JP2012143356A - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide ultrasonic diagnostic equipment capable of reducing the possibility that an operator may select an incorrect item, and a program.SOLUTION: In this ultrasonic image diagnostic equipment, a positional information acquisition device 14 acquires positional information indicating a position of an ultrasonic probe 11 for a subject. A display control section 162 changes displayed contents displayed by a touch command screen 12d or a monitor 13, on the basis of the positional information acquired by the positional information acquisition device 14.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a program.

  Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is smaller in size than other medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, and an ultrasonic probe is used. The device plays an important role in today's medical care because it is a device that can display the state of movement of a diagnosis object in real time by a simple operation that can be applied from the body surface. In addition, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment that is not exposed to radiation has been developed to be small enough to be carried with one hand. Such ultrasonic diagnostic equipment can be easily used in medical settings such as obstetrics and home medical care. can do.

  Here, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has various functions set for each diagnostic region. For example, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a function set for each diagnosis part, such as a measurement function for measuring the size of a region of interest depicted in a generated image, an annotation function for adding an annotation to an image, In addition, it has a pictogram function for giving a pictogram (Pictogram), which is a rough schematic diagram showing the position of the diagnostic region and the probe on the image.

  For example, when the region of interest is depicted in the image, the operator activates the measurement function, selects a desired measurement item from the measurement menu displayed on the touch panel or the like, and measures the region of interest. Similarly, the operator activates the annotation function or pictogram function, selects the desired item from the annotation menu or pictogram menu displayed on the touch panel, etc., and selects the selected item for the image in which the region of interest is drawn. Give. The pictogram may be called a body mark.

  However, in the prior art, since the measurement menu, the annotation menu, and the pictogram menu are sorted for each diagnosis site, there is a possibility that the operator selects an incorrect item. For example, even parts that are respectively located on the left and right with the body axis as the center, such as the carotid artery, are classified as carotid arteries, and therefore items for the left and right are displayed on the same screen in each menu screen. Therefore, when diagnosing a part where left and right identification cannot be easily performed from an image, the operator may select an incorrect item.

JP 2009-106494 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a program that can reduce the possibility of an operator selecting an incorrect item.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit and a display control unit. The acquisition means acquires position information indicating the position of the ultrasound probe with respect to the subject. The display control means changes the display content to be displayed on the predetermined display unit based on the position information acquired by the acquisition means.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram (1) for explaining a problem in the prior art. FIG. 3 is a diagram (2) for explaining a problem in the prior art. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the position information acquisition apparatus and the control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing of the position specifying unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing of the measurement function display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing of the annotation function display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing of the pictogram function display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of display control for the monitor by the annotation function display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of display control by the annotation function display control unit and the pictogram function display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining automatic termination of the measurement function by the measurement function control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12A is a diagram for explaining an example of items related to the protocol diagnosis function. FIG. 12-2 is a diagram for explaining an example of display control of items related to the protocol diagnosis function by the measurement function display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the measurement function display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by at least one of the annotation function display control unit and the pictogram function display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the measurement function control unit according to the first embodiment.

(First embodiment)
First, the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 11, an input apparatus 12, a monitor 13, a position information acquisition apparatus 14, and an apparatus main body 100. Connected to the network.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 has a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, and the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from a transmission / reception unit 110 included in the apparatus main body 100 to be described later. A reflected wave from the specimen P is received and converted into an electric signal. The ultrasonic probe 11 includes a matching layer provided in the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear, and the like.

  When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 11 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another at the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P, and the ultrasonic probe is used as a reflected wave signal. 11 is received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. The reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving blood flow or the surface of the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. , Subject to frequency shift.

  In this embodiment, even when the subject P is scanned two-dimensionally by the ultrasonic probe 11 which is a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a row, the one-dimensional ultrasonic wave is used. A subject P is detected by an ultrasonic probe 11 that mechanically swings a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators of the probe or an ultrasonic probe 11 that is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are two-dimensionally arranged in a grid. Even when scanning in three dimensions, it is applicable.

  The input device 12 includes a trackball 12a, a switch 12b, a button 12c, a touch command screen 12d, etc., receives various setting requests from an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and receives various settings received from the apparatus main body 100. Forward the request. For example, the touch command screen 12d displays a measurement menu, an annotation menu, a pictogram menu, and the like, accepts items desired by the operator, and transfers them to the apparatus main body 100.

