JP6744443B2 - Ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a program.

Conventionally, an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus may perform imaging at a plurality of imaging positions in one examination. For example, in the medical examination, the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus takes images at a plurality of imaging positions such as the liver and kidneys as an examination of the abdomen.

JP, 2011-136044, A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a program capable of easily discriminating the correspondence between the ultrasonic image data captured in an examination and the imaging position of this ultrasonic image data. Is.

The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of the embodiment is a mark corresponding to each of a plurality of imaging positions of ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, and is displayed at each of a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject. The display control unit displays the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing has ended among the plurality of marks to be displayed in a different mode from the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing has not ended.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment (No. 2). FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 3) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment (No. 4). FIG. 8 is a view (No. 5) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment (No. 6). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment (No. 7). FIG. 11 is a view (No. 8) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view (No. 9) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view (No. 10) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 11) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram (part 1) for describing a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a view (No. 4) for explaining a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment (No. 1). FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment (No. 2). FIG. 23 is a view (No. 1) for explaining a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining a modified example of the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a program according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 1, a monitor 2, an operation unit 3, and an apparatus body 10.

The ultrasonic probe 1 has a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, and the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from a transmitter 11 included in the device body 10 described later. Further, the ultrasonic probe 1 receives a reflected wave from the subject P and converts it into an electric signal. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 1 has a matching layer and an acoustic lens provided on the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents the ultrasonic wave from propagating backward from the piezoelectric vibrator, and the like. The ultrasonic probe 1 is detachably connected to the apparatus body 10.

When the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic wave is sequentially reflected by the discontinuity surface of the acoustic impedance in the internal tissue of the subject P, and the ultrasonic probe as a reflected wave signal. The signals are received by the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in 1. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface on which ultrasonic waves are reflected. Note that the reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving blood flow or the surface such as the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving body in the ultrasonic transmitting direction due to the Doppler effect. Receive a frequency shift (Doppler shift).

In the present embodiment, even when the subject P is two-dimensionally scanned by the ultrasonic probe 1 which is a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a line, the one-dimensional ultrasonic wave is obtained. The ultrasonic probe 1 that mechanically oscillates a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators of the probe and the ultrasonic probe 1 that is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are two-dimensionally arranged in a lattice form are The present invention can be applied even when scanning three-dimensionally.

The monitor 2 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 to input various setting requests using the operation unit 3, an ultrasonic image generated in the apparatus main body 10, and the like. Or to display.

The operation unit 3 displays a GUI for accepting input of various instructions from the operator. The various instructions received by the operation unit 3 include setting of scanning condition parameters and setting of an imaging plan described in detail below. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation unit 3 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 3 is provided with a TCS (Touch Command Screen) 3a capable of displaying a GUI. The TCS 3a can display a GUI independent of the monitor 2. Therefore, for example, the operator can set and change the scanning condition parameters and the like by operating the GUI displayed on the TCS 3a while checking the ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 2, for example. ..

Although not shown in FIG. 2, a hardware operation device is arranged in the operation unit 3, and the operator is assigned a function interlocking with the GUI while looking at the GUI displayed on the TCS 3a. Various instructions are input by operating the operation device. The operation device is, for example, a trackball, a changeover switch, a button switch, a toggle switch, a keyboard, a pedal switch, or the like.

Further, the TCS 3a may display a software switch as one of the GUIs and may receive an input by touching the software switch. In this case, for example, the operator inputs various instructions by directly touching the GUI displayed on the TCS 3a. Functions are assigned to software switches and hardware operating devices by an operator, a serviceman, or the like.

The operation unit 3 also receives various instructions from the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 and transfers the received settings and various instructions to the apparatus body 10. Although FIG. 2 illustrates the case where the operation unit 3 is integrated with the device body 10, the operation unit 3 may be a portable device and may be provided independently of the device body 10.

The device body 10 is a device that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the device body 10 includes a transmission unit 11, a reception unit 12, a B-mode processing unit 13, a Doppler processing unit 14, an image generation unit 15, a display control unit 16, and an internal storage unit. 17, the image memory 18, and the control unit 19.

The transmission unit 11 has a trigger generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser circuit, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1. The pulser circuit repeatedly generates a rate pulse for forming a transmission ultrasonic wave at a predetermined rate frequency. In addition, the transmission delay circuit determines the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator required to focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 1 into a beam shape and determine the transmission directivity, at each rate generated by the pulsar circuit. Give to the pulse. In addition, the trigger generation circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 1 at a timing based on the rate pulse. That is, the delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction from the surface of the piezoelectric vibrator by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

The transmission unit 11 has a function of instantaneously changing the transmission frequency, the transmission drive voltage, and the like in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on an instruction from the control unit 19 described later. In particular, the change of the transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type transmitting circuit whose value can be instantaneously switched, or a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units.

The reception unit 12 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 1 to generate reflected wave data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A/D converter A/D-converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signal, and gives the digital data a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity. The adder adds the reflected wave signals 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.

In this way, the transmitter 11 and the receiver 12 control the transmission directivity and the reception directivity in transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves.

Here, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is capable of three-dimensional scanning, the transmitter 11 causes the ultrasonic probe 1 to transmit a three-dimensional ultrasonic beam to the subject P, and the receiver 12 causes the ultrasonic probe 1 to transmit. It is also possible to generate three-dimensional reflected wave data from the three-dimensional reflected wave signal received by 1.

The B-mode processing unit 13 receives the reflected wave data from the receiving unit 12, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like, and data in which the signal strength is expressed by brightness (“B-mode data” or “B-mode data”). B-mode image data") is generated.

The Doppler processing unit 14 frequency-analyzes the velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the receiving unit 12, extracts the blood flow, the tissue, and the contrast agent echo component due to the Doppler effect, and calculates the moving body information such as the average velocity, dispersion, and power. The data ("Doppler data" or "Doppler image data") extracted from a plurality of points is generated. Specifically, the Doppler processing unit 14 generates Doppler data obtained by extracting the average velocity, the variance value, the power value, and the like over multiple points as the motion information of the moving body. More specifically, the Doppler processing unit 14 generates color Doppler data for generating a color Doppler image showing blood flow dynamics and tissue Doppler data for generating a tissue Doppler image showing tissue dynamics. ..

The B-mode processing unit 13 and the Doppler processing unit 14 according to the present embodiment can process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the B-mode processing unit 13 can also generate two-dimensional B-mode data from two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional B-mode data from three-dimensional reflected wave data. Further, the Doppler processing unit 14 can also generate two-dimensional Doppler data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional Doppler data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data.

The image generation unit 15 uses the data generated by the B-mode processing unit 13 and the Doppler processing unit 14 to generate an ultrasonic image for display. That is, the image generation unit 15 generates a B-mode image in which the intensity of the reflected wave is represented by the brightness from the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 13. Further, the image generation unit 15 uses the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 14 as an average velocity image, a dispersed image, a power image, or a combination image thereof that represents mobile body information (blood flow motion information or tissue motion information). The Doppler image (color Doppler image or tissue Doppler image) of is generated.

