Ultrasound diagnostic device and method for controlling the ultrasound diagnostic device

Abstract

This ultrasonic diagnostic device (1) comprises: an ultrasonic probe (2); an image generation unit (13) that generates an ultrasonic image on the basis of a reception signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasonic probe (2); a monitor (15) on which the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit (13) is displayed; a region detection unit (16) that detects at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, a vaginal region, and an excreta region in the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit (13); and a highlighted display unit (17) that performs highlighted display of at least one of the excreta region, the prostate region, the vaginal region, and the bladder region detected by the region detection unit (16) in the ultrasonic image on the monitor.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, attempts have been made to examine the stool in a subject by examining the abdomen of the subject using an ultrasound diagnostic device. Generally, when depicting the stool region in a subject on an ultrasound image, the bladder region of the subject is first depicted, and then the position or orientation of the ultrasound probe is adjusted using the bladder region as a landmark to depict the prostate region or vaginal region of the subject, and then the position or orientation of the ultrasound probe is adjusted using the prostate region or vaginal region as a landmark to depict the stool region.

[0003] Various techniques have been developed to allow users to easily inspect the stool in such a subject. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a bladder region or a prostate region is extracted from an ultrasound image, a region of interest estimated to be the position of the rectum is set at a position deeper than the bladder region by a first distance or a position deeper than the prostate region by a second distance, and ultrasonic transmission and reception conditions are adjusted so that the inside of the region of interest is clearly depicted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 075609 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the region of interest in Patent Document 1 is automatically set at a position a specified distance deeper from the bladder region or prostate region, the feces region is not necessarily included in the region of interest for each subject, and there are cases where the user is unable to depict the feces region in the ultrasound image. Furthermore, users who are unfamiliar with using ultrasound diagnostic equipment may be unable to accurately determine whether the bladder, prostate, and vaginal regions are depicted in the ultrasound image, and as a result, may not be able to depict the bladder, prostate, and vaginal regions in the ultrasound image in the first place, making it difficult to depict the stool region.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these conventional problems, and has as its object to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device and a method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device that allow a user to easily visualize a fecal area in an ultrasound image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above object can be achieved by the following configuration. [1] An ultrasonic probe; an image generating unit that generates an ultrasound image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using an ultrasound probe; a monitor that displays the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit; a region detection unit that detects at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, a vagina region, and a stool region in the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit; a highlighting display unit that highlights at least one of the stool region, the prostate region, the vagina region, and the bladder region detected by the region detection unit on the ultrasound image displayed on the monitor; An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising: [2] An input device for a user to perform input operations is provided, The ultrasound diagnostic device according to [1], wherein the highlighting unit highlights on the monitor an area selected by the user via the input device from among the bladder area, the prostate area, the vagina area, and the stool area. [3] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to [1] or [2], further comprising a position estimation unit that calculates an estimated position of a stool region based on at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, and a vagina region detected by the region detection unit, and displays information representing the estimated position on a monitor. [4] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to [3], wherein the position estimation unit calculates at least one candidate for the position of the stool region based on at least one detected position of the bladder region, the prostate region, and the vagina region detected by the region detection unit, and selects a candidate from the at least one candidate as the estimated position of the stool region based on the positional relationship between the calculated at least one candidate and the at least one detected position. [5] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to [3] or [4], wherein the region detection unit detects a feces region in a predetermined region including the estimated position calculated by the position estimation unit. [6] A subject information memory for storing subject information including the gender of the subject; The ultrasound diagnostic device according to any one of claims [1] to [5], wherein the region detection unit detects at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, and a stool region in the ultrasound image when the subject's gender is male in the subject information stored in the subject information memory, and detects at least one of a bladder region, a vagina region, and a stool region when the subject's gender is female in the subject information stored in the subject information memory. [7] generating an ultrasound image based on a received signal obtained by scanning the subject using an ultrasound probe; The ultrasound image is displayed on the monitor. Detecting at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, a vaginal region, and a stool region in the ultrasound image; At least one of the detected stool region, prostate region, vaginal region, and bladder region is highlighted in the ultrasound image on the monitor. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an ultrasound diagnostic device comprises an ultrasound probe, an image generation unit that generates an ultrasound image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasound probe, a monitor that displays the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit, a region detection unit that detects at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, a vagina region, and a stool region in the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit, and a highlighting unit that highlights at least one of the bladder region, the prostate region, the vagina region, and the stool region detected by the region detection unit in the ultrasound image on the monitor, thereby enabling a user to easily depict the stool region in the ultrasound image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image in which the bladder region, prostate region, and stool region are highlighted in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image showing information indicating an estimated position relative to a feces region in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an ultrasound image in which information indicating an estimated position relative to a feces region is displayed in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 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

