Ultrasound diagnostic equipment, image processing equipment, and ultrasound system

Abstract

To enable different operators to execute measurement to the same ultrasonic image in parallel with each other.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment comprises: a transmission / reception unit; an image generation unit; a transmission / reception unit which controls transmission / reception of the ultrasonic wave; a measurement information reception unit; a communication control unit; and a display control unit. The transmission / reception unit controls transmission / reception of the ultrasonic wave. The image generation unit generates an ultrasonic image on the basis of the data received with control of the transmission / reception unit. The measurement information reception unit causes a display unit to display the ultrasonic image and receives an input of first measurement information with respect to the ultrasonic image. The communication control unit controls a communication unit so as to transmit the ultrasonic image to a measurement device and controls the communication unit so as to receive second measurement information input by the measurement device. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a first superimposition image in which the first measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasonic image and a second superimposition image in which the second measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasonic image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an ultrasonic system. [Background Art]

[0002] In the medical field, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses that image the inside of a subject using ultrasonic waves generated by using a plurality of transducers (or piezoelectric transducers) of an ultrasonic probe are used. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus causes an ultrasonic probe connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to transmit ultrasonic waves into the subject, generates an echo signal based on reflected waves, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image through image processing.

[0003] When performing ultrasonic examination including ultrasonic image acquisition, measurement, and report creation, conventionally, the workflow is either that the entire ultrasonic examination is performed by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, or that only image acquisition is performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and measurement and report creation are performed by an external measurement apparatus (e.g., a workstation). As in the latter case, although division of labor between image acquisition and other processes including measurement and report creation can be achieved, parallel work cannot be performed beyond that. In addition, when it is desired to collect measurement information and collect report findings from experts, the ultrasonic image needs to be retransmitted to the expert's terminal each time, and work to aggregate the collected measurements and findings is required.

[0004] There are three main situations in which it may be desirable to collect measurement information and report findings from experts. Firstly, while ultrasound has measurement capabilities (primarily in obstetrics and gynecology), there are qualification systems within the medical industry for performing specific measurements. In some cases, a hospital equipped with ultrasound diagnostic equipment may not have a qualified physician, or such a physician may be absent, or it may be necessary to request measurements from a qualified physician at another hospital. Secondly, in other fields, some facilities have proposed algorithms for determining whether tumors in organs are malignant or benign based on ultrasound image measurements, and in some cases, this determination should be made by multiple people. Furthermore, since ultrasound is usually used by one physician or technician in front of the ultrasound diagnostic equipment, it is not possible to perform measurements from multiple people or physicians in remote locations simultaneously. Thirdly, while ultrasound examinations collect multiple images in a single examination, in cardiovascular examinations, for example, nearly 70 images may be collected, and the same measurement may be performed at least five times. There is a need to perform this complex work in parallel as much as possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-290224 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is to enable different operators to perform measurements in parallel on the same ultrasound image. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in each embodiment described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment comprises a transmitting / receiving unit, an image generation unit, a transmitting / receiving unit for controlling the transmission and reception of ultrasound, a measurement information receiving unit, a communication control unit, and a display control unit. The transmitting / receiving unit controls the transmission and reception of ultrasound. The image generation unit generates an ultrasound image based on the data received under the control of the transmitting / receiving unit. The measurement information receiving unit displays the ultrasound image on the display unit and accepts input of first measurement information for the ultrasound image. The communication control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the ultrasound image to the measuring device and controls the communication unit to receive second measurement information input by the measuring device. The display control unit displays a first superimposed image in which the first measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasound image, and a second superimposed image in which the second measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasound image, on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second image processing device in the ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the third image processing device in the ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the display of measurement information in an ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the display of superimposed information in an ultrasonic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second image processing device in the ultrasonic system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a display in a first modified example of the ultrasonic system according to the first to third embodiments. [Figure 10]Figure 10 shows an example of a second modified example of the ultrasonic system according to the first to third embodiments. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a third modified example of the ultrasonic system according to the first to third embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, image processing apparatus, and ultrasound system will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The ultrasound system of this embodiment is equipped with multiple measuring devices that can communicate with each other and input measurement information to an ultrasound image, and displays multiple measurement information input by the multiple measuring devices on one of the predetermined measuring devices. The predetermined measuring device displays the multiple measurement information input by the multiple measuring devices during the ultrasound examination, from the start to the end of the ultrasound examination, or after the ultrasound examination. In the following first embodiment, a case is described in which the ultrasound system is equipped with an ultrasound diagnostic device as a predetermined measuring device, and the ultrasound diagnostic device displays multiple measurement information input by multiple measuring devices (excluding other ultrasound diagnostic devices) during the ultrasound examination. In the second embodiment, a case is described in which the ultrasound system is equipped with an ultrasound diagnostic device as a predetermined measuring device, and the ultrasound diagnostic device displays multiple measurement information input by multiple measuring devices (including other ultrasound diagnostic devices) during the ultrasound examination. In the third embodiment, a case is described in which the ultrasound system is equipped with an image processing device as a predetermined measuring device, and the image processing device displays multiple measurement information input by multiple measuring devices after the ultrasound examination.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an ultrasound system S comprising an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. The ultrasound system S includes a first measuring device (e.g., the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1) connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, one or more measuring devices as external devices thereto, for example, two measuring devices (e.g., a second image processing device 50 and a third image processing device 60), and an image management device (e.g., an image server) 70.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the ultrasound system S comprises a main unit 10, an ultrasound probe 20, an input interface 30, and a display 40. The main unit 10 may also include at least one of the ultrasound probe 20, the input interface 30, and the display 40. The following description will focus on the case where the ultrasound probe 20, the input interface 30, and the display 40 are all located outside the main unit 10.

