Ultrasound diagnostic device and control method for ultrasound diagnostic device

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device and a control method of an ultrasonic diagnostic device that allow a user to grasp a stool extraction timing easily.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes: an ultrasonic probe (1); an ultrasonic signal acquisition unit (31) for acquiring an ultrasonic signal on a subject by performing scanning with the ultrasonic probe (1); a feces detection unit (25) for detecting feces in the subject by analyzing the ultrasonic signal; and a notification unit (26) for notifying a user according to the position of the feces detected by the feces detection unit (25) with respect to the anal inlet of the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a diagnosis regarding feces in the large intestine has been performed by taking an ultrasonic image representing a cross-section of the large intestine of a subject using a so-called ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Usually, a user such as a doctor observes the ultrasonic image taken based on his or her experience, knowledge, etc., determines the properties of the feces, etc., and often performs necessary treatment on the subject. Therefore, in order for a user such as a doctor to smoothly perform a diagnosis regarding feces, for example, a technique for automatically evaluating the properties of feces by analyzing an ultrasonic image, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, has been developed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, generally, for a subject who cannot defecate naturally, a subject who has difficulty defecating because abdominal pressure cannot be applied due to some reason such as paralysis, and a subject who has difficulty defecating due to spinal cord injury or a disorder in the function of the rectum, etc., in order to discharge feces, a treatment called so-called feces extraction is performed, in which a doctor extracts feces from the anus of the subject with his or her finger. Feces extraction is often performed particularly when a so-called impacted feces, which is a symptom in which defecation is impossible due to hard feces clogging in the vicinity of the anus, occurs.

[0005] Manual disimpaction is generally difficult unless the stool is within reach of the surgeon's fingers after entering the rectum through the anus. Therefore, surgeons usually determine whether manual disimpaction is possible by palpating the subject's abdomen based on their experience and skill before performing the procedure. As the determination of whether manual disimpaction is possible is often based on the surgeon's experience and skill, some surgeons may not be able to determine the timing for manual disimpaction. Furthermore, even if the presence of hard stool causing impacted stool can be identified using the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, it is difficult to determine the position of the stool in the rectum, and therefore the timing for manual disimpaction may not be determined.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the problems of the past, and aims to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device and a control method for the ultrasound diagnostic device that allow users to easily understand the timing of manual disimpaction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above objective can be achieved with the following configuration. [1] Ultrasound probe and An ultrasonic signal acquisition unit that acquires ultrasonic signals related to a subject by scanning with an ultrasonic probe, A stool detection unit that detects stool in the subject by analyzing ultrasonic signals, A notification unit notifies the user according to the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit relative to the anal opening of the subject. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features. [2] Equipped with a rectal detection unit that detects the subject's rectum by analyzing the ultrasonic signal, The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [1], wherein the stool detection unit detects stool present in the rectum detected by the rectum detection unit by analyzing the ultrasound signal. [3] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein the notification unit notifies in the first notification manner when the location of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a defined range for recommended manual disimpaction. [4] The recommended range for manual disimpaction is 4-5 cm from the anal opening of the subject, using the ultrasound diagnostic device described in [3]. [5] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [4], wherein the notification unit notifies in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode when the location of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a range of 5 to 10 cm from the anal opening. [6] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [5], wherein the notification unit notifies in a third notification mode different from the first and second notification modes when the location of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a range of 10 to 20 cm from the anal opening. [7] A stool properties determination unit is provided that determines the properties of the stool detected by the stool detection unit based on an ultrasonic signal. The notification unit notifies the user of the stool properties determined by the stool properties determination unit. This is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6]. [8] Monitor and, A stool position display unit displays the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit within the rectum on a monitor using a schematic diagram. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7], comprising: [9] The ultrasound signal acquisition unit is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8] that acquires an ultrasound signal by a transabdominal approach using an ultrasound probe.

[10] The ultrasound signal acquisition unit is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8] that acquires an ultrasound signal by a transgluteal cleft approach using an ultrasound probe.

[11] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus described in any of [1] to

[10] , wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires an ultrasound image as an ultrasound signal.

