JP2012205610A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, current preset data suitable for a combination of a subject and a site to be examined is set.
In a preset management table, preset data identifiers and sub-preset data identifiers are managed for each combination of a subject and a test site. The site to be examined is specified from the body mark type and the probe mark position. The control unit 10 acquires specific preset data from the preset storage unit 12 according to the preset management table 40, and acquires specific sub-preset data from the sub-preset storage unit 26 as necessary. The control unit 10 configures the current preset data 36 based on the acquired data, and sets the apparatus operating conditions according to the contents.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for setting apparatus operating conditions.

  Ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses are used in the medical field. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus that forms an ultrasonic image based on a reception signal obtained by transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body. Ultrasound diagnosis is used in various medical subjects, and there are various parts to be subjected to ultrasonic diagnosis. In addition, there are many operation modes on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and there are many values that should be set or adjustable in each operation mode. Examples of such values include a gain value, a diagnostic depth, a filter coefficient, and a contrast value.

  For example, when performing an ultrasonic diagnosis, it is necessary to give values to 500 to 1000 parameters (parameter sets) related to the operation of the apparatus. Actually, a plurality of preset data are registered in advance, and specific preset data is automatically or manually selected from them. Each preset data is composed of 500 to 1000 values (parameter value set) given to the parameter set. Of course, it is also possible to manually change the size of one or more parameter values in the selected preset data afterwards, and subject, subject area, body type, examination purpose, examiner's preference, One or more parameter values may be adjusted by, for example.

  Since the optimum content of the parameter value set differs for each subject, it is ideal to register a combination of parameter values as preset data for each subject. However, in this case, the storage capacity becomes enormous, and even if there is a slight difference, registration as another preset data is required, so that there is a problem that the storage area cannot be used efficiently. The number of preset data registered must be limited.

  On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the reproducibility of the inspection conditions (apparatus operating conditions), it is desirable that the apparatus is set up with the content as close as possible to the combined content of the parameter values used in the past inspection for each subject. However, the limit on the number of registered preset data is an obstacle to satisfying such a demand. Therefore, a method of including a plurality of sub-preset data that can be selectively used in the preset data, and selecting and using any one of them at the time of each inspection becomes effective. According to such a partial correction method, the same convenience as that of increasing the number of preset data can be obtained without increasing the number of preset data itself. Further, since parts other than the sub-preset can be shared, it is advantageous in terms of storage capacity, and for example, partial customization according to the body shape can be performed. However, it is necessary to set an upper limit for the number of sub-preset data that can be included in the preset data for the same reason as described above. That is, enlarging individual preset data cannot sufficiently satisfy the demand from the viewpoint of the reproducibility of the inspection conditions. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preset data to be registered, it is required to be able to flexibly customize the contents of preset data to be actually used without imposing a heavy burden on the user while limiting the number and scale. .

Japanese Patent No. 4567844 JP 2010-136873 A JP 2010-63757 A

  Conventionally, the relationship between the combination of the subject and the test site and the preset data is not particularly managed (see Patent Documents 1-3). For example, when performing ultrasonic diagnostics sequentially for multiple test sites in a single ultrasonography, preset data suitable for a new test site can be easily selected each time the test site is changed. Or it could not be used.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the user in selecting or configuring preset data. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily use preset data suitable for a subject and a test site. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to enable reconstruction of preset data suitable for a test site when the test site is changed after the start of ultrasonic examination. Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to obtain good reproducibility with respect to setting of apparatus operating conditions.

  The ultrasonic diagnosis system according to the present invention manages preset data contents corresponding to a combination of an original data storage means storing original data as a source of current preset data currently used and a subject and a test site. Management information storage means for storing management information for use, and current preset data adapted to the combination of the current subject and the current test site using the original data stored in the original data storage unit according to the management information And means for setting the apparatus operating condition based on the current preset data, and reconfiguring the contents of the current preset data when a change in the current subject site is detected for the current subject; ,including.

