JP4908153B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and operation method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that images and diagnoses the inside of a subject with ultrasonic waves and an operation method thereof.

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

  Ultrasonic diagnostic methods that obtain tissue and blood flow information from reflected waves from tissues and blood cells in a subject have made rapid progress due to technological innovation in ultrasonic pulse reflection and ultrasonic Doppler methods. Image data obtained by using this technology has become indispensable for current ultrasonic diagnosis.

  By the way, a method of overwriting image data displayed on a display unit by ultrasonic imaging with data such as characters by an input operation from an operation unit and displaying image data including the overwrite data is known (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

An operator of this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus finds a desired diagnostic site by bringing an ultrasonic probe into contact with a subject and observing image data displayed on the display unit. Next, information necessary for diagnosis, such as a diagnosis site, a lesion type, and a degree of progression of the lesion, is input from the operation unit. Further, after performing an operation of designating, for example, a distance between two points of a lesioned portion of the image data displayed on the display unit and measuring the distance, information necessary for diagnosis is input. Then, an operation for outputting image data and measurement data including diagnostic information to a printing unit, a storage unit having various storage media, a server, and the like according to the contents of diagnosis is performed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-307038

  However, the ultrasonic probe is manually operated, and operations such as displaying image data, inputting diagnostic information, measuring, and outputting to other than the display unit are selected from a number of input devices such as switches on the operation unit. As a result, there is a problem that not only the work becomes complicated, but also an operation mistake is made, the re-inspection is performed, and the inspection takes time and labor.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an operation method thereof capable of reducing operations in ultrasonic diagnosis.

  In order to solve the above problem, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject, and the subject by driving the ultrasonic probe. Transmitting / receiving means for performing ultrasonic scanning on the image, image data generating means for generating image data based on a received signal from the transmitting / receiving means, and diagnosing the subject based on the image data generated by the image data generating means Diagnostic data generation means for generating diagnostic data for input, input of diagnostic information including characters, symbols, and numbers on the image data generated by the image data generation means, and generated by the diagnostic data generation means An operation means for inputting operation information corresponding to an operation including an operation for outputting diagnostic data, and the diagnostic data generating means based on the operation information input by the operation means. Output means for outputting the diagnostic data generated by the method, and diagnostic information storage means for preliminarily storing the diagnostic information and the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information, wherein the diagnostic data generation means comprises the operation means When the diagnostic information is input by the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information is read from the diagnostic information storage means to generate diagnostic data, and the generated diagnostic data is output to the output means corresponding to the read operation information. It was made to do.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, wherein an ultrasonic probe that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject, and drives the ultrasonic probe to perform ultrasonic scanning on the subject. Transmission / reception means, image data generation means for generating image data based on a reception signal from the transmission / reception means, and diagnostic data for diagnosing the subject based on the image data generated by the image data generation means Diagnostic data generation means to be generated; input of diagnostic information including characters, symbols, and numbers on the image data generated by the image data generation means; and storage operation of the diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic data generation means An operation means for inputting operation information corresponding to the operation to be included, and a diagnosis generated by the diagnosis data generation means based on the operation information input by the operation means. A storage unit for storing data; and a diagnostic information storage unit that stores the diagnostic information and the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information in advance. Is input, the operation information corresponding to the diagnosis information is read from the diagnosis information storage means to generate diagnosis data, and the generated diagnosis data is output to the storage means corresponding to the read operation information. It is characterized by that.

  Further, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, wherein an ultrasonic probe for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject is driven to perform ultrasonic scanning on the subject by transmitting / receiving means. The image data is generated by the image data generation unit based on the reception signal from the transmission / reception unit, and diagnostic information including characters, symbols, and numbers is input to the image data generated by the image data generation unit, When the diagnosis information is input by the operation means, the diagnosis is performed by the operation means capable of inputting the operation information corresponding to the operation including the output operation to the output means for outputting the diagnosis data for diagnosing the subject. The operation information corresponding to the information is read from the diagnostic information storage means, diagnostic data is generated from the image data generated by the image data generation means, and the generated diagnostic data is generated. And outputs to the output unit corresponding to the operation information read by the diagnostic data generating means.

