JP2007306964A - Measurement data processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a measurement data processing system easily generating measurement data from ultrasonic data obtained by ultrasonic imaging and collecting and statistically processing the generated measurement data. <P>SOLUTION: This measurement data processing system is provided with ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 101, and a measurement data processor 80 processing the measurement data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 101 via a network 100. The ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 101 measures the ultrasonic data generated by the ultrasonic imaging based on examination information input from an operation section 8, adds measurement classification information corresponding to the measurement data produced by the measurement and the examination information thereto, and transmits them to the measurement data processor 80. Meanwhile, the measurement data processor 80 intensively stores the measurement data received from the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 101. The measurement data processor searches measurement data added with the measurement classification information and search information obtained from a terminal device 201a, in the stored data, statistically processing the searched measurement data and generates the statistic data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a measurement data processing system that measures ultrasonic data obtained by ultrasonic imaging and statistically processes the measurement data generated by the measurement.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus emits ultrasonic waves to a subject, receives a reflected wave generated by a difference in acoustic impedance of a tissue in the subject, and displays it on a monitor. This diagnostic method based on ultrasonic imaging allows observation with real-time two-dimensional image data with a simple operation by simply bringing an ultrasonic probe into contact with the body surface, so that the heart, blood vessels, abdomen, urinary organs in vivo It is widely used for diagnosis and treatment of various organs.

  Ultrasonic diagnostic methods that obtain tissue and blood flow information from reflected waves from tissues and blood cells in a subject have made rapid progress due to technological innovation in ultrasonic pulse reflection and ultrasonic Doppler methods. B-mode image data and color Doppler image data obtained by using the technology are indispensable in current ultrasonic image diagnosis.

  By the way, a method of measuring and diagnosing a distance between two points, a perimeter length, an area, etc. on B-mode image data obtained by ultrasonic imaging is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). For the diagnosis using this measurement, the distance between two points on the still image data in the diastole or systole such as the heart and blood vessels that are stopped at the desired timing of the moving image data displayed in real time on the monitor. There are a method of diagnosing the area of an organ and the like by measuring the area compared to normal, and a method of diagnosing whether there is an abnormality in growth by measuring the size of the fetus.

  In addition, Doppler spectrum data for measuring blood flow velocity by ultrasonic imaging is generated, and using the generated Doppler spectrum data, PI (Pulsability Index) and RI (Resistence Index) which are diagnostic parameters of peripheral blood vessels are used. A Doppler spectrum method for performing measurement is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, using the measurement data generated by the measurement of ultrasonic data obtained by ultrasonic imaging, comparison of measurement data before and after treatment, and statistical processing of the measurement data to obtain statistical data for determining diagnostic criteria The obtaining method is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 3).
JP-A-10-314167 JP 2005-81081 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-205038

  However, in the conventional method, the measurement data is collected for each subject and is merely used for diagnosis of only the subject, and a wide range of measurement data is not collected and accumulated. Therefore, each time a statistical analysis necessary for diagnosing a disease whose diagnostic method or treatment method has not been established at the research stage and analyzing the therapeutic effect is performed, it is classified into gender, age, etc. Further, it is necessary to collect the measurement data of the subject over a wide range such as a large number of devices, medical institutions, and regions. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to collect measurement data.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and provides a measurement data processing system capable of generating measurement data from ultrasonic data obtained by ultrasonic imaging, collecting the generated measurement data, and performing statistical processing. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problem, a measurement data processing system according to claim 1 of the present invention is a network including an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a measurement data processing apparatus that processes measurement data generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In the measurement data processing system connected to each other, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an input unit that inputs examination information of a subject, and an ultrasonic wave that generates ultrasonic data by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject. Based on the data generation means and the examination information input by the input means, the ultrasonic data generated by the ultrasonic data generation means is measured to generate first measurement data, and the generated first measurement Measuring means for adding measurement classification information for identifying the first measurement data to the data and inspection information corresponding to the first measurement data; and the measurement means Transmission means for transmitting the second measurement data to which the measurement classification information and the inspection information are added to the measurement data processing device via the network, the measurement data processing device from the ultrasonic diagnostic device Receiving means for receiving the transmitted second measurement data via the network, measurement data storage means for storing the second measurement data received by the receiving means, and statistical data for requesting desired statistical data Based on the search information including the examination information and the measurement classification information transmitted from the terminal device installed in the required organization, the second measurement data to which the search information is added is read from the measurement data storage means and statistical And statistical data generating means for generating data.

  In addition, a measurement data processing system according to claim 5 of the present invention processes a measurement data generation apparatus that measures ultrasonic data obtained from an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and measurement data generated by the measurement data generation apparatus. A measurement data processing system connected to the measurement data processing device via a network, wherein the measurement data generation device is based on examination information added to ultrasonic data obtained from the ultrasonic diagnostic device, The ultrasonic data is measured to generate first measurement data, the measurement classification information for identifying the first measurement data in the generated first measurement data, and the inspection corresponding to the first measurement data Measuring means for adding information, and second measurement data to which the measurement classification information and the inspection information are added by the measuring means are connected to the measurement data via the network. A transmission means for transmitting to the processing apparatus, wherein the measurement data processing apparatus receives the second measurement data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via the network; and the reception means Search data storage means for storing the received second measurement data, and search information including the inspection information and the measurement classification information transmitted from the terminal device installed in the statistical data requesting organization that requests the desired statistical data. And a statistical data generating means for reading the second measurement data including the search information from the measurement data storage means and generating statistical data.

