JP2015160049A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device and ultrasonic diagnostic device user's posture evaluation notifying method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device and an ultrasonic diagnostic device user's posture evaluation notifying method which allow an examiner to easily grasp the quality of the posture during the ultrasonic examination.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 comprises: a posture information acquisition section 18a which acquires examiner's posture information at the time of photographing an ultrasonic image; a posture evaluation section 18b which evaluates the posture of the examiner by using the examiner's posture information acquired by the posture information acquisition section 18a; and an evaluation notification section 18d which notifies the examiner of the result evaluated by the posture evaluation section 18b.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a user posture evaluation notification method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus scans the inside of the subject with ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic probe, receives a reflected wave from the inside of the subject, and superimposes the internal state of the subject based on the intensity distribution of the reflected wave. It is an apparatus that forms an image as a sound wave image. When performing an ultrasonic examination using this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, for example, an examiner (user) puts the subject in a chair sitting position or a standing position, and himself / herself is in a sitting position or standing position. Take a picture with the probe in contact with the subject.

  It has been clarified mainly by overseas studies that such an ultrasonography is an operation that involves a risk of musculoskeletal disorder for the examiner. In addition, according to a survey by the Japanese Society of Ultrasound Medicine (for example, a survey in FY2010), there are about 66% of inspectors complaining of musculoskeletal disorders at a rate of about 66%. Symptoms have been reported. In addition, the degree of recognition that the risk of musculoskeletal disorder is in the work of ultrasonic examination itself is as low as about 40%.

  Postures at risk for musculoskeletal disorders are itemized by the Japan Society of Ultrasound Medicine based on ergonomic guidelines on working postures, etc., but at present, the posture is understood only by visual qualitative means It is not possible. In addition, the examiner tends to take a posture at risk of a musculoskeletal disorder on a daily basis in order to naturally avoid a posture that hinders the examination. Under the present circumstances, it is difficult for the inspector to grasp the quality of the posture during the ultrasonic examination, and to realize that the posture is particularly at risk.

JP 2003-70768 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an evaluation / notification method for a user posture of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that enable an inspector to easily grasp the quality of the posture during ultrasonic examination. It is.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment uses an attitude information acquisition unit that acquires attitude information of an inspector when an ultrasonic image is captured, and an inspector using the attitude information of the inspector acquired by the attitude information acquisition unit. A posture evaluation unit that evaluates the posture of the robot, and an evaluation notification unit that notifies the inspector of the evaluation result by the posture evaluation unit.

  The method for evaluating and notifying the posture of the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a step of acquiring posture information of the inspector when photographing an ultrasonic image, and using the acquired posture information of the inspector. A step of evaluating the posture, and a step of notifying the inspector of the evaluation result of the posture.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the attitude | position of the inspector which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the tester's skeleton information which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the attitude | position analysis which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the measuring method of attitude | position analysis which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the attitude | position evaluation information table which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the recommended attitude | position information table which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example (good) of alerting | reporting which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example (warning) of the alerting | reporting which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the alerting | reporting of the recommended attitude | position which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the attitude | position report which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the attitude | position evaluation process which concerns on one Embodiment.

  An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment includes an ultrasound probe 2 that transmits and receives (transmits and receives) ultrasound to and from a subject such as a patient, and the ultrasound probe 2. Is provided with a device main body 3 to be detachably connected.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 is an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in a state where the tip surface thereof is in contact with the surface of the subject. The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, which are two-dimensionally arranged on the tip surface. The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits an ultrasonic wave into the subject by each piezoelectric vibrator, scans a scan region, and receives a reflected wave from the subject as an echo signal. Examples of this scan include various scans such as a B-mode scan and a Doppler mode scan.

  The apparatus body 3 includes a transmission / reception unit 11 that transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 and receives a reflected signal from the ultrasonic probe 2, a signal processing unit 12 that processes the reflected signal, and an image that generates an ultrasonic image. A generation unit 13; a display unit 14 that displays various images; a storage unit 15 that stores various types of information; an input unit 16 that is input and operated by an operator such as an examiner; and a control unit 17 that controls each unit; A posture evaluation unit 18 for evaluating the posture of the inspector is incorporated.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 generates a drive signal for causing the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate an ultrasonic wave, that is, an electric pulse signal (excitation signal) to be applied to each piezoelectric vibrator, and transmits the electric pulse signal to the ultrasonic probe 2. To do. Further, the transmission / reception unit 11 receives a reflected signal, that is, an echo signal from the ultrasonic probe 2, performs phasing addition on the received signal, and outputs a signal acquired by the phasing addition to the signal processing unit 12. To do.