[0013] The device body 10 comprises an ultrasonic transmitting circuit 11, an ultrasonic receiving circuit 12, an image memory 13, a network interface 14, a processing circuit 15, and an external memory 16. Circuits 11 and 12 are composed of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. However, it is not limited to this case, and all or part of the functions of circuits 11 and 12 may be realized by the processing circuit 15 executing a computer program.

[0014] The ultrasonic transmitting circuit 11 and the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 control the transmission directivity and reception directivity of ultrasound under the control of the processing circuit 15. While the description will focus on the case where both the ultrasonic transmitting circuit 11 and the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 are provided on the main body 10, at least one of the ultrasonic transmitting circuit 11 and the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 may be provided on the ultrasonic probe 20, or both the main body 10 and the ultrasonic probe 20 may be provided.

[0015] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 includes a pulse generation circuit (not shown), a transmission delay circuit, and a pulser circuit, and supplies drive signals to the ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic probe 20. The pulse generation circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The transmission delay circuit applies, to each rate pulse generated by the pulse generation circuit, a delay time for each piezoelectric transducer that is required to focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 20 into a beam shape and determine transmission directivity. The transmission direction or the transmission delay time that determines the transmission direction is stored in the external memory 16 and is referred to during transmission. The pulser circuit applies drive signals (drive pulses) to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers provided in the ultrasonic probe 20 at timing based on the rate pulses. By changing the delay time applied to each rate pulse via the transmission delay circuit, the transmission direction from the piezoelectric transducer surface can be arbitrarily adjusted.

[0016] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 has a function capable of instantaneously changing the transmission frequency, transmission drive voltage, and the like to execute a predetermined scanning sequence based on instructions from the processing circuit 18. In particular, the function of changing the transmission drive voltage is realized, for example, by a linear amplifier type transmission circuit capable of instantaneously switching the value, or a mechanism for electrically switching between a plurality of power supply units.

[0017] The ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 comprises an amplifier circuit (not shown), an A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion circuit, a demodulation circuit, and a beamformer, receives echo signals received by an ultrasonic transducer, performs various processes on the echo signals, and generates echo data. Here, in the apparatus main body 10, there are two methods for generating an ultrasonic image: one method is to perform delay addition on an RF (Radio Frequency) signal which is a received signal, then perform quadrature detection (demodulation) and convert the signal into an IQ signal composed of an I (In-phase) signal and a Q (Quadrature-phase) signal to generate an ultrasonic image; the other method is to perform quadrature detection on the RF signal, convert the signal into an IQ baseband, then perform delay addition to generate an ultrasonic image. The former is also called RF beamforming, while the latter is also called IQ beamforming. An example of IQ beamforming is provided herein, but the present invention is not limited to this case.

[0018] The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 20 for each channel and performs gain correction processing. At this time, for example, the amplifier circuit changes the gain value according to a predetermined time response. The time response of the gain applied to the received signal in the amplifier circuit is stored in the external memory 16. The A / D conversion circuit converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signal into a digital signal. The demodulation circuit demodulates the digital signal output from the A / D conversion circuit, thereby converting the digital signal into an IQ signal in the baseband. The beamformer applies a delay time required for determining the reception directivity to the IQ signal output from the demodulation circuit, and adds the IQ signals to which the delay time has been applied. Through the processing of the beamformer, a received signal in which the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized is generated. Note that the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 are an example of a transmission / reception unit.

