JP4585286B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for handling (management, selection support, output control) of image information having different attributes.

  Various images are formed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Depending on the diagnostic mode, a B-mode image (two-dimensional tomographic image), an M-mode image (image obtained by temporally developing a luminance distribution in a certain beam direction), a flow image (two-dimensional blood flow image), and CFM (Color A Flow Mapping image (an image obtained by combining a B-mode image and a flow image), a D-mode image (Doppler waveform image), a three-dimensional image, and the like are formed. These images are generally a luminance image (black and white image, gray image, single color image) that expresses the magnitude of echo as a luminance value, a color image that expresses motion information (Doppler information) in color, and a composite image that composes these images. , And other images. Differentiating each image information (each image information) from the viewpoint of the data format, for example, the image information (intermediate image information before scan conversion) configured in a transmission / reception format and the display format It is distinguished by image information (image information that can be displayed after scan conversion). Each piece of image information may be moving image information or may be still image information. In addition, various image compression methods can be applied to store each image information, and when the stored image information is output, the image information depends on the specification of the output destination or the transfer protocol. Are converted into various data formats. As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, various types of image information (that is, image information having various attributes) are generated and handled.

  A general ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a cine memory and a video memory. The cine memory stores image information configured in the above transmission / reception wave format, and it functions as a buffer for temporarily storing data before scan conversion. In recent years, there has been a tendency to increase the capacity of cine memories. The video memory stores image information configured in the above display format. The image information is usually a digital video signal. It is also possible to transfer the image information stored in each memory to the mass storage device and save it. The mass storage device is configured by a hard disk or the like provided inside the device casing or outside the device casing. On the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is possible to read out image information stored in a cine memory, a video memory, or a mass storage device, and output it to devices such as a display, a storage medium, and a printer.

  In a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, stored or stored image information is managed by general attribute items such as a patient name and an examination ID. For example, by specifying a patient name and performing ultrasonic diagnosis on a specific patient. It is possible to search the generated image information. However, as described above, there are a large amount of various image information in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. For example, if a search is performed using only a patient as a search key, a very large number of types of image information associated with the patient are stored. As a result, the target image information and image information suitable for the output destination cannot be quickly identified. Also, after the image information is searched, even if the user provides a list in which the searched image information names are listed as text data, it is possible to determine which image information is the target from the text data on the list. Is difficult.

  Various recording devices (VTR, printer, etc.) are connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and various devices (server, network printer, etc.) can be connected via a network. That is, there are many output destinations that can output stored image information. Each device as an output destination has a predetermined input specification, and the types (attributes) of image information that can be accepted by each device are naturally limited. In the past, specific output destinations were artificially determined by the user in consideration of the attributes of the image information. However, as the attributes of the image information are diversified and the output destinations are also diversified, The problem of increasing the burden of selecting work is becoming apparent.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-228561 discloses a system for searching and displaying medical images. Data such as an examination ID, a subject number, and a comment are associated with each image, and a target image is searched based on the data. The system has a function of displaying an index image for a designated image. However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 does not describe managing the matching relationship between the attribute of image information and the output destination. Patent Document 1 describes only management of display images (moving images and still images) after scan conversion, and integrates management of images before scan conversion and images after scan conversion or integrates them. There is no mention about handling.

JP 2001-143005 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of integrated management of various image information.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of easily selecting desired image information from a variety of image information.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of managing the relationship between various image information and various output destinations.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of easily selecting an appropriate output destination for outputting image information.

(1) The present invention is a means for storing image information generated by transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves, the image storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of image information having different attributes, and the image storage means Matching relationship between an attribute management table storage unit that stores an attribute management table for managing attributes of stored image information, and attributes of image information that can be stored in the image storage means and an output destination of the image information Based on the attribute management table and the matching relationship management table, the specific image information stored in the image storage means is sent to a specific output destination based on the matching relationship management table storage unit storing the matching relationship management table representing Output control means for controlling processing to be output.

  According to the above configuration, various image information can be stored in the image storage means, and the attributes of each image information stored in the image storage means are managed by the attribute management table. The conformance relationship between the attribute and the output destination is managed by a conformance relationship management table. Based on the contents of these tables, processing for outputting desired image information to an appropriate output destination is executed.

