Ultrasound diagnostic device and method for controlling the ultrasound diagnostic device

Abstract

Provided are an ultrasonic diagnosis device and a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnosis device with which it is possible for a user to clearly verify whether the breast of a subject has been sufficiently scanned. According to the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnosis device 1 comprises: a sensor 4 for detecting the incline angle or the height position of an ultrasonic probe 2; an image generation unit 13 for generating an ultrasonic image from a reception signal obtained by scanning; a scan sensing unit for sensing the start point and the end point of a scan of the breast of a subject from the incline angle or the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2; a graph generation unit 17 for generating a graph of the change in the incline angle or the height position from the start point to the end point and displaying the graph on a monitor 15; and a display image selection unit 19 for displaying, if a designation point on the graph corresponding to the start point and / or a designation point on the graph corresponding to the end point is selected by the user, an ultrasonic image of the imaging position corresponding to the designation point on a monitor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used to examine the breast of a subject and a method for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ultrasound diagnostic devices have been known that obtain cross-sectional images of the interior of a subject by scanning the body surface of the subject with an ultrasound probe. When examining a subject using such an ultrasound diagnostic device, a technique such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been developed to enable a user to reliably examine the subject. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for acquiring information regarding the posture of an ultrasound probe using a sensor, and determining whether an imaged part of the subject is on the left or right side of the subject based on the acquired information regarding the posture of the ultrasound probe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-183448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When examining a subject's breasts using an ultrasound diagnostic device, the user may be unable to sufficiently scan the entire breast due to factors such as the size of the subject's breasts, such as overlooking the scanning range. The technology of Patent Document 1 can determine whether the breast scanned by the ultrasound probe is the left or right breast of the subject, but it is difficult for the user to clearly confirm whether the breast has been sufficiently scanned.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that allow a user to sufficiently scan a subject's breast. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a monitor; an ultrasonic probe; a sensor that detects the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe; an image generation unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on received signals obtained by scanning the breast of a subject using the ultrasonic probe; a scanning unit that detects the start point and end point of scanning of the ultrasonic probe along one direction relative to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor; a graph generation unit that generates a graph representing changes in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor from the start point to the end point of scanning of the ultrasonic probe detected by the scanning unit and displays the graph on the monitor; and a display image selection unit that, when at least one of a designated point on the graph corresponding to the start point and a designated point on the graph corresponding to the end point is designated by a user, displays on the monitor an ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on received signals obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the designated point designated by the user.

[0007] When a user specifies an arbitrary point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit, the display image selection unit can display on the monitor an ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit based on the received signal obtained at the shooting position corresponding to the arbitrary specified point specified by the user. In addition, when the user specifies an arbitrary point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit, the display image selection unit can display multiple frames of ultrasound images generated by the image generation unit as a video on the monitor based on received signals obtained at multiple shooting positions corresponding to a specified range on the graph that includes the arbitrary specified point specified by the user.

[0008] The ultrasound diagnostic device may include a scan completion determination unit that determines whether scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern by the ultrasound probe is complete or incomplete based on the shape of the graph generated by the graph generation unit, and a notification unit that notifies the user when the scan completion determination unit determines that scanning by the ultrasound probe is incomplete.

[0009] In this case, the ultrasound diagnostic device includes a graph memory that stores a graph template that represents typical changes in the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasound probe in a predetermined scanning pattern, and the scan completion determination unit can determine whether the scan according to the predetermined scanning pattern has been completed or not by comparing the graph generated by the graph generation unit with the graph template stored in the graph memory.

[0010] The graph memory stores a plurality of graph templates relating to the height position of the ultrasound probe according to a plurality of predetermined scanning patterns, and the scanning completion determination unit can determine whether the scanning according to the scanning pattern specified by the user is completed or incomplete using the graph template corresponding to the scanning pattern specified by the user from among the plurality of predetermined scanning patterns. The graph memory also stores a plurality of graph templates relating to the tilt angles of the ultrasound probe according to a plurality of defined scanning patterns, and the scanning completion determination unit can use the graph template corresponding to a scanning pattern specified by the user from among the plurality of defined scanning patterns to determine whether the scanning according to the scanning pattern specified by the user is completed or incomplete.

[0011] Furthermore, the graph generating unit can highlight on the monitor at least one point in the generated graph that corresponds to the imaging position where the reception signal for generating the ultrasound image by the image generating unit was obtained. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus may also include a scan integrating unit that, when scanning of the ultrasound probe is interrupted based on a user instruction and then resumed based on the user instruction, integrates the interrupted scanning and the resumed scanning into one scan.

[0012] A method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes detecting a tilt angle or height position of an ultrasonic probe using a sensor, generating an ultrasonic image based on received signals obtained by scanning a breast of a subject using the ultrasonic probe, detecting a start point and an end point of scanning of the ultrasonic probe in one direction relative to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor, generating a graph representing changes in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected from the start point to the end point of scanning of the ultrasonic probe and displaying the graph on a monitor, and when at least one of a designated point on the graph corresponding to the start point and a designated point on the graph corresponding to the end point is designated by a user, displaying on the monitor an ultrasonic image generated based on received signals obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the designated point designated by the user.

[0013] In the method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device, when a user specifies an arbitrary point on a generated graph, an ultrasound image generated based on a received signal obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the arbitrary specified point specified by the user can be displayed on a monitor.