Here, the image generation unit 15 generally converts (scan-converts) a scanning line signal sequence of ultrasonic scanning into a scanning line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and displays the image as a display image. Generate an ultrasound image. Specifically, the image generation unit 15 generates an ultrasonic image as a display image by performing coordinate conversion according to the scanning form of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 1. That is, the data generated by the B-mode processing unit 13 and the Doppler processing unit 14 is the ultrasonic image data before the scan conversion process, and the data generated by the image generation unit 15 is the ultrasonic wave for display after the scan conversion process. It is image data. The various data generated by the B-mode processing unit 13 and the Doppler processing unit 14 are also called raw data.

In addition to the scan conversion, the image generation unit 15 uses various image processes such as an image process (smoothing process) for regenerating an average brightness image using a plurality of image frames after the scan conversion. , Image processing (edge enhancement processing) using a differential filter in the image, and the like. Further, the image generation unit 15 generates a combined image in which the ultrasonic image data is combined with character information of various parameters, scales, and the like.

Further, the image generation unit 15 performs coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 13 to generate three-dimensional B-mode image data. The image generation unit 15 also performs coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 14 to generate three-dimensional Doppler image data. The image generation unit 15 generates “three-dimensional B-mode image data or three-dimensional Doppler image data” as “three-dimensional ultrasonic image data (volume data)”.

Further, the image generation unit 15 performs a rendering process on the volume data in order to generate various two-dimensional image data for displaying the volume data on the monitor 2. The rendering process performed by the image generation unit 15 includes, for example, a process of performing a cross-section reconstruction method (MPR: Multi Planer Reconstruction) to generate MPR image data from volume data. Further, as the rendering process performed by the image generation unit 15, there is, for example, a volume rendering (VR) process for generating two-dimensional image data reflecting three-dimensional information.

Further, the image generation unit 15 is equipped with a storage memory that stores image data, and can perform a three-dimensional image reconstruction process or the like. Further, from the storage memory mounted on the image generation unit 15, for example, the operator can call up the image recorded during the examination after the diagnosis.

The display control unit 16 includes a first display control unit 16a and a second display control unit 16b, and causes the TCS 3a of the monitor 2 or the operation unit 3 to display various kinds of information for supporting the operator's shooting. .. The details of the first display control unit 16a and the second display control unit 16b will be described later.

The internal storage unit 17 stores various data such as a control program for performing ultrasonic wave transmission/reception, image processing, and display processing, diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocol, various body marks, and the like. Further, the internal storage unit 17 is also used for storing the image stored in the image memory 18 as necessary. Further, the data stored in the internal storage unit 17 can be transferred to an external peripheral device via an interface (not shown).

The image memory 18 stores the ultrasonic image and the composite image generated by the image generation unit 15. The image memory 18 can also store data (raw data) generated by the B-mode processing unit 13 and the Doppler processing unit 14. Further, the image memory 18 can also store data that has undergone various image processing by the display control unit 16.

The control unit 19 controls the entire processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100. Specifically, the control unit 19 is based on various setting requests such as an imaging plan input by the operator via the operation unit 3, various control programs and various data read from the internal storage unit 17, and the transmitting unit. 11, the reception unit 12, the B mode processing unit 13, the Doppler processing unit 14, the image generation unit 15, and the display control unit 16 are controlled. Further, the control unit 19 controls the ultrasonic image and the composite image stored in the image memory 18, the GUI for the operator to specify various processes, and the like to be displayed on the monitor 2 and the TCS 3 a of the operation unit 3. ..

The overall configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 according to this embodiment has been described above. With such a configuration, the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment captures an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. Here, the operator sets various conditions using the operation unit 3, applies the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject P, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. Then, the apparatus body 10 generates ultrasonic image data, so that the operator can browse the ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 2.

In such imaging by the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100, the first display control unit 16a supports the imaging by the operator by causing the TCS 3a to display the imaging position of the initial value (hereinafter, "preset information"). .. Here, the preset information will be described first. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 may perform imaging at a plurality of imaging positions in an inspection. For example, in one medical examination, the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus 100 may perform imaging at three locations on the abdomen, and in another health examination, the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus 100 has two locations on the abdomen and one at the chest. There may be times when you want to take pictures. In order to assist the operator in imaging at a plurality of such imaging positions, the internal storage unit 17 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 indicates a plurality of imaging positions and the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe at each imaging position. A plurality of patterns of a set of information are stored in advance as “preset information”. The internal storage unit 17 stores the preset information in association with the identifier. Then, the operator selects the preset information corresponding to the combination of the photographing positions to be inspected or photographed from the plural patterns of preset information as the photographing plan before starting the photographing, and selects it through the operation unit 3. Enter the preset information identifier.

Then, the first display control unit 16a causes the TCS 3a to display the preset information selected by the operator in the shooting plan. FIG. 3 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a case will be described where preset information having three shooting positions is selected. As shown in FIG. 3, the first display control unit 16a causes the TCS 3a to display preset information in which the probe marks 51 to 53 are arranged on the body mark 50. Here, the body mark 50 is information that schematically shows the subject P, and the probe marks 51 to 53 are information that presents the operator with the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the imaging position.

Then, the operator starts photographing. Here, the operator refers to the preset information displayed on the TCS 3a, applies the ultrasonic probe 1 to the imaging position of the subject P, and selects the probe mark corresponding to the imaging position during imaging on the TCS 3a. Then, the second display control unit 16b causes the probe mark selected by the TCS 3a to be displayed at the corresponding position on the body mark 62 being displayed on the monitor 2. FIG. 3 shows a case where the probe mark 51 is selected by the operator in the TCS 3a. In this case, the second display control unit 16b displays the probe mark 63 on the body mark 62. The monitor 2 displays the image data 60 imaged by the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 100 at the imaging position indicated by the probe mark 51. The probe mark selected by the TCS 3a remains in the selected state as the probe mark being photographed by the TCS 3a until the end of the photographing at the photographing position corresponding to the probe mark is accepted.

In addition, when the second display control unit 16b receives, on the TCS 3a, the end of the image capturing at any of the image capturing positions scheduled for image capturing, the probe mark corresponding to the image capturing position captures the image at the image capturing position. Is displayed on the TCS 3a. In this way, the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus 100 supports the operator's imaging, so that the operator can prevent missing of the imaging at the imaging position scheduled for imaging in the examination.

Next, the details of the processing performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 executes the following processing upon receiving the selection of preset information as an imaging plan. As shown in FIG. 4, the first display control unit 16a displays the body mark and the probe mark as preset information on the TCS 3a of the operation unit 3 based on the imaging plan (step S101).

FIG. 5 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, a case will be described in which, as the imaging plan, preset information in which there are three imaging positions scheduled for imaging in the examination is selected. As shown in FIG. 5, the first display control unit 16a displays the body mark 50 and three probe marks (probe mark 51 to probe mark 53) superimposed on the body mark 50 on the TCS 3a. Here, the body mark 50 is information that schematically shows the subject P, and the probe marks 51 to 53 present the operator with the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the imaging position where the imaging is scheduled. It is information.