  The image storage means is preferably configured as an image database in which image information transferred from a cine memory or video memory is stored. However, the image storage means may include a cine memory and a video memory. In the attribute management table, a plurality of attribute item data is managed for each image information (record). The management unit in that case usually differs depending on the attribute of the image information, and is a frame unit, a frame set unit, a frame column unit, a frame column set unit, a volume unit, a volume column unit, etc. It may be a unit. The managed attributes consist of multiple attribute items (attribute elements). Desirably, in addition to general items such as patient names and examination dates, attribute items that identify diagnostic modes, and attribute items that identify image formats and image formats. , Etc. are included. According to this attribute management table, desired image information can be searched by specifying an attribute (preferably a combination of a plurality of main attribute item values), and specific image information can be specified from the search result. For example, the attribute can be easily specified. The attribute can be used for output control. Desirably, the conformity management table is created in advance, and the contents are updated in accordance with the configuration change of the output destination group or the specification change of each output destination. In any case, according to the matching relationship management table, it is possible to automatically specify one or a plurality of output destinations (candidate output destinations) that can output specific image information. The burden can be reduced and misdesignation can be prevented. The conformance relationship to be managed may be a physical conformity relationship, or may be a logical conformance relationship instead of or in addition to the physical conformance relationship. When the physical compatibility relationship is not recognized for the image information and the output destination for which the logical compatibility relationship is recognized, conversion for matching the image information with the specification of the output destination is executed. It is desirable to automate it. For example, even if some image information can be physically output to any of a plurality of output destination devices, only relevant output destinations are used for reasons such as the creation of an inspection report. (Link) can be set. It is desirable to use the compatibility relationship management table in both directions as necessary. For example, search for an output destination suitable for the attribute as a key, or search for an attribute compatible with the output destination as a key. It is possible. The output control means supports selection of specific image information based on these tables, supports selection of a specific output destination, and controls transfer of specific image information.

(2) In the above configuration, preferably, the output control means includes image information list creation means for creating an image information list representing a plurality of pieces of image information having attributes designated by a user based on the attribute management table. The specific image information is selected from the image information list. Preferably, the image information list includes a plurality of reduced images indicating the contents of the plurality of image information.

  The image information list reflects a result of a search performed using a designated attribute as a key, and includes one or a plurality of list elements corresponding to one or a plurality of image information as selection candidates. If each list element is composed of reduced images, the desired image information can be easily selected through an operation of selecting one of the reduced images after observing or confirming the contents of the individual image information as a reduced image. . The reduced image is a low-resolution image, which may be created when each piece of image information is stored, or may be created when the image information list is created. In order to display a list quickly after retrieval, a reduced image is usually created in advance and stored.

  Preferably, the output control means includes output destination list creation means for creating an output destination list that represents a plurality of output destinations that match the attribute of the specific image information based on the matching relationship management table, The specific output destination is selected from the destination list. The output destination list represents one or a plurality of output destinations as selection candidates capable of outputting specific image information. The output destinations may be grouped, the search range may be limited to a certain group, and the output destination may be searched from among them.

  Preferably, the output control means recognizes an attribute that matches a specific output destination designated by a user based on the matching relationship table, and has a plurality of recognized attributes based on the attribute management table. Image information list creation means for creating an image information list representing the image information of the selected image information, and the specific image information is selected from the image information list. According to this configuration, when an output destination is designated, an attribute suitable for the destination is automatically recognized, and one or a plurality of pieces of image information having the attribute are automatically searched.

  Preferably, the image information list includes a plurality of reduced images indicating the contents of the plurality of image information. According to this configuration, the image information can be selected after visually observing and confirming the contents of each image information, so that the burden during the selection operation can be reduced and erroneous selection can be avoided.

  Preferably, the output control means includes a conversion module that converts the format of the specific image information into a format suitable for the specific output destination prior to the output of the specific image information. A conversion module is provided for each compression format and transfer protocol format.

  Desirably, an operation screen generating means for generating an operation screen having a plurality of icons corresponding to a plurality of registered preset attributes is included, and an attribute is designated by selecting a specific icon on the operation screen. Each icon functions as a symbol representing an attribute to be designated. The attribute associated with each icon is constituted by one or a plurality of attribute item values, and usually corresponds to a combination of a value indicating a transmission / reception wave format or a display format, a value indicating a diagnostic mode, and the like. Further, a value indicating an encoding format at the time of output or at the time of output may be combined.

  Preferably, it includes a status management table storage unit that stores a status management table for managing the status of a part or all of the output destination group, and the output control unit further refers to the status management table to output image information To control. It is desirable to execute polling for each output destination to obtain status information at the time of startup or timely. The status information may represent the presence / absence of an operation, an operation status, an operation condition, and the like.

  Preferably, the image storage means includes a cine memory temporarily storing image information configured in a transmission / reception format, a video memory temporarily storing image information configured in a display format, and the cine memory. Image information configured in the transmission / reception format, and an image storage unit to which image information configured in the display format is transferred from the video memory, and each image information stored in the image storage unit And the specific image information is output from the image storage unit to the specific output destination.