[12] By scanning with an ultrasound probe, an ultrasound signal related to the subject is obtained. By analyzing the ultrasound signal, the subject's rectum is detected. By analyzing ultrasound signals, stool present in the rectum can be detected. The system notifies the user based on the location of the detected stool within the rectum. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic signal acquisition unit that acquires ultrasonic signals regarding a subject by scanning the ultrasonic probe, a feces detection unit that detects feces in the subject by analyzing the ultrasonic signals, and a notification unit that notifies a user according to the position of the feces detected by the feces detection unit with respect to the anal entrance of the subject. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the timing of defecation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transmission / reception circuit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image generation unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic image obtained by photographing feces in the rectum by a trans-coccygeal approach. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of notification according to a first notification mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of notification according to a second notification mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of notification according to a third notification mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. <000​​​​​​​​​​​​

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The description of the constituent elements described below is made based on typical embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range including the numerical values described before and after "~" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value. In this specification, "identical" and "the same" shall include the error range generally acceptable in the technical field.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe 1 and an apparatus main body 2 connected to the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0012] The ultrasonic probe 1 has a transducer array 11. A transmission / reception circuit 12 is connected to the transducer array 11.

[0013] <​​​​Furthermore, the ultrasonic signal acquisition unit 31 is composed of the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 and the image generation unit 21. In addition, the processor 32 for the main unit 2 is composed of the image generation unit 21, the display control unit 22, the rectum detection unit 24, the stool detection unit 25, the notification unit 26, and the main unit control unit 29.

[0015] The transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 1 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in one or two dimensions. Each of these ultrasonic transducers transmits ultrasound according to a drive signal supplied from the transmitting / receiving circuit 12, and also receives ultrasonic echoes from the subject and outputs a signal based on the ultrasonic echoes. Each ultrasonic transducer is constructed by forming electrodes at both ends of a piezoelectric body made of, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic represented by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element represented by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), or a piezoelectric single crystal represented by PMN-PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate).

[0016] The transmitting / receiving circuit 12 transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 and generates a sound line signal based on the received signal acquired by the transducer array 11, under the control of the main unit control 29. As shown in Figure 2, the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 includes a pulser 41 connected to the transducer array 11, and an amplifier 42, an AD (Analog to Digital) converter 43, and a beamformer 44 connected sequentially in series from the transducer array 11.

[0017] The pulser 41 includes, for example, multiple pulse generators, and based on a transmission delay pattern selected according to a control signal from the main unit control 29, it supplies each drive signal to the multiple ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, adjusting the delay amount, so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducers form an ultrasonic beam. 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, generating pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves from each ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic beam is formed from the combined wave of these ultrasonic waves.

[0018] The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected from a target, such as a part of the subject, and propagates toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 1. The ultrasonic echo propagating toward the transducer array 11 is received by each ultrasonic transducer that makes up the transducer array 11. At this time, each ultrasonic transducer that makes up the transducer array 11 expands and contracts upon receiving the propagating ultrasonic echo, generating a received signal which is an electrical signal, and outputs these received signals to the amplification unit 42.

[0019] The amplification unit 42 amplifies the signals input from each ultrasonic transducer constituting the transducer array 11 and transmits the amplified signals to the AD conversion unit 43. The AD conversion unit 43 converts the signals transmitted from the amplification unit 42 into digital received data. The beamformer 44 performs so-called receive focus processing by adding each received data received from the AD conversion unit 43 with a corresponding delay. Through this receive focus processing, each received data converted by the AD conversion unit 43 is phase-corrected and added together, and a sound ray signal with a focused ultrasonic echo is obtained.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the image generation unit 21 has a configuration in which a signal processing unit 45, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 46, and an image processing unit 47 are connected in series in sequence.

[0021] The signal processing unit 45 receives the sound line signal from the transmitting / receiving circuit 12, and after correcting for attenuation due to distance according to the depth of the ultrasonic reflection position using the sound velocity value set by the main unit control unit 29, it performs envelope detection processing to generate a B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information of the tissue within the subject.

[0022] The DSC46 converts the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 45 into an image signal that follows the scanning method of a normal television signal (raster conversion). The image processing unit 47 performs various necessary image processing, such as grayscale processing, on the B-mode image signal input from the DSC 46, and then sends the B-mode image signal to the display control unit 22, the rectum detection unit 24, and the stool detection unit 25. Hereafter, the B-mode image signal processed by the image processing unit 47 will be referred to as an ultrasound image.