  Furthermore, the operation method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention according to claim 10 is such that an ultrasonic probe that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from the subject is driven to perform ultrasonic scanning on the subject by transmitting / receiving means. Performing image data generation by the image data generation unit based on the received signal from the transmission / reception unit, and inputting diagnostic information including characters, symbols, and numbers on the image data generated by the image data generation unit, When the operation information corresponding to the operation including the output operation to the storage means for storing the diagnostic data for diagnosing the subject is input by the operation means, and the diagnosis information is input by the operation means The operation information corresponding to the diagnosis information is read from the diagnosis information storage means, and diagnostic data is generated from the image data generated by the image data generation means, and generated. It was and outputs to the storage means corresponding to the operation information read by the diagnostic data generating means diagnostic data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate diagnostic data and output the generated diagnostic data in response to a diagnostic information input operation from the operation unit, thereby reducing input operations from the operation unit.

  Examples of the present invention will be described.

  Embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 1 that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject P, and a transmission / reception unit 2 that transmits ultrasonic drive signals and receives reflection signals to / from the ultrasonic probe 1. And a data generation unit 3 that processes a reception signal obtained by the transmission / reception unit 2 to generate B-mode data, color Dopp data, and the like.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an image data processing unit 4 that generates image data such as B-mode image data and color Dopp image data from the B-mode data and color Dopp data generated by the data generating unit 3, and image data. An image data measurement unit 5 that performs measurement using image data generated by the processing unit 4 and an output unit 6 that outputs and stores the image data generated by the image data processing unit 4 are provided.

  Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an operation unit 7 for inputting diagnostic information such as the type of lesion and the degree of progression of the lesion and various operations, and image data generated by the image data processing unit 4 and an image data measuring unit. 5 includes a diagnosis unit 8 that generates diagnosis data from the measurement data generated by the measurement in 5, and a system control unit 9 that controls these units in an integrated manner.

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

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

  The transmission unit 21 generates a rate pulse that determines a repetition period (Tr) of the ultrasonic pulse radiated to the subject P, a focusing delay time for focusing the ultrasonic wave to a predetermined depth in transmission, and a predetermined delay time. After applying the deflection delay time for transmitting ultrasonic waves in the scanning direction to the rate pulse, N piezoelectric vibrators built in the ultrasonic probe 1 are driven and transmitted to the subject P. An ultrasonic drive pulse for emitting ultrasonic waves is generated and output to the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The receiving unit 22 amplifies a minute ultrasonic reception signal output from the ultrasonic probe 1 to ensure a sufficient S / N, and receives a reception ultrasonic wave from a predetermined depth with respect to the ultrasonic reception signal. N channel from piezoelectric vibrator after focusing delay time for focusing and obtaining narrow receiving beam width and deflection delay time for setting reception directivity of ultrasonic wave on two-dimensional scanning plane Are phased and added together and output to the data generation unit 3.

  The data generation unit 3 includes a B-mode data generation unit 31 that generates B-mode data and the like from the phase-added signal output from the reception unit 22, and Doppler data that generates Doppler data such as color Doppler data from the signal. And a generation unit 32.

  The B-mode data generation unit 31 performs envelope detection on the phase-added signal output from the reception unit 22 and then performs logarithmic conversion. Then, the logarithmically converted signal is converted into a digital signal to generate B-mode data and output to the image data processing unit 4.

  The Doppler data generation unit 32 detects the Doppler shift frequency for the phasing-added signal output from the reception unit 22 and converts it to a digital signal, and then extracts only blood flow information and extracts the extracted Doppler. Autocorrelation processing is performed on the signal. Based on the autocorrelation processing result, an average blood flow velocity value, a variance value, and the like are calculated to generate color Doppler data, which is output to the image data processing unit 4.

  The image data processing unit 4 includes a data storage unit 41 that sequentially stores B-mode data output from the B-mode data generation unit 31 of the data generation unit 3 and color Doppler data output from the Doppler data generation unit 32, and a data storage An image data generation unit 42 that reads out B-mode data and color Doppler data from the unit 41 and generates image data such as B-mode image data and color Doppler image data.