  In the above configuration, the image storage unit is configured as a large-capacity storage device for storing image information, the attributes of the image information stored in the image storage unit are individually managed, and if necessary, the corresponding reduced image is displayed. Are managed. When transferring image information to a server or the like, if the reduced image corresponding to the image information is transferred together, the actual content of the image information can be easily confirmed by referring to the reduced image on the receiving side. At the time of transfer, attribute information is added as necessary.

  Preferably, the attributes managed in the attribute management table include attribute item data for identifying a transmission / reception wave format or a display format, attribute item data for identifying a still image or a moving image, and an attribute for identifying an ultrasonic diagnostic mode. At least one of the item data is included. Other than the above, one or more attribute item data related to the patient, one or more attribute item data related to the examination, one or more attribute item data related to the data conversion, and the like.

  Preferably, the output destination group includes a first output destination group including a plurality of local devices connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a plurality of network devices connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via a network. And a second output destination group. You may make it search for the output destination suitable for a designated attribute from the inside after limiting a group. In addition to the above, grouping can be performed by distinguishing functions such as a storage device, a printing device, and a CP device.

  Preferably, the image processing device includes reduced image creation means for creating a low-resolution reduced image indicating the content of the image information stored in the image storage means as a reference image to be referred to when selecting the specific image information.

  Preferably, the reduced image creating means is configured with a display format generated by performing format conversion on the image information when the target image information is configured with a transmission / reception format. A reduced image is created based on the obtained image information.

  Since the image information configured in the transmission / reception format cannot be displayed as it is, the format conversion is performed. The format conversion may be performed by a DSC provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, or may be performed by a module different from that. If the second image information configured in the display format corresponding to the first image information configured in the transmission / reception wave format has already been generated and stored, the second image is not subjected to format conversion again. By using the information, a reduced image for the first image information can be easily generated.

  Preferably, the reduced image creating means formats the image information when the target image information is configured as a set of first and second image information configured in a transmission / reception format. A reduced image is created based on image information configured in a display format generated by executing the conversion.

  For example, in the CFM mode, the first and second image information configured in the transmission / reception format before the scan conversion exists independently. By the format conversion (and by the synthesis process), the third image information configured in the display format is generated. Using the third image information, a reduced image for the first and second image information is generated.

  Preferably, when the target image information is moving image information, the reduced image creating means creates a reduced image corresponding to a representative frame among a plurality of frames constituting the moving image information. Preferably, the reduced image creating means creates a reduced image as a moving image when the target image information is moving image information. In the case of a moving image, a reduced image corresponding to the image of the representative frame or a reduced image as a moving image is created. According to the former, the storage capacity for saving a reduced image can be reduced. According to the latter, observation as a moving image becomes possible. Even in the latter case, if a partial reduced image is formed only for a frame sequence for a predetermined time or a predetermined heart rate, the data amount of the reduced image as the moving image is remarkably increased according to the data amount of the moving image. The problem of increasing can be avoided.

(3) Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a means for storing image information generated by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and an image storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of image information having different attributes; An attribute management table storage unit that stores an attribute management table for managing attributes of image information stored in the image storage unit; an attribute of image information that can be stored in the image storage unit; and an output destination of the image information; A matching relationship management table storage unit storing a matching relationship management table representing a matching relationship between the user, attribute designation means for designating an attribute by a user, and the specified attribute based on the attribute management table. Image information list creation means for creating an image information list representing image information, and the user selects the specific image information on the image information list Image information selection means, output destination list creation means for creating an output destination list representing an output destination that matches the attribute of the specific image information based on the matching relationship management table, and specified on the output destination list destination and destination selecting means for selecting by a user and means for performing a process for outputting the specific image information to the specified output destination, the including.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily select desired image information on the image information list by specifying an attribute, and automatically create an output destination list from the attribute of the image information and output it on the output destination list You can easily select the destination. In particular, the effect is remarkable when various image information and various output destinations exist.

(4) Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus stores image information generated by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and can store a plurality of pieces of image information having different attributes; Between an attribute management table storage unit storing an attribute management table for managing attributes of image information stored in the image storage unit, and attributes of image information that can be stored in the image storage unit and an output destination of the image information A matching relationship management table storage unit that stores a matching relationship management table that represents a matching relationship, an output destination designating unit for designating a specific output destination by a user, and the designation based on the matching relationship table Image information list creation for recognizing attributes suitable for an output destination and creating an image information list representing image information having the recognized attributes based on the attribute management table A second image information selection means for selecting specific image information by the user on the image information list, and a means for executing processing for outputting the specific image information to the specific output destination; the including.

