Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic device and a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic device which enable a user to clearly ascertain whether or not a breast of a subject has been sufficiently scanned. An ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is provided with: a sensor 4 for detecting the tilt angle or the height of an ultrasound probe 2; an image generation unit 13 for generating an ultrasound image on the basis of a reception signal obtained by a scan of a subject; a scan detection unit 16 for detecting the start point and the end point of a scan of the breast of the subject with the ultrasound probe in one direction on the basis of the tilt angle or the height position of the ultrasound probe 2; and a scan completion determination unit 17 for determining whether or not a scan along a set scan pattern has been completed by performing an image analysis on an ultrasound image generated from a reception signal at the start point and an ultrasound image generated from a reception signal at the end point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used for examining a breast of a subject and a control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that obtains a tomographic image in a subject by scanning the surface of the subject with an ultrasonic probe is known. When a subject is examined using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a technique as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been developed so that a user can surely examine the subject. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of acquiring information regarding the posture of an ultrasonic probe by a sensor and determining on which side (left or right) of the subject the imaged part of the subject exists based on the acquired information regarding the posture of the ultrasonic probe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a breast of a subject is examined using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the user may not be able to sufficiently scan the entire breast, for example, by overlooking the scanning range due to the size of the breast of the subject. With the technique of Patent Document 1, it is possible to determine whether the breast scanned by the ultrasonic probe is the left or right breast of the subject, but it has been difficult to clearly confirm whether the user has sufficiently scanned the breast.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a control method for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can clearly confirm whether or not a user has sufficiently scanned a subject's breast.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe, a sensor that detects an inclination angle or a height position of the ultrasonic probe, and an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal obtained by scanning a subject's breast using the ultrasonic probe. A scan detection unit that detects a start point and an end point of scanning of the ultrasonic probe along one direction with respect to the subject's breast based on the inclination angle or the height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor, and an ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the start point detected by the scan detection unit. And a scan completion determination unit that determines whether scanning according to a defined scan pattern is completed or not by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the end point detected by the scan detection unit. It is characterized by comprising.

[0007] The scan completion determination unit recognizes an anatomical index located at one end of a scan range according to a defined scan pattern from the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the start point detected by the scan detection unit, and When recognizing an anatomical index located at the other end of the scan range according to the defined scan pattern from the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the end point detected by the scan detection unit, it is determined that the scan according to the defined scan pattern is completed. can do.

[0008] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can include a notification unit that notifies the user when it is determined by the scan completion determination unit that the scan according to the defined scan pattern is incomplete. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may include a monitor, a graph generation unit that generates a graph representing a change in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by a sensor from a start point to an end point detected by a scan detection unit and displays the graph on the monitor, and a display image selection unit that displays, on the monitor, at least the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the start point and the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the end point after the end point is detected by the scan detection unit.

[0009] When a specified point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit is specified by the user, the display image selection unit can display, on the monitor, the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the imaging position corresponding to the specified point. When a specified point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit is specified by the user, the display image selection unit can also display, as a moving image, on the monitor, a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signals obtained at a plurality of imaging positions corresponding to a defined range on the graph including the specified point.

[0010] In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may include a monitor, the number of scans of the ultrasonic probe, and a determination result display unit that displays the determination result by the scan completion determination unit on the monitor. In addition, when the scan of the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user instruction and the scan of the ultrasonic probe is restarted based on the user instruction, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may include a scan integration unit that integrates the interrupted scan and the restarted scan as one scan.

[0011] The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention detects the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe by a sensor, generates an ultrasonic image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasonic probe, detects the start point and the end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic probe along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor, and performs image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected start point and the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected end point, thereby determining whether the scanning according to the determined scanning pattern is completed or not.

[0012] In the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when an anatomical index located at one end of a scanning range according to a determined scanning pattern is recognized from an ultrasonic image generated based on a received signal obtained at the detected start point, and an anatomical index located at the other end of the scanning range according to the determined scanning pattern is recognized from an ultrasonic image generated based on a received signal obtained at the detected end point, it can be determined that the scanning according to the determined scanning pattern is completed.

[0013] Further, in the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when it is determined that the scanning according to the determined scanning pattern is incomplete, the user can be notified. Further, in the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, among a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images generated based on received signals obtained between the detected start point and the end point, at least the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the start point and the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the end point are selected and can be displayed on the monitor after the end point is detected.

[0014] Further, in the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when a designated point on the generated graph is designated by the user, the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the imaging position corresponding to the designated point can be displayed on the monitor. In addition, when a specified point on the generated graph is specified by the user, ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames generated based on received signals obtained at a plurality of imaging positions corresponding to a defined range on the graph including the specified point can be displayed as a video on the monitor.

[0015] In addition, in a control method of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the number of scans of an ultrasonic probe and a determination result as to whether scanning according to a defined scanning pattern has been completed or not can be displayed on the monitor. In addition, in a control method of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is restarted based on the user's instruction, the interrupted scan and the restarted scan can be integrated as one scan.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a sensor that detects the tilt angle or height position of an ultrasonic probe, an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a breast of a subject using the ultrasonic probe, a scan detection unit that detects a start point and an end point of a scan of the ultrasonic probe along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor, a scan completion determination unit that determines whether scanning according to a defined scanning pattern has been completed or not by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the received signal obtained at the start point detected by the scan detection unit and the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the received signal obtained at the end point detected by the scan detection unit. Therefore, it is possible to clearly confirm whether or not the user has sufficiently scanned the breast of the subject.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description of the constituent elements described below is based on typical embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range including the numerical values described before and after "~" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value. In this specification, "identical" and "the same" shall include the error ranges generally acceptable in the technical field.

