JP6334883B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and display control program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a display control program.

  Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a measurement function for measuring the size of a region of interest drawn in a generated ultrasonic image. Such a measurement function is used, for example, when a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of a plurality of measurement items is displayed on the monitor of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a desired measurement item is selected by the operator. In many cases, such measurement items are associated with items to be displayed for each diagnosis region or examination item, for example.

  Here, the measurement items described above include measurement items for performing simple measurements and measurement items for performing complex measurements. For example, measurement items for simple measurement are basic measurement items such as distance, area, volume, and angle, and are used when the above items are simply measured. On the other hand, a measurement item for performing complex measurement is a composite measurement item in which the above basic measurement items are combined, and is used when performing complex measurement. Here, the composite measurement item can be arbitrarily set by the operator. The operator makes a diagnosis by using the simple measurement item and the composite measurement item properly according to the diagnosis situation using the ultrasonic image. However, in the prior art, the concentration at the time of measurement may be reduced.

JP 08-080299 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a display control program that can suppress a decrease in concentration during measurement.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes measurement item display control means and measurement item display state control means. The measurement item display control means controls the display unit to display measurement items for executing a measurement operation on the ultrasonic image. The measurement item display state control means is configured to display the display after the measurement item is selected based on at least one of a type of the measurement item displayed on the display unit and a diagnosis situation using the ultrasonic image. The unit controls whether the measurement item is maintained in the display state or switched to the non-display state. The measurement item display state control means uses a basic measurement item composed of at least one of distance, area, volume, angle, and flow velocity as a type of the measurement item, and a composite measurement item obtained by combining the basic measurement items. . The measurement item display state control means, after the measurement item is selected, based on whether the selected measurement item is the basic measurement item or the composite measurement item, the measurement unit displays the measurement Controls whether an item is in a display state or a non-display state.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of measurement items included in a measurement function included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the measurement operation using the composite measurement item of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of control by the measurement item display state control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display state control of the composite measurement item by the measurement item display state control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of control by the measurement item display state control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the measurement item display state control unit according to the second embodiment.

(First embodiment)
First, the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 11, an input apparatus 12, a monitor 13, and an apparatus main body 100.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 has a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, and the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from a transmission / reception unit 110 included in the apparatus main body 100 to be described later. A reflected wave from the specimen P is received and converted into an electric signal. The ultrasonic probe 11 includes a matching layer provided in the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear, and the like.

  When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 11 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another at the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P, and the ultrasonic probe is used as a reflected wave signal. 11 is received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. The reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving blood flow or the surface of the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. , Subject to frequency shift.

  In this embodiment, even when the subject P is scanned two-dimensionally by the ultrasonic probe 11 which is a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a row, the one-dimensional ultrasonic wave is used. A subject P is detected by an ultrasonic probe 11 that mechanically swings a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators of the probe or an ultrasonic probe 11 that is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are two-dimensionally arranged in a lattice shape. Even when scanning in three dimensions, it is applicable.

  The input device 12 includes a trackball, a switch, a button, a touch command screen, and the like, receives various setting requests from the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, and transfers the received various setting requests to the apparatus main body 100. . For example, the input device 12 receives a measurement item selection operation for performing a measurement operation on the ultrasonic image and transfers the measurement item to the apparatus main body 100. Here, the measurement item is an item for measuring an arbitrary value related to the region of interest depicted in the image. The measurement item is displayed as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the monitor 13 and can be operated through the input device 12. Selected.

  The monitor 13 displays a GUI for an operator of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 to input various setting requests using the input device 12 or displays an ultrasound image generated in the apparatus main body 100. For example, the monitor 13 displays a measurement item GUI for executing a measurement operation.

  The apparatus main body 100 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 11, and as shown in FIG. 1, the transmission / reception unit 110, the B-mode processing unit 120, and the Doppler processing unit 130. An image generation unit 140, an image memory 150, a control unit 160, and an internal storage unit 170.

  The transmission / reception unit 110 includes a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 11. The pulsar circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The delay circuit also sets the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for determining the transmission directivity by focusing the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic probe 11 into a beam shape, and for each rate pulse generated by the pulser circuit. Give to. The trigger generation circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 11 at a timing based on the rate pulse. In other words, the delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

  The transmission / reception unit 110 includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, and the like, and performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 11 to generate reflected wave data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing, and the A / D converter is necessary for A / D converting the gain-corrected reflected wave signal to determine the reception directivity. The adder performs an addition process of the reflected wave signal processed by the A / D converter to generate reflected wave data. By the addition processing of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal is emphasized.

