JP5405230B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, control method of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and ultrasonic probe management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic tomographic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject via an ultrasonic probe, and performs quality control of the ultrasonic probe, a control method thereof, and The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe management system that performs quality control of an ultrasonic probe.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject via an ultrasonic probe including a piezoelectric element, and generates an ultrasonic tomographic image of the subject based on the received signal (echo signal). Device.

  When the ultrasonic probe described above is used for a long period of time, the sensitivity of the ultrasonic probe deteriorates. This deterioration is considered to occur when the piezoelectric element and the electrode material are changed in an ideological manner due to repeated energization of the ultrasonic probe. Due to such deterioration of the ultrasonic probe, the image quality of the generated ultrasonic tomographic image may be deteriorated. Degradation level information is an index for quantitatively evaluating how much the ultrasonic probe is degraded. The deterioration level information is used as the energization time of the ultrasonic probe, the cumulative integration of the voltage applied to the ultrasonic probe, and the average value at the time of inspection of the gain controller that amplifies the echo signal sent from the ultrasonic probe. It is done.

  Such deterioration of the image quality of the ultrasonic tomographic image is very dangerous because it may induce misdiagnosis. Therefore, quality management of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe must be sufficiently performed.

  For this reason, various techniques for quality control of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses have been proposed. As this quality control technique, there is a technique (for example, refer to Patent Document 1) that accumulates the usage period of the ultrasonic probe and outputs the accumulated time. In addition, there is a technique (see, for example, Patent Document 2) in which log data such as a period of use and the number of freezes in each mode of the ultrasonic probe is stored to detect a failure. Furthermore, there is a technique (for example, refer to Patent Document 3) that stores and provides degradation degree information for each ultrasonic probe for determining the occurrence of a failure.

  In recent years, apart from failure detection, accuracy management (accuracy verification) is required as performance management of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Accuracy management refers to work for quantitatively verifying that a probe is performing as specified, and data (verification result) obtained by the work. Specifically, the accuracy management includes sound speed measurement, distance measurement accuracy measurement, slice width measurement, distance resolution measurement, azimuth resolution measurement, and the like. This accuracy management is being recognized as an obligation of a person who manages an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus such as a doctor or an engineer (hereinafter simply referred to as “operator”).

JP 07-391 A JP 2003-290224 A JP 2006-20749 A

"Radiologic equipment management practice manual Ultrasound image diagnostic equipment, nuclear medicine inspection" (author: Japan Radiological Engineers Association Radiological equipment management section)

  As described above, in recent years, it has become necessary for an operator to manage the performance of the apparatus on a daily and efficient basis. However, the accuracy management of the ultrasonic probe has the following problems. Deteriorated by the period of use and frequency of use. Originally, the image quality deteriorates due to the influence, but some deterioration of the probe can be covered by gain adjustment by the gain controller of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the ultrasonic wave The operator may not notice the deterioration of the probe. Therefore, the operator needs to verify the accuracy in order to judge the deterioration of the ultrasonic probe. However, the deterioration of the ultrasonic probe is always progressing, but it is complicated for the operator to verify the accuracy every day. And inefficient. Furthermore, since there are usually a large number of ultrasonic probes and may be shared by a plurality of apparatuses, it is difficult to integrate and manage the usage status of the ultrasonic probes between apparatuses.

  In this regard, the conventional techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 provide only the detection of a failure and do not manage the accuracy verification. In such a conventional method, accuracy verification is separately managed by describing it in a ledger or the like. Then, the operator uniquely determines when and what kind of accuracy verification is performed. Therefore, it becomes inefficient, for example, the accuracy verification of the ultrasonic probe is uniformly performed. This is, for example, a method in which the date is determined and the accuracy verification of all probes is performed. However, this is not an accuracy verification suitable for the state of deterioration of each ultrasonic probe, so unnecessary accuracy verification is also performed. Efficient. In addition, since the operator determines items for accuracy verification, there is a risk that accuracy verification of necessary items will not be performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that determines whether or not it is necessary to perform accuracy verification of an ultrasonic probe from the deterioration degree information of each ultrasonic probe, and a control method thereof And an ultrasonic probe management system.

  In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 changes an input pulse voltage into an ultrasonic wave, transmits the ultrasonic wave to the subject, receives an ultrasonic echo reflected from the subject, and converts it into an electrical signal. An ultrasonic probe that outputs a change, a transmission / reception unit that outputs a pulse voltage to the ultrasonic probe, receives the electric signal from the ultrasonic probe, and performs signal processing on the electric signal to generate an ultrasonic tomogram Image generation means, display control means for displaying the ultrasonic image on a display unit, deterioration level information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration level information of the ultrasonic probe together with identification information of the ultrasonic probe, and the deterioration level information Is stored in correspondence with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe, and the degree of accuracy information storage means that stores a plurality of verification items in the past performed in the verification of accuracy Accuracy verification information storage means for receiving and storing accuracy verification information including at least a verification item and verification date and time, and an ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information upon receiving input of identification information of the ultrasonic probe Accuracy verification necessity determination means for determining whether or not accuracy verification needs to be performed based on the deterioration degree information and the accuracy verification information, and a notification for notifying an operator when it is determined that the accuracy verification is necessary Means.

  The ultrasonic probe management system according to claim 10 is an ultrasonic probe management system having an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe management apparatus, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus converts an input pulse voltage into an ultrasonic wave. An ultrasonic probe that receives and transmits an ultrasonic echo reflected to and reflected from the subject, converts it into an electrical signal, and obtains deterioration information of the ultrasonic probe together with identification information of the ultrasonic probe. Degree information acquisition means, deterioration degree information storage means for storing the deterioration degree information in correspondence with identification information of the ultrasonic probe, and the deterioration degree information and the corresponding ultrasonic wave stored in the ultrasonic probe management apparatus Deterioration degree information transfer means for outputting probe identification information, and the ultrasonic probe management device is implemented in the past for accuracy verification having a plurality of verification items. Accuracy verification information storage means for receiving and storing accuracy verification information including at least the verification item and verification date and time performed in the verification, and the deterioration level information and the corresponding ultrasonic probe from the deterioration level information transfer means The accuracy verification necessity determination means for receiving the input of the identification information and determining whether or not the accuracy verification needs to be performed based on the deterioration degree information and the accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information And an informing means for informing the operator of the fact that it is determined that the accuracy verification is necessary.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control method according to claim 12, wherein the input pulse voltage is converted into an ultrasonic wave, transmitted to the subject, an ultrasonic echo reflected from the subject is received, converted into an electrical signal, and output. A method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe, comprising: acquiring deterioration degree information of the ultrasonic probe together with identification information of the ultrasonic probe; and acquiring the deterioration degree information as the ultrasonic wave. Accuracy verification information including at least the verification item and verification date and time of verification performed in the past of accuracy verification having a plurality of verification items, and storing the degradation level information stored in correspondence with the probe identification information An accuracy verification information storage step for receiving and storing the input, and receiving the input of the identification information of the ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information An accuracy verification necessity determination stage for determining whether or not accuracy verification needs to be performed based on the degree of accuracy information and the accuracy verification information, and whether or not verification is required to notify the operator when it is determined that the accuracy verification is necessary When it is determined that the accuracy verification is unnecessary, a notification timing and the next timing for performing the accuracy verification based on the deterioration degree information and the accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information The accuracy verification timing determination step to be obtained, and the notification means include a timing notification step of notifying the operator of the accuracy verification timing.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, the ultrasonic probe management system according to claim 8, and the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10 include deterioration degree information and accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe. Based on the above, it is configured to automatically determine and notify the necessity of performing accuracy verification of each inspection item. As a result, verification items that require accuracy verification can be reliably notified in accordance with the degree of deterioration of the ultrasonic probe, and it is possible to easily grasp which verification item needs to be verified for accuracy and appropriateness. Accuracy verification can be performed.