[0019] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2 and an apparatus main body 3 connected to the ultrasonic probe 2. Further, a sensor 4 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a transducer array 11, and a transmission / reception circuit 12 is connected to the transducer array 11.

[0020] The apparatus main body 3 includes an image generation unit 13, and the image generation unit 13 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 12 of the ultrasonic probe 2. Further, a display control unit 14 and a monitor 15 are sequentially connected to the image generation unit 13. The apparatus main body 3 also includes a scanning detection unit 16 connected to the sensor 4. Further, a scanning completion determination unit 17 is connected to the scanning detection unit 16. Further, a notification unit 19 is connected to the scanning completion determination unit 17, and the display control unit 14 is connected to the notification unit 19. An image memory 18 is connected to the image generation unit 13, and the scanning completion determination unit 17 is connected to the image memory 18.

[0021] Further, a device control unit 20 is connected to the sensor 4, the transmission / reception circuit 12, the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the scanning detection unit 16, the scanning completion determination unit 17, the image memory 18, and the notification unit 19. An input device 21 is connected to the device control unit 20. In addition, an image generation unit 13, a display control unit 14, a scanning detection unit 16, a scanning completion determination unit 17, a notification unit 19, and a device control unit 20 constitute a processor 22 for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0022] The transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in one dimension or two dimensions. These ultrasonic transducers transmit ultrasonic waves according to drive signals supplied from the transmission / reception circuit 12, receive ultrasonic echoes from the subject, and output signals based on the ultrasonic echoes. Each ultrasonic transducer is configured, for example, by forming electrodes at both ends of a piezoelectric body made of a piezoelectric ceramic typified by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element typified by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), a piezoelectric single crystal typified by PMN-PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate solid solution), or the like.

[0023] The transmission / reception circuit 12 transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 and generates a beam signal based on the reception signal acquired by the transducer array 11 under the control of the device control unit 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission / reception circuit 12 has a pulsar 31 connected to the transducer array 11, an amplification unit 32, an AD (Analog Digital) conversion unit 33, and a beam former 34 that are sequentially connected in series from the transducer array 11.

[0024] The pulsar 31 includes, for example, a plurality of pulse generators, and supplies drive signals to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11 while adjusting the delay amount so that ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11 form an ultrasonic beam based on a transmission delay pattern selected according to a control signal from the device control unit 20. In this way, when a pulsed or continuous-wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts, generating pulsed or continuous-wave ultrasonic waves from each ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic beam is formed from the combined wave of these ultrasonic waves.

[0025] The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected, for example, by an object such as a part of a subject and propagates toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic echo propagating toward the transducer array 11 in this way is received by each ultrasonic transducer constituting the transducer array 11. At this time, each ultrasonic transducer constituting the transducer array 11 expands and contracts by receiving the propagating ultrasonic echo, generates a reception signal which is an electrical signal, and outputs these reception signals to the amplifier unit 32.

[0026] The amplifier unit 32 amplifies the signals input from each ultrasonic transducer constituting the transducer array 11 and transmits the amplified signals to the AD conversion unit 33. The AD conversion unit 33 converts the signals transmitted from the amplifier unit 32 into digital reception data. The beamformer 34 performs so-called reception focusing processing by giving respective delays to and adding the respective reception data received from the AD conversion unit 33. By this reception focusing processing, the respective reception data converted by the AD conversion unit 33 are coherently added and a beam signal with the focus of the ultrasonic echo narrowed down is obtained.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the image generation unit 13 has a configuration in which a signal processing unit 35, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 36, and an image processing unit 37 are sequentially connected in series.

[0028] The signal processing unit 35 corrects the attenuation due to distance according to the depth of the reflection position of the ultrasonic wave using the sound velocity value set by the device control unit 20 for the sound line signal received from the transmission / reception circuit 12, and then performs envelope detection processing to generate a B-mode image signal which is tomographic image information regarding the tissue in the subject body.

[0029] The DSC 36 converts (raster-converts) the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 35 into an image signal conforming to the scanning method of a normal television signal. The image processing unit 37 performs various necessary image processes such as gradation processing on the B-mode image signal input from the DSC 36, and then sends the B-mode image signal to the display control unit 14 and the image memory 18. Hereinafter, the B-mode image signal on which image processing has been performed by the image processing unit 37 is referred to as an ultrasonic image.

[0030] The device control unit 20 controls each part of the ultrasonic probe 2, each part of the device main body 3, and the sensor 4 according to a pre-recorded program or the like. The display control unit 14 performs predetermined processing on the ultrasonic image or the like generated by the image generation unit 13 under the control of the device control unit 20, and displays it on the monitor 15.

[0031] The monitor 15 performs various displays under the control of the display control unit 14. The monitor 15 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

[0032] The input device 21 is for the user to perform input operations. The input device 21 is constituted by, for example, a device for the user to perform input operations such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, and a touch panel.