[0014] In this case, when the user specifies an arbitrary point on the generated graph, multiple frames of ultrasound images can be generated and displayed on the monitor as a video based on received signals obtained at multiple shooting positions corresponding to a specified range on the graph including the arbitrary specified point specified by the user.

[0015] In the method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is possible to determine whether scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern by an ultrasonic probe has been completed or not, based on the shape of the generated graph. In this case, a graph template representing typical changes in the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasound probe in a predetermined scanning pattern is stored, and by comparing the generated graph with the graph template, it is possible to determine whether the scan according to the predetermined scanning pattern has been completed or not.

[0016] Furthermore, in the method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a plurality of graph templates relating to the height position of an ultrasound probe corresponding to a plurality of predetermined scanning patterns are stored, and it is possible to determine whether a scan according to a scanning pattern designated by a user is completed or incomplete by using the graph template corresponding to a scanning pattern designated by a user from among the plurality of predetermined scanning patterns. In addition, a plurality of graph templates relating to the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe corresponding to a plurality of predetermined scanning patterns are stored, and the scanning completion determination unit can determine whether the scanning according to the scanning pattern specified by the user is completed or incomplete using the graph template corresponding to the scanning pattern specified by the user from among the plurality of predetermined scanning patterns.

[0017] Furthermore, in the generated graph, at least one point corresponding to the imaging position where the received signal for generating the ultrasound image was obtained can be highlighted on the monitor. Furthermore, in the control method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, when scanning of an ultrasound probe is interrupted based on a user instruction and then resumed based on a user instruction, the interrupted scanning and the resumed scanning can be integrated into one scan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, an ultrasound diagnostic device includes: a sensor that detects the tilt angle or height position of an ultrasound probe; an image generation unit that generates an ultrasound image based on received signals obtained by scanning a breast of a subject using the ultrasound probe; a scanning unit that detects the start point and end point of scanning of the ultrasound probe along one direction relative to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasound probe detected by the sensor; a graph generation unit that generates a graph representing changes in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasound probe detected by the sensor from the start point to the end point of scanning of the ultrasound probe detected by the scanning unit and displays the graph on a monitor; and a display image selection unit that, when at least one of a designated point on the graph corresponding to the start point and a designated point on the graph corresponding to the end point is designated by the user, displays on the monitor an ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit based on received signals obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the designated point designated by the user, thereby enabling the user to clearly confirm whether the breast of the subject has been sufficiently scanned. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a transmission / reception circuit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image generating unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an ultrasonic probe that is moved over a breast of a subject in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a graph showing the change over time in the height position of the ultrasonic probe detected in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is another example of a graph showing the change over time in the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe detected in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a graph and an ultrasound image according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which points on a graph are highlighted in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example in which points on a graph are highlighted in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example in which points on a graph are highlighted in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a graph showing the change over time in the height position of an ultrasonic probe detected in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification message displayed on a monitor in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the components will be given based on a representative embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits. In this specification, the terms "same" and "identical" include a margin of error generally accepted in the technical field.

[0021] Embodiment 1 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2 and a device main body 3 connected to the ultrasonic probe 2. In addition, a sensor 4 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a transducer array 11 to which a transmission / reception circuit 12 is connected.

[0022] The device main body 3 includes an image generation unit 13, which is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 12 of the ultrasound probe 2. A display control unit 14 and a monitor 15 are connected to the image generation unit 13 in turn. The device main body 3 also includes a scanning unit 16 connected to the sensor 4. A graph generation unit 17 is connected to the scanning unit 16, and the display control unit 14 is connected to the graph generation unit 17. An image memory 18 is connected to the image generation unit 13. A display image selection unit 19 is connected to the image memory 18, and the display control unit 14 is connected to the display image selection unit 19.

[0023] In addition, a device control unit 20 is connected to the sensor 4, the transmitting / receiving circuit 12, the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the scanning detection unit 16, the graph generation unit 17, the image memory 18, and the display image selection unit 19. In addition, an input device 21 is connected to the device control unit 20. The image generating unit 13, the display control unit 14, the scanning unit 16, the graph generating unit 17, the display image selecting unit 19, and the device control unit 20 constitute a processor 22 for the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0024] The transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. These ultrasonic transducers transmit ultrasonic waves in accordance with 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 by forming electrodes on both ends of a piezoelectric element made of, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic typified by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element typified by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), or a piezoelectric single crystal typified by PMN-PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate).

[0025] The transmission / reception circuit 12, under the control of the device control unit 20, transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 and generates sound ray signals based on reception signals acquired by the transducer array 11. As shown in Fig. 2, the transmission / reception circuit 12 has a pulser 31 connected to the transducer array 11, an amplifier 32, an AD (Analog-to-Digital) converter 33, and a beamformer 34, which are connected in series from the transducer array 11 in this order.

[0026] The pulser 31 includes, for example, a plurality of pulse generators, and adjusts the delay amount of each drive signal and supplies it to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11 so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers form an ultrasonic beam based on a transmission delay pattern selected in response 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 material expands and contracts, and pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves are generated from each ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic beam is formed from the composite wave of these ultrasonic waves.

[0027] The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected by an object such as a part of the subject, and propagates toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic echo propagating toward the transducer array 11 in this manner 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 upon receiving the propagating ultrasonic echo, generating a received signal which is an electrical signal, and outputs this received signal to the amplifier 32.