1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. An example of the accuracy verification information input screen An example of the accuracy verification information input screen Illustration of an example of a probe switching screen for selecting an ultrasonic probe The graph showing the accumulation energization time of the present ultrasonic probe in a 1st embodiment. An example of indication that accuracy verification is required Flowchart for determining whether or not accuracy verification is required in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment Block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment The graph showing the accumulation energization time of the present ultrasonic probe in a 3rd embodiment. An example of a table showing degradation level information and accuracy verification items corresponding to it

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing functions of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. However, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is not included in the present embodiment, and will be described in the third embodiment.

  The user interface 107 includes an input unit 108 and a display unit 109. An operator such as a doctor or a laboratory technician (hereinafter simply referred to as “operator”) uses the user interface 107 to input an imaging start command and selection of the ultrasonic probe 001 to be used. The display unit 109 corresponds to the “display unit” in the present invention.

  The operator performs accuracy verification using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Accuracy verification includes sound velocity measurement, distance accuracy, distance measurement, accuracy measurement, slice width measurement, distance resolution measurement, orientation resolution measurement, orientation accuracy measurement in the machine axis direction, and the like. These are called verification items for accuracy verification. This accuracy verification is performed by measuring each value using an ultrasonic measurement device, accuracy verification phantom, water tank, and the like. The operator inputs the accuracy verification information using the input unit 108 with reference to the accuracy verification information input screen 200 shown in FIG. 2 displayed on the display unit 109 using the user interface 107. Here, FIG. 2 is an example of an accuracy verification information input screen. The accuracy verification information includes at least verification items for accuracy verification (for example, sound velocity measurement, distance measurement accuracy measurement, slice width measurement, distance resolution measurement, azimuth resolution measurement, etc.) and accuracy verification execution date (year / month / day). Is included. In this embodiment, the operator inputs the item name column 201, the implementation date column 203, and the verification result column 204 of the verification items of accuracy verification performed as shown in FIG. Specifically, the operator checks the check box 202 of the verification item that has been inspected in the item name column 201. Further, the operator inputs the date on which the inspection was performed in the execution date column 203. Further, the operator inputs an OK or NG result by checking the check box 205 in the verification result column 204. Then, the operator confirms the input of accuracy verification information input by clicking the record button 206. The determined information is input to the accuracy verification information storage unit 104 via the display control unit 103. Further, the operator inputs the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001 that has been subjected to the accuracy verification together with the input of the accuracy verification information. The input of the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001 has been used in a method for confirming the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001 that has been verified by the operator and inputting the identification information directly, or in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001 with a certain degree is acquired from the deterioration degree information storage unit 102 or the like and displayed on the display unit 109 as a list so as to be selectable. The identification of the ultrasonic probe 001 verified by the operator from the list A method of inputting by selecting information may be used. In the present embodiment, the former method is adopted. In addition, as accuracy verification information, detailed data for accuracy verification (for example, distance values and temperatures measured by photographing a phantom) and information that measures have been taken in response to the results of accuracy verification (for example, information that repairs have been performed) .) Etc.

  In addition, the operator uses the accuracy verification information input screen 300 as shown in FIG. 3 displayed on the display unit 109 to obtain examination information (patient name, date of birth, etc.) of the examination using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. input. Here, FIG. 3 is an example of an accuracy verification information input screen. When inputting the inspection information, the operator selects an ultrasonic probe 001 to be used in the inspection. Specifically, the operator selects the probe switching button 301 on the accuracy verification information input screen 300 and switches the screen to the probe switching screen 400 shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 4 is an example of a probe switching screen for selecting an ultrasonic probe. As shown in the probe switching screen 400 shown in FIG. 4, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the probes 1 to 3 are used as sector type ultrasonic probes, and the probes 4 and 5 are used as convex type ultrasonic probes. Can be selected. The operator clicks the probe selection button 401 of the sector type ultrasonic probe corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 001 used in the inspection or the probe selection button 402 of the convex type ultrasonic probe from the probe switching screen 400. The current ultrasonic probe 001 is selected. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic probe 001 selected as the ultrasonic probe to be used in the current examination is referred to as “current ultrasonic probe 001” or simply “ultrasonic probe 001”. When the current ultrasonic probe 001 is selected by the operator, information (such as a connected port number) for specifying the ultrasonic probe 001 is stored in a deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101 and accuracy verification required later. The result is output to the rejection determination unit 105. Here, in the present embodiment, when the current ultrasonic probe 001 is selected, specific information of the ultrasonic probe 001 is transmitted to the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 to determine whether accuracy verification is necessary. However, this may be another timing as long as the ultrasonic probe 001 to be inspected can be specified. For example, a button for determining whether or not to perform accuracy verification is displayed on the accuracy verification information input screen 300 or the inspection start screen. May be provided, when the button is pressed, when the ultrasonic probe 001 is attached, when the system of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is activated, when logged in, or when the daily self-inspection menu is displayed. As an example, in the case of an examination start screen, when an examination part / type is selected on the examination start screen, only the ultrasound probe 001 that can be used for the examination is limited to the accuracy of the corresponding ultrasound probe 001. It is configured to inquire whether or not verification is necessary. The daily self-inspection menu is a screen for navigating the items that the operator must perform daily self-inspection. Using this daily inspection menu, virus check, equipment time adjustment, probe check, Such inspection work can be carried out.

  When the input of examination information such as the current selection of the ultrasound probe 001 and patient information is completed, the operator clicks the examination start button 302 in FIG. 3 and uses the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus based on the entered examination information. Start the inspection that you had.

  The ultrasonic probe 001 has a plurality of transducers. The transducer converts the pulse signal input from the transmission / reception unit 002 into an ultrasonic wave and transmits it to the subject. Furthermore, the transducer receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject (hereinafter referred to as “ultrasonic echo”), converts it into an echo signal that is an electrical signal, and outputs it to the transmitting / receiving unit 002.

  Further, the ultrasonic probe 001 has a storage area such as a memory, and stores its own identification information (such as a serial number) in the storage area. After the ultrasonic probe 001 is selected as the ultrasonic probe 001 to be used in the examination currently performed by the operator on the screen of FIG. 4, the identification information is obtained from the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101 and the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 described later. In response to the output request, the stored identification information is output to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101 and the accuracy verification necessity determination unit.