In addition, the first display control unit 16a further displays order information indicating the shooting order of the shooting positions where the shooting is planned in the examination. For example, the first display control unit 16a displays the numbers (1) to (3) near the probe marks 51 to 53. These numbers are order information indicating the shooting order. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first shooting is performed at the shooting position indicated by the probe mark 51, and the second shooting is performed at the shooting position indicated by the probe mark 52. This indicates that the third shooting is to be performed at the shooting position indicated by the mark 53. As described above, the first display control unit 16a sets the position of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the imaging position to the corresponding position on the body mark 50 for each of the imaging positions scheduled to be imaged in the inspection before starting the inspection. The probe marks 51 to 53 indicating the directions are displayed on the TCS 3a. Note that, here, a case where the number of image capturing positions is three will be described, but the number of image capturing positions can be arbitrarily changed.

In addition, the first display control unit 16 a does not overlap the body mark 50 and further displays the probe mark 54 outside the body mark 50. The probe mark 54 is a probe mark that is not included in the preset information selected at the time of shooting planning, and is a preliminary probe mark used when shooting is performed at a position other than the shooting position displayed as the preset information. For example, if the operator takes an image while observing the image data displayed on the monitor 2 and takes an image of a part that is suspected to be a tumor or the like, the operator may perform additional imaging at a position other than the imaging position planned for the imaging plan. In this way, when additional shooting is performed at a position other than the shooting position indicated by the preset information, the probe mark 54 displayed outside the body mark 50 is used. The first display control unit 16a further displays (4) as order information near the probe mark 54. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the first display control unit 16a displays the probe marks 51 to 54 as white rectangular areas.

Returning to FIG. Following step S101, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 starts imaging (step S102). Thereby, the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus 100 displays the captured ultrasound image on the monitor 2 in real time. Then, the second display control unit 16b determines whether or not a touch operation has been received on the TCS 3a (step S103). Here, when the second display control unit 16b determines that the touch operation has not been received on the TCS 3a (step S103, No), it continuously determines whether the touch operation has been received on the TCS 3a. On the other hand, when the second display control unit 16b determines that the touch operation has been received on the TCS 3a (step S103, Yes), the second display control unit 16b determines whether the probe mark corresponding to the shooting position where the shooting is scheduled is the target of the touch operation. The determination is made (step S104). Here, when the second display control unit 16b determines that the probe mark corresponding to the shooting position where the shooting is scheduled to be performed is the target of the touch operation (step S104, Yes), the process proceeds to step S107.

On the other hand, when the second display control unit 16b does not determine that the probe mark corresponding to the shooting position scheduled to be shot is the target of the touch operation (step S104, No), the second movement of the probe mark is accepted. (Step S105). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the operator selects the probe mark 54 displayed outside the body mark 50 on the TCS 3a to perform additional shooting at a position other than the shooting position indicated by the preset information. Then, the probe mark 54 is moved to a position corresponding to the planned shooting position. As a result, the second control unit 16b adds the position of the probe mark 54 to the shooting position where the shooting is scheduled (step S106). The second display control unit 16b proceeds to step S103 after step S106.

Subsequently, in step S107, the second display control unit 16b receives the selection of the probe mark on the TCS 3a (step S107). Here, the second display control unit 16b can also accept the selection of the added probe mark when there is the added probe mark at the shooting position where the shooting is scheduled. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the second display control unit 16b directly touches any of the probe marks 51 to 53 on the TCS 3a to accept the selection of the directly touched probe mark.

Then, the second display control unit 16b displays the probe mark selected on the TCS 3a on the monitor 2 (step S108). FIG. 6 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 2 when the second display control unit 16b receives the selection of the probe mark 51 shown in FIG. 5 on the TCS 3a. Note that FIG. 6 shows a case where the monitor 2 is used by dividing the display area into a first display area 2a, a second display area 2b, and a third display area 2c. Further, FIG. 6 shows a case where the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 captures B-mode image data.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second display control unit 16b displays the ultrasonic image including the B-mode image 60 and the imaging position information 61 in the second display area 2b of the monitor 2. Here, the photographing position information 61 is information in which the probe mark associated with the photographing position during photographing is arranged on the body mark displayed on the monitor 2. For example, the photographing position information 61 includes a body mark 62 and a probe mark 63. In the shooting position information 61 displayed on the monitor 2, the body mark 62 corresponds to the body mark 50 displayed on the TCS 3a, and the probe mark 63 corresponds to the body mark 51 displayed on the TCS 3a. That is, the shooting position information 61 displayed on the monitor 2 corresponds to the probe mark and the body mark 50 indicating the shooting position during shooting among the shooting positions scheduled to be displayed on the TCS 3a.

Returning to FIG. By the way, the operator may have difficulty in photographing at the planned photographing position depending on the body shape of the subject P when photographing, and may change the position or orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1. In such a case, in order to record the changed imaging position, the operator performs an operation of reflecting the changed position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe on the probe mark displayed on the TCS 3a. That is, the operator performs an operation of changing the position or orientation of the probe mark corresponding to the shooting position during shooting among the probe marks displayed on the TCS 3a. From this, the second display control unit 16b determines whether or not the TCS 3a has received an operation of changing at least one of the position and the orientation of the probe mark (step S109). Here, when the second display control unit 16b determines that the operation of changing at least one of the position and the direction of the probe mark has not been received (No in step S109), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, when the second display control unit 16b determines that the operation of changing at least one of the position and the direction of the probe mark has been received (step S109, Yes), the position and/or the direction of the probe mark is changed (step S109). S110).

FIG. 7 is a view (No. 4) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a case where the probe mark 51 is selected by the TCS 3a in the state shown in FIG. 5 and an operation of changing the direction of the probe mark 51 is accepted. As shown in FIG. 7, the second display control unit 16b further displays the probe mark 51a in which the orientation of the probe mark 51 is changed on the body mark 50 in the TCS 3a. When the second display control unit 16b receives the operation of moving the probe mark 51 in parallel, the second display control unit 16b displays the probe mark 51a at the position where the probe mark 51 is moved in parallel in the TCS 3a.

Returning to FIG. The second display control unit 16b displays the changed probe mark on the monitor 2 (step S111). FIG. 8 is a diagram (No. 5) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a case where the orientation of the probe mark 51 on the TCS 3a is changed as shown in FIG. 7 in the state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the second display control unit 16b further displays the probe mark 64 corresponding to the probe mark 51a on the TCS 3a shown in FIG. 7 on the body mark 61.

Returning to FIG. Subsequently, the second display control unit 16b determines whether or not the store of the ultrasonic image data being imaged has been accepted (step S112). Here, if the second display control unit 16b determines that the store has not been accepted (No in step S112), the second display control unit 16b proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when the second display control unit 16b determines that the store is accepted (Yes in step S112), the second display control unit 16b determines whether the shooting position during shooting is the shooting position of the preset information (step S113). In other words, the second control unit 16b determines whether the probe mark corresponding to the shooting position during shooting is the probe mark included in the preset information selected during the shooting plan, or the probe mark added later to the shooting position scheduled for shooting. Determine if it is a mark. For example, when the preset information selected at the time of shooting planning is the preset information shown in FIG. 5, the second display control unit 16b determines that the probe mark corresponding to the shooting position during shooting is one of the probe marks 51 to 53. If it is, it is determined that the shooting position is the shooting position of the preset information. In addition, for example, in the case of the preset information shown in FIG. 5, the second display control unit 16b uses the shooting position when the probe mark corresponding to the shooting position during shooting is a probe mark other than the probe marks 51 to 53. Is determined to be a shooting position different from the shooting position of the preset information.