[0028] The amplifier 32 amplifies the signals input from each ultrasonic transducer constituting the transducer array 11 and transmits the amplified signals to the AD converter 33. The AD converter 33 converts the signals transmitted from the amplifier 32 into digital reception data. The beamformer 34 performs so-called reception focusing processing by delaying and adding each piece of reception data received from the AD converter 33. This reception focusing processing causes the reception data converted by the AD converter 33 to be phased and added, and a sound ray signal in which the focus of the ultrasonic echo is narrowed is acquired.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the image generating 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 connected in series.

[0030] The signal processing unit 35 corrects the sound ray signals received from the transmission / reception circuit 12 for attenuation due to distance in accordance with the depth of the ultrasonic reflection position using the sound velocity value set by the device control unit 20, and then performs envelope detection processing to generate a B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information regarding the tissue within the subject.

[0031] The DSC 36 converts (raster converts) the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 35 into an image signal that conforms to the scanning method of a normal television signal. The image processing unit 37 performs various necessary image processing 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 that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 37 will be referred to as an ultrasound image.

[0032] 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. Under the control of the device control unit 20, the display control unit 14 performs predetermined processing on the ultrasound image etc. generated by the image generation unit 13 and displays it on the monitor 15.

[0033] The monitor 15 performs various displays under the control of the display control unit 14. The monitor 15 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

[0034] The input device 21 is used by the user to perform input operations and is configured by devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touchpad, and a touch panel, which allow the user to perform input operations.

[0035] The sensor 4 is for detecting the height position or 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. For example, when the ultrasonic probe 2 is moved by the user, the sensor 4 can detect the value of the relative height position based on an arbitrary height. For example, the arbitrary height can be the height of the starting point of scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0036] The tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 refers to the tilt angle when the ultrasonic probe 2 is tilted in a plane perpendicular to the scan plane, with the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 as the fulcrum. For example, the sensor 4 can detect a positive tilt angle value when the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is tilted to one side, assuming that the tilt angle is zero when the tip is facing vertically downward, and can detect a negative tilt angle value when the tip is tilted to the other side.

[0037] The scanning detection unit 16 detects the start and end points of scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction relative to the subject's breast based on the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 while the ultrasonic probe 2 is being moved by the user over the subject's breast along one direction when the subject is viewed from the front.

[0038] Here, scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 in one direction relative to the subject's breast means that the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is in contact with the surface of the subject's breast, and the ultrasonic probe 2 is moved by the user in one direction when the subject is viewed from the front, while scanning is performed on the subject's breast according to a defined scanning pattern.

[0039] The predetermined scanning pattern refers to a method of scanning the subject's breast while moving the ultrasonic probe 2 in one direction when viewed from the front, such as a scanning method of scanning from one end to the other end of the subject's breast in one direction when viewed from the front, or a scanning method of scanning from the nipple to the peripheral part of the subject's breast in one direction when viewed from the front. Figure 4 shows an example of a predetermined scanning pattern in which the ultrasonic probe 2 moves over the subject's body surface BS so as to scan the range from one end to the other end of the subject's breast. Scanning from one end to the other of a subject's breast means scanning from one end of a peripheral portion of the subject's breast to the other end of the peripheral portion while moving the ultrasound probe 2 in one direction. Here, moving the ultrasound probe 2 in one direction means that the direction of movement of the ultrasound probe is constant. Scanning methods for scanning from one end to the other of a subject's breast include, for example, cases where the vertical ends of one breast are defined as one end and the other end, or cases where the horizontal ends of one breast are defined as one end and the other end, when the subject is viewed from the front. Scanning methods for scanning from the nipple to the peripheral portion include, for example, cases where scanning is performed radially from the nipple toward the peripheral portion, or cases where scanning is performed in a circular motion around the nipple in one direction, with the nipple as the center.

[0040] However, when scanning starts, the ultrasonic probe 2 often starts moving from a stationary state, or the ultrasonic probe 2 that was moving in a fixed direction often starts moving in a different direction. Also, when scanning ends, the ultrasonic probe 2 often stops moving from a moving state, or the ultrasonic probe 2 that was moving in a fixed direction often starts moving in a different direction. As a result, values obtained immediately before the start of scanning and immediately after the end of scanning often differ significantly from the values that should have been detected.

[0041] Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 can detect the start point of scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2 based on a change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 from immediately before the start of scanning until a certain time has elapsed, such as by detecting the imaging position immediately after a sudden change in the output value of the sensor 4 as the start point of scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2. Furthermore, the scanning detection unit 16 can detect the end point of scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2 based on a change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 during a certain time period from before the end of scanning to immediately after the end of scanning, such as by detecting the imaging position immediately before a sudden change in the output value of the sensor 4 as the end point of scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0042] The graph generation unit 17 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 scan of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the scanning detection unit 16, and displays the generated graph on the monitor 15.

[0043] 5 shows an example of graph G1 that represents the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasound probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 when the ultrasound probe 2 scans from one end to the other of the subject's breast. As time progresses, the height position gradually increases from the left end of graph G1, which corresponds to time zero, i.e., the start point of the scan, and graph G1 reaches a maximum at the point corresponding to the nipple, after which the height position gradually decreases to the right end of graph G1, which corresponds to the end point of the scan.

[0044] 6 shows an example of graph G2 that represents the temporal change in the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 when the ultrasound probe 2 scans from one end to the other of the subject's breast. In graph G2, the tilt angle is set to zero when the tip of the ultrasound probe 2 is pointing vertically downward. As time progresses from the left end of graph G2, which corresponds to time zero, i.e., the start time of the scan, the tilt angle increases as a negative value, then increases toward a positive value, reaches zero at the point corresponding to the nipple, and then the tilt angle further increases as a positive value.

