JP5710383B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and control program therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a control program therefor.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus that displays an ultrasonic image based on an echo signal obtained by performing an ultrasonic scan on a subject. In such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, screening for finding a lesion may be performed. In screening, the entire organ to be scanned is scanned.

However, there are cases where the operator does not know how far the scan has been performed during screening, and there is a possibility that the screening may end despite the presence of an unscanned area. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays a scanned region.

JP 2007-236823 A

  By the way, for example, the liver is divided into a plurality of segments in order to specify the location of the localized lesion. There is a demand for an operator who recognizes such a segment when he / she wants to use the segment as a landmark when confirming which region is scanned during screening.

  One aspect of the invention made in order to solve the above-described problem is an object graphic indicating an ultrasonic scan target by an ultrasonic probe, and a plurality of segments for specifying a lesion existing position in the scan target A target graphic display control unit that displays the target graphic divided into two, and an identification image display control unit that displays, on the target graphic, an identification image that identifies a scanned segment and an unscanned segment for the plurality of segments. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

  In another aspect of the invention, there are provided a position sensor for detecting a position of an ultrasonic probe, and a target graphic indicating a scan target by the ultrasonic probe, wherein a plurality of positions are used for specifying a lesion existing position in the scan target. A target graphic display control unit for displaying a target graphic divided into segments, and a scanned area and an unscanned area on the locus of the ultrasonic probe specified in the target graphic based on a detection signal of the position sensor And an identification image display control unit that displays an identification image for identifying the target graphic on the target graphic.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, since the identification image for identifying the scanned segment and the unscanned segment is displayed on the target graphic divided into a plurality of segments for specifying the location of the lesion, screening is performed. Sometimes it is possible to confirm which region has been scanned with the segment as a landmark.

  According to the invention of the above other aspect, the identification image for identifying the scanned area and the unscanned area is displayed on the target graphic divided into a plurality of segments for specifying the location of the lesion. Sometimes, it is possible to confirm which region is scanned with the segment as a landmark.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the ultrasonic diagnosing device in 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the display control part in the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display part on which the ultrasonic image and the target figure were displayed. It is a figure which shows the sub-zone classification | category of the quino in a liver, (A) is the figure which looked at the liver from the front, (B) is the figure which looked at the liver from the lower surface. It is a figure which shows an example of the display part by which the color image was displayed on the scanned segment in the object figure. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the ultrasonic diagnosing device in 2nd, 3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the display control part in the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 2nd, 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 2nd embodiment. In 2nd embodiment, it is a figure which shows an example of the display part on which the ultrasonic image and the target figure were displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of the display part of the state which moved the probe mark to the position corresponding to the position of an actual ultrasonic probe in an object figure. It is a figure which shows an example of the display part by which the color image was displayed on the scanned segment in the object figure. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 3rd embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display part by which the color image was displayed on the locus | trajectory of the probe mark in the target image.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described (first embodiment).
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2, a transmission / reception unit 3, an echo data processing unit 4, a display control unit 5, a display unit 6, an operation unit 7, a control unit 8, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 9. Is provided.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 scans an object from a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 2 receives an ultrasonic echo signal. The ultrasonic probe 2 is an example of an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe in the present invention.

  The transmission / reception unit 3 supplies an electrical signal for transmitting an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic probe 2 under a predetermined scanning condition to the ultrasonic probe 2 based on a control signal from the control unit 8. The transmitter / receiver 3 performs signal processing such as A / D conversion and phasing addition processing on the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2.

  The echo data processing unit 4 performs processing for creating an ultrasound image on the data of the echo signal output from the transmission / reception unit 3. For example, the echo data processing unit 4 performs B mode processing such as logarithmic compression processing and envelope detection processing to create B mode data.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display control unit 5 includes an ultrasonic image display control unit 51, an object graphic display control unit 52, and an identification image display control unit 53.

  The ultrasonic image display control unit 51 scans and converts the data input from the echo data processing unit 4 by a scan converter (Scan Converter) to create ultrasonic image data, and an ultrasonic wave based on the ultrasonic image data An image is displayed on the display unit 6.

