JP2014100270A - Ultrasound image device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasound image device capable of generating a panoramic image easily with excellent operability.SOLUTION: An ultrasound image device includes: a probe which transmits ultrasonic waves and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by a measured object; a probe image operation part which generates an ultrasound image from the received data of the ultrasonic waves; a progress display part 81 which guides a speed for moving the probe; and a panoramic image operation part which combines a plurality of ultrasound images to generate a panoramic image 87.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

  Diagnosis using ultrasound is widely performed. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe, and an operator applies the probe to the surface of a subject such as a human body and transmits ultrasonic waves toward the body. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus receives the ultrasonic waves reflected from the interface in the body and processes the signals. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays a tomographic image of an internal organ of the patient.

  The measurement range of the measurement site may exceed the range in which tomographic images can be displayed at once with the probe. At this time, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of scanning a probe along a subject to display a tomographic image in a panoramic manner. According to this, an image is formed from a stationary probe. Next, the probe is moved to form an image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus detects the overlapping part of the two images, and detects the amount of movement and the angle of rotation of the probe while the image is captured. The images are combined using the data of the movement amount, the rotation angle, and the image data. Then, a panoramic image is formed by connecting a plurality of image data.

JP 2000-217815 A

  When the probe acquires image data, if the amount of movement of the probe is small, a large number of images are required to form a panoramic image. Therefore, the operation is inefficient. Further, when the amount of movement of the probe is too large, there is no overlapping portion between the two images, and the images cannot be connected.

  A panoramic image with high quality can be obtained efficiently when the probe movement and the processing speed when forming an image are appropriate. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1, there is no means for notifying the operator of an appropriate speed for the operator to move the probe. Therefore, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus that can easily create a panoramic image with good operability has been desired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1]
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to this application example, wherein a probe that transmits ultrasonic waves and receives ultrasonic waves reflected on an object to be measured, and an image forming unit that forms an ultrasonic image based on the received ultrasonic data And a guide unit that guides the moving speed of the probe, and a panoramic image forming unit that forms a panoramic image by combining the plurality of ultrasonic images.

  According to this application example, the probe transmits an ultrasonic wave toward the object to be measured, and receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the object to be measured. An image forming unit forms an image using ultrasonic data. The speed at which the guide moves the probe is guided to a predetermined speed. The operator is prompted by the guide and moves the probe at a predetermined speed. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can obtain images of a plurality of places. Then, the panorama image forming unit synthesizes the images to form a panorama image.

  Since the guide moves the probe to a suitable speed, the operator can operate the probe according to the instructions of the guide. Therefore, the operator can operate the probe so that an image can be formed in an arrangement suitable for forming a high-quality ultrasonic panoramic image. As a result, since an appropriate image can be easily created, the apparatus of this application example can be an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with good operability.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system. The electric control block diagram which shows the structure of an ultrasonic diagnosing system. The electric control block diagram which shows the structure of a terminal. 6 is a flowchart of an ultrasonic diagnostic method. The flowchart of a panorama measurement process. The flowchart of setting mode. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the ultrasonic diagnostic method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the ultrasonic diagnostic method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the ultrasonic diagnostic method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the ultrasonic diagnostic method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the ultrasonic diagnostic method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the ultrasonic diagnostic method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the guide of the moving speed of a probe in connection with a modification.

In the present embodiment, characteristic examples of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as an ultrasonic image apparatus and an image forming method for forming an ultrasonic image using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, each member in each drawing is illustrated with a different scale for each member in order to make the size recognizable on each drawing.
(Embodiment)
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 as an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 includes a probe 3 and a control unit 4 that controls the probe 3, and the probe 3 and the control unit 4 are electrically connected by a cord 5.

  The probe 3 includes an ultrasonic oscillation element that transmits ultrasonic waves. The probe 3 is disposed in contact with the device under test 6, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the probe 3 toward the device under test 6. Then, the reflected wave reflected inside the DUT 6 irradiates the probe 3. The probe 3 includes a sensor element that detects ultrasonic waves inside, and the sensor element detects ultrasonic waves. The types of the ultrasonic oscillation element and the sensor element are not particularly limited, but a piezoelectric element such as a PZT (lead zirconate titanate) element or a PDVF (polyvinylidene fluoride) element can be used. In this embodiment, a PZT element that is one of piezoelectric elements is used. The sensor element can be the same element as the ultrasonic oscillation element, and the ultrasonic oscillation element may also serve as the sensor element.

  The control unit 4 controls the operation of the probe 3 and forms an image signal based on the signal that has received the ultrasonic wave. A wireless LAN router 8 (Local Area Network) is installed in the control unit 4 via a cord 7. Then, the control unit 4 outputs various data such as the formed image signal to the wireless LAN router 8. The wireless LAN router 8 is electrically connected to the terminal 10 via the LAN cable 9. The terminal 10 communicates with the control unit 4 via the wireless LAN router 8.

  The wireless LAN router 8 includes an antenna 8a, and the terminal 10 also includes an antenna 10a. Some of the terminals 10 communicate with the wireless LAN router 8 using radio waves as a medium. The terminal 10 communicates with the control unit 4 via the wireless LAN router 8. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 includes a plurality of terminals 10, and the plurality of terminals 10 can receive data from the control unit 4 via the wireless LAN router 8.

  Each terminal 10 includes an input unit 10b and a display unit 10c. The operator confirms the image and character information displayed on the display unit 10c. Next, the operator can operate the input unit 10b to input characters and operate marks such as icons that can be moved on the image.