  Here, the measurement menu is a screen showing a plurality of measurement items for measuring an arbitrary value related to the region of interest depicted in the image. The annotation menu is a screen showing a plurality of items of annotations to be added to the image. The pictogram menu is a screen showing a plurality of items of pictograms such as a diagnostic site to be given to the screen. The measurement menu, annotation menu, and pictogram menu are displayed on the touch command screen 12d when the operator activates the measurement function, annotation function, and pictogram function, respectively.

  The monitor 13 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to input various setting requests using the input device 12, and displays an ultrasonic image generated in the apparatus main body 100. Or display.

  The position information acquisition device 14 acquires position information of the ultrasonic probe 11. Specifically, the position information acquisition device 14 acquires position information indicating where the ultrasound probe 11 is positioned with respect to the subject P. Examples of the position information acquisition device 14 include a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, and a camera.

  The apparatus main body 100 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 11, and as shown in FIG. 1, the transmission / reception unit 110, the B-mode processing unit 120, and the Doppler processing unit 130. An image generation unit 140, an image memory 150, a control unit 160, an internal storage unit 170, and an interface unit 180.

  The transmission / reception unit 110 includes a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 11. The pulsar circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The delay circuit also sets the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for determining the transmission directivity by focusing the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic probe 11 into a beam shape, and for each rate pulse generated by the pulser circuit. Give to. The trigger generation circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 11 at a timing based on the rate pulse. In other words, the delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

  The transmission / reception unit 110 includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, and the like, and performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1 to generate reflected wave data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing, and the A / D converter is necessary for A / D converting the gain-corrected reflected wave signal to determine the reception directivity. The adder performs an addition process of the reflected wave signal processed by the A / D converter to generate reflected wave data. By the addition processing of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal is emphasized.

  As described above, the transmission / reception unit 110 controls transmission directivity and reception directivity in ultrasonic transmission / reception. The transmission / reception unit 110 has a function capable of instantaneously changing delay information, a transmission frequency, a transmission drive voltage, the number of aperture elements, and the like under the control of the control unit 160 described later. In particular, the change of the transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type oscillation circuit capable of instantaneously switching values or a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units. Further, the transmission / reception unit 110 can transmit and receive different waveforms for each frame or rate.

  The B-mode processing unit 120 receives reflected wave data, which is a processed reflected wave signal subjected to gain correction processing, A / D conversion processing, and addition processing, from the transmission / reception unit 110, and performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like. As a result, data (B mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness is generated.

  Here, the B-mode processing unit 120 can change the frequency band to be visualized by changing the detection frequency. Further, the B-mode processing unit 120 can perform detection processing with two detection frequencies in parallel on one reception data.

  By using the function of the B-mode processing unit 120, the ultrasonic contrast agent (microbubbles, bubbles) flowing in the region of interest is detected from one received data in the region of interest of the subject P into which the ultrasound contrast agent has been injected. The reflected wave data used as the reflection source can be separated from the reflected wave data obtained using the tissue existing in the region of interest as the reflection source, and the image generation unit 140 described later has a structure that visualizes the flowing bubbles with high sensitivity. It is possible to generate a tissue image that visualizes the tissue in order to observe the image and morphology.

  The Doppler processing unit 130 performs frequency analysis on velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmission / reception unit 110, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and moving body information such as average velocity, dispersion, and power. Is generated for multiple points (Doppler data).

  The image generation unit 140 generates an ultrasound image from the B mode data generated by the B mode processing unit 120 and the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 130. Specifically, the image generation unit 140 converts (scan converts) the scanning line signal sequence of the ultrasonic scan into a scanning line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, so that B-mode data or Doppler data is obtained. The ultrasonic image for display (B mode image or Doppler image) is generated from the above.

  The image memory 150 stores image data such as a contrast image or a tissue image generated by the image generation unit 140. Further, the image memory 150 stores a processing result by the image generation unit 140 described later. Further, the image memory 150 stores an output signal (RF: Radio Frequency) immediately after passing through the transmission / reception unit 110, an image luminance signal, various raw data, image data acquired via a network, and the like as necessary. The data format of the image data stored in the image memory 150 is generated by the B-mode processing unit 120 and the Doppler processing unit 130 even if it is a data format after video format conversion displayed on the monitor 13 by the control unit 160 described later. Alternatively, the data format before coordinate conversion may be Raw data.

