Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

To correct the content of an examination protocol in accordance with a lesioned part in a case where the lesioned part appears in an ultrasonic image.SOLUTION: A detection unit 40 detects a lesioned part included in an ultrasonic image in execution of an examination protocol. A display processing unit (display control unit) 22 displays an option list in response to the detection of the lesioned part. A protocol correction unit 34 incorporates a specific option selected based on the option list, into the examination protocol under the execution. A protocol execution control unit 38 controls the operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in accordance with the corrected examination protocol having the specific option incorporated therein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of executing an inspection protocol.

Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generally has a function of executing an inspection protocol (see Patent Document 1). The inspection protocol is composed of a plurality of steps arranged in chronological order. Usually, at the start of execution of each step, operating conditions including an ultrasonic diagnostic mode (operation mode) are automatically set. When a predetermined operation (for example, an image store operation or a freeze release operation) is performed at the final stage of each step, the process automatically transitions to the next step. Among the plurality of steps constituting the inspection protocol, there may be a step with measurement. In the step with measurement, measurements (distance measurement, area calculation, etc.) based on the ultrasonic image are performed prior to storing the ultrasonic image. According to the inspection protocol execution function, a series of steps can be surely and reliably executed, and the user burden can be significantly reduced.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of executing an inspection protocol. In that ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of any step constituting the inspection protocol, a branch protocol is executed. Patent Document 2 does not describe the modification of the inspection protocol based on image analysis, the selection of the branch position, and the modification of the display of the inspection protocol.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a lesion appears in an ultrasonic image during the execution of an inspection protocol, generally, a detailed examination of the lesion is required. In such a case, if the execution of the inspection protocol is temporarily interrupted and the user is asked to make settings and operations for detailed observation of the lesion, it will impose a corresponding burden on the user. The possibility of missing the acquisition of necessary images also increases. From the perspective of continuous operation support, it is desirable that the content of the inspection protocol be additionally or extendedly changed according to the appearance of the lesion.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily and appropriately correct the content of an inspection protocol according to a lesion when the lesion appears.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a protocol execution control unit that controls a series of operations including ultrasonic transmission / reception to ultrasonic image display according to an inspection protocol composed of a plurality of steps, a detection unit that detects a lesion included in an ultrasonic image during the execution of the inspection protocol, a display control unit that displays an option list indicating one or more options according to the detection of the lesion, and a protocol correction unit that incorporates a specific option selected based on the option list into the inspection protocol being executed which specifies the process being executed at the time of detection of the lesion as a reference process, and determines a position immediately before or after the reference process as an option insertion position in the inspection protocol being executed, a protocol modification unit and, each option is composed of one or more additional steps, and the protocol execution control unit controls the series of operations according to the corrected inspection protocol in which the specific option is incorporated after the incorporation of the specific option and when the position immediately before the reference process is determined as the option insertion position, the reference process is executed again after the execution of the specific option characterized by.

[0008] The program according to the present disclosure is a program executed in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that controls a series of operations including ultrasonic transmission / reception to ultrasonic image display according to an inspection protocol composed of a plurality of steps. During the execution of the inspection protocol, the program has a function of detecting a lesion part included in an ultrasonic image, a function of displaying an option list indicating one or more options in response to the detection of the lesion part, and a function of incorporating a specific option selected based on the option list into the inspection protocol being executed. which specifies the process being executed at the time of detection of the lesion as a reference process, and determines a position immediately before or after the reference process as an option insertion position in the inspection protocol being executed, a function and, each option is composed of one or more additional steps, and after the incorporation of the specific option, the series of operations are controlled according to the modified inspection protocol in which the specific option is incorporated. and when the position immediately before the reference process is determined as the option insertion position, the reference process is executed again after the execution of the specific option It is characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily and appropriately modify the content of an inspection protocol according to a lesion part when the lesion part appears.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (1) Outline of the Embodiment The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a protocol execution control unit, a detection unit, a display control unit, and a protocol modification unit. The protocol execution control unit controls a series of operations including ultrasonic transmission / reception to ultrasonic image display according to an inspection protocol composed of a plurality of steps. The detection unit detects a lesion part included in the ultrasonic image during the execution of the protocol. The display control unit displays an option list showing one or more options in response to the detection of the lesion part. The protocol modification unit incorporates a specific option selected based on the option list into the inspection protocol being executed. Each option is composed of one or more additional steps. After incorporating the specific option, the protocol execution control unit controls a series of operations according to the modified inspection protocol in which the specific option is incorporated.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when a lesion is detected during the execution of an inspection protocol, an option list is displayed via a user operation or automatically. The user can select a specific option that matches the lesion from the displayed option list. The selected specific option is incorporated into the inspection protocol being executed. That is, the inspection protocol is automatically corrected in real time. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the content of the inspection protocol can be adapted to the lesion that has appeared, and in this case, no great burden is imposed on the user.