Here, when the second display control unit 16b determines that the shooting position during shooting is the shooting position of the preset information (Yes in step S113), the second display control unit 16b determines that the end information indicates that the shooting at the shooting position is finished. , The color of the probe mark is changed to blue (step S114). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second display control unit 16b changes the color of the probe mark 51a to blue (dot display in FIG. 7).

On the other hand, when the second display control unit 16b determines that the shooting position during shooting is not the shooting position of the preset information (No in step S113), the probe mark at the shooting position indicates the preset information set in advance. The color of the probe mark is changed to red as the unscheduled end information indicating that the shooting at the shooting position different from the shooting position is completed (step S115). FIG. 9 is a diagram (No. 6) for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a case where the probe mark 54 is added to the photographing position to be photographed at step S106 after the photographing at the photographing position indicated by the probe mark 51 is completed, and the photographing is performed at the photographing position indicated by the probe mark. .. The example shown in FIG. 9 shows a case where the probe mark 54 and the probe mark 53 are photographed before the probe mark 54 is photographed. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second display control unit 16b changes the color of the probe mark 54 to red (hatched display in FIG. 9), for example. It should be noted that when the probe mark 54 is selected, the first display control unit 16a newly displays the probe mark 55 on the outside of the body mark 50 for photographing at a photographing position that is not scheduled to be photographed. Further, the first display control unit 16a further displays (5) as order information near the probe mark 55.

In addition, in parallel with the processing of step S114 and step S115, the control unit 19 assigns an identifier to the captured ultrasonic image data and stores it in the image memory 18. FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 7) for explaining the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, the data structure when the ultrasonic image data is stored in the image memory 18 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the ultrasonic image data is stored in the image memory 18 in association with the “examination ID” for identifying the inspection and the “ultrasonic image data ID” for identifying the ultrasonic image data. ..

Here, the “ultrasonic image data” is an ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 2, and includes, for example, a B-mode image 60 and imaging position information 61. In addition to the “inspection ID” for identifying the examination and the “ultrasound image data ID” for identifying the ultrasound image data, the ultrasound image data includes “apparatus for identifying the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus 100 being imaged”. The “ID” may be further associated and stored in the image memory 18. Further, the ultrasound image data need not include the imaging position information 61 as long as it includes the B-mode image 60.

Returning to FIG. Subsequent to step S114 or step S115, the second display control unit 16b stores the probe mark at the imaging position where the store is accepted and the ultrasonic image data imaged at this imaging position in association with each other (step S116). ). In other words, the second display control unit 16b generates definition information in which the correspondence with the ultrasonic image data is defined for each probe mark, and stores the definition information in the image memory 18. FIG. 11 is a diagram (No. 8) for explaining the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the data structure of the definition information generated by the second display control unit 16b. As shown in FIG. 11, the definition information includes an “inspection ID” for identifying an inspection, a “probe mark ID” for identifying a probe mark, “probe mark data”, and an “ultrasound image” for identifying ultrasound image data. Information associated with “data ID” is stored.

Here, the "probe mark data" is image data showing the body mark and the probe mark superimposed on the body mark on the TCS screen after receiving the store and changing the color of the probe mark. That is, the probe mark data indicates the body mark and the probe mark displayed on the TCS 3a at the time when the ultrasonic image data was stored. In addition, the probe mark data is assumed to be stored in the order in which the ultrasonic image data is saved, for example. Therefore, by comparing the probe mark data before and after in the shooting order, the probe mark corresponding to the latest shooting position can be specified.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the “inspection ID” is “xxx” and the probe mark ID is “000x-a”, the probe mark specified by this probe mark ID is the probe mark 51a and this probe mark It indicates that the identifier of the ultrasonic image data captured at the imaging position indicated by the mark 51a is “0001”. When the “inspection ID” is “xxx” and the probe mark ID is “000x-b”, the probe mark specified by this probe mark ID is the probe mark 54, and the imaging indicated by this probe mark 54 is shown. It indicates that the identifier of the ultrasonic image data captured at the position is “0002”.

Then, the second display control unit 16b determines whether or not the end of shooting has been received (step S117). FIG. 12 is a diagram (No. 9) for explaining the first embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a diagram (No. 10) for explaining the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the TCS screen when the shooting at the shooting position where the shooting is scheduled is not completed. As shown in FIG. 12, on the body mark 50, a probe mark 51, a probe mark 51a, and a probe mark 52 to a probe mark 54 are displayed. Here, the probe mark 51a, the probe mark 53, and the probe mark 54 have rectangular areas that are blue (dot display in FIG. 12) or red (hatched display in FIG. 12), and therefore these probe marks indicate. Indicates that the shooting at the shooting position is completed. On the other hand, since the rectangular area of the probe mark 52 is white, it indicates that the photographing at the photographing position indicated by the probe mark 52 is not completed. That is, in the TCS 3a, the probe mark displayed on the body mark 50 has a probe mark indicating that the photographing is not completed. In this way, the operator can visually recognize whether or not there is an unphotographed photographing position by indicating whether or not the photographing at the photographing position to be photographed is finished by the color of the rectangular area of the probe mark. Is possible. That is, in the case of the TCS screen shown in FIG. 12, since the rectangular area of the probe mark 52 is white, it is possible for the operator to determine that the scheduled shooting is not completed. When the second control unit 16b determines that the end of shooting has not been received (No in step S117), the process proceeds to step S103.

On the other hand, FIG. 13 shows an example of the TCS screen when the shooting at the shooting position where the shooting is scheduled has ended. As shown in FIG. 13, a probe mark 51, a probe mark 51 a, and probe marks 52 to 54 are displayed on the body mark 50. Here, the rectangular areas of the probe mark 51a and the probe marks 52 to 54 are blue (dot display in FIG. 13) or red (hatched display in FIG. 13). That is, it indicates that the shooting at the shooting position indicated by these probe marks is completed. In other words, in the TCS 3a, the probe mark displayed on the body mark 50 does not include a probe mark that indicates that imaging has not ended. In this way, the operator can visually recognize whether or not there is an unphotographed photographing position by indicating whether or not the photographing at the photographing position to be photographed is finished by the color of the rectangular area of the probe mark. Is possible. That is, in the case of the TCS screen shown in FIG. 13, since the rectangular areas of the probe mark 51a and the probe marks 52 to 54 are not white, the operator can determine to end the photographing.

