JP6178125B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to handling of an image file generated by another medical apparatus.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, ultrasonic waves are transmitted / received to / from a living body, and an ultrasonic image is formed based on the received data obtained thereby. If the ultrasonic image is classified from the viewpoint of the management unit, the ultrasonic image includes a moving image as a multi-frame image and a still image as a single frame image. All of them are individually managed as image files on the storage unit. Volume data composed of a plurality of slice data (scanning plane data) is also a kind of multi-frame data, and usually also constitutes one image file.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a plurality of image files are managed by a database, and by giving a desired search condition to a file management system (search system), one or a plurality of image files corresponding to the search condition Can be specified. The search results are displayed as a list, and in the list, each image file is generally represented by a reduced image (thumbnail image) created in units of image files.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that displays moving image thumbnails in series units (that is, in units of medical image groups) when a plurality of medical image groups corresponding to a plurality of series are displayed as a list. Patent Document 2 discloses an apparatus that displays a plurality of medical images for each examination.

JP 2011-81607 A JP 2009-219601 A

  Recently, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a technique for displaying an image generated by another medical apparatus side by side with an ultrasonic image on the same screen is becoming widespread. For example, a real-time B-mode image (ultrasonic tomographic image) for a specific organ is displayed, and a CT tomographic image or an MRI tomographic image for the specific organ is displayed. Such composite display enables comprehensive diagnosis of diseases, or can accurately perform ultrasonic diagnosis with reference to other medical images.

  When an image group generated by another medical device is used in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, such an image group is referred to via a storage medium such as a DVD or a device on a network such as a file server. It is captured. Such a group of non-ultrasound image files is usually created in conformity with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard. In such a case, generally one image file per frame in a CT apparatus and an MRI apparatus. Is configured. In the DICOM standard, it seems that moving image classes are also prepared for CT images and MRI images. In general, for example, a plurality of CT images and a plurality of MRI images arranged spatially constitute a set of single frame image files. .

  In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, if a search is performed on a single frame image file group as described above using, for example, a patient name (subject name) as a key, a large number of image files are hit. Listed as a reduced image. In this case, there is a problem that the contents of the list display on the display screen become very complicated. Therefore, it is difficult to select an appropriate image file or image file set quickly and appropriately. That is, for a plurality of spatially or temporally continuous frames created by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus itself, they constitute one image file, and they can be easily handled in file units. In general, single-frame image files are common in medical devices other than ultrasonic diagnostic devices, so that the work efficiency is considerably reduced when image file groups created by these devices are handled by the ultrasonic diagnostic devices. There is a problem.

  Recently, a system that comprehensively handles a plurality of types of image file groups generated by various medical devices is becoming widespread, but such a system handles only image file groups that have already been acquired and stored. It is not intended to display other medical images together with real-time ultrasound images. Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not disclose handling single frame type non-ultrasound image file groups in the same manner as multiframe type ultrasound image files.

  An object of the present invention is to provide convenience for a user when searching for an image file group generated by another medical device in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to enable a plurality of single frame type image files generated by other medical devices to be handled in the same manner as a multi frame type ultrasonic image file.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention performs a search on a single frame type image group generated in an external medical apparatus, specifies a plurality of images that satisfy a search condition, and specifies by executing the search Grouping means for defining one or a plurality of image groups by grouping a plurality of images in a predetermined unit, and creating a group management file for managing a plurality of images constituting each image group And a list display means for displaying a search result list including one or a plurality of reduced images representing the one or a plurality of image groups as a result of the search, and each image group in the search result list includes Similar to the multi-frame type image, it is displayed by a single reduced image.