  The control unit 160 controls the entire processing in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, the control unit 160 is based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input device 12, various control programs and various setting information read from the internal storage unit 170, and the transmission / reception units 110, B The processing of the mode processing unit 120, the Doppler processing unit 130, and the image generation unit 140 is controlled, and the ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 150 is controlled to be displayed on the monitor 13. Further, the control unit 160 controls to display various data stored in the internal storage unit 170 on the touch command screen 12d based on the position information of the ultrasonic probe 11 acquired by the position information acquisition device 14.

  The internal storage unit 170 is a control program for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, image processing and display processing, diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocol, and measurement classified for each diagnostic part. Various data such as items, items related to annotations, and items related to pictograms are stored. In addition, the internal control unit 170 stores specific information for specifying a diagnostic region from the position information of the ultrasonic probe 11 acquired by the position information acquisition device 14. The specific information will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the internal storage unit 170 is also used for storing images stored in the image memory 150 as necessary.

  The interface unit 180 is an interface that controls the exchange of various types of information between the input device 12, the position information acquisition device 14, and the network and the device main body 100. For example, the interface unit 180 controls the transfer of the position information acquired by the position information acquisition device 14 to the control unit 160.

  The overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment has been described above. Under such a configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a measurement function and annotation executed on an image by processing of the position information acquisition apparatus 14 and the control unit 160 described in detail below. When various functions such as a function and a pictogram function are used, it is possible to reduce a possibility that an operator selects an incorrect item.

  Here, first, a case where various functions such as a measurement function, an annotation function, and a pictogram function are used will be described. For example, the operator first sets a diagnosis condition for a desired part by selecting a preset (Preset) preset in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Note that the preset is a diagnostic condition in which an image condition, an inspection mode, a visual field depth, and the like are set in advance for each diagnostic part.

  Then, the operator operates the ultrasonic probe on the body surface of the subject P to cause the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to generate an image of the diagnostic part and display it on the monitor. Then, the operator refers to the image displayed on the monitor and presses the Freeze button when the region of interest is drawn, thereby temporarily holding the image displayed on the monitor. Here, the operator activates a measurement function, an annotation function, a pictogram function, and the like to measure a region of interest or add an annotation or a pictogram to an image.

  At this time, in the conventional touch command screen, since the menu screen of each function is sorted and displayed for each diagnostic part, there is a possibility that the operator selects an incorrect item. For example, in the case of a part arranged on the left and right with the body axis as the center, items corresponding to the left and right are displayed on the same screen. When it is difficult to determine from the image whether the diagnostic site is left or right, the operator may select an incorrect item.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram (1) for explaining a problem in the prior art. FIG. 2 shows an ultrasound image depicting the left and right carotid arteries. As shown in FIG. 2, the left and right carotid arteries have the same form, and it is difficult to discriminate between the left and right from the image.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram (2) for explaining a problem in the prior art. FIG. 3 shows an example of various function menus displayed on a conventional touch command screen when the diagnosis site is the carotid artery. For example, in the measurement menu of the carotid artery, as shown by an arrow 20 in FIG. 3, a tab “Right CV 2D” that is a menu for measuring a region of interest depicted in a 2D image of the right carotid artery and a right carotid artery "Right CV Doppler" tab, which is a menu for measuring the region of interest drawn in the Doppler image of the left, and "Left CV 2D", a menu for measuring the region of interest drawn in the 2D image of the left carotid artery ”And a“ Left CV Doppler ”tab, which is a menu for measuring a region of interest depicted in the left carotid artery Doppler image, are shown on the same screen. That is, the operator selects a tab based on the currently diagnosed region, and then selects CCA (Common Carotid Artery), ECA (External Carotid Artery), ICA (Internal Carotid). Each item such as distance (Area) and area (Area) such as Artery (inner carotid artery) and VertA (Vertebral Artery: vertebral artery) is measured.

  Further, for example, in the carotid annotation menu, as shown by arrows 21 and 22 in FIG. 3, R (Right) -CCA, R-ICA, R-ECA, which are items of annotation of the right carotid artery R-VA and L (Left) -CCA, L-ICA, L-ECA, and L-VA which are annotation items of the left carotid artery are shown on the same screen. That is, the operator selects the right or left annotation item based on the currently diagnosed part.

  Similarly, in the carotid pictogram menu, an item indicating the right carotid artery pictogram indicated by 23 in FIG. 3 and an item indicating the left carotid artery pictogram indicated by 24 in FIG. 3 are displayed on the same screen. ing. That is, the operator selects a pictogram item indicating the right or left carotid artery based on the currently diagnosed site.

