Information processing device and ultrasonic processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus that can process information acquired from a probe worn on a body surface of a subject in accordance with a body surface shape of a worn portion.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 120 is an information processing apparatus for processing information acquired from a sheet-like member and a probe having multiple transducers provided in the sheet-like member at predetermined intervals. This information processing apparatus comprises: an acquisition part 1212 for acquiring transmission information about an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transducers of the probe provided along the body surface, and receipt information about a reflected wave which is an ultrasonic wave reflected at a target and received by the multiple transducers; and a calculation part 1214 for calculating an index about a curve shape of the sheet-like member provided along the body surface, on the basis of the transmission information and the receipt information and the interval between the multiple transducers receiving the reflected wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device that processes information acquired from a probe, and an ultrasound processing system including this information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasonic diagnostic devices can, for example, check the state of blood vessels of a subject and measure blood flow. In recent years, in the field of ultrasonic diagnostic devices, development of probes that can be attached to the body surface of a subject has been progressing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This probe includes a flexible sheet-like member and multiple transducers mounted on this sheet-like member. The multiple transducers are, for example, arranged in a matrix on the sheet-like member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-269060 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable for the ultrasound diagnostic device to process the information acquired from such a probe in accordance with the shape of the body surface where the probe is attached, thereby reducing the effect of the shape of the body surface where the probe is attached on the information output from the ultrasound diagnostic device, making it possible to perform ultrasound diagnosis of the subject with higher accuracy.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an ultrasound processing system that can process information obtained from a probe attached to the body surface of a subject in accordance with the shape of the body surface at the part where the probe is attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

[0007] The information processing device according to the present invention is an information processing device that processes information acquired from a probe having a sheet-like member and a plurality of transducers provided at predetermined intervals on the sheet-like member. This information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires transmission information regarding ultrasound transmitted from the transducers of the probe provided along a body surface and reception information regarding reflected waves of the ultrasound reflected by an object and received by the plurality of transducers, and a calculation unit that calculates an index regarding the curve shape of the sheet-like member provided along the body surface based on the transmission information, the reception information, and the intervals between the plurality of transducers that receive the reflected waves. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the information processing device according to the present invention, an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member provided along the body surface is calculated, and information acquired from the probe is processed based on this index. Therefore, it becomes possible to process information acquired from the probe attached to the body surface of the subject in accordance with the shape of the body surface of the part where the probe is attached. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting state of the probe illustrated in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2A is a top view of the probe shown in FIG. 1, (B) is a side view, and (C) is a perspective view. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the information processing device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a CPU illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 6]FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a probe attached to the neck of a subject, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating an index by a calculation unit shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the imaging area assigned to each transducer when imaging without correction, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an image of the carotid artery generated based on the imaging area of ​​each transducer shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing an imaging area assigned to each transducer when performing imaging after correction, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an image of a carotid artery generated based on the imaging area of ​​each transducer shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of the information processing device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an experimental system for verifying the effectiveness of the correction algorithm. [Figure 12] (A) is an image of the observation surface before correction obtained from a phantom experiment, and (B) is an image of the observation surface after correction. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a main part of the image shown in FIG. 12(B). [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a probe according to a first modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing device according to Modification 2. [Figure 16] 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the information processing device illustrated in FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic system (ultrasonic processing system) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components in the drawings. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] <Embodiment> (Configuration of Ultrasound Diagnostic Equipment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic system 100 according to the present embodiment. The ultrasound diagnostic system 100 includes, for example, a probe 110, an information processing device 120, and a cable 130. The cable 130 transmits an electric signal between the probe 110 and the information processing device 120. The cable 130 may be configured integrally with the probe 110, or may be configured detachably. The cable 130 has, for example, a connector not shown, and is connected to the information processing device 120 by inserting the connector into the information processing device 120. The probe 110 is attached to the body surface of the subject 200. Information acquired by the probe 110 from the subject 200 is transmitted to the information processing device 120 via the cable 130. The information processing device 120 may be, for example, a biological information monitor or a defibrillator that acquires other vital sign data (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiration, etc.), or may be a server or a computer such as a PC. Here, the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 corresponds to a specific example of an ultrasound processing system of the present invention.