  According to the present invention, measurement data is generated by measurement of ultrasonic data obtained by ultrasonic imaging, classification information is added, and measurement data to which classification information is added is collected and stored centrally. it can. Then, based on the search information included in the classification information, the measurement data to which the search information is added can be read out from the centrally stored measurement data and subjected to statistical processing to generate statistical data.

  Thereby, collection of various measurement data and statistical processing become easy, and statistical analysis useful for diagnosis and treatment can be performed.

  Examples of the present invention will be described.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a measurement data processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The configuration of the measurement data processing system will be described with reference to FIGS. In this measurement data processing system 90, a plurality of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 101 (101 a to 101 n) and a measurement data processing apparatus 80 are connected via a network 100. Also, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 and the measurement data generation apparatus 102 (102a to 102n) are connected via the network 100, and the measurement data generation apparatus 102 and the measurement data processing apparatus 80 are connected. Further, the terminal device 201 (201a to 201n) and the measurement data processing device 80 are connected via the network 100.

  The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101a will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, and description of each ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is the same as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101a will be omitted. Also, the configuration of the measurement data generation device 102a will be described with reference to FIG. 2, and description of each measurement data generation device that is the same as the measurement data generation device 102a will be omitted. Further, the configuration of the measurement data processing device 80 and the terminal device 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 in the measurement data processing system 90. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 includes an ultrasonic data generation unit 4 that generates ultrasonic data by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject P, and data that stores ultrasonic data generated by the ultrasonic data generation unit 4. A storage unit 5 and a measurement data generation unit 6 that measures ultrasonic data stored in the data storage unit 5 and generates measurement data are provided.

  Further, an interface 63 for transmitting the ultrasonic data stored in the data storage unit 5 and the measurement data generated by the measurement data generation unit 6 to the measurement data generation device 102 and the measurement data processing device 80 via the network 100; A display unit 7 for displaying ultrasonic data stored in the data storage unit 5, an operation unit 8 for inputting examination information and various command signals of the subject P, and a system control for controlling these units as a whole. Part 9.

  The ultrasonic data generation unit 4 includes an ultrasonic probe 1 that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from the subject P, and a transmission / reception unit 2 that transmits ultrasonic drive signals and receives reflection signals to the ultrasonic probe 1. And a data generation unit 3 that processes the reception signal obtained by the transmission / reception unit 2 to generate ultrasonic data such as B-mode image data, Doppler image data, and Doppler spectrum data.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 performs ultrasonic wave transmission / reception by bringing its tip surface into contact with the body surface of the subject P, and has, for example, a plurality of (N) piezoelectric vibrators arranged one-dimensionally. ing. This piezoelectric vibrator is an electroacoustic transducer, which converts an electric pulse (ultrasonic drive signal) into an ultrasonic pulse (transmitted ultrasonic wave) at the time of transmission, and an ultrasonic reflected wave (from the subject P at reception) ( It has a function of converting received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals (ultrasound received signals).

  The transmission / reception unit 2 includes a transmission unit 21 that generates an ultrasonic drive signal for generating transmission ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe 1 and a plurality of channels (N channels) of ultrasonic waves obtained from the piezoelectric vibrator of the ultrasonic probe 1. And a receiving unit 22 that performs phasing addition on the received signal.

  The transmission unit 21 generates a rate pulse that determines a repetition period (Tr) of the ultrasonic pulse radiated to the subject P, a focusing delay time for focusing the ultrasonic wave to a predetermined depth in transmission, and a predetermined delay time. A deflection delay time for transmitting ultrasonic waves in the scanning direction (θ1 to θK) is given to the rate pulse. Thereafter, N piezoelectric vibrators built in the ultrasonic probe 1 are driven to generate an ultrasonic drive pulse for radiating transmission ultrasonic waves to the subject P and output it to the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The receiving unit 22 amplifies a minute ultrasonic reception signal output from the ultrasonic probe 1 to ensure a sufficient S / N, and receives a reception ultrasonic wave from a predetermined depth with respect to the ultrasonic reception signal. A focusing delay time for obtaining a narrow received beam width by focusing and a deflection delay time for setting the reception directivity of ultrasonic waves on a two-dimensional scanning plane are given. Thereafter, the N-channel ultrasonic reception signals from the piezoelectric vibrators are phased and added, and are combined and output to the data generation unit 3.

  The data generation unit 3 performs quadrature detection on the B-mode data generation unit 31 that generates B-mode image data from the signal output from the reception unit 22 of the transmission / reception unit 2 and the signal output from the reception unit 22. And a Doppler data generation unit 32 that generates color Doppler image data and frequency spectrum data based on the detected Doppler signal.

  The B mode data generation unit 31 performs envelope detection after logarithmically converting the signal output from the reception unit 22. Then, the envelope-detected signal is converted into a digital signal to generate B-mode image data and output to the data storage unit 5.

