assumed to be synchronized in advance.

[0075] First, a pre-scan is performed. At time T1, the diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data and a time stamp for the first frame. The diagnostic device 10 transmits the generated ultrasound image data and the time stamp to the display terminal 20. At time T2, the display terminal 20 receives the ultrasound image data and the time stamp for the first frame transmitted from the diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 20 calculates a delay time D1 for the first frame by subtracting the time T1 indicated by the time stamp from the time T2, which is the reception time. The display terminal 20 updates the calculated delay time D1 for the first frame as a reference delay time. The reference delay time is stored in, for example, the storage unit 230. Note that the main purpose of the pre-scan is to set the reference delay time, image parameters, and the like. Therefore, in the pre-scan, delay information is not displayed on the display unit 210 even if a transmission delay occurs.

[0076] At time T3, the diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data and a timestamp for the second frame. The diagnostic device 10 transmits the generated ultrasound image data and the timestamp to the display terminal 20. At time T4, the display terminal 20 receives the ultrasound image data and the timestamp for the second frame transmitted from the diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 20 calculates a delay time D2 for the second frame by subtracting a time T3 indicated by the timestamp from the time T4, which is the reception time. The display terminal 20 updates the calculated delay time D2 for the second frame as a reference delay time. Note that if the delay time D2 for the second frame is the same or approximately the same as the delay time D1 for the first frame, the delay time calculated for the previous frame may be used as is without updating the reference delay time.

[0077] In this embodiment, the third to fifth frames also experience a transmission delay that is the same or approximately the same as that of the first frame. Therefore, the display terminal 20 calculates the delay time by the above-mentioned method, and sequentially updates the reference delay time based on the calculated delay time.

[0078] When the pre-scan is completed, the puncture process is performed. At time T11, the diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data and a time stamp for the sixth frame. The diagnostic device 10 transmits the generated ultrasound image data and the time stamp to the display terminal 20. At time T12, the display terminal 20 receives the ultrasound image data and the time stamp for the sixth frame transmitted from the diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 20 subtracts the time 11 indicated by the time stamp from the time T12, which is the reception time, to calculate a delay time D6 for the sixth frame. The display terminal 20 compares the calculated delay time D6 for the sixth frame with the delay time D5 set as the reference delay time. In this embodiment, the delay time D6 is the same or approximately the same as the delay time D5. In this case, the display terminal 20 does not update the reference delay time. In addition, since the transmission delay is within the allowable range, the display terminal 20 does not display the delay information on the display unit 210.

[0079] At time T13, the diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data and a time stamp for the seventh frame. The diagnostic device 10 transmits the generated ultrasound image data and the time stamp to the display terminal 20. At time T14, the display terminal 20 receives the ultrasound image data and the time stamp for the seventh frame transmitted from the diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 20 calculates a delay time D7 for the seventh frame by subtracting the time T13 indicated by the time stamp from the time T14, which is the reception time. The display terminal 20 compares the calculated delay time D7 for the seventh frame with the delay time D5 set as the reference delay time. In this embodiment, the delay time D7 is longer than the delay time D5. Therefore, the display terminal 20 does not update the reference delay time. On the other hand, since the transmission delay exceeds the allowable range, the display terminal 20 displays delay information indicating that a transmission delay has occurred on the display unit 210.

[0080] In this embodiment, a transmission delay occurs in the 8th and 9th frames that is the same or approximately the same as that in the 7th frame. Therefore, the display terminal 20 displays delay information indicating that a transmission delay has occurred on the display unit 210. On the other hand, the delay time D8 of the 8th frame and the delay time D9 of the 9th frame are the same or approximately the same as the delay time D7 of the 7th frame. Therefore, the display terminal 20 does not update the reference delay time in the 8th and 9th frames.

[0081] At time T19, the diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data and a time stamp for the 10th frame. The diagnostic device 10 transmits the generated ultrasound image data and the time stamp to the display terminal 20. At time T20, the display terminal 20 receives the ultrasound image data and the time stamp for the 10th frame transmitted from the diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 20 calculates the delay time D10 for the 10th frame by subtracting the time T19 indicated by the time stamp from the time T20, which is the reception time. The display terminal 20 compares the calculated delay time D10 for the 10th frame with the delay time D5 set as the reference delay time. In this embodiment, the delay time D10 is the same or approximately the same as the delay time D5. Therefore, the display terminal 20 does not update the reference delay time. In addition, since a significant transmission delay has not occurred and is within the allowable range, the display terminal 20 does not display the delay information that was displayed on the display unit 210.

