JP2000325345A - Operation method for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnositic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate operation and improve diagnostic throughput by previously entering a series of operation sequence formed of plural operation patterns, and transferring the operation pattern according to the entered operation sequence at every operation of one specified switch means. SOLUTION: Previously display modes of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus corresponding to a desired measurement content and operation patterns such as a measurement item are entered as a series of operation sequence in a measurement mode entering part 18. A measurement mode is specified by a TCS17 to start the operation sequence, and when a NEXT mode switch 23a is input (turned on), an entered designation is output from the measurement mode entering part 18 to a control part 19, so that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus enters B-mode. When the image quality of the B-mode image is adjusted and the NEXT mode switch 23a is input, the entered image from the measurement mode entering part 18 is freezed, and a designation for an area measurement menu is output to the control part 19.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for transmitting ultrasonic waves to a subject by an ultrasonic probe and receiving reflected waves from the tissue in the subject to obtain tissue tomographic images and blood flow conditions. The present invention relates to an operation method of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having various measurement functions such as cardiac function measurement and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, while obtaining information on a tissue in a specimen, and relates to improvement of operability thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses for medical applications of ultrasonic waves are well known. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus emits an ultrasonic pulse from an ultrasonic probe to a subject (patient) and detects a reflected wave from a tissue in the subject based on the ultrasonic pulse, thereby obtaining a cross section of a cross section of the subject. Information about the tissue in the subject, such as the state of the image and blood flow, is obtained and rendered on a monitor. And the examination by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
It is a non-invasive test method, compared with other medical diagnostic devices such as X-ray diagnostic devices, X-ray CT, MRI, nuclear medicine devices, etc.
It has features such as real-time display, small and inexpensive device, and high safety without radiation exposure.

There are several modes for displaying acquired data in this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It goes without saying that the method of acquiring data by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, that is, the operation pattern changes according to the display method.

One of the display methods (display modes) is called an A mode. The A mode is not widely used at present, but is the basis of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. It transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in one direction, and the time when the echo arrives on the horizontal axis, that is, the distance from the ultrasonic probe. In this method, the amplitude of the echo is displayed on the vertical axis. The mode is called A mode because of this amplitude.

[0005] The second is a B mode as the most general display method. The B mode is a method in which a tissue structure is displayed as a cross-sectional image (tomographic image) by scanning a cross-section of a body tissue with an ultrasonic beam and changing brightness (brightness) according to the amplitude of an echo for each ultrasonic beam. Yes, it is also called ultrasonic tomography. It is called B mode because of the brightness B, and it is a cross-sectional image (tomographic image) of the tissue
Is called a B-mode image.

A third mode is an M mode for displaying how a specific part moves over time. The M mode is a method for easily displaying the motion (motion) of a heart valve or a myocardium on the line of the ultrasonic beam, in which the vertical axis indicates the distance from the ultrasonic probe, and the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time. The intensity of the echo is displayed with its intensity modulated, and it is possible to understand how the valves and the heart muscle of the heart are moving over time. It is called M mode because of M of movement.

Further, there is a Doppler mode in which a blood flow velocity is detected using the Doppler effect of ultrasonic waves. In the Doppler mode, the blood flow is displayed in color by detecting the blood flow velocity and calculating the average velocity and the variation (variance) of the blood flow using the autocorrelation method. Normally, the blood flow in the direction toward the ultrasound probe is red, and the blood flow in the direction away from the probe is blue.In both cases, the faster the blood flow speed is, the brighter the display is, and the larger the speed variation, the more yellow or green is displayed. I have. An ultrasonic image obtained in this Doppler mode is a blood flow image.

[0008] Diagnosis areas by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having such various display modes are wide, and include, for example, intracranial blood flow, thyroid, carotid artery, breast, heart, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, uterus. , Ovaries, kidneys, etc. are expanding year by year. In addition to observing images, it can measure distance, measure area, measure perimeter, measure flow velocity, etc. In addition, blood flow imaging in Doppler mode enables cardiac functions such as ejection and cardiac output. There are also remarkable enhancements in various diagnostic support functions such as measurement.