[0012] 2 shows an example of a configuration in the vicinity of the probe 110 attached to the subject 200. The probe 110 is used, for example, by being attached to the body surface of the subject 200. By the probe 110 attached to the neck 210 of the subject 200, for example, information on the vertebral artery 201 and the carotid artery 202 is obtained. Here, the carotid artery 202 corresponds to a specific example of a target of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of probe 110. Fig. 3(A) is a top view of probe 110, Fig. 3(B) is a side view, and Fig. 3(C) is a perspective view. Probe 110 includes, for example, a flexible sheet-like member 111, a plurality of transducers 112, and a connection member 113.

[0014] The sheet-like member 111 is flexible, and when attached to the body surface of the subject 200, it deforms to fit the shape of the part to which it is attached. The sheet-like member 111 has, for example, a rectangular planar shape (FIG. 3(A)). The sheet-like member 111 is made of, for example, a resin material such as polyimide or silicone.

[0015] The multiple transducers 112 are embedded in the sheet-like member 111 in a matrix (rows and columns), for example. The transducers 112 may be arranged on the sheet-like member 111. Although Fig. 3(A) to Fig. 3(C) show 64 transducers 112 arranged with 8 in the row direction and 8 in the column direction, the number and arrangement of the transducers 112 are not limited to this. For example, 96 transducers may be arranged with 3 in the row direction and 32 in the column direction.

[0016] The multiple transducers 112 are, for example, arranged at equal intervals on the sheet-like member 111, for example, arranged at intervals a in the row and column directions. The interval between adjacent transducers 112 only needs to be known, and the transducers may be arranged so that the intervals in the row direction and the intervals in the column direction are different, or the intervals may differ depending on the position on the sheet-like member 111.

[0017] Each of the multiple transducers 112 includes, for example, a piezoelectric body and an electrode. The transducers 112 transmit ultrasonic waves in response to a transmission instruction sent from the information processing device 120 via the cable 130. When the transducers 112 receive ultrasonic waves (hereinafter referred to as reflected waves) reflected by blood vessels, bones, organs, etc. in the body of the subject 200, a signal is transmitted from each transducer 112 to the information processing device 120 via the cable 130.

[0018] The connection members 113 electrically connect the cables 130 to the respective transducers 112, and are formed of, for example, a wiring board.

[0019] 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device 120. The information processing device 120 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, a storage 124, a communication interface 125, and an operation display unit 126. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 127 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0020] The CPU 121 controls the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to a program recorded in the ROM 122 or the storage 124. Specific functions of the CPU 121 will be described later. The ROM 122 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 123 temporarily stores programs and data as a working area.

[0021] The storage 124 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. For example, an application for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the probe 110 and determining an analysis result to be output based on various information acquired from the probe 110 is installed in the storage 124. In addition, the storage 124 stores candidates for information to be output and information required to determine an analysis result to be output based on various information. Note that, when a machine learning model is used to determine the analysis result, training data and a trained model required for machine learning may be stored.

[0022] The communication interface 125 is an interface for communicating with other devices. A wired or wireless communication interface conforming to various standards is used as the communication interface 125. For example, the communication interface 125 is connected to a cable 130.

[0023] The operation display unit 126 is, for example, a touch panel display, and displays various information and accepts various inputs from the user. Here, the operation display unit 126 corresponds to a specific example of a receiving unit of the present invention. For example, the user can select one or more transducers 112 from the multiple transducers 112 and cause the selected transducer 112 to emit ultrasonic waves. The operation display unit 126 accepts the selection of the transducer 112. Information input by the user is sent to the CPU 121. The operation display unit 126 may be provided separately as an operation unit and a display unit. In this case, the operation unit is, for example, composed of an operation button, a mouse, or a keyboard, and the display unit is composed of a display, etc.