  The Doppler data generation unit 32 performs quadrature detection of the signal output from the reception unit 22 and detects a Doppler signal. After the detected Doppler signal is converted to a digital signal, Doppler components caused by respiratory movement or pulsatile movement of the organ are removed. As a result, an autocorrelation value is calculated for the Doppler signal from which only blood flow information is extracted, and color Doppler image data is generated by calculating an average blood flow velocity value and a variance value based on the autocorrelation value. And output to the data storage unit 5.

  Further, the Doppler data generation unit 32 samples and holds the Doppler signal at a predetermined depth from the ultrasonic probe 1 with respect to the detected Doppler signal by the sampling pulse supplied from the system control unit 9, and then the predetermined depth. Step noise components superimposed on the Doppler signal are removed and smoothed. Further, the smoothed Doppler signal is converted into a digital signal, FFT (Fast-Fourier-Transform) analysis is performed, and frequency spectrum data (Doppler spectrum data) is generated at predetermined time intervals. Then, the generated Doppler spectrum data is output to the data storage unit 5.

  The data storage unit 5 stores ultrasonic data such as B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, and Doppler spectrum data output from the data generation unit 3 of the ultrasonic data generation unit 4, and the measurement data generation unit 6 and Output to the display unit 7. In addition, data such as measurement data output from the measurement data generation unit 6 is stored and output to the display unit 7. Furthermore, after the external measurement operation and the input operation of the device ID of the measurement data generation device are performed from the operation unit 8, the ultrasonic data output from the data generation unit 3 is supplied from the system control unit 9 The inspection information corresponding to the ultrasonic data is added and output to the interface 63.

  The examination information includes subject information of the subject P (ID, name, date of birth, sex, height, weight, etc.), data generation mode (B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, Doppler spectrum data, etc.). , Measurement mode (diagnostic parameters HR, PI, RI, etc.), imaging conditions such as an imaging site, disease name, symptom, examination purpose such as confirmation of treatment effect, examination time, and apparatus ID of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 are included. In addition, a code of a medical institution such as a hospital to which the device ID belongs, and a code of a region such as a prefecture, city, town, or village to which the medical institution belongs are included.

  The measurement data generation unit 6 measures the ultrasonic data output from the data storage unit 5 and generates measurement data, and the measurement data storage unit 62 stores the measurement data generated by the measurement unit 61. It has.

  The measurement unit 61 measures ultrasonic data corresponding to the inspection information output from the data storage unit 5 based on the inspection information supplied from the system control unit 9. Further, when a measurement operation is performed on the ultrasound data output from the data storage unit 5 from the operation unit 8, the ultrasound data is measured. Then, the measurement data generated by the measurement is output to the data storage unit 5 and the measurement data storage unit 62.

  Note that, for B-mode image data representing an organ in the subject P obtained from the data storage unit 5, a linear distance, a curved distance, an angle, a perimeter, an area, a volume, and the like are measured. For each of a plurality of Doppler spectrum data output from the data storage unit 5 at predetermined time intervals and representing a moving body such as a blood cell in the subject P, the maximum blood flow rate or the average blood flow rate is calculated, A trace waveform indicating a time change of the maximum blood flow rate or the average blood flow rate is generated. Further, various diagnostic parameters relating to blood flow dynamic diagnosis are measured based on the trace waveform.

  Here, the measurement part 61 respond | corresponds to the test | inspection information output from the data storage part 5, when the information of the measurement mode for measuring ultrasonic data is contained in the test | inspection information supplied from the system control part 9. FIG. It is determined that the ultrasonic data can be measured, and measurement is performed according to the measurement mode to generate measurement data. Next, when a freeze ON operation is performed to freeze the measurement data in the measurement process according to the measurement mode from the operation unit 8, classification information (measurement) for identifying the measurement data is generated for the measurement data generated at the time of operation. Classification information) and inspection information corresponding to the measurement data are added and output to the measurement data storage unit 62 and the data storage unit 5.

  On the other hand, when the examination information includes information of “diagnostic parameters HR, PI, RI” in the measurement mode, for example, as described in Patent Document 2, the trace waveform is output from the Doppler spectrum data output from the data storage unit 5. Is generated, and measurement data is generated by measurement in the period of the waveform peak ED (End of Diastroic) that occurs in the diastole of the generated trace waveform, and “diagnostic parameters HR, PI, RI” of the measurement classification information in the measurement mode And inspection information.

  Further, when the measurement information is not included in the inspection information supplied from the system control unit 9 and the measurement operation and the measurement classification information input operation are performed from the operation unit 8, it is determined that the measurement is possible. Measure the ultrasonic data in the region of the ultrasonic data based on the input information of the measurement operation and the measurement classification information input operation on the ultrasonic data output from the data storage unit 5 when the freeze ON operation is performed from the operation unit 8. I do. Then, for example, measurement data such as a linear distance between two points, a perimeter, and an area is generated, and after adding inspection information and measurement classification information corresponding to the generated measurement data, the measurement data storage unit 62 and the data storage unit 5 Output to.

  Further, when the inspection information supplied from the system control unit 9 does not include the measurement mode information, the freeze OFF operation is performed without performing the measurement operation after the freeze ON operation is performed from the operation unit 8. Then, it is determined whether the ultrasonic data output from the data storage unit 5 at the time when the freeze ON operation is performed can be measured.