When a desired image is displayed or various measurement operations are performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, various switches provided for each function in the operation unit are sequentially selected and input, thereby obtaining an image. This is performed while changing the display mode and the operation pattern. For example, when measuring the blood flow rate or the cardiac output per unit area, first, the display mode of the image is set to the B mode, and a cross-sectional image (B mode image) of the blood vessel to be measured is drawn. The pattern is set to the measurement mode and the cross-sectional area of the blood vessel is measured. Next, the display mode of the image is switched to the Doppler mode to display the blood flow image, and the measurement mode is set again to measure the blood flow velocity at the cross-sectional site of the blood vessel. Then, the blood flow per unit area and the cardiac output are calculated from these measurement results.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a specific operation procedure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when such measurement is performed. That is, as step 1, the B-SINGLE switch of the activated ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is input (turned on). As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a B-mode operation pattern. As a step 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus operates the ultrasonic probe to draw a cross-sectional image of a blood vessel of a target region of the subject so that an optimal image is obtained. Adjust the image quality. Once an optimal image of the target site is obtained, F
The REEZE switch is input to freeze the image (step 3). Next, in step 4, an area measurement menu selection switch is input to select an area measurement menu from various measurement menus (step 4). As a result, the operation pattern of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is in the area measurement mode, and the process proceeds to step 5 where the cross-sectional area of the target blood vessel is measured.

When the measurement of the cross-sectional area is completed, in step 6, a FREEZE release switch is input to release the still state of the image (that is, the FREEZE switch is turned off). As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus returns to the state of the B mode, and then proceeds to step 7 and inputs the PW switch. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is switched to the Doppler mode state. Therefore, in step 8, the image quality is adjusted so as to be in an optimal state for measuring the blood flow velocity in the target blood vessel. After adjusting the image quality, FREEZE
The user inputs a switch to freeze the image (step 9). Then, in order to select the flow velocity measurement menu, the user inputs a flow velocity measurement menu selection switch (step 1).
0). As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus enters the flow velocity measurement mode, and proceeds to step 11 where the blood velocity at the cross-sectional position of the target blood vessel is measured. When the measurement of the blood flow velocity is completed, in step 12, a FREEZE release switch is input to release the still state of the image (ie, F
REEZE switch is turned off). Then, a blood flow rate (or cardiac output) per unit area is obtained as a step 13 from the cross-sectional area of the blood vessel measured in the step 5 and the blood flow velocity measured in the step 12, and a series of sequences is completed. .

FIG. 6 summarizes the structure of the operation and control as described above. That is, first, one of a large number of switches S1, S2,... Sn on the operation panel is selected, and an input operation is performed as a first step (ST1) to correspond to each selected switch. The input control software starts (ST2), the image control and measurement control software starts by the input control software (ST3), and the hardware group is controlled by the image control and measurement control software (ST4). Next, returning to ST1, one switch as a second step is selected and input operation is performed, and a similar result is repeated several times to obtain a desired result.

[0013]

By the way, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is necessary to sequentially select and operate various switches in the operation procedure for executing the above-described measurement. It was very troublesome for operators such as doctors. The switches to be operated are distributed on the operation panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to their functions. Usually, the operator holds the ultrasonic probe in one hand and moves the ultrasonic probe to the subject (patient). Since the user operates the switches and the like on the operation panel with the other hand, the operation of these switches and the like becomes a burden, and this also causes an increase in annoyance.

Further, since the examination room where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is installed is relatively dark so that the screen can be easily observed, the operator must search for and operate switches and the like in the examination room. It was troublesome and there was a risk of erroneous input. The operating procedure for that is almost determined according to the measurement content, but dare to search for various switches on the operation panel and input sequentially one by one for each measurement content, which would reduce the diagnostic throughput. . The present invention has been made to solve such a problem.

[0015]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a plurality of display modes and measurement menus.
A series of operation sequences including a plurality of operation patterns are registered in advance, and each time one specific switch means is operated, the operation pattern is changed according to the registered operation sequence. It is an operation method of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0016] Thus, since the operation pattern is sequentially changed only by operating a specific one switch, the operation becomes extremely easy, and the trouble of searching for the switch according to the operation is released, and the diagnostic throughput is improved. It can greatly contribute.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the pre-registered operation sequence is registered in association with a patient ID and / or a diagnosis purpose.
It is an operation method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in 1.

This makes it possible to quickly execute an operation sequence based on an operation pattern suitable for a patient or a diagnostic purpose, and to further improve diagnostic throughput. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a plurality of display modes and measurement menus, a registration unit for registering a plurality of operation patterns in advance according to an operation order, and an operation pattern registered by the registration unit And a specific switch means for sequentially changing the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

By this, the operation pattern can be sequentially changed only by operating a specific one switch, so that the operation becomes extremely easy, and the trouble of searching for the switch in accordance with the operation is released, and the diagnostic throughput is reduced. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that greatly contributes to improvement is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of operation patterns according to the order of operation registered in the registration means store the plurality of operation patterns executed in advance. Item 4. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to item 3.

Thus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can be used as a learning function is provided. Further, claim 5
The registration means for registering a plurality of operation patterns in advance according to an operation order may be registered in association with a patient ID and / or a diagnosis purpose. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the item.