  The target graphic display control unit 52 causes the display unit 6 to display a target graphic TG (for example, see FIG. 4) indicating an ultrasonic scan target (target graphic display control function). This target graphic is divided into a plurality of segments s. Details will be described later. The target graphic display control unit 52 is an example of an embodiment of a target graphic display control unit in the present invention. The target graphic TG is an example of an embodiment of the target graphic in the present invention.

  The identification image display control unit 53 displays a color image CG (see FIG. 6) on the target graphic TG as an identification image for identifying a scanned segment and an unscanned segment in the segment s (identification image display). Control function). In this example, the identification image display control unit 53 displays the color image CG in segment units. When there is an input of the number of the segment s that has been scanned in the operation unit 7, the identification image display control unit 53 displays the color image CG based on this input. The identification image display control unit 53 is an example of an embodiment of an identification image display control unit in the present invention. The color image CG is an example of an embodiment of an identification image in the present invention.

  The display unit 6 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The operation unit 7 includes a keyboard and a pointing device (not shown) for an operator to input instructions and information. As will be described later, in the operation unit 7, the operator inputs to select a segment for which scanning has been completed. The operation unit 7 is an example of an embodiment of an input unit in the present invention.

  The control unit 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown). The control unit 8 reads a control program stored in the HDD 9 and executes functions in each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  Now, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of this example will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Here, the operation when screening the liver is described.

First, in step S1, an ultrasonic scan is performed by the ultrasonic probe 2, and the ultrasonic image display control unit 51 displays an ultrasonic image UG based on an echo signal on the display unit 6 as shown in FIG. Let Further, the target graphic display control unit 52 causes the display unit 6 to display the target graphic TG.

  Here, the target graphic TG will be described. In this example, the ultrasound scan target is the liver, and the target graphic TG is a graphic simulating the liver. The target graphic TG is divided into a plurality of segments s. This segment s is an area for specifying the location of the localized lesion in the liver.

The segment s corresponds to the Couinaud subzone classification for the liver. This Quinault subzone classification is widely adopted and divides the liver into eight segments. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the segment s has a first segment s1 as a caudate leaf, a second segment s2 as a rear left outer area, and a third segment s3 as a left leaf. The front outer area, the fourth segment s4 is the left lobe inner area (square leaf), the fifth segment s5 is the front right lower area, the sixth segment s6 is the lower right rear area, and the seventh segment s7 is the upper right rear area The eighth segment s8 is the upper right front area. By expressing the location of the localized lesion with the first to eighth segments s1 to s8, it is possible to easily identify the location of the lesion in the liver.

5A is a view of the liver LI divided into eight segments as seen from the front (front side of the body), and FIG. 5B is a view of the liver LI as seen from the bottom.

Among the first to eighth segments s1 to s8, the target graphic TG shown in FIG. 4 shows the second to eighth segments s2 to s8 excluding the first segment s1.

  Next, in step S2, the operator moves the ultrasonic probe 2 so that the entire liver is scanned. Then, the number of the segment s (scanned segment) (one of s2 to s8 in this case) that has been scanned is input on the operation unit 7.