[0023] The display control unit 22, under the control of the main unit control unit 29, performs predetermined processing on the ultrasound image etc. generated by the image generation unit 21 and displays it on the monitor 23. The monitor 23 displays various information under the control of the display control unit 22. The monitor 23 may include, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

[0024] The main unit control unit 29 controls each part of the main unit 2 and the ultrasonic probe 1 according to a pre-recorded program or the like. The input device 30 receives input operations from the inspector and sends the input information to the main unit control unit 29. The input device 30 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, and touch panel, or other devices for the inspector to perform input operations.

[0025] The rectal detection unit 24 detects the subject's rectum as captured in the ultrasound image by analyzing the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 21. In this invention, an ultrasound image of the subject's rectum can be obtained by either a so-called transabdominal approach method, in which the ultrasound probe 1 is in contact with the subject's abdomen to capture an ultrasound image of the rectum, or a so-called transgluteal approach method, in which the ultrasound probe 1 is in contact with the space between the subject's anus and tailbone, i.e., the gluteal cleft, to capture an ultrasound image of the rectum.

[0026] The rectal detection unit 24 stores, for example, multiple template images of the subject's rectum, and can detect the rectum by searching within the ultrasound image using a so-called template matching method with these multiple template images. Furthermore, the rectal detection unit 24 can also have a machine learning model that has learned from a large number of ultrasound images showing the subject's rectum, and can use this machine learning model to detect the subject's rectum in the ultrasound image.

[0027] The stool detection unit 25 detects stool present in the rectum by analyzing the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 21 based on the rectum detection result by the rectum detection unit 24. The stool detection unit 25 stores, for example, multiple template images of stool, and by using a template matching method with these multiple template images, it can search within the rectal region detected by the rectum detection unit 24 in the ultrasound image to detect stool present in the rectum. In addition, the rectum detection unit 24 has, for example, a machine learning model that has learned from a large number of ultrasound images showing the subject's rectum, and can also detect stool present in the rectum by using this machine learning model to search within the rectal region detected by the rectum detection unit 24 in the ultrasound image.

[0028] Furthermore, the stool detection unit 25 can detect the position of the detected stool within the rectum by analyzing the ultrasound image. For example, when an ultrasound image U is taken using a transgluteal approach, in which the ultrasound probe 1 is in contact with the gluteal cleft of the subject, as shown in Figure 4, the stool detection unit 25 can detect the anus E visible in the ultrasound image U and measure the distance L from the position of the detected anus E to the tip of the stool B inside the rectum A, thereby detecting the position of the stool B, specifically the position of the tip of the stool B from the anal opening. In this case, the stool detection unit 25 can detect the subject's anus E using, for example, a template matching method or a method using a machine learning model that has learned from a large number of ultrasound images U showing the subject's anus E.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, when an ultrasound probe 1 is in contact with the abdomen of a subject and multiple frames of ultrasound images U are continuously captured by a transabdominal approach while tilting the ultrasound probe 1 toward the anus, the stool detection unit 25 can detect the position of the stool by using a machine learning model that has learned a large number of combinations of ultrasound images U from multiple frames, from the frame in which the tip of the stool B is detected to the frame in which the anus is detected, and the position of the tip of the stool B from the anus.

[0030] Incidentally, in general, for subjects who cannot defecate naturally, subjects who have difficulty defecating due to paralysis or other reasons that prevent them from applying abdominal pressure, and subjects who have difficulty defecating due to spinal cord injury or impaired function of the rectum A, a procedure called manual disimpaction is performed in which the surgeon uses their fingers to remove stool B from the subject's anus. Manual disimpaction is generally difficult unless the stool B is within reach of the surgeon's fingers, which have entered the rectum A from the anus.

[0031] The notification unit 26 notifies the user of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 relative to the anal opening of the subject. The notification unit 26 can notify the user in a first notification manner, for example as shown in Figure 5, when the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 is within a defined range for recommended manual disimpaction. Figure 5 shows an example in which the notification unit 26 notifies the user in accordance with the first notification manner by displaying the message M1 "Recommended range for manual disimpaction" superimposed on the ultrasound image U on the monitor 23.

[0032] Here, the recommended range for manual disimpaction refers to the range within the rectum A that the user's finger can reach when it enters the anal opening of the subject. For example, the recommended range for manual disimpaction can be set to 4-5 cm (4 cm or more but less than 5 cm) from the anal opening of the subject. The recommended range for manual disimpaction can be set in advance as a fixed value in the ultrasound diagnostic device, can be set as a changeable default value, or can be set by the user via the input device 30.