  The data storage unit 41 stores the data supplied from the system control unit 9 together with the B mode data output from the B mode data generation unit 31 of the data generation unit 3 and the color Doppler data output from the Doppler data generation unit 32. Corresponding ultrasonic scanning information is added and stored sequentially.

  The image data generation unit 42 reads the image data stored in the data storage unit 41, performs scan conversion for image display on the read image data, and outputs image data such as B-mode image data and Doppler image data. Data is generated and output to the image data measurement unit 5 and the diagnosis unit 8.

  The image data measurement unit 5 performs, for example, various measurements such as the distance between two points of the designated tumor portion, the perimeter, and the area of the B-mode image data output from the image data generation unit 42, for example. Measurement data useful for the diagnosis is generated and output to the diagnosis unit 8.

  The output unit 6 includes a display unit 61 that displays and outputs image data output from the image data generation unit 42 of the image data processing unit 4 and diagnostic data output from the diagnosis unit 8, and output from the image data generation unit 42. The printing unit 62 that prints out the image data and the diagnostic data output from the diagnostic unit 8, the diagnostic data storage unit 63 that stores the diagnostic data output from the diagnostic unit 8, and the diagnostic data output from the diagnostic unit 8 And an interface 64 for outputting to the outside.

  The display unit 61 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the image data output from the image data generation unit 42 in real time. In addition, the diagnostic data output from the diagnostic unit 8 is displayed. Further, a diagnostic information and operation information setting screen for registering diagnostic information is displayed.

  The printing unit 62 includes a printer and prints the image data output from the image data generation unit 42 and the diagnostic data output from the diagnosis unit 8.

  The diagnostic data storage unit 63 includes a storage device such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk, and stores the diagnostic data output from the diagnostic unit 8.

  The interface 64 adds the device ID of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10 and the ID of the subject P supplied from the system control unit 9 to the diagnosis data output from the diagnosis unit 8, and then externally transmits the data via the network 120. Transmit to the diagnostic data storage device 110. The diagnostic data storage device 110 stores diagnostic data received via the network 120.

  Next, the configuration of the operation unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation unit 7 includes an input device such as a main panel 71 having an input device such as a switch and a keyboard 72 arranged below the main panel 71 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow L1. Then, operation information input using the various switches of the main panel 71 and diagnostic information input using the keyboard 72 and subject information such as the ID and name of the subject P are supplied to the system control unit 9.

  The main panel 71 includes a print switch 71a that outputs the diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic unit 8 to the printing unit 62 of the output unit 6, a save switch 71b that outputs the diagnostic data to the diagnostic data storage unit 63 of the output unit 6, and a diagnosis A transmission switch 71c that transmits data to an external diagnostic data storage device 110 via the network 120, a measurement switch 71d that enables measurement of the image data displayed on the display unit 61 of the output unit 6, and image data measurement And a report switch 71e that represents the measurement data generated by the unit 5 in a predetermined format.

  In addition, an inspection switch 71f for starting and ending inspection, a freeze switch 71g for stopping image data displayed in real time on the display unit 61, and a state in which diagnostic information can be input on the image data displayed on the display unit 61 The diagnostic information input switch 71h, the registration switch 71i for registering the subject information of the subject P, the CDI mode display switch 71j for generating color Doppler image data, and the subject information of the subject P. Touch panel 71k capable of inputting various operation information other than the above-described switches and an input position for inputting a measurement range and inputting diagnostic information for the image data displayed on the display unit 61 A trackball 71m or the like is provided.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the diagnostic unit 8 uses diagnostic information storage unit 81 for storing diagnostic information and the like, and diagnostic data used for diagnosis of the subject P from the image data output from the image data generation unit 42 of the image data processing unit 4. And a diagnostic data generation unit 82 for generating.

  The diagnostic information storage unit 81 stores the diagnostic information from the operation unit 7 and the diagnostic information input by the operation information setting operation, and the operation information input so that a plurality of selections corresponding to the diagnostic information can be selected. Here, the diagnostic information to be routinely input and the routine operation unit 7 such as generation of diagnostic data used for diagnosis of the subject P and output of the generated diagnostic data, which is performed after the input operation of the diagnostic information, are performed. Save the operation information corresponding to the operation of the input device.