  The signal processing unit 12 includes a B mode processing unit (or Bc mode processing unit), a Doppler mode processing unit, a color Doppler mode processing unit, and the like (all not shown). The B-mode processing unit visualizes the amplitude information of the reception signal supplied from the transmission / reception unit 11 and generates B-mode signal data. The Doppler mode processing unit extracts a Doppler shift frequency component from the reception signal supplied from the transmission / reception unit 11 and further performs FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing and the like to generate Doppler signal data of blood flow information. The color Doppler mode processing unit visualizes blood flow information based on the reception signal supplied from the transmission / reception unit 11, and generates color Doppler mode signal data. The signal processing unit 12 outputs the generated various data to the image generation unit 13 and the control unit 17.

  The image generation unit 13 generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image related to the scan region based on the data supplied from the signal processing unit 12. For example, the image generation unit 13 generates volume data related to the scan region from the supplied data, and performs two-dimensional ultrasonic image data or volume rendering processing by MPR processing (multi-section reconstruction method) from the generated volume data. To generate three-dimensional ultrasonic image data. The image generation unit 13 outputs the generated two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic image to the display unit 14. Examples of the ultrasonic image include a B mode image, a Doppler mode image, a color Doppler mode image, and an M mode image.

  The display unit 14 is a display device that displays various images such as an ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 13 and an operation screen (for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions from the operator). As the display unit 14, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like can be used.

  The storage unit 15 is a storage device that stores various types of information such as programs executed by the control unit 17, data necessary for image generation, and ultrasonic images. As the storage unit 15, for example, a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used.

  The input unit 16 is an operation unit that accepts an input operation by an operator, and accepts various input operations such as an imaging instruction, image display, image switching, mode designation, and various settings. For example, a GUI or an input device such as a button or a keyboard can be used as the input unit 16.

  The control unit 17 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and reads out and executes a program based on an input signal from the input unit 16. Then, each part is controlled. For example, the control unit 17 performs control to save the data supplied from the signal processing unit 12 or data obtained by a predetermined process in the storage unit 15, and control to display an image on the display unit 14.

  The posture evaluation unit 18 includes a posture information acquisition unit 18a that acquires posture information of the examiner and the subject, a posture evaluation unit 18b that evaluates the posture of the examiner and the subject, and recommendations of the examiner and the subject. A recommended posture identifying unit 18c for identifying a posture, an evaluation notification unit 18d for reporting an evaluation result and a recommended posture, and a report creating unit 18e for creating a posture report of the inspector are provided.

  The posture information acquisition unit 18a includes a skeleton detection unit 21 that detects the motion of the examiner or the subject, and a skeleton extraction unit 22 that extracts the motion of the examiner or the subject. The posture information acquisition unit 18a extracts the skeleton (three-dimensional coordinates of the skeleton point) of the examiner or the subject from the motion information detected by the skeleton detection unit 21, and extracts the examiner or the subject. Get the skeleton information.

  The skeleton detection unit 21 detects an operation (for example, a sitting position or a body position) of the examiner or the subject during the examination. The skeleton detection unit 21 acquires operation information of the examiner or the subject using a camera (for example, an infrared camera) or a sensor (for example, a motion sensor). The skeleton detection unit 21 is, for example, a device that captures a color moving image with an imaging device such as a camera, measures the position of a person and the position of a joint from the color moving image in three dimensions, and transmits the information, or There are devices that attach a marker to the human body, read the marker with a camera, measure it, and transmit the information. Note that a plurality of cameras may be used in consideration of the case where the detection accuracy of the position of the person and the position of the joint is increased or the case where the detection is hidden behind an object and cannot be detected.