  Therefore, when the diagnostic site is a site where it is difficult to distinguish left and right from the image, such as the carotid artery, the operator may mistake the left and right images and select an incorrect item. For example, even if the diagnosis site is the right carotid artery, the left annotation or pictogram is given to the image, the left carotid artery measurement item is selected and the region of interest is measured, and then saved as the left carotid artery image There is a possibility that. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to be able to reduce such a possibility.

  Hereinafter, processing of the position information acquisition apparatus 14 and the control unit 160 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, the carotid artery is described as an example of the diagnostic site. However, the disclosed technique is not limited to this, and for example, the left and right are arranged around the body axis, such as the breast and the kidney. It is possible to apply when the determined site is a diagnostic site. In the first embodiment, a process after the operator selects a carotid artery preset will be described. In the first embodiment, a case where a magnetic sensor is used as the position information acquisition device 14 will be described. In the first embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a monitor 13 and a touch command screen as display units will be described as an example.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the position information acquisition device 14 and the control unit 160 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the position information acquisition apparatus 14 according to the first embodiment includes a transmitter 14a, a position sensor 14b, and a signal processing apparatus 14c, and a control unit 160 via an interface unit 180 (not shown). Connected to.

  The transmitter 14a is arranged at an arbitrary position, and forms a magnetic field toward the outside centering on its own device. The position sensor 14b is mounted on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 11, detects the three-dimensional magnetic field formed by the transmitter 14a, converts the detected magnetic field information into a signal, and outputs the signal to the signal processing device 14c. Based on the signal received from the position sensor 14b, the signal processing device 14c calculates the position (coordinates) of the position sensor 14b in the space with the transmitter 14a as the origin, and outputs the calculated position to the control unit 160. The diagnosis of the subject P is performed in a magnetic field area in which the position sensor 14b attached to the ultrasonic probe 11 can accurately detect the magnetic field of the transmitter 14a.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 160 includes a position specifying unit 161, a display control unit 162, and a measurement function control unit 163, and the position information acquisition device 14 via a bus or interface unit 180 (not shown). The internal storage unit 170, the monitor 13, and the touch command screen 12d are connected.

  The position specifying unit 161 specifies a diagnostic site based on the position of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the subject P. Specifically, the position specifying unit 161 firstly receives the position of the position sensor 14b input from the signal processing device 14c, the position (coordinates) of the transmitter 14a, and the position (coordinates) of an arbitrary part of the subject P. Is used to specify the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 with respect to the subject P. And the position specific | specification part 161 specifies a diagnostic site | part with reference to the specific information memorize | stored by the internal memory | storage part 170. FIG. Here, the specific information is information in which a diagnostic part is associated with each position of the ultrasonic probe 11 with respect to the subject P. For example, the specific information is information indicating that the left carotid artery is a diagnostic site when the ultrasound probe 11 is positioned on the left side of the neck of the subject P. The specific information is arbitrarily set in advance by the designer or administrator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. In addition, the position (coordinates) of an arbitrary part of the subject P is acquired in advance using the position sensor 14b before starting diagnosis.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing of the position specifying unit 161. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the position specifying unit 161 uses the position of the position sensor 14b, the position of the transmitter 14a, and the position of the sword-like projection 40 of the subject P to detect the position sensor for the sword-like projection 40. The position of 14b is calculated. Then, the position specifying unit 161 determines the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 with respect to the subject P based on the position of the position sensor 14b with respect to the xiphoid process 40 and the body data (eg, height, weight, etc.) of the subject P. Identify. For example, the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the ultrasonic probe 11 is located on the left side of the neck of the subject P as shown in FIG. And the position specific | specification part 161 specifies that a diagnostic site | part is the left carotid artery with reference to specific information. Note that the body data of the subject P is acquired from the diagnostic information stored in the internal storage unit 170.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the display control unit 162 includes a measurement function display control unit 162a, an annotation function display control unit 162b, and a pictogram function display control unit 162c. Based on this, the display contents displayed on the monitor 13 and the touch command screen 12d are controlled.