  If the examination information includes measurement conditions such as “B mode image data” in the data generation mode set in advance and “heart” of the imaging region, it is determined that measurement is possible, and the ultrasonic data Measurement is performed to generate measurement data, and after adding measurement classification information and inspection information corresponding to the generated measurement data, the measurement data is output to the measurement data storage unit 62.

  Here, when the examination information includes measurement conditions such as “B mode image data” in the data generation mode and “heart” of the imaging region, the B mode image data output from the data storage unit 5 is shown in FIG. An outline 71 of the heart is extracted, and an area 72 indicated by diagonal lines calculated from the extracted outline 71 is generated as measurement data. Then, for example, “heart area” and examination information, which are measurement classification information, are added to the generated measurement data.

  Furthermore, when the measurement mode information is not included in the examination information supplied from the system control unit 9, if a storage start operation and a storage end operation are performed from the operation unit 8, the storage start operation and the storage end operation are performed. It is determined whether or not the ultrasonic data output from the data storage unit 5 can be measured. If the inspection information includes measurement conditions that are set in advance, it is determined that measurement is possible, the ultrasonic data is measured, measurement data is generated, and the generated measurement data is handled. After adding the measurement classification information and the inspection information, the information is output to the measurement data storage unit 62.

  When the examination information includes measurement conditions such as “B-mode image data” as the data generation mode and “heart” as the imaging part, the B-mode image output from the data storage unit 5 between the storage start operation and the storage end operation The heart area is calculated for each frame of data. Then, the maximum value and the minimum value of the areas calculated between the storage start operation and the storage end operation are obtained as the area of the heart at the end diastole and the end systole, respectively, and the areas of the generated maximum value and minimum value are calculated. The measurement classification information “end-diastolic heart area”, “end-systolic heart area”, and examination information are added to the measurement data.

  Thus, based on the inspection information supplied from the system control unit 9, it is determined that the ultrasonic data corresponding to the inspection information including the measurement mode or the measurement condition is the ultrasonic data that can be measured, and the ultrasonic wave Measurement data can be generated from the data. Further, based on the measurement operation input from the operation unit 8, the ultrasonic data corresponding to the measurement operation can be determined as the ultrasonic data that can be measured, and the measurement data can be generated from the ultrasonic data.

  The measurement data storage unit 62 stores the measurement data output from the measurement unit 61. When a measurement data transmission operation is performed from the operation unit 8, the measurement data selected by the transmission operation is output to the interface 63.

  The interface 63 transmits the measurement data output from the measurement data storage unit 62 of the measurement data generation unit 6 to the measurement data processing device 80 via the network 100. Further, when an external measurement operation from the operation unit 8 and an input operation of the device ID of the measurement data generation device 102 are performed, the ultrasound data to which the examination information output from the data storage unit 5 is added is transmitted via the network 100. To the measurement data generation device 102 having the device ID.

  The display unit 7 includes a display data memory, a conversion circuit, and a monitor such as a liquid crystal panel or a CRT. The B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, Doppler spectrum data, trace waveform data, measurement data, etc. are synthesized in a display data memory according to a predetermined format, and D / A conversion and TV format conversion are performed by a conversion circuit. Is displayed on the monitor.

  The operation unit 8 includes input devices such as various switches, a keyboard, a trackball, and a mouse, and a touch command screen on the operation panel. The operation information input operation for performing ultrasonic imaging of the subject P, and the inspection start and end operations are performed. Operation input such as freeze ON / OFF operation, measurement operation, measurement data transmission operation, external measurement operation, and device ID input operation of the measurement data generation apparatus is performed using the input device and the touch command screen.

  The system control unit 9 includes a CPU and a storage circuit (not shown), and various input information supplied from the operation unit 8 is stored in the storage circuit. The CPU controls the ultrasonic data generation unit 4, the data storage unit 5, the measurement data generation unit 6, the interface 63, the display unit 7, and the entire system based on these pieces of information.

  Next, the configuration of the measurement data generation device 102 in the measurement data processing system 90 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the measurement data generation apparatus 102a. The measurement data generation apparatus 102a is provided for measuring the ultrasonic data obtained by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101.

  The measurement data generating apparatus 102a includes an interface 63a that receives ultrasonic data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 via the network 100, an ultrasonic data storage unit 5a that stores ultrasonic data received by the interface 63a, A measurement data generation unit 6a that measures ultrasonic data stored in the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a and generates measurement data; a display unit 7 that displays the ultrasonic data stored in the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a; An operation unit 8a for inputting various command signals and a control unit 9a for controlling these units in an integrated manner are provided.

  The interface 63a receives the ultrasound data to which the examination information transmitted from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 101 is added and stores it in the ultrasound data storage unit 5a. In addition, the measurement data output from the measurement data generation unit 6 a is transmitted to the measurement data processing device 80 via the network 100.

  The ultrasonic data storage unit 5a stores the ultrasonic data output from the interface 63a and the measurement data output from the measurement data generation unit 6a and outputs the data to the display unit 7.