[0045] 7, the graph generating unit 17 may also display a graph G1 on the monitor 15. At this time, the graph generating unit 17 may display a scan count display panel P1 on the monitor 15, which indicates the number of scans required to generate the graph G1. The scan count display panel P1 has a scan count selection button B1, and when the scan count selection button B1 is selected via the input device 21, a list of the number of scans that have already been performed is displayed, allowing the user to select a desired number from the list. For example, when the user selects "1st time" from the list, the graph G1 generated by the first scan is displayed on the monitor 15.

[0046] The image memory 18 is a memory that stores, among the ultrasound images sequentially generated by the image generation unit 13, at least an ultrasound image generated from the received signal obtained in the ultrasound probe 2 at the start point of the scan detected by the scanning detection unit 16, and an ultrasound image generated from the received signal obtained in the ultrasound probe 2 at the end point of the scan detected by the scanning detection unit 16.

[0047] Examples of the image memory 18 that can be used include recording media such as flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), MT (Magnetic Tape), RAM (Random Access Memory), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), and USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

[0048] When the user specifies at least one of a designated point on graph G1 corresponding to the start point of the scan and a designated point on graph G1 corresponding to the end point of the scan, the display image selection unit 19 displays on the monitor 15 an ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 13 based on the received signal obtained at the shooting position corresponding to the designated point specified by the user.

[0049] In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the ultrasound image generated by the image generating unit 13 based on the received signal obtained at the start point of the scan may be referred to as the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan, and the ultrasound image generated by the image generating unit 13 based on the received signal obtained at the end point of the scan may be referred to as the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan.

[0050] 7, for example, when the graph generator 17 displays graph G1 on the monitor 15 and the left end of the graph G1, which corresponds to the start point of the scan, is designated by the user via the input device 21, the display image selector 19 can display the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan from the image memory 18 on the monitor 15 based on the information input by the user. Furthermore, although not shown, when the right end of the graph G1, which corresponds to the end point of the scan, is designated by the user via the input device 21, the display image selector 19 can display the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan from the image memory 18 on the monitor 15 based on the information input by the user.

[0051] The processor 22 having the image generation unit 13, display control unit 14, scanning unit 16, graph generation unit 17, display image selection unit 19 and device control unit 20 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a control program for causing the CPU to perform various processes, but may also be composed using an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other ICs (Integrated Circuits), or a combination of these.

[0052] In addition, the image generation unit 13, display control unit 14, scanning unit 16, graph generation unit 17, display image selection unit 19 and device control unit 20 of the processor 22 can be partially or entirely integrated into a single CPU or the like.

[0053] Next, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. Here, as an example, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 will be described when a user scans the breast of a subject using the ultrasound probe 2 and the height position of the ultrasound probe 2 is detected by the sensor 4.

[0054] First, the user places the ultrasonic probe 2 near one end of the subject's breast and begins to move the ultrasonic probe 2 toward the other end of the subject's breast in one direction when viewed from the front. In this state, an ultrasonic image U1 is captured in step S1. When the ultrasonic image U1 is captured, the transmission / reception circuit 12 performs so-called reception focus processing under the control of the device control unit 20 to generate sound ray signals. The sound ray signals generated by the transmission / reception circuit 12 are sent to the image generation unit 13. The image generation unit 13 generates the ultrasonic image U1 using the sound ray signals sent from the transmission / reception circuit 12. The ultrasonic image U1 generated in this manner is sent to the display control unit 14 and displayed on the monitor 15.

[0055] Next, in step S2, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected by the sensor 4.

[0056] Next, in step S3, the scanning detection unit 16 performs a process to detect the starting point of scanning along one direction relative to the subject's breast based on the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasound probe 2 detected in step S2, and determines whether the scanning has started.

[0057] When the ultrasound probe 2 starts scanning the breast of a subject, the ultrasound probe 2 usually starts moving from a stationary state, or the ultrasound probe 2 that was moving in a fixed direction often starts moving in a different direction. Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 can detect the starting point of scanning by the ultrasound probe 2 based on the change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 from just before the start of scanning until a certain time has passed, for example, by detecting the imaging position immediately after a sudden change in the output value of the sensor 4 as the starting point of scanning.

[0058] Here, since the height position is detected only once in step S2, it is determined in step S3 that the scanning unit 16 is unable to detect the start point of scanning and scanning has not started. In this case, the process returns to step S1, and a new ultrasound image is generated. In this way, the processes of steps S1 to S3 are repeated until a certain time required for the scanning unit 16 to detect the start point of scanning in step S3 has elapsed and the scanning unit 16 has detected the start of scanning of the subject's breast.

[0059] When the start of scanning is detected in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the ultrasound image corresponding to the imaging position detected as the starting point of scanning in step S3 is stored in the image memory 18.

[0060] In the following step S5, an ultrasound 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.

[0061] In step S7, the scanning detection unit 16 performs a process to detect the end point of the scan along one direction relative to the subject's breast based on the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasound probe 2 detected in step S6, and determines whether the scan has ended.

[0062] When the scanning of the subject's breast by the ultrasonic probe 2 is completed, the ultrasonic probe 2 usually stops moving, or the ultrasonic probe 2 that was moving in a certain direction often starts moving in a different direction. Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 can detect the end point of the scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 for a certain period from before the end of the scanning to immediately after the end of the scanning, for example, by detecting the imaging position immediately before the output value of the sensor 4 changes suddenly as the end point.

