WO2013128775A1 - Ultrasonographic inspection device, ultrasonographic inspection method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an ultrasonographic inspection device provided with: a reference setting unit for setting a referencing pertaining to an afflicted part on the basis of diagnostic information corresponding to an inspection subject; a position specification unit for specifying a position for inspection by sound waves generated by a probe able to generate sound waves, in the inspection subject; and a notification control unit for producing a notification pertaining to the importance of inspection at the specified inspection position, on the basis of the set reference and the specified inspection position.

Description

Ultrasonic inspection apparatus, ultrasonic inspection method, and program

The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic inspection apparatus, an ultrasonic inspection method, and a program.

For example, in the medical field or the like, an inspection method (ultrasonic inspection) is widely used in which an ultrasonic wave is applied to an inspection object to image an echo generated from the inspection object and an inspection is performed based on the obtained image.

In addition, a technology to provide feedback to doctors who conduct examinations has also been developed. In a device such as a catheter or a wire inserted in a patient, a technique described in Patent Document 1 below is an example of a technique for performing tactile feedback in response to movement of the device in the patient to the user of the device. Can be mentioned.

JP 2009-061290 A

The inspection skill of an inspector such as a doctor or an inspection technician who performs an ultrasonic inspection on a subject undergoing an ultrasonic inspection (hereinafter referred to as “inspection object”) generally varies depending on, for example, the length of experience. There is. In addition, an ultrasonic inspection for a certain inspection object is not always performed by the same inspector. For this reason, for example, when an ultrasonic test is performed on an object to be inspected by an inspector who does not have high inspection skill, for example, an inspection error such as an inspection miss that misses the affected area or a misdiagnosis caused by an inspection leak, etc. May occur.

Here, for example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, tactile feedback that responds to the movement of the instrument is performed to a user who uses the instrument such as a catheter or a wire inserted into the examination target. However, for example, even if tactile feedback that responds to the movement of the instrument according to the technique described in Patent Document 1 is used, it is not desirable to reduce the possibility of an inspection error occurring in ultrasonic inspection.

This disclosure proposes a new and improved ultrasonic inspection apparatus, ultrasonic inspection method, and program capable of reducing the possibility of an inspection error occurring in an ultrasonic inspection.

According to the present disclosure, based on diagnostic information corresponding to an inspection target, a reference setting unit that sets a reference regarding an affected area, and an inspection position by a sound wave generated by a probe capable of generating a sound wave in the inspection object are specified. Provided is an ultrasonic inspection apparatus comprising: a position specifying unit; and a notification control unit that makes a notification regarding the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set reference and the specified inspection position Is done.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, the step of setting a reference regarding an affected area based on diagnostic information corresponding to an examination target, and the examination position by the sound wave generated by the probe capable of generating the sound wave in the examination object are specified. An ultrasonic inspection method is provided that includes a step, and a step of notifying the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set reference and the specified inspection position.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, the step of setting a reference regarding an affected area based on the diagnostic information corresponding to the examination target, and the step of specifying the examination position by the sound wave generated by the probe capable of generating the sound wave in the examination object There is provided a program for causing a computer to execute a step of notifying the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set reference and the specified inspection position.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an inspection error occurring in the ultrasonic inspection.

It is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the position specific process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the position specific process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd example of the position specific process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which concerns on the ultrasonic inspection method which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

In the following, description will be given in the following order.
1. 1. Ultrasonic inspection method according to this embodiment 2. Ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to this embodiment. Program according to this embodiment

(Ultrasonic inspection method according to this embodiment)
Before describing the configuration of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, first, the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment will be described. Below, the case where the process which concerns on the ultrasonic inspection method which concerns on this embodiment performs the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is mentioned as an example, and is demonstrated.

As described above, when an ultrasonic inspection is performed on an inspection object, there is a possibility that an inspection error such as an inspection failure may occur due to, for example, the inspection skill of the inspector. Therefore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs notification regarding the importance of the inspection at the current inspection position based on, for example, the results of the inspection performed in the past on the inspection object and the current inspection position. Here, the content of the notification regarding the importance of the inspection according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a warning that instructs execution of a intensive inspection, a warning that instructs execution of a more delicate inspection, and the like. The number of affected areas such as tumors.

More specifically, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment sets a reference regarding an affected area based on, for example, diagnostic information corresponding to an inspection target (reference setting processing). In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a sound wave (including a so-called “ultrasonic wave” which is a sound that is not felt by a human ear as a stationary sound) in an inspection target. The inspection position by the sound wave generated by the probe (probe) that can be generated is specified (position specifying process). Then, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the reference set in the reference setting process and the inspection position specified in the position specifying process. The notification regarding sex is performed (notification control processing).

Here, the diagnostic information according to the present embodiment is, for example, data indicating a result of a test performed in the past on the test target. The diagnostic information according to the present embodiment is, for example, input by an inspector who has performed an ultrasonic inspection in the past, or an inspection image obtained by an ultrasonic inspection performed in the past (result of the generated sound wave hitting the inspection object) , An image showing the reverberation generated from the examination object (hereinafter the same shall apply)) and is recorded on the recording medium based on an input by a doctor who has made a diagnosis based on the diagnosis. Further, the process related to recording the diagnostic information according to the present embodiment on the recording medium may be performed by, for example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment or may be performed by an external apparatus.

As a recording medium according to the present embodiment, for example, a storage unit (described later) provided in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, or a removable external recording medium connected to the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment. And a recording medium included in an external apparatus connected to the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment via a network (or directly) by wire or wireless. In addition, as a network according to the present embodiment, for example, a wired network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wireless network such as a wireless LAN (WLAN), or TCP / Examples include the Internet using a communication protocol such as IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

The diagnostic information according to the present embodiment includes, for example, information indicating the presence or absence of an affected area and information indicating the position of the affected area. The diagnostic information according to the present embodiment further includes, for example, one or more information of information indicating the size of the affected area, information indicating the nature of the affected area, and information indicating the number of affected areas. May be. Information indicating the nature of the affected area according to the present embodiment includes information indicating the malignancy of the affected area (for example, data indicating positive, negative, false positive, etc.), information indicating the malignancy of the affected area, and the degree of progression of the affected area. Information (for example, data indicating a stage set from a plurality of stages) is shown.

In addition, examples of the probe according to the present embodiment include a probe as an external device or a probe provided in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment. The probe according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a sound wave generating device, a backing material, an acoustic lens, and an acoustic matching layer.