[0010] 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.

[0011] Embodiment 1 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2 and an apparatus main body 3 connected to the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a transducer array 11 connected to the device body 3 .

[0012] The device main body 3 includes a transmission / reception circuit 12 connected to a transducer array 11. An image generation unit 13, a display control unit 14, and a monitor 15 are connected to the transmission / reception circuit 12 in this order. An area detection unit 16 is connected to the image generation unit 13. An emphasis display unit 17 is connected to the area detection unit 16. The emphasis display unit 17 is connected to the display control unit 14. In addition, a device control unit 19 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 12, the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the area detection unit 16, and the highlight display unit 17. In addition, an input device 20 is connected to the device control unit 19.

[0013] The image generating unit 13, the display control unit 14, the area detecting unit 16, the highlighting unit 17, and the device control unit 19 constitute a processor 21 for the device main body 3.

[0014] 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).

[0015] The transmission / reception circuit 12, under the control of the device control unit 19, transmits ultrasound from the transducer array 11 and processes 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 unit 32, an AD (Analog-to-Digital) converter unit 33, and a beamformer 34, which are connected in series from the transducer array 11 in this order.

[0016] 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 19. 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.

[0017] The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected, for example, by an object to be inspected inside 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.

[0018] The amplifier 32 amplifies the signals input from each of the ultrasonic transducers that make up 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 format. The beam former 34 performs so-called reception focusing processing by delaying and adding each of the digital reception signals received from the AD converter 33. This reception focusing processing results in the phased addition of each reception signal converted by the AD converter 33, and a reception signal in which the focus of the ultrasonic echo is narrowed is acquired.

[0019] 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. The signal processing unit 35 performs correction for attenuation due to distance on the sound ray signals sent from the transmission / reception circuit 12 in accordance with the depth of the ultrasonic wave reflection position, and then performs envelope detection processing to generate a B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information on the tissue within the subject.

[0020] 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 area detection unit 16 in response to a command from the device control unit 19. Hereinafter, the B-mode image signal that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 37 will be simply referred to as an ultrasound image.

[0021] Under the control of the device control unit 19, the display control unit 14 performs predetermined processing on the ultrasound image U etc. generated by the image generation unit 13 and displays them on the monitor 15.

[0022] 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).

[0023] The region detection unit 16 performs image analysis on the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 13 to detect at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, a vagina region, and a feces region in the ultrasound image.

[0024] Here, the stool region is a region imaged based on ultrasonic echoes that propagate toward the transducer array 11 when an ultrasonic beam transmitted from the transducer array 11 toward the subject is reflected at the shallow part of the stool inside the subject.

[0025] Furthermore, the prostate region is a region representing the subject's prostate in an ultrasound image, the vagina region is a region representing the subject's vagina in an ultrasound image, and the bladder region is a region representing the subject's bladder in an ultrasound image.

[0026] Furthermore, the region detection unit 16 can use various commonly known methods for image analysis of the ultrasound image U when detecting the bladder region, the prostate region, the vagina region, and the stool region.