  According to the above configuration, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of performing real-time diagnosis, the search unit includes a single frame type image group (non-ultrasonic image group such as CT image group, MRI, etc.) generated in the external medical apparatus. A search is performed on the image group. Thereby, a plurality of images satisfying the search condition are specified. Normally, a search is performed on management data (for example, DICOMDIR) that manages a single frame type image group. The management data and / or the single frame type image group may be stored in an external storage medium (DVD, external HD, file server, external medical device, etc.) or stored in a storage device in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. May be. After the search or in the search process, the grouping means groups a plurality of images hit by the search in a predetermined unit. The predetermined unit is preferably a series, that is, grouping is preferably performed in units of frame rows arranged in a spatially continuous manner. By this grouping, a plurality of images constituting separate files are collected as a single file, that is, they can be handled like a single file. By such grouping, it becomes possible to handle a plurality of images generated on an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and another external medical apparatus like an ultrasonic moving image or ultrasonic volume data. That is, as a result of grouping, an image group management file is generated in a predetermined unit, and the image group management file can be handled in the same way as an ultrasonic moving image file or an ultrasonic volume data file. When the search results are displayed as a list, the image group management file is displayed as one reduced image. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the problem that a large number of reduced images are displayed and to simplify the display contents, thereby improving the visibility. Further, since the image can be selected in a predetermined unit, the operability can be improved. If grouping is performed in units of frame sequences having spatial continuity, when images are displayed one after another after selection of image groups, they are spatially continuous with each other. Does not occur. However, an image group may be defined as a set of images that are not necessarily spatially continuous. According to the above configuration, when displaying a real-time ultrasonic image, it is possible to quickly select a desired image when displaying another medical image next to the image. Of course, the reproduction display of the stored ultrasonic image and the reproduction display of another medical image may be performed.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus refers to a specific group management file corresponding to the specific reduced image when the user selects a specific reduced image on the search result list, thereby Reference means for specifying one or more images to be provided is included. According to this configuration, a group management file is specified by selecting a reduced image in the list, and one or a plurality of necessary images can be acquired through the contents. Preferably, the identified one or more images and the real-time ultrasonic image are simultaneously displayed on the same display screen. When real-time ultrasonic diagnosis is sequentially performed on a plurality of parts, it is necessary to sequentially switch reference images as other medical images. However, according to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to quickly select a reference image. Therefore, inspection efficiency can be improved.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a database for managing a single frame type ultrasonic image generated by transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves and a multi-frame type ultrasonic image generated by transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves. The search means executes a cross-sectional search for the external storage medium storing the database and the single frame type image group, and the list display means performs the single search after the cross-search is executed. A search result list including a first reduced image indicating a frame-type ultrasonic image, a second reduced image indicating the multi-frame ultrasonic image, and a third reduced image indicating the image group may be displayed. According to this configuration, it is possible to perform a cross-sectional search for the ultrasound image group and other image groups. Even in this case, since other medical images are grouped, operability similar to that of the ultrasound image group can be obtained.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus manages a single frame type ultrasonic image generated by ultrasonic wave transmission / reception and a multi-frame type ultrasonic image generated by ultrasonic wave transmission / reception, and Registration means for registering the group management file with respect to the database, wherein the search means executes a search with respect to the database, and the list display means has the single after the search with respect to the database. A search result list including a first reduced image indicating a frame-type ultrasonic image, a second reduced image indicating the multi-frame ultrasonic image, and a third reduced image indicating the image group may be displayed. According to this configuration, for example, when another medical image group is imported from the outside, the image management file is registered on the database like a moving image file or a volume data file. Thereby, a cross-sectional search can be performed in a certain sense on the database.

  Preferably, each reduced image indicating each image group includes an identifier indicating an image type. Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus selects a representative image from a plurality of single-frame images constituting the image group, and a reduced image generation unit generates the reduced image by the reduction process of the representative image. And including. Preferably, the predetermined unit is a series identifier for identifying a spatially arranged frame sequence, and in the search result list, a plurality of single frame type images as the spatially arranged frame sequence are the same as multi-frame type images. One reduced image is displayed.

  According to the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the convenience of the user can be achieved when searching for image file groups generated by other medical devices. Alternatively, a plurality of single frame type image files generated by other medical devices can be handled in the same manner as a multi frame type ultrasonic image file.

1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the image sequence managed by a series. It is a figure which shows the example of image management data (DICOMDIR). It is a figure which shows the example of a group management file. It is a figure which shows a database (DB) management file. It is a figure which shows the example of DB management file with which the group management file was registered. It is a figure which shows the example of a search result list. It is a figure which shows an example of a thumbnail image. It is a figure which shows the other example of a thumbnail image. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a search processing unit in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of simultaneous display of a some image.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration thereof. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus that is installed in a medical institution such as a hospital and forms an ultrasonic image based on data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body. Note that this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may be configured by an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

  In FIG. 1, a probe 12 is a transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The probe 12 is used in contact with the body surface in this embodiment. Of course, the probe 12 may be inserted into the body cavity. The probe 12 has an array transducer composed of a plurality of transducer elements, and an ultrasonic beam is formed by the array transducer. The ultrasonic beam is scanned electronically. As the electronic scanning method, an electronic sector scanning method, an electronic linear scanning method, and the like are known. The probe 12 may be provided with a 2D array transducer to acquire three-dimensional echo data.