  The measurement data generation unit 6a measures the ultrasonic data output from the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a and generates measurement data, and the measurement data storage unit stores the measurement data generated by the measurement unit 61a. 62.

  The measurement unit 61a measures the ultrasonic data based on the inspection information added to the ultrasonic data output from the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a. Further, when a measurement operation is performed from the operation unit 8a on the ultrasonic data output from the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a, the ultrasonic data is measured. Then, the measurement data generated by the measurement is output to the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a and the measurement data storage unit 62.

  Here, when the measurement information is included in the inspection information, the measurement unit 61a determines that measurement is possible for the ultrasonic data to which the inspection information is added, and performs measurement according to the measurement mode. Generate measurement data. Next, the measurement classification information and the examination information are added to the measurement data generated when the freeze OFF operation is performed from the operation unit 8a, and the result is output to the measurement data storage unit 62 and the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a.

  When the examination information does not include measurement mode information, the operation unit 8a is further applied to the ultrasonic data output from the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a when the freeze ON operation is performed from the operation unit 8a. When the measurement operation and the measurement classification information input operation are performed, it is determined that the ultrasonic data can be measured, and measurement is performed in the ultrasonic data area based on the input information of the measurement operation. And after producing | generating measurement data and adding the said test | inspection information and the said measurement classification | category information corresponding to the produced | generated measurement data, it outputs to the measurement data storage part 62 and the ultrasonic data storage part 5a.

  Further, when the measurement information is not included in the examination information, it is output from the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a when the freeze ON operation is performed from the operation unit 8a, and until the freeze OFF operation is performed from the operation unit 8a. It is determined whether or not measurement is possible for ultrasonic data for which no measurement operation has been performed from the operation unit 8 during the period. If the inspection information includes measurement conditions that are set in advance, it is determined that measurement is possible, the ultrasonic data is automatically measured to generate measurement data, and the generated measurement After adding the measurement classification information and inspection information corresponding to the data, the data is output to the measurement data storage unit 62.

  Further, when the measurement information is not included in the examination information, when the storage start operation and the storage end operation are performed from the operation unit 8a, the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a performs the operation between the storage start operation and the storage end operation. It is determined whether or not the output ultrasonic data can be measured. If the inspection information includes measurement conditions set in advance, it is determined that measurement is possible, measurement of the ultrasonic data is performed to generate measurement data, and the measurement classification corresponding to the generated measurement data After adding the information and the inspection information, the information is output to the measurement data storage unit 62.

  As described above, based on the inspection information added to the ultrasonic data, the ultrasonic data including the measurement mode or the measurement condition is determined to be measurable ultrasonic data, and the measurement data is generated from the ultrasonic data. can do. Further, based on the measurement operation input from the operation unit 8, the ultrasonic data corresponding to the measurement operation can be determined as the ultrasonic data that can be measured, and the measurement data can be generated from the ultrasonic data.

  The display unit 7 displays ultrasonic data and measurement data output from the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a.

  The operation unit 8a includes an input device such as various switches, a keyboard, a trackball, and a mouse on the operation panel and a touch command screen, and an operation input such as a measurement operation and a measurement data transmission operation uses the input device and the touch command screen. It is done.

  The control unit 9a includes a CPU and a storage circuit (not shown), and various input information supplied from the operation unit 8a is stored in the storage circuit. The CPU controls the interface 63a, the ultrasonic data storage unit 5a, the measurement data generation unit 6a, the display unit 7 and the entire system based on these pieces of information.

  Next, the configuration of the measurement data processing device 80 and the terminal device 201 in the measurement data processing system 90 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the measurement data processing device 80 and the terminal device 201.

  The measurement data processing apparatus 80 includes an interface 81 that receives measurement data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 and the measurement data generation apparatus 102 via the network 100, and a measurement data storage unit that stores the measurement data received by the interface 81. 82 and a measurement data processing unit 83 that searches for desired measurement data from the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 82 and generates statistical data.

  Further, the measurement data processing device 80 is a display unit 84 that displays the statistical data generated by the measurement data processing unit 83, and an operation for inputting a statistical processing condition and statistical data display of the measurement data and various commands. A control unit 86 that controls the interface 85, the interface 81, the measurement data storage unit 82, the measurement data processing unit 83, and the display unit 84.

  The interface 81 receives the measurement data to which the inspection information and the measurement classification information transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 and the measurement data generation apparatus 102 are added via the network 100, and then outputs the measurement data to the measurement data storage unit 82. . Also, search information and statistical processing information (average value, standard deviation, range, maximum value, minimum value, regression equation, correlation coefficient, p-value, etc.) that are conditions for statistical processing of measurement data transmitted from the terminal device 201 ) Is received via the network 100 and then output to the measurement data processing unit 83. Further, the statistical data output from the measurement data processing unit 83 is returned to the terminal device 201 via the network 100 in accordance with the statistical processing condition of the measurement data from the terminal device 201.

  The search information includes at least one of a disease name, a symptom, a test purpose such as confirmation of a treatment effect, an examination date, a region code, etc. excluding subject information such as ID and name in the examination information. Information and measurement classification information.

  The measurement data storage unit 82 includes a storage device such as a magnetic disk, and includes various measurement data obtained from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 and the measurement data generation apparatus 102 output from the interface 81, and the measurement data processing unit 83. Centrally save the output statistical data.