  The skeleton extraction unit 22 extracts the skeleton (three-dimensional coordinates of the skeleton point) under examination of the examiner or the subject from the motion information obtained by the skeleton detection unit 21, and obtains the skeleton information of the examiner or the subject. get. The skeleton extraction unit 22 can acquire a plurality of three-dimensional coordinates (20 points as an example) of a human joint, and the coordinates of each joint unit in order to recognize the motion state of the examiner or the subject. To get. Furthermore, the operation state can be acquired by acquiring the information in real time and obtaining the coordinates of each joint as time-series data.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the skeleton extraction unit 22 acquires a plurality of skeleton points (three-dimensional coordinates) a of the joint of the examiner who uses the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in real time, and the skeleton of each joint unit. Point a is obtained as time-series data. Thereby, it is possible to acquire the operating state of the examiner and obtain a series of skeleton information as posture information.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the posture evaluation unit 18 b includes a posture analysis unit 23 that analyzes the posture of the examiner or the subject, an evaluation reference information holding unit 24 that holds evaluation reference information related to the posture evaluation reference of the examiner, and an inspection. And a posture determination unit 25 that determines the posture of the person or the subject.

  The posture analysis unit 23 analyzes the posture (for example, rotation of the neck or extension) of the examiner using the examiner's skeleton information (posture information) obtained by the skeleton extraction unit 22, and further performs the examination. The posture of the examiner and the subject (for example, standing position, sitting position, and supine position) is determined using the skeleton information of the person and the subject, and analysis results regarding the posture and the posture at risk are acquired.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the skeleton point (three-dimensional coordinates) of the human body is specified. The skeleton point a1 is a spin (SPINE) point, the skeleton point a2 is a head (HEAD) point, and the skeleton point a3 is a shoulder center (SHOOLDER CENTER) point. Skeletal point a4 is a right shoulder (SHULDER RIGHT) point, skeletal point a5 is a left shoulder (SHOOLDER LEFT) point, skeletal point a6 is a right elbow (ELBOW RIGHT) point, and skeletal point a7 is a left elbow (ELBOW LEFT). ) Point. The skeleton point a8 is a right wrist (WRIST RIGHT) point, the skeleton point a9 is a left wrist (WRIST LEFT) point, the skeleton point a10 is a right hand (HAND RIGHT) point, and the skeleton point a11 is a left hand (HAND LEFT). Is a point.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the measuring method is determined for every part and posture with risk. The posture analysis unit 23 performs measurement for each position and risky posture based on this measurement method, and acquires a measurement result as an analysis result. For example, when the target part is the neck and the risky posture is rotation, the measurement method is a method of measuring the relationship between the face vector A1 and the skeleton points a3, a4, and a5. Similarly, when the target part is the neck and the posture at risk is extension (upward), the measurement method is a method of measuring the relationship between the face vector A1 and the skeleton points a3, a4, and a5. In addition, when the target part is the upper body and the risky posture is left / right tilt, forward tilt, or rear tilt, the measurement method is a method of measuring the relationship between the skeleton points a1 and a3. When the target part is the upper arm and the posture at risk is the fist, the measurement method is a method of measuring the relationship between the skeleton point a1 and the skeleton points a3, a4, and a5. When the target part is the wrist and the risky posture is a bend, the measurement method is a method of measuring the relationship between the skeleton points a6 and a8 and the skeleton points a8 and a10.

  As a specific measurement example, for example, when the target part is the neck and the posture at risk is rotation, the relationship between the face vector A1 and the skeleton points a3, a4, and a5 as shown in FIG. Will be measured. In this measurement method, first, the frontal face is calculated from the skeleton points a4 and a5, then the sagittal plane is calculated from the frontal face and the skeleton point a3, and finally the rotation angle B1 from the sagittal plane and the face vector A1. Is calculated.

  In the determination of the posture of the examiner or the subject, the value of the skeleton point a1 in the Z-axis direction (height direction), the value of the skeleton point a2 in the Z-axis direction (height direction), and the difference between these values are calculated. It is possible to determine the body position (for example, standing position, sitting position, supine position, etc.) by comparing with each threshold value.

  The evaluation criterion information holding unit 24 holds evaluation criterion information serving as a criterion for evaluating posture (posture evaluation criterion), for example, an evaluation criterion information table T1 (see FIG. 6). As the evaluation reference information holding unit 24, for example, a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6, in the evaluation criterion information table T1, evaluation criteria are set for each part and risky posture. For example, when the target part is the neck and the posture at risk is rotation, the evaluation criterion is whether or not the measurement result is within ± 30 degrees. When the target site is the neck and the posture at risk is extension (upward), the evaluation criterion is whether or not the measurement result is within ± 10 degrees. In addition, when the target part is the upper body and the posture at risk is tilted to the left or right, the evaluation criterion is whether the measurement result is within ± 20 degrees, and the posture at risk is tilted forward. In some cases, the evaluation criterion is whether or not the measurement result is within ± ○ ° degrees, and when the risky posture is backward tilted, the evaluation criterion is that the measurement result is within ± △△ degree. Whether or not. When the target part is the upper arm and the risky posture is the fist, the evaluation criterion is whether the measurement result is within ± 40 degrees, the target part is the wrist, and the risky posture is In the case of bending, the evaluation criterion is whether or not the measurement result is within ± □□ degrees. Determination is performed by the posture determination unit 25 based on the evaluation reference information table T1.