When the second control unit 16b determines that the end of shooting has been accepted (Yes at step S117), the second control unit 16b stores the TCS screen (step S118) and ends the process. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the second display control unit 16b displays a TCS screen including the probe mark 51 and the probe mark 51a superimposed on the body mark 50 and the probe mark 52 to the probe mark 54. It is stored in the image memory 18 as “shooting position image data (also referred to as shooting position information)”. Here, the second display control unit 16b adds an identifier to the shooting position information and stores it in the image memory 18. FIG. 14 is a diagram (No. 11) for explaining the first embodiment. In FIG. 14, a data structure when the shooting position information is stored in the image memory 18 will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, the imaging position information is stored in the image memory 18 in association with the “inspection ID” that identifies the inspection and the “imaging position image data ID” that identifies the imaging position image data.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the probe mark corresponding to each photographing position is displayed on the TCS 3a at the corresponding position on the body mark for each photographing position determined to be photographed in advance in the inspection. Let Thereby, the operator can easily visually recognize the shooting position where the shooting is planned. For example, the operator can easily recognize the shooting position where the shooting is scheduled and the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the shooting position. In other words, the operator can visually recognize where the imaging position should be taken in the examination and in what direction the ultrasonic probe 1 should be applied. Accordingly, the operator can omit the operation of setting the probe mark at the position on the body mark corresponding to the shooting position each time shooting is performed at each shooting position. As a result, the operability of the operator can be improved. The preset information may be set at the time of factory shipment or may be set by the operator.

Further, according to the first embodiment, when the end of the image capturing at any of the image capturing positions scheduled to be imaged is accepted, the image capturing at the image capturing position is completed on the probe mark corresponding to the image capturing position. The end information indicating is displayed. For example, when the operator stores, the probe mark color is changed to blue or the like. Thereby, the operator can easily determine the photographing position to be photographed and the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1, and the photographed position and the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the operator can determine whether or not the shooting at the shooting position where the shooting is scheduled is completed based on the color of the probe mark. For example, the operator can visually determine that there is an unphotographed photographing position that is scheduled to be photographed when a probe mark with a white rectangular area remains. As a result, the operator can prevent the missed shooting at the shooting position where the shooting is planned in the examination. The color displayed by the second display control unit 16b as the end information is not limited to blue. Similarly, the color displayed by the second display control unit 16b as the unscheduled end information is not limited to red. That is, the end information and the unplanned end information may be different in at least one of the display color and the display form.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the position and orientation of the probe mark can be changed by touching the probe mark at the photographing position to be photographed. Thereby, even when the position or orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the imaging position is changed, it is possible to record the probe mark corresponding to the changed position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1. As a result, even when the radiographing doctor and the radiogram interpreter are different from each other, it is possible to recognize that the ultrasonic probe 1 has been changed in position and orientation from the scheduled imaging position.

Further, according to the first embodiment, a preliminary probe mark is also displayed outside the body mark. For example, when shooting at a shooting position that is not scheduled to be shot, the operator touches the probe mark outside the body mark to move it to the corresponding shooting position on the body mark. Then, when the operator changes the position and orientation of the probe mark and stores it, the color of the rectangular region of the probe mark is changed to, for example, red as a color indicating that the photographing position is not determined to be photographed in advance. In this way, by changing the color of the probe mark to a color indicating that it is not the imaging position that was decided to be imaged in advance, even if the radiographing doctor and the image interpreting doctor are different, the captured ultrasonic image data is It becomes possible to recognize that the data is captured at a non-capturing position.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the imaging position assumed at the time of imaging is set in advance, and the imaging position is added after the start of imaging. In some cases, or when the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1 are changed, the changed content is accepted from the operator. As described above, the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment presents the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 1 at the imaging position to the operator without using the position sensor. Accordingly, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment does not need to include the position sensor, so that the production cost can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description is given as displaying the order information indicating the shooting order, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first display control unit 16a may not display the order information indicating the shooting order. Further, the first display control unit 16a, for example, blinks and displays the probe mark selected on the TCS 3a as a probe mark indicating a shooting position during shooting until shooting at this shooting position is completed. Good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the probe mark used when shooting at a shooting position other than the scheduled shooting is displayed outside the body mark 50, but the embodiment is not limited to this. is not. For example, when the first display control unit 16a does not display the probe mark for a shooting position that is not scheduled to be shot in advance and accepts an operation from the operator indicating that the shooting is not scheduled to be performed, the first display control unit 16a does not perform the scheduled shooting. The probe mark for the image capturing position may be displayed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the second display control unit 16b has been described as displaying the ultrasonic image including the B-mode image and the shooting position information on the monitor 2, but the embodiment is not limited to this. It is not limited to. That is, the second display control unit 16b may display an ultrasonic image including an image captured in a capturing mode other than the B mode and capturing position information. For example, the second display control unit 16b may display an ultrasonic image including the color Doppler image and the photographing position information on the monitor 2. In addition, the second display control unit 16b may display an ultrasonic image that does not include imaging-time position information on the monitor 2.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the second display control unit 16b receives an operation of changing at least one of the position and the direction of the probe mark, the second display control unit 16b does not change the form of the probe mark before the change. Although described, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second display control unit 16b may display the rectangular area of the probe mark before the change with a broken line. Specifically, the second display control unit 16b may display the probe mark 51a shown in FIG. 7 and then show the rectangular area of the probe mark 51 with a broken line. As a result, the operator can easily distinguish the probe mark 51 before the change from the probe marks 52 and 53 that have not been photographed. Alternatively, when changing the position and orientation of the probe mark, the second display control unit 16b may display the probe mark before the change in a color distinguishable from the colors of the other probe marks. Then, the second display control unit 16b may display an area in which the probe mark before the change and the probe mark after the change overlap with each other in a color obtained by merging the colors before and after the change. When the second display control unit 16b receives an operation of changing at least one of the position and the direction of the probe mark, the second display control unit 16b may delete the probe mark before the change.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when changing at least one of the position and the orientation of the probe mark, the change is performed before the saving of the ultrasonic image data, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Absent. For example, at least one of the position and orientation of the probe mark may be changed after storing the ultrasonic image data.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first control unit 16a has been described as displaying the preset information selected in the imaging plan on the TCS 3a, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit 16a may cause the monitor 2 to display the preset information selected in the shooting plan. In such a case, the display area of the monitor 2 is divided into, for example, a plurality of display areas, the ultrasonic image data is displayed in one display area, and the preset information selected in the imaging plan is displayed in another display area. Further, in such a case, the second display control unit 16b changes at least one of the position and the direction of the probe mark displayed on the monitor 2, or changes the color of the probe mark to blue as the end information. When the preset information is displayed on the monitor 2, the ultrasonic image data and the preset information may be alternately switched and displayed without dividing the display area.

Further, the display form of the probe mark in the above-described embodiment can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the color, line type, and design of the probe mark may be appropriately changed by the operator.

In addition, when displaying the probe mark, the first display control unit 16a further displays the support information that supports the operation to be executed, when the operation to be executed is further associated with each imaging position. May be. FIG. 15 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining a modified example of the first embodiment. In FIG. 15, a case where distance measurement is performed as an operation to be executed will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the first display control unit 16a causes the TCS 3a to display the probe marks 51 to 53 on the body mark 50 in a superimposed manner, and the probe mark 54 to the body mark 50. Are not overlapped and are displayed outside the body mark 50. Further, the first display control unit 16a displays the numbers (1) to (4) that are the order information near the probe marks 51 to 54. Further, the first display control unit 16a causes the support information 56 that presents “distance measurement” to be displayed near the probe mark 51, and displays the assistance information 57 that presents “distance measurement” near the probe mark 52. .. Thereby, the operator can visually recognize that the distance measurement is performed at the photographing position indicated by the probe mark 51 and the probe mark 52. Note that the support information is not limited to distance measurement, but information that administers a contrast agent at the imaging position to perform imaging, information that provides imaging in Doppler mode, and measurement of blood flow velocity. May be presented.