[0033] Furthermore, the notification unit 26 can notify the user in a second notification mode, different from the first notification mode, when a range of 4 to 5 cm is set as the recommended range for manual disimpaction, and the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 is within a range of 5 to 10 cm (5 cm or more but less than 10 cm) from the anal opening, as shown in Figure 6, for example. Figure 6 shows an example in which the notification unit 26 notifies the user in accordance with the second notification mode by displaying the message M2, "You are almost in the recommended range for manual disimpaction. Please prepare to perform manual disimpaction," superimposed on the ultrasound image U on the monitor 23.

[0034] Furthermore, the notification unit 26 can also notify the user in a third notification mode, different from the first and second notification modes, when the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 is within 10 to 20 cm (10 cm or more but less than 20 cm) from the anal opening, as shown in Figure 7, for example. Figure 7 shows an example in which the notification unit 26 notifies the user in accordance with the third notification mode by displaying the message M3, "The stool has come within the range where you feel the urge to defecate. Please prepare for manual disimpaction," superimposed on the ultrasound image U on the monitor 23.

[0035] Generally, decisions regarding the timing of fecal removal are often based on the operator's experience and skill, and in some cases, operators may not be able to determine the right timing for fecal removal. However, the notification unit 26 notifies the user of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 within the rectum A, as shown in the first, second, and third notification modes in Figures 5 to 7, for example, so that the user can easily understand the timing of fecal removal.

[0036] The processor 32, which includes an image generation unit 21, a display control unit 22, a rectum detection unit 24, a stool detection unit 25, a notification unit 26, and a main unit control unit 29, is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a control program for causing the CPU to perform various processes. However, it 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 a combination thereof.

[0037] Furthermore, the image generation unit 21, display control unit 22, rectum detection unit 24, stool detection unit 25, notification unit 26, and main unit control unit 29 of the processor 32 can be partially or entirely integrated into a single CPU or the like.

[0038] Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to Embodiment 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0039] First, in step S1, the ultrasound signal acquisition unit 31 acquires an ultrasound image U of the subject's rectum A. At this time, the transducer array 11 of the ultrasound probe 1 transmits an ultrasound beam into the subject and receives an ultrasound echo from within the subject, generating a received signal. The transmitting and receiving circuit 12 of the ultrasound signal acquisition unit 31 performs a so-called received focus process on the received signal under the control of the main unit control 29 to generate an acoustic ray signal. The acoustic ray signal generated by the transmitting and receiving circuit 12 is sent to the image generation unit 21. The image generation unit 21 generates the ultrasound image U using the acoustic ray signal sent from the transmitting and receiving circuit 12.

[0040] Next, in step S2, the rectal detection unit 24 detects the subject's rectum A by analyzing the ultrasound image U acquired in step S1. The rectal detection unit 24 can detect rectum A by, for example, template matching, or by a machine learning model that has learned from a large number of ultrasound images U in which rectum A was captured.

[0041] In step S3, the stool detection unit 25 detects the stool B present in the rectum A detected in step S3 by analyzing the ultrasound image U acquired in step S1. The stool detection unit 25 can detect stool B by, for example, template matching, or it can detect stool B present in the rectum A by using a machine learning model that has learned from a large number of ultrasound images U of stool B present in the rectum A.

[0042] Furthermore, the stool detection unit 25 can detect the position of the detected stool within the rectum A by analyzing the ultrasound image U. When the ultrasound image U is taken via a transgluteal cleft approach in step S1, the stool detection unit 25 can, for example, detect the anus E visible in the ultrasound image U and measure the distance L from the detected anus E to the tip of the stool B, thereby detecting the position of the stool B from the anal opening. Also, when multiple frames of ultrasound images U are taken continuously via a transabdominal approach while tilting the ultrasound probe 1 towards the anus in step S1, the stool detection unit 25 can, for example, detect the position of the stool B from the anal opening by using a machine learning model that has learned a large number of combinations of ultrasound images U from multiple frames, from the frame in which the tip of the stool B is detected to the frame in which the anus is detected, and the position of the tip of the stool B from the anus.

[0043] In step S4, the notification unit 26 determines whether the location of the stool B detected in step S3 is within a range of 4-5 cm from the anal opening, within a range of 5-10 cm from the anal opening, or within a range of 10-20 cm from the anal opening.