[0033] The sensor 4 is for detecting the height position or the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2. As the sensor 4, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor can be used. Here, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 refers to the height position of the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 that is in contact with the body surface of the subject. The sensor 4 can detect, for example, a value of the relative height position with respect to an arbitrary height when the ultrasonic probe 2 is moved by the user. For example, the arbitrary height can be the height at the start point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0034] Also, the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 refers to the tilt angle when the ultrasonic probe 2 is tilted in a plane orthogonal to the scan plane with the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 as the fulcrum. The sensor 4 can detect, for example, a positive tilt angle value when tilted to one side with the tilt angle in the state where the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is vertically downward as zero, and can detect a negative tilt angle value when tilted to the other side.

[0035] The scan detection unit 16 detects the start point and the end point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the height position or the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 while the ultrasonic probe 2 is being moved by the user along one direction when the subject is viewed from the front over the breast of the subject.

[0036] Here, the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject means that while the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is in contact with the body surface of the breast of the subject, the ultrasonic probe 2 is moved by the user along one direction when the subject is viewed from the front, and the scan is performed according to a defined scan pattern on the breast of the subject.

[0037] The defined scanning pattern refers to, for example, a scanning method of scanning from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject along one direction when the subject is viewed from the front, or a scanning method of scanning from the nipple to the peripheral part of the breast of the subject along one direction when the subject is viewed from the front, etc. When the subject is viewed from the front, it refers to a method of scanning the breast of the subject while moving the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction. In FIG. 4, as an example of the defined scanning pattern, an example is shown in which the ultrasonic probe 2 moves on the body surface BS of the subject so as to scan the range from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject. Note that scanning from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject means scanning from one end of the peripheral part of the breast of the subject to the other end of the peripheral part of the breast while moving the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction. Here, the movement of the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction means that the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe is constant. In addition, the scanning method of scanning from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject includes, for example, when the subject is viewed from the front, in the case where the upper and lower ends of one breast are taken as one end and the other end, or in the case where the left and right ends of one breast are taken as one end and the other end. In addition, the scanning method of scanning from the nipple to the erased part includes, for example, the case of scanning radially from the nipple to the erased part, or the case of scanning around the nipple in a circular shape in one direction with the nipple as the center.

[0038] By the way, the ultrasonic probe 2 is usually moved at a substantially constant speed during the scanning of the breast of the subject. However, at the start of the scanning, it often starts moving from a stationary state, or the ultrasonic probe 2 that has been moving in a certain direction starts moving in a different direction. In addition, at the end of the scanning, the ultrasonic probe 2 often stops from a moving state, or the ultrasonic probe 2 that has been moving in a certain direction starts moving in a different direction. As a result, immediately before the start of the scanning and immediately after the end of the scanning, values that are greatly different from the values originally detected are often obtained.

[0039] Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 can detect the starting point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 from immediately before the start of the scan to after a certain period of time has elapsed, for example, by detecting the imaging position immediately after the output value of the sensor 4 has changed rapidly as the starting point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2. Further, the scanning detection unit 16 can detect the end point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 from a certain period of time before the end of the scan to immediately after the end of the scan, for example, by detecting the imaging position immediately before the output value of the sensor 4 has changed rapidly as the end point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0040] The image memory 18 is a memory that stores at least the ultrasonic image generated from the reception signal obtained in the ultrasonic probe 2 at the starting point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 and the ultrasonic image generated from the reception signal obtained in the ultrasonic probe 2 at the end point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 among the ultrasonic images sequentially generated by the image generation unit 13.

[0041] Hereinafter, for the sake of simplifying the explanation, the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 13 based on the reception signal obtained at the starting point of the scan may be referred to as the ultrasonic image corresponding to the starting point of the scan, and the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 13 based on the reception signal obtained at the end point of the scan may be referred to as the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan.

[0042] As the image memory 18, for example, recording media such as flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disc (Magneto - Optical disc), MT (Magnetic Tape), RAM (Random Access Memory), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. can be used.

[0043] The scanning completion determination unit 17 reads out from the image memory 18 the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16, and performs image analysis on these ultrasonic images to determine whether the scan according to the defined scan pattern for the subject's breast has been completed or is incomplete.

[0044] Here, generally, the ends of the mammary glands are located near the peripheral part of the subject's breast, the collarbone is located near the peripheral part of the breast on the head side of the subject, the outer edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle is located near the peripheral part of the breast on the side of the subject's armpit, and the sternum is located near the peripheral part of the breast on the side opposite to the subject's armpit. That is, it is known that anatomical indicators such as the ends of the mammary glands, the collarbone, the outer edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle, or the sternum are located near the peripheral part of the subject's breast. Also, it is known that anatomical indicators such as lactiferous ducts are located near the nipple of the subject's breast. Thus, various anatomical indicators are located in the subject's breast and its surroundings.

[0045] Therefore, for example, the scanning completion determination unit 17 performs image analysis on the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 to recognize an anatomical index located at one end of the scanning range according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject, and performs image analysis on the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 to recognize an anatomical index located at the other end of the scanning range according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject. When this is the case, it can be determined that the scan according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject is completed.