  The transmission / reception unit 002 generates a pulse voltage (pulse signal). The transmission / reception unit 002 gives the pulse voltage a delay time for focusing the transmission ultrasonic wave to a predetermined depth and a delay time for transmitting the transmission ultrasonic wave in a predetermined direction. The transmission / reception unit 002 transmits the pulse voltage given the delay time to the transducer of the ultrasonic probe 001, thereby generating an ultrasonic wave in the transducer.

  The transmission / reception unit 002 receives an input of an echo signal in which an ultrasonic wave input from a transducer is reflected by a subject. As described above, since the original pulse voltage is given a delay time for each transmission ultrasonic wave by the transmission / reception unit 002, the echo signal is input to the transmission / reception unit 002 with a shift. Further, the transmission / reception unit 002 amplifies each echo signal by an amplifier (not shown), converts it to a digital signal by an A / D converter (not shown), and outputs the digital signal to the signal processing unit 003.

  In addition, when the transmission / reception unit 002 starts energization of the pulse voltage to the ultrasonic probe 001, the transmission / reception unit 002 outputs a signal indicating that energization has started to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101. Furthermore, when the transmission / reception unit 002 stops energization of the pulse voltage to the ultrasonic probe 001, the transmission / reception unit 002 outputs a signal indicating that energization has ended to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101. The transmission / reception unit 002 corresponds to “transmission / reception means” in the present invention. In this embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 002 outputs information on the start and stop of energization of the pulse voltage to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101. This is the stage when the pulse voltage energization is received. Outputs the information on the start of energization of the pulse voltage to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101, and the ultrasonic probe 001 outputs the information on the stop of energization of the pulse voltage to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101 when the energization of the pulse voltage stops. It may be configured.

  The signal processing unit 003 receives a signal input from the transmission / reception unit 002. The signal processing unit 003 performs band pass filter processing on the input signal. Further, the signal processing unit 003 performs processing such as delay addition, envelope detection, and logarithmic compression on the signal that has been subjected to the bandpass filter processing. Then, the signal processing unit 003 outputs the signal subjected to the above-described processing to the image processing unit 004. Here, in this embodiment, the band-pass filter processing is performed in the signal processing unit 003 after A / D conversion, but this may be performed before A / D conversion. In this case, for example, there is a configuration in which a band pass filter is arranged between the amplifier and the A / D converter and the band pass filter process is performed there.

  The image processing unit 004 receives a signal input from the signal processing unit 003. The image processing unit 004 generates image data by performing coordinate conversion from the coordinates of the scanning line to the coordinates on the monitor on the input signal. The image processing unit 004 outputs the generated image data to the display control unit 103.

  A combination of the signal processing unit 003 and the image processing unit 004 corresponds to the “image generation unit” in the present invention.

  The overall control unit 005 controls the operation timing of each functional unit. The overall control unit 005 mediates information exchange between the functional units. However, in this description, for convenience, it may be described that information is directly exchanged between the functional units. A dotted line shown in FIG. 1 indicates a data flow between the overall control unit 005 and each functional unit.

  The overall control unit 005 receives an input of the inspection end from the input unit 108 by the operator via the display control unit 103. Then, the overall control unit 005 outputs an inspection end notification to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101. Here, in this embodiment, the overall control unit 005 receives the input of the inspection end from the operator, but this may be another method as long as it can be understood that the inspection has ended. For example, the inspection plan is input in advance. The inspection may be performed according to the plan, and the overall control unit 005 may refer to the inspection plan and grasp that the inspection according to the inspection plan has been completed.

  The deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101 includes a timer (not shown) inside. Furthermore, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 includes a clock (not shown) that indicates the date and time. Here, in this embodiment, a timer and a clock are provided separately, but a configuration using a clock as a timer may be used. The deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 receives input of identification information from the current ultrasonic probe 001 when the ultrasonic probe 001 is selected. The degradation level information acquisition unit 101 refers to the degradation level information storage unit 102 based on the identification information, and determines whether or not the ultrasound probe 001 (current ultrasound probe 001) that has input the identification information is the first ultrasound probe to be used. (In detail, it is determined whether or not the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used for the first time). Specifically, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 determines that the current ultrasonic probe 001 has been used in the past if the identification information is stored in the deterioration level information storage unit 102, and the deterioration level If the identification information is not stored in the degree information storage unit 102, it is determined that the current ultrasonic probe 001 has not been used in the past, that is, the first use. When it is determined that the current ultrasonic probe 001 is used for the first time, the deterioration level information storage unit 102 uses the current ultrasonic probe 001 identification information and the date and time when the identification information is input to the deterioration level information storage unit 102. Output as start date and time.

  Next, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 indicates that the energization of the pulse voltage from the transmission / reception unit 002 to the ultrasonic probe 001 is started when the energization of the pulse voltage from the transmission / reception unit 002 is started to the ultrasonic probe 001. Receives signal input. In response to the input of this signal, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 starts counting time with its own timer. The deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101 then terminates energization of the pulse voltage from the transmission / reception unit 002 to the ultrasonic probe 001 when the energization of the pulse voltage from the transmission / reception unit 002 to the ultrasonic probe 001 is stopped. The signal input is received. In response to the input of the signal indicating that the energization of the pulse voltage has ended, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 stops counting the time by its own timer.

  When the current ultrasound probe 001 is an ultrasound probe that has been used in the past, the degradation level information acquisition unit 101 refers to the degradation level information storage unit 102 based on the identification information of the current ultrasound probe 001. Then, the current energization time of the current ultrasonic probe 001 is acquired, and the counted time is added to the acquired accumulated energization time to obtain a current accumulated current as the new ultrasonic probe 001. The information is output to the deterioration level information storage unit 102 in association with the identification information of the acoustic probe 001 and the output date. In the case of the ultrasonic probe that the current ultrasonic probe 001 uses for the first time, the counted time is made to correspond to the identification information of the current ultrasonic probe 001 and the output date as the accumulated energization time of the current ultrasonic probe 001. Output to the deterioration level information storage unit 102.

  Moreover, the deterioration degree information acquisition part 101 has a clock (not shown) inside, and can acquire the present date. When the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101 receives the input of the inspection end from the overall control unit 005, the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 101 acquires the start date and time of use from the deterioration degree information storage unit 102, and starts using the current date and time acquired by its own clock. The cumulative usage period is obtained by subtracting the date and time. Here, the use period used in the present embodiment refers to the period from the first connection to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to the present. Then, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 outputs the obtained usage period to the deterioration level information storage unit 102. The deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 corresponds to the “deterioration level information acquisition unit” in the present invention.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the cumulative energization time and the cumulative use period are listed as examples of the deterioration level information, but other information may be used as long as this is an index indicating the deterioration level of the ultrasonic probe. For example, the accumulated voltage of the day on the day of energization may be used. Further, when the ultrasonic probe 001 is an ultrasonic probe having a mechanical drive system (for example, a 4D probe), the cumulative energization time to the motor and the cumulative voltage to the motor may be included. Information that specifies which deterioration degree information among the deterioration degree information is referred to as a kind of deterioration degree information.