  In FIG. 6, an angle is set as an example of an evaluation criterion. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information associated with a risk such as the number of times it is determined that there is a risk and the height (level) of the risk are displayed. You may make it set.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the posture determination unit 25 determines whether the posture at risk is within the evaluation criterion based on the analysis result (measurement result) by the above-described evaluation reference information table T1 and the posture analysis unit 23. . The posture determination unit 25 determines the target part and the risky posture analyzed by the posture analysis unit 23, that is, the target part and the risky posture from which the measurement result is obtained.

  For example, when the target part is the neck and the posture at risk is rotation, it is determined whether or not the value of the measurement result is within ± 30 degrees (see FIG. 6). As an example, when a measurement result with a neck rotation angle of +20 degrees is obtained, it is determined whether +20 degrees ≦ ± 30 degrees is true based on the evaluation criterion information table T1, and this is true. Therefore, the risk is determined to be minor. On the other hand, if a measurement result with a neck turning angle of +40 degrees is obtained, it is determined whether +40 degrees ≦ ± 30 degrees is true based on the evaluation criterion information table T1, and this is false. Because there is, it is determined that the risk is high.

  The recommended posture specifying unit 18c includes an inspection information acquiring unit 26 that acquires the inspection information of the subject, a recommended posture information holding unit 27 that stores recommended posture information of the examiner and the subject, and the examiner and the subject. And a recommended posture determining unit 28 for determining the recommended posture.

  The test information acquisition unit 26 acquires test information (for example, information such as a subject ID and a test site) from the storage unit 15 or the like. Note that the examination information is registered in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and stored in the storage unit 15 by, for example, an input operation on the input unit 16 or data reception from an external device.

  The recommended posture information holding unit 27 holds the recommended posture information of the inspector and the subject, for example, the recommended posture information table T2 (see FIG. 7). As the recommended posture information holding unit 27, for example, a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, in the recommended posture information table T <b> 2, a presentation character (keyword) and a presentation diagram (currently → improved) are provided for each examination site, examiner's position, subject's position, and risky posture. Recommended posture is set. For example, if the examination site is the abdomen, the examiner's position is standing, and the posture at risk is neck: extension or upper body: forward leaning, the presentation character is sitting and the presentation diagram is current It is a figure which shows the sitting position after improvement from a standing position. If the examination site is the heart, the examiner's position is the examination stand position, and the posture at risk is neck: rotation or upper arm: fist, the presentation letter is the chair sitting position and the presentation figure is the current It is a figure which shows the chair seat position after improvement from a test stand position. Thus, the recommended posture is set for each of the examination region, the examiner's posture, the subject's posture, and the posture at risk.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the recommended posture determination unit 28 includes examination information (for example, examination part information) acquired by the examination information acquisition unit 26, body position information and postures of the examiner and the subject obtained by the posture analysis unit 23. Using the posture at risk determined by the determination unit 25, the recommended posture of the examiner or the subject is determined from the recommended posture information table T2 held by the recommended posture information holding unit 27.

  Here, for example, when the examination site is the abdomen, the examiner's posture is standing, and the posture at risk is neck: extension or upper body: forward leaning, the recommended posture (optimum posture) is the sitting position. The presenting character becomes the sitting position, and the presented figure shows the sitting position after the improvement from the current standing position (see FIG. 7). This information is sent to the evaluation notification unit 18d together with the evaluation result by the posture determination unit 25. Similarly, if the examination site is the heart, the examiner's position is the examination stand position, and the posture at risk is the neck: rotation or the upper arm: fist, the recommended posture is determined as the chair sitting position and presented. The characters are in the chair sitting position, and the presentation diagram shows the chair sitting position after the improvement from the current examination table sitting position. This information is sent to the evaluation notification unit 18d together with the evaluation result by the posture determination unit 25.