[0014] In an embodiment, the protocol modification unit identifies the process being executed at the time of lesion detection as a reference process, and determines immediately before or immediately after the reference process as the option insertion position in the inspection protocol being executed.

[0015] Normally, a lesion is detected while a certain process is being executed. If an option is inserted in the middle of a certain process, the process will be divided into two parts, and in some cases, there will be a problem that the user will be confused or it will be difficult to complete the whole process. On the other hand, if the option is inserted immediately before or after the process, that problem can be easily avoided. The concept at the time of lesion detection may include the start of lesion detection, the display of a notification indicating lesion detection, the user operation after that notification, etc.

[0016] In an embodiment, immediately before or immediately after the reference process is selected by the user as the option insertion position. If you want to execute the option process as soon as possible after the detection of the lesion, immediately before the reference process is selected as the option insertion position. On the other hand, if you do not want to waste the operations and work already performed, immediately after the reference process is selected as the option insertion position. The selection of immediately before or after the reference process may be made before the execution of the inspection protocol, or the selection may be made each time a lesion is detected.

[0017] In an embodiment, before incorporating a specific option, the display control unit displays a first process list indicating a plurality of processes constituting an inspection protocol, and after incorporating the specific option, displays a second process list indicating a plurality of processes constituting the modified inspection protocol. According to this configuration, the content of the modified inspection protocol can be grasped by observing the second process list. The switching from the first process list to the second process list is performed in real time.

[0018] In an embodiment, in the second process list, one or more additional display elements corresponding to one or more additional processes constituting a specific option are identified and displayed. According to this configuration, the portion (i.e., the option) additionally inserted in the second process list can be easily recognized. The identification display is to make the display mode of the original display element different from that of the additional display element. The one or more additional display elements may be displayed in high brightness or may be displayed in a specific hue. A mark or the like may be added to each additional display element.

[0019] In an embodiment, the option list includes one or more option display elements indicating one or more options. The display control unit changes the display mode of each option display element according to the selection record of each option. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to select an option in consideration of the selection record of each option. The change in the display mode includes changes in numerical values and figures included in the option display element, changes in the size of the option display element, changes in the hue and brightness of the option display element, and the like.

[0020] In an embodiment, the display control unit changes the content of the option list according to the type of the lesion part detected by the detection unit. According to this configuration, the possibility of selecting an option suitable for the type of the lesion part can be increased, or the possibility of selecting an option not suitable for the type of the lesion part can be reduced. When adopting this configuration, a detection unit capable of identifying the type of the lesion part is used. Also, an option management table for managing one or more lesion part types targeted by each option is used.

[0021] In an embodiment, the display control unit displays a finding list corresponding to a specific option during the execution of the specific option. A report creation unit is provided that creates an inspection report including a specific finding selected from the finding list. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to prepare for the creation of an inspection report during an ultrasonic inspection. Alternatively, an inspection report can be created in parallel with the ultrasonic inspection.

[0022] The program according to the embodiment is a program executed in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that controls a series of operations including ultrasonic transmission and reception to ultrasonic image display according to an inspection protocol composed of a plurality of steps. The program has a detection function, a display control function, and a protocol modification function. The detection function is a function of detecting a lesion part included in an ultrasonic image during the execution of an inspection protocol. The display control function is a function of displaying an option list indicating one or more options in response to the detection of a lesion part. The protocol modification function is a function of incorporating a specific option selected based on the option list into the inspection protocol being executed. Each option is composed of one or more additional steps. After the incorporation of the specific option, a series of operations are controlled according to the modified inspection protocol in which the specific option is incorporated.

