ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND DISPLAY METHOD FOR ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS

Abstract

In this ultrasonic diagnostic device and display method for an ultrasonic diagnostic device, the following are displayed on a monitor: a first display region including an ultrasonic image of one of the lungs of a subject captured using an ultrasonic probe; a second display region including a plurality of inspection location selection buttons for selecting one inspection location serving as a location to be inspected from among a plurality of inspection locations in the one lung; and a third display region in which a first display screen including a freeze button is displayed. When the freeze button is selected, a second display screen including a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons corresponding to a plurality of set diagnostic findings is displayed in the third display region instead of the first display screen.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a display method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that switches between display screens when capturing ultrasonic images on a limited display screen of a monitor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in the medical field, ultrasonic diagnostic devices that utilize ultrasonic images have been put to practical use. In general, ultrasonic diagnostic devices include an ultrasonic probe incorporating an array of transducers and a diagnostic device main body connected to the ultrasonic probe. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device, an ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe to a subject, ultrasonic echoes from the subject are received by the ultrasonic probe, and the received signals are electrically processed to generate an ultrasonic image.

[0003] In recent years, not only stationary ultrasonic diagnostic devices but also portable and handheld ultrasonic diagnostic devices have been developed. In the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device, the diagnostic device body is realized by a laptop terminal device. On the other hand, in the handheld ultrasonic diagnostic device, the diagnostic device body is realized by a handheld terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC (Personal Computer) and an application program for ultrasonic diagnosis that runs on the terminal device.

[0004] Here, examples of prior art documents that serve as references for the present invention include Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes an ultrasound diagnostic device that displays, superimposed on an ultrasound diagnostic screen of the left hand, an examination location selection image that displays an image of the left hand including a plurality of examination location marks corresponding to a plurality of examination locations, and a body mark having a probe mark at an examination location on the left hand that corresponds to the specified examination location mark. Patent Document 1 also describes that the joints of the fingers on the left hand can be specified as the examination location by selecting an examination location mark. Patent Document 1 further describes that the ultrasound diagnostic screen includes a freeze button,

[0006] Patent document 2 describes a medical imaging system configured to overlay descriptive labels onto a target anatomical object and / or surrounding additional anatomical objects / tissues on a real-time two-dimensional ultrasound image to obtain a variety of annotated images. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-131763 A [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2019-508072 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not describe switching between multiple display screens for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic device by efficiently arranging various buttons and display screens on the display screen of a monitor with a limited display area. In other words, there has been no conventional ultrasonic diagnostic device that allows the ultrasonic diagnostic device to be operated by efficiently using the limited display screen of a monitor by switching between multiple display screens.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a display method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can efficiently use the display screen of a monitor having a limited display area to display a display screen for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a diagnostic apparatus comprising an ultrasound probe and a diagnostic device main body connected to the ultrasound probe, The diagnostic device body includes a display control unit and a monitor. The display control unit a first display area including an ultrasound image of one lung of a subject imaged using an ultrasound probe; a second display area including a plurality of examination point selection buttons for selecting one examination point to be examined from among a plurality of examination points in one lung; a third display area in which the first display screen including the freeze button is displayed on the monitor; An ultrasound diagnostic device is provided which, when a freeze button is selected, displays in a third display area, in place of the first display screen, a second display screen including a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons corresponding to a plurality of determined diagnostic findings.

[0011] Here, when the third display screen switching button is selected, it is preferable that the display control unit displays in the third display area, instead of the second display screen, a third display screen for selecting one frame of ultrasound image from multiple frames of ultrasound images captured within a certain period of time up to the time the freeze button was selected.

[0012] Further, the plurality of diagnostic finding buttons have designs corresponding to the type of ultrasound probe connected to the diagnostic device body, It is preferable that, when the type of ultrasound probe connected to the diagnostic device main body is changed, the display control unit displays in the third display area a second display screen including a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons designed according to the changed type of ultrasound probe, instead of the plurality of diagnostic finding buttons currently being displayed.

[0013] It is also preferable that, for each examination site, one diagnostic finding selected from a plurality of diagnostic findings is input by one diagnostic finding button selected from a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons.

[0014] Moreover, it is preferable that the display control unit displays the ultrasound image and the diagnostic findings input for the ultrasound image in the first display area.

[0015] In addition, when the report screen switching button is selected, it is preferable that the display control unit displays a report screen including all of the diagnostic findings entered for multiple test locations in a display area including the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area.

[0016] The report screen also includes diagnostic findings body marks, Diagnostic findings Body marks are: A schematic diagram of the human body, and an inspection point mark that indicates the inspection point and is displayed superimposed on the schematic diagram.

[0017] It is preferable that the display control unit further displays a body mark indicating the location to be inspected in the second display area.

[0018] It is also preferable that at least one of the multiple diagnostic findings includes any one of the following diagnostic findings: B-line, consolidation, normal, or no Langsliding.

[0019] The present invention also provides a display method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe and a diagnostic apparatus main body connected to the ultrasonic probe, the diagnostic apparatus main body including a monitor, the display method comprising: a first display area including an ultrasound image of one lung of a subject imaged using an ultrasound probe; a second display area including a plurality of examination point selection buttons for selecting one examination point to be examined from among a plurality of examination points in one lung; a third display area in which the first display screen including the freeze button is displayed on the monitor; A display method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is provided, which, when a freeze button is selected, displays a second display screen including a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons corresponding to a plurality of determined diagnostic findings in a third display area, instead of the first display screen. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, by switching the first display screen to the second display screen and displaying it in the third display area, it is possible to efficiently use the display screen of a monitor having a limited display area to display a display screen for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission / reception circuit according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image generating unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display screen of a monitor of a handheld ultrasonic diagnostic device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of one embodiment showing a body mark when the number of inspection points in the right lung and the left lung is six. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a body mark when the number of examination points in the right lung and the left lung is four. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a body mark when an inspection point mark corresponding to an inspection point on the rear side of the schematic diagram is displayed on the front side of the schematic diagram through the schematic diagram. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of a test location number switching screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a display screen of a monitor when the number of inspection points is four. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a display screen of a monitor when an examination target is the left lung. [Figure 12] 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a display screen of a monitor when the inspection target location is inspection location 3R. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a second display screen. [Figure 14A] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a diagnostic finding button designed according to the type of ultrasound probe connected to the diagnostic device main body. [Figure 14B] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a diagnostic finding button designed according to the type of ultrasound probe connected to the diagnostic device main body. [Figure 14C] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a diagnostic finding button designed according to the type of ultrasound probe connected to the diagnostic device main body. [Figure 15A] 13 is a conceptual diagram of one embodiment showing a display screen of a monitor when a diagnostic finding B is input. FIG. [Figure 15B] 13 is a conceptual diagram of one embodiment showing a display screen of a monitor when a diagnostic finding B is input. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a third display screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a report screen according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a display method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in Fig. 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 1 and a diagnostic apparatus main body 3 connected to the ultrasonic probe 1. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment is realized by a handheld type diagnostic apparatus main body 3 such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, and an application program for ultrasonic diagnosis that runs on the diagnostic apparatus main body 3.