The sound wave generating device is composed of, for example, a piezoelectric element or a crystal resonator, and generates sound waves according to an applied voltage. In addition, the sound wave generation device serves as a converter that uses, as a signal (change in voltage), a reverberation (pressure from the outside) generated from an inspection target, for example. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can obtain an inspection image by receiving the signal transmitted from the probe.

The backing material is provided on the side opposite to the direction in which sound waves are generated in the sound wave generating device, and absorbs sound waves propagating in the direction opposite to the direction in which sound waves are generated, and also serves to suppress vibration. The acoustic lens is made of, for example, silicon rubber, and serves to converge the ultrasonic waves generated by the sound wave generating device. The acoustic matching layer is provided between the sound wave generation device and the acoustic lens, and serves to reduce reflection of sound waves caused by the difference in acoustic impedance between the sound wave generation device and the inspection target.

The probe according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a sound wave generation device, a backing material, an acoustic lens, and an acoustic matching layer, so that an applied voltage (for example, an ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment transmits). Sound wave having a frequency corresponding to the signal voltage to be generated. Note that the configuration of the probe according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above. For example, the probe according to the present embodiment may include various sensors such as a pressure sensor that can measure a pressure value applied to an inspection object in ultrasonic inspection, an angular velocity sensor, and a triaxial acceleration sensor. In addition, the probe according to the present embodiment can have any configuration that can generate a sound wave having a frequency corresponding to an applied voltage, for example.

Hereinafter, the process related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically.

(1) Criteria setting process The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment specifies diagnostic information corresponding to an inspection object.

More specifically, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is diagnostic information (inspection) used in the reference setting process based on, for example, a user operation (for example, an input operation or a selection operation) by an inspector or the like. Identify diagnostic information corresponding to the subject). In addition, the identification method of the diagnostic information to be used in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is used by communicating with an external apparatus constituting another system, such as an electronic medical record system, and acquiring diagnostic information corresponding to the inspection target from the external apparatus. You may specify the diagnostic information to do. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment transmits, for example, a diagnostic information transmission request including data indicating an inspection target (for example, an ID of the inspection target) and a diagnostic information transmission command to the external apparatus. The diagnostic information corresponding to the inspection object is acquired from the apparatus. In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes, for example, diagnostic information corresponding to an inspection target from among diagnostic information stored in a storage unit (described later) included in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment. The diagnostic information to be used may be specified by reading out.

For example, when the diagnostic information corresponding to the examination target is identified as described above, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment sets a reference regarding the affected area based on the identified diagnostic information.

For example, when the specified diagnosis information includes information indicating the presence or absence of an affected area and information indicating the position of the affected area, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on information indicating the presence or absence of an affected area. The presence of an affected part such as a tumor is determined. For example, when it is determined that there is an affected part, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment sets the position of the affected part indicated by the information indicating the position of the affected part.

Further, for example, when the specified diagnostic information further includes one or more information of information indicating the size of the affected area, information indicating the nature of the affected area, and information indicating the number of affected areas, The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines the presence or absence of an affected area such as a tumor based on information indicating the presence or absence of an affected area. For example, when it is determined that there is an affected part, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment uses a criterion based on the size of the affected part, the nature of the affected part, and the number of affected parts indicated by the information included in the diagnostic information. Set.

[1-1] When the information indicating the size of the affected area is included in the specified diagnostic information When the information indicating the size of the affected area is included in the specified diagnostic information, the ultrasonic examination according to the present embodiment The apparatus sets, for example, a standard regarding the granularity of inspection. Here, the granularity of the inspection according to the present embodiment is a scale for causing notification regarding a change in the position of the probe (probe moving distance), for example. For example, when the size of the affected area indicated by the information indicating the size of the affected area is large (for example, when the affected area has a certain size or more), the affected area appears large in the examination image. Therefore, if the size of the affected area indicated by the information indicating the size of the affected area is large, even if the position of the probe changes to some extent, it is not likely that the examiner will miss the affected area that appears in the examination image. is assumed. On the other hand, when the size of the affected area indicated by the information indicating the size of the affected area is small (for example, when the affected area has a size smaller than a certain size), the affected area appears small in the examination image. Therefore, when the size of the affected part indicated by the information indicating the size of the affected part is small, it is assumed that the possibility that the examiner misses the affected part appearing in the examination image is increased when the position of the probe changes to some extent. .

Therefore, in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, information indicating the size of the affected area included in the specified diagnosis information is associated with an inspection particle size setting value indicating the size of the affected area and the granularity of the inspection. The examination granularity setting value corresponding to the information indicating the size of the affected area is specified based on the table. Then, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment sets, for example, the specified inspection particle size setting value as a reference relating to the inspection particle size. Here, as the inspection granularity setting value according to the present embodiment, for example, a distance corresponding to the moving distance of the probe can be cited. In the case where the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines the distance corresponding to the inspection granularity setting value using, for example, a table in which the inspection granularity setting value and the distance are associated, this embodiment For example, the inspection granularity setting value may be a value indicating the granularity level of inspection.

[1-2] When the information indicating the number of affected parts is included in the specified diagnostic information When the information indicating the number of affected parts is included in the specified diagnostic information, the ultrasonic examination according to the present embodiment For example, the apparatus sets the number of affected parts indicated by information indicating the number of affected parts as a reference.

[1-3] When the information indicating the nature of the affected area is included in the specified diagnostic information When the information indicating the nature of the affected area is included in the specified diagnostic information, the ultrasonic examination according to the present embodiment For example, the device acquires statistical information on the affected area based on information indicating the nature of the affected area. Here, the statistical information regarding the affected area according to the present embodiment is, for example, clinical data corresponding to the malignancy of the affected area or the progress of the affected area. And the ultrasonic inspection apparatus concerning this embodiment sets up a standard corresponding to the state of an affected part predicted based on statistical information about an acquired affected part, for example.