[0019] The image memory 13 includes, for example, a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a processor-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. The image memory 13 stores a plurality of ultrasonic images under the control of the processing circuit 15. Note that the image memory 13 is an example of a storage unit.

[0020] The network interface 14 implements various information communication protocols depending on the network configuration. The network interface 14 connects the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to other devices such as the external second image processing device 2 and third image processing device, according to these protocols. This connection can be an electrical connection via an electronic network. Here, "electronic network" refers to all information communication networks utilizing telecommunications technology, including wireless / wired hospital backbone LANs (Local Area Networks) and the Internet, as well as telephone communication networks, fiber optic communication networks, cable communication networks, and satellite communication networks.

[0021] Furthermore, the network interface 14 may implement various protocols for contactless wireless communication. In this case, the device body 10 can directly transmit and receive data with, for example, the ultrasonic probe 20 without going through a network. Note that the network interface 14 is just one example of a communication unit.

[0022] The processing circuit 15 refers to a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), as well as an ASIC and a programmable logic device. Examples of programmable logic devices include simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0023] Furthermore, the processing circuit 15 may be composed of a single circuit or a combination of multiple independent circuit elements. In the latter case, the external memory 16 may be provided individually for each circuit element, or a single external memory 16 may store programs corresponding to the functions of multiple circuit elements. Note that the processing circuit 15 is just one example of a processing unit.

[0024] The external memory 16 is composed of semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (random access memory) and flash memory, a hard disk, and an optical disc. The external memory 16 may also be composed of portable media such as USB (universal serial bus) memory and DVD (digital video disc). The external memory 16 stores various processing programs used in the processing circuit 15 (including application programs and the OS (operating system)) and data necessary for program execution. The OS may also include a GUI (graphical user interface) that makes extensive use of graphics to display information on the display 40 for the operator and allows basic operations to be performed via the input interface 30. Note that the external memory 16 is just one example of a storage unit.

[0025] The ultrasonic probe 20 is equipped with multiple tiny transducers (piezoelectric elements) on its front surface and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves over the area including the area to be scanned. Each transducer is an electroacoustic converter, and during transmission it converts electrical pulses into ultrasonic pulses, and during reception it converts reflected waves into electrical signals (received signals). The ultrasonic probe 20 is small and lightweight and is connected to the main unit 10 of the device via a cable (or wireless communication).

[0026] The input interface 30 includes an input device that can be operated by the user and an input circuit that receives signals from the input device. The input device can be a trackball, a switch, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that allows input by touching the operating surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input device using an optical sensor, or an audio input device. When the user operates the input device, the input circuit generates a signal corresponding to that operation and outputs it to the processing circuit 15. Note that the input interface 30 is just one example of an input section.

[0027] The display 40 is composed of a common display output device, such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display. The display 40 displays various information according to the control of the processing circuit 15. Note that the display 40 is just one example of a display unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the ultrasound system S includes a second image processing device 50 and a third image processing device 60, which are external devices of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1. Both image processing devices 50 and 60 are connected to devices such as the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via a network N, enabling data transmission and reception. Examples of image processing devices 50 and 60 include workstations that perform measurements and various image processing on ultrasound images generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, and portable information processing terminals such as tablet terminals. Note that the image processing devices 50 and 60 may be offline devices that can read ultrasound images generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via a portable storage medium.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the second image processing device 50 includes an input interface 52, a display 53, a network interface 54, a processing circuit 55, and an external memory 56. The configurations of the input interface 52, display 53, network interface 54, processing circuit 55, and external memory 56 are the same as those of the input interface 30, display 40, network interface 14, processing circuit 15, and external memory 16 shown in Figure 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the third image processing device 60 includes an input interface 62, a display 63, a network interface 64, a processing circuit 65, and an external memory 66. The configurations of the input interface 62, display 63, network interface 64, processing circuit 65, and external memory 66 are the same as those of the input interface 30, display 40, network interface 14, processing circuit 15, and external memory 16 shown in Figure 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0031] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the image server 70 has a computer configuration. For example, the image server 70 is a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) server and is connected to equipment such as the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via network N, enabling data transmission and reception. The image server 70 manages ultrasound images generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 as DICOM files (including measurement information and reports).