[0082] In this embodiment, the 11th and 12th frames also have the same or approximately the same transmission delay as the 10th frame. Therefore, since no significant transmission delay has occurred, the display terminal 20 does not display the delay information on the display unit 210. On the other hand, the display terminal 20 does not update the reference delay time in the 11th and 12th frames either.

[0083] At time T25, the diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data and a time stamp for the 13th frame. The diagnostic device 10 transmits the generated ultrasound image data and the time stamp to the display terminal 20. At time T26, the display terminal 20 receives the ultrasound image data and the time stamp for the 13th frame transmitted from the diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 20 calculates the delay time D13 for the 13th frame by subtracting the time T25 indicated by the time stamp from the time T26, which is the reception time. The display terminal 20 compares the calculated delay time D13 for the 13th frame with the delay time D5 set as the reference delay time. In this embodiment, the delay time D13 is shorter than the delay time D5. Therefore, the display terminal 20 updates the delay time D13 for the 13th frame as the reference delay time. On the other hand, the display terminal 20 continues to hide the delay information because almost no transmission delay occurs and the transmission delay is within the allowable range.

[0084] In this embodiment, a transmission delay also occurs in the display image data of the 14th frame. Moreover, the delay time D14 of the 14th frame is substantially the same as the delay time D13 of the 13th frame. Therefore, the display terminal 20 does not update the reference delay time in the 14th frame. Moreover, since the transmission delay is within the allowable range, the display terminal 20 continues to hide the delay information.

[0085] At time T29, the diagnostic device 10 generates ultrasound image data and a time stamp for the 15th frame. The diagnostic device 10 transmits the generated ultrasound image data and the time stamp to the display terminal 20. At time T30, the display terminal 20 receives the ultrasound image data and the time stamp for the 15th frame transmitted from the diagnostic device 10. The display terminal 20 calculates a delay time D15 for the display image data for the 15th frame by subtracting the time T29 indicated by the time stamp from the time T30, which is the reception time. The display terminal 20 compares the calculated delay time D15 for the 15th frame with the delay time D13 set as the reference delay time. In this embodiment, the delay time D15 is longer than the delay time D13. Therefore, the display terminal 20 does not update the reference delay time. On the other hand, since a transmission delay exceeding the allowable range occurs, the display terminal 20 displays delay information on the display unit 210.

[0086] It is also possible that the number of frames in which a transmission delay occurs is small, and the display time for the delay information is short. In this case, the delay information may be displayed on the display unit 210 for a preset time in order to reliably notify the user that a transmission delay has occurred. In the above-described embodiment, a time stamp is added to the ultrasound image data for each frame, but this is not limited to this. For example, a time stamp may be added to the ultrasound image data for each set of frames or for each preset time. In the above-described embodiment, delay information is displayed on the display unit 210 to notify the user that a transmission delay has occurred, but this is not limiting. A speaker may be provided in the display terminal 20, and the user may be notified that a transmission delay has occurred by voice or buzzer sound from the speaker. The voice or the like output from the speaker may be varied depending on the degree of the transmission delay. In addition, a vibration function may be provided in the display terminal 20, and the user may be notified that a transmission delay has occurred by vibration. The vibration may be varied depending on the degree of the transmission delay.

[0087] According to this embodiment, delay information indicating that a transmission delay in ultrasound image data has occurred is displayed on the display unit 210 of the display terminal 20. This allows the user to recognize that a transmission delay in ultrasound image data that exceeds an acceptable range has occurred during the puncture process. As a result, puncture can be performed taking the transmission delay into consideration, so that puncture can be performed accurately and quickly, and medical errors caused by transmission delays can be prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the delay times, which are relative values ​​of each frame, are compared to determine whether a transmission delay has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether a transmission delay has occurred and whether the transmission delay is within an acceptable range. This also allows the puncture to be performed accurately and quickly, and prevents medical errors caused by transmission delays.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the delay time during the puncture process becomes greater than the reference delay time set during the prescan, delay information is displayed to the user. In other words, if the situation worsens due to a transmission delay during the puncture process, delay information is displayed to the user. This allows the user to accurately recognize that a transmission delay that exceeds an acceptable range is occurring by viewing the delay information.

