Ultrasound diagnostic equipment

Abstract

To make an operator grasp deterioration or malfunction of an element of an ultrasound probe during an ultrasound examination of a subject.SOLUTION: An ultrasound diagnostic device to which an ultrasound probe comprising a plurality of elements for transmitting ultrasound signals and receiving reflection wave signals from a subject or the air is connected can generate an ultrasound image on the basis of output of the plurality of elements. The ultrasound diagnostic device comprises a diagnostic unit, a creation unit, and a display control unit. The diagnostic unit diagnoses states of the plurality of elements on the basis of feature values of the reflection wave signals from the air. The creation unit, on the basis of diagnosed states, creates deterioration degree information showing deterioration degrees of the plurality of elements. The display control unit makes the deterioration degree information superposed on the subject's ultrasound image and displayed on a display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In ultrasound diagnostic equipment, the elements of the ultrasound probe deteriorate compared to their initial state due to usage conditions in medical settings and aging. Furthermore, if the ultrasound probe is accidentally dropped, the elements of the ultrasound probe may become defective. Because it is difficult to determine the condition of the elements of an ultrasound probe from its appearance, diagnostic work on the ultrasound probe is performed periodically or irregularly by a maintenance technician who is different from the surgeon or owner who uses the ultrasound probe. The results of this diagnostic work are reported by the maintenance technician to the surgeon or owner.

[0003] However, even if diagnostic work is performed regularly or irregularly, the elements may deteriorate or become defective depending on the usage conditions of the ultrasound probe, whether the probe is dropped, or other factors. As a result, a situation may arise in which the operator is unaware of the deterioration or defect of the elements during an ultrasound examination of a subject. In this case, an ultrasound image that does not have sufficient sensitivity for diagnostic imaging due to the deterioration, or an ultrasound image that is not properly constructed due to a defective element, may be used for diagnostic imaging. Furthermore, it is difficult for the operator to know which part of the ultrasound image is affected by the deterioration of the elements during an ultrasound examination of a subject. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-095292 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-095291 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to allow an operator to recognize deterioration or defects in elements of an ultrasound probe during an ultrasound examination of a subject.

[0006] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of the configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ultrasound diagnostic device according to an embodiment is connected to an ultrasound probe having multiple elements that transmit ultrasound signals and receive reflected wave signals from a subject or the air, and is capable of generating ultrasound images based on the outputs of the multiple elements. The ultrasound diagnostic device includes a diagnostic unit, a creation unit, and a display control unit. The diagnostic unit diagnoses the state of the multiple elements based on feature values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air. The creation unit creates deterioration degree information indicating the degree of deterioration of the multiple elements based on the diagnosed state. The display control unit displays the deterioration degree information on a display unit, superimposed on the ultrasound image of the subject. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the head of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the probe diagnosis report according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a message in a probe diagnosis report according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an image covering a region with a large degree of degradation, which is displayed superimposed on the ultrasound image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of step ST20 in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a start button and a retry message for explaining the operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of step ST30 in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of step ST40 in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the superimposed display in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a probe diagnosis report according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first image in a probe diagnosis report according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a diagnosis trigger for an ultrasound probe according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same parts as those in the preceding drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Differences will be mainly described.

[0010] First Embodiment The first embodiment is a form in which probe check results are displayed. For example, a probe check is performed in an ultrasound diagnostic device, and a report indicating the check results of whether the probe elements are normal, deteriorated, or defective is generated, and the report is displayed on the screen in association with an ultrasound image. However, the display form is not limited to report display. For example, based on the check results, the corresponding locations of deteriorated or defective elements may be superimposed on the ultrasound image. This will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a head of an ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 includes an apparatus main body 100 and an ultrasonic probe 101. The apparatus main body 100 is connected to an input device 102 and an output device 103 (display unit). The apparatus main body 100 is also connected to an external device 104 via a network NW. The external device 104 is, for example, a server equipped with PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems).

[0012] The ultrasonic probe 101 includes a plurality of elements that transmit ultrasonic signals and receive reflected wave signals from a subject or the air. The ultrasonic probe 101 is connected to a device main body 100 that can generate ultrasonic images based on the outputs of the plurality of elements. For example, the ultrasonic probe 101 performs an ultrasonic scan of a scan region within a subject P, which is a living body (patient), under control of the device main body 100. As shown in FIG. 2 , the cross section of the head of the ultrasonic probe 101 includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers 101a, which are elements; a matching layer 101b provided between the piezoelectric transducers 101a and a case; a backing material 101c that prevents ultrasonic waves from propagating backward from the piezoelectric transducers 101a in the radiation direction; and an acoustic lens 101d provided in the radiation direction from the matching layer 101b. The term "piezoelectric transducer" is also referred to as "element." The ultrasonic probe 101 is, for example, a one-dimensional array linear probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged along a predetermined direction. The ultrasonic probe 101 is detachably connected to the device main body 100. The ultrasound probe 101 may be provided with a button that is pressed for offset processing, an operation to freeze an ultrasound image (freeze operation), and the like.

[0013] The multiple piezoelectric transducers 101a generate ultrasonic waves based on drive signals supplied from an ultrasonic transmission circuit 110 (described later) included in the device main body 100. This causes ultrasonic waves to be transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 101 to the subject P. When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 101 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected successively by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P and received as reflected wave signals by the multiple piezoelectric transducers 101a. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces from which the ultrasonic waves are reflected. Furthermore, when a transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by a moving blood flow or the surface of a heart wall, the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect, depending on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic wave transmission direction. The ultrasonic probe 101 receives the reflected wave signal from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0014] On the other hand, when diagnosing the ultrasonic probe 101, under the control of the device main body 100, the ultrasonic probe 101 performs an ultrasonic scan with its head positioned in the air. At this time, ultrasonic signals transmitted from the multiple piezoelectric vibrators 101a propagate for a propagation length PL and are reflected at the interface SF between the surface of the acoustic lens 101d and the air. A reflected wave signal consisting of the reflected ultrasonic waves propagates for a propagation length PL and is received by each of the multiple piezoelectric vibrators 101a. The piezoelectric vibrators 101a output the received reflected wave signal to the device main body 100 as a received signal via the ultrasonic receiving circuit 120 of the ultrasonic probe 101.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a reflected wave signal received by the device main body 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a reflected wave signal obtained when a drive signal having a drive frequency corresponding to the center frequency of the ultrasonic probe 101 is supplied to the piezoelectric vibrator 101a. The reflected wave signal is collected for each channel. The reflected wave signal includes a transmission waveform Wa, a multiple reflection and unwanted vibration waveform Wb, a first reflected wave W1, and a second reflected wave W2. In this embodiment, the first reflected wave W1 represents the reflected wave of the first round trip of ultrasonic waves between the piezoelectric vibrator 101a and the interface SF. In this embodiment, the second reflected wave W2 represents the reflected wave of the second round trip of ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic vibrator and the interface SF. Either the first reflected wave W1 or the second reflected wave W2 is used as the surface reflected wave for measuring the transmission and reception sensitivity. Whether the first reflected wave W1 or the second reflected wave W2 is used is predetermined for each model of the ultrasonic probe 101. Here, an example in which the first reflected wave W1 is used will be described. The first reflected wave W1 is acquired by extracting a signal included in a predetermined waveform acquisition section T1 from the reflected wave signal. Note that the method for acquiring the first reflected wave W1 is not limited to the above. For example, the first reflected wave W1 may be acquired by subtracting predetermined probe noise data from the reflected wave signal. In any case, when the first reflected wave W1 in the reflected wave signal is acquired, a characteristic value such as amplitude, center frequency, or bandwidth is acquired based on the first reflected wave W1. For example, in the case of amplitude, a sensitivity peak value is calculated as the characteristic value. Specifically, the maximum amplitude value (Vp-p) of the first reflected wave W1 is calculated as the sensitivity peak value. The sensitivity peak value is acquired for each channel (each element). The acquired sensitivity peak value is stored as measurement data in the internal storage circuit 130 of the device main body 100. The date and time when the transmission and reception sensitivity of the ultrasonic probe 101 was measured, the temperature inside the ultrasonic probe 101, identification information of the ultrasonic probe, etc. are associated with the measurement data and stored in the internal storage circuit 130. The measurement data is used to diagnose the condition of the element. Here, of the measurement data, data acquired at the time of manufacturing the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is referred to as initial data, and data acquired periodically or irregularly after the sale of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is referred to as diagnostic data.Thereafter, the state of each element can be diagnosed based on the difference between the initial data and the diagnostic data for that element. In addition, by ranking the difference for each element, it is possible to create deterioration degree information that indicates the degree of deterioration for each element.