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the processing circuit 15 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 reads and executes a computer program stored in the external memory 16 or in the memory within the processing circuit 15 to realize the B-mode processing function 151, the Doppler processing function 152, the image generation function 153, the measurement information reception function 154, the communication control function 155, the display control function 156, the recording control function 157, and the report creation function 158. The following explanation will use the case where functions 151 to 158 are realized by a computer program as an example, but all or part of functions 151 to 158 may be provided as functions of circuits such as ASICs in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0033] The B-mode processing function 151 controls the ultrasonic transmitting circuit 11 and the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12, receives echo data from the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12, and performs logarithmic amplification and envelope detection processing to generate data (2D or 3D data) in which the signal strength is represented by brightness. This data is generally called B-mode data.

[0034] The Doppler processing function 152 is a function that generates data (Doppler information) by performing frequency analysis on the received signal received from the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12, thereby extracting motion information based on the Doppler effect of moving objects within the region of interest (ROI) set in the scan area. The generated Doppler information is stored in the RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data (also referred to as Doppler data) on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scan line.

[0035] The image generation function 153 generates an ultrasound image as image data based on the echo signal received by the ultrasound probe 20. For example, the image generation function 153 generates a B-mode image as an ultrasound image from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing function 151, in which the intensity of the reflected wave is represented by brightness. The image generation function 153 also generates a color Doppler image as an ultrasound image from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing function 152, which represents motion information, such as an average velocity image, a dispersion image, a power image, or a combination of these images.

[0036] Here, the image generation function 153 generally converts the scan line signal sequence of the ultrasonic scan into a scan line signal sequence of a video format, such as that used in televisions (scan conversion), and generates an ultrasonic image for display. Specifically, the image generation function 153 generates an ultrasonic image for display by performing a coordinate transformation according to the ultrasonic scanning pattern of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0037] The measurement information reception function 154 includes a function to receive input of first measurement information for the ultrasound image displayed on the display 40 by the display control function 156. Here, the measurement information refers to measurement areas (such as calipers) and measured values ​​attached to the ultrasound image for later observation or observation by others. Figure 5(A) illustrates the first measurement area R1 and measured value V1 attached to the ultrasound image. The external memory 16 stores the measurement information in groups that have been given clinical significance by the operator and associates them with the ultrasound image.

[0038] Regarding measurement information, the external memory 16 stores it in association with ultrasound images. Possible storage formats for measurement information include DICOM overlay format and DICOM GSPS (Gray Scale Presentation State) format.

[0039] Firstly, in the case of the DICOM overlay format, the measurement information is incorporated into the ultrasound image file as DICOM overlay information. Therefore, in the case of the DICOM overlay format, the external memory 16 stores an ultrasound image file that includes the overlaid image, in which the measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasound image, and the accompanying information.

[0040] Secondly, in the case of the DICOM-GSPS format, the measurement information is incorporated as DICOM-GSPS data into the supplementary information of the ultrasound image file. Therefore, in the case of the DICOM-GSPS format, the external memory 16 stores the ultrasound image file, which includes the ultrasound image and the supplementary information including the measurement information. Note that in the case of the DICOM-GSPS format, the measurement information may be managed in a separate file from the ultrasound image file.

[0041] The communication control function 155 includes a function to control the network interface 14 to transmit the ultrasound image generated by the image generation function 153 to the second image processing device 50 (and / or the third image processing device 60), and a function to control the network interface 14 to receive the second measurement information input to the second image processing device 50. As will be described later, the second image processing device 50 receives the second measurement information from different operators for the same ultrasound image. The communication control function 155 also includes a function to control the network interface 14 to transmit the report created by the report creation function 158 to the image server 70.

[0042] The display control function 156 includes a function to display the ultrasound image generated by the image generation function 153 on the display 40. The display control function 156 also includes a function to display on the display 40 a first superimposed image in which first measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasound image generated by the image generation function 153, and a second superimposed image in which second measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasound image. The display control function 156 also includes a function to display measurement information on the display 40 for each operator when creating a report.

[0043] Thus, according to functions 154-156, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can input and display first measurement information for the generated ultrasound image, and can also display second measurement information input by the second image processing device 50 (and / or third image processing device 60) for the same ultrasound image.