  The transmission / reception unit 14 functions as a transmission beam former and a reception beam former. The transmission / reception unit 14 supplies a plurality of transmission signals to the array transducer during transmission. As a result, a transmission beam is formed. At the time of reception, the reflected wave from the living body is received by the array transducer, and thereby a plurality of received signals are output to the transmission / reception unit 14. The transmission / reception unit 14 performs phasing addition processing on the plurality of reception signals, and thereby outputs the reception signal after phasing addition, that is, beam data. After predetermined signal processing is performed on the beam data, the beam data after the signal processing is sent to a DSC (digital scan converter) 16.

  The DSC 16 has a function of converting the transmission / reception coordinate system into a display coordinate system and an interpolation processing function, and generates a display frame as a tomographic image based on a reception frame composed of a plurality of beam data. The display frame, that is, tomographic image data, is sent to the display unit 20 via the display processing unit 18, and a B-mode tomographic image as a moving image is displayed on the display unit 20. Of course, a B-mode tomographic image as a still image may be displayed.

  The control unit 22 includes an operation program and a CPU, and performs operation control of each configuration shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 28 is controlled by the control unit 22. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 28 includes a first storage area 30 and a second storage area 34.

  The first storage area 30 is a data storage area, in which a plurality of ultrasonic still image data 36 are stored, and a plurality of ultrasonic moving image data 38 are stored. These data 36 and 38 constitute a single file. The ultrasonic still image data 36 constitutes a single frame type image file, and the ultrasonic moving image data 38 constitutes a multi frame type image file. A database (DB) management file 32 manages these files. In the DB management file 32, various data such as attributes and locations of individual files are managed. An example of the DB management file 32 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The second storage area 34 functions as a search result storage area in the present embodiment, and the group management file generated by the grouping process described in detail later in the present embodiment is included in the second storage area 34. 40 is generated. One group management file 40 corresponds to a plurality of external images having the same series identifier, and each group management file 40 includes information for specifying a thumbnail image 42 as a representative image representing those images. . This will also be described in detail later. In the present embodiment, the search result storage area 34 is formed on the internal storage device of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, but it may be formed on the external storage device.

  The control unit 22 includes a search processing unit 24 as its function. The search processing unit 24 performs a search process on the internal storage unit and the external storage unit, and specifies one or a plurality of image files that satisfy the search condition. The function will be described in detail later.

  The operation panel 26 includes a keyboard, a trackball, and the like, and input is performed by the user using the operation panel 26. A media reader 44 is connected to the control unit 22. The media reader 44 reads and writes the DVD 48 in this embodiment. Of course, image data or the like may be acquired from a storage medium other than the DVD 48. For example, image data may be acquired from a USB memory or the like. The communication unit 46 is a module for connecting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to a file server or the like through a network such as an intranet. Wired or wireless is used for the connection. After the search process is executed on the file server, the search result may be referred to in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. In addition, a search process may be applied to an image group in an external medical device (for example, a CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus).

  In FIG. 1, a DVD 48 is set on the medium reader 44. That is, the data on the DVD 48 can be read by the medium reader 44. The DVD 48 stores a plurality of image files generated by, for example, a CT apparatus. Specifically, in FIG. 1, each of these image files is indicated by reference numeral 54. Each image file 54 has a single image. That is, each image file 54 constitutes a single frame type image file. Image management data 50 is stored on the DVD 48 in order to manage these image files 54. In the present embodiment, each image file 54 is a file created according to DICOM, and the image management data 50 is, for example, DICOMDIR. The specific contents will be described later with reference to FIG. Incidentally, an example of the group management file described above will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the search processing unit 24 can perform a search process on the first storage area 30 constituting the database, and can also perform a search process on an image group on the DVD 48. . It is also possible to perform a search process on an external storage medium or the like. In the present embodiment, when an image search is performed on the DVD 48, grouping is performed in the search process. That is, a series is referred to as an attribute of each image file 54, and a plurality of image files having the same series are grouped as one file. Therefore, if there are a plurality of series on the DVD 48 across a plurality of image files satisfying the search condition, the same number of groupings as the number of series are executed, that is, the same number of group management files 40 as the number of series are created. Generated.