[0016] 1 illustrates an example of the connection relationship between one ultrasonic probe 101 and the device main body 100. However, it is possible to connect multiple ultrasonic probes to the device main body 100. Which of the multiple connected ultrasonic probes is to be used for ultrasonic scanning can be arbitrarily selected by, for example, using a software button on a touch panel.

[0017] The device main body 100 is a device that generates an ultrasound image based on a reflected wave signal received by an ultrasound probe 101. The device main body 100 has an ultrasound transmission circuit 110, an ultrasound reception circuit 120, an internal storage circuit 130, an image memory 140, an input interface 150, an output interface 160, a communication interface 170, and a processing circuit 180.

[0018] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 110 is a processor that supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 101. The ultrasonic transmission circuit 110 is realized by, for example, a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulser circuit. The trigger generation circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses at a predetermined rate frequency to form transmitted ultrasonic waves. The delay circuit provides each rate pulse generated by the trigger generation circuit with a delay time for each of the multiple piezoelectric transducers required to focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe into a beam and determine the transmission directivity. The pulser circuit applies drive signals (drive pulses) to the multiple ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 101 at a timing based on the rate pulse. By changing the delay time provided to each rate pulse using the delay circuit, the transmission direction from the surfaces of the multiple piezoelectric transducers can be freely adjusted.

[0019] Furthermore, the ultrasound transmission circuit 110 can arbitrarily change the output intensity of the ultrasound waves using a drive signal. In the ultrasound diagnostic device, increasing the output intensity can reduce the influence of ultrasound attenuation within the subject P. By reducing the influence of ultrasound attenuation, the ultrasound diagnostic device can acquire a reflected wave signal with a high S / N ratio during reception.

[0020] Generally, when ultrasonic waves propagate through the object P, the strength of the ultrasonic vibrations (also called acoustic power), which corresponds to the output intensity, attenuates. The attenuation of acoustic power occurs due to absorption, scattering, reflection, and the like. The degree of reduction in acoustic power depends on the frequency of the ultrasonic waves and the distance in the direction of ultrasonic radiation. For example, the degree of attenuation increases as the frequency of the ultrasonic waves increases. Furthermore, the degree of attenuation increases as the distance in the direction of ultrasonic radiation increases.

[0021] The ultrasonic receiving circuit 120 is a processor that performs various processes on the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 101 to generate received signals. The ultrasonic receiving circuit 120 generates received signals for the reflected wave signals of ultrasound acquired by the ultrasonic probe 101. Specifically, the ultrasonic receiving circuit 120 is realized by, for example, a preamplifier, an A / D converter, a demodulator, a beamformer, and the like. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 101 for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signals into digital signals. The demodulator demodulates the digital signals. For example, the beamformer applies a delay time required to determine the reception directivity to the demodulated digital signals and adds together the multiple digital signals with the applied delay time. The addition processing of the beamformer generates a received signal in which the reflection components from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity are emphasized.

[0022] The internal storage circuitry 130 includes a processor-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The internal storage circuitry 130 stores a program for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves, a program for implementing each function of the processing circuitry 180, and various data. The program and various data may be pre-stored in the internal storage circuitry 130. Alternatively, the program and various data may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium, distributed, read from the non-transitory storage medium, and installed in the internal storage circuitry 130. The internal storage circuitry 130 also stores B-mode image data, contrast image data, blood flow image data, and other image data generated by the processing circuitry 180 in accordance with operations input via the input interface 150. The internal storage circuitry 130 can also transfer the stored image data to an external device 104 or the like via the communication interface 170.

[0023] The internal storage circuit 130 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information from and to a portable storage medium such as a CD drive, a DVD drive, or a flash memory. The internal storage circuit 130 can also write stored data to the portable storage medium and store the data in the external device 104 via the portable storage medium.

[0024] The image memory 140 includes a processor-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The image memory 140 stores image data corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before a freeze operation, which are input via the input interface 150. The image data stored in the image memory 140 is displayed continuously (cine display), for example.

[0025] The internal storage circuit 130 and the image memory 140 do not necessarily have to be realized by independent storage devices. The internal storage circuit 130 and the image memory 140 may be realized by a single storage device. Furthermore, the internal storage circuit 130 and the image memory 140 may each be realized by multiple storage devices.

[0026] The input interface 150 accepts various instructions from an operator via the input device 102. Examples of the input device 102 include a mouse, a keyboard, a panel switch, a slider switch, a trackball, a rotary encoder, an operation panel, and a touch command screen (TCS). The input interface 150 is connected to the processing circuitry 180 via a bus, for example, converts operation instructions input by the operator into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 180. Note that the input interface 150 is not limited to those connected to physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, a circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to operation instructions input from an external input device provided separately from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 180 is also included as an example of an input interface.

[0027] The output interface 160 is an interface for outputting, for example, an electrical signal from the processing circuit 180 to the output device 103. The output device 103 is any display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or a CRT display. The output device 103 may be a touch panel display that also serves as the input device 102. In addition to the display, the output device 103 may further include a speaker that outputs audio. The output interface 160 is connected to the processing circuit 180 via, for example, a bus, and outputs the electrical signal from the processing circuit 180 to the output device 103.

[0028] The communication interface 170 is connected to the external device 104 via, for example, a network NW, and performs data communication with the external device 104 .

[0029] The processing circuitry 180 is, for example, a processor that functions as the core of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. The processing circuitry 180 executes a program stored in the internal storage circuitry 130 to realize a function corresponding to the program. The processing circuitry 180 has, for example, a B-mode processing function 181, a Doppler processing function 182, an image generation function 183, a setting function 184 (setting unit), a check execution function 185 (diagnosis unit), a report creation function 186 (creation unit), a display control function 187 (display control unit), and a system control function 188. Note that, although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where each function is realized by a single processing circuit 180, the processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each function. Furthermore, the B-mode processing function 181, the Doppler processing function 182, the image generation function 183, the setting function 184, the check execution function 185, the report creation function 186, the display control function 187, and the system control function 188 may be called a B-mode processing circuit, a Doppler processing circuit, an image generation circuit, a setting circuit, a check execution circuit, a report creation circuit, a display control circuit, and a system control circuit, respectively, and may be implemented as individual hardware circuits.