  According to the above configuration, since the current preset data can be configured according to the combination of the current subject and the current test site and used for setting the apparatus operating conditions, the ultrasonic examination can be accurately executed, or The user's setting burden can be reduced. In particular, when a single ultrasonic examination is composed of a plurality of diagnostic steps, that is, when a plurality of test sites are sequentially diagnosed for the same subject, the diagnosis process is switched (current test site). It is possible to automatically adapt the current preset data content to the new test site at the time of switching. According to the above configuration, even if several parameter values are user-adjusted in each diagnosis process, the burden on the user can be greatly reduced as compared to the case where user adjustment is required for many parameter values. .

  Any of the original preset data may be selected and used as it is as the current preset data. However, according to such a method, it is necessary to register a large number of original preset data. In addition, since a plurality of preset data having a partially overlapping relationship is registered, the storage efficiency is deteriorated. Therefore, it is desirable to combine a plurality of element data that can constitute preset data so that the current preset data can be customized whenever necessary. In such a case, it is particularly desirable that the original preset data is used as a base and data for partial correction is registered separately. The latter data may be stored in each ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, or may be configured so that they can be registered on a server and shared among a plurality of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses. The ultrasonic diagnostic system is a concept including a single ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a network system including the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The change of the current test site may be detected based on input information (for example, input of a diagnostic site) by the user, or based on a change in the body mark, a change in the position of the probe mark on the body mark, or the like. May be detected. As part of the management information, probe type, number of selections, selection frequency, last examination date and time (previous use date and time), last use order (selection order in previous ultrasound examination) in combination units of subject and test site , Etc. may be managed. When the user manually changes a part of the current preset data (initial preset data) that has been automatically set, it is desirable to newly register as new original data with the contents in a timely manner. Note that when a plurality of ultrasonic diagnoses are performed in a plurality of measurement modes for the same region to be examined, a change in the inspection item may be detected to reconfigure the preset data.

  By the way, if the original data that matches the combination of the subject and the test site cannot be identified by referring to the management information, the current preset data is automatically used using the original data specified as default as before. The current preset data may be configured by selecting the original data by the user. In that case, one or a plurality of parameter values can be appropriately changed by the user at a timely stage after the start of the examination or prior to the actual ultrasonic diagnosis.

  Preferably, the original data storage means includes a first data storage unit storing a plurality of original preset data and a second data storage storing a plurality of extended sub-preset data that can be incorporated into the plurality of original preset data. In the management information, there is an extended method in which at least a preset data identifier is associated with the combination of the subject and the test site, and extended sub-preset data is used. An extended sub-preset data identifier is further associated with the combination to be applied, and current preset data in which extended sub-preset data is incorporated according to the combination of the current subject and the current test site can be used.

  According to the above configuration, the original preset data suitable for the subject and the test site can be selected from a plurality of the original preset data, and can be used as it is (standard method) or partially corrected. (Extended system), it is possible to configure the current preset data to be actually used. In the latter case, for example, when the original preset data is composed of 1000 parameter values, for example, 500 parameter values can be replaced with the extended sub-preset data. In that case, the extended sub-preset data functions as replacement data (replacement expansion method). The extended sub-preset data may be additionally combined (additional expansion method).

  Preferably, each original preset data has a basic part and standard sub-preset data as a selectively usable part, and is specified by the preset data identifier when the extended method is applied. Instead of the standard preset data in the specific original preset data, the specific extended sub-preset data specified by the extended sub-preset data identifier is incorporated.

  According to the above configuration, each original preset data includes one or a plurality of standard sub-preset data. When a plurality of standard sub-preset data are included, they are in an alternative selection relationship. They function as internal choices. When customizing preset data, it is possible to increase the number of internal options, but in this case, the size of the original preset data increases and management becomes cumbersome or complicated. In addition, it is desirable to prepare a plurality of extended sub-preset data as external options or shared options. That is, a plurality of variations are prepared outside a part of the preset data. Usually, the part consists of a plurality of parameters that are highly likely to vary.