  FIG. 2 conceptually shows a plurality of CT images. They constitute an image row 56 arranged spatially. For example, each CT image 54 constitutes a DICOM file. More specifically, these CT images 54 constitute a single frame type image file. Such an image sequence 56 is a frame sequence and corresponds to one volume 58 as a whole. Normally, such a spatially arranged image sequence 56 is managed by one unique series number, and one group is given to one series in this embodiment. That is, a plurality of image files having the same series number form a single group. Of course, in the present embodiment, such grouping processing is performed on a plurality of images that satisfy the search condition. However, grouping may be executed regardless of the search condition.

  In the present embodiment, when generating one thumbnail image 60 as one reduced image from one image group, for example, the central image 54A in the image sequence 56 is specified, and reduction processing or low resolution conversion processing is performed on the image 54A. The thumbnail image 60 is generated by applying. Of course, various rules other than the above can be used as the representative image selection rule. Incidentally, when the thumbnail image 60 has already been generated in the external medical device, such a process may or may not be performed. For example, if a thumbnail image has already been generated for the image 54 </ b> A corresponding to the center, the thumbnail image may be used as the thumbnail image 60 representing the image sequence 56.

  The search processing unit 24 shown in FIG. 1 also has a thumbnail image generation function, and information indicating the location of the thumbnail image thus generated is stored in the search result storage area 34 as representative image information 42. Of course, various thumbnail image management methods may be employed.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the image management data 50 shown in FIG. As described above, the image management data 50 is, for example, DICOMDIR. The image management data 50 includes patient information 62. The patient information 62 includes information such as a patient ID and a patient name, for example. The image management data 50 includes one or a plurality of data blocks 64 and 66 as illustrated. The individual data blocks 64 and 66 are composed of, for example, inspection information 68, series information 70, and image information 72. The inspection information 68 includes information such as an inspection ID, date, and time, for example. The series information 70 includes information such as a series ID and a series number, for example. The image information 72 is configured as a collection of information for each individual image, and the information 74 for each image unit is configured by information such as an image number, an image ID, a date, and time. With such information, attributes for individual images can be managed. The information 74 may include information such as a path indicating the location of the image. Alternatively, information specifying the location of each individual image may be stored in the image management data 50 as a list.

  By referring to the image management data 50, the search processing unit described above can specify the series information for each image file, that is, can perform grouping for each series ID.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the group management file shown in FIG. The group management file 40 can be configured by referring (copying) the image management data 50 shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the group management file 40 includes various information such as patient information 76, examination information 78, series information 80, image information 82, a total number of frames 86, and a representative frame 88. Specifically, the patient information 76 includes information such as a patient ID and a patient name. The inspection information 78 includes information such as an inspection ID, date, and time, for example. The series information 80 includes information such as a series ID and a series number, for example. The image information 82 includes individual information 84 for each image, and each individual information 84 has information such as an image number, an image ID, a date, and a time. The total frame number 86 is information indicating the total number of a plurality of images associated with the group management file. The representative frame 88 is information that identifies the frame in which the thumbnail image is generated.

  As a result of grouping, a group management file 40 is configured in series units. Therefore, by referring to the group management file 40, the attribute of the image group can be specified, and in particular, when selecting the group management file, it is possible to quickly specify a plurality of image files associated therewith. It is.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the DB management file shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, a DB management file 32A is for managing a plurality of images in units of files, and manages each image file by patient information 90, examination information 92, and series information 94. In FIG. 5, individual image files are indicated by reference numerals 96, 98, and 100. Here, the reference numeral 96 indicates an image file corresponding to a still image, and the reference numeral 98 indicates a moving image. An image file indicated by reference numeral 100 is an image file corresponding to a still image. Each file 96, 98, 100 is specified by patient information 90, examination information 92, and series information 94, respectively. The database structure shown in FIG. 5 is known per se.

  FIG. 6 shows the DB management file 32B after one or more group management files are registered. That is, in FIG. 1, the plurality of group management files 40 are stored in the second storage area 34. However, in the present embodiment, when an image group is imported from the outside and imported, these are managed under the management of the database. And a group management file is registered on the DB management file 32 in the same manner as the ultrasonic image file. Specifically, the group management file 1 and the group management file 2 (102, 104) are registered in the DB management file 32B along with the ultrasonic image file. The patient information, examination information, and series information as attributes are also associated with them. In addition, an identifier representing a modality type is added to each groove management file. Here, the identifier CT indicates that the file includes an image generated by the CT apparatus. For example, an identifier MRI is assigned to a file including an image generated in the MRI apparatus. In managing the database, by referring to such an identifier, the file type can be displayed on, for example, a thumbnail image. FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen including a search result list. The display screen 106 includes a search target button row 108. They include a plurality of buttons 110, 112, 114, and 116, and a search target can be selected by selecting one or more of these buttons.