[0044] The recording control function 157 includes a function to control the recording of the first measurement information input by the measurement information reception function 154 and the second and third measurement information received by the communication control function 155 in the external memory 16 in association with the ultrasound image. This allows multiple pieces of measurement information for the same ultrasound image to be stored as a single examination result in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0045] The report generation function 158 includes a function to generate reports on ultrasound images based on input via the input interface 30. This enables the creation of integrated reports that take into account multiple measurement information attached to ultrasound images at multiple locations.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the processing circuit 55 of the second image processing device 50 realizes the measurement information reception function 554, the communication control function 555, and the display control function 556 by reading and executing a computer program stored in the external memory 56 or the memory within the processing circuit 55. The following explanation will use the case where functions 554 to 556 are realized by a computer program as an example, but all or part of functions 554 to 556 may be provided in the second image processing device 50 as functions of circuits such as ASICs.

[0047] The measurement information receiving function 554 includes a function to receive input of second measurement information for the ultrasound image displayed on the display 53 by the display control function 556. The measurement information is as described above. Figure 5(B) shows an example of the second measurement area R2 and measured value V2 attached to the ultrasound image.

[0048] The communication control function 555 includes a function to control the network interface 54 to receive ultrasound images from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, and a function to control the network interface 54 to transmit second measurement information input by the second image processing device 50 to an external device (for example, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and / or the third image processing device 60). Here, if the DICOM overlay format is adopted, the communication control function 555 may transmit the entire ultrasound image file as measurement information, or it may transmit an overlaid image from the ultrasound image file in which the measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasound image. On the other hand, if the DICOM GSPS format is adopted, the communication control function 555 may transmit the entire ultrasound image file as measurement information, or it may transmit supplementary information from the ultrasound image file in which the measurement information is incorporated.

[0049] The display control function 556 includes a function to display ultrasound images from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 received by the communication control function 555 on the display 53.

[0050] Thus, according to functions 554 to 556, the second image processing device 50 can input second measurement information about the ultrasound image received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and transmit the measurement information to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the processing circuit 65 of the third image processing device 60 realizes the measurement information reception function 654, the communication control function 655, and the display control function 656 by reading and executing a computer program stored in the external memory 66 or the memory within the processing circuit 65. The following explanation will use the case where functions 654 to 656 are realized by a computer program as an example, but all or part of functions 654 to 656 may be provided in the third image processing device 60 as functions of circuits such as ASICs.

[0052] Functions 654 to 656 are equivalent to functions 554 to 556 of the second image processing device 50, so their explanation is omitted. Figure 5(C) shows an example of the third measurement area R3 and measurement value V3 attached to the ultrasound image. Thus, according to functions 654 to 656, the third image processing device 60 can input second measurement information for the ultrasound image received from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and transmit the measurement information to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0053] Next, the operation of the ultrasound system S will be explained using Figures 4 to 6. In the flowchart shown in Figure 4, the symbols with numbers attached to "ST" indicate each step. Note that we will now explain the case where two superimposed images are generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, that is, when the ultrasound system S is equipped with two measuring devices (the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 operated by operator X and the second image processing device 50 operated by operator Y). The operation of the third image processing device 60 operated by operator Z is the same as that of the second image processing device 50. For example, operators Y and Z are experts such as qualified personnel from other hospitals.

[0054] The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 receives an order to start an ultrasound examination after receiving examination order information from an examination request device (not shown), such as an HIS (Hospital Information Systems) (step ST1). When operator X places the tip of the ultrasound probe 20 on the patient's body surface toward the object to be observed, the ultrasound transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasound reception circuit 12 start an ultrasound scan using the ultrasound probe 20. The image generation function 153 generates an ultrasound image (step ST2). The communication control function 155 transmits the ultrasound image to the second image processing device 50 via the network interface 14 (step ST3). The communication control function 555 of the second image processing device 50 receives the ultrasound image from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via the network interface 54 (step ST4).

[0055] The display control function 156 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 displays the ultrasound image generated in step ST2 on the display 40 (step ST5). Then, the measurement information receiving function 154 receives input of first measurement information for the ultrasound image displayed on the display 40 in step ST5 (step ST6). Operator X, who operates the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, inputs the first measurement information onto the ultrasound image via the input interface 30 while referring to the displayed ultrasound image. Figure 5(A) illustrates the first measurement area R1 and measurement value V1 attached to the ultrasound image. For example, the measurement area is information indicating the boundary of the tumor range determined by a physician, etc., and the measurement value is a value indicating the area of ​​the tumor range.