  Next, in step S3, the identification image display control unit 53 adds the segment s input in step S2 among the second to eighth segments s2 to s8 in the target graphic TG as shown in FIG. A color image CG is displayed. In FIG. 6, the color image CG is indicated by oblique lines.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present example, when the screening is performed, the target graphic TG divided into the segments s is displayed, and the color image CG is displayed in the segment s that has been scanned. It is possible to confirm which region is scanned using the segment s as a mark.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. However, description of the same matters as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ′ of this example shown in FIG. 7, the color image CG is automatically displayed on the segment s that has been scanned, among the segments s of the target graphic TG. A specific configuration will be described. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ′, a magnetic sensor 10 is provided on the ultrasonic probe 2. The magnetic sensor 10 is composed of a Hall element, for example. The magnetic sensor 10 detects the magnetism generated from the magnetic generator 11 composed of, for example, a magnetic generating coil. A detection signal in the magnetic sensor 10 is input to the display control unit 5. A detection signal in the magnetic sensor 10 may be input to the display control unit 5 via a cable (not shown), or may be input to the display control unit 5 wirelessly. The magnetic sensor 12 and the magnetism generator 13 are for detecting the position and inclination of the ultrasonic probe 2 as will be described later, and are an example of an embodiment of the position sensor in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit 5 of this example includes a position calculation unit 54 in addition to the ultrasonic image display control unit 51, the target graphic display control unit 52, and the identification image display control unit 53. Based on the magnetic detection signal from the magnetic sensor 10, the position calculation unit 54 is configured to obtain information on the position and inclination of the ultrasonic probe 2 in the coordinate system of the three-dimensional space with the magnetic generation unit 11 as the origin (hereinafter, referred to as the following). (Referred to as “probe position information”).

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ′ of the present example, the operation when screening the liver will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 9. Step S11 is basically the same processing as step S1, and as shown in FIG. 10, the ultrasonic image UG and the target graphic TG are displayed. However, unlike step S1, in step S11, the target graphic display control unit 52 displays the probe mark PM on the target graphic TG.

The probe mark PM is a mark indicating the position of the ultrasonic probe 2 in the liver. However, in step S11, it is displayed at a preset initial position, and is displayed at a position different from the actual position of the ultrasonic probe 2.

Next, in step S12, as shown in FIG. 11, the operator moves the probe mark PM to a position corresponding to the actual position of the ultrasonic probe 2 in the target graphic TG. An operator moves the probe mark PM using a trackball or the like of the operation unit 7. When the operator moves the probe mark PM to the actual position of the ultrasonic probe 2, the operator inputs the position confirmation.

  By inputting the position determination in step S12, the corresponding position between the three-dimensional space with the magnetic generator 11 as the origin and the target graphic is specified. After the position confirmation is input, the target graphic display control unit 52 sets the probe mark PM at the corresponding position of the target graphic TG based on the probe position information calculated by the position calculation unit 54. Display.

  Incidentally, since the size of the liver of the subject differs depending on the age, etc., in order to accurately reflect the position of the ultrasonic probe 2 in the liver of the subject in the position of the probe mark PM in the target graphic TG. In step S12, the size of the liver may be input. The size of the liver is preferably input so that the outline of the liver is specified.

  Next, in step S13, the operator moves the ultrasonic probe 2 so that the entire liver is scanned. As shown in FIG. 12, the target graphic display control unit 52 moves the ultrasonic probe 2 to the corresponding position based on the probe position information calculated by the position calculation unit 54, and moves the probe mark PM to the corresponding position. Move. Further, the identification image display control 53 displays the color image CG in the scanned segment s based on the probe position information calculated by the position calculation unit 54.

  The identification image display control unit 53 displays the color image CG of different colors in the segment s that has been scanned properly and the segment s that has been improperly scanned among the scanned segments s. Also good. Here, if the moving speed of the ultrasonic probe 2 is too high, an appropriate echo signal cannot be acquired. Therefore, the identification image display control unit 53 determines whether or not an appropriate scan is performed based on whether or not the moving speed of the ultrasonic probe 2 can acquire an appropriate echo signal.

  The identification image display control unit 53 determines whether or not the moving speed of the ultrasonic probe 2 is appropriate based on the probe position information calculated by the position calculation unit 54. Then, the identification image display control 53 determines the color of the color image CG depending on whether or not scanning of a region having a predetermined area ratio or more is appropriate in the segment s.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ′ of this example can obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and the color image CG is automatically displayed on the scanned segment s. Input for display can be omitted.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this example has the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ′ of the second embodiment, and the operation will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In this example, the identification image display control 53 displays the color image CG on the trajectory in which the ultrasonic probe 2 has moved, that is, on the trajectory in which the probe mark PM has moved in the target graphic TG, not in the segment unit. Display. In this example, the color image CG is an identification image that identifies a scanned area and an unscanned area.