  According to the above configuration, when an output destination (which may be an output condition) is specified, a second image information list representing image information that conforms to the destination is automatically created, and a desired image can be easily used using the second image information list. Image information can be selected. In that case, since the user does not need to be aware of the complicated relationship between the attribute and the output destination, the burden is reduced.

(5) Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus stores image information generated by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and can store a plurality of pieces of image information having different attributes; An attribute management table storage unit storing an attribute management table for managing attributes of image information stored in the image storage unit, and a low-resolution reduced image representing the content of the image information stored in the image storage unit Reduced image forming means, a reduced image storage unit for storing the reduced image, an attribute specifying means for specifying an attribute by a user, and image information having the specified attribute based on the attribute management table. Image information list creation means for identifying and creating an image information list by obtaining a reduced image corresponding to the image information having the specified attribute from the reduced image storage unit; Image information selection means for the user to select specific image information on the image information list, and the reduced image creation means is configured with image information configured with a transmission / reception format and a display format. for both of the image information that have a function to create a reduced image.

  According to the above configuration, two pieces of image information having different data formations such as image information configured in a transmission / reception format and image information configured in a display format can be integratedly managed, and a user can select an image to be processed. Information can be easily selected.

(6) Preferably, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a means for storing image information generated by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and an image storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of image information having different attributes; An attribute management table storage unit storing an attribute management table for managing attributes of image information stored in the image storage unit, and a low-resolution reduced image representing the content of the image information stored in the image storage unit Reduced image forming means, a reduced image storage unit for storing the reduced image, an attribute specifying means for specifying an attribute by a user, and image information having the specified attribute based on the attribute management table. Image information list creation means for identifying and creating an image information list by obtaining a reduced image corresponding to the image information having the specified attribute from the reduced image storage unit; Image information selection means for the user to select specific image information on the image information list, and the reduced image creation means has a function of creating reduced images for both still image information and moving image information. you.

  According to the above configuration, two pieces of image information having different types of data formation, that is, still image information and moving image information can be integratedly managed, and the user can easily select image information to be processed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, various image information can be integrated and managed. According to the present invention, desired image information can be easily selected from a variety of image information. According to the present invention, the relationship between various image information and various output destinations can be integrated and managed. According to the present invention, an appropriate output destination for outputting image information can be easily selected.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used in the medical field, and is an apparatus that forms an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves.

  The probe 10 is an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The probe 10 is provided with an array transducer composed of a plurality of vibration elements. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the array transducer, and the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned. Examples of the electronic scanning method include electronic sector scanning and electronic linear scanning. The probe 10 may be provided with a 2D array transducer, and the ultrasonic beam may be scanned two-dimensionally using the 2D array transducer, thereby forming a three-dimensional data capture space.

  The transmission / reception unit 12 functions as a transmission beam former and a reception beam former. The transmission / reception unit 12 supplies a plurality of transmission signals to the plurality of vibration elements with a certain delay relationship. As a result, a transmission beam is formed. The plurality of reception signals output from the plurality of vibration elements are subjected to phasing addition processing in the transmission / reception unit 12. As a result, a reception beam is formed. The received signal after the phasing addition is output to the first signal processing unit 14 and the second signal processing unit 18.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the first signal processing unit 14 performs signal processing for forming a luminance image such as a B-mode image or an M-mode image. Specifically, processing such as detection and logarithmic compression is performed on the received signal (echo data). The processed data is directly output to the DSC (digital scan converter) 22 or is output to the DSC 22 via the cine memory 16.

  The cine memory 16 is composed of a semiconductor memory and temporarily stores input data. The predetermined unit is a beam, a frame, or the like. When forming a B-mode image, data is temporarily stored on the cine memory 16 in units of frames (or in units of beams). The cine memory 16 has a ring buffer structure, and stores a frame sequence from the latest frame to a frame before a certain period. When an M mode image is formed, echo data is stored in chronological order on the cine memory 16 in beam units. The cine memory 16 may store volume data acquired from the three-dimensional echo data capturing space. As described above, data from the present to a certain period before is stored in time series in the cine memory 16. Each data is configured in a transmission / reception format, that is, for a B-mode image, the address of each sample point is specified by a beam address and a depth address. Data in a predetermined unit stored on the cine memory 16 corresponds to image information configured in a transmission / reception format.