[0056] Meanwhile, the display control function 556 of the second image processing device 50 displays the ultrasound image received in step ST4 on the display 53 (step ST7). Then, the measurement information receiving function 554 receives input of second measurement information for the ultrasound image displayed on the display 53 in step ST7 (step ST8). Operator Y, who operates the second image processing device 50, inputs the second measurement information onto the ultrasound image via the input interface 52 while referring to the displayed ultrasound image. Figure 5(B) illustrates the second measurement area R2 and measurement value V2 attached to the ultrasound image. Steps ST6 and ST8 allow operator Y, who is different from operator X, to input measurement information in parallel for the same ultrasound image.

[0057] Next, the communication control function 555 of the second image processing device 50 transmits the second measurement information to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via the network interface 54 (step ST9). The communication control function 155 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 receives the second measurement information from the second image processing device 50 via the network interface 14 (step ST10). Similarly, the communication control function 155 receives the third measurement information from the third image processing device 60 via the network interface 14. Figure 5(C) illustrates the third measurement region R3 and measurement value V3 attached to the ultrasound image.

[0058] The recording control function 157 records the first measurement information input in step ST6, and the second and third measurement information received in step ST10, in association with the ultrasound image and records them in the external memory 16 (step ST11). The display control function 156 displays the first superimposed image, in which the first measurement information input in step ST6 is superimposed on the ultrasound image, and the second superimposed image, in which the second measurement information received in step ST10 is superimposed on the ultrasound image, on the display 40 (step ST12).

[0059] Figure 6 shows an example of displaying the first, second, and third superimposed images. Figure 6(A) shows an example of displaying the first superimposed image, which superimposes the first measurement information onto the ultrasound image, the second superimposed image, which superimposes the second measurement information onto the ultrasound image, and the third superimposed image, which superimposes the third measurement information onto the ultrasound image, in parallel. In other words, in Figure 6(A), the measurement information for each operator X, Y, and Z is displayed in parallel. Figure 6(B) shows a superimposed image in which the first, second, and third measurement information (e.g., measurement area) are superimposed onto the ultrasound image. In other words, in Figure 6(B), the measurement information for each operator X, Y, and Z is displayed superimposed. Note that in Figure 6(B), the first, second, and third measurement information may also be displayed as measured values. Thus, before creating a report on the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, operator X can compare the measurement information they independently created with that of other operators Y and Z to determine the appropriateness of the measurement information. Therefore, operator X of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can create an appropriate report.

[0060] The report generation function 158 creates a report on the ultrasound image generated in step ST2 based on the input via the input interface 30 (step ST13). The communication control function 155 sends the created report to the image server 70. Then, the ultrasound examination started in step ST1 is terminated (step ST14).

[0061] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 of the first embodiment, different operators X, Y, and Z can perform measurements in parallel on the same ultrasound image from the start to the end of the ultrasound examination. Furthermore, according to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, measurement information independently input for the same ultrasound image can be mutually confirmed from the start to the end of the ultrasound examination, and it is possible to identify which operator corresponds to which measurement information.

[0062] Furthermore, the recording control function 157 may be controlled to record findings corresponding to the first measurement information and findings corresponding to the second measurement information in association with the ultrasound image and in the external memory 16 when the report creation function 158 creates a report. In that case, the display control function 156 can display findings corresponding to the first measurement information and findings corresponding to the second measurement information on the display 40 for each operator who entered the data when the report creation function 158 creates a report. This makes it possible to efficiently collect measurement information by experts as well as findings for reports.

[0063] (Second embodiment) The second measurement information, generated by a different operator, is generated by the second image processing device 50, but is not limited to this case. The second measurement information, generated by a different operator, may also be generated by a different ultrasound diagnostic device 1A. The configuration of the ultrasound system S in that case is shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is the same as Figure 1, but with the "second image processing device 50" replaced by the "ultrasound diagnostic device 1A". The ultrasound diagnostic device 1A has the same configuration as the ultrasound diagnostic device 1.

[0064] The communication control function 155 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 receives second measurement information from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1A operated by operator Y via the network interface 14. Similarly, the communication control function 155 receives third measurement information from the third image processing device 60 operated by operator Z via the network interface 14.

[0065] The display control function 156 displays on the display 40 a first superimposed image in which the first measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasound image, and a second superimposed image in which the second measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasound image (similar display to Figure 6). Operator X of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can determine the appropriateness of the measurement information by comparing the measurement information he independently created with that of other operators Y and Z before creating a report on the ultrasound image. Therefore, operator X of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can create an appropriate report.