[0027] Region detection unit 16 can use, for example, a so-called template matching method. In this case, region detection unit 16 stores in advance a plurality of templates with different shapes, textures, etc. for, for example, the bladder region, prostate region, vagina region, and stool region, calculates a correlation value between the pattern shown in the ultrasound image and the template, and detects a region where the correlation value is equal to or greater than a certain value as the stool region, prostate region, vagina region, or bladder region.

[0028] Region detection unit 16 can also use, for example, a so-called machine learning method. In this case, region detection unit 16 converts, for example, a plurality of teacher images relating to the bladder region, prostate region, vagina region, and stool region, and a plurality of teacher images relating to anatomical structures present around the bladder region, prostate region, vagina region, and stool region, into so-called feature vectors in advance, and can detect the bladder region, prostate region, vagina region, and stool region using the obtained feature vectors by so-called Adaboost or SVM (Support Vector Machine), etc.

[0029] Region detection unit 16 can also use, for example, a so-called deep learning method. In this case, region detection unit 16 stores in advance a plurality of teacher images relating to, for example, a stool region, a prostate region, a vagina region, a bladder region, and anatomical structures existing around these regions, and can detect the bladder region, the prostate region, the vagina region, and the stool region using a so-called segmentation model or the like based on the stored plurality of teacher images.

[0030] Highlighting unit 17 highlights at least one of the bladder region, prostate region, vagina region, and stool region detected by region detection unit 16 in the ultrasound image on monitor 15. For example, when region detection unit 16 detects the bladder region, prostate region, and stool region, highlighting unit 17 can highlight bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and stool region R3 in the ultrasound image U on monitor 15, as shown in FIG.

[0031] 4, the highlighting unit 17 displays the contour line of the bladder region R1 with a solid line, the contour line of the prostate region R2 with a dashed line, and the contour line of the stool region R3 with a dotted line, thereby highlighting the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, and the stool region R3 on the ultrasound image U. In this way, the highlighting unit 17 can highlight the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vaginal region, and the stool region R3 in a format corresponding to each of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vaginal region, and the stool region R3, for example, by displaying the contour line of the bladder region R1, the contour line of the prostate region R2, the contour line of the vaginal region, and the contour line of the stool region R3 using different types of lines such as solid lines, dotted lines, dashed lines, dashed lines, and dashed lines.

[0032] The highlighting unit 17 can also display the contour lines of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vagina region, and the stool region R3 so that they have different thicknesses or colors from one another. The highlighting unit 17 can also simply display the contour lines of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vagina region, and the stool region R3 on the ultrasound image U.

[0033] Further, highlighting unit 17 can highlight bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and stool region R3 by filling in bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and stool region R3 with different colors, for example. At this time, highlighting unit 17 can also display the colors filled in bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and stool region R3 with a predetermined transparency.

[0034] The method of highlighting the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vaginal region, and stool region R3 performed by the highlighting unit 17 is not limited to these methods, as long as the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vaginal region, and stool region R3 are displayed prominently to the user.

[0035] The device control section 19 controls each section of the device main body 3 according to a pre-recorded program or the like. The input device 20 is used by a user such as a doctor to perform input operations. The input device 20 is configured by devices such as buttons, switches, a touch pad, and a touch panel that allow a user to perform input operations.

[0036] The processor 21 having the image generation unit 13, display control unit 14, area detection unit 16, highlighting unit 17 and device control unit 19 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 of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other ICs (Integrated Circuits), or may be composed of a combination of these.

[0037] In addition, the image generation unit 13, display control unit 14, area detection unit 16, highlighting unit 17 and device control unit 19 of the processor 21 may be partially or entirely integrated into a single CPU or the like.