[0046] In this case, when the scanning completion determination unit 17 cannot recognize the anatomical index located at one end of the scanning range according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject from the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16, or cannot recognize the anatomical index located at the other end of the scanning range according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject from the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16, it can be determined that the scan according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject is incomplete.

[0047] When the scanning completion determination unit 17 determines that the scan according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject is incomplete, the notification unit 19 notifies the user to that effect. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the notification unit 19 can cause the monitor 15 to display a notification panel P1 on which a message indicating that the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 is incomplete, such as 'It seems that the scan has not been completed to the end. Please confirm and rescan.', is shown. The user checks the message on the notification panel P1 and performs the scan again according to the defined scanning pattern.

[0048] Note that the processor 22 having the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the scanning detection unit 16, the scanning completion determination unit 17, the notification unit 19, and the device control unit 20 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a control program for causing the CPU to perform various processes. However, it may be configured using an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other ICs (Integrated Circuits), or may be configured by combining them.

[0049] Also, the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the scanning detection unit 16, the scanning completion determination unit 17, the notification unit 19, and the device control unit 20 of the processor 22 can be configured to be integrated partially or entirely into one CPU or the like.

[0050] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. Here, as an example, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 when a user scans a breast of a subject using the ultrasonic probe 2 and the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected by the sensor 4 will be described.

[0051] First, the user places the ultrasonic probe 2 near one end of the subject's breast and starts moving the ultrasonic probe 2 in one direction when viewed from the front of the subject towards the other end of the subject's breast. In this state, in step S1, an ultrasonic image U1 is captured. When the ultrasonic image U1 is captured, the transmission / reception circuit 12 performs so-called reception focusing processing under the control of the device control unit 20 to generate a beam signal. The beam signal generated by the transmission / reception circuit 12 is sent to the image generation unit 13. The image generation unit 13 generates the ultrasonic image U1 using the beam signal sent from the transmission / reception circuit 12. The ultrasonic image U1 generated in this way is sent to the display control unit 14 and displayed on the monitor 15.

[0052] Next, in step S2, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected by the sensor 4.

[0053] Subsequently, in step S3, the scanning detection unit 16 performs a process of detecting the starting point of the scanning along one direction with respect to the subject's breast based on the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected in step S2, and determines whether the scanning has started.

[0054] When the scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 with respect to the subject's breast starts, usually, the ultrasonic probe 2 starts moving from a stationary state, or the ultrasonic probe 2 that has been moving in a certain direction often starts moving in a different direction. Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 can detect the starting point of the scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 from immediately after the output value of the sensor 4 changes rapidly to a certain time after that, such as detecting the imaging position immediately after the change as the starting point of the scanning.

[0055] Here, since the height position is detected only once in step S2, the scanning detection unit 16 cannot detect the start point of the scan in step S3, and it is determined that the scan has not started. In this case, the process returns to step S1, and a new ultrasonic image is generated. In this way, the processes of steps S1 to S3 are repeated until a certain time required for the scanning detection unit 16 to detect the start point of the scan in step S3 has elapsed and the scanning detection unit 16 detects the start of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 with respect to the breast of the subject.

[0056] When the start of the scan is detected in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the ultrasonic image corresponding to the imaging position detected as the start point of the scan in step S3 is stored in the image memory 18.

[0057] In the subsequent step S5, an ultrasonic image is generated in the same manner as in step S1. In step S6, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected in the same manner as in step S2.

[0058] In step S7, the scanning detection unit 16 performs a process of detecting the end point of the scan along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected in step S6, and determines whether the scan has ended.

[0059] When the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 with respect to the breast of the subject is completed, the ultrasonic probe 2 usually stops from the moving state, or the ultrasonic probe 2 that has been moving in a certain direction often starts moving in a different direction. Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 detects the end point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 during a certain period from immediately before the end of the scan to immediately after the end of the scan, such as detecting the imaging position immediately before the output value of the sensor 4 changes rapidly as the end point.

[0060] Here, since the height position is detected only once in step S6, the scanning detection unit 16 cannot detect the end point of the scan in step S7, and it is determined that the scan has not ended. In this case, the process returns to step S5, and a new ultrasonic image is generated. In this way, the processes of steps S5 to S7 are repeated until a certain time required for the scanning detection unit 16 to detect the end of the scan in step S3 has elapsed and the scanning detection unit 16 detects the end point of the scan of the subject's breast.

[0061] When the end point of the scan of the subject's breast is detected in step S7, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the ultrasonic image corresponding to the imaging position detected as the end point of the scan in step S7 is stored in the image memory 18.

[0062] Next, in step S9, the scan completion determination unit 17 performs image analysis on the ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 18 in step S4, and performs a process of recognizing anatomical indicators located near the peripheral part of the breast from this ultrasonic image. Also, the scan completion determination unit 17 performs image analysis on the ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 18 in step S8, and performs a process of recognizing anatomical indicators located near the peripheral part of the breast from this ultrasonic image.

[0063] Furthermore, in step S9, when anatomical indicators are recognized from the image stored in step S4 and anatomical indicators are recognized from the image stored in step S8, the scan completion determination unit 17 determines that the scan according to the defined scan pattern for the subject's breast has been completed, and in other cases, determines that the scan according to the defined scan pattern for the subject's breast is incomplete.