[0024] The ultrasonic probe 1 scans a subject, in this embodiment, one lung of the subject, with an ultrasonic beam and outputs a sound ray signal corresponding to an ultrasonic image. As shown in Fig. 1, the ultrasonic probe 1 includes a transducer array 11 and a transmission / reception circuit 14. The transducer array 11 and the transmission / reception circuit 14 are connected in both directions. In addition, the transmission / reception circuit 14 is connected to a main body control unit 36, which will be described later.

[0025] The transducer array 11 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Each of these transducers transmits ultrasonic waves in response to a drive signal supplied from a transmission / reception circuit 14, and receives reflected waves (ultrasonic echoes) from the subject and outputs an analog reception signal. Each vibrator is constructed using an element in which electrodes are formed on both ends of a piezoelectric body made of, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic such as PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element such as PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), or a piezoelectric single crystal such as PMN-PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate).

[0026] The transmission / reception circuit 14, under the control of the main body control unit 36, transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 and generates a sound ray signal by performing reception focusing processing on the reception signal output from the transducer array 11 that has received the ultrasonic echo. As shown in Fig. 2, the transmission / reception circuit 14 includes a pulser 51 connected to the transducer array 11, and an amplifier unit 52, an AD (Analog-to-Digital) converter unit 53, and a beamformer 54 that are connected in series from the transducer array 11 in sequence.

[0027] The pulser 51 includes, for example, multiple pulse generators, and adjusts the delay amount of each drive signal and supplies it to the multiple transducers so that the ultrasound transmitted from the multiple transducers of the transducer array 11 forms an ultrasound beam based on the transmission delay pattern selected by the main body control unit 36. In this way, when a pulsed or continuous wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the transducers of the transducer array 11, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts, and each transducer generates a pulsed or continuous wave ultrasound, and an ultrasound beam is formed from the composite wave of these ultrasound waves.

[0028] The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected by an object such as a part of the subject, and propagates toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 1. Each transducer constituting the transducer array 11 expands and contracts upon receiving the ultrasonic echo propagating toward the transducer array 11 in this manner, generating received signals which are electrical signals, and outputs these received signals to the amplifier unit 52.

[0029] The amplifier 52 amplifies the signals input from the respective transducers constituting the transducer array 11, and transmits the amplified signals to the AD converter 53. The AD converter 53 converts the analog signals transmitted from the amplifier 52 into digital reception data, and outputs the reception data to the beamformer 54.

[0030] The beamformer 54 performs so-called reception focusing processing by adding each delay to each piece of reception data converted by the AD conversion unit 53 according to the sound speed or sound speed distribution set based on the reception delay pattern selected by the main body control unit 36. By this reception focusing processing, each piece of reception data converted by the AD conversion unit 53 is phased and added, and a sound ray signal with a narrowed focus of the ultrasonic echo is generated.

[0031] Next, the diagnostic device main body 3 displays various buttons and display screens for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device, in addition to the ultrasonic images based on the sound ray signals generated by the ultrasonic probe 1. The diagnostic device main body 3 includes an image generating section 31, an image memory 32, a screen display memory 38, a screen display control section 35, a display control section 33, a main body control section 36, a monitor (display device) 34, and an input device 37, as shown in FIG.

[0032] The image generating unit 31 is connected to the transmitting / receiving circuit 14 of the ultrasound probe 1, and the display control unit 33 and the monitor 34 are sequentially connected in series to the image generating unit 31. The image memory 32 is also bidirectionally connected to the image generating unit 31. The screen display memory 38 is connected to the screen display control unit 35, and the screen display control unit 35 is connected to the display control unit 33. The transmitting / receiving circuit 14, the image generating unit 31, the display control unit 33, the image memory 32, the screen display memory 38, and the screen display control unit 35 are connected to the main body control unit 36, and the input device 37 is connected to the main body control unit 36.

[0033] The image generating unit 31 generates an ultrasound image (ultrasound image signal) based on the sound ray signal generated by the transmission / reception circuit 14 under the control of the main body control unit 36. As shown in Fig. 3, the image generating unit 31 has a configuration in which a signal processing unit 16, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 18, and an image processing unit 17 are connected in series in this order.

[0034] The signal processing unit 16 generates image information data corresponding to an ultrasonic image based on the sound ray signals generated by the transmission / reception circuit 14. More specifically, the signal processing unit 16 performs signal processing on the sound ray signals generated by the beamformer 54 of the transmission / reception circuit 14, for example, performs correction of attenuation caused by the propagation distance according to the depth of the position where the ultrasonic waves are reflected, and then performs envelope detection processing to generate image information data representing tomographic image information related to tissues in the subject.

[0035] The DSC 18 raster-converts the image information data generated by the signal processor 16 into an image signal conforming to the scanning method of a normal television signal.

[0036] The image processing unit 17 performs various image processing such as brightness correction, tone correction, sharpness correction, image size correction, refresh rate correction, scanning frequency correction and color correction in accordance with the display format of the monitor 34 on the image signal input from the DSC 18 to generate an ultrasound image (ultrasound image signal), and outputs the generated ultrasound image to the display control unit 33 and the image memory 32.

[0037] In this embodiment, the image generation unit 31 generates an ultrasound image of one of the lungs of the subject based on a sound ray signal generated by the transmission / reception circuit 14 from a received signal obtained by transmitting and receiving an ultrasound beam to one of the lungs of the subject using the ultrasound probe 1.

[0038] The image memory 32 holds a series of multiple frames of ultrasound images (ultrasound image signals) generated for each examination location by the image generating unit 31 under the control of the main body control unit 36. More specifically, when the live mode is designated, the image memory 32 stores the ultrasound images generated by the image generating unit 31. As will be described later, the image memory 32 also stores the ultrasound images in association with the examination locations, body marks, diagnostic findings, etc. corresponding to the ultrasound images.

[0039] The image memory 32 has a memory capacity for storing ultrasound images of several seconds to several tens of seconds, for example, several tens to several hundreds of frames when 30 frames of ultrasound images are captured per second. The image memory 32 is a ring buffer. Therefore, when a number of past frames of ultrasound images corresponding to the memory capacity are stored in the image memory 32, the latest frame of ultrasound image is sequentially stored in the image memory 32 instead of the oldest frame of ultrasound image. As a result, the image memory 32 always stores the number of past frames of ultrasound images corresponding to the memory capacity, starting from the latest frame of ultrasound image.