Specific processing will be described. In FIG. 13, the processes in steps S21 and S22 are the same as the processes in steps S11 and S12. In step S23, the operator moves the ultrasonic probe 2 so that the entire liver is scanned. As shown in FIG. 14, the target graphic display control unit 52 moves the ultrasonic probe 2 to the corresponding position based on the probe position information calculated by the position calculation unit 54. Move. In addition, the identification image display control unit 53 displays the color image CG on the locus of the probe mark PM in the target graphic TG.

  Also by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ′ of this example, the same effect as the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated by the said embodiment, of course, this invention can be variously implemented in the range which does not change the main point. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the identification image display control unit 53 displays the color image CG as an identification image that can identify a scanned area and an unscanned area. However, the identification image is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the identification image display control unit 53 may display diagonal lines, dots, or the like on the scanned segment s or region as the identification image.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Ultrasonic probe 7 Operation part (input part)
10 Magnetic sensor (position sensor)
11 Magnetic generator (position sensor)
52 target graphic display control unit 53 identification image display control unit 54 position calculation unit TG target graphic CG color image (identification image)

Claims (7)

A target graphic indicating an ultrasonic scan target by an ultrasonic probe, and a target graphic display control unit for displaying a target graphic divided into a plurality of segments for specifying a lesion existing position in the scan target;
An identification image display control unit for displaying an identification image for identifying a scanned segment and an unscanned segment on the target graphic for the plurality of segments;
An input unit for an operator to input to select the scanned segment;
With
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the identification image display control unit displays the identification image in segment units based on an input from the input unit. A target graphic indicating an ultrasonic scan target by an ultrasonic probe, and a target graphic display control unit for displaying a target graphic divided into a plurality of segments for specifying a lesion existing position in the scan target;
An identification image display control unit for displaying an identification image for identifying a scanned segment and an unscanned segment on the target graphic for the plurality of segments;
A position sensor for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe;
With
The identification image display control unit displays the identification image on a scanned segment specified based on a detection signal of the position sensor, and the identification image display control unit is based on a moving speed of the ultrasonic probe. Determining whether or not the scan by the ultrasonic probe is an appropriate scan, and for each of the scanned segments, an appropriate scan is performed depending on whether or not a scan of a region having a predetermined area ratio or more is appropriate. It is determined whether or not the segment has been performed, and among the scanned segments, different identification images are displayed for a segment that has been properly scanned and a segment that has been improperly scanned.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the moving speed of the ultrasonic probe is calculated based on information of a position sensor that detects a position of the ultrasonic probe.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scan target is an organ.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the organ is a liver. On the computer,
A target graphic indicating an ultrasonic scan target by an ultrasonic probe, and a target graphic display control function for displaying a target graphic divided into a plurality of segments for specifying a lesion existing position in the scan target;
For the plurality of segments, an identification image display control function for displaying an identification image for identifying a scanned segment and an unscanned segment on the target graphic , based on an input by the operator to select the scanned segment, An identification image display control function for displaying the identification image in segment units ;
A control program for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, characterized in that On the computer,
A target graphic indicating an ultrasonic scan target by an ultrasonic probe, and a target graphic display control function for displaying a target graphic divided into a plurality of segments for specifying a lesion existing position in the scan target;
An identification image display control function for displaying an identification image for identifying a scanned segment and an unscanned segment on the target graphic for the plurality of segments;
A control program for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that
The identification image display control function displays the identification image on a scanned segment specified based on a detection signal of a position sensor that detects the position of the ultrasonic probe, and the identification image display control function Based on the moving speed of the ultrasonic probe, it is determined whether the scan by the ultrasonic probe is an appropriate scan, and for each of the scanned segments, a scan of a region having a predetermined area ratio or more is appropriate. It is determined whether or not the segment has been properly scanned depending on whether or not the segment has been scanned properly, and the segment that has been scanned properly differs from the segment that has been scanned inappropriately. Display an image
A control program for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Images