More specifically, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment includes information indicating the malignancy level of the affected area and / or information indicating the degree of progression of the affected area as information indicating the nature of the affected area. In this case, based on the information included in the information indicating the nature of the affected area, either the malignancy of the affected area, the progress of the affected area, or the malignancy of the affected area and the progress of the affected area is specified. In addition, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the specified grade of malignancy of the affected area, the degree of progression of the affected area, or statistical information on the affected area corresponding to the degree of malignancy of the affected area and the degree of progression of the affected area (indicating the nature of the affected area). Statistical information regarding the affected part corresponding to the information is acquired from an external device such as a storage unit (described later), an external recording medium, or a server. Here, when acquiring statistical information from an external device, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, the identified malignancy of the affected area, the degree of progression of the affected area, or the malignancy of the affected area and the progression of the affected area. A statistical information transmission request including data indicating the degree (for example, an ID indicating the malignancy of the affected area, an ID indicating the degree of progression of the affected area) and a statistical information transmission command is transmitted to the external device. In addition, the external device that has received the statistical information transmission request specifies, for example, statistical information corresponding to the data included in the statistical information transmission request by referring to a database or the like, and the specified statistical information is included in this embodiment. It transmits to the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns.

Further, when the statistical information regarding the affected area corresponding to the information indicating the property of the affected area is acquired, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, based on the acquired statistical information regarding the affected area, A state (for example, the size of an affected part, a metastatic position where metastasis is likely to occur, a metastatic site, etc.) is predicted. Then, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment sets a reference based on the predicted state of the affected part. For example, when the size of the affected area is predicted, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment sets a reference in the same manner as in the case where information indicating the size of the affected area is included in the specified diagnostic information. . Further, when a metastasis position or metastasis site is predicted, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, the predicted metastasis position, the position corresponding to the predicted metastasis site, the predicted tumor, etc. The number of affected areas is set as a reference.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment uses, as described above, a reference corresponding to the current state of the affected area predicted in the inspection target, based on statistical information regarding the affected area corresponding to information indicating the nature of the affected area, for example. Set. By setting a standard for predicting the current state of the affected area, and making the notification regarding the importance of the examination at the examination position specified based on the set standard, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment has, for example, It is possible to further reduce the possibility of an inspection error such as an inspection leak due to the inspection skill of the inspector. Needless to say, the reference based on the statistical information set by the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above.

In the reference setting process, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment specifies diagnostic information corresponding to an inspection target, for example, as described above, and sets a reference for an affected part based on the specified diagnostic information. In addition, the reference | standard regarding the affected part which the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment sets based on diagnostic information is not restricted above. For example, when the information indicating the inclination of the probe is included in the diagnostic information, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may be set based on the inclination of the probe indicated by the information indicating the inclination of the probe.

(2) Position specifying process The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment specifies the inspection position by the sound wave generated by the probe in the inspection target by detecting the position of the probe generating the sound wave, for example. More specifically, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment specifies the inspection position in the inspection target by, for example, performing the following process to detect the position of the probe.

[2-1] First Example of Position Specifying Process The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, based on a captured image obtained by capturing a probe with a marker and an inspection target, the position of the probe (inspection) Position).

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a first example of position specifying processing according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 1 is based on an image signal (image data) indicating a captured image, which is transmitted from an imaging apparatus that images the probe to which the marker is attached and the inspection target by the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment. An example of processing for specifying the position of the probe (inspection position) and the inclination of the probe is shown.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment detects the contour of the inspection target based on the template image corresponding to the inspection target (for example, a humanoid template image) and the captured image (S100). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, stores a template image corresponding to an inspection object from a storage unit (described later) based on a user operation (for example, an input operation or a selection operation) by an inspector or the like. read out. In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can convert a template image corresponding to an inspection target to an external recording medium or an external device based on a user operation (for example, an input operation or a selection operation) by an inspector or the like. You may acquire from an apparatus.

Note that the template image acquisition method corresponding to the inspection target in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may specify an inspection target and acquire a template image corresponding to the specified inspection target from a storage unit (described later), an external recording medium, or an external device. Good.

More specifically, for example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment communicates with an external apparatus that constitutes another system such as an electronic medical record system, and transmits inspection target information indicating the inspection target from the external apparatus. By acquiring, the inspection object is specified. And the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment acquires the template image corresponding to the specified test | inspection object from a memory | storage part (after-mentioned) etc., for example. Here, the test target information according to the present embodiment includes, for example, sex of the test target, age (or age, adult / children, etc.), obesity (for example, BMI (Body Mass Index) value, etc.), etc. The data which shows is mentioned.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment specifies the position of the inspection target based on the detection result in step S100 (S102). Here, the process of step S102 corresponds to, for example, a process of setting a reference coordinate axis for specifying the position of the probe (inspection position).

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment detects a marker attached to the probe based on the captured image (S104).

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment specifies the position of the probe based on the position of the inspection target specified in step S102 and the marker detected in step S104 (S106). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs the process of step S106 by, for example, determining the coordinates of the detected marker on the reference coordinate axis set in step S104.

In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment specifies the inclination of the probe in the x, y, and z axis directions on the reference coordinate axis set in step S104 based on the shape of the marker detected in step S104. (S108). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment estimates the inclination of the probe in the x-, y-, and z-axis directions based on, for example, data indicating the reference shape of the marker and the shape of the marker detected based on the captured image. As a result, the process of step S108 is performed.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the process of step S108 is performed after the process of step S106 is performed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the process of step S106 and the process of step S108. Can be performed independently. Therefore, for example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may perform the process of step S106 after the process of step S108, or perform the process of step S106 and the process of step S108 in synchronization. Also good.

The position and inclination of the probe at a certain time are specified by the processing of steps S106 and S108.

When the processing of steps S106 and S108 is completed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the detection of the probe position and inclination is to be ended (S110). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not to end the detection of the position and inclination of the probe based on, for example, a user operation such as a user of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment.

If it is not determined in step S110 that the detection of the probe position and inclination is completed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment repeats the processing from step S104. Further, when it is determined in step S110 that the detection of the probe position and tilt is to be ended, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment ends the position specifying process.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can specify the position of the probe (inspection position) and the inclination of the probe at each time point, for example, by performing the processing shown in FIG. In addition, the process which concerns on specification of the position (inspection position) of the probe based on the captured image which imaged the probe with which the marker was attached | subjected, and the test object based on this embodiment is not restricted to the process shown in FIG. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may not perform the process of step S108 illustrated in FIG. 1 relating to the specification of the probe tilt.

[2-2] Second Example of Position Specifying Process Note that the position specifying process in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the process according to the first example shown in FIG. For example, when the probe includes an angular velocity sensor and a triaxial acceleration sensor, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can detect the position of the probe based on the detection value of the sensor obtained from the probe and the inspection image. It is also possible to specify (inspection position).