[0024] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the CPU 121. In the information processing device 120, for example, the CPU 121 reads a program stored in the storage 124 and executes processing, thereby functioning as a call instruction unit 1211, an acquisition unit 1212, an image generation unit 1213, a calculation unit 1214, a correction unit 1215, and an output unit 1216.

[0025] The transmission instruction unit 1211, for example, causes one or more transducers 112 selected by the user on the operation display unit 126 to transmit ultrasonic waves. The transmission instruction unit 1211, for example, sends a transmission instruction to the selected transducer 112 via the cable 130, thereby driving the transducer 112 to transmit ultrasonic waves.

[0026] The acquisition unit 1212 acquires transmission information and reception information. The transmission information is information about ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducer 112, and includes, for example, information about the position of the driven transducer 112, the driving voltage, driving frequency, waveform, gain, driving start time, and driving time of the transducer 112. The reception information is information about reflected waves reflected by the carotid artery 202 of the subject 200 and received by the multiple transducers 112, and includes, for example, information about the frequency, waveform, intensity, and reception time of the reflected waves. When an ultrasonic wave is transmitted from one transducer 112, for example, the multiple transducers 112 receive the reflected waves.

[0027] The acquiring unit 1212, for example, acquires transmission information from the transmission instruction unit 1211, and acquires reception information from each of the multiple transducers 112 via the communication interface 125. The transmission information may be acquired from the transducer 112 that has transmitted the ultrasonic wave. The acquiring unit 1212 may further acquire information on a reflected wave reflected by a blood vessel (e.g., the vertebral artery 201), a bone, or an organ other than the carotid artery 202 and received by the transducer 112. That is, the acquiring unit 1212 may acquire information on a reflected wave reflected by each of the multiple targets and received by the transducer 112. This enables the calculating unit 1214 to calculate an index related to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111 provided along the body surface of the subject 200 with higher accuracy.

[0028] The image generating unit 1213 generates image data of the vertebral artery 201 and the carotid artery 202 of the subject 200, etc., based on the information acquired from the probe 110. The image generating unit 1213 may generate image data using the transmitted information and received information acquired by the acquiring unit 1212. For example, the image generating unit 1213 performs various processes on the information acquired from the probe 110 to generate image data such as an M mode image, a B mode image, a color Doppler mode image, or a pulse Doppler mode image.

[0029] The calculation unit 1214 calculates an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111 provided along the body surface of the subject 200. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the information processing device 120 calculates this index, so that it is possible to perform correction for reducing image distortion caused by the shape of the sheet-like member 111.

[0030] The index is calculated based on the transmission information and reception information acquired by the acquisition unit 1212 and the interval a between the multiple transducers 112 that received the reflected wave. The calculation unit 1214 calculates, as this index, for example, the angle between the carotid artery 202 and a straight line formed by the multiple transducers 112 that received the reflected wave (angles θ0, θ1, θ2 in FIG. 6(B) described later).

[0031] An example of a method for calculating the angle θ by the calculation unit 1214 will be described with reference to Figures 6(A) and 6(B). Figure 6(A) shows the probe 110 attached to the neck 210 of the subject 200, and Figure 6(B) shows an example of a cross-sectional configuration along the line BB shown in Figure 6(A). When an incident wave u is transmitted from a predetermined transducer 112 (transducer 1121), for example, this incident wave u is reflected by the wall of the carotid artery 202 of the subject 200, and this reflected wave r is received by four adjacent transducers 112 (transducers 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124).

[0032] At this time, the calculation unit 1214 first calculates the propagation time (the time when the time when the transducer 1121 emits is set to 0) required from when the incident wave u is emitted from the transducer 1121 and reflected by the wall of the carotid artery 202 until each transducer 112 receives the reflected wave r. The propagation time is calculated using the transmission information and the reception information. For example, the transducer 1121 receives the reflected wave r at propagation time t0, the transducer 1122 at propagation time t1, the transducer 1123 at propagation time t2, and the transducer 1124 at propagation time t3.