  The DSC 22 forms a black and white two-dimensional tomographic image as a B-mode image. Specifically, the DSC 22 has a coordinate conversion function (format conversion function), a data interpolation function, and the like. Data of each frame generated by the DSC 22 corresponds to image information configured in a transmission / reception format as a raster scan data string. However, in this embodiment, in the color flow mapping mode (CFM), a composite image composed of a B mode image and a flow image is formed on the display processing unit 26 to be described later. The composite image corresponds to image information configured in a display format. Incidentally, when forming an M-mode image, the data for each beam output from the cine memory 16 is output to the display processing unit 26 as it is.

  On the other hand, the second signal processing unit 18 executes signal processing for forming a flow mode image, that is, a two-dimensional blood flow image. Specifically, the second signal processing unit 18 has, for example, a quadrature detection circuit, an autocorrelation circuit, a speed calculation circuit, and the like, extracts Doppler information included in the received signal, and obtains speed data from the Doppler information. ing. Incidentally, distributed data may be calculated together with speed data, or power data may be calculated instead of speed data.

  The cine memory 20 has a ring buffer structure similarly to the cine memory 16 described above, and temporarily stores data output from the second signal processing unit 18. Similarly to the cine memory 16, the data output from the second signal processing unit 18 may be output to the DSC 24 as it is, or may be output to the DSC 24 via the cine memory 20. In any case, the data output from the second signal processing unit 18 is temporarily stored in the cine memory 20. Flow data such as speed information and power information is managed in units of frames on the cine memory 20, and the cine memory 20 stores flow data for a plurality of frames from the present to a certain period before. The flow data of each frame corresponds to image information configured in a transmission / reception format. That is, the flow data of each frame is configured as a pixel data set specified by a beam address and a depth address. Similar to the cine memory 16, the actual minimum storage unit may be a beam on the cine memory 20, but a unit of attribute management described later is a frame except in a certain diagnostic mode. Depending on the diagnostic mode, it is also possible to manage attributes on a beam or volume basis.

  The cine memory 16 and the cine memory 20 are used when data stored in the cine memory 16 and the cine memory 20 is read out and displayed as a still image or a moving image. In addition, it also functions as a memory that temporarily stores a frame or frame sequence specified by the user.

  The DSC 24 has the same function as the DSC 22 described above, and applies coordinate conversion processing and data interpolation processing to the input flow data, thereby forming a two-dimensional flow image. The flow image is generated in units of frames, and the data of each frame corresponds to image information composed of a display coordinate system. Usually, a two-dimensional flow image is synthesized on a two-dimensional B-mode image, Displayed or saved as

  The display processing unit 26 has an image composition function, and generates a CFM image (composite image) by compositing a flow image with a B-mode image as described above. The display processing unit 26 also has a function of combining a graphic image formed by the control unit 30 described later with an image to be displayed. The display processing unit 26 also has a function of forming an M-mode image and other images. Further, it has a function of executing color calculation processing on the above-described flow image. In this case, a color mapping table as an LUT (lookup table) is referred to. It is possible to display a flow image with various color patterns by switching the color mapping table to be actually used.

  Image data to be displayed by the display processing unit 26 is converted into a video signal, and the video signal is output to the display unit 28. An ultrasonic image corresponding to the diagnosis mode selected by the user is displayed on the display unit 28. The display unit 28 may be configured by a main display composed of a CRT or the like and a sub display composed of an LCD or the like. For example, an ultrasonic image may be displayed on the main display, and an image including an icon or an image displaying a thumbnail image as a reduced image may be displayed on the sub display.

  The video memory 27 is a memory for storing image data displayed on the display unit 28 in units of frames. Although the cine memory 16 and the cine memory 20 can store image information as still images or moving images, the video memory 27 can store image information as still images or moving images. The video memory 27 may have a ring buffer structure, or a still image or a moving image for which an explicit instruction is given by the user may be stored on the video memory 27. The cine memory 16, the cine memory 20, and the video memory 27 are configured by, for example, a volatile RAM, but may be configured by using other storage devices.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, an image processing unit that forms a three-dimensional image, a D-mode image forming unit that forms a Doppler waveform, or the like may be provided.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU and an operation program. The control unit 30 controls the operation of each component shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the control unit 30 functions as a thumbnail image generation unit 44, an image output control unit 46, and a table creation unit 48, and is further used for compression conversion and protocol conversion. Function as the conversion modules 50 and 52.

  An operation panel 32 as input means is connected to the control unit 30. Using this operation panel 32, it is possible to specify a diagnostic mode, select an image, select an output destination, and make other settings. A plurality of image output devices constituting the local device group 34 are connected to the control unit 30, for example, a color printer 36, a VTR device 38, an FD device 40, and the like. In addition to the illustrated example, various output devices such as a monochrome printer, a DVD recorder, and a memory medium recorder can be connected.