  As described above, the transmission / reception unit 110 controls transmission directivity and reception directivity in ultrasonic transmission / reception. The transmission / reception unit 110 has a function capable of instantaneously changing delay information, a transmission frequency, a transmission drive voltage, the number of aperture elements, and the like under the control of the control unit 160 described later. In particular, the change of the transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type oscillation circuit capable of instantaneously switching values or a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units. Further, the transmission / reception unit 110 can transmit and receive different waveforms for each frame or rate.

  The B-mode processing unit 120 receives reflected wave data, which is a processed reflected wave signal subjected to gain correction processing, A / D conversion processing, and addition processing, from the transmission / reception unit 110, and performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like. As a result, data (B mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness is generated.

  Here, the B-mode processing unit 120 can change the frequency band to be visualized by changing the detection frequency. Further, the B-mode processing unit 120 can perform detection processing with two detection frequencies in parallel on one reception data.

  By using the function of the B-mode processing unit 120, the ultrasonic contrast agent (microbubbles, bubbles) flowing in the region of interest is detected from one received data in the region of interest of the subject P into which the ultrasound contrast agent has been injected. The reflected wave data used as the reflection source can be separated from the reflected wave data obtained using the tissue existing in the region of interest as the reflection source, and the image generation unit 140 described later has a structure that visualizes the flowing bubbles with high sensitivity. It is possible to generate a tissue image that visualizes the tissue in order to observe the image and morphology.

  The Doppler processing unit 130 performs frequency analysis on velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmission / reception unit 110, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and moving body information such as average velocity, dispersion, and power. Is generated for multiple points (Doppler data).

  The image generation unit 140 generates an ultrasound image from the B mode data generated by the B mode processing unit 120 and the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 130. Specifically, the image generation unit 140 converts (scan converts) the scanning line signal sequence of the ultrasonic scan into a scanning line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, so that B-mode data or Doppler data is obtained. The ultrasonic image for display (B mode image or Doppler image) is generated from the above.

  The image memory 150 stores the image data of the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 140. Further, the image memory 150 stores a processing result by the image generation unit 140 described later. Further, the image memory 150 stores an output signal (RF: Radio Frequency) immediately after passing through the transmission / reception unit 110, an image luminance signal, various raw data, image data acquired via a network, and the like as necessary. The data format of the image data stored in the image memory 150 is generated by the B-mode processing unit 120 and the Doppler processing unit 130 even if it is a data format after video format conversion displayed on the monitor 13 by the control unit 160 described later. Alternatively, the data format before coordinate conversion may be Raw data.

  The control unit 160 controls the entire processing in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, the control unit 160 is based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input device 12, various control programs and various setting information read from the internal storage unit 170, and the transmission / reception units 110, B The processing of the mode processing unit 120, the Doppler processing unit 130, and the image generation unit 140 is controlled, and the ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 150 is controlled to be displayed on the monitor 13. In addition, the control unit 160 controls the monitor 13 to display measurement items for executing measurement processing on the ultrasonic image.

  The internal storage unit 170 is a control program for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, image processing and display processing, diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocol, and measurement classified for each diagnostic part. Stores various data such as items. The internal storage unit 170 stores various information for switching the display state of the measurement items on the monitor 13. The internal storage unit 170 is also used for storing images stored in the image memory 150 as necessary.

  The overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can suppress a decrease in concentration during measurement by the control of the control unit 160 described in detail below. It is configured.

  Here, first, an example of measurement items used at the time of measurement will be described, and a case where concentration at the time of measurement will be reduced will be described. As described above, measurement items in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus include measurement items for performing simple measurements and measurement items for performing complex measurements. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of measurement items included in a measurement function included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the measurement function provided in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 includes “Dist: distance”, “Area: area”, “Volume: volume”, “Angle: angle”, and “Velocity”. : Basic measurement items such as “flow velocity” are included. The measurement function “Velocity: flow velocity” is used, for example, for measuring the average velocity of blood flow in a region of interest set in a heart valve or the like depicted in a Doppler image. Measurements performed using a Doppler image include measurement of blood flow dispersion and power measurement in addition to blood flow velocity measurement.