[0040] Here, the live mode is a mode in which ultrasound images (moving images) captured at a constant frame rate are sequentially displayed (displayed in real time). In contrast to the live mode, the freeze mode is a mode in which an ultrasound image (moving image) captured when the live mode is specified is stored in the image memory 32, and any one frame of ultrasound image (still image) is read out and displayed from the multiple frames of past ultrasound images (moving images) stored in this image memory 32.

[0041] The screen display memory 38 holds data on various buttons, various body marks, various display screens, etc., which will be described later. Under the control of the main body control unit 36, these data are read out from the screen display memory 38 and supplied to the screen display control unit 35.

[0042] The image memory 32 and the screen display memory 38 may be a flash memory, a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an FD (Flexible Disc), an MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), an MT (Magnetic Tape), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an SD card (Secure Digital card), a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), or other recording media, or a server, etc.

[0043] Under the control of the main body control unit 36, the screen display control unit 35 outputs data of buttons, body marks, display screens, etc. corresponding to instructions from the user inputted from the input device 37, from among data of various buttons, various body marks, various display screens, etc. read out from the screen display memory 38. The data of buttons, body marks, display screens, etc. outputted from the screen display control unit 35 is supplied to the display control unit 33. In addition, the screen display control unit 35 creates a report screen, which will be described later, based on the diagnostic findings read out from the image memory 32 and the data of various buttons, various body marks, various display screens, etc. read out from the screen display memory 38.

[0044] The display control unit 33 causes various information to be displayed on the monitor 34 under the control of the main body control unit 36. The display control unit 33 performs predetermined processing on the ultrasonic image held in the image memory 32 and causes the processed ultrasonic image to be displayed on the monitor 34. Further, the display control unit 33 causes buttons, body marks, display screens, etc. corresponding to instructions from the user input from the input device 37 to be displayed on the monitor 34 based on data such as buttons, body marks, and display screens supplied from the screen display control unit 35.

[0045] The main body control unit 36 controls each part of the diagnostic apparatus main body 3 based on a program stored in advance and instructions from the user (such as a doctor, technician, or nurse operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus) input from the input device 37. More specifically, the main body control unit 36 controls the transmission / reception circuit 14 so that a sound line signal is generated, controls the image generation unit 31 so that an ultrasonic image is generated based on the sound line signal, and controls the display control unit 33 so that the ultrasonic image is displayed on the monitor 34. Further, the main body control unit 36 controls the screen display control unit 35 so that data such as buttons, body marks, and display screens corresponding to instructions from the user are output. Furthermore, the main body control unit 36 controls the screen display control unit 35 so that buttons, body marks, and display screens corresponding to instructions from the user are displayed on the monitor 34.

[0046] The image generation unit 31, the display control unit 33, the screen display control unit 35, and the main body control unit 36 constitute a processor 39 for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0047] The monitor 34 displays various information under the control of the display control unit 33. The monitor 34 displays an ultrasonic image, various buttons for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, various display screens, etc., as well as the aforementioned body marks, etc. Examples of the monitor 34 include an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0048] The input device 37 receives various instructions input by the user, and includes physical keys that the user presses to input various instructions, and a touch panel provided on the display screen of the monitor 34 that the user uses to touch to input various instructions.

[0049] Next, the display screen of the monitor 34 will be described.

[0050] 4 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a display screen of a monitor of a handheld ultrasonic diagnostic device. In the example of FIG. 4, the display screen of the monitor 34 of the handheld ultrasonic diagnostic device is vertically long and includes a first display region R1, a second display region R2, and a third display region R3.

[0051] The first display area R1 is an area for displaying an ultrasound image U of one side of the lungs of a subject imaged using the ultrasound probe 1, and is arranged in the area from the top of the display screen of the monitor 34 to the upper side of the second display area R2.

[0052] When the live mode is specified, an ultrasound image (moving image) U of an examination target part of one lung imaged using the ultrasound probe 1 is displayed in real time in the first display region R1. When the freeze mode is specified, an ultrasound image (still image) U of an examination point selected by an examination point selection button described below from among multiple ultrasound images stored in the image memory 32 is read out and displayed in the first display area R1. In addition, the examination location is displayed in the first display area R1. As shown in Fig. 4, when, for example, an examination location selection button 1R described later is selected, "1R" corresponding to the examination location selection button 1R is displayed in the lower left of the first display area R1 as the examination location.

[0053] The second display area R2 is an area that displays an examination location number switching button B1 for specifying the locations to be examined or checked, a left / right switching button B2, an examination location selection button, a report screen switching button B3, a body mark BM, etc., and is disposed in an area from the lower side of the first display area R1 to the upper side of the third display area R3, that is, between the first display area R1 and the third display area R3. In the example of Fig. 4, six examination location selection buttons 1R to 6R corresponding to the six determined examination locations are displayed as the examination location selection buttons.

[0054] The examination location number switching button B1, left / right switching button B2, report screen switching button B3 and examination location selection buttons 1R to 6R are arranged in the left area of ​​the second display area R2, and the body mark BM is arranged in the right area of ​​the second display area R2.

[0055] The number of examination points switching button B1 is a button for switching the number of examination points in one lung. In the present embodiment, the user can switch the number of examination points to 6 or 4 by tapping and selecting the number of examination points switching button B1.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a body mark when the number of examination locations in the right and left lungs is six. As shown in FIG. 5, six rectangular examination location marks corresponding to the six examination locations are displayed superimposed on the human body in the schematic diagram of the body mark BM of the right lung. In the following description, the six examination locations and six examination location marks corresponding to the six examination location selection buttons 1R to 6R are also expressed as examination locations 1R to 6R and examination location marks 1R to 6R. In this embodiment, of the six examination location marks 1R to 6R, the examination location marks 1R to 4R corresponding to the examination locations on the front side of the right lung of the human body in the schematic diagram are displayed superimposed on the front side of the human body in the schematic diagram, and the examination location marks 5R to 6R corresponding to the examination locations on the rear side of the right lung of the human body in the schematic diagram are displayed superimposed on the rear side of the human body in the schematic diagram.

[0057] The inspection location mark 1R indicates the upper right region among the four inspection location marks 1R to 4R that are superimposed on the front side of the right lung of the human body in the schematic diagram. Similarly, the inspection location mark 2R indicates the lower right region, the inspection location mark 3R indicates the upper left region, and the inspection location mark 4R indicates the lower left region. Also, the inspection location mark 5R indicates the upper region among the two inspection location marks 5R to 6R that are superimposed on the rear side of the right lung of the human body in the schematic diagram. Similarly, the inspection location mark 6R indicates the lower region. The region of the inspection location mark corresponding to the inspection target location is not particularly limited, but it is emphasized by being displayed in a color different from other inspection location marks, in high brightness, or blinking.