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a second example of the position specifying process according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 2 shows the position of the probe (inspection position) based on the detection value of the angular velocity sensor, the detection value of the acceleration sensor, and the inspection image obtained by the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to this embodiment. An example of processing for specifying the inclination of the probe is shown.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment detects the inclination of the probe with the surface to be inspected (for example, the body surface) based on the inspection image (S200). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs the process of step S200 by detecting a line on the surface (for example, body surface) to be inspected based on the inspection image, for example.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines the inspection position in the inspection target based on the shape of the surface of the inspection target detected in step S200 and a template image (for example, a humanoid template image) corresponding to the inspection target. Specify (S202). Here, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment acquires a template image corresponding to the inspection target, for example, similarly to step S100 shown in FIG. Further, the process of step S202 corresponds to, for example, a process of setting a reference coordinate axis for specifying a probe position (inspection position).

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment detects the inclination of the probe with respect to the horizontal plane based on the detection value of the angular velocity sensor included in the probe, and performs angle correction (S204). Further, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment calculates the movement distance of the probe based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor included in the probe (S206). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs the process of step S206 by, for example, calculating the speed by integrating the detection value of the acceleration sensor, and further integrating the calculated speed.

FIG. 2 shows an example in which the process of step S206 is performed after the process of step S204 is performed, but the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the process of step S204, the process of step S206, and the like. Can be performed independently. Therefore, for example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may perform the process of step S204 after the process of step S206, or perform the process of step S204 and the process of step S206 in synchronization. Also good.

When the processes of steps S204 and S206 are completed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, based on the result of the process of step S204 and the result of the process of step S206, the position in the probe detection target and the probe detection target. The inclination with respect to is specified (S208). By the process of step S208, the position of the probe in the detection target and the inclination of the probe with respect to the detection target at a certain time are specified.

When the processing of step S208 is completed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the detection of the probe position and inclination is to be terminated, similarly to step S110 of FIG. 1 (S210).

If it is not determined in step S210 that detection of the position and inclination of the probe is to be terminated, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment repeats the processing from step S204. If it is determined in step S210 that detection of the position and inclination of the probe is to be ended, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment ends the position specifying process.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can specify the position of the probe (inspection position) and the inclination of the probe at each time point, for example, by performing the processing shown in FIG. Note that the process related to the specification of the probe position (inspection position) based on the detection value of the sensor obtained from the probe and the inspection image according to the present embodiment is not limited to the process shown in FIG. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may not perform the process related to specifying the probe tilt (for example, step S204 shown in FIG. 2 or a part of step S208).

[2-3] Second Example of Position Specifying Process Note that the position specifying process in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the process according to the first example shown in FIG. 1 and the second example shown in FIG. The processing is not limited to the example. For example, when the probe includes an angular velocity sensor and a three-axis acceleration sensor, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines the probe position (inspection position) based on the detection value of the sensor obtained from the probe. It is also possible to specify.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a third example of the position specifying process according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 3 shows the probe position (inspection position) and the probe position based on the detection value of the angular velocity sensor obtained from the probe and the detection value of the acceleration sensor. An example of processing for specifying the inclination is shown.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment notifies the inspector that the probe is pressed at a specific angle for a predetermined time to a specific inspection position to be inspected (S300). In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment sets initial values of the probe position and the probe tilt based on the detection value of the angular velocity sensor included in the probe and the detection value of the acceleration sensor included in the probe ( S302). When the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines that the probe does not move for a certain period of time related to the notification in step S300 based on the detection value of each sensor, the specific inspection related to the notification in step S300 The position and specific angle are set as initial values. Here, the processes of steps S300 and S302 correspond to, for example, a process of setting a reference coordinate axis for specifying the position of the probe (inspection position).

When the initial values of the probe position and the probe tilt are set in step S302, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment detects the probe tilt with respect to the horizontal plane based on the detection value of the angular velocity sensor included in the probe. Then, angle correction is performed (S304). Further, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment calculates the moving distance of the probe based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor included in the probe, for example, similarly to step S206 of FIG. 2 (S306).

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the process of step S306 is performed after the process of step S304 is performed. However, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the process of step S304, the process of step S306, and the like. Can be performed independently. Therefore, for example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may perform the process of step S304 after the process of step S306, or perform the process of step S304 and the process of step S306 in synchronization. Also good.

When the processes of steps S304 and S306 are completed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, based on the result of the process of step S304 and the result of the process of step S306, the position in the probe detection target and the probe detection target. The inclination with respect to is specified (S308). By the processing in step S308, the position of the probe in the detection target and the inclination of the probe with respect to the detection target at a certain time are specified.

When the processing of step S308 is completed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the detection of the probe position and tilt is to be terminated, similarly to step S110 of FIG. 1 (S310).

If it is not determined in step S310 that the detection of the probe position and inclination is completed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment repeats the processing from step S304. Further, when it is determined in step S310 that the detection of the position and inclination of the probe is to be ended, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment ends the position specifying process.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can specify the position of the probe (inspection position) and the inclination of the probe at each time point, for example, by performing the processing shown in FIG. Note that the process related to specifying the probe position (inspection position) based on the detection value of the sensor obtained from the probe according to the present embodiment is not limited to the process shown in FIG. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs processing related to specifying the tilt of the probe (for example, part of the processing in step S302, processing in step S304, and part of processing in step S308 shown in FIG. 3). It is also possible not to perform.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to this embodiment performs, for example, the processing according to the first example, the processing according to the second example, or the processing according to the third example, so that the position of the probe, that is, the inspection is performed. Identify the inspection location in the subject. Needless to say, the position specifying process in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the process according to the first example to the process according to the third example.

(3) Notification control process The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is specified by, for example, the reference set in the process (1) (reference setting process) and the process (2) (position specifying process). Based on the determined inspection position, notification regarding the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position is performed by a notification unit (described later) included in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment and / or an external device. . Here, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may selectively notify the importance of inspection in accordance with the reference set in the process (1) (reference setting process), for example. Good.