  In FIG. 7, for example, a DVD button 116 is selected. In such a case, the DVD is designated as a search target. The inspection condition input field 118 is an area for inputting search conditions by the user. For example, the search can be executed using the patient name as a key. The search button 120 is a button that is operated after the search condition input is completed.

  The search result list 122 is a column in which search results are displayed according to search conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is composed of a plurality of rows 124. Each row 124 includes inspection information 126, series information 128, and thumbnail images 130. In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the DVD is a search target, four image groups are displayed in the search result list 122 as a result of the above-described grouping. That is, four thumbnail images 130 are displayed. Each thumbnail image 130 represents a representative image in an image group, for example, an image corresponding to a central frame in a frame sequence.

  Conventionally, on the search result list 122, many thumbnail images representing many image files associated with the same examination information and the same series information are displayed, and it is very difficult to select a desired image. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize display and handling in units of image groups by the above grouping, and visibility In addition, operability can be greatly improved.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of thumbnails displayed in the search result list. The thumbnail 130 includes, for example, a reduced image 132 as a CT image, and information 138 indicating the file format is displayed accordingly. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a type mark 134 is provided in the thumbnail image 130. The type mark 134 is represented by a picture that corresponds to a multi-frame image in the illustrated example, and a modality type character 136 is included therein. By observing such a thumbnail 130, the user can intuitively recognize that the file corresponding to the thumbnail 130 corresponds to the CT image and that it corresponds to a multi-frame. Is possible. For a single frame, for example, a mark corresponding to one frame is displayed.

  FIG. 9 shows a modification of the thumbnail image. In this example, the thumbnail image 130A includes an image number or an image ID 140 in addition to the information described above. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, when a plurality of CT images are displayed on the display screen, the correspondence between the thumbnail images and the plurality of CT images is unknown. If the information 140 is displayed, it becomes easy to associate the images.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the display processing unit in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. In the operation example shown in FIG. 10, DVD is designated as a search target. Of course, it is possible to perform a search across both the internal storage device and the external storage device such as a DVD. In addition, after the import process described above, it is possible to apply a substantially cross-sectional search process only to the internal storage device.

  In S10, a search condition is input by the user and accepted by the apparatus. In S12, image management data on the DVD is referred to, and one record in the DVD is read. In S14, it is determined whether or not the search condition is satisfied based on the content of the read record. If not satisfied, the process of S12 is executed. When it is determined in S14 that the search condition is satisfied, the process shown in S16 is executed.

  In S16, it is determined whether the series information has been discovered so far. That is, it is determined whether or not it is a new series. If it is not a new series, the management information of the record, that is, the image is added to the group to which the record belongs in S18. On the other hand, if it is determined in S16 that it is a new series, a new group is created in S20, and a record that is currently focused on information for managing the group is registered. That is, an image file is associated with the new group. In S22, it is determined whether or not the processing for all the records on the image management data has been completed. If the processing has not been completed, each step after S12 is repeatedly executed.

  When it is determined that the processing for all the records is completed, that is, it is determined that the search processing and the grouping processing in parallel therewith are completed, a search result list is generated and displayed on the screen in S24. For example, a screen display as shown in FIG. 7 is performed. In S26, a specific file is selected by the user. In S28, a display process for the selected file is executed. In this embodiment, when a group management file is selected, one or a plurality of image files constituting an image group associated with the group management file are specified, and an image is displayed using them. For example, each image is played back sequentially or they are played back continuously. Loop playback may be performed. When a plurality of images are displayed simultaneously, the selected image may be displayed on the screen together with, for example, a real-time ultrasonic image. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 11, a first area 144 and a second area 142 are set on the display screen 141. The first area 144 is an area for displaying one or more thumbnail images 146. The second area 142 is an area for displaying one or a plurality of medical images.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, three thumbnail images 146 are displayed in the first area 144. Each thumbnail image has the image ID 150A described above. On the other hand, in the second display area 142, for example, a plurality of CT images 152, 154, 156 read from a DVD are displayed. These are specific images in the image group specified as a result of the search process described above. Together with these, a real-time B-mode image 158 is displayed in the second area 142. That is, during execution of ultrasonic diagnosis in real time, a real-time B-mode image 158 is displayed as a moving image, and in this case, for example, a diagnostic region or the like can be specified with reference to three CT images 152 154 156 That is, the probe can be positioned at an appropriate position, and a comprehensive diagnosis of the affected area can be performed by referring to other images together with the ultrasonic image.