[0058] The probe mark PM is displayed at the position and orientation indicating within the region of the inspection location mark corresponding to the inspection target location. For example, when the inspection target location is inspection location 1R, the probe mark PM is displayed at the position and orientation indicating within the region of the inspection location mark 1R. The same applies to the body mark BM of the left lung shown in FIG. 5.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing body marks when the number of inspection locations in the right and left lungs is four. As shown in FIG. 6, four pinpoint inspection location marks corresponding to the four inspection locations are displayed superimposed on the human body in the schematic diagram of the body mark BM of the right lung. Similarly, the four inspection locations and the four inspection location marks corresponding to the four inspection location selection buttons 1R to 4R are also represented as inspection locations 1R to 4R and inspection location marks 1R to 4R. In the case of this embodiment, the four inspection location marks 1R to 4R are displayed superimposed on the front side of the right lung of the human body in the schematic diagram.

[0060] Examination location mark 1R indicates the upper pinpoint of the four examination location marks 1R to 4R displayed superimposed on the front of the right lung of the human body in the schematic diagram, followed by examination location mark 2R, the second pinpoint from the top, examination location mark 3R, the third pinpoint from the top, and examination location mark 4R, which is at approximately the same height as examination location mark 3R but is located behind examination location mark 3R. The pinpoints of the examination location marks that correspond to the areas to be examined are displayed highlighted.

[0061] The probe mark PM is displayed in a position and orientation that indicates the pinpoint of the inspection point mark corresponding to the inspection target part. For example, when the inspection target part is inspection point 1R, the probe mark PM is displayed in a position and orientation that indicates the pinpoint of the inspection point mark 1R. The same is true for the body mark BM of the left lung shown in FIG.

[0062] The number of examination locations in the right and left lungs is not limited to 6 or 4, and can be changed to any number, such as 7, by using the examination location number switching button B1. Also, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, different body marks may be used depending on the number of examination locations, or the same body mark may be used regardless of the number of examination locations. The shape of the examination site mark may be a rectangular area or a pinpoint, regardless of the number of examination locations.

[0063] Alternatively, the human body may be displayed in a transparent schematic diagram, and the examination location marks corresponding to the examination locations on the rear side of the schematic diagram may be displayed in front of the schematic diagram, with the schematic diagram being transparent. In this case, when a schematic diagram showing the front side of the human body is displayed, the examination location marks corresponding to the examination locations on the rear side of the human body are displayed in front of the human body, with dashed lines or the like, with the schematic diagram being transparent, as shown in the left side of Fig. 7. Similarly, when a schematic diagram showing the rear side of the human body is displayed, the examination location marks corresponding to the examination locations on the front side of the human body are displayed in dashed lines or the like, with the schematic diagram being transparent, as shown in the right side of Fig. 7.

[0064] The left / right switching button B2 is a button for switching between the left and right lungs of the subject, in other words, a button for switching the lung to be examined from the right lung to the left lung or from the left lung to the right lung.

[0065] The examination point selection buttons 1R to 6R are buttons for selecting one examination point to be examined from six examination points in the right lung of the subject. For example, when the examination point selection button 1R is tapped and selected by the user, the selected examination point selection button 1R is highlighted and displayed. The same applies when the other examination point selection buttons are tapped and selected.

[0066] The report screen switching button B3 is a button for displaying on the monitor 34 a report screen including all of the diagnostic findings input for a plurality of examination locations in both lungs.

[0067] The body mark BM indicates the examination location and the examination target location in one lung of the subject, and includes a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the human body, a plurality of examination location marks, and a probe mark PM, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the body mark BM of the right lung is displayed in a direction corresponding to the examination location of the right lung, and the body mark BM of the left lung is displayed in a direction corresponding to the examination location of the left lung. In other words, the body mark BM of the right lung and the body mark BM of the left lung are oriented in different directions, for example, as examination locations 1R and 1L, so that the examination locations can be easily confirmed. Also, even for the same lung on one side, the angle at which the schematic diagram of the human body is displayed is changed depending on the examination locations on the front and back of the lung, for example, as examination locations 1R and 6R.

[0068] In this embodiment, the schematic diagram of the human body is a schematic diagram of the trunk portion of the human body including the lungs, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.

[0069] The multiple examination point marks are marks indicating multiple examination points in the lungs in the schematic diagram, and are displayed superimposed on the multiple examination points in the lungs in the schematic diagram of the human body. Among the multiple examination point marks, the examination point mark corresponding to the examination target point is displayed in an emphasized manner. When the number of examination locations is six, the multiple examination location marks are six rectangular examination location marks 1R to 6R in the right lung or six rectangular examination location marks 1L to 6L in the left lung, as shown in FIG. 5; when the number of examination locations is four, the multiple examination location marks are four pinpoint examination location marks 1R to 4R in the right lung or four pinpoint examination location marks 1L to 4L in the left lung, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0070] The probe mark PM is a mark that indicates the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1 when inspecting an examination target portion, and is displayed at a position and orientation that indicates an examination target mark corresponding to the examination target portion of the human body in the schematic diagram.

[0071] The third display area R3 is an area that displays not only the first display screen shown in FIG. 4, but also the second display screen or the third display screen described below instead of the first display screen, and is arranged in the area from the lower side of the second display area R2 to the lower part of the display screen of the monitor 34. The first display screen is a screen for performing operations for capturing an ultrasound image U. The first display screen includes a freeze button C1, a video save button C2, and an examination parameter setting button C3. The freeze button is a button for capturing an ultrasound image (still image) U of the area of ​​the lung to be examined and saving it in the image memory 32, and the video save button is a button for capturing an ultrasound image (moving image) U of the area of ​​the lung to be examined and saving it in the image memory 32. The examination parameter setting button is a button for setting various examination parameters including the gain and scan depth when capturing the ultrasound image U.

[0072] The locations and sizes of the first display area R1, the second display area R2, and the third display area R3 are not particularly limited, and they may be arranged in any order and in any size. The locations and sizes of the various buttons and body marks BM included in the second display area R2 and the third display area R3 are also not particularly limited, and they may be arranged in any order and in any size. Furthermore, it is not necessary to display all the buttons, and conversely, other buttons that are not displayed may be displayed.

[0073] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. First, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the live mode will be described.

[0074] When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is powered on, the display control unit 33 causes the monitor 34 to display a display screen including the first display region R1, the second display region R2, and the third display region R3.

[0075] First, the live mode is designated based on an instruction from the user inputted from the input device 37 (step S1).