[0023] The above program executes an inspection protocol modification method. The above program is installed in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as an information processing apparatus via a portable storage medium or via a network. The installed program is stored in a non-temporary storage medium.

[0024] (2) Details of the embodiment FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a device installed in a medical institution or the like for performing an ultrasonic inspection, and specifically, is a medical device that forms an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves.

[0025] The ultrasonic probe 10 has a vibration element array composed of a plurality of vibration elements. An ultrasonic beam 12 is formed by the vibration element array, and the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned. By this electronic scanning, a beam scanning surface 14 is formed. As the electronic scanning method, an electronic linear scanning method, an electronic sector scanning method, etc. are known. A two-dimensional vibration element array may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 10.

[0026] The transmission unit 16 is an electronic circuit and supplies a plurality of transmission signals to the vibration element array in parallel during transmission. Thereby, ultrasonic waves are radiated into the living body, that is, a transmission beam is formed. During reception, when a reflected wave from the living body is received by the vibration element array, a plurality of reception signals are output in parallel from the vibration element array toward the reception unit. The reception unit 18 is a reception circuit and generates reception beam data by performing coherent addition (delay addition) on the plurality of reception signals input in parallel.

[0027] Reception frame data is constituted by a plurality of reception beam data arranged in the electronic scanning direction. Each reception beam data is constituted by a plurality of echo data arranged in the depth direction. By repeating the electronic scanning of the ultrasonic beam 12, a plurality of reception frame data are generated and sent to the image forming unit 20.

[0028] The image forming unit 20 generates a plurality of display frame data based on the plurality of reception frame data. The image forming unit 20 has a coordinate conversion function, a pixel interpolation function, a frame rate conversion function, etc., and is constituted by, for example, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter). Each display frame data corresponds to one tomographic image. The plurality of display frame data output from the image forming unit 20 are sent to the display 24 via the display processing unit. A tomographic image as a moving image is displayed on the display 24. In a freeze state which is a transmission / reception stop state, a tomographic image as a still image is displayed on the display 24. As other ultrasonic images, a CFM (Color Flow Mapping image), a Doppler waveform, a three-dimensional image, etc. are known.

[0029] The display processing unit 22 functions as a display control unit. The display processing unit 22 has functions such as generating various images including operation images, an image synthesis function, a color processing function, etc. The display processing unit 22 generates, as will be described later, a process list, an option selection image, a finding list, etc. The display 24 is the main display, and it is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The image forming unit 20 and the display processing unit 22 are each composed of, for example, a processor.

[0030] The arithmetic control unit 26 is composed of, for example, a CPU. In FIG. 1, a plurality of functions exerted by the arithmetic control unit 26 are represented by a plurality of blocks. The arithmetic control unit 26 functions as a protocol creation unit 32, a protocol modification unit 34, a report creation unit 36, a protocol execution control unit 38, a detection unit (identification unit) 40, etc.

[0031] The protocol creation unit 32 creates a plurality of inspection protocols. Each inspection protocol consists of a plurality of steps. Typically, each step includes from setting of operation conditions to storage of ultrasonic images. The operation conditions include an operation mode (diagnosis mode), transmission / reception conditions, image processing conditions, image format, etc. Among the steps, there may be steps with measurement. The concept of measurement includes image analysis in addition to area measurement, time measurement, etc.

[0032] A plurality of inspection protocols are prepared according to the content of the ultrasonic inspection, and a specific inspection protocol to be used is selected by the user from among them. By using the inspection protocol, it is not necessary to manually set the operation conditions at the start of execution of each step. It is also possible to omit various inputs and settings during the execution of each step. Further, by performing the ultrasonic inspection according to the inspection protocol, each step can be surely carried out, so that the problem of omission of acquisition of ultrasonic images does not occur. In the embodiment, each option is also created by the protocol creation unit 32.

[0033] During the execution of the inspection protocol, when a lesion is detected, the protocol modification unit 34 incorporates the user-selected option into the currently executing inspection protocol according to the user operation, thereby modifying the inspection protocol in real time. In the embodiment, a plurality of options are prepared, and it is possible to select an option that suits the type of the detected lesion. Each option is composed of one or more additional steps.

[0034] The protocol execution control unit 38 controls a series of operations from ultrasonic transmission and reception to ultrasonic image display according to the selected specific inspection protocol. When an option is incorporated into the inspection protocol and it is modified, the protocol execution control unit 38 controls the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the modified inspection protocol.