[0066] As described above, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0067] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments described above, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 was described as displaying multiple measurement information during the ultrasound examination, from the start to the end of the ultrasound examination, but it is not limited to that case. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 may display multiple measurement information after the ultrasound examination is completed for remeasurement or for educational purposes (Off-JT), or the second image processing device 50 may display multiple measurement information after the ultrasound examination is completed. The latter will be described here. The configuration of the ultrasound system S in that case is shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows the second image processing device 50 of Figure 2, further comprising a recording control function 557 and a report creation function 558.

[0068] As shown in Figure 8, the processing circuit 55 of the second image processing device 50 reads and executes a computer program stored in an external memory 56 or in the memory within the processing circuit 55 to realize the measurement information reception function 554, the communication control function 555, the display control function 556, the recording control function 557, and the report creation function 558. The following explanation will use the case where functions 554 to 558 are realized by a computer program as an example, but all or part of functions 554 to 558 may be provided in the second image processing device 50 as functions of a circuit such as an ASIC.

[0069] In Figure 8, the same reference numerals are used for components of the second image processing device 50 shown in Figure 2, and their descriptions are omitted. However, the communication control function 555 controls the device to receive ultrasound images generated by the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and stored in the image server 70.

[0070] The recording control function 557, like the recording control function 157 (shown in Figure 2), includes a function to control the recording of the first to third measurement information in the external memory 56 in association with the ultrasound image. This allows multiple measurement information for the same ultrasound image to be stored as a single inspection result in the second image processing device 50.

[0071] The report generation function 558, like the report generation function 158 (shown in Figure 2), includes a function to generate reports on ultrasound images based on input via the input interface 52. This enables the creation of integrated reports that take into account multiple measurement information attached to ultrasound images at multiple locations.

[0072] As described above, according to the second image processing device 50 of the third embodiment, after an ultrasound examination, different operators can perform measurements on the same ultrasound image in parallel for remeasurement or for educational purposes (Off-JT). Furthermore, according to the second image processing device 50, after an ultrasound examination, measurement information independently input to the same ultrasound image can be mutually confirmed, and it is possible to identify which operator corresponds to which measurement information.

[0073] (First variation) In the first to third embodiments described above, the recording control function 157 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 may record the findings of the report in addition to the measurement information in the external memory 16 for each operator, and the report creation function 158 may be configured so that the operator can select the desired findings from the findings recorded in the external memory 16. When operators X, Y, and Z are set, the display control function 156 may be configured to display multiple findings previously entered by operators X, Y, and Z and the number of times they were entered on a worksheet or the like. An example of displaying multiple findings and their number of entries is shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows the average value of the measurement by operators (Dr) X, Y, and Z (5.3 cm). 2 This shows measurement information consisting of ( ), findings (malignant tumor), and details of the findings (malignant tumor: 2, benign tumor: 1).

[0074] Although the first modification was described using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 (first and second embodiments) shown in Figure 1, the first modification may also be implemented using the second image processing apparatus 50 (third embodiment) shown in Figure 8.

[0075] According to the first modification, the operator can review the report they have created while referring to findings corresponding to the number of times it has been selected in the past, thereby assisting in the creation of the final report to be sent to the image server 70.

[0076] (Second variation) In the first to third embodiments described above, the recording control function 157 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 shown in Figure 1 records the report findings in addition to the measurement information in the external memory 16 for each operator, and the report creation function 158 may be configured to allow the operator to select the desired findings from the findings recorded in the external memory 16. When operators X, Y, and Z are set, the display control function 156 displays which operator's findings were ultimately adopted. The display control function 156 can also search past findings registered in the external memory 16 and display tendencies for each operator (e.g., tendency to cause malignancy).

[0077] Although the second modification was described using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 (first and second embodiments) shown in Figure 1, the second modification may also be implemented using the second image processing apparatus 50 (third embodiment) shown in Figure 8.

[0078] According to the second modification, the operator can review the report they have created by checking which findings from other operators they ultimately adopted, and by examining the trends among operators, thereby assisting in the creation of the final report to be sent to the image server 70.

[0079] (Third variation) In the first to third embodiments described above, at least one of the measurement information and audio recordings from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, etc., and the key history from the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, etc., can be recorded in the external memory 16 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1, etc., associated with time information for each operator, or displayed on the display 40. An example of the display of audio files and key history is shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 shows audio files and key history arranged in chronological order. It also shows the measurement information (e.g., measured values) corresponding to the audio files and key history. The operator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can open the audio files, listen to the audio, and refer to the key history while considering the measurement information and reports they have created.