[0076] Next, when the user taps to select the inspection point number switching button B1 included in the second display area R2, the display control unit 33 displays an inspection point number switching screen for switching the number of inspection points to 6 or 4, as shown in Fig. 9. The user can switch the number of inspection points to 6 by tapping to select the "6 areas on one side" button, and can switch the number of inspection points to 4 by tapping to select the "4 areas on one side" button (step S2).

[0077] When the number of examination locations is switched to six, the screen display control unit 35 outputs data of examination location selection buttons 1R to 6R and 1L to 6L corresponding to the six examination locations from among the data of various buttons read from the screen display memory 38 to the display control unit 33. Then, the display control unit 33 displays the six examination location selection buttons 1R to 6R or 1L to 6L corresponding to the six examination locations in the second display area R2, as shown in FIG.

[0078] On the other hand, when the number of examination locations is switched to four, the screen display control unit 35 similarly outputs data of examination location selection buttons 1R to 4R and 1L to 4L corresponding to the four examination locations to the display control unit 33. Then, the display control unit 33 displays the four examination location selection buttons 1R to 4R or 1L to 4L corresponding to the four examination locations in the second display area R2, as shown in FIG.

[0079] In this way, the number of inspection point selection buttons displayed corresponds to the number of inspection points switched by the inspection point number switching button B1. This makes it possible to accommodate multiple lung echo examination protocols with different numbers of examination locations. In addition, the user can check a list of locations that require examination by referring to the examination location selection button. In the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that the number of inspection points is changed to six by the user tapping and selecting "six areas on one side."

[0080] Here, when the examination target is the right lung, the display control unit 33 displays examination point selection buttons 1R to 6R corresponding to the right lung in the second display area R2 as shown in Fig. 4. In this state, when the user taps and selects the left / right switching button B2, the examination target is switched from the right lung to the left lung, and the screen display control unit 35 outputs data of the examination point selection buttons 1L to 6L corresponding to the left lung to the display control unit 33. Then, instead of the examination point selection buttons 1R to 6R corresponding to the right lung, the display control unit 33 displays the examination point selection buttons 1L to 6L corresponding to the left lung in the second display area R2 as shown in Fig. 11 (step S3). Examination site selection buttons 1L to 6L are buttons for selecting one examination site to be examined from among six examination sites in the left lung.

[0081] On the other hand, when the examination target is the left lung, the display control unit 33 displays the examination point selection buttons 1L to 6L corresponding to the left lung in the second display area R2 as shown in Fig. 11. In this state, when the user taps and selects the left / right switching button B2, the examination target is switched from the left lung to the right lung, and the screen display control unit 35 outputs data of the examination point selection buttons 1R to 6R corresponding to the right lung to the display control unit 33. Then, instead of the examination point selection buttons 1L to 6L corresponding to the left lung, the display control unit 33 displays the examination point selection buttons 1R to 6R corresponding to the right lung in the second display area R2 as shown in Fig. 4 (step S3).

[0082] In this way, when the left / right switching button B2 is used to switch from one lung to the other, the examination target is switched from the right lung to the left lung or from the left lung to the right lung, and multiple examination point selection buttons for the other lung are displayed instead of the multiple examination point selection buttons for one lung. When the examination target is switched from one lung to the other lung by using the left / right switching button B2, a body mark indicating the examination location in the other lung and oriented in a direction corresponding to the examination location of the other lung is displayed on the monitor instead of the body mark of one lung, thereby making it possible to clearly display the examination location of the lung on the display screen of monitor 34, which has a limited display area. In the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that the user switches the examination target to the right lung.

[0083] Here, when the inspection target location is the inspection location 1R, the display control unit 33 displays the inspection location selection button 1R in an emphasized manner as shown in FIG. 4. Also, a body mark BM in a direction corresponding to the inspection location 1R is displayed, the inspection location mark 1R is displayed in an emphasized manner, and the probe mark PM is displayed in a position and orientation pointing to the inspection location mark 1R. In this state, when the user taps and selects the inspection location selection button 3R, for example, the inspection target location is switched from the inspection location 1R to the inspection location 3R, and the screen display control unit 35 outputs data of the body mark corresponding to the inspection location 3R to the display control unit 33. Then, the display control unit 33 displays the inspection location selection button 3R in an emphasized manner instead of the inspection location selection button 1R as shown in FIG. 12. Also, a body mark BM in a direction corresponding to the inspection location 3R is displayed, the inspection location mark 3R is displayed in an emphasized manner instead of the inspection location mark 1R, and the probe mark PM is displayed in a position and orientation pointing to the inspection location mark 3R instead of the inspection location mark 1R (step S4).

[0084] In this way, by selecting one of the multiple inspection point selection buttons, the inspection target location is switched to the inspection location corresponding to the selected inspection point selection button, and a body mark BM is displayed in a direction corresponding to the one inspection point selected from the multiple inspection points to be the inspection target location. Also, a probe mark PM is displayed in a position and direction pointing to the inspection point mark corresponding to the selected inspection point selection button. This allows the user to grasp information necessary for the examination, such as an overall image of the torso including the lungs, each examination point on the body mark BM, and the position and orientation when contacting the ultrasound probe 1 with the subject. In the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that an inspection point 1R is selected by the user as the inspection target point.

[0085] In addition, when the number of inspection locations, the lungs to be inspected, and the inspection locations to be inspected are set as initial settings (defaults), switching the number of inspection locations, switching the lungs to be inspected, and selecting inspection locations are not essential. For example, if the initial number of inspection locations is six and the user desires six inspection locations, switching the number of inspection locations is unnecessary. The same applies to switching the lungs to be inspected and selecting inspection locations. Also, when the number of inspection locations is switched to four, when the inspection target is switched to the left lung, and when inspection locations other than inspection location 1R are selected as the inspection target locations, the operation is the same.

[0086] Subsequently, the user refers to the position and orientation of inspection location 1R and probe mark PM indicating this inspection location 1R, which are displayed superimposed on body mark BM, and brings ultrasonic probe 1 into contact with the location of the right lung of the subject corresponding to inspection location 1R. In this way, when the live mode is specified, by displaying body mark BM including probe mark PM on monitor 34, the user can use probe mark PM as a guide when bringing ultrasonic probe 1 into contact with the location of the subject's lung.

[0087] In this state, when transmission of ultrasonic waves is started by transmission / reception circuit 14 based on an instruction from the user input from input device 37, a sound line signal is generated.

[0088] That is, ultrasonic beams are transmitted from a plurality of vibrators of vibrator array 11 to the lungs according to the drive signal from pulsar 51. The ultrasonic echo from the lungs based on the ultrasonic beam transmitted from pulsar 51 is received by each vibrator of vibrator array 11, and a reception signal, which is an analog signal, is output from each vibrator of vibrator array 11 that has received the ultrasonic echo. The reception signal, which is an analog signal output from each vibrator of vibrator array 11, is amplified by amplifier section 52 and AD-converted by AD conversion section 53 to obtain reception data. The beamformer 54 performs reception focusing processing on this reception data, thereby generating sound ray signals.