  The type of the display unit 10c is not particularly limited, and a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, an organic light emitting diode, or the like can be used. The input unit 10b is not particularly limited, and a keyboard, a mouse pad, a touch panel, or the like can be used.

  FIG. 2 is an electric control block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic system. As shown in FIG. 2, the probe 3 mainly includes a detection unit 11 and a drive unit 12 that drives the detection unit 11. Although the form of the detection part 11 is not specifically limited, For example, in this embodiment, the piezoelectric element array by which 64 piezoelectric elements were arrange | positioned along a straight line is provided. The drive unit 12 includes a multiplexer, and the drive unit 12 selects and drives the piezoelectric element. As a result, the piezoelectric element vibrates and transmits pulsed ultrasonic waves. When the reflected wave reflected inside the DUT 6 reaches the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element vibrates. The piezoelectric element includes a pair of electrodes and outputs a voltage signal to the electrodes in response to vibration.

  The drive unit 12 receives and calculates voltage signals output from a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The drive unit 12 appropriately adjusts the timing of voltage signals output from many piezoelectric elements. Then, focus processing is performed for focusing on a predetermined location of the ultrasonic image constituted by the reflected waves.

  The control unit 4 includes an input / output unit 13, and the drive unit 12 outputs a focus-processed signal to the input / output unit 13. An AD converter 14 (Analog Digital) is installed in connection with the input / output unit 13, and the AD converter 14 converts a signal input from the probe 3 into a digital signal. An image composite unit 15 is installed in connection with the AD conversion unit 14, and an image memory 16 is installed in connection with the image composite unit 15. The image composite unit 15 outputs the digital signal input from the AD conversion unit 14 to the image memory 16.

  The image composite unit 15 stores data for all elements output from the piezoelectric element array of the detection unit 11 in the image memory 16. The image composite unit 15 composites data from all the elements of the piezoelectric element array to form one reflected waveform. The image composite unit 15 is connected to the input / output interface 17 and outputs a reflected waveform to the input / output interface 17.

  The input / output unit 13 is connected to the probe control unit 20, and the probe control unit 20 is also connected to the input / output interface 17. The probe control unit 20 has a function of outputting a control signal to the probe 3 via the input / output unit 13 and operating the probe 3 under predetermined driving conditions in addition to starting and stopping the measurement.

  The input / output unit 13 is connected to the input / output interface 17 and the wireless LAN router 8. The input / output unit 13 outputs an information signal output from the input / output interface 17 to the terminal 10 via the wireless LAN router 8. Furthermore, the input / output unit 13 outputs information signals input to the terminal 10 by the operator to the input / output interface 17 via the wireless LAN router 8.

  The control unit 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 that performs various types of arithmetic processing as a processor, and a memory 22 that stores various types of information. The input / output unit 13, the image composite unit 15, and the probe control unit 20 are connected to the CPU 21 via the input / output interface 17 and the data bus 23.

  The memory 22 is a concept including a semiconductor memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and an external storage device such as a hard disk and a DVD-ROM. Functionally, a storage area for storing the program software 24 in which the control procedure of the operation of the probe 3 and the communication with the terminal 10 is described is set. In addition, a storage area for storing image data 25 that is data such as a reflected waveform output from the image composite unit 15 and an ultrasonic image formed from the reflected waveform is set. In addition, a storage area for storing display data 26 that is information such as an image to be displayed on the terminal 10 and a layout is set.

  In addition, a storage area for storing measurement analysis data 27, which is data such as data used when measuring or analyzing the thickness of the DUT 6 based on the image data 25, measurement results, and analysis results, is set. Is done. In addition, a storage area for storing the human body data 28 which is data such as the configuration of the human body that is the DUT 6 is set. In addition, a storage area for storing user data 29 including the operation authority and password of the person who operates the ultrasound diagnostic system 1 is set. In addition, a work area for the CPU 21, a storage area that functions as a temporary file, and other various storage areas are set.

  The CPU 21 performs control for inspecting the DUT 6 in accordance with the program software 24 stored in the memory 22. The data acquisition control unit 30 is provided as a specific function realization unit. The data acquisition control unit 30 communicates with the probe control unit 20 and controls the probe 3 to inspect the device under test 6 and output the voltage waveform to the image composite unit 15. At this time, the data acquisition control unit 30 notifies the operator of a message indicating an instruction to move the probe 3 through the terminal 10.

  In addition, the CPU 21 has a probe image calculation unit 31 as an image forming unit. The probe image calculation unit 31 combines the reflected waveforms output from the image composite unit 15 to form an ultrasonic image. Specifically, the probe image calculation unit 31 converts the intensity of the reflected wave of each line into luminance and arranges it to form an ultrasonic image. The probe image calculation unit 31 performs other processes such as envelope processing, logarithmic conversion, noise removal, and filter processing. In addition, the CPU 21 has a panoramic image calculation unit 32 as a panoramic image forming unit. The panoramic image calculation unit 32 performs a calculation to combine a plurality of ultrasonic images and delete an overlapping place to combine them into one long panoramic image. At this time, the panoramic image calculation unit 32 superimposes and combines the two images so that the difference between the images of the overlapping locations among the images obtained by photographing the adjacent locations is minimized.