  When these basic measurement items are used, the operator generally continues to use one measurement item continuously. For example, the operator selects “Dist” displayed on the monitor 13 via the input device 12 and performs various distance measurement operations on the region of interest depicted in the ultrasonic image to be measured. In basic measurement items, one measurement item is often used continuously in other basic measurement items as well.

  Here, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the display state of the monitor 13 is set so that an ultrasonic image can be easily observed so that diagnosis can be performed more concentratedly. For example, the layout of various information on the monitor 13 and the brightness of the screen are set so as not to interfere with the observation of the ultrasonic image. Thereby, the operator can concentrate on observation of an ultrasonic image. Therefore, the measurement items that are not operated after being selected once, such as the basic measurement items described above, can concentrate the operator on the ultrasonic image more when the measurement items are not displayed on the screen of the monitor 13. Can do.

  On the other hand, the measurement function provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, combined measurement items such as “4CH Diast”, “4CH Syst”, “2CH Diast”, and “2CH Syst”. including. Here, the measurement item shown in FIG. 2B is a measurement item for measuring the volume of the left ventricle of the heart, and “4CH Diast” and “4CH Syst” are, for example, a cross section of the apex of the four chambers. Select when measuring the volume of the left ventricle in the diastolic phase (Diast: diastole) and the volume of the left ventricle in the systole (systole) using ultrasound images depicting the four chambers Measurement item. In addition, “2CH Diast” and “2CH Syst” measure the volume of the left ventricle during diastole and systole of the heart using, for example, an ultrasound image depicting two chambers such as the apex bichamber cross section It is a measurement item selected at the time. These composite measurement items are used when one diagnosis is performed from the measurement results of the respective measurement items. For example, the state of cardiac function can be diagnosed using the results of measuring the volume of the left ventricle during the diastole of the heart using ultrasound images depicting four chambers and the result of measuring the volume of the left ventricle during systole Is done.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the measurement operation using the composite measurement item of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example of diagnosing the functional state of the heart using an ultrasound image depicting four cavities. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the operator can select “LV: Left Ventricle (left ventricle)”, “LA: Left Atrium (left atrium)”, “RV: Right Ventricle (right ventricle)”, An ultrasound image (apex four-chamber image) depicting “RA: Right Atrium (right atrium)” is collected over time.

  Then, the operator specifies the apex four-chamber image in the diastole of the heart from the collected apex four-chamber image group, and, as shown in FIG. 3A, the measurement item “4CH Diast” Select. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the operator selects one point on the inner wall of “LV” to display the point 21, and operates the trackball to trace the inner wall of “LV”. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the operator traces the inner wall 22 of “LV” by operating the trackball and moving the point 21. Then, the operator sets a center line 23 at the approximate center of the inner wall 22. Thereby, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 calculates the volume of the LV in the diastole.

  Next, the operator specifies the apex four-chamber image in the systole of the heart from the collected apex four-chamber image group, and selects the measurement item “4CH Syst” from the measurement items. The same operations as in (B) and (C) are performed. Then, the operator diagnoses the functional state of the heart based on the ratio between the measurement result in the diastole and the measurement result in the systole. Here, in the above-described diagnosis of the state of the function of the heart, not only the apex four-chamber image but also a two-chamber image may be further used. In addition, depending on the patient, it may be difficult to collect the apex four-chamber image, and only the two-chamber image may be used. As described above, the composite measurement item may be selected again and again in one diagnosis. In other words, when the composite measurement item is selected and hidden after being selected once, as in the case of the basic measurement item, the operation of re-displaying must be performed, which reduces the operator's concentration. There is. Therefore, if the composite measurement item is continuously displayed after being selected once, the operator can be more concentrated on the ultrasonic image.

  As described above, the measurement items in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 include basic measurement items and composite measurement items. The usage conditions are different from each other, and the display state after selection desired by the operator is different. However, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, only one of display and non-display can be performed, and the operator's concentration may be reduced during measurement.

  Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment performs measurement by switching display / non-display of the measurement item according to the type of the measurement item and the diagnosis status under the control of the control unit 160 described later. Depresses the concentration of the operator at the time. Hereinafter, detailed control of the control unit 160 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control unit 160 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 160 includes a measurement item display control unit 161 and a measurement item display state control unit 162.