[0030] The B-mode processing function 181 is a function that generates B-mode data based on the reception signal received from the ultrasound reception circuit 120. In the B-mode processing function 181, the processing circuit 180 performs, for example, envelope detection processing and logarithmic compression processing on the reception signal received from the ultrasound reception circuit 120, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed as brightness of luminance. The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B-mode RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasound scan line (raster).

[0031] The Doppler processing function 182 is a function that generates data (Doppler information) that extracts motion information based on the Doppler effect of a moving object within a ROI (Region Of Interest) set in a scan area by performing frequency analysis on the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 120. The generated Doppler information is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data (also referred to as Doppler data) on a two-dimensional ultrasound scan line.

[0032] Specifically, the processing circuitry 180 estimates, for example, the average velocity, average variance, average power, etc., as motion information of a moving object at each of a plurality of sample points using the Doppler processing function 182, and generates Doppler data indicating the estimated motion information. The moving object may be, for example, blood flow, tissue such as a heart wall, or a contrast agent.

[0033] The image generation function 183 is a function that generates B-mode image data based on data generated by the B-mode processing function 181. For example, in the image generation function 183, the processing circuitry 180 converts (scan converts) a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasound scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and generates image data for display (display image data). Specifically, the processing circuitry 180 performs RAW-to-pixel conversion on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, for example, by performing coordinate conversion according to the ultrasound scanning form of the ultrasound probe 101, thereby generating two-dimensional B-mode image data (also referred to as ultrasound image data) composed of pixels. In other words, the processing circuitry 180 generates a plurality of ultrasound images (medical images) corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames by transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves using the image generation function 183.

[0034] Furthermore, the processing circuitry 180 generates Doppler image data in which blood flow information is visualized, for example, by performing RAW-to-pixel conversion on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The Doppler image data is mean velocity image data, variance image data, power image data, or image data combining these. The processing circuitry 180 generates, as the Doppler image data, color Doppler image data in which blood flow information is displayed in color, and Doppler image data in which one piece of blood flow information is displayed in a grayscale waveform.

[0035] The setting function 184 is not used in the first embodiment and will be described later. Note that the setting function 184 may be omitted from the first embodiment. The setting function 184 is an example of a setting unit.

[0036] The check execution function 185 checks an ultrasound probe equipped with multiple elements that transmits ultrasound signals and receives reflected wave signals from the subject P or the air. Such checks can be performed not only during routine ultrasound diagnosis but also during device maintenance and periodic inspections. That is, the check execution function 185 is used not only by the operator performing the ultrasound diagnosis but also by an equipment manager or service engineer who performs maintenance, etc. In this embodiment, however, the description will be given using an operator such as a doctor as an example. Note that the term "check" may also be referred to as "test" or "diagnosis." Specifically, the check execution function 185 diagnoses the status of the multiple elements based on the feature values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air. For example, the feature value can be, for example, amplitude, center frequency, or bandwidth. For amplitude, the peak sensitivity value is used as the feature value. Specifically, the maximum amplitude value (Vp-p) of the first reflected wave W1 is used as the peak sensitivity value. The status of the multiple elements is data indicating the difference between the initial data and the diagnostic data for each element. The check execution function 185 is an example of a diagnostic unit.

[0037] The report creation function 186 creates deterioration degree information indicating the degree of deterioration of the plurality of elements based on the diagnosed state. For example, the report creation function 186 may create deterioration degree information that expresses a stage according to the magnitude of the difference as the degree of deterioration by classifying the difference for each element, which is the diagnosed state, into one of a plurality of stages. Note that the larger the difference, the greater the degree of deterioration. Furthermore, since "deterioration" corresponds to the difference between the initial data and the diagnosis data for each element, it may also be called "difference." The "degree of deterioration" may also be called "deterioration stage," "deterioration type," "deterioration rank," or the like.

[0038] Here, as shown in FIG. 4 , the report creation function 186 may create a first image 201 by associating the positions of multiple elements with the degrees of deterioration of the multiple elements, and may create the deterioration degree information as a probe diagnosis report 200 including the first image 201 and identification information of the ultrasonic probe 101. The report creation function 186 stores the created probe diagnosis report 200 in the internal storage circuit 130. The report creation function 186 may print out the created probe diagnosis report 200 using a printer that is part of the output device 103. The report creation function 186 may also store the created probe diagnosis report 200 in an external storage medium. The report creation function 186 may create deterioration degree information by further associating symbols corresponding to the degrees of deterioration of the multiple elements with the positions of the multiple elements. Note that instead of symbols corresponding to the degrees of deterioration, colors corresponding to the degrees of deterioration may be used. Alternatively, colors corresponding to the degrees of deterioration may be used in addition to symbols corresponding to the degrees of deterioration. Hereinafter, "identification information of the ultrasonic probe 101" will also be referred to as "probe identification information." In FIG. 4, the probe diagnosis report 200 is displayed on a display 103 a that is part of the output device 103 , superimposed on an ultrasound image.

[0039] The probe diagnosis report 200 may include any other information as long as it is deterioration degree information including the first image 201 and identification information of the ultrasound probe 101. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the probe diagnosis information includes probe-related information including probe identification information, the first image 201, and a message.

[0040] The probe-related information includes, for example, the name of the operator, the model name, the probe type, the system serial, and the probe serial (probe identification information). The operator name is the name of the operator who started up the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, and is, for example, the user name entered when logging in to start up the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. The model name is an example of model information that identifies the model of the ultrasound probe. The probe type is information that indicates the type of probe, such as a linear array or a phased array. The system serial is the serial number of a device that checks the ultrasound probe 101, such as the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 or a probe diagnostic apparatus (not shown). The probe serial is a probe serial number that identifies each individual ultrasound probe 101. The probe serial is an example of probe identification information that identifies each individual ultrasound probe 101.

[0041] The first image 201 is an image that represents the positions of multiple elements in the ultrasound probe 101 in association with the deterioration levels of the multiple elements. For example, the first image 201 is created by dividing the multiple elements into multiple groups, the number of which is less than the number of elements, based on the position of each element, and associating a deterioration level with each group. Specifically, for example, when 128 elements are arranged from right to left, the deterioration levels of 16 elements are represented by one block, and the deterioration levels of the 128 elements are represented by eight blocks. Specifically, the 128 elements are assigned to eight element groups, each of which has 16 elements. Then, the deterioration levels of the eight element groups are represented by eight blocks, and the deterioration levels of the 128 elements are represented by the deterioration levels of the eight element groups. However, the number of elements, the number of blocks, and the number of element groups are merely examples and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the term "element group" may also be simply referred to as a "group." In FIG. 4, in the first image 201, from right to left, the first to eighth element groups each represent a degree of degradation. The first element group is assigned the 1st to 16th elements from the right. The second element group is assigned the 17th to 32nd elements. The third element group is assigned the 33rd to 48th elements. The fourth element group is assigned the 49th to 64th elements. The fifth element group is assigned the 65th to 80th elements. The sixth element group is assigned the 81st to 96th elements. The seventh element group is assigned the 96th to 112th elements. The eighth element group is assigned the 113th to 128th elements.