As a notification method according to the present embodiment, for example, a visual notification method using characters, images, lighting of a lamp, or the like, or voice (including music, beep sound, etc .; hereinafter the same applies). Examples include the method of appealing to the user's sense, such as the audible notification method used. More specifically, as a notification method according to the present embodiment, for example, a lamp corresponding to the notification content among a plurality of color lamps corresponding to the notification content is turned on, or according to the notification content. Change the way the lamp blinks (an example of a visual notification method). Moreover, as a notification method according to the present embodiment, for example, a sound corresponding to the notification content among the sounds corresponding to the notification content can be played back (an example of an auditory notification method).

When notifying the notification unit (described later), the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment transmits, for example, a control signal (or control data) for controlling the notification to the notification unit (described later). A notification unit (described later) is notified of the importance of inspection. Here, the control signal and control data for controlling the notification according to the present embodiment include, for example, a notification command for causing the notification to be executed. Further, the control signal and control data for controlling the notification according to the present embodiment may further include, for example, data indicating the notification content (for example, image data, audio data, etc.).

When the external apparatus is notified, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment controls the notification to an external apparatus connected via a network (or directly) by wire or wirelessly, for example. By transmitting the control data, the external device is notified about the importance of the inspection.

[3-1] When the position of the affected part is set as a reference When the position of the affected part is set as a reference in the process (1) (reference setting process), the ultrasonic examination according to the present embodiment The apparatus, for example, every time the examination position is identified in the process (2) (position identification process), for example, the distance between the identified examination position and the position of the affected part set as a reference (for example, on the coordinate axis) ). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment emphasizes, for example, when the calculated distance becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold (or when the calculated distance is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold; the same applies hereinafter). A warning (an example of a notice regarding the importance of the inspection) is issued to instruct the execution of a specific inspection. In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, when the calculated distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (or larger than the predetermined threshold; hereinafter the same), focused inspection. Warning (an example of a notice regarding the importance of the inspection) that instructs the implementation of Note that the threshold value according to the present embodiment may be a fixed value that is set in advance, or may be a variable value that can be changed by the user of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the same applies to the threshold according to the present embodiment.

For example, as described above, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment selectively issues a warning (an example of a notification regarding the importance of the inspection) to instruct the execution of an intensive inspection. The inspector who has received it is possible to have a consciousness of conducting the inspection with priority. Therefore, by causing the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment to selectively perform a warning (an example of a notification regarding the importance of the inspection) to instruct execution of an intensive inspection as described above, for example, The possibility of an inspection error occurring in the ultrasonic inspection can be reduced.

[3-2] When the standard regarding the granularity of inspection is set When the standard regarding the granularity of inspection is set in the process (1) (standard setting process), the super For example, each time an inspection position is specified in the process (2) (position specifying process), the ultrasonic inspection apparatus calculates the distance between the most recently specified inspection position and the inspection position specified immediately before. calculate. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment instructs execution of a more delicate inspection when the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the set standard regarding the granularity of the inspection. A warning to this effect (an example of a notice regarding the importance of inspection) is issued. In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, instructs execution of a more delicate inspection when the calculated distance is smaller than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the set standard regarding the granularity of the inspection. Warning (an example of a notice regarding the importance of inspection) is not allowed. Here, the predetermined threshold value corresponding to the standard regarding the granularity of the inspection may be, for example, the standard itself regarding the granularity of the inspection (for example, when the standard regarding the granularity of the inspection indicates a distance), or the standard regarding the granularity of the inspection To a value determined by a table or the like (for example, when the standard regarding the granularity of inspection is a value indicating the granularity level of inspection).

For example, as described above, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment selectively notifies a warning (an example of a notification regarding the importance of the inspection) that instructs execution of a more delicate inspection. The inspector who received the test can be more conscious of performing the inspection more delicately. Therefore, by causing the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment to selectively perform a warning (an example of a notification regarding the importance of the inspection) to instruct execution of a more delicate inspection as described above, for example, The possibility of an inspection error occurring in the ultrasonic inspection can be reduced.

[3-3] When the number of affected parts is set as a reference When the number of affected parts is set as a reference in the process (1) (reference setting process), the super For example, the sonography apparatus makes a notification (an example of a notification regarding the importance of the inspection) indicating the number of affected parts set as a reference.

For example, as described above, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs a notification (an example of a notification regarding the importance of the inspection) indicating the number of affected parts set as a reference, thereby receiving the notification. For example, the person can recognize at least the number of affected parts present in the examination target. Therefore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs an ultrasonic inspection by causing notification (an example of notification regarding the importance of the inspection) indicating the number of affected parts set as a reference as described above, for example. In this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an inspection error.

For example, as described above, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can make a notification corresponding to the reference set in the process (1) (reference setting process).

Note that the notification control process in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above. For example, when a plurality of standards are set, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can perform notification combining a plurality of standards.

For example, in the process (1) (reference setting process), when the reference related to the position of the affected part and the reference related to the granularity of the inspection are set, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment Whether or not to perform notification based on the standard regarding the granularity (an example of notification regarding the importance of the test) is determined based on the test position specified in the process (2) (position specifying process) and the affected part set as the standard You may switch selectively based on the distance with a position. More specifically, in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, the distance between the calculated specified inspection position and the position of the affected part set as a reference is smaller than a predetermined threshold for switching. When it becomes, notification based on the standard regarding the granularity of inspection is made possible. In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, when the distance between the calculated specified inspection position and the position of the affected part set as a reference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold for switching, Do not enable notification based on granularity standards.

Further, in the process (1) (reference setting process), when the number of affected parts is set as a reference, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, of the affected part set as a reference is used. Whether the notification indicating the number (an example of notification regarding the importance of the examination) is performed or not is determined by the examination position identified in the process (2) (position identification process) and the position of the affected part set as a reference You may selectively switch based on the distance. More specifically, in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, the distance between the calculated specified inspection position and the position of the affected part set as a reference is smaller than a predetermined threshold for switching. When this happens, a notification indicating the number of affected parts set as a reference is made possible. In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, as a reference when the distance between the calculated specified inspection position and the position of the affected part set as a reference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold for switching. The notification indicating the set number of affected parts is not made possible.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes, for example, the process (1) (reference setting process) to the process (3) (notification control process) as processes related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment. I do. Here, in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, in the process (3) (notification control process), for example, the reference set in the process (1) (reference setting process) and the above (2 ) Based on the inspection position specified in the process (position specifying process), notification about the importance of the inspection is performed. By causing the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment to notify the importance of the inspection, the inspector who has received the notification regarding the importance of the inspection can perform the ultrasonic inspection more consciously.