  Based on the search information and statistical processing information input from the operation unit 85 or the search information and statistical processing information transmitted from the terminal device 201, the measurement data processing unit 83 acquires all the measurement data to which the search information is added. Then, the measurement data storage unit 82 is searched and read. The read measurement data is statistically processed in accordance with the statistical processing information, and various statistical data such as an average value and standard deviation are generated, and then stored in the measurement data storage unit 82 and also displayed on the display unit 84 and the interface 81. Output.

  In this manner, measurement data that can be classified in various ways based on the search information can be searched, and statistical data can be generated from the searched measurement data.

  The display unit 84 includes a liquid crystal panel or a CRT monitor, and displays information such as statistical data output from the measurement data processing unit 83 and measurement data processing information input from the operation unit 85.

  The operation unit 85 includes input devices such as various switches, a keyboard, and a mouse on the operation panel. The operation unit 85 inputs search information and statistical processing information for generating statistical data, and statistics stored in the measurement data storage unit 82. Perform input operation to display data.

  The control unit 86 includes a CPU and a storage circuit (not shown), and various input information supplied from the operation unit 85 is stored in the storage circuit. Then, based on input information from the operation unit 85 and transmission information from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 and the terminal device 201, the CPU 81 includes an interface 81, a measurement data storage unit 82, a measurement data processing unit 83, and a display unit 84. To control.

  The terminal device 201 is installed in a medical institution that performs statistical analysis of diagnosis and treatment effects, a research institution that requires statistical data for research, and the like, and search information and statistics for desired statistical data requested by these institutions. Processing information is transmitted to the measurement data processing device 80 via the network 100, and statistical data returned from the measurement data processing device 80 is received.

  In this way, a statistical data requesting organization such as a medical institution or research institution having the terminal device 201 can obtain desired statistical data from various types of measurement data that can be classified, and analyzes based on the obtained statistical data. And can provide useful information on diagnosis and treatment to the medical field.

Hereinafter, the operation of the measurement data processing system 90 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measurement data processing system 90. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 in the measurement data processing system 90, first, measurement data generated by measurement of B-mode image data obtained by ultrasonic imaging for determination of an imaging region and determined to be measurable, and thereafter Measurement data generated by measuring Doppler spectrum data determined to be measurable for the diagnosis is transmitted to the measurement data processing device 80 via the network 100. On the other hand, the measurement data processing device 80 stores the measurement data received from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101. Further, based on the measurement data processing information transmitted from the terminal device 201, statistical data is collected from the measurement data collected in advance from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 and the measurement data generation apparatus 102 and concentratedly stored in the measurement data storage unit 82. It is generated and sent back to the terminal device 201 via the network 100.

  First, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 uses, for example, the data generation mode “B-mode image data”, the imaging part “heart”, the imaging conditions necessary for imaging of the data generation mode and the imaging part, After an operation for inputting examination information such as subject information of the specimen P is performed, an examination start operation is performed (step S1).

  Based on the input information from the operation unit 8, the system control unit 9 instructs the ultrasonic data generation unit 4, the data storage unit 5, the measurement data generation unit 6, and the display unit 7 to perform ultrasonic imaging. Then, when the operator places the ultrasonic probe 1 in the vicinity of the imaging region of the subject P, the B-mode data generation unit 31 in the ultrasonic data generation unit 4 uses the signal output from the reception unit 22 to detect the vicinity of the imaging region. B-mode image data is generated and output to the data storage unit 5. The data storage unit 5 stores the B-mode image data in the vicinity of the imaging region output from the B-mode data generation unit 31 and outputs it to the measurement data generation unit 6 and the display unit 7. Accordingly, B-mode image data is displayed on the display unit 7 in real time.

  Next, the operator freezes at the timing when desired B-mode image data such as the diastole or systole of the heart is displayed on the display unit 7 in order to obtain image data for confirming the imaging region to be examined. Perform ON operation. At the time when the freeze ON operation is performed, the B-mode image data output from the data storage unit 5 is output to the display unit 7, and the stationary B-mode image data is displayed on the display unit 7.

  Next, when the operator looks at the stationary B-mode image data displayed on the display unit 7 and determines that the imaging part is necessary for diagnosis, the operator sets the “diagnostic parameters HR, “PI, RI” and inspection information such as imaging conditions necessary for imaging in this measurement mode are input.

  The measurement unit 61 of the measurement data generation unit 6 is the B mode image data output from the data storage unit 5 when the freeze ON operation is performed from the operation unit 8, that is, the stationary B mode displayed on the display unit 7. The image data includes information such as “B mode image data” in the data generation mode and “heart” of the imaging region in the examination information supplied from the system control unit 9. Judge that measurement is possible.

  When the freeze-off operation is performed without performing the measurement operation after the freeze-on operation is performed from the operation unit 8, for example, the contour line 71 illustrated in FIG. 4 is extracted from the B-mode image data, and the extracted contour line is extracted. From 71, measurement data of the area 72 of the shaded portion is generated. Then, after adding the “cardio area” of the measurement classification information corresponding to the generated measurement data of the area 72 and the examination information, the measurement data is stored in the measurement data storage unit 62 (step S2).