  The evaluation notification unit 18d notifies the inspector or the like of the determination result (evaluation result) obtained by the posture determination unit 25 and the recommended posture (optimum posture) determined by the recommended posture determination unit 28 using characters or images. The evaluation notification unit 18d can notify the examiner of a warning or the like by causing the display unit 14 to display a character or an image that prompts the warning or the like.

  For example, the evaluation notification unit 18d may display “good” or the like on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 8, or “warning: problem with neck posture. Or other text. Thereby, the inspector can visually recognize the display screen and can easily grasp that the current posture is a risky posture.

  Further, in FIG. 9, when “here” of “Warning: Problem with neck posture. Click here for details” is clicked, the recommended position of the examiner is displayed on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the sitting position is displayed as the presentation character, and an image showing the improved sitting position from the current standing position is displayed as the presentation diagram. In this way, the examiner can easily grasp what kind of posture should be taken by visually recognizing the display screen, and also grasp the recommended posture of the subject and the position of the device from the presentation drawing Can do.

  Here, as an evaluation result notification means, for example, an image like a traffic light is displayed (red = warning, yellow = caution, blue = good), or the degree of evaluation (risk level) is displayed in gradation. Depending on the evaluation result, a part of the gradation image may be pointed by an arrow. The evaluation result is notified to the inspector by the display unit 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a warning sound or sound using a microphone or the like (for example, “There is a problem with the neck posture”). (Speech) or the like, or an inspector may have a wireless portable terminal, and the portable terminal may be vibrated to be notified. In these cases, it is possible to give a simple warning so as not to interfere with the inspection.

  The timing to turn off the alarm is to turn off the alarm after a certain period of time, or to turn off the alarm when the time that does not exceed the standard continues for a certain period of time, It is deleted when an input operation on the input unit 16 is detected.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the report creation unit 18 e creates an inspector's posture report based on the determination result (evaluation result) by the posture determination unit 25. This attitude report is displayed by the display unit 14. The creation and display timing may be once after the inspection is completed, or may be performed for a certain period (for example, a unit such as one day, one week, or one month).

  The report creation unit 18e accumulates risk details (for example, evaluation results and the number of occurrences of risk) according to the determination result by the posture determination unit 25, and determines the risk level (risk level) according to the risk content. And an attitude risk information table is formed. Further, the report creation unit 18e also acquires a skeleton diagram when the risk level is the highest in the posture risk information table, arranges the skeleton diagram and the posture risk information table described above at a predetermined position, and completes the posture report. Let This attitude report is displayed on the display unit 14 (or may be printed).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, basic information such as an inspector name and a period is displayed on the upper left portion of the screen of the display unit 14, and the posture indicating the risk content and the risk level is displayed on the lower left portion of the screen. An information table G1 is displayed. The degree of risk is calculated from the frequency and severity of risk and the number of detections. On the right side of the screen, an actual image or schematic diagram is displayed as a skeleton diagram G2 of the case with the greatest risk. In addition to displaying the posture report of one user (inspector), for example, when there are a plurality of users, the posture report of each inspector (Mr. A, Mr. B, etc.) is displayed. You may do it.

  Next, the flow of the posture evaluation process of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The inspector performs an input operation on the input unit 16 to instruct the start of the inspection or the end of the inspection. In response to the input operation, an instruction signal is input to the control unit 17.

  As shown in FIG. 12, after the start of the inspection, it is determined by the control unit 17 whether or not the inspection is being inspected (step S1). Posture information is acquired by the posture information acquisition unit 18a (step S2). Next, posture evaluation is performed by the posture evaluation unit 18b (step S3), and further, recommended posture specification is performed by the recommended posture specification unit 18c (step S4). Thereafter, posture evaluation notification is executed by the evaluation notification unit 18d (step S5), and the process returns to step S1. This series of processing is repeated during the inspection. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the inspection is not in progress, that is, the inspection is completed (NO in step S1), posture report creation is performed by the report creation unit 18e (step S6), and the posture report is displayed. Displayed by the unit 14 (step S7).

  In step S <b> 2, in the posture information acquisition unit 18 a, the skeleton detection unit 21 detects an operation of the examiner or the subject during the examination (for example, sitting position or body position). Thereafter, the skeleton (three-dimensional coordinates of the skeleton point) being examined by the examiner or the subject is extracted by the skeleton extraction unit 22 from the motion information obtained by the skeleton detection unit 21, and the skeleton information is obtained as posture information.