[0033] Next, the calculation unit 1214 uses the propagation times t0, t1, t2, and t3 and the velocity v of the incident wave u inside the body of the subject 200 to calculate the distances between the wall of the carotid artery 202 and the transducers 1121, 1122, 1123, and 1124. The distances between the wall of the carotid artery 202 and the transducers 1121, 1122, 1123, and 1124 are the products of the propagation times t0, t1, t2, and t3 and the velocity v, respectively, vt 0 / 2,v×(t 1 -t 0 / 2),v×(t 2 -t 0 / 2),v×(t 3 -t 0 / 2) For the velocity v, let us use the speed of sound, 1540 m / s, for example.

[0034] Next, the calculation unit 1214 calculates the angle θ between the carotid artery 202 and the straight line formed by the transducers 1121, 1122, 1123, and 1124 from vt0, vt1, vt2, and vt3. Specifically, the calculation unit 1214 calculates angles θ0, θ1, and θ2 between the straight lines connecting the carotid artery 202 and the transducers 1121, 1122, and 1123, respectively, and the straight lines connecting the transducers 1121, 1122, and 1123 and the adjacent transducers 112 (transducers 1122, 1123, and 1124). For example, the angle θ0 can be calculated by using the following formula (1). At this time, it is assumed that the distance (interval a) between the adjacent transducers 112 is a straight line.

[0035]

number

[0036] The angle θ0 is an angle between a line connecting the carotid artery 202 and the transducer 1121 and a line connecting the transducers 1121 and 1122, the angle θ1 is an angle between a line connecting the carotid artery 202 and the transducer 1122 and a line connecting the transducers 1122 and 1123, and the angle θ2 is an angle between a line connecting the carotid artery 202 and the transducer 1123 and a line connecting the transducers 1123 and 1124. When the number of transducers 112 that have received the reflected wave r is three or more, it is desirable for the calculation unit 1214 to calculate a plurality of angles θ in this manner. The calculation unit 1214 may calculate an angle between the vertebral artery 201 (or another artery) and a plane formed by a plurality of transducers 112.

[0037] The calculation unit 1214 may calculate, as an index, the radius of curvature of a curved surface formed by the multiple transducers 1121, 1122, 1123, and 1124 that have received the reflected wave.

[0038] An example of a method for calculating the radius of curvature Rc by the calculation unit 1214 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. First, the calculation unit 1214 calculates the distance between the wall of the carotid artery 202 and the transducers 1121 and 1122, vt 0 / 2,v(t 1 -t 0 / 2)Next, the radius of curvature Rc is calculated by using the following formula (2) that expresses the relationship between the interval a, the radius of curvature Rc, and the angle θ, and the above formula (1). Similarly, the calculation unit 1214 calculates the distance v between the wall of the carotid artery 202 and the transducers 1123 and 1124. (t 2 -t 0 / 2) ,v (t 3 -t 0 / 2) From this, the radius of curvature is calculated.

[0039]

number

[0040] The correction unit 1215 corrects the image generated by the image generation unit 1213 based on the index calculated by the calculation unit 1214 .

[0041] FIG. 8(A) shows an example of information processing when no correction is performed, and FIG. 8(B) shows an example of an image of the carotid artery 202 generated by the processing shown in FIG. 8(A). When no correction is performed, information processing is performed in the same manner as when the sheet-like member 111 is provided on a flat surface. At this time, the image generating unit 1213 generates the solid line portion of the imaging area 112r assigned to each transducer 112 based on the reflected wave r received by each transducer 112 in order to generate a cross-sectional view. When the sheet-like member 111 is provided on a curved surface, the dotted line portions of the imaging area 112r overlap, so that an image different from the actual cross-section of the carotid artery 202, i.e., a distorted image, is generated.

[0042] Fig. 9(A) shows an example of information processing by the correction unit 1215, and Fig. 9(B) shows an example of an image of the carotid artery 202 generated by the processing shown in Fig. 9(A). The correction unit 1215 approximates the cross-sectional shape of the imaging area 112r of the reflected wave r received by each transducer 112 to, for example, a sector shape or an isosceles triangle, based on the index calculated by the calculation unit 1214. This eliminates the overlap shown in the dotted line part of the imaging area 112r (Fig. 8(A)), and an image closer to the actual shape of the carotid artery 202 is generated.