  The measurement function display control unit 162a causes the touch command screen 12d to display items related to the diagnostic site specified by the position specifying unit 161 among the plurality of measurement items included in the measurement function. Specifically, after the measurement function is activated by the operator, the measurement function display control unit 162a causes the touch command screen 12d to display items related to the diagnostic region specified by the position specifying unit 161.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing of the measurement function display control unit 162a. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the diagnosis site is the left carotid artery, the measurement function display control unit 162a is indicated by an arrow 25 in FIG. As you can see, the “Left CV 2D” tab is a menu for measuring the region of interest drawn in the 2D image of the left carotid artery, and the menu for measuring the region of interest drawn in the Doppler image of the left carotid artery Only the “Left CV Doppler” tab is displayed on the touch command screen 12d.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the ultrasonic probe 11 is positioned on the right side of the neck of the subject P and the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the diagnosis site is the right carotid artery, the measurement is performed. The function display control unit 162a includes a tab “Right CV 2D” that is a menu for measuring a region of interest depicted in a 2D image of the right carotid artery, as indicated by an arrow 26 in FIG. Only the tab of “Right CV Doppler”, which is a menu for measuring the region of interest depicted in the right-side carotid artery Doppler image, is displayed on the touch command screen 12d.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the annotation function control unit 162 b causes the touch command screen 12 d to display items related to the diagnostic region specified by the position specifying unit 161 among the plurality of items included in the annotation function. Specifically, the annotation function display control unit 162b causes the touch command screen 12d to display items related to the diagnostic site specified by the position specifying unit 161 after the annotation function is activated by the operator.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing of the annotation function display control unit 162b. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the diagnosis site is the left carotid artery, the annotation function display control unit 162b is indicated by an arrow 27 in FIG. In this manner, only the left carotid artery annotation items L-CCA, L-ICA, L-ECA, and L-VA are displayed on the touch command screen 12d. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the diagnosis site is the right carotid artery, the annotation function display control unit 162b is indicated by an arrow 28 in FIG. As described above, only R-CCA, R-ICA, R-ECA and R-VA which are annotation items of the right carotid artery are displayed on the touch command screen 12d.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the pictogram function control unit 162 c causes the touch command screen 12 d to display items related to the diagnostic region identified by the position identifying unit 161 among the plurality of items included in the pictogram function. Specifically, the pictogram function display control unit 162c causes the touch command screen 12d to display items related to the diagnostic site specified by the position specifying unit 161 after the pictogram function is activated by the operator.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing of the pictogram function display control unit 162c. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the ultrasonic probe 11 is positioned on the left side of the neck of the subject P and the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the diagnosis site is the left carotid artery, the pictogram function display As shown at 29 in FIG. 8A, the control unit 162c displays only the left carotid artery pictogram items on the touch command screen 12d. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the position specifying unit 161 positions the ultrasonic probe 11 on the right side of the neck of the subject P, and the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the diagnosis site is the right carotid artery. Then, as shown at 30 in FIG. 8B, the pictogram function display control unit 162c displays only the right carotid artery pictogram item on the touch command screen 12d.

  Here, the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c cause the monitor 13 to display information related to the diagnostic region specified by the position specifying unit 161. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of display control on the monitor 13 by the annotation function display control unit 162b. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the annotation function display control unit 162b locates the ultrasound probe 11 on the left side of the neck of the subject P, and the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the diagnosis site is the left carotid artery. Then, “L-Side” indicating that the left side is being scanned is displayed on the monitor 13. As shown in FIG. 9, the annotation function display control unit 162b is positioned when the ultrasonic probe 11 is positioned on the right side of the neck of the subject P, and the position specifying unit 161 specifies that the diagnosis site is the right carotid artery. Then, “R-Side” indicating that the right side is being scanned is displayed on the monitor 13.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which information such as “L-side” and “R-side” is displayed as character information has been described, but the display method is not limited to this. For example, characters or figures such as “L”, “R”, “←”, “→”, “left”, “right”, etc. may be displayed as icons, or simply a triangular figure indicating the scan position. Or the probe icon may be displayed on the left or right side of the screen to distinguish between the left and right scan positions. Alternatively, the icon display direction may be tilted to the left or tilted to the right to distinguish between the left and right scan positions.

  Similarly, the pictogram function display control unit 162c causes the monitor 13 to display a pictogram indicating the scan position based on the diagnostic part specified by the position specifying unit 161. Note that the annotations and pictograms displayed on the monitor 13 are arbitrarily determined by the designer or operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

  As described above, only the items relating to the position of the ultrasound probe 11 are displayed on the touch command screen 12d by the measurement function display control unit 162a, the annotation function display control unit 162b, or the pictogram function display control unit 162c. The operator selects a desired item from the items displayed on the touch command screen 12d, thereby measuring the region of interest or adding an annotation or a pictogram to the image.