[0063] Here, since the height position is detected only once in step S6, it is determined in step S7 that the scanning unit 16 is unable to detect the end point of the scan and that the scan has not ended. In this case, the process returns to step S5, and a new ultrasound image is generated. In this way, the processes of steps S5 to S7 are repeated until the fixed time required for the scanning unit 16 to detect the end point of the scan in step S3 has elapsed and the scanning unit 16 has detected the end point of the scan of the subject's breast.

[0064] When the end point of scanning the subject's breast is detected in step S7, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the ultrasound image corresponding to the imaging position detected as the end point of the scan in step S7 is stored in the image memory 18.

[0065] Next, in step S9, the graph generation unit 17 generates a graph G1 that represents the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected in step S6 from the start point of the scan detected in step S3 to the end point of the scan detected in step S7, as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

[0066] Finally, in step S10, the graph generator 17 displays the graph G1 generated in step S9 on the monitor 15, as shown in Fig. 7, for example. In this state, when the left end of the graph G1 corresponding to the start point of the scan is designated by the user via the input device 21, the display image selector 19 displays the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan on the monitor 15. In addition, although not shown, when the right end of the graph G1 corresponding to the end point of the scan is designated by the user via the input device 21, the display image selector 19 displays the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan on the monitor 15.

[0067] In this way, since the graph G1 is displayed on the monitor 15, the user can refer to the shape of the graph to confirm whether or not the breast of the subject to be examined has been sufficiently scanned. Also, the user can refer to the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan and the ultrasound image U2 corresponding to the end point of the scan to more clearly confirm whether or not the breast of the subject to be examined has been sufficiently scanned.

[0068] In this way, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 8 is completed.

[0069] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the scanning detection unit 16 detects the start and end points of scanning by the ultrasound probe 2 based on the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 2 detected by the sensor 4. A graph G1 representing the temporal change in the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 2 detected from the start point to the end point of scanning is displayed on the monitor 15. Furthermore, an ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of scanning and an ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of scanning are displayed on the monitor 15. This allows the user to clearly confirm whether the breast of the subject to be examined has been sufficiently scanned, prevents overlooking of the scanning range, and enables the subject's breast to be sufficiently scanned.

[0070] 8, after an ultrasound image is generated in step S1, the height position of the ultrasound probe 2 is detected in step S2, but the processing of step S1 may be performed after the processing of step S2, or the processing of step S1 and the processing of step S2 may be performed simultaneously.Furthermore, after an ultrasound image is generated in step S5, the height position of the ultrasound probe 2 is detected in step S6, but the processing of step S5 may be performed after the processing of step S6, or the processing of step S5 and the processing of step S6 may be performed simultaneously.

[0071] The ultrasonic probe 2 and the device main body 4 can be connected by so-called wired communication, or can be connected by so-called wireless communication.

[0072] Furthermore, although the sensor 4 is attached to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 2, it may be built into the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0073] Furthermore, the sensor 4 does not have to be attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 as long as it can detect the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2. For example, the sensor 4 can be attached to the hand of the subject holding the ultrasonic probe 2. Even in this case, the relative value of the height position or the relative value of the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 can be detected, so that the scanning detection unit 16 can detect the start and end points of the scan, just as in the case where the sensor 4 is attached directly to the ultrasonic probe 2, and the graph generation unit 17 can generate a graph G1 that represents the change over time in the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0074] 9, the graph generating unit 17 can highlight the points on the graph G1 that correspond to the start point and the end point of the scan of the subject's breast on the monitor 15. This allows the user to easily recognize the points on the graph G1 that correspond to the start point of the scan of the subject's breast and the points on the graph G1 that correspond to the end point of the scan of the subject's breast, and to easily specify these points.

[0075] It has also been explained that the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scanning detection unit 16 and the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan are stored in the image memory 18, but ultrasound images corresponding to any shooting position between the start point and the end point of the scan detected by the scanning detection unit 16 can also be stored in the image memory 18.

[0076] For example, in addition to the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scanning detection unit 16 and the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan, a predetermined number of ultrasound images generated from the start point to the end point of the scan detected by the scanning detection unit 16 may be stored in the image memory 18.

[0077] At this time, for example, when a point on the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 corresponding to an ultrasound image of a predetermined number of frames is specified by the user via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 19 can display the corresponding ultrasound image on the monitor 15. This allows the user to more clearly confirm whether the subject's breast has been sufficiently scanned.

[0078] In this case, the graph generating unit 17 can highlight points on the graph G1 that correspond to a predetermined number of ultrasound images stored in the image memory 18, as shown in Fig. 10. This allows the user to easily understand which points to specify via the input device 21 in order to check the ultrasound images.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, all ultrasound images generated from the start point to the end point of the scan detected by the scanning detection unit 16 can be stored in the image memory 18. At this time, when an arbitrary point on the graph G1 displayed on the monitor G1 is designated by the user via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 19 can display on the monitor 15 an ultrasound image obtained at the imaging position corresponding to the designated point. In this case, the graph generating unit 17 can highlight points corresponding to all frames of ultrasound images stored in the image memory 18 in the graph G1, as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

[0080] Also, it has been explained that when the user designates a point on graph G1 while graph G1 is displayed on monitor 15, the ultrasound image corresponding to the point designated by the user is displayed on monitor 15 for the first time, but even when the user does not designate a point, any ultrasound image stored in image memory 18 may be displayed on monitor 15 together with graph G1. For example, after scanning unit 16 detects the end point of scanning the subject's breast, ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of scanning and graph G1 may be automatically displayed on monitor 15.