  The deterioration degree information storage unit 102 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk. Then, the deterioration level information storage unit 102 indicates the current start date and time of use of the ultrasonic probe 001, the cumulative energization time, and the cumulative use period, which are input from the deterioration level information acquisition unit 101, of the current ultrasonic probe 001. Store with identification information and date entered. Here, when deterioration level information for the same date already exists, the deterioration level information for that date is overwritten with the latest deterioration level information for the same date. Remember as. This deterioration level information storage unit 102 corresponds to the “deterioration level information storage unit” in the present invention.

  The accuracy verification information storage unit 104 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk. The accuracy verification information storage unit 104 receives the accuracy verification information input from the operator and the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001 on which the accuracy verification has been performed via the display control unit 103. The accuracy verification information storage unit 104 stores accuracy verification information in association with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001. The accuracy verification information storage unit 104 corresponds to “accuracy verification information storage means” in the present invention.

The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 has a storage area such as a memory or a hard disk. Then, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 stores a calculation formula f (x) for calculating the necessity level of accuracy verification according to the deterioration level information in its own storage area. This calculation formula corresponds to the “accuracy verification necessity calculation formula” in the present invention. This calculation formula is stored for each type of deterioration degree information. In the present embodiment, the degree of necessity f (x) = α × x (α: constant, x: value calculated based on deterioration degree information). Here, in this embodiment, f (x) is described as a linear function to simplify the description. However, an expression for calculating the degree of accuracy verification corresponding to the deterioration degree information may be another expression. Well, for example, when the necessity of accuracy verification is proportional to the square or the third power of the value obtained from the deterioration degree information, f (x) = α × x ² or f (x) = α × x ^The formula is ³ . Further, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 stores a threshold value of the necessity level of accuracy verification (hereinafter, the threshold value is Α). The calculation formula f (x) for calculating the degree of necessity and its threshold value are usually different for each verification item. However, the same formula or the same threshold value may be used depending on the verification item.

  The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 receives the selection of the current ultrasonic probe 001 on the probe switching screen 400 in FIG. 4 and acquires identification information from the corresponding current ultrasonic probe 001. Here, in the present embodiment, when the operator selects the ultrasonic probe 001, specific information of the ultrasonic probe 001 such as a port number to which the selected ultrasonic probe 001 is connected is output, and accuracy verification is required. The determination unit 105 is configured to acquire identification information of the corresponding ultrasonic probe 001 based on the specific information. However, this may have other configurations. For example, the overall control unit 005 acquires the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in advance, and the ultrasonic probe 001 selected by the operator is acquired. In response to the input, the overall control unit 005 may output the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001 to the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105.

  Next, determination of necessity of accuracy verification performed by the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the cumulative energization time of the current ultrasonic probe 001 in the present embodiment. In the graph of FIG. 5, the cumulative energization time is taken on the vertical axis, and the date is taken on the horizontal axis.

  The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 refers to the deterioration level information storage unit 102 based on the acquired identification information of the current ultrasonic probe 001, and indicates deterioration level information (cumulative) of the current ultrasonic probe 001 on the current date. Get energization time and cumulative use period). More specifically, the deterioration level information on the current date indicates the latest deterioration level information at the time when the identification information of the current ultrasonic probe 001 is acquired. Here, there are a plurality of types of deterioration level information. In the following, the determination as to whether or not accuracy verification needs to be performed will be described using the cumulative energization time as an example of the deterioration level information. The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines whether it is necessary to perform accuracy verification in the same manner for the cumulative usage period. Here, it is assumed that the current date is the date D0, and the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 has acquired T0 (time) as the cumulative energization time on the date D0.

  Further, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 refers to the accuracy verification information storage unit 104 based on the acquired identification information of the current ultrasonic probe 001, and performs the previous verification for each verification item of the current ultrasonic probe 001. Get the date you went. Although there are a plurality of verification items, in the following, the determination of the necessity of performing accuracy verification of sound speed measurement will be described as an example of sound speed measurement as a verification item. The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines whether or not accuracy verification needs to be performed for the other verification items using the same method. Here, it is assumed that the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 acquires the date D1 as the date on which the accuracy verification of the previous sound velocity measurement was performed.

  The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 refers to the deterioration level information storage unit 102 based on the date D1 on which the accuracy verification of the previous sound velocity measurement was performed, and the current ultrasonic probe 001 on the date D1. The cumulative energization time at the time of the previous accuracy verification, which is deterioration degree information, is acquired. Here, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 will be described assuming that T1 (time) is acquired as the cumulative energization time at the previous accuracy verification.

  The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 subtracts the cumulative energization time T1 at the previous accuracy verification from the current accumulated energization time T0. Here, in this embodiment, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 will be described in the case where T0−T1 = Δt is calculated.

  Then, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 calculates the necessity of accuracy verification by substituting Δt into a calculation formula f (x) for calculating the necessity of accuracy verification stored by itself. In the present embodiment, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 calculates the necessity for accuracy verification as f (Δt) = α × Δt.

  Then, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 compares the threshold value 自己 stored by itself with the calculated accuracy verification necessity (α × Δt). Then, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines that the accuracy verification of sound speed measurement is necessary when the accuracy verification necessity (α × Δt) is equal to or greater than the threshold value Α, that is, when α × Δt ≧ Α. Further, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines that the accuracy verification of the sound velocity measurement is not necessary when the accuracy verification necessity (α × Δt) is smaller than the threshold value Α, that is, when α × Δt <Α.

  When the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines that the accuracy verification of the sound velocity measurement is necessary, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 outputs information indicating that the accuracy verification of the sound velocity measurement is necessary to the notification unit 106. This accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 corresponds to “accuracy verification necessity determination means” in the present invention.

  The notification unit 106 receives input of information indicating that it is necessary to perform accuracy verification of sound speed measurement from the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105, and sends the accuracy verification of sound speed measurement to the display unit 109 via the display control unit 103. Display that it is necessary to implement Here, in the present embodiment, the display on the display unit 109 has been described as a notification unit. However, this may be any notification method as long as the operator can grasp that the accuracy verification of the ultrasonic probe 001 is necessary. Voice or email may be used. This notification unit 106 corresponds to “notification means” in the present invention.

  The display control unit 103 receives image data input from the image processing unit 004. The display control unit 103 displays an ultrasonic image on the display unit 109 based on the input image data.

  In addition, the display control unit 103 receives an input from the notification unit 106 for a command to display that it is necessary to verify the accuracy of sound speed measurement. Then, the display control unit 103 displays on the display unit 109 that it is necessary to verify the accuracy of sound speed measurement. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a mark 601 indicating that accuracy verification needs to be performed and a notification box 602 for notifying the verification items for the required accuracy verification are displayed on the probe switching screen 400. Let FIG. 6 is an example of a display indicating that it is necessary to perform accuracy verification. Here, in this embodiment, the mark 601 and the notification box 602 are displayed beside the ultrasonic probe 001 selected for easy understanding. However, this may be another method, for example, the notification box 602 alone. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which verification items for accuracy verification that need to be performed are displayed together with the name of the ultrasonic probe 001 at other positions of the probe switching screen 400. This display control unit 103 corresponds to “display control means” in the present invention.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of determining whether or not accuracy verification is necessary in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for determining whether or not accuracy verification is necessary in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Step S001: An operator performs accuracy verification using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and inputs accuracy verification information including at least a verification item for accuracy verification and an accuracy verification execution date.