[0089] Next, the image generating unit 31 generates an ultrasound image (ultrasound image signal) U of the lungs based on the sound ray signals generated by the beamformer 54 of the transmission / reception circuitry 14 (step S5).

[0090] That is, the sound ray signals generated by the beamformer 54 are subjected to various signal processing by the signal processor 16, and image information data representing tomographic image information relating to tissue within the subject is generated. The image information data generated by the signal processing unit 16 is raster-converted by the DSC 18, and further subjected to various image processes by the image processing unit 17, so that an ultrasound image (ultrasonic image signal) U is generated. The ultrasound image U generated by the image processor 17 is stored in the image memory 32.

[0091] Next, the display control unit 33 performs a predetermined processing on the ultrasound image U stored in the image memory 32, and an ultrasound image (moving image) U corresponding to the examination area 1R of the subject imaged using the ultrasound probe 1 is displayed in the first display area R1 of the monitor 34 (step S6). As described above, by displaying the examination location number switching button B1, left / right switching button B2, examination location selection buttons 1R-6R or 1L-6L, body mark BM, ultrasound image U, etc. on a single screen on monitor 34, the user can check the number of examination locations required at once, and can check the position and orientation when contacting the ultrasound probe 1 with the subject, and the ultrasound image at that time, all at once.

[0092] Next, the user moves the ultrasound probe 1 within the region of the examination area 1R while referring to the ultrasound image U displayed on the monitor 34. In response to this, the display control unit 33 captures an ultrasound image U at the position to which the ultrasound probe 1 has been moved and displays it in the first display region R1.

[0093] Next, when the user taps to select the freeze button on the first display screen while the desired ultrasound image U is displayed on the monitor 34, the display control unit 33 displays the ultrasound image (still image) U of the examination location 1R at the time the freeze button was selected in the first display area R1 and stores it in the image memory 32 (step S7). Furthermore, when the freeze button is selected, the screen display control unit 35 outputs data for the second display screen from among the data for various display screens read from the screen display memory 38, and the display control unit 33 displays the second display screen in the third display area R3 instead of the first display screen (step S8).

[0094] By switching the first display screen to the second display screen and displaying it in the third display region R3, it is possible to efficiently use the display screen of the monitor 34, which has a limited display area, to display a display screen for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Also, by switching the first display screen to the second display screen by selecting the freeze button instead of the second display screen switching button for switching the first display screen to the second display screen, for example, it is not necessary to select the freeze button and then the second display screen switching button, and it is possible to automatically switch from the first display screen to the second display screen by simply selecting the freeze button.

[0095] Fig. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing the second display screen. The second display screen is a screen for inputting (selecting) a diagnostic finding by the user for a portion of the lung to be examined, and includes a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons corresponding to a plurality of predetermined diagnostic findings, as well as a third display screen switching button D1. In this embodiment, the second display screen includes five diagnostic finding buttons B, C, N, S(-) and N / A corresponding to five diagnostic findings, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0096] The diagnostic finding button is an annotation button for adding the user's diagnostic finding to the ultrasound image of the examination target area, where the diagnostic finding button B means B-line, the diagnostic finding button C means consolidation, the diagnostic finding button N means normal, the diagnostic finding button S(-) means no Langsliding, and the diagnostic finding button N / A means no corresponding. The types of diagnostic findings are not limited to the above five, and at least one of the multiple diagnostic findings may include any of the diagnostic findings of B-line, consolidation, normal, or no Langsliding. The number and arrangement order of the diagnostic findings are not limited, and diagnostic findings other than the above five may be included. The third display screen switching button D1 is a button for displaying the third display screen in the third display area R3, in place of the second display screen.

[0097] The multiple diagnostic finding buttons have a design corresponding to the type of ultrasound probe 1 connected to the diagnostic device main body 3. When the user changes the type of ultrasound probe 1 connected to the diagnostic device main body 3 while the second display screen is displayed in the third display area, the display control unit 33 displays in the third display area R3 the second display screen including multiple diagnostic finding buttons with a design corresponding to the changed type of ultrasound probe 1, in place of the multiple diagnostic finding buttons being displayed.

[0098] 14A, 14B, and 14C are each a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a diagnostic finding button designed according to the type of ultrasound probe 1 connected to the diagnostic device main body 3. When a convex type ultrasound probe 1 is connected to the diagnostic device main body 3, the display control unit 33 displays a second display screen including a diagnostic finding button designed according to the convex type ultrasound probe 1 in the third display region R3, as shown in FIG. Similarly, when a linear type ultrasound probe 1 is connected to the diagnostic device main body 3, the second display screen including a diagnostic finding button designed according to the linear type ultrasound probe 1 is displayed in the third display region R3 as shown in FIG. 14B, and when a sector type ultrasound probe 1 is connected to the diagnostic device main body 3, the second display screen including a diagnostic finding button designed according to the sector type ultrasound probe 1 is displayed in the third display region R3 as shown in FIG. 14C. This allows the user to know the type of ultrasound probe 1 being used by the design of the diagnostic finding button.

[0099] Next, the user determines the symptoms by referring to the ultrasound image U displayed in the first display area R1, and selects, for example, one diagnostic finding button that matches the user's diagnostic finding from among the five diagnostic finding buttons included in the second display screen (step S9). As a result, the ultrasound image U and the examination location 1R, the body mark BM, the diagnostic findings, and the like corresponding to this ultrasound image U are stored in the image memory 32 in association with each other.

[0100] In addition, when one diagnostic finding selected from the multiple diagnostic findings is input by one diagnostic finding button selected from the multiple diagnostic finding buttons for each examination location, the display control unit 33 displays the diagnostic finding corresponding to one diagnostic finding button for each examination location mark in the second display area R2. Furthermore, the display control unit 33 displays the ultrasound image U and one diagnostic finding input for the ultrasound image U in the first display area R1. For example, when the diagnostic finding button B is selected, as shown in FIG. 15A, "B" corresponding to the diagnostic finding button B is displayed to the right of "1R" corresponding to the examination point selection button 1R displayed at the bottom left of the first display area R1. When the diagnostic finding button C is selected, as shown in FIG. 15B, "C" corresponding to the diagnostic finding button C is displayed to the right of "1R" corresponding to the examination point selection button 1R displayed at the bottom left of the first display area R1.

[0101] In addition, instead of the user selecting the diagnostic findings button and manually inputting the diagnostic findings, a judgment model may be used to automatically identify predicted results of the diagnostic findings of the lungs contained in the ultrasound image U.