  Preferably, first determination means for determining the type of the current body mark currently used, second determination means for determining at least one of the type and position of the current probe mark currently used, and the first determination Detecting means for detecting a change in the test site from the determination result of the means and the determination result of the second determination unit, and as information for specifying the test site, the type of the current body mark and the current probe At least one of the type and position of the mark is used.

  At the initial setup of the ultrasound examination, the current preset data is the same as the preset data contents initially used in the previous ultrasound examination for the subject regardless of the examination site (body mark type, etc.) May be selected. Then, when there is a change in the body mark type, a change in the probe mark position, or the like thereafter, the contents of the current preset data may be reconstructed into contents suitable for the situation at that time, particularly the site to be examined.

  Preferably, the control means generates at least one of a case where the type of the current body mark is changed and a case where there is a change that satisfies a change detection condition for the position of the current probe mark on the current body mark. And detecting means for detecting a change in the current test site.

  When the type of the current body mark is changed, it can be estimated that another ultrasonic diagnosis is subsequently performed for the same subject, and therefore it is desirable to update the contents of the current preset data accordingly. Similarly, it is desirable to update the contents of the current preset data even when the position of the current probe mark on the current body mark is substantially changed. Examples of the change detection condition include a probe position change exceeding the section set on the body mark. It is desirable that the current preset data is automatically updated when the probe position moves from the thyroid to the abdomen and from the abdomen to the lower limb (lower limb blood vessel).

  Preferably, the control means includes registration means for performing new registration in the second data storage unit when the contents of the standard sub-preset data or the extended sub-preset data in the current preset data are changed by a user. According to this configuration, it is possible to store sub-preset data with a track record of use as original data. In this case, since the extension sub-preset data is added, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of preset data itself.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic system includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a transmission / reception unit and at least the control unit, and an extended sub that is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a network and includes the second storage unit. A preset data server.

  According to the present invention, customized preset data can be easily used without placing a special burden on the user. Alternatively, good reproducibility can be obtained at each stage as the ultrasonic examination proceeds.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic system according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 2. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a specific configuration example of S106 illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a figure for demonstrating the some division set on a body mark. It is a figure which shows the modification of the preset management table shown in FIG.

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

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the basic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system (or ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus) according to the present invention. This ultrasonic diagnostic system is provided in a medical institution or the like, and forms an ultrasonic image of a subject by performing ultrasonic diagnosis on the subject.

  The control unit 10 is a module that performs operation control of each component included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the control unit 10 has a function of giving parameter values to a plurality of parameters that define apparatus operating conditions. Yes. That is, it has a function of performing presetting when setting the apparatus operating conditions. The control unit 10 is input with subject identification information (subject ID), body mark (BM) identification information, probe mark (PM) identification information, probe mark position information, and the like. Other information is entered. Based on the information, the control unit 10 configures preset data (current preset data) 36 that is actually used, and actually sets the apparatus operating conditions based on the contents. The control unit 10 also executes control to change a part of preset data, that is, a parameter value set, based on user input. The control unit 10 itself is constituted by a CPU and an operation program.

  The preset storage unit 12 is a first storage unit that stores a plurality of preset data. In FIG. 1, n preset data from PS1 to PSn are stored. Each preset data is data that is the basis of the current preset data that is actually used. Each preset data basically has the same structure, and the structure will be described by taking the first preset data PS1 as a representative. The preset data 14 includes a basic part (common part) 16 and a selected part. The selected portion is composed of four sub-preset data (standard sub-preset data) 18, 20, 22, 24 in the illustrated example. Those sub-preset data 18 to 24 are alternatively selected, and only the selected sub-preset data is actually used. However, as described later, when an expansion method using extended sub-preset data is applied, the four sub-preset data 18 to 24 prepared as standard sub-preset data are not used and a specific extended sub-preset is used. Data is used instead. In FIG. 1, the preset data PS1 to which reference numeral 14 is attached includes standard sub-preset data 18 to 24 labeled a, b, c, and d. The preset data is a data set composed of hundreds or thousands of parameter values, and each standard sub-preset data is composed of parameter values composed of several hundreds, for example. Incidentally, each preset data may have only a single sub-preset data.