Therefore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can reduce the possibility of an inspection error occurring in the ultrasonic inspection.

In addition, the process which concerns on the process which concerns on the ultrasonic inspection method which concerns on this embodiment in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is not restricted above. For example, when image data indicating an examination image including an affected part is included in the diagnostic information according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment uses the image data included in the diagnostic information as a reference regarding the affected part. It is also possible to notify by setting.

More specifically, for example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to this embodiment performs image matching between an inspection image indicated by image data included in diagnostic information and an inspection image indicated by a signal transmitted from the probe. Then, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs, for example, a focused inspection when the inspection image indicated by the image data included in the diagnostic information matches the inspection image indicated by the signal transmitted from the probe. A warning (an example of a notification regarding the importance of the inspection) for instructing execution is selectively given.

Note that the processing in the case where the image data included in the diagnostic information is set as a reference regarding the affected area in the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not to perform processing related to image matching between the inspection image indicated by the image data included in the diagnostic information and the inspection image indicated by the signal transmitted from the probe. You may selectively switch based on the distance between the examination position specified in the process (2) (position specifying process) and the position of the affected part set as a reference. More specifically, in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, the distance between the calculated specified inspection position and the position of the affected part set as a reference is smaller than a predetermined threshold for switching. When this happens, processing related to image matching is performed. Further, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, performs image matching when the distance between the calculated specified inspection position and the position of the affected part set as a reference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold for switching. The processing related to is not performed.

Here, an example of processing related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment. Here, in FIG. 4, the process of step S400 corresponds to the process (1) (reference setting process). In FIG. 4, the process of step S402 corresponds to the process (2) (position specifying process), and the processes of steps S404 and S406 correspond to the process (3) (notification control process).

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment sets a reference for the affected area based on the diagnostic information corresponding to the inspection target (S400). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment specifies diagnostic information corresponding to an inspection target based on, for example, a user operation by an inspector or the like, and sets a reference regarding an affected area based on the specified diagnostic information. .

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to this embodiment specifies an inspection position (S402). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs, for example, the process of any one of the first example of the position specifying process to the third example of the position specifying process to specify the position of the probe. The position of the probe is set as the inspection position by the sound wave generated by the probe.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not to notify the inspector (S04). The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs, for example, a threshold value process based on the reference relating to the affected part set in step S400 and the inspection position specified in step S402, thereby determining the process related to step S404. I do. In addition, the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment may perform the determination related to the process of step S404 based on, for example, a combination of criteria related to the affected part set in step S400. Furthermore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, for the inspector when the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not set to perform the process (3) (notification control process). It is also possible not to determine that notification is to be performed.

If it is not determined in step S404 that notification to the inspector is to be performed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs processing in step S408 described later.

Further, when it is determined in step S404 that notification to the inspector is to be performed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment provides notification regarding the importance of the inspection at the current inspection position, a notification unit (described later), And / or let an external device perform (S406). Here, the notification regarding the importance of the examination performed by the ultrasonic examination apparatus according to the present embodiment in step S406 includes, for example, the contents corresponding to the reference regarding the affected part set in step S400.

If it is not determined in step S404 that notification to the inspector is to be performed, or if the process in step S406 is performed, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not to end the inspection ( S408). For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not to end the inspection based on a user operation such as a user of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment.

If it is not determined in step S408 to end the inspection, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment repeats the processing from step S402. If it is not determined in step S408 to end the inspection, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment ends the process according to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs, for example, the process illustrated in FIG. 4 as the process related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment. For example, by performing the process shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can realize the process (1) (reference setting process) to the process (3) (notification control process). Is possible. Therefore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can reduce the possibility that an inspection error occurs in the ultrasonic inspection, for example, by performing the processing shown in FIG.

(Ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to this embodiment)
Next, an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment capable of performing the processing according to the above-described ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 5 also shows a probe 200 according to the present embodiment as an external device of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 includes a control unit 102 and a notification unit 104, for example.

In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory, not shown), a RAM (Random Access Memory, not shown), a storage unit (not shown), and a user-operable operation unit ( (Not shown), a display unit (not shown) for displaying various screens on the display screen, a communication unit (not shown), and the like may be provided. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 connects the above-described constituent elements by, for example, a bus as a data transmission path.

Here, a ROM (not shown) stores control data such as a program and calculation parameters used by the control unit 102. A RAM (not shown) temporarily stores a program executed by the control unit 102.

The storage unit (not shown) is a storage unit included in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100, and stores various data such as diagnostic information, template image data, threshold data indicating a threshold, and applications. Here, as the storage unit (not shown), for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory (flash memory), etc. nonvolatile memory). The storage unit (not shown) may be detachable from the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100.

The operation unit (not shown) includes, for example, a button, a direction key, a rotary selector such as a jog dial, or a combination thereof. Note that the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 may be connected to an external operation device such as an operation input device (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) as an external apparatus of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100, for example.

The display unit (not shown) is a display means provided in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 and displays various information (for example, images and / or characters) on the display screen. Examples of the screen displayed on the display screen of the display unit (not shown) include an operation screen for causing the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 to perform a desired operation. Further, the display unit (not shown) may serve as the notification unit 104.

Here, as a display unit (not shown), for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (Organic Electro-Luminescence display, or an OLED display (Organic Light Emitting Diode display)) is also displayed. Device. In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 can configure a display unit (not shown) with, for example, a touch screen. In the above case, the display unit (not shown) functions as an operation display unit capable of both user operation and display.

The communication unit (not shown) is a communication unit included in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 and serves to perform wireless / wired communication with an external apparatus such as a server via a network (or directly). Here, as a communication unit (not shown), for example, a communication antenna and an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE 802.15.1 port and a transmission / reception circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE 802.11b port, and a transmission / reception A circuit (wireless communication) or a LAN terminal and a transmission / reception circuit (wired communication) can be used.

[Hardware configuration example of ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 6 also shows a probe 200 as an external device of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 includes, for example, an MPU 150, a ROM 152, a RAM 154, a recording medium 156, an input / output interface 158, an operation input device 160, a display device 162, and a communication interface 164. In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 connects each component with a bus 166 as a data transmission path, for example.