[0064] When it is determined in step S9 that the scan according to the defined scan pattern for the subject's breast has been completed, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends. If it is determined in step S9 that the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern for the subject's breast is incomplete, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0065] In step S10, the notification unit 19 notifies the user that the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern for the subject's breast is incomplete. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the notification unit 19 can display on the monitor 15 a notification panel P1 on which a message indicating that the scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 is incomplete, such as "It seems that the scanning has not been completed to the end. Please check and rescan." is shown.

[0066] When the process of step S10 is completed in this way, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends. However, the user can check the message notified by the notification unit 19 in step S10 and perform the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern for the subject's breast again.

[0067] From the above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the start point and the end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 are detected by the scanning detection unit 16 based on the height position or the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4. Further, by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scanning and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scanning, it is determined whether the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern for the subject's breast is completed. Therefore, the user can clearly confirm whether the breast of the subject to be examined has been sufficiently scanned, prevent overlooking the scanning range, and can sufficiently scan the breast of the subject.

[0068] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, after generating the ultrasonic image in step S1, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected in step S2. However, the process of step S1 may be performed after the process of step S2, or the processes of step S1 and step S2 may be performed simultaneously. Also, after generating the ultrasonic image in step S5, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected in step S6. However, the process of step S5 may be performed after the process of step S6, or the processes of step S5 and step S6 may be performed simultaneously.

[0069] In addition, the ultrasonic probe 2 and the apparatus main body 3 can be connected by so-called wired communication or can also be connected by so-called wireless communication.

[0070] Also, the sensor 4 is attached to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 2, but it may be built in the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0071] Also, if the sensor 4 can detect the height position or the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2, it does not have to be attached to the ultrasonic probe 2. For example, the sensor 4 can also be attached to the hand of the subject holding the ultrasonic probe 2. Even in this case, since the relative value of the height position or the relative value of the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 can be detected, the start point and the end point of the scan can be detected by the scan detection unit 16 in the same way as when the sensor 4 is directly attached to the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0072] Also, a scanning pattern for scanning from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject is illustrated, but the scanning pattern applied to the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, any scanning pattern determined by facilities such as hospitals where examinations are performed and users such as doctors, such as a scanning pattern for scanning from the nipple to the peripheral part of the breast of the subject, can be applied to the present invention.

[0073] In addition, for the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point are saved, and it is determined whether the scan according to the scan pattern determined based on the saved ultrasonic images is completed, and then the process ends. However, when the user examines the entire breast of the subject, a plurality of scan ranges are scanned, and the processes of steps S1 to S10 are performed each time. Thereby, the user can detect the entire breast of the subject without omission.

[0074] In addition, in the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, two frames of ultrasonic images, i.e., the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point, are saved in the image memory 18. However, a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images obtained at the timing before and after the start point of the scan is detected by the scan detection unit 16 and a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images obtained at the timing before and after the end point of the scan is detected by the scan detection unit 16 may be saved in the image memory 18.

[0075] In this case, the scan completion determination unit 17 performs a process of recognizing an anatomical index located at one end of the scan range according to the determined scan pattern on the plurality of frames of ultrasonic images obtained at the timing before and after the start point of the scan, thereby determining whether the start point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 is an appropriate scan start position according to the determined scan pattern. In addition, the scan completion determination unit 17 performs a process of recognizing an anatomical index located at the other end of the scan range according to the determined scan pattern on the plurality of frames of ultrasonic images obtained at the timing before and after the end point of the scan, thereby determining whether the end point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 is an appropriate scan end position according to the determined scan pattern. In this way, the scan completion determination unit 17 can determine whether the scan according to the determined scan pattern is completed by performing image analysis on the plurality of frames of ultrasonic images.

[0076] Embodiment 2 In Embodiment 1, when the scanning completion determination unit 17 determines that the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject is incomplete, the notification unit 19 notifies the user to that effect. Further, after the scanning of the subject is completed, that is, after the scanning end point is detected by the scanning detection unit 16, a graph representing the change in the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 and the ultrasonic image can also be displayed on the monitor 15.

[0077] FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to Embodiment 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1, provided with an apparatus main body 3A instead of the apparatus main body 3. Further, the apparatus main body 3A is the apparatus main body 3 in Embodiment 1, with a graph generation unit 41 and a display image selection unit 42 added, provided with an apparatus control unit 20A instead of the apparatus control unit 20, and provided with a processor 22A instead of the processor 22.

[0078] In the apparatus main body 3A, the graph generation unit 41 is connected to the scanning detection unit 16, and the display control unit 14 and the apparatus control unit 20A are connected to the graph generation unit 41. Further, the display image selection unit 42 is connected to the image memory 18, and the display control unit 14 and the apparatus control unit 20A are connected to the display image selection unit 42.

[0079] Further, the processor 22 is composed of an image generation unit 13, a display control unit 14, a scanning detection unit 16, a scanning completion determination unit 17, a notification unit 19, an apparatus control unit 20A, a graph generation unit 41, and a display image selection unit 42.

[0080] The graph generation unit 41 generates a graph representing the temporal change in the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 between the start point and the end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the scanning detection unit 16, and causes the generated graph to be displayed on the monitor 15.