In addition, in the ultrasonic inspection, there are cases where the approximate position in the ultrasonic image data of the observation target can be specified according to the imaging position. For example, the organ A is the observation target at the imaging position indicated by the probe mark 51 shown in FIG. In the ultrasonic image data at this imaging position, the position of the organ A can be specified on the upper left side. Further, the organ B is the observation target at the imaging position indicated by the probe mark 52 shown in FIG. In the ultrasonic image data at this imaging position, the position of the organ B can be specified near the center. Therefore, when the distance measurement is associated with any of the probe marks selected on the TCS 3a as the operation to be performed, the second display control unit 16b captures the image at the imaging position corresponding to the probe mark. A starting point for distance measurement may be displayed at a position on the ultrasonic image that is determined and that is determined on the ultrasonic image according to the position of the probe mark on the body mark. FIG. 16 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the modified example of the first embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining the modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows an ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 2 when the probe mark 51 shown in FIG. 15 is selected on the TCS 3a. As shown in FIG. 16, the second display control unit 16b displays an ultrasonic image including the B-mode image 60 and the imaging position information 61 in the second display area 2b of the monitor 2. Here, the second display control unit 16b determines that the observation target according to the position of the probe mark 51 on the body mark 50 is the organ A. Then, the second display control unit 16b displays the starting point 66 for distance measurement at the position where the organ A is predicted to be identifiable in the B-mode image 60. The position of the starting point 66 can be moved to another position by, for example, a touch operation by the operator.

FIG. 17 shows an ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 2 when the probe mark 52 shown in FIG. 15 is selected on the TCS 3a. As shown in FIG. 17, the second display control unit 16b displays an ultrasonic image including the B-mode image 60 and the photographing position information 61 in the second display area 2b of the monitor 2. Here, the second display control unit 16b determines that the observation target according to the position of the probe mark 52 on the body mark 50 is the organ B. Then, the second display control unit 16b displays the distance measurement starting point 67 at a position where it is predicted that the renal pelvis can be identified in the B-mode image 60. The position of the start point 67 can be moved to another position by, for example, a touch operation by the operator.

Note that, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the case where the second display control unit 16b determines the observation target and displays the starting point at the position where the observation target can be specified is described. The form is not limited to this. For example, the second display control unit 16b may display the start point at a position on the ultrasonic image data that is associated in advance according to the position on the body mark of the probe mark corresponding to the imaging position.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where there are a plurality of shooting positions scheduled for shooting has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the number of shooting positions scheduled for shooting may be one. FIG. 18 is a view (No. 4) for explaining the modified example of the first embodiment. In FIG. 18, a case will be described in which, as the shooting plan, preset information in which the number of shooting positions scheduled to be shot in the examination is one is selected. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 18, the first display control unit 16a displays the body mark 50 and one probe mark 51 superimposed on the body mark 50 on the TCS 3a. The first display controller 16a also displays a preliminary probe mark 54 outside the body mark 50, as shown in the upper part of FIG.

The lower left diagram in FIG. 18 illustrates a case where the image capturing at the image capturing position indicated by the probe mark 51 is completed. In such a case, the second display control unit 16b changes the color of the probe mark to blue (dot display in FIG. 18) as the end information indicating that the shooting at the shooting position of the preset information is completed. On the other hand, the lower right diagram of FIG. 18 shows a case where the image capturing at the image capturing position indicated by the probe mark 51 is completed before the image capturing at the image capturing position indicated by the probe mark 51 is completed. In such a case, the second display control unit 16b changes the color of the probe mark to red (hatching display in FIG. 18) as the end information indicating that the shooting at the shooting position other than the preset shooting position is completed. change.

(Second embodiment)
1st Embodiment demonstrated the case where the probe mark which shows the imaging position which is scheduled to be imaged, and the position and direction of the ultrasonic probe 1 in the imaging position which is to be imaged is displayed at the time of imaging by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100. .. In addition, in such imaging, imaging position information and definition information are generated and stored in the image memory 18 in addition to the ultrasonic image data. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the ultrasound image data and the imaging position information are browsed with reference to the definition information.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the image processing apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the image processing apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment is communicably connected to the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus 100 and the medical image storage apparatus 200 via a network 400. The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 100 captures ultrasonic image data, as in the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The medical image archiving apparatus 200 acquires the image data captured by the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 100 from the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 100 and stores it.

The image processing apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment includes a monitor 301, an operation unit 302, a storage unit 303, a control unit 304, and a display control unit 305. The monitor 301 displays a GUI for inputting various setting requests, an ultrasonic image requested to be viewed, and the like. The operation unit 302 has a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, and the like, and receives various setting requests from the operator of the image processing apparatus 300. The control unit 304 controls the entire processing of the image processing apparatus 300.

The storage unit 303 stores the ultrasonic image data and the ultrasonic image received from the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 100, the medical image storage apparatus 200, a database of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), or a database of an electronic medical chart system. Remember.

For example, the storage unit 303 stores ultrasonic image data DB (Data Base) that stores ultrasonic image data captured at a plurality of imaging positions in an examination, and a plurality of probes associated with a plurality of imaging positions on a body mark. The imaging position information DB that stores the imaging position information in which the marks are arranged and the definition information DB that stores the definition information that defines the correspondence with the ultrasonic image data for each probe mark are stored. The ultrasonic image data stored in the ultrasonic image data DB has the same data structure as that shown in FIG. 10, and the imaging position information stored in the imaging position information DB has the data structure shown in FIG. The data structure of the definition information stored in the definition information DB is similar to that of the structure shown in FIG. 11.

The display control unit 305 receives the display request for the ultrasonic image data, and displays the ultrasonic image data and the imaging position information. For example, the display control unit 305 displays a list of a plurality of ultrasonic image data captured in the examination and the capturing position information. Alternatively, the display control unit 305 displays the shooting position information. Then, when the display control unit 305 receives the selection of any probe mark in the imaging position information, the display control unit 305 refers to the definition information to identify the ultrasonic image data associated with the selected probe mark, and identifies the identified ultrasound image data. The sound wave image data is further displayed.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the image processing apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the operation unit 302 receives a display of image data from the operator (step S201). Here, the operation unit 302 accepts the display of the image data by designating the inspection ID and the image ID, for example. The operation unit 302 transfers the received inspection ID and image ID to the display control unit 305. The image data referred to here includes ultrasonic image data and imaging position image data (imaging position information).

Subsequently, the display control unit 305 searches the storage unit 303 to specify the designated image data (step S202). For example, the display control unit 305 refers to the ultrasonic image data DB and the imaging position information DB and sets the ultrasonic image data ID and the imaging position image data ID as the image data associated with the specified examination ID. Identify. As an example, when “xxx” is designated as the examination ID, the display control unit 305 has ultrasonic image data IDs “0001”, “0002”, and “0003” as the ultrasonic image data shown in FIG. And "0004" are specified, and the shooting position image data ID "000x" is specified as the shooting position information shown in FIG.