  In addition, the CPU 21 has a data analysis unit 33. The data analysis unit 33 calculates fat thickness, muscle thickness, and the like from the density of the ultrasound image and the human body data 28. In addition, the CPU 21 has an output screen calculation unit 34. The output screen calculation unit 34 calculates a display screen to be displayed on the display unit 10 c of the terminal 10. The output screen calculation unit 34 selects an ultrasound image and items to be displayed and arranges each information in a predetermined layout. Then, the output screen calculation unit 34 stores the calculated screen data in the memory 22 as display data 26.

  In addition, the CPU 21 has an output control unit 35. The output control unit 35 controls the terminal 10 to which the display screen calculated by the output screen calculation unit 34 is input from the memory 22 and transmitted. In addition, the CPU 21 includes a request input determination unit 36. The request input determination unit 36 determines whether or not to implement the request transmitted from the terminal 10. Then, each function realization unit processes the request determined to be implemented.

  In addition, the CPU 21 has a user authentication control unit 37. The user authentication control unit 37 compares the user information of the operator transmitted from the terminal 10 with the user information stored in the user data 29. Then, the user authentication control unit 37 determines whether or not the operator is permitted to operate the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2.

  In the present embodiment, each function described above is realized by program software using the CPU 21. However, when each function described above can be realized by a single electronic circuit (hardware) that does not use the CPU 21, It is also possible to use such an electronic circuit.

  FIG. 3 is an electric control block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal. In FIG. 3, the terminal 10 includes a control unit 10d that controls data communication and display operations. The control unit 10d includes a CPU 40 that performs various arithmetic processes as a processor, and a memory 41 that stores various information. Further, the input unit 10 b, the display unit 10 c, and the communication unit 42 are connected to the CPU 40 via the input / output interface 43 and the data bus 44.

  The communication unit 42 includes a LAN connection unit 42a and a wireless communication unit 42b. The LAN connection unit 42 a is connected to the wireless LAN router 8 via the LAN cable 9. The LAN connection unit 42a has a function of performing wired communication. The wireless communication unit 42b is connected to the antenna 10a. The wireless communication unit 42b connects to the wireless LAN router 8 using electromagnetic waves as a medium. The wireless communication unit 42b has a function of performing wireless communication.

  The memory 41 is a concept including a semiconductor memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and an external storage device such as a hard disk and a DVD-ROM. Functionally, a storage area for storing program software 45 in which a control procedure of the operation of the terminal 10 is described and a storage area for storing image data 46 that is image data to be displayed on the display unit 10c are set.

  In addition, a storage area for storing display data 47 that is data to be displayed on the display unit 10c is set. In addition, a storage area for storing input data 48 that is data input by the operator using the input unit 10b is set. In addition, a storage area for storing communication-related data 49 that is data such as a protocol for performing communication with the wireless LAN router 8 is set. In addition, a work area for the CPU 40, a storage area that functions as a temporary file, and other various storage areas are set.

  The CPU 40 performs control for operating the terminal 10 in accordance with the program software 45 stored in the memory 41. A communication control unit 50 is provided as a specific function realization unit. The communication control unit 50 outputs an instruction signal to the communication unit 42 to instruct to perform data communication with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. The communication control unit 50 determines whether or not a LAN connection and a wireless connection can be connected. Prioritize LAN connection, and switch to wireless connection when LAN connection is not possible. When the communication unit 42 cannot communicate, the display unit 10c displays that communication is impossible.

  In addition, the CPU 40 includes a display screen calculation unit 51. The display screen calculation unit 51 calculates a screen for displaying the display information input from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 2 and outputs display data 47 as a calculation result to the display unit 10 c and the memory 41. When the data to be displayed on the display unit 10c has been previously calculated and stored in the display data 47 of the memory 41, the display screen calculation unit 51 inputs the display data 47 from the memory 41 and outputs it to the display unit 10c.

  In addition, the CPU 40 includes an input information calculation unit 52. The input information calculation unit 52 analyzes the content input by the operator using the input unit 10b. The analyzed contents are output to the communication control unit 50 and the display screen calculation unit 51. The communication control unit 50 and the display screen calculation unit 51 perform operations according to the analyzed contents.

  Next, an ultrasonic diagnostic method using the above-described ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the ultrasonic diagnostic method, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the panorama measurement process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the setting mode. 7 to 12 are schematic diagrams for explaining the ultrasonic diagnostic method, and are diagrams showing scenes displayed on the display unit 10c.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 4, step S1 corresponds to a user authentication process. The operator activates the terminal 10. Then, the operator inputs the user name and password, and the user authentication control unit 37 confirms the operation authority. Next, the process proceeds to step S2. Step S2 corresponds to a measurement site selection step. In this process, a schematic diagram showing a human body is displayed on the display unit 10c, and a part to be measured by the operator is selected from the schematic diagram of the human body. When the abdomen is selected, the process proceeds to step S11. When a portion other than the abdomen is selected, the process proceeds to step S3.

  Step S3 corresponds to a measurement start determination step. In this step, the operator applies the probe 3 to the object 6 to be measured. This is a step of instructing the start of measurement after preparation for measurement is completed. Next, the process proceeds to step S4. Step S4 corresponds to a measurement process. In this step, the control unit 4 drives the probe 3. In this step, an image detected by the control unit 4 using ultrasonic waves is displayed on the display unit 10c of the terminal 10. In this step, the ultrasonic images detected by the probe 3 are sequentially displayed on the display unit 10c. When the operator moves the probe 3, the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit 10c is switched. Next, the process proceeds to step S5.