[0038] Next, the basic operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0039] First, in step S1, the user brings the ultrasound probe 2 into contact with the abdomen of the subject, and in this state, an ultrasound image U of the inside of the subject is generated. At this time, ultrasound beams are transmitted into the subject from the multiple transducers of the transducer array 11 in accordance with a drive signal from the pulser 31 of the transmission / reception circuit 12, and reception signals are sent from each transducer that receives an ultrasound echo from the subject to the amplifier unit 32 of the transmission / reception circuit 12. The reception signals are amplified by the amplifier unit 32, converted from analog to digital format by the AD conversion unit 33, and then phased and added by the beam former 34 to generate sound ray signals. The sound ray signals are subjected to various processes in the image generation unit 13, and an ultrasound image U is generated.

[0040] Next, region detection unit 16 performs processing to detect a bladder region R1, a prostate region R2, a vagina region, and a stool region R3 from the ultrasound image U generated in step S1. Region detection unit 16 can perform processing to detect bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and stool region R3 using a method such as template matching, machine learning, or deep learning.

[0041] In the following step S3, device control unit 19 determines whether any one of bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and stool region R3 was detected in step S2. Device control unit 19 receives information indicating which of bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and stool region R3 was detected from region detection unit 16, and can determine whether any one of bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and stool region R3 was detected based on the received information.

[0042] If it is determined in step S3 that any one of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vagina region, and the stool region R3 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the ultrasound image U generated in step S1 is displayed on the monitor 15, and the highlighting unit 17 highlights at least one of the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vaginal region, and stool region R3 detected in step S2 in the ultrasound image U on the monitor 15.

[0043] For example, when the subject is a male, the highlighting unit 17 can highlight the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, and the stool region R3 by displaying the contour line of the bladder region R1 with a solid line, the contour line of the prostate region R2 with a dashed dotted line, and the contour line of the stool region R3 with a dotted line, as shown in Fig. 4. In addition to displaying the contour line of the bladder region R1, the contour line of the prostate region R2, and the contour line of the stool region R3 in different formats in this way, the highlighting unit 17 can highlight the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, and the stool region R3 using various display methods.

[0044] It is usually difficult to immediately depict the stool region R3 in the ultrasound image U, and when a user attempts to depict the stool region R3 in the ultrasound image U, they often first depict the bladder region R1, then use the bladder region R1 as a landmark to adjust the position or orientation of the ultrasound probe to depict the prostate region R2 or the vaginal region, and finally use the prostate region R2 or the vaginal region as a landmark to adjust the position or orientation of the ultrasound probe to depict the stool region R3.

[0045] In addition, generally, a user who is unfamiliar with using an ultrasound diagnostic device may not be able to accurately determine whether the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and vaginal region are depicted in the ultrasound image, and therefore may not be able to depict the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and vaginal region in the ultrasound image in the first place, making it difficult to depict the stool region R3.

[0046] However, in step S4, at least one of the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vaginal region, and stool region R3 detected in step S2 is highlighted in real time in the ultrasound image U on the monitor 15, so that the user can easily visualize the stool region R3 in the ultrasound image U by adjusting the position or orientation of the ultrasound probe 2 using the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, or vaginal region as a landmark while confirming that the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, or vaginal region is visualized in the ultrasound image U.

[0047] Furthermore, even a user who is unfamiliar with ultrasound examination of feces within a subject can easily understand that the fecal area R3 has been depicted in the ultrasound image U by checking the fecal area R3 highlighted in step S4.

[0048] If it is determined in step S3 that none of the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and stool region R3 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the ultrasound image U generated in step S1 is displayed on the monitor 15 without highlighting the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vagina region, and the stool region R3.

[0049] When the process of step S4 or step S5 is completed in this manner, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the device control unit 19 determines whether the test is to be completed. For example, the device control unit 19 determines that the test is to be completed when an instruction to complete the test on the subject is input by the user via the input device 20, and determines that the test on the subject is not to be completed and will continue when no instruction to complete the test on the subject is specifically input.