  In step S3, the posture evaluation unit 18b uses the above-described skeleton information to analyze a posture (for example, rotation of the neck or extension) of the examiner or the subject by the posture analysis unit 23. The body position of the person or the subject (for example, standing position, sitting position, supine position, etc.) is determined. Thereby, the analysis result (measurement result) regarding the posture and the posture at risk is acquired. The evaluation criterion information table T1 in the evaluation criterion information holding unit 24 and the analysis result by the posture analysis unit 23 are used, and the posture determination unit 25 determines whether the posture at risk is within the evaluation criterion. For example, when the target region is the neck and the posture at risk is extension, it is determined whether or not the value of the measurement result is within ± 10 degrees (see FIG. 6). As an example, when a measurement result in which the neck extension angle is +20 degrees is obtained, whether or not +20 degrees ≦ ± 10 degrees is true is determined based on the evaluation criterion information table T1, and this is false. Therefore, it is determined that the risk is high.

  In step S <b> 4, in the recommended posture specifying unit 18 c, examination information (for example, information such as the subject ID and the examination site) is acquired from the storage unit 15 and the like by the examination information acquisition unit 26. This examination information (for example, examination part information), the posture information of the examiner and the subject obtained by the posture analysis unit 23, and the posture at risk determined by the posture determination unit 25 are used, and the recommended posture information is used. From the recommended posture information table T2 in the holding unit 27, the recommended posture of the examiner or the subject is determined by the recommended posture determination unit 28. For example, if the examination site is the abdomen, the examiner's position is standing, and the posture at risk is the neck: extension or the upper body: forward leaning, the sitting position is determined as the recommended posture, and the presented characters are sitting Thus, the presentation diagram shows the sitting position after improvement from the current standing position (see FIG. 7).

  In step S5, the determination result (evaluation result) obtained by the posture determination unit 25 and the recommended posture (optimum posture) determined by the recommended posture determination unit 28 are notified to the inspector or the like by the evaluation notification unit 18d using characters, drawings, or the like. Is done. At this time, if there is no problem in the posture, the characters “good” are displayed on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when there is a problem with the posture, as shown in FIG. 9, a sentence such as “Warning: Problem with the posture of the neck. Click here for details” is displayed. Thereby, the inspector can visually recognize the display screen and can easily grasp that the current posture is a risky posture. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the recommended posture of the examiner is displayed on the display unit 14 as required by the examiner. In this way, the examiner can easily grasp what kind of posture should be taken by visually recognizing the display screen, and also grasp the recommended posture of the subject and the position of the device from the presentation drawing Can do.

  In step S6, an inspector's posture report is created by the report creation unit 18e based on the determination result (evaluation result) by the posture determination unit 25, and the posture report is displayed by the display unit 14 in step S7. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an attitude report including basic information such as an inspector name and a period, an attitude information table G1 indicating the contents of the risk and the degree of the risk, and a skeleton diagram G2 of the case with the highest risk. Is displayed. Thereby, the inspector can visually recognize the display screen, and can easily grasp information on the risky posture (for example, the content and degree of risk, the posture with the highest risk, etc.). By presenting such a posture report, it is possible to prompt the inspector to pay attention in future examinations.

  According to such posture evaluation processing, the human skeleton information (posture information) is acquired, the posture at risk is analyzed and evaluated from the angle of the part extracted from the skeleton information, and the evaluation result is sent to the inspector. It can be presented. For example, when a posture with a high risk is detected, a warning is presented. In this way, since the inspector can easily and quantitatively obtain a risky posture during the ultrasonic examination, it is possible to easily grasp the quality of the posture during the ultrasonic examination. In addition, it is possible to present the recommended posture of the examiner and the subject, the recommended position of the device, etc. to the examiner during the examination, and further, a statistical report output of the accumulated data after the examination is completed It is also possible. For this reason, the convenience of the inspector is improved, and the inspector can grasp the posture in more detail.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, the posture information of the inspector when capturing an ultrasound image is acquired, the posture of the inspector is evaluated using the acquired posture information of the inspector, and the evaluation result By informing the inspector, it is possible for the inspector to easily grasp the quality of the posture during the ultrasonic inspection. For example, when the evaluation result is good, a notification that the posture is good (risk is low) is notified, and when it is bad, a warning that the posture is bad (risk is high) is notified. Thereby, the inspector can easily recognize that he is taking a posture with a low risk and a posture having a high risk during the ultrasonic examination.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 18a Posture information acquisition part 18b Posture evaluation part 18c Recommended posture specific part 18d Evaluation notification part 18e Report preparation part 21 Skeletal detection part 22 Skeletal extraction part 23 Posture analysis part 24 Evaluation reference information holding part 25 Posture determination part 26 Inspection information acquisition unit 27 Recommended posture information holding unit 28 Recommended posture determination unit