  Step S002: The accuracy verification information storage unit 104 stores the input accuracy verification information in association with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe used for accuracy verification.

  Here, the part of the flow A shown in FIG. 7 including step S001 and step S002 is a step that is performed at the timing when the accuracy verification is performed by the operator. Before making the determination, the flow A may be performed any number of times.

  Step S003: The degradation degree information acquisition unit 101 receives identification information from the ultrasonic probe 001, receives energization start notification and energization end notification from the transmission / reception unit 002, and uses its own timer to detect the ultrasonic probe 001. Find the energizing time of Further, when the ultrasonic probe 001 is used for the first time, the use start date and time is acquired.

  Step S004: The degradation level information acquisition unit 101 adds the energization time obtained to the energization time stored in the degradation level information storage unit 102, and calculates the accumulated energization time up to the present. In addition, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 101 calculates the cumulative usage period by subtracting the use start date and time stored in the deterioration level information storage unit 102 from the current date and time. The degradation level information storage unit 102 stores the cumulative energization time and the cumulative usage period, which are degradation level information calculated by the degradation level information acquisition unit 101, together with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001 and the date at that time. Here, when the date is the same, the deterioration level information storage unit 102 changes the deterioration level information corresponding to the date to new deterioration level information.

  Here, the part of the flow B shown in FIG. 7 including step S003 and step S004 is a step performed at the timing when the pulse voltage from the transmission / reception unit 002 is transmitted when the inspection is performed using the ultrasonic probe 001. In fact, the flow B may be performed any number of times before determining whether or not accuracy verification is necessary.

  Step S005: The operator selects the ultrasonic probe 001 to be used for the inspection at the start stage of the inspection using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Step S006: The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 receives input of specific information of the ultrasonic probe 001 accompanying selection of the ultrasonic probe 001, and acquires identification information from the ultrasonic probe 001 corresponding to the specific information.

  Step S007: The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 refers to the deterioration degree information storage unit 102 based on the acquired identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001, and presents the current deterioration degree information of the ultrasonic probe 001 (for example, as described above). In the case of sound velocity measurement, T0.) Is acquired.

  Step S008: The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 refers to the accuracy verification information storage unit 104 based on the acquired identification information of the ultrasonic probe 001, and acquires the date when the previous verification was performed for each verification item of accuracy verification. To do.

  Step S009: The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 acquires deterioration level information (for example, T1 in the case of the above-described sound speed measurement) of the ultrasonic probe 001 on the date when the previous accuracy verification was performed.

  Step S010: The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 calculates the difference between the current degradation level information and the degradation level information of the date on which accuracy verification was performed for each verification item (for example, ΔT = T0− in the case of the above-described sound speed measurement). T1.) And the calculated difference is substituted into the formula f (x) = α × x for calculating the necessity of accuracy verification, and the necessity of accuracy verification is calculated (for example, f ( ΔT) = α × ΔT.). Then, the stored threshold value is compared with the calculated degree of necessity.

  Step S011: The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines whether the calculated degree of necessity is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the degree of necessity is equal to or greater than a threshold (for example, α × ΔT ≧ Α in the case of the above-described sound speed measurement) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S011. When the degree of necessity is smaller than the threshold (for example, α × ΔT <Α in the case of the above-described sound speed measurement) (No), the accuracy verification is not necessary and the determination of whether or not the accuracy verification is necessary is finished.

  Step S012: The notification unit 106 receives information indicating that accuracy verification needs to be performed from the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105, and needs to perform accuracy verification on the display unit 109 via the display control unit 103. Is displayed.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment performs the accuracy verification of the ultrasonic probe based on the date of accuracy verification stored in advance and the deterioration degree information of the ultrasonic probe. It is the structure which determines and notifies automatically whether it is necessary.

  Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment can notify the operator of verification items that require accuracy verification according to the degree of deterioration of the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp which verification item needs to be subjected to accuracy verification, and can perform efficient and appropriate accuracy verification.

[Second Embodiment]
An ultrasonic probe diagnostic system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The ultrasonic probe diagnostic system according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe management device and an ultrasonic diagnostic device. The ultrasonic probe management apparatus has a configuration for determining whether or not it is necessary to verify the accuracy of the ultrasonic probe in the first embodiment. The ultrasonic probe management apparatus according to the present embodiment is an ultrasonic probe management apparatus 140 surrounded by a solid line shown in FIG. 8, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 surrounded by a solid line shown in FIG. It is. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic probe management apparatus 140 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 so as to be able to send and receive information via the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 and a network.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 includes an ultrasonic probe 131, a transmission / reception unit 132, a signal processing unit 133, an image processing unit 134, a display unit 135, a deterioration degree information acquisition unit 136, a deterioration degree information storage unit 137, and a deterioration degree information transfer unit. 138.

  The ultrasonic probe 131 has the same configuration as the ultrasonic probe 001 according to the first embodiment.

  The transmission / reception unit 132 has the same configuration as the transmission / reception unit 002 according to the first embodiment.

  The signal processing unit 133 has the same configuration as the signal processing unit 003 according to the first embodiment.

  The image processing unit 134 has the same configuration as the image processing unit 004 according to the first embodiment.

  When another ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 130 connected to the ultrasound probe management apparatus 140 according to the present embodiment via a network receives selection of the ultrasound probe 131 (current ultrasound probe 131) to be used by the operator. The identification information of the current ultrasonic probe 131 is output to the deterioration level information acquisition unit 136. Here, in this embodiment, the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 131 is output to simplify the explanation, but this may be the specific information of the ultrasonic probe as in the first embodiment, in which case the specific information is For example, the identification information of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a port to which the ultrasonic probe 131 is connected.

  In addition, when the transmission / reception unit 132 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 starts transmitting the pulse voltage to the ultrasonic probe 131, the transmission / reception unit 132 notifies the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 136 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 that transmission of the pulse voltage has started. Output. In addition, when the transmission / reception unit 132 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 stops transmitting the pulse voltage to the ultrasonic probe 131, the transmission / reception unit 132 outputs a notification that the transmission of the pulse voltage has been stopped to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 136.

  Further, the other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 outputs a notification that the examination is completed to the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 136.

  The deterioration degree information acquisition unit 136 receives the input identification information of the current ultrasonic probe 131 and determines whether or not the ultrasonic probe 131 having the acquired identification information is used for the first time. When it is used for the first time, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 136 acquires the current date and time. Then, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 136 outputs the acquired date and time to the deterioration level information storage unit 137.

  After that, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 136 receives the notification of the start of pulse voltage transmission and the notification of the stop of pulse voltage transmission input from the transmission / reception unit 132, and uses the timer that it has to determine the current energization time of the ultrasonic probe 131. Ask. Then, the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 136 adds the obtained energization time to the accumulated energization time stored in the deterioration degree information storage unit 137 to obtain a new accumulated energization time. Then, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 136 outputs the obtained cumulative energization time to the deterioration level information storage unit 137 together with the date when the notification that the energization has ended is received.