[0035] When a lesion (precisely, a lesion candidate) appears in the tomographic image as an ultrasonic image, the detection unit 40 detects it and notifies the user that the lesion has been detected. In the embodiment, when a lesion is detected, a mark surrounding the lesion is displayed in the tomographic image, or a mark or character string indicating the detection of the lesion is displayed in the display image. Further, when a lesion is detected, a predetermined button is highlighted to prompt the display of the option list. In the embodiment, the detection unit 40 also functions as an identification unit for identifying the type of the lesion. The content of the option list presented to the user may be optimized according to the type of the lesion.

[0036] The report creation unit 36 creates an ultrasonic inspection report as an electronic document. More precisely, the report creation unit 36 supports the work of the user who creates the ultrasonic inspection report. The ultrasonic inspection report includes ultrasonic images, measurement values, etc. obtained in each step. In the embodiment, further, the findings selected in each step and the schema (schematic diagram) created in each step may be included.

[0037] An operation panel 30 is connected to the arithmetic control unit 26. The operation panel 30 includes a trackball, a plurality of switches, a keyboard, a touch screen panel 42, and the like. The touch screen panel 42 is composed of a display panel 42A and a touch panel 42B. An operation image including a plurality of virtual buttons is displayed on the display panel 42A. Operations on the plurality of virtual buttons are detected by the touch panel 42B. Under the control of the arithmetic control unit 26, the display processing unit 22 generates an operation image.

[0038] A storage unit 28 is connected to the arithmetic control unit 26. The storage unit 28 is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 28 stores a protocol information group 44, an option information group 46, a protocol management table 48, an option management table 50, and the like.

[0039] The protocol information group 44 is composed of a plurality of protocol information 44A created by the protocol creation unit 32. The protocol information group 44 may include the modified protocol information. Each protocol information 44A is composed of a plurality of control data required when executing a plurality of processes constituting the inspection protocol.

[0040] The option information group 46 is composed of a plurality of option information 46A created by the protocol creation unit 32. Each option information 46A is composed of one or a plurality of control data required when executing one or a plurality of additional processes constituting the option.

[0041] The protocol management table 48 is a table for managing a plurality of inspection protocols corresponding to the plurality of protocol information 44A constituting the protocol information group 44. The option management table 50 is a table for managing a plurality of options corresponding to the plurality of option information 46A constituting the option information group 46. The storage unit 28 further stores a finding management table, a schema management table, etc., but in FIG. 1, their illustrations are omitted.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows an example of protocol information. The illustrated protocol information 44A includes a protocol ID 52, a protocol name 53, a plurality of process information 54, and the like. Each piece of process information 54 includes a process number 55, a process name 56, operation conditions 57, and the like. The operation conditions include an operation mode, a transmission frequency, a transmission pulse repetition frequency, a gain, ···, display conditions, and the like. The process information 54 may also include information related to measurement. The execution of each individual process is controlled by referring to each piece of process information 54.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows an example of option information. The illustrated option information 46A includes an option ID 58, an option name 59, a plurality of additional process information 60, and the like. Each piece of additional process information 60 includes a process number 61, a process name 62, operation conditions 63, and the like. The execution of each individual additional process is controlled by referring to each piece of additional process information 60.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows an example of a protocol management table. The illustrated protocol management table 48 is composed of a plurality of records 68 corresponding to a plurality of inspection protocols. Each record 68 includes a protocol ID 70 and information for specifying a medical department (inspection site). 72 is By referring to the information 72, the medical department or inspection site that can use the inspection protocol can be specified. there.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows an example of an option management table. The illustrated option management table 50 is composed of a plurality of records 76 corresponding to a plurality of options. Each record 76 includes an option ID 78, information for specifying a medical department (inspection site) 80, and information for specifying a lesion type. 82 is By referring to the information 72, the medical department or inspection site that can use the option can be specified. By referring to the information 82, the lesion type corresponding to the option can be specified. there.