  Here, the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c control the display and non-display of the annotation and the pictogram provided by the operator on the monitor 13 based on the position of the ultrasonic probe. Specifically, the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c are operated by the operator when the position scanned by the ultrasonic probe 11 and the position to which the annotation and the pictogram are assigned are the same. The assigned annotation and pictogram are displayed on the monitor 13.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of display control by the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the operator assigns an annotation “L-CCA” and a pictogram to the image (A) obtained by scanning the left carotid artery of the subject P. Here, when the ultrasound probe 11 is moved to the right side of the neck of the subject P in the state where the annotation function and the pictogram function are activated, the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c are as shown in FIG. As shown in (C), control is performed so that the assigned annotation “L-CCA” and the pictogram are not displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the ultrasound probe 11 is moved again to the left side of the neck of the subject P, the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c ), The annotation “L-CCA” and the pictogram are displayed on the monitor 13 again.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the measurement function control unit 163 controls whether or not to continue the measurement function based on the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 specified by the position specifying unit 161. Specifically, the measurement function control unit 163 ends the measurement function when the ultrasonic probe 11 moves from a position where the measurement function is activated by the operator.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining automatic termination of the measurement function by the measurement function control unit 163. For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the operator measures the left carotid artery depicted in the image (A) obtained by scanning the left side of the neck of the subject P using the measurement function. After that, when the measurement function is activated and the diagnosis of the abdomen of the subject P is started as shown in FIG. 11C, the measurement function control unit 163 ends the activated measurement function. Let

  As described above, the ultrasonic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment changes the display content displayed by the measurement function, the annotation function, and the pictogram function based on the position of the ultrasonic probe 11, or changes the measurement function. Control whether or not to continue. Here, the ultrasonic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can also perform display control of items related to a protocol (Protocol) diagnostic function in which items are set in advance for each diagnosis part. The protocol diagnosis function is a function in which various items relating to diagnosis are set in advance for each diagnosis part, and the set item is automatically displayed as a workflow when the operator selects the diagnosis part. . In other words, the protocol diagnosis function is a function that assists the operator's work related to the measurement of the region of interest depicted in the image.

  FIG. 12A is a diagram for explaining an example of items related to the protocol diagnosis function. For example, in the protocol diagnosis function, as shown in FIG. 12-1, when the diagnosis site is the carotid artery, “item 1 (left carotid artery)”, “item 2 (left carotid artery)”, “item 5 (right carotid artery) ”,“ Item 6 (right carotid artery) ”and the like are displayed to assist the operator's work. That is, the operator executes in order from “item 1 (left carotid artery)” shown in FIG. Here, the measurement function display control unit 162a according to the first embodiment also executes display control of items related to the protocol diagnosis function.

  FIG. 12-2 is a diagram for explaining display control of items related to the protocol diagnosis function by the measurement function display control unit 162a according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12B, for example, the measurement function display control unit 162a is configured such that the ultrasound probe 11 is positioned on the right side of the neck of the subject P, and the position specifying unit 161 determines that the diagnosis site is the right carotid artery. When specified, “item 5 (right carotid artery)” and “item 6 (right carotid artery)” are extracted from items included in the protocol diagnosis function, and the extracted items are highlighted.

  As described above, by controlling the display contents to be displayed on the touch command screen 12d and the monitor 13 based on the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 acquired by the position information acquisition device 14, the ultrasonic wave according to the first embodiment. The diagnostic device 1 makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the operator will select the wrong item.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, the diagnosis of the subject P is performed in a magnetic field area where the position sensor 14b attached to the ultrasonic probe 11 can accurately detect the magnetic field of the transmitter 14a. A case process will be described. 13 to 15 show processing after the position (coordinates) of an arbitrary part of the subject P is acquired using the position sensor 14b.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the measurement function display control unit 162a according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, when the measurement function is activated (Yes at Step S <b> 101), the position specifying unit 161 moves the ultrasonic probe 11 on the subject P. The position is specified (step S102).

  Then, the measurement function display control unit 162a displays measurement items related to the position of the ultrasound probe 11 on the touch command screen 12d (step S103), and determines whether or not the measurement function is terminated (step S104). Here, when the measurement function is not finished (No at Step S104), the measurement function display control unit 162a returns to Step S103, and only the measurement item related to the position of the ultrasound probe 11 is displayed on the touch command screen 12d. To display.

  On the other hand, when the measurement function is ended (Yes at Step S104), the measurement function display control unit 162a hides the measurement item displayed on the touch command screen 12d (Step S105), and ends the process.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c according to the first embodiment. Note that the processing by the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c differs only in the display contents and the procedure is the same, so the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display are shown in FIG. A procedure of processing by the control unit 162c will be described. Further, “annotation function / pictogram function” and “annotation / pictogram function” shown in FIG. 14 mean “at least one of annotation function and pictogram function” and “at least one of annotation and pictogram”, respectively.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, when the annotation function / pictogram function is activated (Yes in step S <b> 201), the position specifying unit 161 determines the position of the ultrasound probe 11. Is specified (step S202).