  Furthermore, the deterioration degree information acquisition unit 136 receives an input of a notification that the inspection is completed, refers to a clock that the user has, acquires the date and time when the input is received, and the date and time acquired from the date and time when the first use is started. The cumulative usage period, which is the period until, is obtained. Then, the deterioration level information acquisition unit 136 outputs the obtained accumulated usage period to the deterioration level information storage unit 137 together with the date when the notification of the completion of the inspection is received.

  The deterioration level information storage unit 137 stores the cumulative energization time and the cumulative usage period input from the deterioration level information acquisition unit 136 in association with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 131 and the input date.

  The degradation level information transfer unit 138 has a timer, and when a predetermined period has elapsed, the degradation level information storage unit 137 refers to the degradation level information storage unit 137 and responds to the ultrasound probe management apparatus 140 together with the identification information of the ultrasound probe 131. The degradation level information is output.

  The ultrasonic probe management apparatus 140 includes an overall control unit 141, a display control unit 142, a deterioration degree information storage unit 143, an accuracy verification information storage unit 144, an accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145, a notification unit 146, a user interface 147, and an input unit. 148 and a display portion 149. Here, the functional unit indicated by the alternate long and short dash line will be described in the fourth embodiment.

  The deterioration level information storage unit 143 of the ultrasonic probe management apparatus 140 identifies the deterioration level information input from the deterioration level information transfer unit 138 of each ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 connected via the network, as an ultrasonic probe 131 identification. It is stored in correspondence with information.

  Here, since the deterioration level information storage unit 143 stores the deterioration level information in correspondence with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 131, the ultrasonic probe 131 is used in any ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The deterioration level information of the acoustic probe 131 will increase. In other words, the deterioration degree information storage unit 143 stores the deterioration degree information of each ultrasonic probe 131 used in each ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 in an integrated manner (for example, if time is added). Become.

  Similar to the accuracy verification information storage unit 104 in the first embodiment, the accuracy verification information storage unit 144 receives input of accuracy verification information by the operator using the user interface 147 together with the identification information of the corresponding ultrasonic probe 131. Thus, the accuracy verification information corresponding to the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 131 is stored.

  The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145 receives an instruction for determining whether or not the ultrasonic probe 131 is necessary for accuracy verification from the user interface 147. At this time, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145 receives input of identification information of the ultrasonic probe 131 that performs the determination. The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145 receives the execution instruction for determining whether the accuracy verification is necessary or not, and the degradation degree information and accuracy stored in the accuracy verification information storage unit 144 as in the first embodiment. It is determined whether or not the accuracy verification of the ultrasonic probe 131 selected based on the accuracy verification information stored in the verification information storage unit 144 is required. When it is determined that accuracy verification is necessary, the information is output to the notification unit 146. Here, in the present embodiment, the accuracy verification necessity instruction is directly received from the operator, but this may be another method. For example, as in the first embodiment, any one of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 130 is used. In this case, the information that the use of the ultrasonic probe 131 is selected may be received, and the determination of the necessity of accuracy verification may be started based on the information.

  Here, in this embodiment, the deterioration degree information storage unit 143 is provided and the deterioration degree information is accumulated. However, the deterioration degree information storage unit 143 may not be provided, and in this case, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145 is not necessary. When determining whether or not accuracy verification is necessary, the deterioration degree information is directly acquired from each ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130.

  Upon receiving the notification from the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145, the notification unit 146 notifies the display unit 149 via the display control unit 142 that the accuracy verification is necessary, similarly to the notification unit 106 in the first embodiment. To display.

  The overall control unit 141 controls the operation timing of each function unit of the ultrasonic probe management apparatus 140 and mediates information transfer between the function units.

  As described above, the ultrasonic probe management system according to the third embodiment acquires deterioration degree information from an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus connected via a network, and also performs ultrasonic diagnosis connected via a network. In this configuration, verification information for accuracy verification performed by the apparatus is stored, and whether or not it is necessary to perform accuracy verification is determined based on the stored deterioration level information and verification information for accuracy verification.

  Thereby, even when an ultrasound probe is shared by a plurality of ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses, it is possible to acquire appropriate deterioration degree information and verification information for accuracy verification of each ultrasound probe. Therefore, even when an ultrasound probe is shared by a plurality of ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses, the operator can grasp verification items that need to be verified in accordance with the degree of deterioration of the ultrasound probe. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp which verification item needs to be subjected to accuracy verification, and can perform efficient and appropriate accuracy verification. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not the ultrasonic probe accuracy verification is necessary using an apparatus different from the ultrasonic diagnostic tomographic value, it is possible to determine whether or not the accuracy verification is necessary separately from the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the preferable timing. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

(Modification)
A modification of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present modification is connected to another ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a network, and acquires the deterioration degree information and accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe in the other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. This is different from the first embodiment. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has the function of the ultrasonic probe management apparatus 140 in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, acquisition of ultrasonic probe deterioration degree information from other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses will be mainly described. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the configuration of the ultrasonic probe management apparatus 140 represented by the block diagram shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 140 is referred to. Further, another ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 140 is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 shown in FIG. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 140 also has the same function as the other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 130. However, functions other than the accuracy verification necessity determination function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 140 are the same as the operations of the other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses 130 and are not specifically illustrated and are not shown. In the following description, functional units having the same reference numerals as in the second embodiment have the same functions unless otherwise specified.

  Another ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment via a network has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment and performs the same operation.

  The operator also inputs verification information for accuracy verification performed by another ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The accuracy verification information storage unit 144 stores the input verification information in association with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 131.

  Here, the above description describes the acquisition and storage of the deterioration degree information input from other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses and the verification information of accuracy verification performed by other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses. The acquisition and storage of the deterioration degree information acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the above and the verification information of the accuracy verification performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In that case, the deterioration degree information storage unit 143 stores deterioration degree information of the ultrasonic probe 131 provided in the self (not shown).

  The deterioration level information storage unit 143 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 140 includes the deterioration level information input from the deterioration level information transfer unit 138 of each ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 130 connected via a network and the ultrasonic wave used by itself. The deterioration degree information of the probe 131 is stored in correspondence with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe 131.

  When the ultrasonic probe 131 is selected as the ultrasonic probe 131 to be used by the operator in any of the other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145 An execution command for determining whether or not to perform accuracy verification is received together with the identification information of the selected ultrasonic probe 131. The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145 receives the execution command for determining whether or not to perform accuracy verification, and is selected based on the stored deterioration degree information and accuracy verification information as in the first embodiment. Further, it is determined whether or not the verification of the accuracy of the ultrasonic probe 001 is necessary. When it is determined that accuracy verification is necessary, the fact is output to the notification unit 146.

  The notification unit 146 receives an input from the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 145 and causes the display unit 149 to display that the accuracy verification needs to be performed via the display control unit 103. However, the display indicating that the accuracy verification needs to be performed may be displayed on the display unit 135 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the ultrasonic probe 131 is selected.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present modification acquires deterioration degree information from an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus connected via a network, and is implemented by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus connected via a network. The accuracy verification information thus stored is stored, and it is determined whether or not accuracy verification needs to be performed based on the stored deterioration level information and accuracy verification information.