[0046] FIG. 6 schematically shows the operation method according to the embodiment. The content shown in FIG. 6 also shows the operations of the arithmetic control unit and the display processing unit described above. During the execution of a specific inspection protocol, when a lesion 88 appears in the tomographic image 86, in S10, the lesion is detected. As a result, for example, a mark 90 surrounding the lesion is displayed, or a display element 92 such as a character or a figure indicating the detection of the lesion is displayed in the vicinity of the tomographic image 86. At that time, the identified lesion type may be displayed.

[0047] In S12, in response to the detection of the lesion, a predetermined button displayed on the touch screen panel is highlighted, thereby notifying the user of the detection of the lesion. For example, the button is highlighted or blinks. When the button is operated by the user, in S14, the operation is accepted. In S16, an option list is displayed on the touch screen panel. The option list is composed of one or more display elements indicating one or more options.

[0048] When a specific display element is operated by the user, that is, a specific option is selected, in S18, the selection is accepted. In S20, for the inspection protocol being executed, the selected option, that is, one or more additional steps are incorporated. As a result, the inspection protocol is modified in real time. At that time, the content of the displayed process list is also modified. That is, it switches in real time from the first process list before the modification to the second process list after the modification. In S22, the modified inspection protocol is executed.

[0049] In FIG. 6, the modification of the inspection protocol implemented in S20 is schematically shown (see reference numeral 93). The initially selected inspection protocol 94 is composed of a plurality of steps 95 arranged in chronological order. In the illustrated example, a mark 98 indicates the current time point, and an arrow 96 indicates the progress up to the current time point. When a lesion is detected during the implementation of step 95m and a specific option 102 is selected from the option list, in the illustrated example, between step 95m including the current time point, i.e., the time of lesion detection, and the previous step 95m-1 thereof 100 (i.e., immediately before step 95 m ), option 102 is inserted. Thereby, a modified inspection protocol 94A incorporating option 102A is generated. After the incorporation of option 102A, as indicated by arrow 104, a series of steps are sequentially implemented from the first step of option 102A. In that case, as is clear from FIG. 6, after the execution of option 102A, process 95m is executed again.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the option is inserted immediately before the reference step including the time of lesion detection (immediate-previous method), but the option may also be inserted immediately after the reference step (immediate-after method). According to the immediate-previous method, the start of execution of the option that matches the currently emerging lesion can be advanced. According to the immediate-after method, the operations and work already performed in the currently executing step will not be wasted. It is also possible to insert an option during the reference step (midway method). However, in that case, since the reference step is divided into two parts, problems such as a decrease in operability and confusion in operation are likely to occur. Therefore, as described above, the adoption of the immediate-previous method or the immediate-after method is desirable. In an embodiment, the user may select the immediate-previous method or the immediate-after method in advance or at the time of option selection.

[0051] The operation according to the embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. FIG. 7 shows a first display example.

[0052] The display image 106 shown on the main display includes a tomographic image 110 and a process list 112. The process list 112 is composed of a plurality of rows indicating a plurality of processes. The row corresponding to the currently executing process is highlighted (see reference numeral 113). A lesion 114 appears in the tomographic image 110, which is automatically detected, and accordingly, a mark 116 is displayed. Information 117 indicating the type of the lesion is also displayed. The display image 106 includes a plurality of images 118 that have been acquired and stored in a plurality of processes performed so far. Each image 118 is a reduced image, that is, a thumbnail image.

[0053] The display image 108 shown on the touch screen panel includes a virtual button (option activation button) 120. The option activation button 120 is highlighted or blinked by lesion detection. The display image 108 includes a virtual button 122 for selecting the immediate previous mode and a virtual button 124 for selecting the immediate next mode. For example, in the initial state, the button 122 is selected, and if necessary, the button 124 may be operated. When the option activation button 120 is operated, the display images described below appear.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows a display image 126 shown on the touch screen panel. The display image 126 includes an option list 130 according to the first display example. The option list 128 is composed of a plurality of virtual buttons indicating a plurality of options. Each button represents each option. The button corresponding to the option to be selected is operated. A button pair for selecting the immediate previous mode and the immediate next mode may be included in the display image 126.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows the state after option incorporation. The display image 132 shown on the main display includes a tomographic image 134 and a process list 136. The process list 136 indicates the inspection protocol after option incorporation, that is, the modified inspection protocol. At the time of option incorporation, the initially displayed process list switches to the modified process list.