[0050] If it is determined in step S6 that the examination on the subject has not ended, the process returns to step S1. If it is determined in step S6 that the examination on the subject has ended, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the flowchart in FIG. 5 ends.

[0051] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of embodiment 1 of the present invention, at least one of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vagina region, and the stool region R3 in the ultrasound image U is detected, and the detected at least one of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vagina region, and the stool region R3 is highlighted in the ultrasound image U on the monitor 15, allowing the user to easily visualize the stool region R3 in the ultrasound image U.

[0052] Note that, when the fecal region R3, which is the target of examination, is detected in step S2 and the fecal region R3 is highlighted on the ultrasound image U in step S4, the detection and highlighting of the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and vaginal region, which are used as markers for depicting the fecal region R3, may be stopped. Even in this case, the user can easily understand that the fecal region R3 is depicted in the ultrasound image U by checking the fecal region R3 highlighted on the monitor 15, and can then examine the feces in the subject.

[0053] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 2 and the device main body 3 can be connected to each other by so-called wired communication, or can also be connected to each other by so-called wireless communication.

[0054] Furthermore, although the transmitting and receiving circuit 12 has been described as being provided in the device main body 3, the transmitting and receiving circuit 12 may instead be provided in the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0055] Further, the highlighting unit 17 can highlight on the monitor 15 the area designated by the user via the input device 20 from among the bladder area R1, the prostate area R2, the vagina area, and the stool area R3.

[0056] For example, when a user who is unfamiliar with ultrasound examination of feces in a subject performs the examination, the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, vagina region, and feces region R3 detected by the region detection unit 16 are all set to be highlighted, when the user has a medium level of skill, the prostate region R2, vagina region, and feces region R3 are set to be highlighted, and when the user is sufficiently skilled, only the feces region R3 is set to be highlighted. In this way, the user can specify the region to be highlighted in the ultrasound image U displayed on the monitor 15 according to, for example, their own level of skill.

[0057] Furthermore, the region detection unit 16 and the highlighting unit 17 can detect a region from among the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, the vagina region, and the stool region R3 that is specified by the user via the input device 20. In this case, the highlighting unit 17 also highlights on the ultrasound image U only the region specified by the user via the input device 20. In this case, the user can also specify the region to be detected by the region detection unit 16 according to, for example, the user's level of proficiency. Generally, the more regions to be detected, the greater the calculation load. However, by detecting only the region specified by the user, it is possible to reduce the calculation load on the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to, for example, the user's level of proficiency.

[0058] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, the feces region R3 included in the ultrasound image U is detected by the region detection unit 16, but the position of the feces region R3 may be estimated from at least one of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, and the vagina region.

[0059] 6 shows the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1A according to embodiment 2. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1A includes a device main body 3A instead of the device main body 3 in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1. The device main body 3A is the device main body 3 according to embodiment 1 with a position estimation unit 41 added thereto and a device control unit 19A instead of the device control unit 19.

[0060] In the device main body 3A, a position estimation section 41 is connected to the area detection section 16 and the device control section 19A. The position estimation section 41 is also connected to the display control section . The image generating section 13, the display control section 14, the area detecting section 16, the highlighting section 17, the device control section 19A and the position estimating section 41 form a processor 21A for the device main body 3A.

[0061] The position estimation unit 41 calculates the estimated position of the stool area R3 based on at least one of the bladder area R1, the prostate area R2, and the vaginal area detected by the area detection unit 16, and displays information representing the calculated estimated position on the monitor 15.

[0062] The position estimation unit 41 can calculate the estimated position of the feces region R3 based on the detected position of any one of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, and the vagina region detected by the region detection unit 16, for example.

[0063] In this case, the position estimation unit 41 stores in advance, for example, a predetermined depth to the estimated position for each of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, and the vaginal region, and can calculate the estimated position of the stool region R3 as a position that is deeper by the corresponding predetermined depth from the bladder region R1, a position that is deeper by the corresponding predetermined depth from the prostate region R2, or a position that is deeper by the corresponding predetermined depth from the vaginal region.