  The measurement item display control unit 161 controls the monitor 13 to display measurement items for executing a measurement operation on the ultrasonic image. Specifically, the measurement item display control unit 161 reads the measurement item corresponding to the diagnostic item received from the operator via the input device 12 from the internal storage unit 170 and causes the monitor 13 to display the measurement item. For example, the measurement item display control unit 161 reads the measurement item corresponding to the diagnosis part from the internal storage unit 170 and causes the monitor 13 to display the measurement item.

  As an example, the measurement item display control unit 161 displays a simple measurement item on the monitor 13 as shown in FIG. 2A when the diagnosis site is an abdomen where simple measurement is performed. On the other hand, in the case of a heart or the like where the measurement site is complicated, the measurement item display control unit 161 displays the composite measurement item on the monitor 13 as shown in FIG. Here, the measurement items displayed in accordance with the diagnostic site are stored in the internal storage unit 170 in association with each diagnostic site in advance.

  The measurement item display state control unit 162 selects the measurement item based on at least one of the type of the measurement item displayed on the monitor 13 and the diagnosis using the ultrasonic image, and then selects the measurement item on the monitor 13. Controls whether the measurement item is maintained in the display state or switched to the non-display state. Specifically, the measurement item display state control unit 162 is a composite measurement item that combines a basic measurement item and a basic measurement item that includes at least one of distance, area, volume, angle, and flow velocity as types of measurement items. After the measurement item is selected, the measurement item is displayed on the monitor 13 based on whether the selected measurement item is the basic measurement item or the composite measurement item, or is not Control whether to display.

  For example, when the type of the measurement item is a basic measurement item, the measurement item display state control unit 162 controls the monitor 13 to switch the measurement item to the non-display state after the measurement item is selected. When the type of item is a composite measurement item, the monitor 13 is controlled to maintain the display state of the measurement item after the measurement item is selected. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of control by the measurement item display state control unit 162 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as shown in the diagram on the left side of FIG. 5A, when “Dist” that is a basic measurement item is selected, the measurement item display state control unit 162 displays the right side of FIG. As shown in the figure, control is performed so as to hide the measurement items. Thereby, for example, the operator can concentrate the distance measurement. Here, the control for hiding the measurement item may be controlled not to display the measurement item by controlling the measurement item display control unit 161, or the measurement item may be hidden so as to hide the measurement item. It may be a case where a surface having the same size as the display area is superimposed on the display area. In FIG. 5A, the measurement item display area is shown in gray to indicate that the measurement item is not displayed. However, in actuality, the display state does not interfere with the observation of the ultrasonic image. It becomes.

  For example, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5B, when “4CH Diast” that is a composite measurement item is selected, the measurement item display state control unit 162 displays the measurement item display state control unit 162 in FIG. As shown in the diagram on the right side of the screen, control is performed so that measurement items are continuously displayed. Thereby, for example, after tracing the LV and measuring the capacity, the operator can select “4CH Syst” immediately, and the operator concentrates the measurement using the composite measurement item. Can do.

  Whether each measurement item is a basic measurement item or a composite measurement item is set in advance and stored in the internal storage unit 170. That is, the measurement item display state control unit 162 determines whether the selected measurement item is a basic measurement item or a composite measurement item based on the information stored in the internal storage unit 170.

  Here, the measurement item display state control unit 162 can change the display state when the display of the composite measurement item is continued. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of composite measurement item display state control by the measurement item display state control unit 162 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in the diagram on the left side of FIG. 6, when “4CH Diast” that is a composite measurement item is selected, the measurement item display state control unit 162 performs measurement as shown in the diagram on the right side of FIG. 6. After the item is selected, control is performed so as to reduce the luminance of the display area of the measurement item. As a result, the display of measurement items can be continued while making it less conspicuous, and a reduction in the operator's concentration can be further suppressed.

  In addition, the measurement item display state control unit 162 redisplays the measurement item according to the position of the cursor when the measurement item is not displayed or when the luminance of the display area of the measurement item is reduced. It is also possible to control to increase the brightness. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of control by the measurement item display state control unit 162 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7A, in the state where the measurement item is controlled to be hidden, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. When the position moves to the measurement item display area, the measurement item display state control unit 162 performs control so that the measurement item is redisplayed, as shown in the diagram on the right side of FIG.