[0102] The judgment model is a trained model that uses training ultrasound images of the lungs of an arbitrary subject as training data and learns the relationship between the training ultrasound images and the diagnostic findings of the lungs contained in these training ultrasound images for multiple training data. Based on the learning results, the judgment model inputs an ultrasound image to be judged and outputs a prediction result of the diagnostic findings of the lungs contained in the ultrasound image.

[0103] In addition, an image analysis unit that analyzes the ultrasound image instead of the judgment model may be provided, and a judgment result of the lung diagnostic findings contained in the ultrasound image may be output based on the result of the analysis of the ultrasound image by the image analysis unit.

[0104] Next, when the user taps and selects the third display screen switching button D1 on the second display screen, the screen display control unit 35 outputs data for the third display screen from the data for various display screens read from the screen display memory 38 to the display control unit 33. Then, the display control unit 33 displays the third display screen in the third display area R3 instead of the second display screen (step S10).

[0105] Fig. 16 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing the third display screen. The third display screen is a screen for selecting and saving one frame of ultrasound image from a plurality of frames of ultrasound images captured during a certain period of time up to the time the freeze button C1 on the first display screen was selected by the user, instead of the ultrasound image U saved at the time the freeze button C1 on the first display screen was selected by tapping it, and includes a frame selection button E1, a frame slide bar E2, a freeze button E3, and a second display screen switching button E4, as shown in Fig. 16.

[0106] The frame selection button E1 includes a left button E1L and a right button E1R. When the user taps and selects the left button E1L or the right button E1R, the ultrasound image U is displayed in the first display area R1 frame by frame, with the ultrasound image U being advanced leftward (from the present to the past) or rightward (from the past to the present). When the user presses and holds the left button E1L or the right button E1R to select, the frames of the ultrasound image U are fast forwarded leftward or rightward. "004 / 300" indicates that the ultrasound image U being frame-by-frame or fast-forwarded is the fourth ultrasound image out of 300 frames of ultrasound images.

[0107] The frame slide bar E2 includes a slide bar E21 and a slide knob E22. When the user slides the slide knob E22 leftward or rightward along the slide bar E21, the ultrasound image U is searched leftward or rightward for each frame and displayed in the first display region R1.

[0108] The freeze button E3 is a button for saving an ultrasound image of a frame selected by the user using the frame selection button E1 or the frame slide bar E2 in the image memory 32, instead of the ultrasound image saved at the time the freeze button C1 on the first display screen was tapped and selected. The second display screen switching button E4 is a button for returning from the third display screen to the second display screen and displaying the second display screen in the third display region R3 instead of the third display screen.

[0109] Next, the user selects a desired ultrasound image frame from among the ultrasound images of multiple frames using the frame selection button E1 or the frame slide bar E2, and selects it by tapping the freeze button E3 on the third display screen. In response to this, the ultrasound image of the selected desired frame is stored in the image memory 32, replacing the ultrasound image stored at the time of selection by tapping the freeze button C1 on the first display screen.

[0110] In this way, if the user does not like the ultrasound image saved at the time the freeze button C1 on the first display screen is selected, the user can select any one frame of ultrasound image that the user desires from among the multiple frames of ultrasound images that were acquired up until just before the freeze button C1 on the first display screen was selected.

[0111] Next, when the user taps and selects the report screen switching button B3 in the second display area R2, the screen display control unit 35 creates a report screen and outputs the data to the display control unit 33. Then, the display control unit 33 displays the report screen on the monitor 34 in place of the third display screen (step S11).

[0112] Fig. 17 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment showing a report screen. The report screen is a screen including diagnostic findings input for a plurality of test locations, and is displayed in a display area including a first display area R1, a second display area R2, and a third display area R3. As shown in Fig. 17, the report screen includes a diagnostic finding body mark BM2 and a save button F1. The diagnostic finding body mark BM2 is displayed in the display area including the first display area R1 and the second display area R2, and the save button F1 is displayed in the display area including the third display area R3.

[0113] The diagnostic finding body mark BM2 indicates the examination locations in both lungs of the subject, and includes, as shown in FIG. 17, planar schematic diagrams P1, P2 of the front and back of a human body, a number of examination location marks 1R-6R corresponding to the right lung, and a number of examination location marks 1L-6L corresponding to the left lung.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the schematic diagrams P1, P2 of the front and back sides of the human body are schematic diagrams of the front and back sides of the trunk part of the human body including the lungs, as shown in FIG.

[0115] The multiple examination point marks 1R to 6R and 1L to 6L are marks indicating multiple examination points in the lungs of the schematic diagrams P1 and P2, and are displayed superimposed on the multiple examination points in the lungs of the schematic diagrams P1 and P2 of the human body. When the number of examination locations is six, as shown in FIG. 17, of the six rectangular examination location marks 1R to 6R in the right lung and the six rectangular examination location marks 1L to 6L in the left lung, the four examination location marks 1R to 4R in the right lung and the four examination location marks 1L to 4L in the left lung are displayed superimposed on the front schematic diagram P1, and the two examination location marks 5R to 6R in the right lung and the two examination location marks 5L to 6L in the left lung are displayed superimposed on the rear schematic diagram P2. When the number of examination locations is four, the diagnostic finding body mark includes a schematic diagram of the front side of a flat human body, four examination location marks 1R to 4R pinpointing the right lung and four examination location marks 1L to 4L pinpointing the left lung. The four examination location marks 1R to 4R pinpointing the right lung and the four examination location marks 1L to 4L pinpointing the left lung are displayed, for example, superimposed on the schematic diagram P1 of the front side.

[0116] In the example shown in FIG. 17, in the front schematic diagram P1, "S(-)" is displayed as the diagnostic finding in the rectangular area of ​​the examination point mark 1R, and "N / A" is displayed as the diagnostic finding in the rectangular area of ​​the examination point mark 2R. Note that no diagnostic finding is displayed in the examination point mark for which no diagnostic finding has been input. Also, not only for the examination point marks 1R and 2R, but also for the examination point marks 3R to 6R and 1L to 6L for which a diagnostic finding has been input, the diagnostic finding is displayed in the same manner.

[0117] The save button F1 is a button for saving information on diagnostic findings in the image memory 32. Note that various buttons other than the save button F1 may be displayed in the display area of ​​the save button.

[0118] By referring to the report screen, the user can save the trouble of selecting each test site one by one and checking the entered diagnostic findings, and can check the entered diagnostic findings all at once. The report screen can be displayed at any time by the user tapping and selecting the report screen switching button B3.

[0119] Thereafter, the user can continue the examination in the same manner by switching the number of examination locations using the examination location number switching button B1, switching the lung to be examined using the left / right switching button B2, and reselecting the examination location using the examination location selection button.