[0080] Although the third modification was described using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 (first and second embodiments) shown in Figure 1, the third modification may also be realized using the second image processing apparatus 50 (third embodiment) shown in Figure 8.

[0081] According to the third modification, the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 can easily refer to the process leading to the measurements and findings later, as the process leading to the measurements and findings is recorded by the operator, thereby assisting in the creation of the final report to be sent to the image server 70.

[0082] According to at least one embodiment described above, different operators can perform measurements in parallel on the same ultrasound image.

[0083] Note that the B-mode processing function 151 is an example of a B-mode processing unit. The Doppler processing function 152 is an example of a Doppler processing unit. The image generation function 153 is an example of an image generation unit. The measurement information receiving functions 154, 554, 654 are examples of measurement information receiving units. The communication control functions 155, 555, 655 are examples of communication control units. The display control functions 156, 556, 656 are examples of display control units. The recording control functions 157, 557 are examples of recording control units. The report creation functions 158, 558 are examples of report creation units.

[0084] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, combinations of embodiments, and combinations of embodiments with one or more modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1,1A... Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 15…Processing circuit 20… Ultrasound probe 30…Input Interface 40…Display 151...B-mode processing function 152... Doppler processing function 153…Image generation function 154,554,654… Measurement information reception function 155,555,655… Communication control function 156,556,656… Display control function 157,557... Recording control function 158,558… Report creation function 50…Second Image Processing Device 60...Third Image Processing Device 70…Image Server

Claims

1. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that is communicably connected to a measuring device on which an operator can input measurement information to an ultrasound image, A transmitting and receiving unit that controls the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, An image generation unit generates an ultrasound image based on data received by the control of the transmitting and receiving unit, A display control unit that displays the ultrasonic image on a display unit, A measurement information receiving unit that receives input of first measurement information from a first operator for the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit, A communication control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the ultrasound image to the measuring device, and controls the communication unit to receive second measurement information input by a second operator for the same ultrasound image displayed on the measuring device. Equipped with, The display control unit causes the display unit to simultaneously display a first superimposed image in which the first measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasonic image, and a second superimposed image in which the second measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasonic image. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. The display control unit causes the first superimposed image and the second superimposed image to be displayed on the display unit during the ultrasound examination, from the start to the end. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The display control unit causes the first superimposed image and the second superimposed image to be displayed on the display unit after the ultrasound examination is completed. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. A recording control unit that controls the first measurement information and the second measurement information to be recorded in the storage unit in association with the ultrasonic image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. A report generation unit that generates a report on the ultrasound image based on input via the input unit. Furthermore, The display control unit, when generating a report by the report generation unit, causes the first measurement information and the second measurement information to be displayed on the display unit for each operator who inputs the first measurement information or the second measurement information. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The display control unit, when generating a report by the report generation unit, causes the display unit to display the findings corresponding to the first measurement information and the findings corresponding to the second measurement information for each operator who has entered findings corresponding to the first measurement information or the findings corresponding to the second measurement information. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5.

7. An image processing device that is communicatively connected to a measuring device on which an operator can input measurement information to an ultrasonic image, A measurement information receiving unit that displays an ultrasound image on a display unit and receives input of first measurement information from a first operator regarding the ultrasound image, A communication control unit controls the communication unit to receive second measurement information input by a second operator for the same ultrasonic image displayed by the measuring device, A display control unit that simultaneously displays on the display unit a first superimposed image in which the first measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasonic image, and a second superimposed image in which the second measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasonic image. An image processing device equipped with the following features.

8. An ultrasonic system comprising a first device and a second device connected in a communicative manner, The first and second devices allow the operator to input measurement information to the ultrasound image. The first apparatus is A measurement information receiving unit that displays an ultrasound image on a display unit and receives input of first measurement information from a first operator regarding the ultrasound image, A communication control unit controls the communication unit to receive second measurement information input by a second operator for the same ultrasonic image displayed on the second device, A display control unit that simultaneously displays on the display unit a first superimposed image in which the first measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasonic image, and a second superimposed image in which the second measurement information is superimposed on the ultrasonic image. It has, The second apparatus described above is A measurement information receiving unit that displays the ultrasound image on a display unit and receives input of the second measurement information for the ultrasound image, A communication control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the second measurement information to the first device, An ultrasonic system equipped with [unspecified features].

Images