  The diagnostic data generation unit 82 performs the first diagnosis when the diagnostic information input operation with the keyboard 72 is performed after the diagnostic information input switch 71h operation of the operation unit 7 and the designation operation of the diagnostic information input position with the trackball 71m. Generate data.

  Here, when the diagnostic information supplied from the system control unit 9 by the input operation is stored in the diagnostic information storage unit 81, the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information is read from the diagnostic information storage unit 81. Next, when the read operation information includes only operation information corresponding to an operation for designating an output destination such as the print switch 71a, the save switch 71b, and the transmission switch 71c, the image output from the image data generation unit 42 is displayed. First diagnostic data is generated by superimposing diagnostic information at a designated position by the operation of the trackball 71m of the data. Further, the generated first diagnostic data is output to the printing unit 62 and / or the diagnostic data storage unit 63 and / or the interface 64 of the output unit 6 which is an output destination corresponding to the read operation information, and the display unit 61. Output to. When the diagnostic information supplied from the system control unit 9 is not stored in the diagnostic information storage unit 81, first diagnostic data is generated and output to the display unit 61.

  Further, the diagnostic data generation unit 82 generates second or third diagnostic data when a diagnostic information input operation is performed after the measurement range specifying operation by the measurement switch 71d and the trackball 71m of the operation unit 7.

  Here, when the diagnostic information supplied from the system control unit 9 is stored in the diagnostic information storage unit 81, operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information is read from the diagnostic information storage unit 81. Next, when the read operation information includes, for example, operation information corresponding to generation of diagnostic data of the report switch 71e, the measurement data and diagnostic information output from the image data measuring unit 5 are expressed in a predetermined format. 2 diagnostic data is generated. If the read operation information includes output destination information, the generated second diagnostic data is output to the output destination and the display unit 61. Further, when the operation information of the output destination is not included, it is output to the display unit 61.

  When the diagnostic information supplied from the system control unit 9 is not stored in the diagnostic information storage unit 81, the diagnostic information is superimposed on the designated position by the operation of the trackball 71m of the image data output from the image data generation unit 42. At the same time, third diagnostic data is generated by superimposing the measurement data at a predetermined position. Then, the generated third diagnosis data is output to the display unit 61.

  The generation of diagnostic data in the diagnostic data generation unit 82 is not limited to the first to third diagnostic data, and operation information corresponding to operations of various input devices of the operation unit 7 is stored in the diagnostic information storage unit 81. By storing the data, various diagnostic data necessary for diagnosing the subject P can be generated in accordance with the input operation of the diagnostic information.

  The system control unit 9 includes a CPU and a storage circuit (not shown), and stores object information, imaging conditions, diagnosis information, and the like supplied from the operation unit 7 and various operation information in the storage circuit. The CPU controls and controls each unit of the transmission / reception unit 2, the data generation unit 3, the image data processing unit 4, the image data measurement unit 5, the output unit 6, and the diagnosis unit 8 based on the input information. Perform overall control.

Next, an example of the operation of the diagnosis unit 8 that operates in response to an operation from the operation unit 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a diagnostic information and operation information setting screen displayed on the display unit 61 of the output unit 6. The diagnostic information and operation information setting screen 61a includes dialog boxes 61a1 to 61aM for setting and inputting diagnostic information in the “diagnostic information”, “operation information”, and “time” columns, and the “diagnostic information” column. In the “operation information” column, each dialog box 61b1 to 61bM for selecting and inputting operation information corresponding to the operation of each input device of the operation unit 7 is configured.

  Also, a dialog box 61c for selecting and inputting a waiting time for determining whether or not the input of diagnostic information in the operation unit 7 is completed in the “time” column, and information set and selected and input in each column are stored. “Save” button 61d for canceling and information “Cancel” button 61e for canceling each information set, selected and input in each column.