[0120] After selecting the examination location, the ultrasound probe 1 may be used to capture an ultrasound image U of the examination location with reference to the body mark BM of the examination location, or the ultrasound probe 1 may be used to capture an ultrasound image U and then the examination location corresponding to the ultrasound image U may be selected. In either case, when a diagnostic finding is input for the ultrasound image U corresponding to the examination location, the ultrasound image U is associated with the examination location, the body mark, the diagnostic finding, and the like corresponding to this ultrasound image.

[0121] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the freeze mode will be described.

[0122] When the freeze mode is designated based on a user instruction inputted from the input device 37, the transmission of ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 is stopped (step S12).

[0123] Next, the user switches the number of examination points using the examination point number switching button B1, switches the lung to be checked using the left / right switching button B2, and selects the examination point to be checked using the examination point selection button. In the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that the number of examination points is switched to 6, the examination point to be checked is switched to the right lung, and examination point 1R is selected as the examination point to be checked. In this case, one frame of ultrasound image and body mark BM, etc. associated with one examination location 1R selected from the multiple examination locations 1R to 6R are read out by one examination location selection button 1R selected from the six examination location selection buttons 1R to 6R from among multiple past frames of ultrasound images stored in the image memory 32 in association with the examination location 1R and the body mark BM. Then, the display control unit 33 displays the read ultrasound image in the first display region R1, and displays the read body mark BM, etc. in the second display region R2 (step S13).

[0124] This allows the user to check the ultrasound image U by referring to the ultrasound image U displayed on the monitor 34. Also, by referring to the examination location, the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe, and the like included in the body mark BM, the user can check the examination location, etc., at the time when the ultrasound image U was captured.

[0125] When the freeze mode is selected, the body mark BM including the probe mark PM may be displayed on the monitor 34, or the body mark BM not including the probe mark PM may be displayed on the monitor 34. By displaying the probe mark PM, the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe 1 when the ultrasound image U is captured can be confirmed even if the user changes between the live mode and the freeze mode.

[0126] The ultrasonic probe 1 and the diagnostic device main body 3 may be connected by wire or wirelessly. Furthermore, the entire image generating unit 31 or only the signal processing unit 16 may be provided on the ultrasonic probe 1 side, or these may be provided on the diagnostic device main body 3 side.

[0127] In the device of the present invention, the hardware configuration of the processing unit that executes various processes, such as the transmission / reception circuit 14, the image generation unit 31, the display control unit 33, the screen display control unit 35, and the main body control unit 36, may be dedicated hardware or various processors or computers that execute programs.

[0128] Various types of processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electrical circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for performing specific processing.

[0129] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types, for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of an FPGA and a CPU, etc. Also, multiple processing units may be configured with one of the various processors, or two or more of the multiple processing units may be combined into one processor.

[0130] For example, as typified by computers such as servers and clients, one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Also, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs), there is a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system, including multiple processing units, in a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip.

[0131] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0132] Furthermore, the method of the present invention can be implemented, for example, by a program for causing a computer to execute each of the steps. Also, a computer-readable recording medium on which this program is recorded can be provided.

[0133] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 ultrasound probe, 3 diagnostic device main body, 11 transducer array, 14 transmission / reception circuit, 16 signal processing unit, 17 image processing unit, 18 DSC, 32 image memory, 33 display control unit, 34 monitor, 35 screen display control unit, 36 main body control unit, 37 input device, 38 screen display memory, 39 processor, 51 pulsar, 52 amplifier unit, 53 AD conversion unit, 54 beamformer, R1 first display area, R2 second display area, R3 third display area, U ultrasound image, B1 examination location number switching button, B2 left / right switching button, 1R~6R and 1L~6L examination location selection button, B3 report screen switching button, BM body mark, C1 freeze button, C2 video save button, C3 examination parameter setting button, D1 third display screen switching button, E1 frame selection button, E2 frame slide bar, E3 freeze button, E4 Second display screen switching button, E1L left button, E1R right button, E21 slide bar, E22 slide knob, BM2 diagnostic finding body mark, F1 save button, P1 and P2 schematic diagrams.

Claims

1. The present invention comprises an ultrasonic probe and a diagnostic device body connected to the ultrasonic probe, The diagnostic device body includes a display control unit and a monitor. The display control unit is a first display area including an ultrasound image of one lung of a subject imaged using the ultrasound probe; a second display area including a plurality of examination point selection buttons for selecting one examination point to be an examination target point from among the plurality of examination points in the one lung; a third display area in which a first display screen including a freeze button is displayed on the monitor; When the freeze button is selected, a second display screen including a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons corresponding to a plurality of determined diagnostic findings is displayed in the third display area in place of the first display screen.

2. 2. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein when a third display screen switching button is selected, the display control unit causes a third display screen to be displayed in the third display area, in place of the second display screen, for selecting one frame of ultrasound image from a plurality of frames of ultrasound images captured within a certain period of time up to the point when the freeze button was selected.

3. the plurality of diagnostic finding buttons have designs corresponding to the type of the ultrasound probe connected to the diagnostic device body; 3. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein when a type of the ultrasound probe connected to the diagnostic device main body is changed, the display control unit causes the second display screen including a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons designed according to the changed type of the ultrasound probe to be displayed in the third display area, instead of the plurality of diagnostic finding buttons being displayed.

4. 4. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, for each examination site, one diagnostic finding selected from the plurality of diagnostic findings is input by one diagnostic finding button selected from the plurality of diagnostic findings buttons.

5. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the display control unit displays the ultrasound image and the diagnostic findings input for the ultrasound image in the first display area.

6. 6. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of claim 4, wherein when a report screen switching button is selected, the display control unit causes a report screen including the diagnostic findings input for the multiple examination locations to be displayed in a display area including the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area.

7. The report screen includes a diagnostic finding body mark, The diagnostic findings body mark is A schematic diagram of the human body, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising: an examination point mark that indicates the examination point and is displayed superimposed on the schematic diagram.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit further displays a body mark indicating the examination target area in the second display area.

9. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of diagnostic findings includes any one of a B-line, consolidation, normal, and no Langsliding diagnostic findings.

10. A display method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising an ultrasonic probe and a diagnostic apparatus main body connected to the ultrasonic probe, the diagnostic apparatus main body having a monitor, the display method comprising: a first display area including an ultrasound image of one lung of a subject imaged using the ultrasound probe; a second display area including a plurality of examination point selection buttons for selecting one examination point to be an examination target point from among the plurality of examination points in the one lung; a third display area in which a first display screen including a freeze button is displayed on the monitor; a display method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, wherein when the freeze button is selected, a second display screen including a plurality of diagnostic finding buttons corresponding to a plurality of determined diagnostic findings is displayed in the third display area in place of the first display screen.

Images