[0043] The correction unit 1215 may correct the value of the cross-sectional area obtained from the image data of the carotid artery 202 based on the index calculated by the calculation unit 1214.

[0044] The output unit 1216 outputs the image data corrected by the correction unit 1215 by sending it to the operation display unit 126, etc. The output unit 1216 may output the value of the cross-sectional area of ​​the carotid artery 202 corrected by the correction unit 1215. The output unit 1216 may output information on the blood flow velocity of the carotid artery 202 obtained by color Doppler processing or pulse Doppler processing. The output unit 1216 may output information on the blood flow amount of the carotid artery 202 obtained from the cross-sectional area value of the carotid artery 202 and information on the blood flow velocity. Note that, instead of or in addition to the carotid artery 202, various information (blood flow velocity, blood flow amount, cross-sectional area value, etc.) on the vertebral artery 201 may be calculated, and other blood vessels may be targeted.

[0045] (Processing method of information processing device) 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing device 120. The information processing device 120 acquires information from the probe 110 attached to the neck 210 of the subject 200, for example.

[0046] First, the information processing device 120 accepts the selection of the transducer 112 that emits ultrasonic waves (step S101). For example, the user inputs the selection of the transducer 112 to the operation display unit 126, whereby the information processing device 120 accepts the selection of the transducer 112. For example, the user can select the transducer 112 arranged near the carotid artery 202 while checking the image of the carotid artery 202 displayed on the operation display unit 126.

[0047] Next, the information processing device 120 instructs the selected transducer 112 to emit ultrasound (step S102). For example, the information processing device 120 causes the transducer 112 to emit ultrasound by sending a transmission instruction to the selected transducer 112 via the communication interface 125.

[0048] Subsequently, the information processing device 120 acquires the transmitted information and the received information (step S103). Next, the information processing device 120 generates image data of the carotid artery 202 based on the information acquired from the probe 110 (step S104).

[0049] Thereafter, the information processing device 120 calculates an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111 provided along the neck 210 of the subject 200 (step S105). This index is, for example, the angle θ between the carotid artery 202 and the straight line formed by the multiple transducers 112 (see FIG. 6(B)), or the radius of curvature Rc of the curved surface formed by the multiple transducers 112 (see FIG. 7).

[0050] Next, the information processing device 120 corrects the image data generated in step S104 based on the index calculated in step S105 (step S106). This reduces image distortion caused by bending of the sheet-like member 111. Finally, the information processing device 120 outputs the image data corrected in step S106 (step S107) and ends the process.

[0051] (Functions and Effects of Information Processing Device and Ultrasound Diagnostic Device) In the information processing device 120 and ultrasound diagnostic system 100 of this embodiment, an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111 provided along the body surface of the subject 200 is calculated, and image data generated from received information is corrected based on this index. This reduces the effect of the shape of the body surface where the probe 110 is attached on the image data output from the ultrasound diagnostic system 100, making it possible to perform ultrasound diagnosis of the subject 200 with higher accuracy. The effects of this are described below.

[0052] A probe that does not use a flexible sheet-like member does not change its shape. That is, the probe maintains a constant shape even when applied to the body surface of a subject. Therefore, the shape of the body surface to which the probe is applied has almost no effect on the information output by the ultrasound diagnostic device. Such a probe is generally configured to be large enough to be held by a rigid housing, so it is difficult to attach it to a subject for use.

[0053] In contrast, the probe 110 of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 has a flexible sheet-like member 111, and therefore changes its shape to fit the shape of the subject's body surface. This allows the user to use the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 by easily attaching the probe 110 to the body surface of the subject 200.

[0054] In an ultrasound diagnostic system 100 having such a probe 110, there is a risk that information acquired from the probe 110 will change depending on the shape of the body surface to which the probe 110 is attached. Here, the information processing device 120 calculates an index related to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111, and corrects the image data based on this index. This reduces the effect of the shape of the body surface to which the probe 110 is attached on the image data, and the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 can output images of the vertebral artery 201, the carotid artery 202, etc. with higher accuracy.