[0044] If step S4 determines that the position of stool B is within 4-5 cm of the anal opening, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the notification unit 26 determines that the position of stool B is within the recommended range for manual disimpaction and notifies the user using the first notification method, as shown in Figure 5, for example. Figure 5 shows an example where the message M1 "Recommended range for manual disimpaction" is displayed on the monitor 23 as the first notification method. By confirming the notification using the first notification method, the user can easily understand that it is now the appropriate time for manual disimpaction.

[0045] If step S4 determines that the position of stool B is within 5-10 cm of the anal opening, the system proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the notification unit 26 determines that the position of stool B is about to move into the recommended range for manual disimpaction and notifies the user using a second notification method, which is different from the first notification method, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example where the message M2, "You are almost in the recommended range for manual disimpaction. Please prepare to perform manual disimpaction," is displayed on the monitor 23 as the second notification method. By confirming the notification using the second notification method, the user can understand that the position of stool B will soon move into the recommended range for manual disimpaction and prepare to perform manual disimpaction.

[0046] If step S4 determines that the position of stool B is within 10-20 cm of the anal opening, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S6, the notification unit 26 determines that the position of stool B has progressed to the range where the subject may feel the urge to defecate, and notifies the user using a third notification method, which is different from the first and second notification methods, as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example where the message M3, "The stool has reached the range where you may feel the urge to defecate. Please prepare for manual disimpaction," is displayed on the monitor 23 as the third notification method. By confirming the notification using the third notification method, the user can understand that the position of stool B may soon progress to the recommended range for manual disimpaction and prepare for it.

[0047] Once steps S4 to S7 are completed, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to the flowchart in Figure 8 is complete.

[0048] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the notification unit 26 notifies the user according to the position of the stool B in the rectum A detected by the stool detection unit 25, so that the user can easily understand the timing of manual disimpaction by checking the notification content.

[0049] Although it is explained that the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 is provided in the ultrasonic probe 1, the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 may also be provided in the main body of the device 2. Furthermore, although it is explained that the image generation unit 21 is provided in the main body 2 of the device, the image generation unit 21 may also be provided in the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0050] Furthermore, the main unit 2 of the device may be a so-called stationary type, a portable type that is easy to carry, or a so-called handheld type, which may consist of a smartphone or tablet computer, for example. Thus, the type of equipment that makes up the main unit 2 is not particularly limited.

[0051] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the rectum detection unit 24 and the stool detection unit 25 analyze the ultrasonic image U generated by the image generation unit 21, instead of the ultrasonic image U, the sound line signal generated by the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 may be analyzed, or the B-mode image signal generated by envelope detection processing performed by the signal processing unit 45 of the image generation unit 21 may be analyzed. In this case as well, the rectum detection unit 24 can detect the subject's rectum A, and the stool detection unit 25 can detect the stool B present in the rectum A and its location. In the present invention, signals that include information about the rectum A and stool B, such as the sound line signal, the B-mode image signal generated by envelope detection processing, and the ultrasonic image U, and that are the target of analysis by the rectum detection unit 24 and the stool detection unit 25, are collectively referred to as ultrasonic signals.

[0052] Furthermore, it has been explained that the stool detection unit 25 detects stool B present in the rectum A by analyzing the ultrasound image U based on the rectum detection result by the rectum detection unit 24. However, it is also possible to detect stool B in the subject regardless of the detection result of the rectum A. In this case, the stool detection unit 25 can detect stool B in the subject by, for example, a template matching method, or a method using a machine learning model that has learned from a large number of ultrasound images U showing stool B in the subject.

[0053] Furthermore, the notifications provided by the first, second, and third notification modes are not limited to displaying messages M1, M2, and M3 on the monitor 23. For example, if the ultrasound diagnostic device is equipped with a speaker (not shown), the notification unit 26 may provide notifications using three different types of sounds as the notifications provided by the first, second, and third notification modes. For example, if the ultrasound diagnostic device is equipped with a lamp (not shown), the notification unit 26 may provide notifications using three different types of light colors or three different types of light flashing patterns as the notifications provided by the first, second, and third notification modes.

[0054] Thus, even when the notification unit 26 notifies the user in a way other than displaying messages M1, M2, and M3 on the monitor 23, the notification unit 26 notifies the user according to the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 within the rectum A. As a result, the user can easily understand the timing of manual disimpaction by checking the notification content.