  Step S5 corresponds to a measurement end determination step. This is a step of determining whether the operator continues or ends the measurement. When the measurement is continued, the process proceeds to step S4. When the measurement is finished, the process proceeds to step S6.

  Step S6 corresponds to a selection process. This step is a step in which the operator selects any of data storage, analysis start, measurement site change, measurement start, work end, and the like. When data is stored, the process proceeds to step S7. When the analysis is started, the process proceeds to step S8. When changing the part to be measured, the process proceeds to step S2. When starting measurement, the process proceeds to step S4. When the work is finished, the ultrasonic diagnostic process is finished.

  Step S7 corresponds to a storage process. This step is a step of adding an attribute such as an inspection number to the measured image data 25 and storing it. Next, the process proceeds to step S6. Step S8 corresponds to an analysis process. This step is a step of calculating the thickness of fat or muscle by analyzing an ultrasonic image obtained by measurement. Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

  Step S9 corresponds to a selection process. This step is a step in which the operator selects one of data storage, measurement site change, measurement start, work end, and the like. When saving the data, the process proceeds to step S10. When changing the part to be measured, the process proceeds to step S2. When starting measurement, the process proceeds to step S4. When the work is finished, the ultrasonic diagnostic process is finished.

  Step S10 corresponds to a storage process. This step is a step of adding an attribute such as an inspection number to the measurement analysis data 27, which is the result of analysis, and saving it. Next, the process proceeds to step S7. Step S11 transferred from step S2 corresponds to a measurement method selection step. This step is a step of selecting a normal measurement method or a panorama measurement method. When selecting a normal measurement method, the process proceeds to step S3. When the panorama measurement method is selected, the process proceeds to step S12.

  Step S12 corresponds to a panorama measurement process. This step is a step in which the operator moves the probe 3 in one direction and performs ultrasonic measurement. When the measurement site is changed and measurement is continued, the process proceeds to step S2. When the work is finished, the ultrasonic diagnostic process is finished. Next, the flow of the panorama measurement process in step S12 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, step S21 corresponds to a probe installation process. This step is a step in which the operator confirms the measurement range and applies the probe 3 to the object 6 to be measured. Next, the process proceeds to step S22. Step S22 corresponds to a measurement start determination step. This is a step in which an operator instructs the start of measurement after preparation for measurement is completed. Next, the process proceeds to step S23.

  Step S23 corresponds to a detection step. This step is a step in which the detection unit 11 in the probe 3 transmits an ultrasonic wave to the DUT 6 and detects a reflected wave. The probe image calculation unit 31 combines the data for all elements output from the piezoelectric element array of the detection unit 11 to form an ultrasonic image. Next, the process proceeds to step S24. Step S24 corresponds to an end determination step. This step is a step in which the data acquisition control unit 30 determines whether all ultrasonic images in a predetermined measurement range have been acquired. When the ultrasonic image in the predetermined measurement range is acquired and the detection is completed, the process proceeds to step S27. When there is a place where an ultrasonic image has not been acquired in the measurement range and the detection is continued, the process proceeds to step S25.

  Step S25 corresponds to a movement instruction process. This step is a step of displaying on the display unit 10c a graphic for guiding the operator to move the probe 3 to the next measurement location. Next, the process proceeds to step S26. Step S26 corresponds to a probe moving process. This step is a step in which the operator moves the probe 3 to a place to be subsequently measured. Next, the process proceeds to step S23.

  Step S27 corresponds to a panorama display process. In this step, the panoramic image calculation unit 32 combines a plurality of ultrasonic images to form a panoramic image. The output control unit 35 transmits the panoramic image to the terminal 10. In the terminal 10, the input information calculation unit 52 displays a panoramic image on the display unit 10c. Next, the process proceeds to step S28.

  Step S28 corresponds to a selection process. In this step, the operator selects one of data storage, measurement site change, panorama measurement start, work end, and the like. When data is stored, the process proceeds to step S29. When changing the part to be measured, the process proceeds to step S2. When panorama measurement is started, the process proceeds to step S21. When the work is finished, the ultrasonic diagnostic process is finished. Step S29 corresponds to a storage process. This step is a step of adding an attribute such as an inspection number to the panoramic image and storing it.

  Next, the flow of the setting mode will be described with reference to FIG. The setting mode can be entered by selecting a predetermined mark displayed on the screen displayed on the display unit 10c. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, step S31 corresponds to a display process. This step is a step of displaying an image corresponding to the setting mode on the display unit 10c. Next, the process proceeds to step S32.

  Step S32 corresponds to an input process. This step is a step in which the operator changes the data of the setting item. Next, the process proceeds to step S33. Step S33 corresponds to a selection process. This step is a step in which the operator selects whether to restore the data without changing it, or to save and terminate the data. When the data is not changed, the process proceeds to step S34. When the data is saved and the setting mode is ended, the process proceeds to step S35.

  Step S34 corresponds to a restoration process. This step is a step in which the image data 46 before the display screen calculation unit 51 changes the data is input from the memory 41 and displayed on the display unit 10c. Next, the process proceeds to step S31. Step S35 corresponds to a storage process. This step is a step of storing data relating to the screen to be displayed among the data to be changed in the display data 47 of the memory 41. Of the data to be changed, data related to measurement is output to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 and stored in the measurement analysis data 27 of the memory 22. Then, the setting mode is terminated, and then the process proceeds to the step before shifting to the setting mode.

  Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic method will be described in detail using FIGS. 7 to 12 in association with the steps shown in FIGS. FIG. 7A is a diagram corresponding to the user authentication process in step S1. In step S1, the operator activates the terminal 10. Then, the operator performs a procedure for connecting to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 7, a user authentication screen 55 is displayed on the display unit 10c.

  On the user authentication screen 55, an icon 56 for identifying an operator who has already been registered and an attribute 57 of the operator are displayed. The number of operators is not particularly limited, and for example, three people are registered in this embodiment. The operator attribute 57 may be information that can identify the operator, such as a name and a membership number.

  The operator selects the icon 56 indicating himself / herself. A mark indicating a cursor 58 is displayed on the user authentication screen 55. The operator can select a registered user by operating the input unit 10 b to move the cursor 58 and operate the input unit 10 b in accordance with the icon 56. In addition, the display unit 10c is provided with a touch panel made of transparent electrodes. The operator can select a registered user by touching the icon 56 to be selected on the display unit 10c.

  When a user is selected, a password input screen (not shown) is displayed. The operator inputs a password, and when the password registered in advance matches the password input this time, the operator is authenticated as a registered user. After authentication, move to the next screen. When the passwords do not match, a guidance message indicating that the operation cannot be performed is displayed, and then the user authentication screen 55 is displayed.

  On the user authentication screen 55, a registration icon 59 for newly registering a user is displayed. The operator can newly register a user by selecting the registration icon 59. The operation of registering a user requires administrator authority, so authentication by name and password is performed. The user authentication screen 55 displays a guest icon 60 for operation by an unregistered operator. When the guest icon 60 is selected and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is operated, the operable functions are limited.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram corresponding to the measurement site selection process in step S2 and the measurement start determination process in step S3. As shown in FIG. 7B, in step S2, a measurement site selection screen 61 is displayed on the display unit 10c. A human body schematic diagram 62 is displayed on the measurement site selection screen 61, and a human body site name 62a is displayed in the human body schematic diagram 62. The operator can select a place to measure by touching the part name 62a of the human body. On the upper side of the measurement part selection screen 61 in the figure, a selection display part 63 for displaying the part name 62a of the selected human body is installed. The operator can confirm the selected place by confirming the selection display unit 63.

  A user authentication icon 64 is displayed on the upper right in the figure. The operator can switch from the measurement site selection screen 61 to the user authentication screen 55 by selecting the user authentication icon 64. On the right side of the user authentication icon 64, a setting mode icon 65 in the shape of a gear is displayed. When the operator selects the setting mode icon 65, the work process enters the setting mode, and the process proceeds to the display process in step S31. On the right side of the figure, a start switch 66 described as “START” is displayed. When the operator selects the start switch 66, the work process shifts to the measurement process in step S4.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram corresponding to the measurement site selection process in step S2 and the measurement method selection process in step S11. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the operator selects “abdomen” from the part name 62a of the human body, a panoramic switch 67 described as “PANORAMA” is displayed on the right side in the drawing. When the operator selects the panorama switch 67, the work process shifts to the panorama measurement process in step S12.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram corresponding to the measurement process in step S4 and the measurement end determination process in step S5. As shown in FIG. 8B, the measurement data display screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 10c in step S4. In the selection display section 63 on the upper side in the figure, “front upper arm” which is the part name 62a of the human body selected in step S2 is displayed.

  An ultrasonic image 71 as an image is displayed on the left side in the figure. The ultrasonic image 71 is an image displaying the result calculated by the probe image calculation unit 31. In the ultrasonic image 71, the upper side in the figure corresponds to a place with human skin, and the lower side in the figure corresponds to a place with muscles. The ultrasonic wave transmitted from the probe 3 is reflected at the interface and is reflected more strongly as the difference in acoustic impedance is larger. The ultrasonic image 71 is displayed by converting the reflection intensity of ultrasonic waves into luminance. Therefore, a brightly displayed place is a boundary between tissues constituting the human body. For example, the boundary between the fat tissue and the muscle tissue is displayed brightly. The display method of the ultrasonic image 71 is referred to as B mode display.

  On the right side of the ultrasonic image 71, a scale 71a is displayed in the vertical direction. The scale 71a indicates the depth from the skin surface, and the operator can recognize the depth from the skin surface by looking at the ultrasonic image 71 and the scale 71a.

  A reflected wave waveform 72 is displayed on the right side of the scale 71a of the ultrasonic image 71 in the figure. In the reflected wave waveform 72, the vertical axis indicates the depth from the skin surface. The horizontal axis indicates the intensity of the ultrasonic wave detected by the probe 3. The display method of the reflected wave waveform 72 is referred to as A mode display.

  The ultrasonic image 71 and the reflected wave waveform 72 are updated on the measurement data display screen 70 every time the probe image calculation unit 31 finishes the calculation of one screen. Therefore, when the operator changes the place where the probe 3 is applied to the object 6 to be measured, the ultrasonic image 71 changes.

  On the right side of the figure, a stop switch 73 described as “HOLD” is displayed. When finishing the measurement in step S5, the operator selects the stop switch 73. The update of the ultrasonic image 71 and the reflected wave waveform 72 is stopped, and the screen when the stop switch 73 is selected is held. Then, the work process shifts to the selection process in step S6.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram corresponding to the selection process in step S6. As shown in FIG. 9A, in step S6, the measurement data display screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 10c as in step S5. “HOLD” displayed on the right side of the drawing is darkened, and the stop switch 73 cannot be selected.