[0055] Fig. 11 shows an evaluation system for an experiment conducted to verify the effectiveness of the correction algorithm. This experiment was conducted using a phantom 301 and a reflection source 302 embedded in the phantom 301. The reflection source 302 was made of metal. The main material of the phantom 301 was agar, and the phantom 301 had a curved surface with a uniform curvature. After the probe 110 was placed in close contact with the curved surface of the phantom 301 so as to follow the curved surface, ultrasonic waves were input from the transducers 112, and the reflected waves from the reflection source 302 were acquired by each transducer 112.

[0056] Figures 12(A), (B) and 13 show B-mode images obtained by the evaluation system shown in Figure 11. Figure 12(A) shows the image before correction based on the index, and Figure 12(B) shows the image after correction based on the index. Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 12(B).

[0057] 12(A)(B) and 13, in the B-mode image before correction, the observation surface is curved due to the shape of the curved surface to which the probe 110 is attached, whereas in the B-mode image after correction, the observation surface is closer to a flat surface. In this way, it was confirmed that in the B-mode image after correction, the influence of the shape of the surface to which the probe 110 is attached on the B-mode image is reduced.

[0058] In the above example, the image is corrected using the index, but the index may be used for other purposes. For example, the blood flow velocity may be corrected using the index when calculating the blood flow velocity of the carotid artery 202. In the above description, the image after correction is displayed, but this is not necessarily limited to the above, and the image after correction may be used only for internal processing.

[0059] As described above, in the information processing device 120 and the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 of this embodiment, an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111 provided along the body surface is calculated, and information acquired from the probe 110 is processed based on this index. Therefore, it is possible to process information acquired from the probe 110 attached to the body surface of the subject 200 in accordance with the shape of the body surface of the part where the probe 110 is attached. This reduces the effect of the shape of the body surface of the part where the probe 110 is attached on the information output from the ultrasound diagnostic system 100, making it possible to perform ultrasound diagnosis and monitoring of the subject 200 with higher accuracy.

[0060] The ultrasound diagnostic system 100 allows a doctor or nurse to attach the probe 110 to a patient in a short time and monitor blood flow, etc., hands-free for a long period of time, and is therefore suitable for use, for example, in emergency situations where various life-saving measures are required. For example, by using the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 to continuously measure the blood flow rate in the carotid artery when chest compressions are performed on a patient, it becomes possible to continuously check the quality of the chest compressions.

[0061] The following describes modified examples of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 described in the above embodiment. In the following, in order to avoid duplication of explanation, detailed explanations of the same components as those of the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 described in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0062] <Variation 1> 14 shows a cross-sectional configuration of a probe 110 according to Modification 1. This probe 110 has a reflection source 114 embedded in a sheet-like member 111 of the probe 110. Except for this point, this probe 110 has the same configuration as the probe 110 described in the above embodiment, and exerts the same effects.

[0063] The reflection source 114 has an acoustic impedance different from that of the sheet-shaped member 111, and is disposed at a predetermined position within the sheet-shaped member 111. The ultrasonic waves emitted from the transducer 112 are reflected at the interface between the reflection source 114 and the sheet-shaped member 111, and the information processing device 120 acquires the emitted information and received information. Based on the emitted information and received information, the information processing device 120 calculates an index relating to the curve shape of the body surface on which the sheet-shaped member 111 is provided. Here, the reflection source 114 corresponds to a specific example of the subject of the present invention.

[0064] The reflection source 114 has, for example, a needle shape and has a predetermined length in a direction approximately parallel to the main surface of the sheet-like member 111. The reflection source 114 may be made of a material having an acoustic impedance different from the acoustic impedance of the constituent material of the sheet-like member 111, and may be made of, for example, a metal. The reflection source 114 may be made of a cavity. A plurality of reflection sources 114 may be provided on the sheet-like member 111.