  When a freeze-off operation is performed from the operation unit 8, a measurement operation is further performed on the B-mode image data displayed on the display unit 7 to extract the contour line 71 shown in FIG. Can also be measured.

  Next, the system control unit 9 sends “diagnostic parameters HR,” of the measurement mode, which is input information from the operation unit 8, to the ultrasonic data generation unit 4, the data storage unit 5, the measurement data generation unit 6, and the display unit 7. Instructs measurement based on “PI, RI”. Then, when the operator places the ultrasonic probe 1 on the imaging region of the subject P, the B-mode data generation unit 31 and the Doppler data generation unit 32 of the ultrasonic data generation unit 4 receive the B mode according to the signal from the reception unit 22. Image data, color Doppler image data, and Doppler spectrum data are generated and output to the data storage unit 5.

  The data storage unit 5 stores the B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, and Doppler spectrum data output from the ultrasound data generation unit 4, and outputs the B-mode image data and color Doppler image data to the display unit 7. Then, the Doppler spectrum data is output to the measurement data generation unit 6.

  The measurement unit 61 of the measurement data generation unit 6 is based on the “diagnostic parameters HR, PI, RI” of the measurement mode included in the examination information supplied from the system control unit 9 and the Doppler spectrum output from the data storage unit 5. Generate trace waveform data from the data. Then, measurement data of “diagnostic parameters HR, PI, RI” is generated from the generated trace waveform data, and the trace waveform and measurement data are output to the data storage unit 5.

  The data storage unit 5 stores the trace waveform data and measurement data output from the measurement unit 61 and outputs them to the display unit 7. On the monitor of the display unit 7, the B-mode image data, color Doppler image data, Doppler spectrum data, trace waveform data, and measurement data output from the data storage unit 5 are combined and displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display area of each data displayed on the monitor of the display unit 7 and an example of this data. On this monitor, an image data display area 73 for displaying B-mode image data and color Doppler image data, a trace waveform display area 74 for displaying Doppler spectrum data and trace waveform data, and a diagnostic parameter “HR”. ”,“ PI ”, and“ RI ”measurement data display area 75 is displayed.

  In the image data display area 73, the B-mode image data and the color Doppler image data are combined and image data including the blood vessel image data 77 is displayed in real time. Further, a Doppler marker 76 indicating the detection direction of the Doppler signal and a position marker 78 indicating the position for detecting the Doppler signal set in the crossing region of the Doppler marker 76 and the blood vessel image data 77 are displayed on the image data.

  In the trace waveform data display area 74, the trace waveform data Cp of the maximum flow velocity and the trace waveform Cc of the average flow velocity are superimposed on the Doppler spectrum data and displayed in real time. Further, a PS marker (×) and an ED marker (+) are displayed on the trace waveform data Cp of the maximum flow velocity.

  In the measurement data display area 75, “HR”, “PI”, “RI” measured from the trace waveform Cp in the latest ED marker (+) section (ED-ED section) displayed in the trace waveform data display area 74 are displayed. ”Is displayed as a list.

  Next, when the freeze ON operation is performed from the operation unit 8, the measurement unit 61 causes the trace waveform Cp in the last measured ED-ED section at the time when the freeze ON operation is performed and the finally measured diagnostic parameters HR, PI, RI measurement data is output to the data storage unit 5. Further, the test data corresponding to the measurement data is added to the measurement data of the diagnostic parameters HR, PI, RI finally measured in the last measured ED-ED section and stored in the measurement data storage unit 62 (step of FIG. 5). S3).

  The data storage unit 5 stores the measurement data of the trace waveform Cp and the final measured diagnostic parameters HR, PI, and RI in the last measured ED marker (+) section (ED-ED section) output from the measurement unit 61. .

  When the inspection end operation is performed from the operation unit 8 when desired measurement data is obtained, the system control unit 9 includes the ultrasonic data generation unit 4, the data storage unit 5, the measurement data generation unit 6, and the display. Each unit of the unit 7 is instructed to stop, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 ends the examination.

  When the measurement data transmission operation of the subject P is performed from the operation unit 8 after the examination is completed, the measurement data storage unit 62 follows the measurement data generated from the ultrasound data stored during the examination of the subject P and the measurement mode. The measured measurement data is output to the interface 63.

  The interface 63 transmits the measurement data of the subject P output from the measurement data storage unit 62 to the measurement data processing device 80 via the network 100 (step S4).

  The interface 81 of the measurement data processing apparatus 80 outputs the measurement data of the subject P received from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 via the network 100 to the measurement data storage unit 82. The measurement data storage unit 82 stores the measurement data output from the interface 81 (step S5 in FIG. 5).

  On the other hand, when search information and statistical processing information are transmitted from the terminal device 201, the interface 81 of the measurement data processing device 80 receives the search information and statistical processing information from the terminal device 201 via the network 100, and then performs measurement. The data is output to the data processing unit 83 (step S6 in FIG. 5).

  The measurement data processing unit 83 searches the measurement data storage unit 82 for all measurement data to which the search information is added based on the search information and statistical processing information from the terminal device 201 output from the interface 81. Then, statistical data of the statistical processing information is generated (step S7 in FIG. 5).