  A site selection icon 68 is displayed between the user authentication icon 64 and the setting mode icon 65 in the upper right part of the figure. When the operator selects the site selection icon 68, the work process shifts to the measurement site selection process in step S2. A start switch 66 described as “START” is displayed below the site selection icon 68 in the figure. When the operator selects the start switch 66, the work process shifts to the measurement process in step S4. Under the start switch 66 in the figure, an analysis switch 74 described as “ANALYZE” is displayed. When the operator selects the analysis switch 74, the work process shifts to the analysis process in step S8.

  A storage switch 75 described as “SAVE” is displayed below the analysis switch 74 in the figure. When the operator selects the save switch 75, the work process shifts to the save process in step S7. In step S 7, the ultrasonic image 71 and measurement attributes are stored in the memory 22 as image data 25 and measurement analysis data 27. The attribute of measurement is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, an operator name, measurement date, measurement site, measurement condition, and the like. After saving, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be ended using the input unit 10b.

  FIG. 9B and FIG. 10A are diagrams corresponding to the analysis process of step S8. As shown in FIG. 9B, in step S8, the measurement data display screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 10c as in step S6. In the center of the figure, a guidance sentence 76 of “Analyzing, please wait” is displayed. In parallel with the display of the guidance sentence 76, the data analysis unit 33 analyzes the ultrasonic image 71.

  The data analysis unit 33 inputs the human body data 28 from the memory 22. The human body data 28 includes information relating to the structure of the body tissue at the location being measured. When the measurement location is the front of the upper arm, the structure of the body tissue is skin, fat, muscle, and bone.

  The data analysis unit 33 detects a place where a place with high luminance is connected in a line, and determines that it is a boundary of the body tissue. Next, a body tissue name is applied to each part between the boundaries. Subsequently, the thickness of each body tissue is calculated. Next, as shown in FIG. 10A, the calculation result is displayed on the display unit 10c. Although the display method is not particularly limited, for example, in this embodiment, the range of fat tissue and muscle tissue is indicated by arrows in the ultrasonic image 71. In addition, the color may be displayed by changing the color such that the location of the fat tissue is green and the location of the muscle tissue is red. On the right side of the reflected wave waveform 72 in the figure, the calculation result is displayed in text on the calculation result display section 70a. For example, the operator can quantitatively recognize the calculation result by describing “fat thickness 8 mm” and “muscle thickness 28 mm” in the calculation result display unit 70a.

  On the right side of the calculation result display portion 70a in the figure, a storage switch 75 described as “SAVE” is displayed. When the operator selects the save switch 75, the work process shifts to the save process in step S10. In step S <b> 10, the ultrasonic image 71 on which the calculation result is displayed, the value of the calculation result, and the attribute data are stored in the memory 22 as the image data 25 and the measurement analysis data 27. After saving, the process proceeds to step S6.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram corresponding to the probe installation process in step S21 and the measurement start determination process in step S22 in the panorama measurement process in step S12. As shown in FIG. 10B, a panorama measurement screen 77 is displayed on the display unit 10c in step S21. In the selection display section 63 on the upper side in the figure, “abdomen” indicating the selected measurement site is displayed. A first ultrasonic image 80 is displayed on the left side in the figure, and an image calculated by the probe image calculation unit 31 is displayed on the first ultrasonic image 80. On the right side of the figure, a start switch 66 described as “START” is displayed.

  The operator sets a measurement range for the DUT 6. The operator brings the probe 3 into contact with the object 6 to be measured at the end of the measurement range. As a result, the probe 3 is placed on the object 6 to be measured. The operator confirms that the measured image is displayed in the first ultrasonic image 80 and determines the start of measurement. Next, when the operator selects the start switch 66, the work process shifts to the detection process of step S23.

  FIG. 11A is a diagram corresponding to the detection process in step S23, the end determination process in step S24, the movement instruction process in step S25, and the probe movement process in step S26. As shown in FIG. 11A, when step S <b> 23 is started, an image detected by the probe 3 positioned at the end of the measurement range is displayed on the first ultrasonic image 80. Then, the first ultrasonic image 80 is stored as image data 25 in the memory 22.

  In step S24, the data acquisition control unit 30 determines whether an image in a predetermined range has been acquired. Although the determination method is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the determination is made based on whether images have been continuously acquired for a predetermined time. Next, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, a horizontal bar graphic is displayed on the progress display unit 81 as a guide unit above the first ultrasonic image 80 in the drawing. The progress indicator 81 is not displayed immediately after the start of detection. The graphic of the progress indicator 81 extends from the left side to the right side at a constant speed. On the right side of the progress display portion 81, a white dot end mark 81a is displayed. The graphic of the progress indicator 81 is displayed so as to extend from the left side of the panorama measurement screen 77 to the end mark 81a. When the graphic of the progress display unit 81 reaches the end mark 81a, the data acquisition control unit 30 determines to end the detection in step S24.

  In step S <b> 25, the data acquisition control unit 30 outputs information that prompts the probe 3 to move to the output screen calculation unit 34. The output screen calculation unit 34 forms a figure of the progress display unit 81 using information for prompting the movement of the probe 3. The data acquisition control unit 30, the output screen calculation unit 34, and the progress display unit 81 constitute a guide unit. Then, the operator observes the progress display unit 81. The ratio of the figure length of the progress display portion 81 to the length from the left end of the panorama measurement screen 77 to the end mark 81a is defined as display progress. The ratio of the movement distance of the probe 3 in the measurement range of the DUT 6 is defined as movement progress. In step S26, the operator moves the probe 3 so that the display progress and the movement progress are the same. Therefore, the graphic of the progress display portion 81 is information for guiding the moving speed when the operator operates the probe 3.