  Further, as shown in the diagram on the left side of FIG. 7B, as shown in the diagram on the right side of FIG. 7B in a state in which the brightness of the display area of the measurement item is controlled to decrease. When the cursor position is moved to the measurement item display area, the measurement item display state control unit 162 increases the luminance of the measurement item display area as shown in the diagram on the right side of FIG. To control. Thereby, it is possible to automatically make the measurement item easily viewable when the measurement item is reselected. Note that the position of the cursor when the measurement item is displayed again or the luminance of the display area of the measurement item is increased can be arbitrarily set.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, when a measurement item display instruction is received (Yes in step S <b> 101), the measurement item display control unit 161 is displayed in the display area of the monitor 13. Control is performed to display the measurement items (step S102). Note that the measurement item display control unit 161 is in a standby state until a measurement item display instruction is received (No in step S101).

  When a measurement item is selected via the input device 12 (Yes at Step S103), the measurement item display state control unit 162 determines whether or not the selected measurement item is a composite measurement item (Step S104). ). Here, when the selected measurement item is a composite measurement item (Yes at Step S104), the measurement item display state control unit 162 continuously displays the measurement item or the luminance of the display area of the measurement item. (Step S105).

  On the other hand, when the selected measurement item is not a composite measurement item (when the selected measurement item is a basic measurement item) (No at Step S104), the measurement item display state control means hides the measurement item. Control is performed (step S106). Thereafter, the measurement item display state control unit 162 determines whether or not the cursor is in the measurement item display area (step S107). Here, when the cursor enters the display area of the measurement item (Yes at Step S107), the measurement item display state control unit 162 returns to Step S102 and performs control to display the measurement item.

  On the other hand, when the cursor is not in the measurement item display area (No at Step S107), the measurement item display state control unit 162 determines whether or not an instruction to end the measurement has been received (Step S108). If the measurement end instruction has not been received (No at Step S108), the measurement item display state control unit 162 returns to Step S107 and determines whether or not the cursor has entered the measurement item display area. . On the other hand, when an instruction to end measurement is received (Yes at step S108), the measurement item display state control unit 162 ends the process.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the measurement item display control unit 161 controls the monitor 13 to display measurement items for executing a measurement operation on the ultrasonic image. The measurement item display state control unit 162 selects the measurement item based on at least one of the type of the measurement item displayed on the monitor 13 and the diagnosis using the ultrasonic image, and then selects the measurement item on the monitor 13. Controls whether the measurement item is maintained in the display state or switched to the non-display state. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can switch between display and non-display of the measurement item according to the type of the measurement item, and suppress a decrease in the operator's concentration during measurement. Enable.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the measurement item display state control unit 162 has a basic measurement item including at least one of a distance, an area, a volume, an angle, and a flow velocity as a measurement item type, and a basic measurement item. After the measurement item is selected, the measurement item is displayed on the monitor 13 based on whether the selected measurement item is the basic measurement item or the composite measurement item. Control whether to display or hide. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to switch display / non-display of measurement items between basic measurement items and composite measurement items.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the measurement item display state control unit 162 hides the measurement item on the monitor 13 after the measurement item is selected when the type of the measurement item is a basic measurement item. When the type of measurement item is a compound measurement item, control is performed so that the display state of the measurement item is maintained on the monitor 13 after the measurement item is selected. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment displays / hides measurement items as desired by the operator during measurement by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 including basic measurement items and composite measurement items. Allows to switch.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the measurement item display state control unit 162 reduces the luminance of the display area of the measurement item after the measurement item is selected when the type of the measurement item is a composite measurement item. To control. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can be controlled so as to be as inconspicuous as possible while displaying the measurement item even in the case of the composite measurement item, and the concentration of the operator can be controlled. It makes it possible to suppress the decline more.

(Second Embodiment)
Although the first embodiment has been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the first embodiment described above.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the display / non-display of the measurement item is controlled according to the type of the measurement item has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and it may be a case where display / non-display is controlled according to the diagnosis status. In such a case, for example, the measurement item display state control unit 162 determines whether the ultrasound image displayed on the diagnosis site and the monitor 13 is in a frozen state as the diagnosis status using the ultrasound image, or Based on whether or not the ultrasonic image has been printed, the monitor 13 controls whether the measurement item is to be displayed or not.

  For example, in the case where display / non-display of measurement items is controlled in accordance with a diagnostic part, the measurement item display state control unit 162 controls display / non-display based on information associated with each diagnostic part in advance. . For example, when diagnosis is performed using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, display / non-display of measurement items is associated with each other in advance and stored in the internal storage unit 170 for each application selected first. The measurement item display state control unit 162 reads out and controls corresponding information from the internal storage unit 170 when an application is selected by the operator.