[0081] FIG. 8 shows an example of a graph G1 representing the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 when the ultrasonic probe 2 scans from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject. As time progresses from the left end of the graph G1 corresponding to time zero, i.e., the starting point of the scan, the height position gradually increases, reaches a maximum at the location corresponding to the nipple, and then gradually decreases to the right end of the graph G1 corresponding to the end point of the scan.

[0082] Further, FIG. 9 shows an example of a graph G2 representing the temporal change in the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 when the ultrasonic probe 2 scans from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject. In the graph G2, the tilt angle in the state where the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is vertically downward is set to zero. As time progresses from the left end of the graph G2 corresponding to time zero, i.e., the starting point of the scan, the tilt angle increases significantly with a negative value, then increases significantly towards a positive value, becomes zero at the location corresponding to the nipple, and further increases with a positive value.

[0083] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the graph generation unit 41 can display the graph G1 on the monitor 15. At this time, the graph generation unit 41 can display a scan count display panel P2 on the monitor 15 indicating which scan the graph G1 was generated in. The scan count display panel P2 has a scan count selection button B2. When the scan count selection button B2 is specified via the input device 21, a list of the number of scans already performed is displayed, allowing the user to select a desired number from the list. For example, if the user selects 'first time' from the list, the graph G1 generated in the first scan is displayed on the monitor 15.

[0084] The display image selection unit 42 displays, on the monitor 15 after the scan end is detected by the scan detection unit 16, at least the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 13 based on the received signal obtained at the start point of the scan and the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 13 based on the received signal obtained at the end point of the scan.

[0085] Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the graph G1 is displayed on the monitor 15 by the graph generation unit 41 and the left end of the graph G1 corresponding to the start point of the scan is specified by the user via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 42 can display the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan on the monitor 15 based on the input information by the user from the image memory 18. Also, although not shown, when the right end of the graph G1 corresponding to the end point of the scan is specified by the user via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 42 can display the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan on the monitor 15 based on the input information by the user from the image memory 18.

[0086] From the above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the graph G1 representing the temporal change of the height position or the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected between the start point and the end point of the scan along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject detected by the scan detection unit 16 is displayed on the monitor 15. Further, since the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan are displayed on the monitor 15, the user can more clearly confirm whether the breast of the subject to be examined has been sufficiently scanned, prevent overlooking the scan range, and sufficiently scan the breast of the subject.

[0087] Note that, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the graph generation unit 41 can highlight on the monitor 15 the location corresponding to the start point of the scan with respect to the breast of the subject and the location corresponding to the end point of the scan in the graph G1. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the point on the graph G1 corresponding to the start point of the scan with respect to the breast of the subject and the point on the graph G1 corresponding to the end point of the scan with respect to the breast of the subject, and can easily specify these points.

[0088] Also, although it has been described that the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan are stored in the image memory 18, the ultrasonic images corresponding to arbitrary imaging positions from the start point to the end point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 can be further stored in the image memory 18.

[0089] For example, in addition to the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan, ultrasonic images of a determined number of frames generated between the start point and the end point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 may be stored in the image memory 18.

[0090] At this time, for example, when a point corresponding to ultrasonic images of a determined number of frames in the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 is specified by the user via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 42 can display the corresponding ultrasonic image on the monitor 15. Thereby, the user can more clearly confirm whether the breast of the subject has been sufficiently scanned.

[0091] Also, in this case, the graph generation unit 41 can highlight, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, points corresponding to ultrasonic images of a determined number of frames stored in the image memory 18 in the graph G1. Thereby, the user can easily grasp which location should be specified via the input device 21 to check the ultrasonic image.

[0092] Also, for example, all ultrasonic images generated between the start point and the end point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 may be stored in the image memory 18. At this time, when an arbitrary point in the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 is specified by the user via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 42 can display the corresponding ultrasonic image on the monitor 15. Also, in this case, the graph generation unit 41 can highlight, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, points corresponding to ultrasonic images of all frames stored in the image memory 18 in the graph G1.

[0093] Also, when, in addition to the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan, ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames generated between the start point and the end point of the scan are stored in the image memory 18, the ultrasonic images of the plurality of frames can be continuously reproduced on the monitor 15 as a moving image instead of a still image.

[0094] For example, when the right end of the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 is specified by the user via the input device 21, a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images are continuously displayed on the monitor 15 as a moving image so as to go back from the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan to the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan. Also, for example, when the left end of the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 is specified by the user via the input device 21, a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images are continuously displayed on the monitor 15 as a moving image from the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan to the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan.

[0095] Also, for example, when an arbitrary designated point existing between the point corresponding to the start point of the scan and the point corresponding to the end point of the scan in the graph G1 is specified by the user via the input device 21, a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images generated based on the received signals obtained at a plurality of imaging positions corresponding to a defined range on the graph G1 including the designated point can be reproduced as a moving image.

[0096] The defined range on the graph G1 corresponding to these plurality of frames of ultrasonic images can be set by the user via the input device 21. The defined range on the graph G1 is set, for example, as an initial setting when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is first used, and the initial setting can be maintained thereafter. Also, whether to reproduce a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images as a moving image according to the passage of time or to reproduce them as a moving image going back in time can also be set by the user via the input device 21. This setting is also set as an initial setting, for example, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is first used, and the initial setting can be maintained thereafter.