[0064] In addition, the position estimation unit 41 can calculate at least one candidate for the position of the stool area R3 based on, for example, the detected position of at least one of the bladder area R1, the prostate area R2, and the vagina area detected by the area detection unit 16, and can select one candidate from the at least one candidate as the estimated position of the stool area R3 based on the positional relationship between the calculated at least one candidate and the at least one detected position detected by the area detection unit 16.

[0065] In this case, the position estimation unit 41 stores in advance, for example, the predetermined depth to the estimated position for each of the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, and the vaginal region, and can calculate a position deeper by the corresponding predetermined depth from the bladder region R1, a position deeper by the corresponding predetermined depth from the prostate region R2, and a position deeper by the corresponding predetermined depth from the vaginal region as candidates for the estimated position of the stool region R3.

[0066] In this way, when only one candidate for the estimated position of the feces region R3 is calculated, the position estimation unit 41 can determine the calculated candidate as the estimated position.

[0067] Furthermore, when multiple candidates for the estimated position of the stool region R3 are calculated, the position estimation unit 41 can calculate the priority of the multiple candidates so that, for example, candidates whose depth direction positions are shallower than the bladder region R1, the prostate region R2, and the vagina region have a lower priority, and determine the candidate with the highest priority as the estimated position.

[0068] In addition, when calculating the priority of multiple candidates, the position estimation unit 41 can also calculate the priority of multiple candidates so that the priority of candidates whose deviation from the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and vaginal region in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction is more than a certain value, such as 5 cm, is lowered.

[0069] In addition, when calculating the priority of multiple candidates, the position estimation unit 41 can combine a method of giving a lower priority to candidates whose depth direction positions are shallower than the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and vaginal region, with a method of giving a lower priority to candidates whose deviation from the bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and vaginal region is more than a certain value.

[0070] Furthermore, the position estimation unit 41 can display a rectangular frame line A1 including the estimated position on the ultrasound image U based on information representing the calculated estimated position, as shown in, for example, Fig. 7. In the example of Fig. 7, a rectangular frame line A1 is displayed, but as long as the user can grasp the estimated position, the shape of the frame line A1 is not particularly limited to a rectangle, and the size of the frame line A1 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, instead of displaying the frame line A1, the position estimation unit 41 can also fill the area inside the frame line A1 with a color having a certain transparency, for example.

[0071] 8, the position estimation unit 41 can also indicate to the user that the estimated position is deeper than the prostate region R2 by displaying a downward arrow Q1 in the depth direction on the prostate region R2 as information representing the calculated estimated position. Instead of displaying the arrow Q1 on the prostate region R2, the position estimation unit 41 may, for example, display the arrow Q1 on the bladder region R1 to indicate to the user that the estimated position is deeper than the bladder region R1, or may display the arrow Q1 on the vaginal region to indicate to the user that the estimated position is deeper than the vaginal region.

[0072] Furthermore, instead of displaying the arrow Q1 on the bladder region R1, on the prostate region R2, or on the vaginal region, the position estimation unit 41 can also display it near the bladder region R1, near the prostate region R2, or near the vaginal region, such as directly below the bladder region R1, directly below the prostate region R2, directly below the vaginal region, at a position adjacent to the bladder region R1, a position adjacent to the prostate region R2, or a position adjacent to the vaginal region.

[0073] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1A of embodiment 2, the position estimation unit 41 calculates the estimated position of the feces area R3, and information representing the calculated estimated position is displayed on the monitor 15. Therefore, the user can more easily depict the feces area R3 on the ultrasound image U by referring to the estimated position of the feces area R3.

[0074] The area detection unit 16 can detect the feces area R3 by performing image analysis only on a determined area including the estimated position of the feces area R3 calculated by the position estimation unit 41, rather than by performing image analysis on the entire ultrasound image U. The determined area including the estimated position is not particularly limited to any area smaller than the entire ultrasound image U, and the area detection unit 16 can set, for example, a rectangular area corresponding to the frame line A1 in FIG.