Claims (14)

A posture information acquisition unit that acquires posture information of the inspector when photographing an ultrasonic image;
A posture evaluation unit that evaluates the posture of the inspector using the posture information of the inspector acquired by the posture information acquisition unit;
An evaluation notification unit for notifying the inspector of the evaluation result by the posture evaluation unit;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The posture information acquisition unit
A skeleton detection unit for detecting the operation of the examiner;
Extracting the inspector's skeleton information using the inspector's motion information detected by the skeleton detection unit, the skeleton extraction unit as the inspector's posture information,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The posture evaluation unit
An evaluation criterion information holding unit for holding evaluation criterion information which is the posture evaluation criterion of the inspector;
A posture analysis unit that analyzes the posture of the inspector using the posture information of the inspector acquired by the posture information acquisition unit;
A posture determination unit that determines the posture of the inspector using the analysis result by the posture analysis unit and the evaluation reference information held by the evaluation reference information holding unit;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A recommended posture identifying unit that identifies the recommended posture of the inspector using the posture information of the inspector acquired by the posture information acquisition unit and the evaluation result by the posture evaluation unit;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation notification unit notifies the recommended posture of the inspector specified by the recommended posture specifying unit. The recommended posture specifying unit is:
A recommended posture information holding unit for holding recommended posture information related to the recommended posture of the inspector;
An inspection information acquisition unit for acquiring inspection information related to an inspection for imaging the ultrasonic image;
The recommended posture information held by the recommended posture information holding unit, the inspection information acquired by the inspection information acquisition unit, and the posture information of the inspector acquired by the posture information acquisition unit are used. A recommended posture determining unit for determining a recommended posture;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: The posture information acquisition unit acquires posture information of the subject in addition to the posture information of the examiner,
In addition to specifying the recommended posture of the examiner, the recommended posture specifying unit specifies the recommended posture of the subject based on the posture information of the subject acquired by the posture information acquisition unit,
The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the evaluation notification unit notifies the recommended posture of the examiner and the recommended posture of the subject specified by the recommended posture specifying unit. apparatus.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a report creation unit that creates a posture report related to an evaluation result by the posture evaluation unit. Obtaining the posture information of the inspector when taking an ultrasound image;
A step of evaluating the posture of the inspector using the acquired posture information of the inspector;
Informing the inspector of the evaluation result of the posture;
A method for evaluating and notifying the posture of a user of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The step of acquiring the posture information includes
Detecting the operation of the inspector;
Extracting the inspector's skeleton information using the detected motion information of the inspector, and providing the inspector's posture information;
The method for evaluating and notifying the user posture of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8. The step of evaluating the posture includes:
A step of holding evaluation standard information which is a posture evaluation standard of the inspector;
Analyzing the posture of the inspector using the acquired posture information of the inspector;
Determining the posture of the inspector using the analysis result of the posture and the held evaluation criterion information;
10. The method for evaluating and notifying the user posture of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by comprising: Further comprising the step of identifying the recommended posture of the inspector using the acquired posture information of the inspector and the evaluation result,
The evaluation of the user posture of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein in the step of notifying the evaluation result, a recommended posture of the identified inspector is notified. Notification method. The step of identifying the recommended posture is:
A step of holding recommended posture information related to the recommended posture of the inspector;
Obtaining inspection information relating to an inspection for imaging the ultrasonic image;
Determining the recommended posture of the inspector using the held recommended posture information, the acquired inspection information, and the acquired posture information of the inspector;
The method for evaluating and notifying the user posture of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11. In the step of acquiring the posture information, in addition to the posture information of the inspector, the posture information of the subject is acquired,
In the step of specifying the recommended posture, in addition to specifying the recommended posture of the examiner, the recommended posture of the subject is specified based on the acquired posture information of the subject,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus user according to claim 11 or 12, wherein in the step of notifying the evaluation result, the specified recommended posture of the examiner and the recommended posture of the subject are notified. Posture evaluation notification method.   The method for evaluating and notifying the user posture of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising a step of creating a posture report related to the evaluation result.

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