[0097] In addition, when the user examines the entire breast of the subject, a plurality of scanning ranges are scanned. When multiple scans are performed in this way, the display of the scan count display panel P2 shown in FIG. 10 is updated by the graph generation unit 17. For example, when the number of scans is 1, the scan count display panel P2 has only an item corresponding to the first scan. When the number of scans becomes 2, an item corresponding to the second scan is added in addition to the item corresponding to the first scan. Therefore, the user can select an item corresponding to the desired number of times that has already been performed from the scan count display panel P2 and confirm the graph generated by the scan corresponding to the selected item on the monitor 15. As a result, the user can detect the entire breast of the subject without omission.

[0098] Embodiment 3 In Embodiment 2, it has been described that the graph G1 generated by the graph generation unit 41 is displayed on the monitor 15. However, instead of the graph G1, the determination result by the scan completion determination unit 17 may be displayed.

[0099] FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to Embodiment 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to Embodiment 3 is obtained by providing a device body 3B instead of the device body 3A in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 7. The device body 3B includes a determination result display unit 51 instead of the graph generation unit 41 in the device body 3A according to Embodiment 2, includes a device control unit 20B instead of the device control unit 20A, and includes a processor 22B instead of the processor 22A.

[0100] In the device body 3B, the determination result display unit 51 is connected to the scan completion determination unit 17, and the display control unit 14 and the device control unit 20B are connected to the determination result display unit 51. Further, the processor 22B is composed of an image generation unit 13, a display control unit 14, a scan detection unit 16, a scan completion determination unit 17, a notification unit 19, a device control unit 20B, a display image selection unit 42, and a determination result display unit 51.

[0101] The determination result display unit 51 displays on the monitor 15 the number of scans of the ultrasonic probe 2, that is, the number of times the scan has been performed according to the defined scan pattern for the breast of the subject, and the determination result by the scan completion determination unit 17.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the determination result display unit 51 can display on the monitor 15 a scan count display panel P2, a message R1 indicating whether an anatomical index has been recognized in the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan as the determination result of the scan completion determination unit 17, and a message R2 indicating whether an anatomical index has been recognized in the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan. In the example of FIG. 15, as the message R1, “Image OK at Start of Scan” indicating that the anatomical index could be recognized in the ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of the scan is displayed, and as the message R2, “Image NG at End of Scan” indicating that the anatomical index could not be recognized in the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan is displayed.

[0103] In addition, the determination result display unit 51 can display a selection button B3 for displaying the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan on the monitor 15 in the vicinity of the message R1, and a selection button B4 for displaying the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan on the monitor 15 in the vicinity of the message R2. When the number of scans of the defined scan range for the breast of the subject is selected from the scan count display panel P2 by the user via the input device 21, and further, either one of the selection buttons B3 and B4 is selected, the number of scans selected by the user and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the selection button B3 or B4 selected by the user are displayed on the monitor 15.

[0104] From the above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment, the determination result of the scan completion determination unit 17 is displayed on the monitor 15 by the determination result display unit 51, and further, the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan are displayed on the monitor 15. Therefore, the user can more clearly confirm whether the breast of the subject to be examined has been sufficiently scanned, prevent overlooking the scan range, and can sufficiently scan the breast of the subject.

[0105] In Embodiment 3, the determination result display unit 51 displays messages R1 and R2 representing the determination results of the scan completion determination unit 17, and selection buttons B3 and B4 on the monitor 15. Instead, selection buttons B3 and a message "Image at Start of Scan" for the user to display the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan on the monitor 15, and selection buttons B4 and a message "Image at End of Scan" for the user to display the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan on the monitor 15 may be displayed on the monitor 15. Even in this case, since the user can confirm the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of the scan, it is possible to more clearly confirm whether the breast of the subject to be examined has been sufficiently scanned, prevent overlooking the scanning range, and sufficiently scan the breast of the subject.

[0106] Embodiment 4 During the user's scan of a defined scanning range for the breast of the subject, for some reason, the scan may be interrupted. In this case, in order to prevent the end point of the scan according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject from being erroneously detected, the scans before and after the interruption can be integrated and combined into one.

[0107] FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C according to Embodiment 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C of Embodiment 4 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1, which is provided with a device main body 3C instead of the device main body 3. Further, the device main body 3C is the device main body 3 of Embodiment 1, in which a scan integration unit 61 is added, a device control unit 20C is provided instead of the device control unit 20, and a processor 22C is provided instead of the processor 22.

[0108] In the device main body 3C, the scan integration unit 61 is connected to the scan detection unit 16 and the device control unit 20C. Further, the processor 22C is composed of an image generation unit 13, a display control unit 14, a scan detection unit 16, a scan completion determination unit 17, a notification unit 19, a device control unit 20C, and a scan integration unit 61.

[0109] In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C, based on an instruction from a user via the input device 21, the scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern for the breast of a subject can be interrupted. Also, based on an instruction from the user via the input device 21, the scanning according to the interrupted predetermined scanning pattern can be resumed. For example, a scanning interruption button (not shown) is displayed on the monitor 15, and when the user selects the scanning interruption button via the input device 21, the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern is interrupted. Also, for example, a scanning resume button (not shown) is displayed on the monitor 15, and when the user selects the scanning resume button via the input device 21, the scanning according to the interrupted predetermined scanning pattern is resumed.