[0075] In this way, by performing the process of detecting the stool area R3 only in a specified area including the estimated position, the calculation load on the area detection unit 16 is reduced compared to when the process of detecting the stool area R3 is performed for the entire ultrasound image U, and the area detection unit 16 can detect the stool area R3 more quickly.

[0076] Embodiment 3 Typically, only men have a prostate gland and only women have a vagina, so it is possible to set whether the region detection unit 16 performs processing to detect the prostate region R2 or the vaginal region depending on the gender of the subject, for example.

[0077] FIG. 9 shows the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B of the third embodiment includes an apparatus main body 3B instead of the apparatus main body 3 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The device main body 3B in embodiment 3 is configured by adding a subject information memory 51 to the device main body 3 in embodiment 1, and by including a device control unit 19B instead of the device control unit 19, and a processor 21B instead of the processor 21.

[0078] In the apparatus main body 3B, the apparatus control unit 19 is connected to an object information memory 51, and the object information memory 51 is connected to the region detection unit 16.

[0079] The subject information memory 51 is a memory that stores subject information including the gender of the subject. In addition to the gender of the subject, the subject information can include, for example, the subject's name, an ID (identifier) ​​for distinguishing the subject from other subjects, the subject's date of birth, etc. Such subject information can be input by a user via the input device 20, and stored in the subject information memory 51 via the device control unit 19B.

[0080] The subject information memory 51 may be a recording medium such as a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an FD (Flexible Disc), an MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), an MT (Magnetic Tape), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an SD card (Secure Digital card), or a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

[0081] Region detection unit 16 reads subject information from subject information memory 51 under the control of device control unit 19, and when the subject's gender is male in the subject information stored in subject information memory 51, region detection unit 16 detects at least one of bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and stool region R3 in ultrasound image U. When the subject's gender is female in the subject information stored in subject information memory 51, region detection unit 16 detects at least one of bladder region R1, vagina region, and stool region R3 in ultrasound image U.

[0082] As described above, according to ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1B of embodiment 3, when the subject's gender in the subject information is male, at least one of bladder region R1, prostate region R2, and stool region R3 is detected in ultrasound image U, and when the subject's gender in the subject information is female, at least one of bladder region R1, vagina region, and stool region R3 is detected in ultrasound image U, thereby preventing erroneous detection such as detection of a vagina region when the subject is male, and erroneous detection such as detection of a prostate region R2 when the subject is female. Furthermore, because unnecessary detection processing that does not correspond to the subject's gender is omitted, the calculation load on region detection unit 16 is reduced, and region detection unit 16 can perform region detection processing more quickly.

[0083] There is no particular limitation on the timing at which the user inputs the subject information via the input device 20. For example, the user may input the subject information before an examination on the subject is started, or may input the subject information during an examination on the subject.

[0084] Furthermore, although an example has been described in which the subject information is input by the user via the input device 20, the method for inputting the subject information is not particularly limited to this. For example, when subject information is stored in advance in a server device (not shown) installed in a hospital or the like, and the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1B and the server device are in communication with each other, the subject information can be downloaded from the server device to the subject information memory 51 by a user's input operation via the input device 20.

[0085] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the aspect of embodiment 3 is applied to embodiment 1, it can also be applied to embodiment 2. Furthermore, both the aspects of embodiment 2 and embodiment 3 can be applied to embodiment 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1, 1A, 1B ultrasound diagnostic device, 2 ultrasound probe, 3, 3A, 3B device body, 11 transducer array, 12 transmission / reception circuit, 13 image generation unit, 14 display control unit, 15 monitor, 16 region detection unit, 17 highlighting unit, 19, 19A, 19B device control unit, 20 input device, 21, 21A, 21B processor, 31 pulser, 32 amplifier unit, 33 AD conversion unit, 34 beamformer, 35 signal processing unit, 36 DSC, 37 image processing unit, 41 position estimation unit, 51 subject information memory, A1 frame line, Q1: arrow, R1 bladder region, R2 prostate region, R3 stool region, U ultrasound image.