  Here, when an operation for setting and inputting diagnosis information such as “ABC” is performed, “ABC” is displayed in the dialog box 61a1 in the column of “diagnosis information”. Further, when an operation for selecting and inputting, for example, “Print” as the operation information corresponding to “ABC” of the diagnostic information, “Print” is displayed in the dialog box 61b1 in the “Operation Information” column. This “Print” is operation information corresponding to the operation of the print switch 71 a of the operation unit 7.

  When an operation for setting and inputting “DEF” as diagnostic information is performed, “DEF” is displayed in the dialog box 61a2 in the “diagnostic information” column. Further, when an operation for selecting and inputting, for example, “Report” as the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information “DEF” is performed, “Report” is displayed in the dialog box 61b2 in the “operation information” column. This “Report” is operation information corresponding to the operation of the report switch 71 e of the operation unit 7.

  Further, when an operation for setting and selecting and inputting “GH” that is diagnostic information and “Image Save (inside)” that is operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information is performed, a dialog box 61a3 in the column of “diagnostic information” is displayed. “GH” is displayed, and “Image Save (inside)” is displayed in the dialog box 61b3 in the “operation information” column. This “Image Save (inide)” is operation information corresponding to the operation of the storage switch 71 b of the operation unit 7.

  Furthermore, when an operation for setting and selecting and inputting “IJKL” as diagnostic information and “Trackball (X, Y)” as operation information corresponding to this diagnostic information is performed, a dialog box 61a4 in the column of “diagnostic information” is displayed. “IJKL” is displayed, and “Trackball (X, Y)” is displayed in the log box 61b4 in the “operation information” column. Further, when an operation to set and input “(X1, Y1)” to “TrackBall (X, Y)” in the dialog box 61b4 is performed, “Trackball (X1, Y1)” is displayed in the dialog box 61b4. .

  This “TrackBall (X1, Y1)” is input of diagnostic information using the operation of the diagnostic information input switch 71h of the operation unit 7 and the trackball 71m of the operation unit 7 performed after the operation of the diagnostic information input switch 71h. This is operation information corresponding to an operation for designating the position of the coordinates (X1, Y1) of the possible display unit 61. The coordinates (X1, Y1) also correspond to the position on the image data output from the image data generation unit 42 of the image data processing unit 4.

  When an operation for setting and selecting and inputting “MN” which is diagnostic information and “Image Save (outside)” which is operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information is performed, a dialog box 61a5 in the “diagnostic information” column is displayed. “MN” is displayed, and “Image Save (outside)” is displayed in the dialog box 61b5 in the “operation information” column. This “Image Save (outside)” is operation information corresponding to the operation of the transmission switch 71 c of the operation unit 7.

  Note that a plurality of pieces of operation information can be selected and input in each of the dialog boxes 61b1 to 61bM in the “operation information” column.

  After the above-described setting input and selection input of diagnostic information and operation information, when an operation for selecting and inputting, for example, “3 seconds” in the “time” column is performed, the white circle “ A black circle “●” is displayed in “○”. In this case, after inputting diagnostic information such as characters, symbols, and numbers by the diagnostic information input operation from the operation unit 7, if there is no further input operation of characters, symbols, numbers, etc. within 3 seconds, the input of diagnostic information is performed. It is determined that the operation is finished.

  Then, after inputting in the “diagnostic information”, “operation information”, and “time” fields, if the “save” button 61d is turned on, the input diagnostic information, operation information, and time information are stored in the diagnostic information. Stored in the unit 81.

  Next, when diagnostic information and operation information are stored in the diagnostic information storage unit 81 and then diagnostic information input operation is performed from the operation unit 7 on the image data displayed on the display unit 61 by ultrasonic imaging, the diagnostic data The generation unit 82 reads operation information corresponding to the diagnosis information supplied from the system control unit 9 from the diagnosis information storage unit 81, and generates and outputs diagnosis data based on the read operation information.

  When the diagnosis information input operation “ABC” is performed, the diagnosis data generation unit 82 supplies the diagnosis data supplied from the system control unit 9 to the image data output from the image data generation unit 42 of the image data processing unit 4. First diagnostic data on which the information “ABC” is superimposed is generated, and the generated first diagnostic data is output to the display unit 61 and the printing unit 62.