  For example, when the display / non-display of the measurement item is controlled based on whether or not the ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 13 is in a frozen state, the measurement item display state control unit 162 causes the ultrasonic image to be in a frozen state. If the measurement item is set, the control is performed so that the measurement item is displayed. If the ultrasonic image is in a live state, the measurement item is controlled to be hidden. That is, since the ultrasonic image is frozen when measurement is performed, the measurement item display state control unit 162 automatically displays the measurement item so that the operator can easily perform measurement. To do. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic image is in a live state, the measurement item display state control unit 162 performs control so that the measurement item is not displayed in order to concentrate and observe the ultrasonic image.

  In addition, for example, in the case where display / non-display of measurement items is controlled based on whether or not an ultrasonic image has been printed, the measurement item display state control unit 162 indicates that the measurement items are not displayed when printing is started. Control to be. That is, in general, since an ultrasound image is often printed when diagnosis ends, the measurement item display state control unit 162 sets the start of printing as the end of diagnosis and hides the measurement items. To control. For example, when printing is started in a state where composite measurement items are displayed, the measurement item display state control unit 162 performs control so that the displayed composite measurement items are hidden.

  Note that the above-described example is merely an example, and the embodiment of the display / non-display control of the measurement item based on the diagnosis status is not limited to this. That is, the display item non-display control based on the diagnosis status can be arbitrarily set by the operator. For example, it may be a case where control is performed so that the measurement item is not displayed when a certain time has elapsed after the measurement item is selected. Further, for example, when a mode transition is executed in a state where the composite measurement item is displayed, the display may be performed such that the displayed composite measurement item is hidden.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the measurement item display state control unit 162 displays the ultrasonic displayed on the diagnostic part and the monitor 13 as the diagnosis status using the ultrasonic image. Based on whether the sonic image is in a frozen state or whether an ultrasonic image has been printed, the monitor 13 controls whether the measurement item is in a display state or a non-display state. . Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment can control the display / non-display of the measurement items according to the diagnosis status, and can flexibly display / hide the measurement items desired by the operator. It is possible to cope with.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case of applying in a state where a single image is displayed has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and may be applied in a state where a past image and a current image are displayed, for example. In such a case, the measurement item display state control unit 162 may be, for example, a case where display / non-display of the measurement item is controlled in accordance with an image that the operator is paying attention to.

  For example, the measurement item display state control unit 162 performs a first display mode for displaying an ultrasonic image captured on the monitor 13 in real time and a second display mode for displaying an ultrasonic image captured in the past. When the measurement item is selected in the first display mode, the monitor 13 is controlled to switch the measurement item to the non-display state, and the monitor is selected when the selection item is selected in the second display mode. At 13, control is performed so as to maintain the display state of the measurement item. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the measurement item display state control unit 162 according to the second embodiment. Here, FIG. 9 shows a case where a composite measurement item is displayed.

  For example, in the state where the current ultrasound image and the past ultrasound image of the same patient are displayed in parallel as shown in FIG. 9A, as shown in FIG. When the position of the cursor is in the past ultrasonic image display area, the measurement item display state control unit 162 controls to continuously display the measurement items as shown in FIG. That is, the measurement item display state control unit 162 determines that the focus of the operator is directed to the past ultrasonic image because the position of the cursor is in the past ultrasonic image display area, and the measurement is executed. Because there is a possibility that the measurement item is displayed, control is performed so that the measurement item is continuously displayed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9D, in the state where the current ultrasonic image and the past ultrasonic image of the same patient are displayed in parallel as shown in FIG. When the position of the cursor is in the current ultrasonic image display area, the measurement item display state control unit 162 controls the measurement items to be hidden as shown in FIG. That is, the measurement item display state control unit 162 determines that the operator is focused on the current ultrasound image because the cursor is in the current ultrasound image display area, and the operator has Since the focus is on the observation of the sound wave image and the possibility that the measurement is performed is low, the control is performed so that the measurement item is not displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the composite measurement item is described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the display / non-display control of the basic measurement item is controlled in the past and the present. It may be performed in the observation state of the operator with respect to the sound wave image. Further, in FIG. 9, a case has been described in which which image the operator is observing is determined based on the position of the cursor. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, determination is made based on the operator's line of sight. It may be the case. In such a case, for example, information on the line of sight of the operator is collected by a camera attached to the outside, and based on the collected information, it may be determined which image the operator is observing. Good.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the volume of the left ventricle is measured as an example of the composite measurement item has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, for example, the blood flow volume of the heart or the myocardium It may be a case where a composite measurement item for diagnosing the state of the function is used. The composite measurement items can be freely combined and set by the operator, and the same control as described above can be performed for these composite measurement items. In such a case, the operator can freely set whether to display the composite measurement items set in combination or to display them after selecting them or to hide them.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment can suppress a decrease in concentration during measurement.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 Input device 13 Monitor 100 Apparatus main body 160 Control part 161 Measurement item display control part 162 Measurement item display state control part 170 Internal storage part