  Thereby, even when an ultrasound probe is shared by a plurality of ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses, it is possible to acquire appropriate deterioration degree information and verification information for accuracy verification of each ultrasound probe. Thereby, even when an ultrasound probe is shared by a plurality of ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses, the operator can grasp verification items that need to be verified in accordance with the degree of deterioration of the ultrasound probe. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp which verification item needs to be subjected to accuracy verification, and can perform efficient and appropriate accuracy verification.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to predict when it is necessary to perform accuracy verification next, when it is not necessary to perform accuracy verification at present. This is different from the second embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the prediction of the accuracy verification execution timing will be mainly described. The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is also represented by the block diagram shown in FIG. In the following description, functional units having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are assumed to have the same functions unless otherwise specified.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which an accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1 is added to the first embodiment.

  The degradation level information acquisition unit 101, the degradation level information storage unit 102, and the accuracy verification information storage unit 104 operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the degradation level information storage unit 102 stores the degradation level information in the accuracy verification information storage unit 104. Stores accuracy verification information.

  The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 first determines the accuracy at the current time (when the ultrasonic probe 001 is selected to be used by the operator) based on the deterioration degree information and the verification information for accuracy verification, as in the first embodiment. The necessity of performing verification is determined for each verification item.

  If the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines that the current accuracy verification is required, the display unit 109 displays that the accuracy verification is required as in the first embodiment. .

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines that the current accuracy verification is not required, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 predicts the timing for performing the next accuracy verification. Is output together with the identification information of the current ultrasonic probe 001.

The accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 has a storage area such as a memory. The accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 stores the same threshold (Α) as the threshold stored in the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105. Furthermore, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 calculates an expression for calculating a timing at which the next accuracy verification is required from the deterioration level information, the current date, the date when the previous accuracy verification was performed, and the stored threshold value. I remember it. This expression may be an inverse function of the calculation expression (f (x)) stored in the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105, that is, f ⁻¹ (x).

  Next, the determination of the accuracy verification timing of the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 9 is a graph showing the cumulative energization time of the current ultrasonic probe 001 in the present embodiment. In the graph of FIG. 9, the cumulative energization time is taken on the vertical axis, and the date is taken on the horizontal axis.

  The accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 receives, from the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105, an input of an execution command for predicting the next accuracy verification, together with the identification information of the current ultrasonic probe 001. Then, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 acquires the date of the previous accuracy verification for each verification item from the accuracy verification information storage unit 104. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the date D11 is acquired as the date of the previous accuracy verification. Further, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 acquires T11 as the degradation level information at the time of the previous accuracy verification of the current ultrasonic probe 001 and T10 as the current degradation level information from the degradation level information storage unit 102. Furthermore, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 has a clock, and acquires the current date from the clock. Here, it is assumed that the date D10 is acquired as the current date. Here, in the present embodiment, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 itself acquires each date and each deterioration level information by referring to the deterioration level information storage unit 102 and the accuracy verification information storage unit 104. The configuration may be obtained from the verification necessity determination unit 105.

The accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 substitutes a threshold value に into the stored expression f ⁻¹ (x) to obtain a difference in deterioration level information that requires accuracy verification. Here, the difference in the deterioration degree information that requires accuracy verification is represented by ΔT. That is, ΔT = f ⁻¹ (Α).

  Further, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 calculates a date (here, D12) at which the difference in the deterioration level information becomes ΔT based on the change in the deterioration level information from the date D11 to the date D10. For example, when the deterioration degree information from the date D11 to the date D10 increases in a linear function, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110, when the deterioration degree information increases in a linear function like the increase. The date D12 at which the difference from the deterioration level information on the date D11 becomes ΔT is obtained. Here, when the deterioration degree information on the date D12 is T12, a date D12 that satisfies ΔT = T12−T11 is obtained. Specifically, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 determines that D12 = D11 + ΔD, ΔD = (D10−D11) × ΔT / (T10−T11) = Δd × ΔT / Δt (Δd = D10−D11, Δt = T10−T11). , ΔT = T12−T11) is obtained. Here, D10-D11 represents a period from the date D11 to the date D10, and is specifically the number of days.

  Then, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 outputs information indicating that the next accuracy verification needs to be performed to the notification unit 106 on the obtained date D2. The accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 corresponds to “accuracy verification timing determination means” in the present invention.

  The notification unit 106 receives input of information indicating that the next accuracy verification needs to be performed on the date D2 obtained from the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110, and sets the date D2 on the display unit 109 via the display control unit 103. Display that the next accuracy verification is required.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to predict and notify the timing at which accuracy verification should be performed next when accuracy verification is not required at the current time point. is there.

  As a result, the operator can easily grasp when it is necessary to perform accuracy verification, and it is possible to perform accuracy verification systematically, and to perform accuracy verification at an appropriate timing. It becomes possible.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the configuration for predicting the accuracy verification timing is added to the first embodiment, but this also operates in the same manner as the configuration added to the second embodiment. Furthermore, when a configuration for predicting the timing of accuracy verification is added to the second embodiment, the configuration is such that an accuracy verification timing determination unit 150 indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 8 is added. In this case, the accuracy verification timing determination unit 150 has the same configuration as the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 described in the present embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to narrow down and determine verification items for determining whether or not accuracy verification needs to be performed according to deterioration degree information. It is different from the form. Therefore, in the following description, the verification item narrowing down according to the deterioration degree information will be mainly described. The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is also represented by the block diagram shown in FIG. In the following description, functional units having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are assumed to have the same functions unless otherwise specified.

  The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 stores in advance a table 900 in which deterioration degree information as shown in FIG. 10 and verification items for accuracy verification corresponding thereto are described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table indicating the deterioration degree information and the verification items corresponding to the deterioration degree information. The table 900 is a table having deterioration degree information 901 in a row and accuracy verification items 902 that are verification items of accuracy verification in columns. A check 903 is described so as to correspond to the accuracy verification item 902 that must be verified when each of the deterioration level information 901 reaches the threshold value. For example, when the cumulative energization time reaches the threshold value as the deterioration degree information 901, the sound speed measurement, distance accuracy, distance measurement accuracy measurement, slice width measurement, distance resolution measurement, which are accuracy verification items 902 with a check 903, It is necessary to perform azimuth resolution measurement. In other words, it is not necessary to measure the azimuth accuracy in the machine axis direction.

  The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 acquires the previous verification date and time for each verification item from the accuracy verification information storage unit 104 in response to the selection of the ultrasonic probe 001 to be used by the operator. Then, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 refers to the table 900 and acquires a verification item corresponding to each deterioration degree information. The accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 acquires the current degradation level information from the degradation level information storage unit 102, and the degradation level information at the verification date acquired for each verification item corresponding to the degradation level information. To get.

  Then, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 determines whether it is necessary to perform accuracy verification for each corresponding verification item for each deterioration degree information.

  If it is determined that accuracy verification needs to be performed, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 causes the display unit 109 to display information on verification items determined to be necessary.