  When the diagnostic information input operation of “DEF” is performed after the measurement operation is performed, the diagnostic data generation unit 82 receives the measurement data output from the image data measurement unit 5 and the diagnostic information supplied from the system control unit 9. The second diagnostic data representing “DEF” in the predetermined format is generated, and the generated second diagnostic data is displayed on the display unit 61. Note that in addition to “Report” in the dialog box 61b2 in the “operation information” column, operation information corresponding to the operation of the print switch 71a of the operation unit 7 is selected and input in advance, so that the second diagnosis data is obtained. Can be output to the display unit 61 and the printing unit 62.

  Further, when the diagnostic information input operation of “GH” is performed, the diagnostic data generation unit 82 superimposes “GH” of the diagnostic information supplied from the system control unit 9 on the image data output from the image data generation unit 42. The generated first diagnosis data is generated, and the generated first diagnosis data is stored in the diagnosis data storage unit 63 of the output unit 6.

  Furthermore, when the diagnosis information input operation of “IJKL” is performed, the diagnosis data generation unit 82 adds “IJKL” of the diagnosis information supplied from the system control unit 9 to the image data output from the image data generation unit 42. The first diagnostic data is generated by superimposing, and the generated first diagnostic data is displayed on the display unit 61. In addition, a cursor capable of inputting diagnostic information is displayed at the position of the (X1, Y1) coordinates of the display unit 61.

  When the diagnosis information input operation of “MN” is performed, the diagnosis data generation unit 82 superimposes “MN” of the diagnosis information supplied from the system control unit 9 on the image data output from the image data generation unit 42. The first diagnostic data is generated, and the generated first diagnostic data is output to the interface 64 of the output unit 6. The interface 64 transmits the first diagnostic data output from the diagnostic data generation unit 82 to the diagnostic data storage device 110 via the network 120, and the diagnostic data storage device 110 internally stores the received first diagnostic data. Save to the storage section.

  Thus, by storing diagnostic information and operation information corresponding to this diagnostic information in the diagnostic information storage unit 81, when a diagnostic information input operation is performed, based on the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information Diagnostic data is generated, and the generated diagnostic data can be output to the output destination of the output unit 6 included in the operation information.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. The diagnosis information storage unit 82 in the diagnosis unit 8 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 stores the diagnosis information and operation information shown in the diagnosis information and operation information setting screen 61a of FIG.

  First, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 sets, for example, the image data generation mode to “B-mode image data” from the operation unit 7 and inputs the image data generation mode and imaging conditions necessary for imaging of the imaging region. Further, the subject information of the subject P is input by operating the registration switch 71 i and the keyboard 72 of the operation unit 7. Then, when a start operation is performed by the inspection switch 71f of the operation unit 7, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 starts an inspection (step S1).

  The system control unit 9 instructs the transmission / reception unit 2, the data generation unit 3, the image data processing unit 4, the image data measurement unit 5, the output unit 6, and the diagnosis unit 8 to perform ultrasonic imaging. Then, when the operator touches the ultrasound probe 1 in the vicinity of the imaging region of the subject P, the B mode data generation unit 31 of the data generation unit 3 uses the B mode from the signal output from the reception unit 22 of the transmission / reception unit 2. Data is generated and stored in the data storage unit 41 of the image data processing unit 4. The image data generation unit 42 reads out the B mode data from the data storage unit 41 to generate B mode image data, and then outputs the B mode image data to the display unit 61 of the output unit 6. The B-mode image data output from the image data generation unit 42 is displayed on the display unit 61 in real time.

  Next, when desired B-mode image data for confirming the imaging region to be examined is displayed on the display unit 61, the operation of the freeze switch 71g of the operation unit 7 is performed in order to freeze the B-mode image data. When done, the image data generation unit 42 displays the stationary B-mode image data on the display unit 61 (step S2).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the display unit 61 on which still B-mode image data is displayed by operating the freeze switch 71g. The screen 65 displays B-mode image data 65a, and the B-mode image data 65a includes, for example, tumor data 65b.

  Next, in order to obtain the diagnostic data of the subject P, the operation of the diagnostic information input switch 71h of the operation unit 7, the operation of designating the cursor position by the trackball 71m near the tumor data 65b, the diagnostic information using the keyboard 72 such as “ The operation is performed in the order of “ABC” input operation.