  The sub-preset storage unit 26 is a second storage unit that stores a plurality of sub-preset data (extended sub-preset data). In FIG. 1, a1, a11,. . . Each sub-preset data is represented by the above. Here, the plurality of first-stage sub-preset data specified by reference numeral 28 is sub-preset data that is substituted for the sub-preset data a in the preset data PS1. In the same manner, the plurality of second-stage sub-preset data identified by reference numeral 30 are data that are substituted for the sub-preset data b in the preset data PS1, respectively. This is the third-stage data indicated by reference numeral 32. The same applies to the fourth-stage sub-preset data group indicated by reference numeral 34. In the sub-preset storage unit 26, sub-preset data can basically be additionally stored freely. That is, while the preset storage unit 12 as the first storage unit has a restriction of a certain number of data or data volume. By allowing an increase (or sharing) of the stored contents of the sub-preset storage unit 26 as the second storage unit, it is possible to achieve both the prevention of duplicate storage and a flexible sub-preset configuration. Incidentally, the individual sub-preset data stored in the sub-preset storage unit 26 is also original data that can constitute a part of the current preset data.

  As will be described later, a standard method and an extended method are prepared in the present embodiment as the configuration method of the current sub-preset data, and when the former standard method is adopted, it is stored in the preset storage unit 12. Existing preset data is used as it is as the current preset data (one of the standard sub-preset data is selectively used), and when the latter extension method is adopted, one of the preset data is selected from the preset storage unit 12. On the other hand, any sub-preset data selected from the sub-preset storage unit 26 is incorporated, and the preset data after completion of the incorporation, that is, after customization is used as the current preset data.

  In order to configure the current preset data, more specifically, in order to realize the contents of the current preset data suitable for the combination of the subject (current subject) and the test site (current test site), this embodiment , A preset management table 40 is provided. Management information for managing presets is stored there. The management information consists of a plurality of records 42. Each record 42 is generated for each combination of the subject and the test site. Specifically, in each record 42, a preset data identifier (denoted as PS in FIG. 1) and a sub-preset data identifier (denoted as SPS in FIG. 1) are associated with the subject ID. Further, the number of selections, body mark (BM) type, probe mark (PM) position information, and other information are associated with the subject ID. Here, the number of selections represents the number of times the record is used (cumulative selection number), the BM type is information indicating the type of the body mark, and the PM position is the probe mark on the specific body mark. It represents information on the position, specifically, the section where the probe mark is located. The two types of information, BM type and PM position, are information that indirectly identifies the test site. That is, the test site is automatically recognized from the body mark type alone or from the position of the probe mark position. Is possible.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, when an ultrasonic examination including a plurality of diagnostic steps is performed on a specific subject, the initial setting in the first diagnostic step is based on the subject ID. Specific preset data is used as the current preset data (in this case, the data specified by the management information is selected from a plurality of standard sub-preset data, or the data specified in advance as the default is selected. Then, new records are sequentially selected based on the BM type and PM position. That is, when the diagnosis process is repeated in a series of ultrasonic examinations, that is, whenever the test site is specified or changed, the preset data and the sub-preset data are updated. Incidentally, in the preset management table 40 shown in FIG. 1, the sub-preset data identifiers with parentheses such as (a) and (b) represent standard sub-preset data. On the other hand, those without parentheses represent extended sub-preset data.