  Then, at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c causes the touch command screen 12d to display items related to the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 (step S203). At the same time, at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c causes the monitor 13 to display information indicating the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 (step S204).

  Subsequently, at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c determines whether or not at least one of the annotation and the pictogram is selected (step S205). Here, when at least one of the annotation and the pictogram is selected (Yes at Step S205), at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c selects at least one of the selected annotation and pictogram. It is displayed on the monitor 13 (step S206), and it is determined whether or not the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 has changed (step S207).

  On the other hand, when at least one of the annotation and the pictogram is not selected (Yes at Step S205), at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c determines whether the position of the ultrasound probe 11 has changed. Is determined (step S207).

  Here, when the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 changes (Yes at Step S207), is at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c displaying the annotation / pictogram on the monitor 13? It is determined whether or not (step S208). Here, when the annotation / pictogram is displayed on the monitor 13 (Yes at Step S208), at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c displays the annotation / pictogram displayed on the monitor 13. Is not displayed (step S209), and the process returns to step S203.

  On the other hand, when the annotation / pictogram is not displayed on the monitor 13 (No at Step S208), at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c returns to Step S203 to return to the ultrasound probe 11. The measurement item related to the position of is displayed on the touch command screen 12d.

  In step S207, if the position of the ultrasound probe 11 has not changed (No in step S207), whether at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c has completed the annotation function / pictogram function. It is determined whether or not (step S210). Here, when the annotation function / pictogram function is not finished (No at Step S210), at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c returns to Step S203, and the ultrasound probe 11 is returned. The measurement item related to the position of is displayed on the touch command screen 12d.

  On the other hand, when the annotation function / pictogram function is terminated (Yes at step S210), at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c provides information indicating the item and the position of the ultrasonic probe 11. The display is hidden (step S211), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the measurement function control unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, when the measurement function is activated (Yes at Step S <b> 301), the position specifying unit 161 specifies the position of the ultrasonic probe 11. (Step S302).

  Then, the measurement function control unit 163 determines whether or not the protocol diagnosis function is activated (step S303). Here, when the protocol diagnosis function is activated (Yes at Step S303), the measurement function control unit 163 only measures items related to the position of the ultrasound probe 11 among the measurement items included in the protocol diagnosis function. Is executed (step S304).

  On the other hand, when the protocol diagnosis function is not activated (No at Step S303), the measurement function control unit 163 executes the measurement item selected by the operator (Step S305).

  Thereafter, the measurement function control unit 163 determines whether or not the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 has changed (step S306). Here, when the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 has changed (Yes at Step S306), the measurement function control unit 163 ends the measurement function (Step S307) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the position of the ultrasound probe 11 has not changed (No at Step S306), the measurement function control unit 163 determines whether or not the end of the measurement function has been received from the operator (Step S308). Here, when the end of the measurement function is not received (No at Step S308), the measurement function control unit 163 continues the measurement function (Step S309) and executes the determination at Step S306 again. On the other hand, when the end of the measurement function is received (Yes at Step S308), the measurement function control unit 163 ends the measurement function (Step S307) and ends the process.

  In the above-described processing, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is in a standby state until the measurement function, the annotation function, or the pictogram function is activated (No in Step S101, Step S201, and Step S301).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the position information acquisition device 14 acquires position information indicating the position of the ultrasound probe 11 with respect to the subject P. Then, the display control unit 162 changes the display content to be displayed on the touch command screen 12d or the monitor 13 based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition device 14. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can display only the contents related to the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 and reduce the possibility that the operator selects an incorrect item. enable.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the measurement function display control unit 162a includes a plurality of measurement items included in the measurement function used for measuring an arbitrary value related to the region of interest depicted in the image. Measurement items related to the position of the ultrasound probe 11 acquired by the position information acquisition device 14 are displayed on the touch command screen 12d. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can display only the measurement items corresponding to the diagnosis part, and can reduce the possibility that the operator selects the wrong measurement item. To do.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the annotation function display control unit 162b includes the positional information among a plurality of items included in the annotation function used for adding an annotation indicating the feature of the image to the image. Items related to the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 acquired by the acquisition device 14 are displayed on the touch command screen 12d. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can display only the item corresponding to the diagnostic part in the annotation function, and reduces the possibility that the operator selects an erroneous annotation item. Make it possible.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the pictogram function display control unit 162c includes a plurality of items included in the pictogram function used to give a pictogram indicating a diagnostic site included in the image to the image. Then, items related to the position of the ultrasound probe 11 acquired by the position information acquisition device 14 are displayed on the touch command screen 12d. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can display only the item corresponding to the diagnostic part in the pictogram function, and reduces the possibility that the operator selects the wrong pictogram item. Make it possible.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c monitors the information indicating the position of the ultrasound probe 11 acquired by the position information acquisition device 14 on the monitor 13. To display. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can prevent the operator from mistaking the image, and can further reduce the possibility that the operator selects the wrong item. .