[0042] Here, the degradation level of each element in each element group is the highest degradation level among the 16 elements included in that element group. In this specification, the degradation levels are categorized into six levels: "healthy" and five types A to E, in ascending order of degradation. "Healthy" indicates almost no degradation or degradation (difference) within the specification range. "Type E" indicates significant degradation or element failure. "Types A to D" are levels between "healthy" and "Type E," and represent increasing levels of degradation in the order of "Type A" (lowest degradation), "Type B," "Type C," and "Type D." However, the degradation levels are not limited to six levels, and any number of levels can be used. In the example shown in FIG. 4, from the right, the degradation levels of the elements in the first element group, the second element group, and the third element group are all "healthy." The degradation level of the elements in the fourth element group is "out of specification, Type A." Specifically, the degradation level of the elements in the fourth element group ("Out of specification, Type A") is determined by the highest degradation level ("Out of specification, Type A") among the degradation levels of the 49th to 64th elements in the fourth element group ("Healthy"), "Healthy", "...", "Out of specification, Type A", "...", and "Healthy"). The degradation level of the fifth element group is determined by the highest degradation level ("Out of specification, Type B") among the degradation levels of the 65th to 80th elements in the fifth element group ("Healthy", "...", "Out of specification, Type A", "...", "Out of specification, Type B", "...", and "Healthy"). The degradation levels of the sixth and seventh element groups are determined by the same level ("Out of specification, Type A"). The degradation level of the eighth element group is determined by the same level ("Healthy"). In the example shown in Figure 4, each degradation level is displayed in a different color. However, since the degree of deterioration is presented by a character string or a symbol such as "healthy" or "Type A," multiple degrees of deterioration may be displayed in the same color. When the degree of deterioration is displayed in different colors, the symbol indicating the degree of deterioration may be omitted.

[0043] The message is a string of characters presented to the surgeon according to the degree of deterioration and is written in the message area of ​​the probe diagnosis report 200. For example, the message may be a comment that prompts the surgeon to understand or take action, such as the degree of deterioration of the element, its impact on the image diagnosis, or the need for maintenance, as appropriate. The "message" may also be called a "comment" or a "comment and message." Such a message may be stored in advance in the internal storage circuitry 130 in association with the degree of deterioration and a string representing the comment and message, as shown in FIG. 5, and the stored string may be written. For example, the report creation function 186 may search the internal storage circuitry 130 based on the maximum "degree of deterioration" of the elements in all element groups, and write the string contained in the obtained "comment and message" in the message area of ​​the probe diagnosis report 200.

[0044] The report creation function 186 may also create the degradation level information as a second image 202, as shown in FIG. 6, including one or more straight lines covering areas based on the output of elements with a degradation level greater than a threshold, among multiple areas of an ultrasound image based on the output of multiple elements. For example, if the degradation levels of the 49th to 80th elements from the right of 128 elements are greater than a threshold, the second image 202 is a straight-line image covering the area based on the output of the 49th to 80th elements. Note that the second image 202 shown in FIG. 6 includes 32 straight lines covering an area based on the output of 32 elements, but in the drawing it appears to be an image consisting of a single thick straight line. A semi-transparent image that allows the underlying ultrasound image to be slightly visible is used as the second image 202. The transparency of the semi-transparent image can be any level between 0% (opaque) and 100% (fully transparent), but an intermediate transparency of, for example, approximately 50% ± 20% is preferable. The transparency of the second image 202 may or may not be changed depending on the degradation level. The degree of transparency in the semi-transparent image is not limited to transparency, and any other characteristic such as transparency or opacity may be used. The color of the second image 202 may be the same as or different from the color indicating the corresponding degree of deterioration. In FIG. 6, the second image 202 is displayed on the display 103a superimposed on the ultrasound image. The report creation function 186 is an example of a creation unit.

[0045] The display control function 187 is a function that displays an image based on various ultrasound image data generated by the image generation function 183 on a display (display unit) serving as the output device 103. Specifically, for example, the processing circuitry 180 controls, by the display control function 187, the display of an image based on B-mode image data, Doppler image data, or image data including both generated by the image generation function 183. Furthermore, the display control function 187 causes the deterioration degree information generated by the report creation function 186 to be superimposed on the ultrasound image of the subject P and displayed on the display (display unit). Note that in the case of a preview display before an ultrasound examination of the subject P, since there is no ultrasound image of the subject P, the display control function 187 displays only the deterioration degree information on the display. Furthermore, in the display control function 187, the processing circuitry 180 receives an instruction to select various display modes via, for example, the input interface 150. The various display modes include, for example, a display mode for an ultrasound image, a first display mode in which a probe diagnosis report is superimposed on an ultrasound image, and a second display mode in which a second image is superimposed on an ultrasound image.

[0046] More specifically, the processing circuitry 180 uses the display control function 187 to convert (scan convert) a scan line signal sequence of an ultrasound scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and generates display image data. The processing circuitry 180 may also perform various processes on the display image data, such as dynamic range, brightness, contrast, and gamma curve correction, and RGB conversion. The processing circuitry 180 may also add supplementary information, such as text information of various parameters, scales, and body marks, to the display image data. The processing circuitry 180 may also generate a user interface (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for an operator to input various instructions via an input device, and display the GUI on a display.

[0047] The system control function 188 is a function that controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, in the system control function 188, the processing circuitry 180 controls the ultrasound transmission circuitry 110 and the ultrasound reception circuitry 120 based on parameters related to the transmission and reception of ultrasound. In addition, in the system control function 188, the processing circuitry 180 receives an instruction to select one of various imaging modes via, for example, the input interface 150. The various imaging modes include, for example, B-mode, Doppler mode, elastography mode, etc.

[0048] Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as described above will be described using the flowcharts in Figures 7, 8, 10, and 11, and the schematic diagram in Figure 9. It is assumed that one or more ultrasonic probes 101, the surfaces of which have been cleaned in advance, are connected to the main body 100 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. It is also assumed that the probe connectors of any newly connected ultrasonic probes have been cleaned in advance, in addition to the surfaces of the probe elements. The ultrasonic probe 101 has a plurality of elements that transmit ultrasonic signals and receive reflected wave signals from the subject P or the air.

[0049] First, in step ST10 shown in FIG. 7, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is started up by an operator such as a doctor.

[0050] After step ST10, in step ST20, the processing circuitry 180 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 performs diagnosis of the ultrasound probe 101, which transmits ultrasound signals and receives reflected wave signals from the air. Specifically, the processing circuitry 180 diagnoses the states of the plurality of elements based on the feature values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air. This step ST20 is executed, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, in steps ST21 to ST25.

[0051] First, in step ST21, the processing circuitry 180 detects the operation of the start button by the surgeon.

[0052] In step ST22, when the processing circuitry 180 detects the operation of the start button, it executes diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe 101. Specifically, the processing circuitry 180 transmits an ultrasonic signal into the air, and the reflected wave signal from the air is received by the multiple elements of the ultrasonic probe 101, and then diagnoses the states of the multiple elements based on the feature values ​​of the reflected wave signal.