Alternatively, the display control unit 305 refers to the ultrasonic image data DB or the imaging position information DB and identifies image data (for example, ultrasonic image data or imaging position image data) that matches the designated image ID. Then, the display control unit 305 identifies the image data associated with the examination ID associated with the image ID of the identified image data by referring to the ultrasonic image data DB and the imaging position information DB. As an example, when “000x” is designated as the image ID, the display control unit 305 identifies the photographing position image data ID “000x” as the photographing position information shown in FIG. In addition, the display control unit 305 identifies “xxx” as the inspection ID associated with this imaging position image data ID. Then, the display control unit 305 identifies the ultrasonic image data IDs “0001”, “0002”, “0003”, and “0004” shown in FIG. 10 as the ultrasonic image data associated with this examination ID.

Then, the display control unit 305 determines whether or not the list display has been accepted (step S203). Here, when the display control unit 305 determines that the list display is accepted (Yes in step S203), the display control unit 305 displays a list of image data on the monitor 301 (step S204). FIG. 21 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows an ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 301 when the display control unit 305 accepts the selection of displaying a list of image data. In FIG. 21, the monitor 301 is used by dividing the display area into a first display area 301a, a second display area 301b, a third display area 301c, and a fourth display area 301d. It shows the case. As shown in FIG. 21, when the display control unit 305 determines that the list display is accepted, the display control unit 305 displays the plurality of ultrasonic image data 71 to 74 imaged in the examination and the imaging position information 70 on the second monitor 301. A list is displayed in the display area 301b.

The display control unit 305 determines whether or not the end of the browsing operation has been received (step S205). Here, when the display control unit 305 does not determine that the end of the browsing operation has been received (step S205, No), the display control unit 305 subsequently determines whether the end of the browsing operation has been received. On the other hand, when the display control unit 305 determines that the end of the browsing operation has been received (Yes in step S205), the process ends.

When the display control unit 305 does not determine in step S203 that the list display has been received (step S203, No), the display position information is displayed on the monitor 301 (step S206). FIG. 21 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 shows an ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 301 when the display control unit 305 receives a selection to display the imaging position information. Note that in FIG. 22, the monitor 301 has a first display area 301a, a second display area 301b1, a third display area 301c, a fourth display area 301d, and a fifth display area 301b2. The case where the display area is divided and used is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 22, when the display control unit 305 does not determine that the list display is received, the display control unit 305 displays the shooting position information 70 in the fifth display area 301b2 of the monitor 301.

Subsequently, the display control unit 305 determines whether or not the selection of the probe mark has been received (step S207). Here, when the display control unit 305 does not determine that the selection of the probe mark has been accepted (No in step S207), the display control unit 305 subsequently determines whether the selection of the probe mark has been accepted. On the other hand, when the display control unit 305 determines that the selection of the probe mark has been accepted (Yes in step S207), the display control unit 305 displays the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the selected probe mark (step S208). In the example shown in FIG. 22, the display control unit 305 shows a case where the probe mark shown on the upper left side is selected in the shooting position information 70. In such a case, the display control unit 305 refers to the definition information DB to specify the ultrasonic image data 71 corresponding to the selected probe mark, and displays the specified ultrasonic image data 71 on the second display of the monitor 301. It is displayed in the area 301b1.

The display control unit 305 determines whether or not the end of the browsing operation has been received (step S209). Here, when the display control unit 305 does not determine that the end of the browsing operation has been received (step S209, No), the display control unit 305 proceeds to step S207 and determines whether the selection of the probe mark has been received. On the other hand, when the display control unit 305 determines that the end of the browsing operation has been received (step S209, Yes), the process ends.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to easily determine the correspondence between the ultrasonic image data captured in the inspection and the capturing position of this ultrasonic image data.

Note that the display control unit 305 according to the second embodiment may further display identification information that can identify whether or not browsing of ultrasonic image data has ended. FIG. 23 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining a modified example of the second embodiment, and FIG. 24 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining a modified example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows a case where the display control unit 305 further displays the identification information on the monitor 301 when the selection to display the image data in a list is accepted. Note that in FIG. 23, the same contents as those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the display control unit 305 further displays the identification information 80a to 80d in the vicinity of each of the plurality of ultrasonic image data 71 to 74 in the second display area 301b. In the example illustrated in FIG. 23, the display control unit 305 displays the identification information 80a near the ultrasonic image data 71, the identification information 80b near the ultrasonic image data 72, and the vicinity of the ultrasonic image data 73. The identification information 80c is displayed on the screen, and the identification information 80d is displayed near the ultrasonic image data 74.

Then, when the display control unit 305 receives an operation indicating that the browsing of certain ultrasonic image data is finished from the operator, the browsing is finished in the browsing information displayed in the vicinity of the browsed ultrasonic image data. The information indicating that is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when the display control unit 305 receives an operation indicating that the browsing of the ultrasonic image data 71 is completed from the operator, the browsing information 80a displayed near the ultrasonic image data 71. A check mark indicating that browsing has been completed is displayed on. It should be noted that the display control unit 305 may display a check mark on the browsing information 80a when, for example, an operation of selecting the browsing information 80a is accepted.

FIG. 24 illustrates a case where the display control unit 305 further displays the identification information on the monitor 301 when the selection to display the shooting position information is accepted. Note that, in FIG. 24, the same contents as those in FIG. 22 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 24, the display control unit 305 further displays the identification information 90a to 90d near each of the plurality of probe marks in the imaging position information 70 displayed in the fifth display area 301b2.

Then, when the display control unit 305 receives an operation indicating that the browsing of certain ultrasonic image data is finished from the operator, the browsing information displayed near the probe mark corresponding to the browsed ultrasonic image data. The information indicating that the browsing is completed is displayed on. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, when the display control unit 305 receives an operation indicating that the viewing of the ultrasonic image data 71 is completed from the operator, the display control unit 305 displays the vicinity of the probe mark corresponding to the ultrasonic image data 71. A check mark indicating that the browsing is completed is displayed in the displayed browsing information 90a. It should be noted that the display control unit 305 may display a check mark on the browsing information 90a when, for example, an operation of selecting the browsing information 90a is accepted. Further, the display control unit 305 may display a check mark indicating that the browsing has ended in the browsing information when it is determined that the selection of the probe mark has been accepted. In other words, the display control unit 305 may display a check mark indicating that browsing has ended in the browsing information when the selected ultrasonic image data is opened. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 24, the display control unit 305 displays the browsing information 90a displayed near the selected probe mark when displaying the ultrasonic image data 71 corresponding to the selected probe mark. Display a check mark on.

Further, the data structure of the ultrasonic image data stored in the image memory 18 and the ultrasonic image data DB is not limited to the data structure shown in FIG. 10, and any arbitrary ultrasonic image data can be specified as long as the ultrasonic image data can be specified. It may be a data structure. The data structure of the shooting position information stored in the image memory 18 and the shooting position information DB is not limited to the data structure shown in FIG. 14, and may be any data structure as long as the shooting position information can be specified. Good. The data structure of the definition information stored in the image memory 18 and the definition information DB is not limited to the data structure shown in FIG. 11, and may be any data structure as long as the definition information can be specified. Furthermore, at least two of the ultrasonic image data DB, the imaging position information DB, and the definition information DB may be integrated.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to easily determine the correspondence between the ultrasonic image data captured in the examination and the capturing position of the ultrasonic image data.