The MPU 150 includes, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), various processing circuits, and the like, and functions as the control unit 102 that controls the entire ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100. Also, the MPU 150 serves as, for example, a reference setting unit 110, a position specifying unit 112, a notification control unit 114, and a sound wave generation control unit 116, which will be described later, in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100.

The ROM 152 stores programs used by the MPU 150, control data such as calculation parameters, and the like. The RAM 154 temporarily stores a program executed by the MPU 150, for example.

The recording medium 156 functions as a storage unit (not shown), and stores various data such as diagnostic information, template image data, threshold data indicating a threshold, and applications. Here, examples of the recording medium 156 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. Further, the recording medium 156 may be detachable from the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100.

The input / output interface 158 connects, for example, the operation input device 160 and the display device 162. The input / output interface 158 serves to connect to an external device such as the probe 200, for example. The operation input device 160 functions as an operation unit (not shown), and the display device 162 functions as a display unit (not shown).

Here, examples of the input / output interface 158 include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) terminal, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, and various processing circuits. The operation input device 160 is provided on the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100, for example, and is connected to the input / output interface 158 inside the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100. Examples of the operation input device 160 include a rotary selector such as a button, a direction key, and a jog dial, or a combination thereof. The display device 162 is provided on the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100, for example, and is connected to the input / output interface 158 inside the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100. Examples of the display device 162 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display.

Needless to say, the input / output interface 158 can be connected to an external device such as an operation input device (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) as an external device of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 or a display device. The display device 162 may be a device capable of display and user operation, such as a touch screen.

The communication interface 164 is a communication unit included in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100, and is a communication unit (not shown) for performing wireless / wired communication with an external device such as a server via a network (or directly). ). Here, examples of the communication interface 164 include a communication antenna and an RF circuit (wireless communication), a LAN terminal and a transmission / reception circuit (wired communication), and the like.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 performs processing related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment, for example, with the configuration shown in FIG.

Note that the hardware configuration of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 may include an imaging device that serves as an imaging unit (not shown) that captures a still image or a moving image. When the imaging device is provided, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 can perform the position specifying process according to the first example described above based on a captured image generated by imaging with the imaging device, for example.

Here, examples of the imaging device according to the present embodiment include a lens / imaging device and a signal processing circuit. The lens / imaging device includes, for example, an optical lens and an image sensor using a plurality of imaging devices such as CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The signal processing circuit includes, for example, an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit and an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), converts an analog signal generated by the image sensor into a digital signal (image data), and performs various signal processing. Do. Examples of signal processing performed by the signal processing circuit include White Balance correction processing, color tone correction processing, gamma correction processing, YCbCr conversion processing, and edge enhancement processing.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 may further include a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and an audio output device. Examples of the audio output device according to the present embodiment include an amplifier (amplifier) and a speaker. Here, when the DSP and the audio output device are provided, the DSP and the audio output device serve as the notification unit 104, for example.

Further, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 may not include the communication device 164 in the case where, for example, the configuration is such that a stand-alone process is performed. Further, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 can be configured not to include the operation device 160 and the display device 162.

Referring to FIG. 5 again, an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 will be described. The control unit 102 includes, for example, an MPU and various processing circuits, and plays a role of controlling the entire ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100. In addition, the control unit 102 includes, for example, a reference setting unit 110, a position specifying unit 112, a notification control unit 114, and a sound wave generation control unit 116, and leads the process related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment. Fulfills the role of exercising.

The standard setting unit 110 plays a role of leading the process (1) (standard setting process), and sets a standard related to the affected part based on the diagnostic information corresponding to the examination target. In addition, the reference setting unit 110 transmits a signal (or data) indicating a reference related to the set affected part to the notification control unit 114, for example.

The position specifying unit 112 plays a role of leading the process (2) (position specifying process), and specifies the inspection position by the sound wave generated by the probe in the inspection target. For example, the position specifying unit 112 transmits a signal (or data) indicating the specified inspection position to the notification control unit 114 every time the inspection position is specified.

The notification control unit 114 plays a leading role in performing the process (3) (notification control process), and is based on the reference set by the reference setting unit 110 and the inspection position specified by the position specifying unit 112. Thus, the notification unit 104 and / or the external device is notified of the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position. When notifying the notification unit 104, the notification control unit 114 transmits a control signal (or control data) for controlling the notification to the notification unit 104, for example. Further, when notifying the external device, for example, the notification control unit 114 causes a communication unit (not shown) to transmit a control signal (or control data) for controlling the notification to the external device. .

The sound wave generation control unit 116 causes the probe 200 to generate sound waves having a set frequency. More specifically, the sound wave generation control unit 116 applies a voltage corresponding to a signal indicating a preset frequency or a frequency set by a user operation or the like to the probe 200, for example. Then, a sound wave having a set frequency is generated.

The control unit 102 includes, for example, a reference setting unit 110, a position specifying unit 112, a notification control unit 114, and a sound wave generation control unit 116, thereby leading the process related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment. .

In addition, the structure of the control part which concerns on this embodiment is not restricted above. For example, the control unit according to the present embodiment may not include the sound wave generation control unit 116. Even when the sound wave generation control unit 116 is not provided, the control unit according to the present embodiment relates to the process (1) (reference setting process) to the above (related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment). It is possible to lead the process 3) (notification control process).

The notification unit 104 performs notification based on a control signal (or control data) that controls the notification transmitted from the notification control unit 114. Here, examples of the notification unit 104 include a display device serving as a display unit (not shown), a DSP, and an audio output device.

The ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 has, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 5 and processes (for example, the process (1) (reference setting process) to the process (3) (notification) related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to this embodiment. Control processing)). Therefore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 can reduce the possibility of an inspection error occurring in the ultrasonic inspection, for example, with the configuration shown in FIG.

Note that the configuration of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may include the probe according to the present embodiment. Even when the probe according to the present embodiment is provided, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the above-described process (1) (reference setting process) to the above-described ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment. The process (3) (notification control process) can be performed. Therefore, even if it is a structure provided with the probe which concerns on this embodiment, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment can have the same effect as the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

Further, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may be configured not to include the notification unit 104, for example. Even in a configuration not including the notification unit 104, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment causes the external apparatus to perform notification in the process (3) (notification control process) described above, for example. The processing (1) (reference setting processing) to the processing (3) (notification control processing) can be performed according to the ultrasonic inspection method. Therefore, even if it is the structure which is not provided with the notification part 104, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment can have the same effect as the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

Moreover, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes, for example, one or more components of the reference setting unit 110, the position specifying unit 112, the notification control unit 114, and the sound wave generation control unit 116 illustrated in FIG. Can be provided individually (for example, each can be realized by a separate processing circuit).