  Here, in the above description, the accuracy verification necessity determination unit 105 has been described, but the accuracy verification timing determination unit 110 similarly uses the table 900 to verify the next accuracy verification for verification items corresponding to each degree of deterioration information. It is possible to make a configuration for determining the timing of performing the operation.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment determines the necessity of performing accuracy verification and the timing of performing the next accuracy verification for the verification items of accuracy verification corresponding to each deterioration degree information. It is the structure to do.

  This makes it possible for the operator to specify verification items for accuracy verification that need to be performed in accordance with the deterioration level information of the ultrasonic probe, avoiding performing accuracy verification for unnecessary verification items, and improving efficiency. Accuracy verification can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the necessity of performing accuracy verification of verification items corresponding to the deterioration degree information in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the determination of the timing of the next execution have been described. This is the ultrasonic probe management described above. You may apply to a system and an ultrasonic probe management apparatus.

001 Ultrasonic probe 002 Transmission / reception unit 003 Signal processing unit 004 Image processing unit 005 Overall control unit 101 Degradation level information acquisition unit 102 Degradation level information storage unit 103 Display control unit 104 Accuracy verification information storage unit 105 Accuracy verification necessity determination unit 106 Notification Unit 107 user interface 108 input unit 109 display unit 110 accuracy verification timing determination unit 130 ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 136 degradation level information acquisition unit 137 degradation level information storage unit 138 degradation level information transfer unit 140 ultrasonic probe management apparatus 143 degradation level information storage Unit 144 accuracy verification information storage unit 145 accuracy verification necessity determination unit 146 notification unit 150 accuracy verification timing determination unit

Claims (12)

An ultrasonic probe that converts an input pulse voltage into an ultrasonic wave, transmits it to a subject, receives an ultrasonic echo reflected from the subject, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it;
Transmitting / receiving means for outputting a pulse voltage to the ultrasonic probe and receiving the electrical signal from the ultrasonic probe;
Image generating means for performing signal processing on the electrical signal to generate an ultrasonic tomographic image;
Display control means for displaying the ultrasonic image on a display unit;
Deterioration degree information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information of the ultrasonic probe together with identification information of the ultrasonic probe;
A deterioration degree information storage means for storing the deterioration degree information in correspondence with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe;
Accuracy verification information storage means for receiving and storing accuracy verification information including at least the verification item and verification date and time performed in the verification performed in the past of accuracy verification having a plurality of verification items;
Accuracy verification that receives input of identification information of the ultrasonic probe and determines whether or not accuracy verification is necessary based on the deterioration degree information and the accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information Necessity determination means;
Informing means for informing the operator of the fact when it is determined that the accuracy verification is necessary,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accuracy verification necessity determination unit determines whether the verification needs to be performed for each verification item when the input is received. The accuracy verification necessity determination means includes:
Each accuracy verification necessity calculation formula for calculating the necessity of accuracy verification of each verification item based on the value of the deterioration degree information and a threshold corresponding to the necessity of accuracy verification are stored in advance for each verification item. And determining whether accuracy verification is necessary based on the accuracy verification necessity calculation formula and the threshold value,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein The accuracy verification necessity determination means includes:
Calculating a difference between the deterioration level information at the time when the accuracy verification of each verification item of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information is performed and the deterioration level information at the input time point; The degree of necessity of accuracy verification of the verification items of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information is calculated using the accuracy verification necessity calculation formula for the difference, and the calculated degree is When the threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that accuracy verification of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information is necessary.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3. The accuracy verification necessity determination means includes:
The verification items corresponding to the types of the deterioration degree information are stored in advance, and it is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform the accuracy verification of the verification items corresponding to the types of the deterioration degree information.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: When it is determined that the accuracy verification at the time of receiving the input is unnecessary, the accuracy verification is performed based on the deterioration degree information and the accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information. It further comprises accuracy verification timing determination means for obtaining the next timing,
The notification means notifies the operator of the timing of the accuracy verification;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The accuracy verification timing determination means includes
An accuracy verification necessity calculation formula for calculating the necessity of accuracy verification of each verification item based on the value of the deterioration degree information and a threshold corresponding to the necessity of accuracy verification are stored in advance for each verification item. The identification information is based on the deterioration level information at the time when the accuracy verification of the verification items of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information is performed and the deterioration level information at the input time. Obtaining the timing at which the difference from the value of the deterioration degree information at the time when is input becomes the deterioration degree information that exceeds the threshold;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6. The accuracy verification timing determination means includes
The verification item corresponding to the type of the deterioration level information is stored in advance, and the accuracy verification timing of the verification item corresponding to the type of the deterioration level information is obtained.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deterioration level information acquisition unit acquires the deterioration level information from another ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. An ultrasonic probe management system having an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe management apparatus,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises:
An ultrasonic probe that converts an input pulse voltage into an ultrasonic wave, transmits it to a subject, receives an ultrasonic echo reflected from the subject, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it;
Deterioration degree information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information of the ultrasonic probe together with identification information of the ultrasonic probe;
A deterioration degree information storage means for storing the deterioration degree information in correspondence with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe;
Deterioration degree information transfer means for outputting the deterioration degree information and corresponding identification information of the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic probe management device,
The ultrasonic probe management device includes:
Accuracy verification information storage means for receiving and storing accuracy verification information including at least the verification item and verification date and time performed in the verification performed in the past of accuracy verification having a plurality of verification items;
Upon receiving the deterioration level information and the corresponding identification information of the ultrasonic probe from the deterioration level information transfer means, the deterioration level information and the accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information are obtained. Accuracy verification necessity determination means for determining whether or not accuracy verification needs to be performed based on;
Informing means for informing the operator of the fact when it is determined that the accuracy verification is necessary,
An ultrasonic probe management system comprising: When it is determined that accuracy verification at the time of receiving the input is unnecessary, the accuracy verification is performed based on the deterioration level information and the accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information. Accuracy verification timing determination means for obtaining the timing of
The ultrasonic probe management system according to claim 10 , further comprising: A method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe that converts an input pulse voltage into an ultrasonic wave, transmits the ultrasonic wave to a subject, receives an ultrasonic echo reflected from the subject, and converts the received ultrasonic signal into an electrical signal. ,
Deterioration degree information acquisition step of acquiring deterioration degree information of the ultrasonic probe together with identification information of the ultrasonic probe;
A deterioration level information storing step for storing the deterioration level information in association with the identification information of the ultrasonic probe;
An accuracy verification information storage step for receiving and storing accuracy verification information including at least the verification item and verification date and time performed in the verification performed in the past of accuracy verification having a plurality of verification items;
Accuracy verification that receives input of identification information of the ultrasonic probe and determines whether or not accuracy verification is necessary based on the deterioration degree information and the accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information The necessity determination stage,
When it is determined that the accuracy verification is necessary, a verification necessity notification step for notifying the operator of the fact, and
When it is determined that the accuracy verification is unnecessary, the accuracy verification timing for obtaining the next timing for performing the accuracy verification based on the deterioration level information and the accuracy verification information of the ultrasonic probe corresponding to the input identification information A judgment stage;
The notification means notifies the operator of the timing of the accuracy verification;
A method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising:

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