  The control unit 10 acquires necessary data from the preset storage unit 12 and the sub-preset storage unit 26 based on the management information in the preset management table 40, and stores the current sub-preset data 36 based on the acquired data. Configure. In the example shown in FIG. 1, preset data PS1 is acquired, and extended sub-preset data a1 is incorporated therein. None of the standard sub-preset data is used in the illustrated example. As described above, the control unit 10 has a function of configuring the current sub-preset data, and a search acquisition function for collecting necessary original data prior to the function. Further, the control unit 10 has a function of detecting that the current test site has been changed for the same subject, and when new sub-preset data is generated, the control unit 10 sends the sub-preset data to the sub-preset storage unit 26 at a suitable timing. It has a function to register with. These functions will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic system. A specific example of the basic configuration shown in FIG. 1 is the configuration example shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic system has an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 50 connected to a network 52. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, another ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 54 and a sub-preset database 56 are connected to the network 52. The system shown in FIG. 2 is installed in a hospital, for example, but can also be configured as a system including an external network such as the Internet. That is, the sub-preset database 56 may be provided on the Internet.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 50 includes the control unit 10 described above. An input unit 72 having a keyboard, a trackball, and the like is connected to the control unit 10. The user can use this input unit 72 to input or change parameter values, specify a body mark type or a probe mark type, and specify a probe mark position. Etc. can be performed. The control unit 10 is connected to the network 52 via the communication unit 74. The communication unit 74 is a module for performing data communication with the network 52. The control unit 10 is connected to the preset storage unit 12, the sub-preset storage unit 26, and the preset management table 40 described above. They may be configured on a single storage unit. The sub-preset storage unit 26 is configured as a local storage unit in the illustrated example. In the present embodiment, a sub-preset database 56 is provided on the network 52 together with the sub-preset storage unit 26. The control unit 10 has a function of performing a search across them, and in this case, a plurality of sub-preset data stored in the sub-preset database 56 is also a search target. According to such a configuration, it is possible to share individual sub-preset data in a plurality of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses.

  In this embodiment, the probe 58 includes an array transducer including a plurality of transducer elements. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the array transducer, and the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned. As the electronic scanning method, electronic linear scanning, electronic sector scanning, and the like are known. The transmitter / receiver 60 is abutted on the body surface, but may be inserted into the body cavity. The probe 58 may be provided with a 2D array transducer. The transmission / reception unit 60 functions as a transmission beamformer and a reception beamformer. At the time of transmission, the transmission / reception unit 60 outputs a plurality of transmission signals to the probe 58. As a result, a transmission beam is formed in the array transducer. A reflected wave from the living body is received by the probe 58, and a plurality of reception signals are output from the probe 58 to the transmission / reception unit 60. The transmission / reception unit 60 applies phasing addition processing to a plurality of reception signals, thereby generating beam data as reception signals after phasing addition. The beam data is output to the signal processing unit 62.

  The signal processing unit 62 performs various processes on the beam data, and includes a detection process, a logarithmic conversion process, and the like. The signal processing unit 62 may include a circuit that extracts Doppler information. The DSC (digital scan converter) 64 is a module that forms a two-dimensional tomographic image (B-mode image) based on a plurality of beam data. Of course, a two-dimensional blood flow image or the like may be formed. The display processing unit 66 generates a display image by combining the ultrasonic image and the graphic image output from the image generation unit 70. The image data is sent to the display unit 68, and a display image is displayed on the screen of the display unit 68. The display image includes, for example, a two-dimensional tomographic image, and a body mark and a probe mark are displayed in the vicinity thereof. The probe mark can be displayed at an arbitrary position on the body mark, and the position can be designated by the user.

  Next, a specific example of the function of the control unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 and 4 show preset-related functions among the functions of the control unit 10.

  In FIG. 3, the subject ID is input in S101. For example, the subject ID can be read from a magnetic card distributed to the subject, or the subject ID can be input manually. You may make it acquire the said information from a network. In S102, the preset management table is searched using the subject ID as a key. In S103, if a record corresponding to the subject ID input in S101 exists on the preset management table, S104 is executed, and if not, S105 is executed.

  Incidentally, when a plurality of records are hit for a specific subject ID, the number of selections is referred to, and the record having the largest numerical value as the number of selections is selected. However, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, preset data to be initially selected may be specified based on other information such as frequency, previous inspection date and time, previous selection order, and the like.