[0053] In step ST23, the processing circuit 180 determines whether or not there is a suspicion of poor contact based on the diagnosis results, and if the determination result indicates that there is a suspicion, it proceeds to step ST24, and if not, it proceeds to step ST25.

[0054] In step ST24, the processing circuitry 180 displays a retry message Rm1 and a start button Bt1 on the display 103a as shown in Fig. 9. Thereafter, the process returns to step ST21. During the period from step ST24 to returning to step ST21, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 checks the connection between the ultrasound probe 101 and the apparatus main body 100 by the operator attaching or detaching the ultrasound probe 101, cleaning the probe connector, or the like.

[0055] In step ST25, the processing circuit 180 determines whether or not the diagnosis of the element state has been completed. For example, the processing circuit 180 makes the determination in step ST25 based on whether or not the state of the elements of all of the one or more ultrasonic probes 101 connected to the device main body 100 has been diagnosed. If the result of the determination in step ST25 is "No," the process returns to step ST22, and the diagnosis of the ultrasonic probes 101 continues. If the result of the determination in step ST25 is "Completed," the process of step ST20 ends. Thus, step ST20, which is made up of steps ST21 to ST25, ends.

[0056] After step ST20, in step ST30, the processing circuitry 180 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 generates deterioration degree information indicating the deterioration degree of the plurality of elements based on the diagnosed state. This step ST30 is executed, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, in steps ST31 to ST35.

[0057] First, in step ST31, the processing circuitry 180 reads out from the internal storage circuitry 130 the results of diagnosing the state of the elements in the ultrasonic probe 101 in response to an operation by the operator to select the ultrasonic probe 101.

[0058] After step ST31, in step ST32, the processing circuitry 180 detects an operation of the report creation button by the surgeon. Note that the operations by the surgeon in steps ST31 to ST32 may be omitted depending on the settings. That is, a series of operations in steps ST20 to ST30 may be executed consecutively depending on the settings that omit the operations by the surgeon.

[0059] After step ST32, in step ST33, the processing circuitry 180 associates the positions of the elements with the degrees of deterioration of the elements based on the diagnosis results read out in step ST31, and creates a first image 201. Thereafter, the processing circuitry 180 creates a probe diagnosis report 200 including the first image 201 and identification information of the ultrasound probe 101.

[0060] After step ST33, in step ST34, the processing circuitry 180 displays a preview of the probe diagnosis report 200. This allows the operator to check the probe diagnosis report 200 for the ultrasound probe 101 selected in step ST31. The checked probe diagnosis report 200 is stored in the internal storage circuitry 130.

[0061] After step ST34, in step ST35, the processing circuitry 180 determines whether or not the processing has been completed for all of the ultrasonic probes 101 that the operator wishes to check. Note that all of the ultrasonic probes 101 that the operator wishes to check are at least one of all of the ultrasonic probes that have been checked. Accordingly, for example, the processing circuitry 180 makes the determination in step ST35 depending on whether or not operation of the end button has been detected. If the result of the determination in step ST35 is no, the processing returns to step ST31, and the processing of steps ST31 to ST35 described above is repeatedly executed. If the result of the determination in step ST35 is that the processing has been completed, the processing of step ST30 is terminated. Thus, step ST30, which consists of steps ST31 to ST35, is terminated.

[0062] After step ST30, in step ST40, the processing circuitry 180 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 causes the display 103a to display the probe diagnosis report 200 (deterioration degree information) created in step ST30 superimposed on the ultrasound image of the subject P. This step ST40 is executed, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, in steps ST41 to ST48.

[0063] First, in step ST41, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 brings the ultrasound probe 101 into contact with the subject P by an operator's operation, scans the inside of the subject P with ultrasound signals, and generates an ultrasound image based on the output of the ultrasound probe 101 that receives reflected wave signals. As a result, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 displays an ultrasound image of the subject P on the display 103a. The operator performs diagnosis on the ultrasound image while visually checking the ultrasound image being displayed.

[0064] After step ST41, in step ST42, the processing circuitry 180 determines whether or not the diagnosis of the ultrasound image of the subject P has been completed. For example, the processing circuitry 180 makes the determination in step ST42 depending on whether or not the operation of the end button has been detected. If the result of the determination in step ST42 is that the diagnosis has been completed, the processing in step ST40 is terminated. If the result of the determination in step ST42 is that the diagnosis has not been completed, the processing proceeds to step ST43.

[0065] After step ST42, in step ST43, the processing circuitry 180 determines whether or not to superimpose the probe diagnosis report 200 (deterioration degree information) on the ultrasound image of the subject P. For example, the processing circuitry 180 makes the determination in step ST43 depending on whether or not an operation of a mode transition button for transitioning to the first display mode or the second display mode has been detected. If the determination result in step ST43 is No, the process returns to step ST41 and continues to display the ultrasound image of the subject P. If the determination result in step ST43 is No, the process proceeds to step ST44.

[0066] In step ST44, the processing circuit 180 determines whether the transition destination by pressing the mode transition button is the first display mode. If the determination result is the first display mode, the processing circuit proceeds to step ST45. If the determination result in step ST44 is no (if the transition destination is the second display mode), the processing circuit 180 proceeds to step ST46.

[0067] In step ST45, the processing circuitry 180 displays the probe diagnosis report 200 by superimposing it on the ultrasound image of the subject P.

[0068] In step ST46, the processing circuitry 180 displays the second image 202, which covers the area with a large degree of degradation, superimposed on the ultrasound image of the subject P.

[0069] After step ST45 or ST46, in step ST47, the processing circuitry 180 determines whether or not to end the superimposed display of the deterioration degree information of the ultrasound probe 101. For example, the processing circuitry 180 makes the determination in step ST47 depending on whether or not operation of the end button is detected. If the result of the determination in step ST47 is no, the process proceeds to step ST48.

[0070] In step ST48, the processing circuit 180 determines whether or not to change the display mode, and if the result of the determination is no, the determination of step ST48 is repeatedly executed. According to steps ST47 to ST48, if the surgeon does not operate the button, the determination of step ST48 is repeatedly executed, thereby continuing the superimposed display in the current display mode.

[0071] Also, if the result of the determination in step ST48 is to change the display mode, the process returns to step ST43. For example, if the first display mode in which the probe diagnosis report 200 is superimposed is changed to the second display mode in which the second image 202 is superimposed, the process returns to step ST43, and if the result of the determination in step ST44 is No (in the case of the second display mode), the process proceeds to step ST46. Similarly, for example, if the second display mode is changed to the first display mode, the process returns to step ST43, and if the result of the determination in step ST44 is the first display mode, the process proceeds to step ST45. Also, for example, if the second display mode in which the second image 202 is superimposed is changed to a display mode in which the deterioration degree information is not superimposed, the process returns to step ST43, and the process proceeds from step ST43 to step ST41.

[0072] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step ST47 is to end, the processing of step ST40 ends. Thus, step ST40, which is made up of steps ST41 to ST48, ends.

[0073] Upon completion of step ST40, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 ends the ultrasound examination of the subject P. Furthermore, step ST40 is similarly executed for the other subjects P.