  The time taken for the progress indicator 81 to reach the end mark 81a is defined as panorama shooting time. The panorama shooting time can be set in the setting mode. The panorama shooting time is preferably set between 1 second and 8 seconds, more preferably between 2 seconds and 5 seconds. If the set time is short, it is difficult to move the probe 3 along the abdomen of the object 6 to be measured. Further, when the set time exceeds 8 seconds, the moving speed is likely to fluctuate. Therefore, the operator can easily move at a constant speed when moving in the above-described time. Next, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S <b> 23, images detected by the probe 3 at regular time intervals are displayed continuously on the right side of the first ultrasonic image 80. The second ultrasonic image 82 is arranged on the right side of the first ultrasonic image 80 in the drawing. The operator can confirm whether the measurement is normally performed by looking at the ultrasonic image. Then, the progress display portion 81 extends to the right side at a constant speed. In this way, step S23 to step S26 are repeated. As a result, the ultrasonic images acquired following the first ultrasonic image 80, the second ultrasonic image 82, the third ultrasonic image 83, and the fourth ultrasonic image 84 are sequentially displayed at a constant time interval. To go.

  When the progress display unit 81 reaches the end mark 81a, the data acquisition control unit 30 determines to end the detection in step S24. Next, the process proceeds to step S27. On the panorama measurement screen 77, a cancel switch 85 labeled “CANCEL” is displayed on the right side of the drawing. Although not shown in the flowchart, the detection operation is stopped when the operator selects the stop switch 85 between step S23 and step S26, and the operation process shifts to the measurement start determination process in step S22.

  FIG. 11B is a diagram corresponding to the panorama display process of step S27. As shown in FIG. 11B, in step S27, a panorama display screen 86 is displayed on the display unit 10c. The panoramic image calculation unit 32 searches for a place where the first ultrasonic image 80 and the second ultrasonic image 82 have the same pattern. Then, the first ultrasonic image 80 and the second ultrasonic image 82 are connected and synthesized so that the places having the same pattern overlap. A similar procedure is performed on the ultrasonic images subsequent to the third ultrasonic image 83, the fourth ultrasonic image 84, and the fourth ultrasonic image 84 to form a panoramic image 87.

  The output screen calculation unit 34 inserts the panorama image 87 into the panorama display screen 86. As a result, a panorama image 87 is displayed on the panorama display screen 86 of the display unit 10c. The panoramic image 87 is an image synthesized from a plurality of ultrasonic images, and the skin and fat portions are connected and displayed. The operator can check the distribution of fat thickness by looking at the panoramic image 87.

  On the panorama display screen 86, a re-measurement switch 88 on which "RETRY" is written is displayed on the right side in the drawing. When the operator selects the re-measurement switch 88 in step S28, the work process shifts to the probe installation process in step S21. Then, the operator can perform the panorama measurement process again.

  A storage switch 75 described as “SAVE” is displayed below the re-measurement switch 88 in the drawing. When the operator selects the save switch 75, the work process shifts to the save process in step S29. In step S29, the panoramic image 87 and the attribute data are stored in the memory 22 as the image data 25 and the measurement analysis data 27. After saving, the process proceeds to step S28.

  A site selection icon 68 is displayed in the upper right part of the figure. When the operator selects the site selection icon 68, the work process shifts to the measurement site selection process in step S2. In step S28, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be ended using the input unit 10b.

  FIG. 12A is a diagram corresponding to the display process in step S31, the input process in step S32, and the selection process in step S33. As shown in FIG. 12A, in step S31, the setting mode screen 89 is displayed on the display unit 10c. On the setting mode screen 89, “waveform display On / Off” is displayed. It is possible to select whether or not to display the reflected wave waveform 72 by switching the setting of “waveform display”.

  The setting mode screen 89 displays “image display color color / monochrome”. By switching the setting of “image display color”, it is possible to select whether the ultrasonic image 71 is displayed in color or black and white. In addition, “Brightness” and “Contrast” adjustment bars are displayed. The brightness and contrast of the display unit 10c can be adjusted by operating the adjustment bar.

  In addition, although not shown, setting screens such as a screen for setting the moving speed of the progress display unit 81 and a screen for setting user icons are prepared. In step S32, the operator can input and change various setting items.

  On the right side of the figure, a re-input switch 90 labeled “GOBACK” is displayed. When the operator selects the re-input switch 90 in step S33, the setting process is not changed and the work process shifts to the display process in step S31. Then, the setting mode process can be performed again. On the upper side of the re-input switch 90 in the figure, a storage switch 91 described as “OK” is displayed. When the operator selects the save switch 91, the work process shifts to the save process in step S35.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram corresponding to the storing step of step S35. As shown in FIG. 12B, a setting mode screen 89 is displayed on the display unit 10c in step S35. On the setting mode screen 89, a guidance sentence 92 “setting changed” is displayed. Then, the display screen calculation unit 51 stores settings relating to the screen in the memory 41 as part of the display data 47. For other settings, the display screen calculation unit 51 stores the settings in the memory 41 and ends the setting mode.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to this embodiment, the operator displays the probe 3 at an appropriate speed according to the instruction of the progress display unit 81 in order to guide the moving speed when the progress display unit 81 moves the place where the ultrasonic wave is irradiated. Can be operated to move. Therefore, since the operator can easily create a high-quality ultrasonic panoramic image 87, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 can be a system with good operability.