[0081] In this case, for example, when multiple frames of ultrasound images generated between the start point and end point of the scan are stored in the image memory 18, if the user scrolls and selects a specified point on the graph G1 from the specified point corresponding to the start point of the scan to the specified point corresponding to the end point of the scan, multiple frames of ultrasound images are displayed on the monitor 15 so as to change sequentially from the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point to the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point.

[0082] Furthermore, in addition to the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of the scan and the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan, if multiple frames of ultrasound images generated between the start point and the end point of the scan are stored in the image memory 18, the multiple frames of ultrasound images can be continuously played back on the monitor 15 as moving images rather than as still images.

[0083] For example, when the right end of the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 is designated by the user via the input device 21, a plurality of frames of ultrasound images are successively displayed as a moving image on the monitor 15, tracing back from the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan to the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan. Also, when the left end of the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 is designated by the user via the input device 21, a plurality of frames of ultrasound images are successively displayed as a moving image on the monitor 15, tracing back from the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan to the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, when a user specifies an arbitrary point on graph G1 between a point corresponding to the start point of scanning and a point corresponding to the end point of scanning via input device 21, multiple frames of ultrasound images can be generated and played back as a video based on received signals obtained at multiple shooting positions corresponding to a defined range on graph G1 including the specified point.

[0085] The ranges defined on the graph G1 corresponding to these multiple frames of ultrasound images can be set by the user via the input device 21. The ranges defined on the graph G1 can be set as initial settings, for example, when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is used for the first time, and the initial settings can be maintained thereafter. Furthermore, whether multiple frames of ultrasound images are played back as a moving image over time or as a moving image going back in time can also be set by the user via the input device 21. This setting can also be set as an initial setting when the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is used for the first time, and the initial setting can be maintained thereafter.

[0086] Furthermore, although a scanning pattern for scanning from one end of the subject's breast to the other end is illustrated, the scanning pattern applicable to the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, any scanning pattern determined by the facility where the examination is performed, such as a hospital, or a user, such as a doctor, can be applied to the present invention, such as a scanning pattern for scanning from the nipple to the peripheral portion of the subject's breast.

[0087] Furthermore, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 obtains a graph G1 representing the change over time in height position detected by the sensor 4 between the start point and end point of scanning of the ultrasound probe 2 in one direction relative to the breast of the subject, and ends in step S10 with an ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of scanning, an ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of scanning, and the graph G1 being displayed on the monitor 15. However, when the user examines the entire breast of the subject, multiple scanning ranges are scanned, and the processing of steps S1 to S10 is performed each time.

[0088] When multiple scans are performed in this manner, the graph generation unit 17 updates the display on the scan count display panel P1 shown in Fig. 7. For example, when the number of scans is one, the scan count display panel P1 has only an item corresponding to the first scan, but when the number of scans becomes two, 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 a desired number of scans that have already been performed from the scan count display panel P1 and check on the monitor 15 a graph generated by the scans corresponding to the selected item. This allows the user to detect the entire breast of the subject without any omissions.

[0089] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, the user checks the graph G1 and the ultrasound image U1 generated by the graph generator 17 to determine whether the subject's breast has been sufficiently scanned in accordance with the predetermined scanning pattern. However, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can also assist the user in making a decision by determining whether the subject's breast has been sufficiently scanned in accordance with the predetermined scanning pattern.

[0090] 12 shows the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1A according to embodiment 2. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1A is the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1, with a device main body 3A instead of the device main body 3. The device main body 3A is the device main body 3 of embodiment 1, to which a graph memory 41, a scan completion determination unit 42, and a notification unit 43 have been added, and the device control unit 20 has a device control unit 20A instead of the device control unit 20, and a processor 22A instead of the processor 22.

[0091] In the ultrasound diagnostic device 1A, a scan completion determination unit 42 is connected to a graph memory 41. Furthermore, a display control unit 14 and the scan completion determination unit 42 are connected to a graph generation unit 17. Furthermore, a notification unit 43 is connected to the scan completion determination unit 42, and the notification unit 43 is connected to the display control unit 14.

[0092] The processor 22A is made up of an image generating unit 13, a display control unit 14, a scanning detection unit 16, a graph generating unit 17, a device control unit 20A, a scanning completion determining unit 42, and a notification unit 43.

[0093] The graph memory 41 is a memory for storing graph templates, which are graphs representing typical changes in the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 2 moved according to a predetermined scanning pattern relative to the subject's breast. The graph memory 41 can store graph templates relating to the height position of the ultrasound probe 2 according to a plurality of predetermined scanning patterns, and can also store graph templates relating to the tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 2 according to a plurality of predetermined scanning patterns.

[0094] The graph memory 41 may be, for example, a recording medium such as a flash memory, HDD, SSD, FD, MO disk, MT, RAM, CD, DVD, SD card, or USB memory.

[0095] The scan completion determination unit 42 determines, based on the shape of the graph generated by the graph generation unit 17, whether scanning of the subject's breast by the ultrasound probe 2 according to a predetermined scan pattern has been completed or not.

[0096] The scanning completion determination unit 42, for example, compares the graph G1 generated by the graph generation unit 17 with the graph template stored in the graph memory 41, and when it recognizes that the shape of the graph G1 and the shape of the graph template are almost identical, determines that scanning of the subject's breast according to the specified scanning pattern has been completed.