[0074] As described above, according to the first embodiment, an ultrasound probe including a plurality of elements that transmit ultrasound signals and receive reflected wave signals from a subject or the air is connected, and an ultrasound diagnostic device capable of generating ultrasound images based on the outputs of the plurality of elements is used. Here, the ultrasound diagnostic device diagnoses the state of the plurality of elements based on feature values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air. The ultrasound diagnostic device also generates deterioration degree information indicating the degree of deterioration of the plurality of elements based on the diagnosed state. The ultrasound diagnostic device also displays the deterioration degree information on a display unit, superimposed on an ultrasound image of the subject.

[0075] Therefore, the operator can be made aware of deterioration or defects of the elements of the ultrasound probe during an ultrasound examination of a subject. Additionally, when using an ultrasound diagnostic device for routine ultrasound examinations, it is difficult for the operator to perform the ultrasound examination while being aware of deterioration of the ultrasound probe. In contrast, for a safe examination and for an ultrasound examination to be performed after recognizing the deterioration of the probe, it is necessary to clearly show the results of the ultrasound probe check to the operator. According to the first embodiment, the state of the probe is displayed in comparison with the ultrasound image, allowing the operator to recognize the degree of deterioration of the elements of the ultrasound probe. Furthermore, the operator can be made aware of the presence or absence of defective elements with a significant degree of deterioration. Furthermore, by allowing the operator to recognize the deterioration or defects of the elements, the following effects (i) to (iii) can be expected.

[0076] (i) Reducing the number of examinations using deteriorated ultrasound probes enables accurate image diagnosis and reduces the number of overlooked lesions. Additionally, by displaying the condition of the ultrasound probe in comparison with the ultrasound image, the surgeon can easily understand the condition and perform the examination, which contributes to more reliable examinations and appropriate diagnoses.

[0077] (ii) Fewer examinations using deteriorated ultrasound probes reduces the number of repeated examinations, reducing the examination time and number of examinations, thereby reducing the burden on the surgeon and patient.

[0078] (iii) The status of the ultrasound probe can be grasped, allowing the surgeon to appropriately determine when to replace the probe.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, a first image may be created by associating the positions of a plurality of elements with the degrees of deterioration of the plurality of elements, and deterioration degree information may be created as a probe diagnosis report including the first image and identification information of the ultrasound probe. In this case, the probe diagnosis report is superimposed on the ultrasound image of the subject, so that the operator can grasp the positions of the plurality of elements and the degrees of deterioration of the plurality of elements for the ultrasound probe identified by the identification information.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, it is also possible to create deterioration degree information that is a second image including one or more straight lines covering areas based on the output of elements where the degree of deterioration is greater than a threshold, among multiple areas of an ultrasound image based on the output of multiple elements. In this case, the second image is superimposed on the ultrasound image of the subject, allowing the operator to grasp areas in the ultrasound image where the degree of deterioration is greater.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the deterioration degree information may be created by further associating symbols according to the deterioration degrees of the plurality of elements with the positions of the plurality of elements. In this case, the operator can grasp the deterioration degree by reading the symbols.

[0082] <Second embodiment> In the second embodiment, the display pattern of the probe check result is changed depending on the scan conditions and the number of image components. For example, if the location of a deteriorated element or a defective element changes by changing the depth of the scan conditions, the display pattern is changed according to the second image in which the location has changed, and is superimposed on the ultrasound image.

[0083] Specifically, in addition to the above-mentioned functions, the display control function 187 of the processing circuit 180 corrects the deterioration degree information based on the scanning conditions of the ultrasound image of the subject P and the number of elements that make up the image to be displayed among the ultrasound images of the subject P, and superimposes the corrected deterioration degree information on the image to be displayed and displays it on the display 103a.

[0084] Here, the scanning conditions include, for example, the range of the scan cross section (depth and angle range for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves), the number of scan lines included in each scan cross section, scan line density, the scan line at which transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves begins in each scan cross section (scan start scan line), and the order of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves for the scan lines in each scan cross section (transmission and reception sequence).

[0085] The number of elements constituting the image to be displayed is, for example, the number of elements that receive reflected wave signals constituting the ultrasound image that is actually displayed out of 128 elements arranged on the head of the ultrasound probe 101. Note that the "number of elements constituting the image to be displayed" may also be referred to as, for example, the "size of the image to be displayed" or the "size of the image that is being displayed."

[0086] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0087] According to the above configuration, in step ST46 described above, it is assumed that the second image 202 is superimposed on the ultrasound image of the subject P and displayed on the display 103a, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 12. At this time, it is assumed that the ultrasound image is based on the outputs of 128 elements, and the second image 202 shows an area based on the outputs of the 49th to 80th elements of the 128 elements from right to left. Next, it is assumed that the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 enlarges and displays the display object Tg indicated by the dashed line by a zoom operation performed by the operator. Note that this zoom operation is, for example, an operation to decrease the "depth" of the scan conditions and display an ultrasound image based on the outputs of the 17th to 112th elements, which is three-quarters of the 128 elements from right to left.

[0088] The processing circuit 180 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 corrects the second image 202 based on the scan conditions changed by this zoom operation and the number of elements constituting the image to be displayed. For example, based on the shallower depth and the number of elements constituting the ultrasonic image becoming 3 / 4, the depth of the second image 202 is made shallower, and the number of elements constituting the second image 202 is halved. However, the number of elements constituting the second image 202 is halved so as to include the element with the maximum degree of degradation. As a result, the second image 202 is corrected to a region based on the outputs of, for example, the 65th to 80th elements in the left half among the 49th to 80th elements. Note that the ratios such as 3 / 4 and half (1 / 2) are arbitrary and not limited to this example. Also, the ratio rA of the number of elements constituting the second image 202 after correction to that before correction being smaller than the ratio rB of the number of elements constituting the ultrasonic image after correction to that before correction (rA < rB) is preferable from the viewpoint of wanting to specify the region affected by the degraded elements in a narrow range when observing the enlarged ultrasonic image. In the above example, rA = 1 / 2 and rB = 3 / 4, and the relationship rA < rB holds. However, the relationship rA < rB is not essential. For example, the relationship rA ≤ rB may be used.

[0089] After that, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 12, the processing circuit 180 superimposes the corrected second image 202 on the image to be displayed and causes it to be displayed on the display 103a. Here, the corrected second image 202 represents a narrower range compared to the second image 202 before correction, even though the ultrasonic image has been enlarged. As a result, when the ultrasonic image of the subject P is enlarged, the corrected second image 202 can show the region with a large degree of degradation in more detail. In this case, it can be expected to contribute to more appropriate image diagnosis.

[0090] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the deterioration degree information is corrected based on the scan conditions of the ultrasound image of the subject and the number of elements constituting the image to be displayed among the ultrasound images of the subject, and the corrected deterioration degree information is superimposed on the image to be displayed and displayed on the display unit. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the deterioration degree information can be corrected and superimposed in response to changes in the scan conditions and the image to be displayed.