  In S104, preset data specified based on the subject ID is acquired, and current preset data is configured based on the preset data. At that time, standard sub-preset data specified by the preset management table is selected from a plurality of standard sub-preset data included in the acquired preset data. If it cannot be specified, standard sub-preset data designated as default may be selected. The extended sub-preset data may be used from the time when the first current preset data is configured. When the current preset data is configured, the apparatus operating conditions are set according to a plurality of parameter values included in the current preset data. The apparatus operating conditions include various parameter values such as diagnostic depth, transmission frequency, filter coefficient, contrast value, and the like.

  On the other hand, in S105, the preset data designated as default is set as the current preset data. In this case, appropriate preset data may be selected based on information other than the subject ID.

  In S106, each component of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is controlled based on the current preset data (that is, parameter set) that is currently set. However, it is possible for the user to freely change any parameter value for which no change restriction is imposed. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, when the body mark type is changed or when the probe mark position is changed on a specific body mark, the current preset data (that is, the parameter value set) is restored. Configuration or update is performed. The process of S106 is repeatedly performed until the end of the inspection is determined in S107. In general, when the test site is changed, that is, when the diagnostic process is switched, the body mark is reselected by the user or automatically, or the position of the probe mark on the body mark is changed. With such an event as a trigger, update of preset data described in detail below is executed. In S108, a process of registering the sub-preset data included therein as extended sub-preset data based on the current preset data that is valid at that time is executed. Of course, the sub-preset data can be replaced and registered as standard sub-preset data. The preset data itself may be registered for replacement. In such registration, a record is added to the preset management table or the contents of any record are updated as necessary. When adding a record, information such as a body mark type and a probe mark position is also registered. Also, a process for incrementing the number of selections is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the specific contents of S106 shown in FIG.

  In S201, it is determined whether or not the condition has been changed manually by the user. That is, it is determined whether or not the parameter value is manually corrected. When the correction is confirmed, S202 is executed, that is, the contents of the current preset data are updated. Here, when the sub-preset data is corrected, a process of newly registering the pre-update sub-preset data is executed in S203. Of course, if the registration of the pre-update sub-preset data has already been completed, there is no need to execute S203. When the user explicitly instructs to update the preset data itself, the preset data can be rewritten with new contents. It is also possible to perform such registration processing at the stage when all the inspections are completed.

  In S204, it is determined whether or not the body mark type has been changed. In S205, it is determined whether or not there has been a certain change in the probe mark position. S204 and S205 constitute a two-stage determination step, and constitute a detection step as a whole. That is, a process for detecting a change in the region to be examined is realized. If there is a change in the body mark type or a significant change in the probe mark position on a specific body mark, S206 is executed. Incidentally, for example, when the section where the probe mark is located is changed, the change of the test site is determined. The classification will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, when it is recognized that the test site has been changed while maintaining the identity of the subject, the preset management table is referred to in S206, and the current probe mark type and probe mark are checked for the same subject. It is determined whether there is a record that matches the combination of positions. That is, the presence or absence of a record that matches a new combination of the subject and the test site is searched. In S207, if there is no match, the current preset data is maintained as it is. On the other hand, if there is a match, the contents of the matched record are fetched in S208, and the current preset data is reconstructed. For example, when the probe position is changed, the sub-preset data that is actually used is replaced with the new one while maintaining the preset data that is the basis. In this case, both replacement with extended sub-preset data and replacement with standard sub-preset data can be considered. In addition, with the change of the test site, the basic preset data itself can be updated (in this case, the sub-preset data actually used is also updated). In any case, in S208, the current preset data is newly reconstructed based on the management information, and the apparatus operating conditions are reset according to the contents. In that case, in S209, the new registration process of the sub-preset data before update is performed as needed. As described above, replacement registration of the preset data itself may be performed at that stage.

  If the above steps are repeated, the sub-preset data actually used with the progress of the ultrasonic examination is stored as the extended preset data. In the next ultrasonic inspection, it is possible to sequentially use the sub-preset data used in the past, so that the measurement reproducibility can be improved and the setting burden on the user can be greatly reduced. . That is, it is possible to adaptively set the current preset data suitable for the combination of the subject and the test site.