[0055] Embodiment 2 If the stool B present in the rectum A is hard, there is generally a risk of damaging the mucous membrane of the rectum A, leading to what is known as an anal fissure. To reduce such risks during manual disimpaction, for example, an ultrasound diagnostic device can automatically determine the characteristics of the stool B during manual disimpaction.

[0056] Figure 9 shows the configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 2 is equipped with a device body 2A in place of the device body 2 shown in Figure 1. The device body 2A is equipped with a stool consistency determination unit 51 in addition to the device body 2 of Embodiment 1, and a device control unit 29A in place of the main body control unit 29.

[0057] In the main unit 2A of the device, the image generation unit 21, the stool detection unit 25, the notification unit 26, and the main unit control unit 29 are connected to the stool consistency determination unit 51. Furthermore, the image generation unit 21, the display control unit 22, the rectum detection unit 24, the stool detection unit 25, the notification unit 26, the main unit control unit 29A, and the stool consistency determination unit 51 constitute the processor 32A for the main unit 2A.

[0058] The stool consistency determination unit 51 determines the characteristics of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 based on the ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic signal acquisition unit 31.

[0059] Generally, in the case of hard stool, ultrasound does not easily pass through the stool B, and most of the ultrasound is reflected in the shallow part of the stool B, so it appears in the ultrasound image U as a so-called crescent-shaped high-brightness region. In the case of normal stool, ultrasound passes through more easily than in hard stool, so it appears in the ultrasound image U as a so-called half-moon-shaped high-brightness region. In the case of soft stool, ultrasound passes through the stool B easily, so it appears in the ultrasound image U as a so-called omnidirectional low-brightness region. Thus, the way stool B appears in the ultrasound image U differs depending on the properties of the stool B. The stool properties determination unit 51 can acquire the properties of stool B, for example, by a template matching method. The stool properties determination unit 51 can also acquire the properties of stool B by, for example, using a machine learning model that has learned information on a large number of ultrasound images U in which stool B is visible and the properties of those stool B.

[0060] The stool consistency determination unit 51 can also determine the characteristics of stool B according to the so-called Bristol Stool Scale. The Bristol Stool Scale classifies the characteristics of stool B into seven states: "hard stool" which is hard and pellet-like like rabbit droppings; "hard stool" which is sausage-shaped but hard; "slightly hard stool" which is sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface; "normal stool" which is sausage-shaped or coiled like a snake with a smooth surface; "slightly soft stool" which is soft and semi-solid with distinct wrinkles; "muddy stool" which is irregularly shaped small pieces of stool or muddy stool with loose boundaries; and "watery stool" which is liquid stool that does not contain any solid matter.

[0061] The notification unit 26 can notify the user of the properties of stool B determined by the stool properties determination unit 51, for example, as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows an example in which message M1A, which is the same as the message "Manual disimpaction is recommended" shown in Figure 5, but with the added phrase "*Slightly hard stool" regarding the properties of stool B, is displayed on the monitor 23.

[0062] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the stool properties determination unit 51 automatically determines the properties of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25, and the notification unit 26 notifies the user of the properties of the stool B determined by the stool properties determination unit 51, so that the user can perform appropriate manual disimpaction according to the properties of the stool B. In particular, if the stool properties determination unit 51 determines that the stool present in the rectum A is hard stool, the user can perform manual disimpaction suitable for hard stool while being careful not to injure the rectum A.

[0063] Embodiment 3 To help users more clearly understand the timing of manual disimpaction, the ultrasound diagnostic device can also display the position of stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 on the monitor 23.

[0064] Figure 11 shows the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 3 is equipped with a device body 2B instead of the device body 2 shown in Figure 1 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 1. The device body 2B is equipped with a new stool position display unit 52 in the device body 2 of Embodiment 1, and is equipped with a main unit control unit 29B instead of the main unit control unit 29.

[0065] In the main unit 2B of the device, the display control unit 22, the stool detection unit 25, and the main unit control unit 29B are connected to the stool position display unit 52. Furthermore, the image generation unit 21, the display control unit 22, the rectum detection unit 24, the stool detection unit 25, the notification unit 26, the main unit control unit 29B, and the stool position display unit 52 constitute the processor 32B for the main unit 2B.