[0091] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment is a specific example of a case where the deterioration degree of elements of an ultrasound probe 101 is displayed in groups. In the first embodiment, the elements are divided into eight, and the deterioration degree of the elements is displayed in eight element groups. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the number of divisions of the elements is further reduced for display. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the elements may be divided into three, one in the center and one on the left and right, and the deterioration degree of the elements may be displayed in three element groups. Alternatively, the elements may be divided into two, one on the left and one on the right, and the deterioration degree of the elements may be displayed in three element groups. The minimum unit is the display for each element. In other words, the number of divisions of the elements is an example and is not limited to this. In other words, in the third embodiment, the deterioration degree of the elements may be displayed as a first image 201 or a second image 202 for each division number.

[0092] Here, as described above, the report creation function 186 of the processing circuit 180 divides the multiple elements into multiple groups, the number of which is less than the number of elements, based on the position of each element, and associates a deterioration degree with each group, thereby creating deterioration degree information. The report creation function 186 may also divide the elements according to the division number input by the operator, and display the deterioration degrees of the elements allocated to the multiple element groups. Alternatively, the report creation function 186 may display the division numbers "8," "2," "3," and "128" on the display 103a, divide the elements according to the division number selected by the operator, and display the deterioration degrees of the elements allocated to the multiple element groups.

[0093] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first image 201 divides 128 elements into three parts based on the selected number of divisions "3", and collectively represents them as a right group, a central group, and a left group. The right group corresponds to the combination of the first to third element groups from the right shown in FIG. 4. The central group corresponds to the combination of the fourth and fifth element groups from the right shown in FIG. 4. The left group corresponds to the combination of the sixth to eighth element groups from the right shown in FIG. 4. As the degree of deterioration shown by each group, the largest degree of deterioration among the degrees of deterioration shown by the plurality of element groups included in the group is used.

[0094] Similar to the first image 201, the second image 202 is created by grouping a plurality of element groups. As the second image 202 corresponding to the first image 201 shown in FIG. 13, for example, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 12, a region having a width of about 2 / 8 of the horizontal width of the ultrasonic image is displayed.

[0095] Other configurations are the same as those in the first or second embodiment.

[0096] According to the above configuration, in step ST45 described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the elements of the ultrasonic probe 101 can be divided into three parts: the center, the left, and the right, and the degree of deterioration can be collectively displayed on the display 103a for three element groups.

[0097] According to the third embodiment as described above, a plurality of elements are divided into a plurality of groups fewer than the number of each element based on the position of each element, and the degree of deterioration is associated with each group, thereby creating degree-of-deterioration information. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first or second embodiment can be obtained.

[0098] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c), for each group of elements, the degree of deterioration of sensitivity is represented by symbols (e.g., good < A < B < C < D < E) and colors (e.g., white < light color < intermediate color < dark color).

[0099] For example, a nearly zero degree of deterioration is represented by the symbol "good" and the color "white." A low degree of deterioration is represented by the symbol "A" or "B" and the color "light." A high degree of deterioration is represented by the symbol "C" or "D" and the color "medium." A significant degree of deterioration similar to "bad" is represented by the symbol "E" and the color "dark." However, the six symbol levels and four color levels shown are merely examples and are not limited to these. Light colors can be inconspicuous colors such as pale yellow, cream, ivory, and beige. Dark colors can be attention-grabbing colors such as red. Intermediate colors can be intermediate colors such as brown and ochre. However, the present invention is not limited to changing the hues as described above. It is also possible to use the same hue and increase the amount of white to create a light color and increase the amount of black to create a dark color.

[0100] Here, the report creation function 186 of the processing circuit 180 creates deterioration level information by individually associating the positions of multiple elements with multiple colors corresponding to the degree of deterioration of the multiple elements. For example, the colors corresponding to the degree of deterioration can be darker as the degree of deterioration increases. Furthermore, the report creation function 186 creates deterioration level information by further associating symbols corresponding to the degree of deterioration of the multiple elements with the positions of the multiple elements. However, when the degree of deterioration is represented by color, the symbols representing the degree of deterioration may be omitted.

[0101] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

[0102] According to the above configuration, in the above-mentioned step ST45, for example, as shown in any one of (a) to (c) of FIG. 14, the probe diagnosis report 200 including the first image 201 can be superimposed on the ultrasound image of the subject P and displayed on the display 103a.

[0103] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the positions of multiple elements are individually associated with multiple colors corresponding to the degrees of deterioration of the multiple elements to create deterioration degree information. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, the surgeon can intuitively grasp the degrees of deterioration of the elements according to the colors indicating the degrees of deterioration.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, the deterioration level information may be created by further associating symbols according to the deterioration levels of the plurality of elements with the positions of the plurality of elements. In this case, in addition to being able to intuitively grasp the deterioration levels according to the colors, the surgeon can clearly grasp the deterioration levels of the elements according to the symbols indicating the deterioration levels.

[0105] <Fifth embodiment> The fifth embodiment is an embodiment in which it is possible to set the timing for executing a check and displaying a report for the ultrasound probe 101. For example, a plurality of settings may be prepared as follows, and the operator may be able to select one.

[0106] (a) A setting that checks the elements and displays the degree of deterioration of the elements each time the ultrasound diagnostic device is started.

[0107] (b) A setting that checks the element and displays the degree of deterioration of the element each time a patient examination begins.

[0108] (c) A setting for checking the element for each preselected period and displaying the degree of deterioration of the element. The selectable periods are appropriately selected from calendar-related lengths such as one week, one month, three months, or six months. However, the selectable periods are not limited to this, and lengths related to the number of days, such as 10 days, 30 days, 90 days, or 180 days, may also be used.

[0109] Accordingly, the processing circuitry 180 includes a setting function 184. The setting function 184 of the processing circuitry 180 sets triggers for executing each of the check execution function 185, report creation function 186, and display control function 187 in response to an operator's operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the setting function 184 may display a GUI 203 on the display 103a for setting triggers for executing each of the functions. That is, the setting function 184 may set any one of a first trigger for executing each of the functions each time the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is started up, a second trigger for executing each of the functions each time an ultrasound examination is performed on a patient, i.e., a subject P, and a third trigger for executing each of the functions at predetermined intervals. In this case, the setting function 184 sets the first trigger by, for example, operating a checkbox for "Boot up" in the GUI 203. The setting function 184 also sets the second trigger by, for example, operating a checkbox for "New patient" in the GUI 203. Furthermore, the setting function 184 sets the third trigger by operating one of the check boxes "1 Week", "1 Month", "3 Months" and "6 Months" in the GUI 203, for example.

[0110] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0111] According to the above configuration, the processing circuit 180 presets the first trigger, the second trigger, or the third trigger through an operation by the surgeon. As a result, in the subsequent step ST20, step ST21a based on the setting is executed instead of step ST21 in which the start button is operated as described above.

[0112] In step ST21a, the processing circuit 180 determines whether or not to start a check based on the setting of the GUI 203. If the result of this determination is No, step ST20 ends. For example, if "1 Week" is set in the GUI 203 and one week has not passed since the previous check was performed, this corresponds to No. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step ST21a is to start a check, the process proceeds to step ST22.

[0113] In step ST22, the processing circuitry 180 executes diagnosis of the ultrasonic probe 101. Specifically, the processing circuitry 180 transmits an ultrasonic signal into the air, and the reflected wave signal from the air is received by the multiple elements of the ultrasonic probe 101, and then diagnoses the states of the multiple elements based on the feature values ​​of the reflected wave signal.