  Since each CT image 152, 154, 156 displays an image ID 150B, the corresponding thumbnail image, that is, an image group can be easily specified by referring to the information.

  According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to group a large number of files configured in units of images to configure image groups in units of series, and display and operate in units of image groups. Therefore, for example, when a cross-sectional search is performed across the internal storage device and the external storage device, it is possible to display a CT image file in the same manner as an ultrasonic image file. It is possible to avoid the problem that thumbnail images are displayed. Since image groups can be handled like ultrasonic moving images or ultrasonic volume data, image data generated in other medical devices can be handled easily without changing the existing database system. It is.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 28 memory | storage part, 32 database management file, 36 ultrasonic still image data, 38 ultrasonic moving image data, 48 DVD, 50 image management data, 52 image groups.

Claims (8)

A search unit that performs a search on a single frame type image group generated in an external medical device and identifies a plurality of images that satisfy the search condition;
A group for defining one or a plurality of image groups by grouping a plurality of images specified by the execution of the search in a predetermined unit, and a group for managing a plurality of images constituting each image group A grouping means for creating a management file;
List display means for displaying a search result list including one or more reduced images representing the one or more image groups as a result of the search;
Including
In the search result list, each image group is displayed as a single reduced image as in the case of a multi-frame image. The apparatus of claim 1.
When a specific reduced image is selected by the user on the search result list, a specific group management file corresponding to the specific reduced image is referred to, thereby specifying one or a plurality of images to be provided to the user. Including reference means,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 2.
The identified one or more images and the real-time ultrasound image are simultaneously displayed on the same display screen.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Search means for performing a search on a single frame type non-ultrasound image group generated in an external medical device and identifying a plurality of non-ultrasound images that satisfy the search condition;
A means for defining one or a plurality of non-ultrasound image groups by grouping a plurality of non-ultrasound images identified by the execution of the search in a predetermined unit, and constituting each non-ultrasound image group Grouping means for creating a group management file for managing a plurality of non-ultrasound images;
As a result of the search, a list display means for displaying a search result list including one or more non-ultrasound reduced images representing the one or more non-ultrasound image groups;
A database for managing a single-frame ultrasonic image generated by ultrasonic transmission / reception and a multi-frame ultrasonic image generated by ultrasonic transmission / reception ;
Including
The search means performs a cross-sectional search on the external storage medium storing the database and the single frame type non-ultrasound image group,
The list display means, after execution of the cross-sectional search, as the search result list, a first reduced image showing the single frame type ultrasonic image, a second reduced image showing the multi frame type ultrasonic image, and A search result list including a third reduced image as the non-ultrasound reduced image indicating the non-ultrasound image group may be displayed.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Search means for performing a search on a single frame type non-ultrasound image group generated in an external medical device and identifying a plurality of non-ultrasound images that satisfy the search condition;
A means for defining one or a plurality of non-ultrasound image groups by grouping a plurality of non-ultrasound images identified by the execution of the search in a predetermined unit, and constituting each non-ultrasound image group Grouping means for creating a group management file for managing a plurality of non-ultrasound images;
As a result of the search, a list display means for displaying a search result list including one or more non-ultrasound reduced images representing the one or more non-ultrasound image groups;
A database for managing a single-frame ultrasonic image generated by ultrasonic transmission / reception and a multi-frame ultrasonic image generated by ultrasonic transmission / reception;
Registration means for registering the group management file in the database;
Including
The search means performs a search on the database,
The list display means, after executing the search on the database, as the search result list, a first reduced image showing the single frame type ultrasonic image, a second reduced image showing the multi frame type ultrasonic image, and A search result list including a third reduced image as the non-ultrasound reduced image indicating the non-ultrasound image group may be displayed.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
Each reduced image indicating each image group includes an identifier indicating an image type.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
Means for selecting a representative image from a plurality of single-frame images constituting the image group;
Reduced image generation means for generating the reduced image by the reduction processing of the representative image;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The apparatus of claim 1.
The predetermined unit is a series identifier for identifying a spatially arranged frame sequence,
In the search result list, a plurality of single-frame images as the spatially arranged frame sequences are displayed as a single reduced image as in the multi-frame image.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

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