  A storage device 42 is connected to the control unit 30. The storage device 42 is constituted by, for example, a hard disk device. The hard disk device may be provided in the housing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or may be provided outside the housing. Various data are stored in the storage device 42, and in FIG. 1, the main functions of the storage device 42 are represented as a plurality of storage units. That is, the storage device 42 functions as a status management table storage unit 54, a suitability management table storage unit 56, an image attribute management table storage unit 58, an image storage unit 60, and a thumbnail image storage unit 62.

  A communication unit 64 is connected to the control unit 30. The communication unit 64 is connected to an external network 66, and various devices constituting the network device group 68 are connected to the network 66. For example, the device includes a server 70 including a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) server and an image processing server, a printer 72 such as a network digital scan converter color printer, a network compatible DVD device, a network compatible CD-R device, etc. Can be given. It is possible to transfer desired image information from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to these external devices. Data may be added to image information and transferred. Examples of such data include attribute information and thumbnail image data.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, an electrocardiograph is connected to the control unit 30, and an electrocardiogram signal as a biological signal output from the electrocardiograph is input to the control unit 30. The heartbeat cycle of the heart can be recognized based on the electrocardiogram signal, and image information can be captured and managed in synchronization with the heartbeat cycle. An electrocardiogram synchronization signal or heartbeat data may be stored together with each image.

  Next, the functions of the control unit 30 will be described in detail. The thumbnail image generation unit 44 generates a thumbnail image as a reference image representing the content of each piece of image information stored on the image storage unit 60. A thumbnail image is obtained by processing a basic image into a reduced resolution reduced image. In the present embodiment, a thumbnail image corresponding to the thumbnail image is generated when image information is stored in the image storage unit 60. Of course, the thumbnail image may be generated at the timing when the image information list is created. In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image generation unit 44 has a function of generating a thumbnail image as a still image and a thumbnail image as a moving image. As will be described later, when the target image is a still image, a thumbnail image as a still image is generated. When the target image is a moving image, a still image representing the representative frame, or A thumbnail image as a moving image corresponding to the whole or a part of the thumbnail image is generated. The representative frame can be automatically determined, but may be determined by the user. In addition, when a thumbnail image is formed for a part rather than the entire moving image as a target, the period to be formed may be automatically set or may be set by the user. In the case of automatic setting, it is desirable to set the setting conditions in advance. For example, the condition of the first one heartbeat or n (n = 1, 2, 3,...) Heartbeat should be set. Can do. As described above, the data stored in the cine memory 16 and the cine memory 20 is image information configured in a transmission / reception format, and a thumbnail image cannot be immediately formed therefrom. Therefore, prior to the formation of the thumbnail image. Then, format conversion for the image information is executed. That is, conversion from the transmission / reception wave format to the display format is executed. Since the format conversion is the same as the coordinate conversion function of the DSCs 22 and 24, when a thumbnail image is formed from such image information, the data read from the cine memories 16 and 20 is output to the DSCs 22 and 24. The thumbnail images may be generated by giving the output of the DSCs 22 and 24 to the thumbnail image generation unit 44 and performing low resolution conversion and reduction conversion. Of course, the thumbnail image generation unit 44 itself may have a format conversion function. Incidentally, a buffer memory is provided in the subsequent stage of the DSCs 22 and 24, and instead of reading out the image information from the cine memories 16 and 20, the corresponding image information is read out from the buffer memory, and based on the read out image information. Thus, a thumbnail image may be formed.

  The image output control unit 46 outputs specific image information specified by the user to a specific output destination specified by the user based on an image attribute management table, a compatibility management table, and the like described in detail later. Control processing. The function will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The table creation unit 48 is a module that creates an image attribute management table, a suitability management table, and a status management table and updates the contents thereof. Each table will be described in detail later with a specific example. The image attribute management table is a table for managing attributes for each piece of image information stored on the image storage unit 60. In the present embodiment, a plurality of attribute items (attribute elements) are set as attributes, and desired image information can be quickly and easily searched using one or a plurality of attribute items as search keys. Is possible.

  The compatibility management table is a table for managing the compatibility between each attribute and each output destination. The suitability may be physical suitability or logical suitability. That is, it may be a table for specifying one or a plurality of output destinations capable of physically outputting image information having a certain attribute, or one or a plurality of output destinations for outputting image information having a certain attribute. It may be a specified table. In the latter case, format conversion, compression conversion, or the like is applied to the image information as necessary in order to ensure physical compatibility.