Thus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided which can quickly execute an operation sequence based on an operation pattern suited to a patient or a diagnostic purpose, and can further improve diagnostic throughput.

[0023]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG.
1 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe 11 that transmits an ultrasonic wave into a body of a subject 10 (patient) and receives a reflected wave from a tissue in the subject. A transmitting / receiving unit 12 that drives the probe 11 to transmit an ultrasonic wave, processes a received reflected signal, and detects tomographic image data, a Doppler shift signal, and the like in the subject. Memory unit 13 including a digital scan converter for forming an ultrasonic image by imaging tomographic image data and Doppler shift signals based on observation conditions, and a graphics pattern such as a marker, its locus, and a region of interest (ROI). A pattern data recording memory unit 14 for recording data, an ultrasonic image from the image memory unit 13 and a graphic sputter from the pattern data recording memory unit 14 15 such as a television monitor that displays the measurement data, a measurement processing unit 16 that performs various measurement processes on the ultrasonic image displayed on the display 15, and measurement contents and measurement items and information for the measurement process. Touch command screen (hereinafter referred to as TC) that sets the measurement procedure and displays the set contents.
S), a measurement mode registration unit 18 for registering measurement contents and measurement items set via the TCS 17, an operation pattern corresponding to the measurement contents, and a display mode of an image, and the like. Control unit 1 for controlling
9 and an operation console 20 for inputting various operation commands to the control unit 19.

The console 20 has the above-mentioned TCS 17
In addition, a track ball 21 for moving a cursor displayed on the display 15, a keyboard 22 for inputting characters and numerical values, and a plurality of function keys 23 for specifying various functions are provided. NEX as one of the function keys 23
A T-mode switch 23a and a registration key 23b are provided.

Next, the operation and operating method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, operation modes such as display modes (B mode, Doppler mode, etc.) and measurement items of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus corresponding to desired measurement contents are registered in the measurement mode registration unit 18 as a series of operation sequences. Note that the standard measurement contents and measurement items are registered by the manufacturer at the time of manufacturing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, but can be registered as appropriate by the user side. At this time, the operator presses the registration key 23b among the function keys 23 provided on the console 20, sets the operation pattern of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to the registration mode, and performs the measurement to be performed by the keyboard 22 or the TCS 17 according to a predetermined procedure. A series of operation sequences such as the measurement items for the contents and the measurement contents and the corresponding display modes are sequentially registered in the measurement mode registration unit 18.

For example, the case where the blood flow per unit area is measured will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement content is "measurement of blood flow per unit area".
Set to B mode (step 21), and freeze the image
To the area measurement menu (Step 22), FREE
Release ZE and switch to Doppler mode (step 2
3) Freeze the image to display the flow velocity measurement menu (step 24), and release the FREEZE (step 25) in the measurement mode registration unit 18 in order.

Next, the procedure for executing the above-described measurement of the blood flow per unit area will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. First, TCS1
The operation sequence is started by designating the measurement mode by 7 and selecting the measurement of the blood flow per unit area. Then, as a step 31, the NEXT mode switch 23a is inputted (turned on). The input signal of the NEXT mode switch 23a is transmitted to the measurement mode registration unit 18 via the control unit 19, and the measurement mode registration unit 18
The instruction to switch to the B mode registered in step 21 of FIG.
Mode. Here, the operator adjusts the image quality of the B-mode image (step 32). When the adjustment of the image quality is completed, the NEXT mode switch 23a is input again (step 33). Similarly, the input signal of the NEXT mode switch 23a is transmitted to the measurement mode registration unit 18 via the control unit 19, and the image registered by the measurement mode registration unit 18 as step 22 in FIG. An instruction is issued to the control unit 19, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays a stationary B-mode image, and enters a state in which area measurement can be performed. Accordingly, the operator moves the cursor to a desired blood vessel in the still image using the trackball 21 and measures the cross-sectional area (step 34).

When the measurement of the cross-sectional area is completed, the NEXT mode switch 23a is input again (step 35). The transmission of this signal causes the measurement mode registration unit 18 to execute the FREEZE of the image registered as step 23 in FIG.
And an instruction to switch to the Doppler mode is issued. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is switched to the Doppler mode, and the operator adjusts the image quality of the Doppler mode image (step 36). When the adjustment of the image quality is completed, the NEXT mode switch 23a is input again (step 37). As a result, the measurement mode registration unit 18 sends the
FREEZE the image registered as step 24 of
An instruction to enter the flow velocity measurement menu is issued to the control unit 19, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays a stationary Doppler mode image, and is in a state where measurement of the flow velocity can be executed. Therefore, the operator measures the flow velocity at the cross section of the desired blood vessel, and further calculates the blood flow per unit area from the cross sectional area of the blood vessel measured at step 34 (step 38). By completing these operations and inputting the NEXT mode switch 23a (step 39), step 25 in FIG.
The instruction to release FREEZE of the image registered as
The sequence is output from the measurement mode registration unit 18 to the control unit 19, and a series of sequences is terminated.