[0066] The stool position display unit 52 displays the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 within the rectum A on the monitor 23 using a schematic diagram F1, as shown in Figure 12, for example. Figure 12 shows an example in which a message M2 according to the second display mode, a message M4 indicating the position of the stool B within the rectum A numerically, and a schematic diagram F1 showing the position of the stool B within the rectum A are displayed on the monitor 23.

[0067] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the stool position display unit 52 displays the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 within the rectum A on the monitor 23 using schematic diagram F1. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the position of the stool B within the rectum A and more accurately determine the timing of manual disimpaction.

[0068] Although it is explained that the stool position display unit 52 displays the position of stool B within rectum A on the monitor 23 using schematic diagram F1, for example, instead of displaying schematic diagram F1, only text information representing the position of stool B within rectum A can be displayed on the monitor 23. By displaying the position of stool B within rectum A using text information in this way, even if the monitor 23 is small, for example, because the device body 2B is composed of a small terminal such as a smartphone, the user can clearly read the position of stool B within rectum A.

[0069] Furthermore, if the ultrasound diagnostic device is equipped with a speaker (not shown), the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 within the rectum A can be announced aloud via the speaker. By announcing the position of the stool B within the rectum A aloud, even if the user has difficulty seeing the display on the monitor 23 due to, for example, presbyopia, the user can easily understand the position of the stool B within the rectum A.

[0070] In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic device of Embodiment 3 has a configuration in which a stool position display unit 52 is added to the ultrasound diagnostic device of Embodiment 1, but it can also have a configuration in which a stool position display unit 52 is added to the ultrasound diagnostic device of Embodiment 2. In this case as well, the stool position display unit 52 displays the position of the stool B detected by the stool detection unit 25 within the rectum A on the monitor 23 using schematic diagram F1, so that the user can easily grasp the position of the stool B within the rectum A and more accurately determine the timing of manual disimpaction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1 Ultrasound probe, 2, 2A, 2B Main unit, 11 Transducer array, 12 Transmit / receive circuit, 21 Image generation unit, 22 Display control unit, 23 Monitor, 24 Rectum detection unit, 25 Stool detection unit, 26 Notification unit, 29, 29A, 29B Main unit control unit, 30 Input device, 31 Ultrasound signal acquisition unit, 32, 32A, 32B Processor, A Rectum, B Stool, E Anus, L Distance, F1 Schematic diagram, M1, M1A, M2, M3, M4 Message, U Ultrasound image.

Claims

1. Ultrasound probe and An ultrasonic signal acquisition unit that acquires ultrasonic signals related to a subject by scanning the ultrasonic probe, A stool detection unit that detects stool within the subject by analyzing the ultrasonic signal and measures the distance between the stool and the anal opening of the subject, A notification unit that switches between multiple notification modes to notify the user according to the distance between the stool and the anal opening measured by the stool detection unit. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

2. The system includes a rectal detection unit that detects the rectum of the subject by analyzing the aforementioned ultrasonic signal, The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stool detection unit detects the stool present in the rectum detected by the rectum detection unit by analyzing the ultrasound signal.

3. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit notifies in a first notification manner when the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a defined range for recommended manual disimpaction.

4. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein the recommended range for manual disimpaction is 4 to 5 cm from the anal opening of the subject.

5. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit provides notification in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode when the location of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a range of 5 to 10 cm from the anal opening.

6. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit notifies in a third notification mode different from the first notification mode and the second notification mode when the position of the stool detected by the stool detection unit is within a range of 10 to 20 cm from the anal opening.

7. The system includes a stool properties determination unit that determines the properties of the stool detected by the stool detection unit based on the ultrasonic signal, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of the properties of the stool determined by the stool properties determination unit.

8. Monitor and, A stool position display unit displays the position of the stool within the rectum detected by the stool detection unit on the monitor in a schematic diagram. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

9. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires the ultrasound signal by a transabdominal approach using the ultrasound probe.

10. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires the ultrasound signal by a transgluteal cleft approach using the ultrasound probe.

11. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ultrasound signal acquisition unit acquires an ultrasound image as the ultrasound signal.

12. By scanning with an ultrasound probe, an ultrasound signal related to the subject is acquired. By analyzing the aforementioned ultrasonic signal, feces are detected within the subject. By analyzing the aforementioned ultrasonic signal, the distance between the stool and the anal opening of the subject is measured. Depending on the measured distance between the stool and the anal opening, the system switches between multiple notification modes to notify the user. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device.

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