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, at least one of the annotation function display control unit 162b and the pictogram function display control unit 162c has an item included in at least one of the annotation and the pictogram displayed on the touch command screen 12d. The selected item is displayed on the monitor 13 on the condition that the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 acquired by the position information acquisition device 14 is the same as the position at the time when the item is selected. Display. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment enables the operator to grasp the current accurate diagnostic site.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the measurement function control unit 163 is a protocol diagnosis function in which measurement items are set in advance for each diagnosis part, and among the plurality of measurement items included in the protocol diagnosis function, position information Measurement items related to the ultrasonic probe 11 acquired by the acquisition device 14 are executed. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to reduce the workload on the operator. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to reduce errors caused by an operator and improve the throughput of ultrasonic diagnosis.

(Second Embodiment)
Although the first embodiment has been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the first embodiment described above.

(1) Display Method In the first embodiment described above, the case where only items related to the position of the ultrasound probe 11 are displayed in the measurement menu, annotation menu, and pictogram menu has been described. However, the disclosed technique is not limited to this, and for example, the color of related items may be changed or highlighted.

(2) Display Control of Protocol Diagnosis Function In the first embodiment described above, all measurement items included in the protocol diagnosis function are displayed on the monitor 13, and the measurement function display control unit 162 a is related to the position of the ultrasonic probe 11. The case where the item to be highlighted is highlighted has been described. However, the disclosed technology is not limited to this. For example, the display control unit 162 may display only items related to the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 on the monitor 13.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment can display only items related to the position of the ultrasonic probe to the operator, It enables the operator to reduce the possibility of selecting the wrong item.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 Ultrasonic probe 12 Input apparatus 12d Touch command screen 13 Monitor 14 Position information acquisition apparatus 14a Transmitter 14b Position sensor 14c Signal processing apparatus 100 Apparatus main body 160 Control part 161 Position specification part 162 Display control part 162a Measurement function display Control unit 162b Annotation function display control unit 162c Pictogram function display control unit 163 Measurement function control unit 170 Internal storage unit

Claims (8)

Acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating the position of the ultrasound probe with respect to the subject;
Display control means for changing display contents to be displayed on a predetermined display unit based on the position information acquired by the acquisition means;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: Based on a predetermined measurement item, further comprises a measurement means for measuring an arbitrary value related to the region of interest depicted in the image,
The display control means causes the display unit to display a selection screen for selecting a measurement item to be measured by the measurement means from among the plurality of measurement items, and the position information acquired by the acquisition means The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement item related to the condition is displayed on the selection screen.   The display control unit relates to position information acquired by the acquisition unit among a plurality of items included in a character string adding function used for adding a character string indicating a feature of the image to the image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an item is displayed on the predetermined display unit.   The display control means is position information acquired by the acquisition means among a plurality of items included in a schematic diagram giving function used to give a schematic diagram showing a diagnostic site included in the image to the image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an item related to an item is displayed on the predetermined display unit.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the position information acquired by the acquisition unit on the predetermined display unit.   The display control unit is acquired by the acquisition unit when an item included in at least one of the character string providing function and the schematic diagram providing function displayed on the first display unit is selected by an operator. The selected item is displayed on the predetermined display unit on the condition that the position information is the same as the position information at the time when the item is selected. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described. The plurality of measurement items are stored in the storage unit in association with each diagnostic site,
The display control unit causes the predetermined display unit to display the measurement item related to the position information acquired by the acquisition unit among the plurality of measurement items so as to be emphasized. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described in any one of -6. An acquisition procedure for acquiring position information indicating the position of the ultrasound probe with respect to the subject;
Based on the position information acquired by the acquisition procedure, a display control procedure for changing display contents to be displayed on a predetermined display unit;
A display control program for causing a computer to execute the above.

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