While some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples 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. The embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and the scope thereof, as well as in the invention described in the claims and the scope of equivalents thereof.

10 Device Main Body 16 Display Control Section 16a First Display Control Section 16b Second Display Control Section

Claims (30)

Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished ,
In association with each mark, a plurality of ultrasonic imaging ultrasound system that includes a display control unit for information Ru to display according to the imaging sequence of executed by the plurality of photographing positions corresponding to the mark. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising: a display controller that displays both the mark and information indicating a photographing mode executed at a photographing position corresponding to the mark. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging mode is imaging with a contrast agent or imaging in Doppler mode. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising a display control unit that receives an operation of changing at least one of the position and the orientation of the mark. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
A mark for a shooting position different from the preset shooting position set in advance is added and displayed outside the body mark,
An ultrasonic image including a display control unit that selects a mark for a photographing position different from the photographing position of the initial value, accepts an operation of moving the mark on the body mark, and adds the position of the mark to the photographing position to be photographed Diagnostic device. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
When the end of shooting at a shooting position different from the preset default shooting position is accepted, the mark at the shooting position indicates that the shooting position is different from the preset default shooting position. The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus includes a display control unit that displays information indicating that the process has ended, the information being in a mode different from the information indicating that the shooting at the shooting position of the initial value has ended. The information indicating that the shooting at the shooting position different from the preset initial shooting position and the information indicating that the shooting at the default shooting position is finished are displayed color. The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein at least one of a display mode and a display mode is different. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising: a display control unit that, when displaying the mark, displays support information for supporting an operation scheduled to be performed at an imaging position corresponding to the mark. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the support information is information presenting a distance measurement or information presenting a blood flow velocity measurement. When the operation to be performed is distance measurement, when the corresponding mark is selected, the display control unit is a position on the ultrasonic image taken at the imaging position corresponding to the mark, and the body mark The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein a start point for distance measurement is displayed at a position on the ultrasonic image that is determined according to the position of the mark above. An ultrasonic image acquired by ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe is displayed in the first display area, and marks are respectively corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions of the ultrasonic imaging, and the subject is schematically illustrated. Of the plurality of marks respectively displayed at the plurality of positions on the body mark shown, the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing is finished is different from the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing is not finished. , An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising a display control unit for displaying in the second display area. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display control unit is capable of accepting an operation from an operator in the second display area. The ultrasonic image according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the display control unit causes the mark selected in the second display area to be displayed at a corresponding position on the body mark being displayed in the first display area. Diagnostic device. The display control unit receives an operation of changing at least one of a position and an orientation of the mark displayed in the second display area, and after the operation of changing is confirmed, the changed mark is displayed in the first display area. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , further displaying at a corresponding position on the body mark being displayed. Wherein the display control unit, when displaying the mark, the support information to support operation of the scheduled execution shooting position corresponding to the mark further displayed in the second display region, claims 11 to 14 The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of 1. When the operation to be performed is distance measurement, when the corresponding mark is selected in the second display area, the display control unit takes an image at the shooting position corresponding to the mark in the first display area. A starting point for distance measurement is displayed at a position on the ultrasonic image that is determined according to the position of the mark on the body mark. 15. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to item 15 . An ultrasonic image acquired by ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe is displayed on the first display screen, and marks are respectively corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions of the ultrasonic imaging, and the subject is schematically illustrated. Of the plurality of marks respectively displayed at the plurality of positions on the body mark shown, the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing is finished is different from the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing is not finished. , An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising a display control unit for displaying on a second display screen. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, A display control unit for displaying the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
A first display area and a second display area different from the first display area and capable of accepting an operation from an operator,
The display control unit is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that causes a mark to be displayed at a corresponding position on a body mark being displayed in the first display area in response to an operator's operation in the second display area. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein the display control unit displays image data captured at a capturing position corresponding to the mark in the first display area. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, A display control unit for displaying the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
A first display screen and a second display screen different from the first display screen and capable of accepting an operation from an operator,
The display control unit is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that causes a mark to be displayed at a corresponding position on a body mark being displayed on the first display screen in response to an operator's operation on the second display screen. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished, and is associated with each mark to the plural photographing positions corresponding to the mark. A program that causes a computer to execute a display control procedure for displaying information related to the imaging order of a plurality of ultrasonic imaging operations performed by the computer. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different manner from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished, and the mark and the photographing mode executed at the photographing position corresponding to the mark are displayed. Display control procedure for displaying the indicated information together
A program that causes a computer to execute. Ultrasonic waves at the imaging position, which are marks respectively corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe and are displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject. Among the plurality of marks for presenting the position and orientation of the probe to the operator, the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is different from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished. Display control procedure for displaying and accepting an operation of changing at least one of the position and direction of the mark
A program that causes a computer to execute. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different manner from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished, and the mark for the photographing position different from the preset photographing position of the initial value. Is displayed outside the body mark, the mark for the shooting position different from the shooting position of the default value is selected, and the operation to move it over the body mark is accepted. Display control procedure to be added to
A program that causes a computer to execute. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
When the end of shooting at a shooting position different from the preset default shooting position is accepted, the mark at the shooting position indicates that the shooting position is different from the preset default shooting position. Display control procedure for displaying the information indicating that the shooting has been completed, which is different from the information indicating that the shooting at the shooting position of the initial value is finished.
A program that causes a computer to execute. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished is displayed in a different manner from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished, and when the mark is displayed, it is planned to be executed at the photographing position corresponding to the mark. Display control procedure for displaying support information to support user operation
A program that causes a computer to execute. An ultrasonic image acquired by ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe is displayed in the first display area, and marks are respectively corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions of the ultrasonic imaging, and the subject is schematically illustrated. Of the plurality of marks respectively displayed at the plurality of positions on the body mark shown, the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing is finished is different from the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing is not finished. , A display control procedure to be displayed in the second display area
A program that causes a computer to execute. An ultrasonic image acquired by ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe is displayed on the first display screen, and marks are respectively corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions of the ultrasonic imaging, and the subject is schematically illustrated. Of the plurality of marks respectively displayed at the plurality of positions on the body mark shown, the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing is finished is different from the mark at the photographing position at which the ultrasonic photographing is not finished. , Display control procedure to be displayed on the second display screen
A program that causes a computer to execute. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The computer is caused to execute a display control procedure for displaying the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished,
A first display area and a second display area different from the first display area and capable of accepting an operation from an operator,
A program for displaying a mark at a corresponding position on a body mark being displayed in the first display area according to an operation of an operator in the second display area. Of the plurality of marks corresponding to a plurality of imaging positions for ultrasonic imaging using an ultrasonic probe, each of which is displayed at a plurality of positions on a body mark that schematically shows the subject, The computer is caused to execute a display control procedure for displaying the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is finished in a different mode from the mark of the photographing position where the ultrasonic photographing is not finished
A first display screen and a second display screen different from the first display screen and capable of accepting an operation from an operator,
A program for displaying a mark at a corresponding position on a body mark being displayed on the first display screen in accordance with an operation of an operator on the second display screen.

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