  (2) According to the present embodiment, the operator can easily re-measure by selecting the re-measurement switch 88 when there is a defect while looking at the acquired panoramic image 87.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, the progress display unit 81 guides the moving speed of the probe 3 so as to measure between 2 seconds and 5 seconds. Therefore, the operator can obtain a panoramic image 87 measured with high quality.

  (4) According to the present embodiment, the panorama measurement screen 77 is displayed only when the abdomen is selected in the measurement site selection step of step S2. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the operator from performing panorama measurement at a place inappropriate for panorama measurement.

  (5) According to this embodiment, the moving speed of the progress display unit 81 can be changed in the setting mode. Accordingly, the operator can perform an experiment in advance and guide the probe 3 to be moved at a speed that is easy to operate.

  (6) According to the present embodiment, a plurality of terminals 10 can be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. Accordingly, the measured ultrasonic image 71 and panorama measurement screen 77 can be simultaneously viewed on a plurality of terminals 10.

Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and improvements can be added by those having ordinary knowledge in the art within the technical idea of the present invention. A modification will be described below.
(Modification 1)
In the embodiment, the moving speed of the probe 3 is guided by extending the figure of the progress display portion 81 to the right. Not limited to this, other display methods may be used. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the guide of the moving speed of the probe. For example, in FIG. 13, the display is switched from the upper graphic to the lower graphic. A countdown guidance is displayed every second from 3 seconds before the measurement is started. Thereby, the operator can prepare for the measurement start. At the time of measurement, a position for moving the probe 3 every 0.5 seconds is displayed. The operator can adjust the speed by looking at this figure.

  In addition, numbers may be used as a method for indicating the progress of the probe 3. For example, the progress ratio may be displayed in order of “0% (start), 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% (end)”. It can also be displayed when the range of the place where the progress is displayed is narrow.

(Modification 2)
In the embodiment described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 has a configuration in which the wireless LAN router 8 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 may incorporate a wireless LAN router 8. Since it is not necessary to remove the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 when moving, the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 can be easily moved.

(Modification 3)
In the embodiment, the wireless LAN router 8 and the terminal 10 communicate with each other by the LAN cable 9 or radio waves. Communication between the wireless LAN router 8 and the terminal 10 may be performed using only the LAN cable 9 or may be performed using radio waves alone. It can be configured according to the usage environment. Moreover, although the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 includes a plurality of terminals 10, the number of terminals 10 may be one. It may be adjusted to the number of people who operate.

(Modification 4)
In the embodiment, the data acquisition control unit 30 displays the progress display unit 81. However, the display screen calculation unit 51 of the terminal 10 may display the graphic of the progress display unit 81 so as to expand at a constant speed. Since communication between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 and the terminal 10 can be reduced, the responsiveness of the screen displayed on the display unit 10c can be accelerated.

(Modification 5)
In the embodiment, the probe 3 and the control unit 4 are separately connected by the cord 5. When the control unit 4 can be reduced in size, the probe control unit 20 may be built in and integrated with the probe 3.

  In the above-described embodiment, the terminal 10 including the display unit 10c has been described as a mode that is wired or wirelessly connected separately from the control unit 4, but the terminal 10 having the display unit 10c is built in the probe 3. It may be configured as an integrated form. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the terminal 10 having the probe 3, the control unit 4, the wireless LAN router 8, and the display unit 10c is integrally configured, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is connected to the terminal 10 by wire or wirelessly. Anyway.

(Modification 6)
In the embodiment, in the panorama display process in step S27, the operator confirms the panorama image 87 and determines whether or not to remeasure. When re-measurement is performed, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 2 may refer to the panoramic image 87 to determine whether the moving speed of the probe 3 is fast or slow, and display the determined result. Alternatively, the result determined by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 may be guided by voice. As a result, the operator can approach the appropriate moving speed.

(Modification 7)
In the embodiment, the progress display unit 81 that guides the moving speed of the probe 3 in the detection process of step S23 is displayed on the display unit 10c of the terminal 10. A display unit may be installed on the probe 3 and the progress display unit 81 may be displayed on the probe 3. The operator can move the probe 3 with good operability by operating the probe 3 while looking at the probe 3.

(Modification 8)
In the embodiment, the object to be measured 6 is a human body, and the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 forms an ultrasonic image of the human tissue. The ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 is effective for various objects to be imaged using ultrasonic waves, and may be used for purposes other than medical diagnosis. It may be used for purposes other than observing muscles and fats to ascertain health conditions. In that case, it is preferable to change the part name 62a of the human body on the measurement part selection screen 61 to the measurement object. The internal structure can be observed without damaging various types of objects to be measured.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as an ultrasonic image apparatus, 6 ... Measuring object, 30 ... Data acquisition control part as a guide part, 31 ... Probe image calculating part as an image formation part, 32 ... As a panoramic image formation part Panorama image calculation unit 34... Output screen calculation unit as a guide unit 71 71 Ultrasonic image as an image 81 81 Progress display unit as a guide unit 87 87 Panorama image

Claims (1)

A probe that transmits ultrasonic waves and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the object to be measured;
An image forming unit that forms an ultrasonic image based on the received ultrasonic data;
A guide for guiding the speed of moving the probe;
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising: a panoramic image forming unit configured to combine a plurality of the ultrasonic images to form a panoramic image.