[0110] When the scanning integration unit 61 interrupts the scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern for the breast of a subject based on an instruction from the user via the input device 21 and resumes the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern based on the instruction from the user, the interrupted scanning and the resumed scanning are integrated as one scanning.

[0111] For example, when the scanning integration unit 61 interrupts the scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern for the breast of a subject based on an instruction from the user, the scanning integration unit 61 temporarily stops the process of the scanning detection unit 16 detecting the end point of the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern. Also, when the scanning integration unit 61 resumes the scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern for the breast of a subject based on an instruction from the user, the scanning integration unit 61 resumes the process of the scanning detection unit 16 detecting the end point of the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern. Thereby, when the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern is interrupted, the scanning detection unit 16 is prevented from erroneously detecting the end point of the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern.

[0112] As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C of the fourth embodiment, even when the scanning according to a defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject is interrupted, the scanning integration unit 61 integrates the interrupted scanning and the resumed scanning as one scanning. Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 is prevented from erroneously detecting the end point of the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject. Thus, the user can clearly confirm whether the breast of the subject to be examined has been sufficiently scanned, prevent overlooking the scanning range, and sufficiently scan the breast of the subject.

[0113] Although it has been described that the aspect of the fourth embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment, it can be similarly applied to the second and third embodiments as well.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 2 Ultrasonic probe, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C Apparatus main body, 4 Sensor, 11 Transducer array, 12 Transmission / reception circuit, 13 Image generation unit, 14 Display control unit, 15 Monitor, 16 Scanning detection unit, 17 Scanning completion determination unit, 18 Image memory, 19 Notification unit, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Apparatus control unit, 21 Input device, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C Processor, 31 Pulser, 32 Amplifier, 33 AD converter, 34 Beamformer, 35 Signal processing unit, 36 DSC, 37 Image processing unit, 41 Graph generation unit, 42 Display image selection unit, 51 Determination result display unit, 61 Scanning integration unit, B2 Scanning times selection button, B3, B4 Selection button, BS Body surface, G1, G2 Graph, P1 Notification panel, P2 Scanning times display panel, R1, R2 Message, U1 Ultrasonic image.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe, a sensor for detecting the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe, an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal obtained by scanning the breast of a subject using the ultrasonic probe, a scanning detection unit that detects a start point and an end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic probe along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor, a scanning completion determination unit that determines whether scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern is completed or not by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the start point detected by the scanning detection unit and the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the end point detected by the scanning detection unit An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the same.

2. The scanning completion determination unit recognizes an anatomical index located at one end of a scanning range according to the predetermined scanning pattern from the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the start point detected by the scanning detection unit, and from the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the end point detected by the scanning detection unit, recognizes an anatomical index located at the other end of the scanning range according to the predetermined scanning pattern, and determines that the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern is completed. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. An informing unit that informs the user when the scanning completion determination unit determines that the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern is not completed The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising the same.

4. A monitor, a graph generation unit that generates a graph representing a change in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor between the start point and the end point detected by the scanning detection unit and displays the graph on the monitor, a display image selection unit that displays, on the monitor after the end point is detected by the scanning detection unit, at least the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the start point and the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the end point The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising the same.

5. When a specified point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit is specified by the user, the display image selection unit causes the monitor to display the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the received signal obtained at the imaging position corresponding to the specified point. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. When a specified point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit is specified by the user, the display image selection unit causes the monitor to display, as a moving image, a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images generated by the image generation unit based on the received signals obtained at a plurality of imaging positions corresponding to a defined range on the graph including the specified point. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

7. A monitor, and a determination result display unit that displays, on the monitor, the number of scans of the ultrasonic probe and the determination result by the scan completion determination unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. When the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is resumed based on the user's instruction, a scan integration unit that integrates the interrupted scan and the resumed scan as one scan. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Detecting the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe by a sensor, generating an ultrasonic image based on the received signal obtained by scanning the subject using the ultrasonic probe, detecting the start point and the end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic probe along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor, determining whether the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern is completed or not by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected start point and the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected end point. A control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

10. Recognize an anatomical landmark located at one end of a scanning range according to the defined scanning pattern from an ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected starting point, and recognize an anatomical landmark located at the other end of the scanning range according to the defined scanning pattern from an ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected ending point, and when this is the case, determine that the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern has been completed. The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9.

11. When it is determined that the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern is incomplete, notify the user. The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9 or 10.

12. Among a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images generated based on the received signals obtained between the detected starting point and the detected ending point, at least select the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the starting point and the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the ending point, and display them on the monitor after the ending point is detected. The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. When a designated point on the generated graph is designated by the user, display an ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the imaging position corresponding to the designated point on the monitor. The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12.

14. When a designated point on the generated graph is designated by the user, display a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images generated based on the received signals obtained at a plurality of imaging positions corresponding to a defined range on the graph including the designated point as a moving image on the monitor. The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12.

15. Display on the monitor the number of scans of the ultrasonic probe and the determination result as to whether the scanning according to the defined scanning pattern has been completed or is incomplete. The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

16. When the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is restarted based on the user's instruction, integrate the interrupted scan and the restarted scan as one scan. The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

Images