[0114] In step ST23, the processing circuit 180 determines whether or not there is a suspicion of poor contact based on the diagnosis results, and if the determination result indicates that there is a suspicion, it proceeds to step ST24a-1, and if not, it proceeds to step ST25.

[0115] In step ST24a-1, the processing circuitry 180 displays a retry message Rm1 and a start button Bt1 on the display 103a as shown in Fig. 9. This allows the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 to confirm the connection between the ultrasound probe 101 and the apparatus main body 100 by the operator attaching or detaching the ultrasound probe 101, cleaning the probe connector, or the like.

[0116] After confirming the connection, in step ST24a-2, the processing circuitry 180 detects the operation of the start button Bt1 by the operator, and returns to step ST22.

[0117] On the other hand, after step ST23, in step ST25, the processing circuit 180 determines whether or not the diagnosis of the element state has been completed. For example, the processing circuit 180 makes the determination in step ST25 based on whether or not the state of the elements of all of the one or more ultrasonic probes 101 connected to the device main body 100 has been diagnosed. If the result of the determination in step ST25 is "No," the process returns to step ST22, and the diagnosis of the ultrasonic probes 101 continues. If the result of the determination in step ST25 is "Completed," the process of step ST20 ends. Thus, step ST20, which is made up of steps ST21 to ST25, ends.

[0118] Thereafter, steps ST30 to ST40 are executed in the same manner as described above.

[0119] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, a trigger for executing each of the diagnosis unit, creation unit, and display control unit is set in response to an operation by an operator. This provides the effects of the first to fourth embodiments, as well as setting a desired trigger, and enabling diagnosis of the ultrasound probe and display of the diagnosis results to be performed at the set trigger.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the fifth embodiment, any one of the following may be set as a first trigger for executing each unit every time the ultrasound diagnostic device is started, a second trigger for executing each unit every time an ultrasound examination of a subject is performed, and a third trigger for executing each unit every preset period. In this case, in addition to the effect of being able to execute each unit at a desired trigger, it is also possible to execute each unit at a desired frequency corresponding to the desired trigger.

[0121] Sixth Embodiment The sixth embodiment is a modification of each of the first to fifth embodiments, in which elements of the ultrasound probe 101 are checked and the degree of deterioration of the elements is displayed immediately before the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 is shut down. For example, as shown in the upper flowchart of FIG. 17 , step ST40 is executed after step ST10, and steps ST20 to ST30 are executed after step ST40. Here, in the modification of the first to fourth embodiments, when the processing circuitry 180 detects operation of the end button instead of the start button in step ST21, it executes steps ST22 to ST25 and ST30 and ends the processing. Also, in the upper flowchart of FIG. 17 , in the modification of the fifth embodiment, the setting function 184 of the processing circuitry 180 may be configured to set a fourth trigger for executing the check execution function 185 and the report creation function 186 each time the ultrasound diagnostic device is shut down, in addition to the first to third triggers described above. Alternatively, the setting function 184 of the processing circuitry 180 may be configured to set a fourth trigger for executing each function each time the ultrasound diagnostic device is shut down, instead of the first trigger described above.

[0122] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0123] According to the above configuration, steps ST20 to ST30 are executed after steps ST10 and ST40, as shown in the upper flowchart of Fig. 17. As a result, on the diagnosis day of the ultrasound probe 101, just before the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is shut down, the elements of the ultrasound probe 101 are checked, and a probe diagnosis report 200 indicating the degree of deterioration of the elements is displayed. This display is a preview display of step ST34. Upon completion of step ST30, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 ends its operation.

[0124] Furthermore, on the day following the diagnosis date of the ultrasound probe 101, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is started up in step ST10. After step ST10, in step ST40, the processing circuitry 180 causes the display 103a to display the ultrasound image of the subject P with the latest probe diagnosis report 200 superimposed on it. Also, in step ST40, the processing circuitry 180 causes the display 103a to display the ultrasound image of the subject P with the latest second image 202 superimposed on it. When step ST40 is performed on the day following the diagnosis date of the ultrasound probe 101, the latest probe diagnosis report 200 and the latest second image 202 are based on the check results of the previous day. Furthermore, upon completion of step ST40, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 ends the ultrasound examination of the subject P. Furthermore, step ST40 is similarly performed for the other subjects P.

[0125] When step ST40 is completed for all the subjects P, steps ST20 to ST30 are executed in the same manner as described above.

[0126] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the diagnostic unit and the creation unit are executed every time the ultrasound diagnostic device is shut down. This not only achieves the effects of the first to fifth embodiments, but also meets the needs of operators who do not want to perform a probe check when the device is turned on in the morning, by performing a probe check when the device is shut down in the evening.

[0127] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to make the operator aware of deterioration or defects in the elements of the ultrasonic probe during an ultrasonic examination of a subject.

[0128] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). A processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Note that instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the program may be directly embedded in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0129] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 100 Device body 101 Ultrasound probe 102 Input Device 103 Output Device 103a Display 104 External device 101a Piezoelectric vibrator 101b Matching layer 101c Backing Material 101d Acoustic Lens 110 Ultrasonic transmission circuit 120 Ultrasonic receiving circuit 130 Internal memory circuit 140 image memory 150 Input Interface 160 output interface 170 Communication Interface 180 Processing Circuit 181 B-mode processing function 182 Doppler processing function 183 Image generation function 184 Setting Function 185 Check execution function 186 Report Creation Function 187 Display control function 188 System Control Functions P Subject PL propagation length science fiction interface Wa transmission waveform Wb Multiple reflection and unwanted vibration waveform W1 1st reflected wave W2 2nd reflected wave

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic device is connected to an ultrasound probe having a plurality of elements that transmit ultrasound signals and receive reflected wave signals from a subject or the air, and is capable of generating ultrasound images based on outputs of the plurality of elements, a processing circuit that diagnoses the states of the plurality of elements based on the feature values ​​of the reflected wave signals from the air, creates deterioration degree information indicating the degree of deterioration of the plurality of elements based on the diagnosed states, and displays the deterioration degree information on a display by superimposing it on the ultrasound image based on the outputs of the plurality of elements; the processing circuit associates the positions of the plurality of elements with the degrees of deterioration of the plurality of elements, and creates an image in which the degrees of deterioration of the plurality of elements are represented by blocks; The positions of the plurality of elements are individually associated with a plurality of colors corresponding to the degrees of deterioration of the plurality of elements, and further associating characters or symbols corresponding to the degrees of deterioration of the plurality of elements with the positions of the plurality of elements; a plurality of colors and characters or symbols corresponding to the degrees of deterioration of the plurality of elements are displayed within the block; generating a report further associating a character with the location of the plurality of elements; an ultrasonic diagnostic device that creates the deterioration degree information, which is the report including the image and identification information of the ultrasonic probe;

2. 2. The ultrasound diagnostic device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry modifies the report based on scan conditions for the ultrasound image and the number of elements that constitute an image of the ultrasound image to be displayed, and causes the modified report to be displayed on the display together with the ultrasound image in association with the image to be displayed.

3. 2. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry divides the plurality of elements into a plurality of groups, the number of groups being less than the number of elements, based on the position of each element, and creates the report by associating the state with each group.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry prints out the report using a printer that is part of an output device.

Images