  The diagnosis data generation unit 82 of the diagnosis unit 8 stores “Print” of the operation information corresponding to “ABC” of the diagnosis information supplied from the system control unit 9 when the diagnosis information input operation is performed. (Step S3 in FIG. 4).

  Next, based on the read operation information, the diagnostic information “ABC” is superimposed on the position corresponding to the cursor designated position by the operation of the trackball 71m in the B-mode image data 65a output from the image data generation unit 42. 1 diagnostic data is generated (step S4 in FIG. 4).

  Next, based on the operation information, the generated first diagnosis data is output to the printing unit 62 of the output unit 6 (step S5 in FIG. 4). Further, the generated first diagnosis data is output to the display unit 61 (step S6 in FIG. 4).

  The first diagnostic data output from the diagnostic data generating unit 82 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 61, and the printing unit 62 prints the first diagnostic data output from the diagnostic data generating unit 82 (FIG. 4 step S4).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the display unit 61 on which the first diagnosis data is displayed by the diagnosis information input operation. On this screen 66, first diagnosis data 66a is displayed. The first diagnosis data 66a matches the image data in which “ABC” is displayed in the vicinity of the tumor data 65b of the B-mode image data 65a. On the other hand, the printing unit 62 prints out the same data as the first diagnosis data 66 a displayed on the screen 66 of the display unit 61.

  When the examination end operation is performed by the examination switch 71f of the operation unit 7 when the printing unit 62 prints out the first diagnosis data 66a useful for the diagnosis of the subject P, the system control unit 9 The transmission / reception unit 2, the data generation unit 3, the image data processing unit 4, the image data measurement unit 5, the output unit 6, and the diagnosis unit 8 are instructed to stop, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 ends the examination (step of FIG. 4). S7).

  The doctor in charge observes the first diagnosis data 66a printed out by the printing unit 62 in detail, and diagnoses and treats the subject P.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, when a diagnosis information input operation is performed from the operation unit 7, operation information corresponding to the diagnosis information is read from the diagnosis information storage unit 81, and based on the read operation information. The diagnostic data can be generated, and the generated diagnostic data can be output to the display unit 61 and also output to the printing unit 62 and / or the diagnostic data storage unit 63 and / or the interface 64 included in the operation information.

  Thereby, after a diagnostic information input operation, the routine operation performed in conjunction with the operation can be reduced, and the inspection time can be shortened to improve the inspection efficiency.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the structure of the operation part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the diagnostic information displayed on the display part which concerns on the Example of this invention, and the operation information setting screen. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device based on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the screen of the display part on which the stationary B mode image data based on the Example of this invention was displayed. The figure which shows an example of the screen of the 1st diagnostic data displayed on the display part which concerns on the Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

P Subject 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Transmission / reception unit 3 Data generation unit 4 Image data processing unit 5 Image data measurement unit 6 Output unit 7 Operation unit 8 Diagnosis unit 9 System control unit 10 Ultrasound diagnostic device 21 Transmission unit 22 Reception unit 31 B Mode data generation unit 32 Doppler data generation unit 41 Data storage unit 42 Image data generation unit 61 Display unit 62 Printing unit 63 Diagnostic data storage unit 64 Interface 81 Diagnostic information storage unit 82 Diagnostic data generation unit 110 Diagnostic data storage device 120 Network

Claims (10)

An ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject;
Transmitting / receiving means for driving the ultrasonic probe to perform ultrasonic scanning on the subject;
Image data generating means for generating image data based on a received signal from the transmitting / receiving means;
Diagnostic data generation means for generating diagnostic data for diagnosing the subject based on the image data generated by the image data generation means;
Operation information corresponding to operations including input of diagnostic information including characters, symbols, and numbers on the image data generated by the image data generating means, and output operation of diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic data generating means Operation means for input;
An output means for outputting diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic data generating means based on the operation information input by the operating means;
Diagnostic information storage means for preliminarily storing the diagnostic information and the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information,
When the diagnostic information is input by the operating means, the diagnostic data generating means reads the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information from the diagnostic information storage means, generates diagnostic data, and reads the generated diagnostic data. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the information is output to the output means corresponding to operation information. The output means includes display means for displaying the image data generated by the image data generating means, the diagnostic information input by the operating means, and the diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic data generating means,
The diagnostic data generating means generates first diagnostic data in which the diagnostic information is superimposed on the image data from the image data generating means when diagnostic information is input by the operating means, and the generated first diagnosis 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is output to the display means. The output means further includes a printing means for printing out the diagnostic data output from the diagnostic data generation means,
The ultrasound according to claim 2, wherein the diagnostic data generation unit outputs the first diagnostic data to the printing unit based on operation information read from the diagnostic information storage unit. Diagnostic device. The operation information includes position information of a cursor indicating an input position of diagnostic information that can be input by the operation means,
The diagnostic data generating means, based on the operation information read from the diagnostic information storage means, displays the position information of the cursor to be displayed on the first diagnostic data together with the first diagnostic data on the display means. Output,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays the cursor at the position of the position information together with the first diagnosis data. Measuring means capable of measuring the distance between two designated points of the image data generated by the image data generating means, the perimeter, or the area of the contour;
The diagnostic data generation unit is a second unit that displays the diagnostic information and measurement data measured by the measuring unit in a predetermined format when diagnostic information is input by the operating unit after being measured by the measuring unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein diagnostic data is generated. An ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject;
Transmitting / receiving means for driving the ultrasonic probe to perform ultrasonic scanning on the subject;
Image data generating means for generating image data based on a received signal from the transmitting / receiving means;
Diagnostic data generation means for generating diagnostic data for diagnosing the subject based on the image data generated by the image data generation means;
Operation information corresponding to an operation including input of diagnostic information including characters, symbols, and numbers on the image data generated by the image data generating means, and an operation for storing diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic data generating means. Operation means for input;
Based on the operation information input by the operation means, a storage means for storing the diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic data generation means,
Diagnostic information storage means for preliminarily storing the diagnostic information and the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information,
When the diagnostic information is input by the operating means, the diagnostic data generating means reads the operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information from the diagnostic information storage means, generates diagnostic data, and reads the generated diagnostic data. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the information is output to the storage means corresponding to operation information. The storage means includes transmission means for transmitting the diagnostic data output from the diagnostic data generation means to an external diagnostic data storage device and storing the diagnostic data in the diagnostic data storage device,
The diagnostic data generating means generates first diagnostic data in which the diagnostic information is superimposed on the image data from the image data generating means when diagnostic information is input by the operating means, and the generated first diagnosis The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein data is output to the transmission unit. Diagnostic information setting means for setting the diagnostic information and operation information corresponding to the diagnostic information;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic information storage unit stores the diagnostic information and operation information set by the diagnostic information setting unit. Drive an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the subject, and performs ultrasonic scanning on the subject by transmitting and receiving means,
Image data is generated by image data generation means based on the received signal from the transmission / reception means,
An operation including an input operation of diagnostic information including characters, symbols, and numbers on the image data generated by the image data generating unit to an output unit that outputs diagnostic data for diagnosing the subject By operating means that can input operation information corresponding to
When diagnostic information is input by the operation means, the operation information corresponding to the diagnosis information is read from the diagnostic information storage means, and diagnostic data is generated from the image data generated by the image data generation means, and generated. A method for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: outputting diagnostic data to the output means corresponding to the operation information read by a diagnostic data generation means. Drive an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the subject, and performs ultrasonic scanning on the subject by transmitting and receiving means,
Image data is generated by image data generation means based on the received signal from the transmission / reception means,
An input operation of diagnostic information including characters, symbols, and numbers on the image data generated by the image data generating unit, and an output operation to a storing unit for storing diagnostic data for diagnosing the subject The operation means that can input the operation information corresponding to the operation to include,
When diagnostic information is input by the operation means, the operation information corresponding to the diagnosis information is read from the diagnostic information storage means, and diagnostic data is generated from the image data generated by the image data generation means, and generated. A method for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: outputting diagnostic data to the storage unit corresponding to the operation information read by the diagnostic data generation unit.

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