  The status management table is a table for managing the status for each output destination. For example, the availability of the operation may be managed, or the state in which another job is currently being received and the number of waiting jobs may be managed. In order to manage the status in real time, the table creation unit 48 may have a polling function for inquiring status for each output destination. That is, an inquiry about the status or the like is made to each output destination, and the status management table is updated based on an answer from each output destination. When a new storage device or a new printing device is connected, it is desirable to recognize the input specification by the above polling and update the contents of each table based on it. Of course, such information may be input by the user via the operation panel 32. The same applies to the suitability management table, and the definition of suitability can be set automatically, but the user may set it. For example, a compatibility management table may be prepared for each user and selectively used. According to this, it is possible to construct an operation environment that can support routine processing in, for example, group medical examination.

  An image attribute management table is stored on the image attribute management table storage unit 58, a compatibility management table is stored on the compatibility management table storage unit 56, and a status management table is stored on the status management table storage unit 54. Is stored. In the example shown in FIG. 1, all tables are stored on a single storage device, but of course, these tables may be stored on separate storage devices.

  The image storage unit 60 is a storage unit that stores image information designated by the user or automatically designated. Specifically, image information read from the cine memories 16 and 20 is stored in the image storage unit 60, and image information read from the video memory 27 is stored in the image storage unit 60. In this case, in the mode for synthesizing the luminance image and the flow image, the luminance data and flow data configured in the transmission / reception format form a set, and are stored on the image storage unit 60 in units of the set. On the video memory 27, since a color composite image in which the luminance image and the flow image are already combined is stored, the image information is read out in units of frames and stored in the image storage unit 60. Of course, the pre-combination data, that is, the two frame data output from the DSCs 22 and 24, can be stored in the image storage unit 60 as a set. Further, when storing image information on the image storage unit 60, the data format is converted as necessary. For example, DICOM conversion, JPG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) conversion, BMP (Bit Map) conversion, Tiff (Tag Image File Format) conversion, MPEG2 (Moving Picture Coding Ex conversion, etc.) it can. Such conversion processing may be performed when image information is stored in the image storage unit 60, or such conversion may be performed when image information is read from the image storage unit 60 and transferred. Good. Whether or not any conversion has been performed at the time of image storage and the conversion contents are managed on the image attribute management table, and whether or not any conversion is to be performed at the time of image output and the conversion content is a compatibility management table. Managed above.

  On the thumbnail image storage unit 62, a thumbnail image representing the content of each piece of image information stored in the image storage unit 60 is stored. As described above, there are still images or moving images as thumbnail images, and black and white thumbnail images are stored for image information associated with black and white attributes, and color information is stored for image information having color attributes. Are stored. The thumbnail image is displayed on the screen when the search result of the image information is represented as a list. In addition, when transferring image information, corresponding thumbnail image information is also transferred as necessary.

  FIG. 2 shows the correspondence between image information and thumbnail images. Here, reference numeral 62 represents the image storage unit shown in FIG. 1, and reference numeral 62 represents the thumbnail image storage unit shown in FIG.

  The image information 78 has attributes such as a transmission / reception wave format (image format type: Cine), a still image (image configuration type: Single), and a B mode (B & W mode type: B). Reference numeral 102 represents a thumbnail image corresponding to the image information 78. The thumbnail image 102 is a black and white still image. The image information 80 has attributes such as a transmission / reception format, a moving image (image configuration type: Multi), and a B mode. A corresponding thumbnail image is represented by reference numeral 104. Although the thumbnail image 104 is a monochrome still image, the thumbnail image may be configured as a monochrome moving image as indicated by reference numeral 106. The image information 82 includes two frames of data 82A and 82B, and has attributes such as a transmission / reception format, a still image, and a CFM mode. The data 82A corresponds to the luminance data output from the cine memory 16 shown in FIG. 1, and the data 82B corresponds to the flow data output from the cine memory 20. The thumbnail image 108 corresponds to the image information 82, and the thumbnail image is a color still image. That is, it is an image obtained by converting a CFM image into low resolution. The image information 84 includes frame sequences 84A and 84B as a frame sequence set. The frame sequence 84A corresponds to luminance data as a moving image output from the cine memory 16 shown in FIG. 1, and the frame sequence 84B corresponds to flow data as a moving image output from the cine memory 20 shown in FIG. The image information 84 has attributes such as a transmission / reception format, a moving image, and a CFM mode. Corresponding to this is a thumbnail image 110, which is a color still image. Of course, a thumbnail image 112 as a color moving image may be prepared instead.