[0097] Furthermore, when the scan completion determination unit 42 recognizes that the shape of the graph G1 differs from the shape of the graph template, it determines that the scan of the subject's breast according to the predetermined scan pattern is incomplete. For example, when the predetermined scan pattern is a scan pattern along one direction from one end to the other end of the subject's breast, and the graph generated by the graph generation unit 17 is graph G3 that represents the change in height position of the ultrasound probe 2 according to the scan pattern along one direction from one end of the subject's breast to the vicinity of the nipple, as shown in Fig. 13, the scan completion determination unit 42 recognizes that the shape of the graph G3 differs from the shape of the graph template, and determines that the scan according to the predetermined scan pattern is incomplete.

[0098] When the scanning completion determination unit 42 determines that the scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2 is incomplete, the notification unit 43 notifies the user of this fact. As shown in Fig. 14, the notification unit 43 can display on the monitor 15 a notification panel P2 showing a message indicating that the scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2 is incomplete, such as "It appears that the scanning has not reached the end. Please check and rescan." The user checks the message on the notification panel P2 and performs scanning again according to the defined scanning pattern.

[0099] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1A of the second embodiment, the scan completion determination unit 42 determines whether or not scanning of the subject's breast according to the predetermined scan pattern has been completed, based on the shape of the graph generated by the graph generation unit 17. If it is determined that scanning has not been completed, the notification unit 43 notifies the user. This allows the user to easily determine whether or not the subject's breast has been sufficiently scanned, prevents overlooking of the scanning range, and enables the subject's breast to be sufficiently scanned.

[0100] Before examining a region of the subject, a predetermined scanning pattern may be specified by the user via the input device 21. In this case, the scanning completion determination unit 42 reads out a graph template corresponding to the predetermined scanning pattern specified by the user from among the multiple graph templates stored in the graph memory 41, and compares the read graph template with the graph G1 generated by the graph generation unit 17 to determine whether or not scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern has been completed.

[0101] The graph memory 41 can also store a plurality of graph templates according to the type of sensor 4, such as an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, i.e., a plurality of graph templates according to the type of graph, such as the height position and tilt angle of the ultrasound probe 2. When a sensor 4 is connected to the device main body 3A, the device control unit 20A can automatically recognize the type of the connected sensor 4. In this case, the scan completion determination unit 42 can read out a graph template from the graph memory 41 taking into account the type of sensor recognized by the device control unit 20A, and use the read graph template to determine whether scanning according to a defined scan pattern has been completed.

[0102] Embodiment 3 When a user is performing a scan of a subject's breast according to a predetermined scan pattern, the scan may be interrupted for some reason. In this case, the scans before and after the interruption can be merged into one to prevent the end point of the scan from being detected erroneously.

[0103] 15 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to embodiment 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to embodiment 4 is configured by adding a device main body 3B to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 instead of the device main body 3. The device main body 3B is configured by adding a scan merging unit 51 to the device main body 3 according to embodiment 1, by adding a device control unit 20B to the device main body 3, and by adding a processor 22B to the device main body 3 according to embodiment 1.

[0104] In the device main body 3B, the scan integrating section 51 is connected to the scanning detection section 16 and the device control section 20B. The processor 22B is made up of an image generating unit 13, a display control unit 14, a scanning unit 16, a graph generating unit 17, a display image selecting unit 19, a device control unit 20B, and a scanning integration unit 51.

[0105] In ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1B, scanning of a subject's breast according to a predetermined scanning pattern can be interrupted based on a user instruction via input device 21. Furthermore, the interrupted scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern can be resumed based on a user instruction via input device 21. For example, when a scan interruption button (not shown) is displayed on monitor 15 and the user selects the scan interruption button via input device 21, the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern is interrupted. Furthermore, when a scan resume button (not shown) is displayed on monitor 15 and the user selects the scan resume button via input device 21, the interrupted scanning of the predetermined scanning range is resumed.

[0106] When a scan according to a predetermined scan pattern for a subject's breast is interrupted based on a user instruction via the input device 21, and then the scan according to the predetermined scan pattern is resumed based on the user instruction, the scan merging unit 51 merges the interrupted scan and the resumed scan into one scan.

[0107] For example, when scanning of a subject's breast according to a predetermined scanning pattern is interrupted based on a user's instruction, the scan integrator 51 causes the scan detector 16 to temporarily suspend the process of detecting the end point of the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern. Also, when scanning of a subject's breast according to the predetermined scanning pattern is resumed based on a user's instruction, the scan integrator 51 causes the scan detector 16 to resume the process of detecting the end point of the scanning. This prevents the scan detector 16 from erroneously detecting the end point of the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern when the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern is interrupted.

[0108] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1B of the third embodiment, even if a scan of a subject's breast according to a predetermined scan pattern is interrupted, the interrupted scan and the resumed scan are integrated into a single scan by the scan integrating unit 51, thereby preventing the scan detecting unit 51 from erroneously detecting the end point of the scan of the subject's breast. This allows the user to clearly confirm whether the subject's breast to be examined has been sufficiently scanned, prevents overlooking the scanning range, and enables the subject's breast to be sufficiently scanned.