FIG. 4 summarizes the structure of the operation and control according to the present invention. That is, first, by selecting the NEXT mode switch 23a on the operation panel and inputting as the first step (ST11), the input control software starts up (ST12),
This input control software allows the measurement mode registration unit 1
8 is started (ST1).
3) Here, based on information such as the number of times of operation of the NEXT mode switch 23a, designated software for image control or measurement control is extracted (ST14). Is controlled (ST15). Next, returning to ST1, as a second step, the NEXT mode switch 23a is input again, and a desired result is obtained by repeating the same operation several times each time the NEXT mode switch 23a is input.

As described above, according to the present invention, when an operation for changing an image display mode or an operation pattern is performed, N
The operation pattern is sequentially changed only by operating one switch, the EXT mode switch 23a, so that the operation becomes extremely easy. Further, since the number of operations is reduced as compared with the conventional operation procedure, the complexity of the operation itself is reduced, and according to the operation, a large number of switches distributed on the operation console 20 are used. This eliminates the trouble of searching for a required switch, and can greatly contribute to an improvement in diagnostic throughput.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, when registering a series of operation sequences in the measurement mode registration unit 18 as well as registering a standard operation sequence, a patient ID (Identification) number (hereinafter, referred to as patient information) as patient information.
The information is registered in association with a patient ID) and its diagnostic purpose (diagnosis site, disease name / symptom, etc.). Then, when the operation sequence is started, the contents registered in the measurement mode registration unit 18 are taken out using the patient ID or the patient ID and the diagnosis purpose as keys, and the NEXT mode switch 23a is operated to sequentially change the operation pattern. Make a transition. In this way, the operation sequence according to the patient ID or the patient ID and the diagnosis purpose (diagnosis site, disease name, symptom, etc.) can be executed, so that the diagnosis throughput can be further improved.

If a procedure operated during a general diagnosis is stored as an operation pattern, it can be applied as a standard operation sequence. At the time of an examination on a patient, an examination in the same operation sequence can be immediately performed. Further, the NEXT mode switch 23a is connected to a function key 23 provided on the console 20.
For example, a push button switch may be provided on the ultrasonic probe so as to function as a NEXT mode switch, or a foot usually provided in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. NE switch
It may be used as an XT mode switch.

[0033]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when an operation for changing an image display mode or an operation pattern is performed, only one switch such as a NEXT mode switch is operated. Since the display mode and the operation pattern can be sequentially changed, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus becomes extremely easy. In addition, since the number of operations is reduced as compared with the conventional operation procedure, the trouble of the operation itself is reduced, and the trouble of searching for a switch according to the operation is relieved, which greatly contributes to the improvement of the diagnostic throughput. Can be.

In addition to the standard operation sequence, a series of operation sequences
D and its diagnostic purpose (diagnosis site, disease name / symptom, etc.) are registered in association with each other, and the registered contents are extracted by using the patient ID or the patient ID and the diagnostic purpose as keys, and the operation pattern and the like are sequentially determined. By making the transition, the operation sequence according to the patient ID or the patient ID and the diagnosis purpose can be executed, so that the diagnosis throughput can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining registered contents such as an operation pattern when measuring a blood flow per unit area in the present invention as an example.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for measuring a blood flow per unit area as an example in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram summarizing the structure of operation and control in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure in a case of measuring a blood flow per unit area in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram summarizing the structure of operation and control in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 Ultrasonic probe 12 Transmitter / receiver unit 13 Image memory unit 14 Pattern data recording memory unit 15 Display 16 Measurement processing unit 17 Touch command screen 18 Measurement mode registration unit 19 Control unit 20 Operation console 23a NEXT mode switch

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An operation method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a plurality of display modes and measurement menus, wherein a series of operation sequences including a plurality of operation patterns are registered in advance, and each time one specific switch means is operated. Wherein the operation pattern is changed according to the registered operation sequence. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pre-registered operation sequence is registered in association with a patient ID and / or a diagnosis purpose. 3. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a plurality of display modes and measurement menus, a registration unit for registering a plurality of operation patterns in advance according to an operation order, and a specific unit for sequentially transiting the operation patterns registered by the registration unit. 1
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of operation patterns according to the operation order registered in the registration unit store the plurality of operation patterns executed in advance. . 5. The registration unit according to claim 3, wherein the registration unit registers the plurality of operation patterns in advance according to an operation order in association with a patient ID and / or a diagnosis purpose. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to item 1.