[0056] The process list 136 is composed of a plurality of lines indicating a plurality of processes. Among them, as indicated by reference numeral 140, a block composed of a plurality of lines corresponding to options is identified and displayed. For example, the block is displayed in high brightness or in a predetermined hue. A predetermined mark may be added to each line constituting the block. Thereby, in the corrected inspection protocol, the added part can be easily identified. The highlighted line 138 indicates the currently executing process.

[0057] The display image 132 includes a plurality of reduced images 142 indicating a plurality of tomographic images acquired and stored by executing a plurality of processes. Among them, a plurality of reduced images 144a, 144b, 144c acquired and stored by executing options are identified and displayed. By this identification display, it can be correctly recognized that those images are specially acquired. The frames of the reduced images 144a, 144b, 144c may be represented in a predetermined hue so that they are identified and displayed.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows an option list 148 according to the second display example. The option list 148 is composed of a plurality of virtual buttons indicating a plurality of options. Each button has a numerical label 150. The numerical label 150 indicates the number of times the option has been selected in the past, that is, the selection record. While referring to such information, a specific option can be selected.

[0059] FIG. 11 shows an option list 152 according to the third display example. The option list 152 is composed of a plurality of virtual buttons indicating a plurality of options. They include a button 154a having a large size and a button 154b having a small size. That is, the past selection record is reflected in the button size. By expressing the button corresponding to the option having a large number of selections in a large size, it is possible to encourage its preferential selection. The magnitude of the selection record may be expressed by other forms of change.

[0060] Next, creation of an ultrasonic inspection report and support therefor will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0061] The display image 156 shown in FIG. 12 includes a tomographic image 158, a process list 160, and a pop-up window 166. As indicated by reference numeral 174, measurement has already been performed on the tomographic image 158, and numerical values 176 obtained by the measurement are displayed. In the process list 160, a portion 162 corresponds to an option. The process corresponding to line 164 is the currently executing process. That process is included in the option.

[0062] The pop-up window 166 is displayed by a predetermined user operation. Inside the pop-up window, a finding list 168 corresponding to the option is included. That is, the correspondence between the option and the lesion type is managed, and based on this, the finding list 168 that matches the lesion type is displayed. The finding list 168 is composed of a plurality of selectable findings. As indicated by reference numeral 170, a specific finding can be selected by operating a check box. As a result, a specific finding is displayed as a character string 172 on the tomographic image 158. Thus, when the tomographic image is stored, the character string is also stored together. Further, the selected specific finding is inserted into the ultrasonic inspection report together with the tomographic image.

[0063] The pop-up window 166 includes a virtual button 178 for starting a schema creation tool. By operating the button 178, another pop-up window described below is displayed.

[0064] In FIG. 13, the pop-up window 182 is a window for schema creation. It includes basic graphics 184, and for example, using the cursor 188, handwritten graphics can be added to the basic graphics 184. For example, graphics 190 indicating the position and size of the plaque can be added. The button row 186 is composed of a plurality of virtual buttons corresponding to a plurality of functions to be operated during schema creation. These buttons include buttons for selecting the size and type of lines, buttons to be operated when activating the eraser, buttons for reset, and the like. The schema created using the pop-up window 182 is inserted into the ultrasonic inspection report. In an embodiment, basic graphics corresponding to options, that is, lesion types, are displayed within the pop-up window.

[0065] As described above, during the execution of the inspection protocol, by assisting in the selection of findings based on options and also in the creation of schemas, the burden of creating the ultrasonic inspection report can be significantly reduced. During the process of performing normal steps other than options, the findings list may be displayed or the schema creation tool may be utilized.

[0066] FIG. 14 shows an example of an ultrasonic inspection report. The illustrated ultrasonic inspection report 192 includes an ultrasonic image 194 and measurement values 200 obtained during option execution. It also includes a character string 198 indicating the findings selected during option execution and a schema 196 created during option execution.