[0109] Although it has been explained that the aspect of the third embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment, it can also be applied to the second embodiment in the same manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1, 1A, 1B ultrasound diagnostic device, 2 ultrasound probe, 3, 3A device main body, 4 sensor, 11 transducer array, 12 transmitting and receiving circuit, 13 image generation unit, 14 display control unit, 15 monitor, 16 scanning detection unit, 17 graph generation unit, 18 image memory, 19 display image selection unit, 20, 20A, 20B device control unit, 21 input device, 22, 22A, 22B processor, 31 pulser, 32 amplifier unit, 33 AD conversion unit, 34 beam former, 35 signal processing unit, 36 DSC, 37 image processing unit, 41 graph memory, 42 scan completion determination unit, 43 notification unit, 51 scan integration unit, B1 selection button, BS body surface, G1, G2, G3 graphs, P1 scan count display panel, P2 notification panel, U1 ultrasound image.

Claims

1. The monitor and an ultrasound probe; a sensor for detecting the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe; an image generating unit that generates an ultrasound image based on a received signal obtained by scanning the breast of a subject using the ultrasound probe; a scanning detection unit that detects a start point and an end point of scanning of the ultrasonic probe along one direction relative to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor; a graph generating unit that generates a graph representing a change in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor from the start point to the end point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe detected by the scanning detection unit and displays the graph on the monitor; a display image selection unit that, when at least one of a designated point on the graph corresponding to the start point and a designated point on the graph corresponding to the end point is designated by a user, displays on the monitor an ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit based on a received signal obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the designated point designated by the user; An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising:

2. when a user designates an arbitrary designated point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit, the display image selection unit displays, on the monitor, an ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit based on a received signal obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the arbitrary designated point designated by the user. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. When a user designates an arbitrary designated point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit, the display image selection unit displays, on the monitor as a moving image, a plurality of frames of ultrasound images generated by the image generation unit based on received signals obtained at a plurality of imaging positions corresponding to a predetermined range on the graph including the arbitrary designated point designated by the user. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. a scan completion determination unit that determines whether scanning according to a predetermined scan pattern by the ultrasound probe is complete or incomplete based on the shape of the graph generated by the graph generation unit; a notification unit that notifies a user when the scanning completion determination unit determines that the scanning by the ultrasound probe is incomplete. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a graph memory for storing a graph template representing a typical change in tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe in the defined scan pattern; the scanning completion determination unit determines whether scanning according to the defined scanning pattern is complete or incomplete by comparing the graph generated by the graph generation unit with a graph template stored in the graph memory. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. the graph memory stores a plurality of the graph templates relating to tilt angles of the ultrasonic probe according to a plurality of the defined scanning patterns; the scanning completion determination unit determines whether scanning according to the scanning pattern designated by the user is completed or incomplete, using the graph template corresponding to the scanning pattern designated by the user from among the plurality of defined scanning patterns. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. the graph memory stores a plurality of the graph templates relating to height positions of the ultrasonic probe according to a plurality of the defined scanning patterns; 6. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the scan completion determination unit determines whether a scan according to the scan pattern specified by the user is completed or incomplete, using a graph template corresponding to the scan pattern specified by the user from among the plurality of defined scan patterns.

8. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the graph generation unit highlights on the monitor at least one point in the generated graph that corresponds to an imaging position from which a received signal used by the image generation unit to generate an ultrasound image was obtained.

9. a scan integrating unit that, when scanning by the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and then resumed based on the user's instruction, integrates the interrupted scanning and the resumed scanning into one scan; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The sensor detects the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe, generating an ultrasound image based on received signals obtained by scanning the breast of a subject using the ultrasound probe; Detecting a start point and an end point of scanning of the ultrasonic probe along one direction relative to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor; generating a graph representing a change in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected from the start point to the end point of the scan of the ultrasonic probe, and displaying the graph on a monitor; When at least one of a designated point on the graph corresponding to the start point and a designated point on the graph corresponding to the end point is designated by a user, an ultrasound image generated based on a received signal obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the designated point designated by the user is displayed on the monitor. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device.

11. When a user designates an arbitrary designated point on the generated graph, an ultrasound image generated based on a received signal obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the arbitrary designated point is displayed on a monitor. The method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10.

12. 11. The method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, when a user designates an arbitrary designated point on the generated graph, a plurality of frames of ultrasound images are generated based on received signals obtained at a plurality of imaging positions corresponding to a predetermined range on the graph including the arbitrary designated point and are displayed as a moving image on the monitor.

13. 13. The method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising determining whether scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern by the ultrasound probe is complete or incomplete based on the shape of the generated graph.

14. storing a graph template representing a typical change in tilt angle or height position of the ultrasound probe in the defined scan pattern; determining whether scanning according to the defined scanning pattern is complete or incomplete by comparing the generated graph with a graph template; The method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 13.

15. storing a plurality of graph templates relating to tilt angles of the ultrasonic probe according to a plurality of the defined scanning patterns; determining whether scanning according to the scan pattern designated by the user is complete or incomplete using a graph template corresponding to the scan pattern designated by the user from among the plurality of defined scan patterns; The method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14.

16. storing a plurality of graph templates relating to height positions of the ultrasonic probe according to a plurality of the defined scanning patterns; the scanning completion determination unit determines whether scanning according to the scanning pattern designated by the user is completed or incomplete, using a graph template corresponding to the scanning pattern designated by the user from among the plurality of defined scanning patterns; The method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14.

17. highlighting, on the monitor, at least one point in the generated graph that corresponds to an imaging position from which a received signal for generating an ultrasound image was obtained; A method for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

18. When scanning of the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and then resumed based on the user's instruction, the interrupted scanning and the resumed scanning are integrated into one scanning. A method for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

Images