Claims

1. an ultrasound probe; an image generating unit that generates an ultrasound image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasound probe; a monitor that displays the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit; a region detection unit that detects at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, a vagina region, and a feces region in the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit; a highlighting display unit that highlights at least one of the stool region, the prostate region, the vagina region, and the bladder region detected by the region detection unit in the ultrasound image on the monitor; a position estimation unit that calculates an estimated position of the feces area based on at least one of the bladder area, the prostate area, and the vagina area detected by the area detection unit, and displays information representing the estimated position on the monitor; Equipped with the position estimation unit calculates at least one candidate for the position of the feces area based on at least one detected position of the bladder area, the prostate area, and the vagina area detected by the area detection unit, and displays the calculated candidate on the monitor; and determines a candidate selected from the at least one candidate as an estimated position of the feces area based on a positional relationship between the calculated candidate and the at least one detected position; the area detection unit detects the feces area in a determined area including the estimated position calculated by the position estimation unit; The highlighting unit highlights the fecal region and at least one of the bladder region, the prostate region, and the vaginal region in the ultrasound image on the monitor in different display formats. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. an input device for a user to perform an input operation; The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the highlighting unit highlights on the monitor a region selected by a user via the input device from among the bladder region, the prostate region, the vagina region, and the feces region.

3. a subject information memory for storing subject information including the sex of the subject; 3. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the region detection unit detects at least one of the bladder region, the prostate region, and the feces region in the ultrasound image when the subject's gender is male in the subject information stored in the subject information memory, and detects at least one of the bladder region, the vagina region, and the feces region when the subject's gender is female in the subject information stored in the subject information memory.

4. An ultrasound diagnostic device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the highlighting unit highlights the contour lines of the stool area, the prostate area, the vagina area, and the bladder area using lines of different types or lines of different thicknesses.

5. An ultrasound diagnostic device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the stool region is an area imaged based on ultrasound echoes reflected from the shallow part of the stool by an ultrasound beam transmitted toward the subject.

6. generating an ultrasound image based on received signals obtained by scanning the subject using an ultrasound probe; Displaying the ultrasound image on a monitor; detecting at least one of a bladder region, a prostate region, a vaginal region, and a stool region in the ultrasound image; calculating at least one candidate for the position of the feces area based on the detected position of at least one of the bladder area, the prostate area, and the vagina area, and displaying the candidate on the monitor; calculating a candidate selected from the at least one candidate as an estimated position of the feces area based on a positional relationship between the calculated at least one candidate and the at least one detected position; and displaying information representing the estimated position on the monitor; Detecting the feces area in a defined area including the calculated estimated position; The detected fecal region and at least one of the bladder region, the prostate region, and the vaginal region are highlighted on the ultrasound image on the monitor in different display formats. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device.

7. A control method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein an area specified by a user's input operation from among the bladder area, the prostate area, the vaginal area, and the stool area is highlighted on the monitor.

8. Subject information including the gender of the subject is stored, 8. The method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the bladder region, the prostate region, and the feces region is detected in the ultrasound image when the sex of the subject is male in the stored subject information, and at least one of the bladder region, the vagina region, and the feces region is detected when the sex of the subject is female in the subject information.

9. A control method for an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the contour line of the stool area, the contour line of the prostate area, the contour line of the vagina area, and the contour line of the bladder area are each highlighted using lines of different types, lines of different thicknesses, or lines of different colors.

10. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the stool region is an area imaged based on ultrasound echoes reflected from the shallow part of the stool by an ultrasound beam transmitted toward the subject.

Images