[0065] In the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 having such a probe 110, an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111 provided along the body surface is calculated in the same manner as described in the above embodiment, and the received information acquired from the probe 110 is processed based on this index. Furthermore, since information relating to the position of the reflection source 114 can be stored in advance in the information processing device 120, the information processing device 120 can easily identify the transducer 112 in the vicinity of the reflection source 114 and cause this transducer 112 to emit ultrasound. This shortens the time required to identify the transducer 112 that emits ultrasound, making it possible to calculate the index in a shorter time.

[0066] <Variation 2> 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device 120 according to Modification 2. This information processing device 120 functions as a transducer scanning unit 1218, a determination unit 1219, a transmission instruction unit 1211, an acquisition unit 1212, an image generation unit 1213, a calculation unit 1214, a correction unit 1215, and an output unit 1216. That is, this information processing device 120 functions as the transducer scanning unit 1218 and the determination unit 1219 in addition to the functions described in the above embodiment. Except for this point, this information processing device 120 has the same configuration as the information processing device 120 described in the above embodiment, and exerts the same effects.

[0067] The transducer scanning unit 1218 sequentially switches between the transducers 112 that transmit ultrasonic waves. The transducer scanning unit 1218 switches between the transducers 112 that transmit ultrasonic waves by scanning in the row direction or column direction, for example.

[0068] The identification unit 1219 identifies one or more transducers 112 arranged near the carotid artery 202. The identification unit 1219 identifies the transducers 112 arranged near the carotid artery 202, for example, based on whether each of the transducers 112 scanned by the transducer scanning unit 1218 receives a predetermined reflected wave (for example, a reflected wave having a specific amplitude pattern). For example, when the transducer 112 that transmits an ultrasonic wave receives a predetermined reflected wave reflected by the carotid artery 202, the identification unit 1219 identifies the transducer 112 as the transducer 112 arranged near the carotid artery 202. When the transducer 112 that transmits an ultrasonic wave does not receive the predetermined reflected wave reflected by the carotid artery 202, the identification unit 1219 determines that the transducer 112 is not arranged near the carotid artery 202, that is, is arranged at a position away from the carotid artery 202. The identification unit 1219 may identify the transducer 112 disposed near the reflection source 114 (FIG. 14).

[0069] The transmission instruction unit 1211 causes the transducer 112 identified by the identification unit 1219 to transmit ultrasound. The acquisition unit 1212, the image generation unit 1213, the calculation unit 1214, the correction unit 1215, and the output unit 1216 function in the same manner as described in the above embodiment.

[0070] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing device 120.

[0071] First, the information processing device 120 sequentially switches the transducers 112 that transmit ultrasonic waves (step S201). Next, the information processing device 120 identifies the transducers 112 in the vicinity of the carotid artery 202 based on whether or not each of the transducers 112 sequentially switched in step S201 receives a predetermined reflected wave (step S202). Next, the information processing device 120 instructs the transducers 112 identified in step S202 to transmit ultrasonic waves (step S203).

[0072] Subsequently, the information processing device 120 acquires the transmitted information and the received information (step S204). Next, the information processing device 120 generates image data of the carotid artery 202 based on the received information (step S205).

[0073] Thereafter, the information processing device 120 calculates an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111 provided along the neck 210 of the subject 200 (step S206). Next, the information processing device 120 corrects the image data generated in step S205 based on the index calculated in step S206 (step S207). Finally, the information processing device 120 outputs the image data corrected in step S207 (step S208) and ends the process.

[0074] In the ultrasound diagnostic system 100 having such an information processing device 120, an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111 provided along the body surface is calculated in the same manner as described in the above embodiment, and the received information acquired from the probe 110 is processed based on this index. In addition, the information processing device 120 identifies the transducer 112 in the vicinity of the carotid artery 202, making it possible to perform ultrasound diagnosis and monitoring of the subject 200 with higher accuracy.