[0090] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. In addition, various modifications and improvements will naturally belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims of those skilled in the art.

[0091] For example, the difference between the transmission time of the image data on the diagnostic device 10 side and the reception time of the image data on the display terminal 20 side may be used as the differential time. In this case, the display terminal 20 determines whether or not to display delay information indicating the occurrence of a transmission delay based on the calculated differential time. Note that the time on the diagnostic device 10 side and the time on the display terminal 20 side are synchronized to eliminate the discrepancy between the time on the diagnostic device 10 side and the time on the display terminal 20 side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic system 10 Ultrasound diagnostic equipment, diagnostic equipment 20 Ultrasound image display terminal, display terminal 120 Communication section (transmission section) 130 Control section 140 Storage section 200 Control section (output section) 210 Display section 230 Storage section 240 Communication unit (receiving unit)

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic system in which an ultrasound diagnostic device that generates image data and an ultrasound image display terminal that is separate from the ultrasound diagnostic device and displays an ultrasound image based on the image data are connected via a wireless network, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, an image generating unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe and generates the image data, and a display unit that displays an ultrasonic image. a transmission unit that transmits the image data from the ultrasonic diagnostic device to the ultrasonic image display terminal; an output unit that outputs delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising:

2. a determination unit for determining whether the transmission delay has occurred, The output unit outputs the delay information based on a result of the determination unit. The ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 1 .

3. The output unit outputs the delay information when a predetermined condition is met. The ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 2 .

4. The predetermined condition is a puncture mode. The ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 3 .

5. the delay information is delay information indicating that a change in transmission delay occurs in at least one of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasound image display terminal, an acquisition unit that acquires reference delay information acquired at a first time and second delay information acquired at a second time different from the first time; A calculation unit that calculates a delay time indicating that a change in the transmission delay occurs based on the reference delay information and the second delay information; The ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 1 .

6. The output unit outputs the delay information regarding the delay when the delay time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The ultrasound diagnostic system of claim 5 .

7. A program for executing a computer of an ultrasound image display terminal that displays ultrasound images and is connected via a wireless network to an ultrasound diagnostic device having an ultrasound probe, an image generation unit that receives a signal from the ultrasound probe and generates image data, and a display unit that displays ultrasound images, the program comprising: The computer includes: a receiving step of receiving the image data transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic device; a display step of displaying an ultrasound image based on the image data; an output step of outputting delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; A program that executes the following.

8. A program for executing a computer of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is connected to an ultrasonic image display terminal that displays ultrasonic images via a wireless network and is separate from the ultrasonic image display terminal, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising an ultrasonic probe, an image generating unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe and generates image data, and a display unit that displays ultrasonic images, The computer includes: a transmitting step of transmitting the image data to the ultrasound image display terminal; an output step of outputting, to the ultrasound image display terminal, time information for calculating delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; A program that executes the following.

9. An ultrasound image display terminal that displays ultrasound images and is connected to an ultrasound diagnostic device via a wireless network and is separate from the ultrasound diagnostic device and includes an ultrasound probe, an image generation unit that receives a signal from the ultrasound probe and generates image data, and a display unit that displays an ultrasound image, a receiving unit for receiving the image data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic device; a display unit that displays an ultrasound image based on the image data; an output unit that outputs delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; An ultrasound image display terminal comprising:

10. An ultrasonic diagnostic device that is connected to an ultrasonic image display terminal that displays ultrasonic images via a wireless network and is separate from the ultrasonic image display terminal, and that generates image data, An ultrasonic probe; an image generating unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe and generates the image data; A display unit for displaying an ultrasound image; A transmission unit that transmits the image data to the ultrasound image display terminal; an output unit that outputs, to the ultrasound image display terminal, time information for calculating delay information indicating that a transmission delay of the image data has occurred; An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising:

11. A storage unit that stores the program according to claim 7; an output unit that outputs the program to the ultrasound image display terminal; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10 .

Images