Furthermore, as described above, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may not include the sound wave generation control unit 116 shown in FIG. Even when the sound wave generation control unit 116 is not provided, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs the process (reference setting process) to (1) related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment. It is possible to lead the process (3) (notification control process). Therefore, even if the configuration does not include the sound wave generation control unit 116, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can achieve the same effects as the ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG.

As described above, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment performs, for example, the processes (1) (reference setting process) to (3) as processes related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment. (Notification control processing) is performed. Here, in the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, in the process (3) (notification control process), for example, the reference set in the process (1) (reference setting process) and the above (2 ) Based on the inspection position specified in the process (position specifying process), notification about the importance of the inspection is performed. By causing the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment to notify the importance of the inspection, the inspector who has received the notification regarding the importance of the inspection can perform the ultrasonic inspection more consciously.

Therefore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment can reduce the possibility of an inspection error occurring in the ultrasonic inspection.

As described above, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus has been described as the present embodiment, but the present embodiment is not limited to such a form. The present embodiment is applied to various devices capable of performing processing related to the ultrasonic inspection method according to the present embodiment, such as medical devices and computers such as PCs (Personal Computers) and servers. be able to. In addition, the present embodiment can be applied to, for example, a processing IC (Integrated Circuit) that can be incorporated in the above devices.

(Program according to this embodiment)
A program for causing a computer to function as the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment (for example, the process (1) (reference setting process) to the process (3) (notification control process) is added to the present embodiment. By executing a program capable of executing processing related to the ultrasonic inspection method) in the computer, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an inspection error occurring in the ultrasonic inspection.

The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in the above description, it has been shown that a program (computer program) for causing a computer to function as the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided. However, the present embodiment further stores the program. A recording medium can also be provided.

The above-described configuration shows an example of the present embodiment, and naturally belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

The following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.
(1)
A reference setting unit for setting a reference for an affected area based on diagnostic information corresponding to an examination target;
A position specifying unit for specifying an inspection position by a sound wave generated by a probe capable of generating a sound wave in the inspection object;
A notification control unit that makes a notification about the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set reference and the specified inspection position;
An ultrasonic inspection apparatus comprising:
(2)
The diagnostic information includes information indicating the presence or absence of the affected area, and information indicating the position of the affected area,
The reference setting unit, when it is determined that there is an affected part based on information indicating the presence or absence of the affected part, sets the position of the affected part indicated by the information indicating the position of the affected part as the reference. The described ultrasonic inspection apparatus.
(3)
The diagnostic information further includes one or more information of information indicating the size of the affected area, information indicating the nature of the affected area, and information indicating the number of affected areas,
The reference setting unit, when it is determined that there is an affected part based on information indicating the presence or absence of the affected part, a reference based on the size of the affected part, the nature of the affected part, and the number of affected parts indicated by the information included in the diagnosis information The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to (2), wherein:
(4)
When the diagnosis information includes information indicating the nature of the affected area, information indicating the malignancy of the affected area, and / or information indicating the degree of progression of the affected area,
The reference setting unit includes:
Based on the malignancy of the affected area indicated by the information indicating the nature of the affected area, and / or the progress of the affected area, obtain statistical information on the affected area,
The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to (3), wherein a reference corresponding to the state of the affected part predicted based on the acquired statistical information on the affected part is set.
(5)
The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), further including the probe.
(6)
Setting a standard for an affected area based on diagnostic information corresponding to an examination object;
Identifying an inspection position by a sound wave generated by a probe capable of generating a sound wave in the inspection object; and
Making a notification regarding the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set criteria and the specified inspection position;
An ultrasonic inspection method.
(7)
Setting a standard for the affected area based on the diagnostic information corresponding to the examination object;
Identifying an inspection position by a sound wave generated by a probe capable of generating a sound wave in the inspection object;
Making a notification about the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set criteria and the specified inspection position;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Ultrasonic inspection apparatus 102 Control part 104 Notification part 110 Reference | standard setting part 112 Position specific | specification part 114 Notification control part 116 Sound wave generation control part 150 MPU
152 ROM
154 RAM
156 Recording medium 158 Input / output interface 160 Operation input device 162 Display device 164 Communication interface 166 Bus 200 Probe

Claims (7)

A reference setting unit for setting a reference for an affected area based on diagnostic information corresponding to an examination target;
A position specifying unit for specifying an inspection position by a sound wave generated by a probe capable of generating a sound wave in the inspection object;
A notification control unit that makes a notification about the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set reference and the specified inspection position;
An ultrasonic inspection apparatus comprising: The diagnostic information includes information indicating the presence or absence of the affected area, and information indicating the position of the affected area,
The reference setting unit, when it is determined that there is an affected part based on information indicating the presence or absence of the affected part, sets the position of the affected part indicated by the information indicating the position of the affected part as the reference. The described ultrasonic inspection apparatus. The diagnostic information further includes one or more information of information indicating the size of the affected area, information indicating the nature of the affected area, and information indicating the number of affected areas,
The reference setting unit, when it is determined that there is an affected part based on information indicating the presence or absence of the affected part, a reference based on the size of the affected part, the nature of the affected part, and the number of affected parts indicated by the information included in the diagnosis information The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: When the diagnosis information includes information indicating the nature of the affected area, information indicating the malignancy of the affected area, and / or information indicating the degree of progression of the affected area,
The reference setting unit includes:
Based on the malignancy of the affected area indicated by the information indicating the nature of the affected area, and / or the progress of the affected area, obtain statistical information on the affected area,
The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a reference corresponding to the state of the affected part predicted based on the acquired statistical information on the affected part is set. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the probe. Setting a standard for an affected area based on diagnostic information corresponding to an examination object;
Identifying an inspection position by a sound wave generated by a probe capable of generating a sound wave in the inspection object; and
Making a notification regarding the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set criteria and the specified inspection position;
An ultrasonic inspection method. Setting a standard for the affected area based on the diagnostic information corresponding to the examination object;
Identifying an inspection position by a sound wave generated by a probe capable of generating a sound wave in the inspection object;
Making a notification about the importance of the inspection at the specified inspection position based on the set criteria and the specified inspection position;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

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