[0075] As described above, the information processing device of the present invention has been described in the embodiment and the modified examples. However, it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can appropriately add, modify, and omit the present invention within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0076] For example, in the above embodiment, the subject of the present invention is the carotid artery 202, but the subject may be, for example, a blood vessel, a bone, an organ, or the like that can serve as an anatomical landmark.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the probe 110 is attached to the neck 210 of the subject 200, but the probe 110 may be attached to another part of the subject 200. The probe 110 may be used without being attached.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the transducers 112 are provided at a constant interval (interval a) on the probe 110, but the interval between adjacent transducers 112 may vary depending on the position on the probe 110.

[0079] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information processing device 120 outputs image data of the blood vessels, etc. of the subject 200. However, the information processing device 120 does not have to output image data, and may output, for example, information relating to the cross-sectional area or blood flow rate of the blood vessels calculated based on an index relating to the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing device 120 corrects the generated image data based on the index. However, the information processing device 120 may generate image data by taking the calculated index into consideration.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 120 calculates the angle or the radius of curvature as the index, but may calculate other values ​​that indicate the curve shape of the sheet-like member 111.

[0082] In addition, the means and methods for performing various processes in the information processing device 120 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The above-mentioned program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded in the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. In addition, the above-mentioned program may be provided as a standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the information processing device 120 as one of its functions.

[0083] Furthermore, the processing units of the flowcharts in the above embodiments are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of each process. The method of classifying the processing steps does not limit the present invention. Each process can be further divided into more processing steps. Also, one processing step may execute more processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100 Ultrasound diagnostic system, 110 probe, 111 Sheet-like member 112 transducer, 114 reflection source, 120 Information processing device, 121 CPUs, 122 ROMs, 123 RAM, 124 storage, 125 communication interface, 126 Operation display section 200 subjects, 201 vertebral artery, 202 Carotid artery.

Claims

1. An information processing device that processes information acquired from a sheet-like member and a probe having a plurality of transducers provided at predetermined intervals on the sheet-like member, an acquisition unit that acquires transmission information regarding ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducers of the probe provided along a body surface and reception information regarding reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by a target and received by the transducers; a calculation unit that calculates an index related to a curve shape of the sheet-like member provided along the body surface based on the transmitted information, the received information, and an interval between the plurality of transducers that receive the reflected wave; an identification unit that identifies one or more of the transducers arranged in the vicinity of the target from the plurality of transducers; an emission instruction unit that causes the transducer identified by the identification unit to emit the ultrasonic wave; An information processing device comprising:

2. The ultrasonic wave generating device further includes a transducer scanning unit that sequentially switches the transducers that transmit the ultrasonic waves, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the identifying unit identifies the transducer based on whether or not each of the transducers switched by the transducer scanning unit receives the reflected wave.

3. An information processing device for processing information acquired from a probe having a sheet-like member and a plurality of transducers provided at predetermined intervals on the sheet-like member, an acquisition unit that acquires transmission information regarding ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducers of the probe provided along a body surface and reception information regarding reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves reflected by a target and received by the transducers; a calculation unit that calculates an index related to a curve shape of the sheet-like member provided along the body surface based on the transmitted information, the received information, and an interval between the plurality of transducers that receive the reflected wave; Equipped with The acquisition unit is an information processing device that acquires the reception information regarding the reflected wave reflected by the object embedded in the sheet-like member.

4. A reception unit that receives a selection of one or more of the transducers from the plurality of transducers; The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising: an emission instruction unit that causes the transducer selected by the reception unit to emit the ultrasonic waves.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the calculation unit determines the distance between the target and each of the plurality of transducers that received the reflected wave from the transmitted information and the received information, and calculates the index using the distance and the spacing between the plurality of transducers that received the reflected wave.

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the index is an angle between the target and a straight line formed by the plurality of transducers that receive the reflected wave.

7. 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the index is a radius of curvature of a curved surface formed by the plurality of transducers that receive the reflected wave.

8. an image generating unit that generates an image based on the received information; a correction unit that corrects the image based on the index; 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs the corrected image.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the reception information relating to the reflected wave reflected by each of a plurality of the targets.

10. a probe having a sheet-like member and a plurality of transducers provided at predetermined intervals on the sheet-like member; An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Equipped with Sonication system.

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