Claims (7)

A measurement item display control means for controlling to display a measurement item for performing a measurement operation on the ultrasonic image on the display unit;
The measurement item is displayed on the display unit after the measurement item is selected based on at least one of the type of the measurement item displayed on the display unit and the status of diagnosis using the ultrasonic image. A measurement item display state control means for controlling whether to maintain the state or switch to a non-display state;
With
The measurement item display state control means uses a basic measurement item composed of at least one of distance, area, volume, angle, and flow velocity as a type of the measurement item, and a composite measurement item combining the basic measurement items. ,
The measurement item display state control means, after the measurement item is selected, based on whether the selected measurement item is the basic measurement item or the composite measurement item, the measurement unit displays the measurement An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that controls whether an item is in a display state or a non-display state.   The measurement item display state control means controls the display unit to switch the measurement item to a non-display state after the measurement item is selected when the type of the measurement item is the basic measurement item. When the type of the measurement item is the compound measurement item, the display unit controls the display state of the measurement item after the measurement item is selected. Item 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Item 1.   The measurement item display state control means, when the type of the measurement item is the compound measurement item, controls to reduce the luminance of the display area of the measurement item after the measurement item is selected. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The measurement item display state control means, as a diagnosis situation using the ultrasonic image, whether or not the diagnostic part, the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit is in a frozen state, or the ultrasonic image 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: controlling whether to display the measurement item on the display unit or on a non-display state based on whether or not the item is printed. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described in one. A measurement item display control means for controlling to display a measurement item for performing a measurement operation on the ultrasonic image on the display unit;
The measurement item is displayed on the display unit after the measurement item is selected based on at least one of the type of the measurement item displayed on the display unit and the status of diagnosis using the ultrasonic image. A measurement item display state control means for controlling whether to maintain the state or switch to a non-display state;
With
The measurement item display state control unit includes a first display mode for displaying an ultrasonic image captured on the display unit in real time, and a second display mode for displaying an ultrasonic image captured in the past. When the measurement item is selected in the first display mode, the display unit is controlled to switch the measurement item to a non-display state, and the measurement item is selected in the second display mode. In such a case, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is controlled to maintain the display state of the measurement item in the display unit. A measurement item display control procedure for controlling to display a measurement item for executing a measurement operation on the ultrasonic image on the display unit;
The measurement item is displayed on the display unit after the measurement item is selected based on at least one of the type of the measurement item displayed on the display unit and the status of diagnosis using the ultrasonic image. A measurement item display state control procedure for controlling whether to maintain the state or switch to the non-display state;
To the computer,
The measurement item display state control procedure uses a basic measurement item composed of at least one of distance, area, volume, angle, and flow velocity as a type of the measurement item, and a composite measurement item combining the basic measurement items. ,
In the measurement item display state control procedure, after the measurement item is selected, the measurement unit performs the measurement on the display unit based on whether the selected measurement item is the basic measurement item or the composite measurement item. A display control program for controlling whether an item is in a display state or a non-display state. A measurement item display control procedure for controlling to display a measurement item for executing a measurement operation on the ultrasonic image on the display unit;
The measurement item is displayed on the display unit after the measurement item is selected based on at least one of the type of the measurement item displayed on the display unit and the status of diagnosis using the ultrasonic image. A measurement item display state control procedure for controlling whether to maintain the state or switch to the non-display state;
To the computer,
The measurement item display state control procedure includes a first display mode for displaying an ultrasound image captured on the display unit in real time, and a second display mode for displaying an ultrasound image captured in the past. When the measurement item is selected in the first display mode, the display unit is controlled to switch the measurement item to a non-display state, and the measurement item is selected in the second display mode. And a display control program for controlling the display unit to maintain the display state of the measurement item.