[0067] Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the exceptional operations when another lesion is detected during option execution will be described. FIG. 15 shows a combination of the immediate previous method and the immediate previous method, and FIG. 16 shows a combination of the immediate previous method and the immediate next method. In FIGS. 15 and 16, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0068] In FIG. 15, in the corrected inspection protocol 200A, as indicated by the arrow 208, the incorporated option 206A is executed. Specifically, at the current time point 210, the step (reference step) 212n is being executed. If another lesion is detected during the execution of step 212n and the option 214 is selected accordingly, the option 214 is inserted between step 212n and the previous step 212n - 1, that is, immediately before step 212n (immediate-previous method). As a result, a corrected inspection protocol 200B in which the option 214A is incorporated into the option 216 is created. After two options are incorporated, in the corrected inspection protocol 200B, as indicated by the arrow 218, a plurality of steps are sequentially executed from the leading step of the newly added option 214A. Thus, in the operation example shown in FIG. 15, an option is incorporated into an option.

[0069] In FIG. 16, when a lesion is detected at the current time point 210 and subsequently the option 214 is selected, the option 214 is inserted immediately after the step (reference step) including the current time point 210. As a result, a corrected inspection protocol 200B in which the option 214B is incorporated following the option 222 is created. In the corrected inspection protocol 200B, as indicated by the arrow 224, after the execution of the reference step, the option is subsequently executed. Thus, in the operation example shown in FIG. 16, an option is incorporated following an option, and two options are consecutive.

[0070] As described above, according to the embodiment, when a lesion appears, the content of the inspection protocol can be easily and appropriately corrected according to the lesion. Thereby, a reliable inspection can be performed on the lesion, and at the same time, the burden on the inspector can be reduced.

Explanation of Signs

[0071] 10 Ultrasonic probe, 22 Display processing unit, 26 Arithmetic control unit, 32 Protocol creation unit, 34 Protocol modification unit, 36 Report creation unit, 38 Protocol execution control unit, 40 Detection unit, 44 Protocol information group, 46 Option information group, 48 Protocol management table, 50 Option management table.

Claims

1. A protocol execution control unit that controls a series of operations including ultrasonic transmission and reception to ultrasonic image display according to an inspection protocol composed of a plurality of steps; A detection unit that detects a lesion included in an ultrasonic image during the execution of the inspection protocol; A display control unit that displays an option list indicating one or more options in response to the detection of the lesion; A protocol modification unit that incorporates a specific option selected based on the option list into the inspection protocol being executed, specifying the step being executed at the time of detection of the lesion as a reference step, and determining immediately before or after the reference step as the option insertion position in the inspection protocol being executed; Comprising; Each of the options is composed of one or more additional steps; After incorporating the specific option, the protocol execution control unit controls the series of operations according to the modified inspection protocol in which the specific option is incorporated; When immediately before the reference step is determined as the option insertion position, the reference step is executed again after the execution of the specific option; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

2. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Claim 1, Before the execution of the inspection protocol, immediately before or after the reference step is selected as the option insertion position; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

3. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Claim 1, Immediately before or after the reference step is selected by the user as the option insertion position; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

4. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Claim 1, The display control unit, Before incorporating the specific option, displays a first step list indicating a plurality of steps constituting the inspection protocol; After incorporating the specific option, displays a second step list indicating a plurality of steps constituting the modified inspection protocol; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

5. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Claim 4, In the second step list, one or more additional display elements corresponding to one or more additional steps constituting the specific option are identified and displayed; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

6. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Claim 1, The option list includes one or more option display elements indicating one or more options. The display control unit changes the display mode of each option display element according to the selection record of each option. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

7. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, the display control unit changes the content of the option list according to the type of the lesion detected by the detection unit. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

8. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, the display control unit displays a finding list corresponding to the specific option during the execution of the specific option, and a report creation unit is provided for creating an inspection report including a specific finding selected from the finding list. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

9. A program executed in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which a series of operations including ultrasonic transmission / reception to ultrasonic image display are controlled according to an inspection protocol composed of a plurality of steps, during the execution of the inspection protocol, a function of detecting a lesion included in an ultrasonic image, a function of displaying an option list indicating one or more options according to the detection of the lesion, a function of incorporating a specific option selected based on the option list into the inspection protocol being executed, specifying the step being executed at the time of detection of the lesion as a reference step, and determining immediately before or after the reference step as the option insertion position in the inspection protocol being executed, including, each option is composed of one or more additional steps, after the incorporation of the specific option, the series of operations are controlled according to the modified inspection protocol in which the specific option is incorporated, when immediately before the reference step is determined as the option insertion position, the reference step is executed again after the execution of the specific option. A program characterized by the above.

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