  Thereafter, the generated statistical data is stored in the measurement data storage unit 82 and output to the interface 81. The interface 81 returns the statistical data output from the measurement data processing unit 83 to the terminal device 201 via the network 100 (step S8).

  Then, when the terminal device 201 receives the statistical data returned from the measurement data processing unit 83 via the network 100, the operation of the measurement data processing system 90 ends (step S9 in FIG. 5).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 or the measurement data generation apparatus 102 generates measurement data from measurable ultrasonic data obtained by ultrasonic imaging, and generates the generated measurement data. After adding corresponding measurement classification information and inspection information, by transmitting to the measurement data processing device 90 via the network 100, various measurement data can be centrally stored in the measurement data processing device 80.

  Further, the measurement data processing device 80 can search for measurement data that can be classified in various ways based on the search information transmitted from the terminal device 201, and can generate statistical data from the searched measurement data. Then, by returning the generated statistical data to the terminal device 201, a medical institution or research institution having the terminal device 201 can obtain statistical data of measurement data that can be classified in various ways, which is useful for diagnosis and treatment. Statistical analysis can be performed.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the measurement data processing system which concerns on the Example of this invention, and this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The block diagram which shows the structure of the measurement data processing system which concerns on the Example of this invention, and this measurement data processing apparatus. The block diagram which shows the structure of the measurement data processing system which concerns on the Example of this invention, and this measurement data generation apparatus. The figure which shows the outline and area of the extracted heart which concern on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the measurement data processing system which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the ultrasonic data and measurement data which are displayed on the display part which concerns on the Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

P Subject 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Transmission / reception unit 3 Data generation unit 4 Ultrasound data generation unit 5 Data storage unit 6, 6a Measurement data generation unit 7 Display unit 8, 8a Operation unit 9 System control unit 21 Transmission unit 22 Reception unit 31 B mode data generation unit 32 Doppler data generation unit 61, 61a Measurement unit 62 Measurement data storage unit 63, 63a Interface 80 Measurement data processing device 81 Interface 82 Measurement data storage unit 83 Measurement data processing unit 84 Display unit 85 Operation unit 86 Control unit 90 Measurement data processing system 100 Network 101, 101a to 101n Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 102, 102a to 102n Measurement data generation apparatus 201, 201a to 201n Terminal apparatus

Claims (5)

A measurement data processing system in which an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a measurement data processing apparatus that processes measurement data generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are connected by a network,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises:
An input means for inputting examination information of the subject;
Ultrasonic data generating means for generating ultrasonic data by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to the subject;
Based on the examination information input by the input unit, the ultrasonic data generated by the ultrasonic data generation unit is measured to generate first measurement data, and the generated first measurement data is included in the first measurement data. Measuring means for adding measurement classification information for identifying the measurement data and inspection information corresponding to the first measurement data;
Transmission means for transmitting the second measurement data to which the measurement classification information and the inspection information are added by the measurement means to the measurement data processing device via the network;
The measurement data processing device includes:
Receiving means for receiving the second measurement data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via the network;
Measurement data storage means for storing the second measurement data received by the receiving means;
Based on the search information including the inspection information and the measurement classification information transmitted from the terminal device installed in the statistical data requesting organization that requests the desired statistical data, the second measurement data to which the search information is added A measurement data processing system comprising: statistical data generation means for reading out from the measurement data storage means and generating statistical data. The examination information includes data generation mode of ultrasonic data generated by the ultrasonic data generation means and information on the imaging part of the subject,
The measurement unit is configured to measure ultrasonic data generated by the ultrasonic data generation unit when the examination information includes a preset data generation mode and a measurement condition of an imaging region. The measurement data processing system according to claim 1.   When the data generation mode is B-mode image data and the imaging region is a heart, the measuring unit extracts a contour line from the B-mode image data generated by the ultrasonic data generation unit, and extracts the extracted contour 3. The measurement data processing system according to claim 2, wherein the area of the surface surrounded by the line is measured.   The measurement unit is configured to measure ultrasonic data generated by the ultrasonic data generation unit when the examination information includes information on a measurement mode for measuring ultrasonic data. Item 2. A measurement data processing system according to Item 1. A measurement data processing system in which a measurement data generation apparatus that measures ultrasonic data obtained from an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a measurement data processing apparatus that processes measurement data generated by the measurement data generation apparatus are connected via a network Because
The measurement data generation device includes:
Based on the examination information added to the ultrasound data obtained from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasound data is measured to generate first measurement data, and the generated first measurement data is included in the first measurement data. Measuring means for adding measurement classification information for identifying the measurement data and inspection information corresponding to the first measurement data;
Transmission means for transmitting the second measurement data to which the measurement classification information and the inspection information are added by the measurement means to the measurement data processing device via the network;
The measurement data processing device includes:
Receiving means for receiving the second measurement data transmitted from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via the network;
Measurement data storage means for storing the second measurement data received by the receiving means;
Based on the search information including the inspection information and the measurement classification information transmitted from the terminal device installed in the statistical data requesting organization that requests the desired statistical data, the second measurement data including the search information is obtained. A measurement data processing system comprising: statistical data generation means for reading out from the measurement data storage means and generating statistical data.

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