  FIG. 5 shows a body mark 72. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a body mark representing the lower limb is shown. It is a graphic image. For the body mark 72, a plurality of sections are set in the X direction and the Y direction, and a plurality of sections, that is, cells are set as the body mark 72 as a whole. Reference numeral 74 indicates a probe mark, and it is always detected in which section the position of the center of gravity of the probe mark 74 is. When the currently belonging category is changed, it is determined that the test site is changed. Further, as described above, the change of the test site is also determined when the body mark type itself is changed. In addition, when there is a change in the direction of the probe mark or a change in the type of the probe mark, etc., it is determined whether the test site has been changed or the test item has been changed, and the current preset data is reconstructed using that as a trigger. It may be.

  FIG. 6 shows a modification of the preset management table shown in FIG.

  Like the preset management table described above, the preset management table 40A has a plurality of records, and each record has information on a subject ID, a preset identifier, a sub-preset identifier, a body mark type, and a probe mark position. ing. Further, each record has frequency information 76, previous inspection date information 78, and previous selection order information 80. Other information may be managed as necessary.

  Here, the frequency indicates the degree to which the record is selected. The previous examination date and time represents the date and time when the previous examination was performed for the subject, and the last selection order represents the order selected in the previous ultrasonic examination for the subject. Based on such information, the current preset data may be automatically reconfigured when the test site is changed or when there is an explicit input from the user. In that case, it is possible to specify one of the records based on the information described above, that is, to specify a combination of preset data and sub-preset data.

  10 control unit, 12 preset storage unit, 26 sub-preset storage unit, 40 preset management table.

Claims (7)

Original data storage means storing original data that is the source of the current preset data currently used;
Management information storage means for storing management information for managing preset data contents corresponding to the combination of the subject and the test part;
According to the management information, the current data stored in the original data storage means is used to configure the current preset data suitable for the combination of the current subject and the current test site, and the apparatus operating conditions based on the current preset data Control means for reconfiguring the current preset data content when a change in the current test site is detected for the current subject;
An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprising: The system of claim 1, wherein
The original data storage means is
A first data storage unit storing a plurality of original preset data;
A second data storage unit storing a plurality of extended sub-preset data that can be incorporated into the plurality of original preset data;
Including
In the management information, the combination of at least a preset data identifier is associated with the combination of the subject and the test site, and the extended method that uses the extended sub-preset data is applied. Is further associated with an extended sub-preset data identifier,
Depending on the combination of the current subject and the current test site, the current preset data in which extended sub-preset data is incorporated may be used.
An ultrasonic diagnostic system characterized by that. The system of claim 2, wherein
Each of the original preset data has a basic part and standard sub-preset data as a selectively usable part,
When the extended method is applied, the specific extended sub-preset data specified by the extended sub-preset data identifier is incorporated instead of the standard preset data in the specific original preset data specified by the preset data identifier.
An ultrasonic diagnostic system characterized by that. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
First determination means for determining the type of the current body mark currently used;
Second determination means for determining at least one of the type and position of the current probe mark currently used;
Detection means for detecting a change in the current test site from the determination result of the first determination means and the determination result of the second determination means;
Including
As information for identifying the test site, the type of the current body mark and the type and position of the current probe mark are used,
An ultrasonic diagnostic system characterized by that. The system of claim 4, wherein
The control means, when at least one of the case where the type of the current body mark is changed and the case where there is a change satisfying a change detection condition with respect to the position of the current probe mark on the current body mark Having detection means for detecting a change in the current test site;
An ultrasonic diagnostic system characterized by that. The system of claim 3, wherein
The control means includes registration means for performing new registration in the second data storage unit when the content of the standard sub-preset data or the extended sub-preset data in the current preset data is changed by a user.
An ultrasonic diagnostic system characterized by that. The system of claim 2, wherein
The ultrasound diagnostic system
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprising a transceiver and at least the control means;
An extended sub-preset data server connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a network and having the second storage unit;
Having
An ultrasonic diagnostic system characterized by that.

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