  The image information 86 has attributes such as a display format (image format type: Video), a still image, and a B mode. The thumbnail image 114 corresponds to this, and the thumbnail image 114 is a monochrome still image. The image information 88 has attributes such as a display format, a moving image, and a B mode. The thumbnail image 116 corresponds to this, and the thumbnail image 116 is a black and white still image, but a black and white moving image 118 may be prepared instead. The image information 90 has attributes such as a display format, a still image, and a CFM mode. Corresponding to this is a thumbnail image 120, which is a color still image. The image information 100 has attributes such as a display format, a moving image, and a CFM mode. Corresponding to this is a thumbnail image 122, which is a color still image. Instead, a thumbnail image 124 as a color moving image may be prepared.

  FIG. 3 shows the table contents stored in the image attribute management table storage unit 58. As attribute items to be managed, in this example, “patient ID”, “Name (patient name)”, “birth date (patient birth date)”, “age (patient age)”, “examination ID ( Ultrasound examination identifier) ”,“ examination date ”,“ examination time ”,“ image number (image identifier) ”,“ biological signal type ”,“ image format type ”,“ image configuration type ”,“ probe type ”, There are “B & W mode type”, “B & W mode color type”, “Flow mode type”, “Flow mode color type”, and the like. There are other attribute items such as presence / absence of image conversion and conversion method.

  The “biological signal type” in the above represents the type of the biological signal, and ECG represents an electrocardiographic signal. “Image format type” is an attribute item that identifies whether the format is a transmission / reception wave format or a display format, Cine represents a transmission / reception wave format, and Video represents a display format. “Image configuration type” is an attribute item for identifying whether the image is a still image or a moving image, Single represents a still image, and Multi represents a moving image. “Probe type” represents the type of probe. Convex represents a convex type probe, and Linear represents a linear type probe.

  “B & W mode type” represents the type of diagnostic mode constituting the luminance image, B represents B mode, and B / M represents a combined mode in which B mode and M mode are executed simultaneously. M represents the M mode. “B & W mode color type” is an attribute item representing a color condition when a luminance image is formed, Gray represents black and white expression, and Blue represents expression by blue luminance. “Flow mode type” is an attribute item indicating a type in the flow mode, “Non” indicates that the flow mode is not set, “Flow” indicates a color Doppler mode in which the blood flow velocity is expressed in color, and “Power” indicates a blood mode. A power mode for displaying the flow power in color is shown. The “Flow mode color type” represents a color mapping pattern in the flow image, and several types are set here.

  As shown in FIG. 3, by managing the values of various attribute items for each image information (each record), it is possible to improve the handleability of stored image information. There is an advantage that desired image information can be specified quickly and easily by searching for. Further, since the attribute can be recognized for the specified image information, there is an advantage that the output destination can be searched using the attribute.

  Next, specific examples of some compatibility management tables stored in the compatibility management table storage unit 56 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11, the horizontal axis represents the type or attribute of image information, and the vertical axis represents the output destination. In the examples shown in the drawings, output destinations include attached monochrome printer, attached color printer, attached digital monochrome printer, attached digital color printer, attached VTR, DVD recorder, attached FD drive, attached memory medium recorder, network digital color printer, There are a DICOM server, a DICOM printer, an image processing server, an email server, a network DVD drive, a network CD-R drive, and the like.

  The compatibility management table 56A shown in FIG. 4 shows the compatibility relationship between transmission / reception wave format, still image, image information having luminance information (B mode or M mode image) attributes, and each output destination. Is. Here, “no conversion” indicates a condition in which no special conversion is performed when the image information is output, and “DICOM conversion” indicates a condition in which conversion according to the DICOM protocol is automatically executed when the image information is output. Similarly, “JPG conversion” indicates a condition for executing JPG conversion at the time of image output, and “BMP conversion” indicates a condition for executing bitmap conversion at the time of image output. That is, it is possible to manage conditions given for such image output as attributes, and to manage output destinations that match each attribute. Incidentally, in FIG. 4, ◯ represents an output destination capable of outputting the image information (that is, compatible). The same applies to FIGS. 5 to 11. Note that the compatibility relationships shown in the drawings are examples for explaining the present invention, and on an actual apparatus, various contents are obtained depending on the operating environment and various conditions.

  FIG. 5 shows a compatibility management table 56B for image information having attributes of a transmission / reception format, a moving image, and luminance information. Here, “MPEG2 conversion” represents a condition for automatically executing MPEG2 conversion at the time of image output, which is also a part of the attribute. The compatibility management table 56C shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to image information having attributes of a transmission / reception wave format, a still image, and a CFM mode (luminance information + luminance speed information). The compatibility management table 56D shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to image information having attributes of a transmission / reception format, a moving image, and a CFM mode. The compatibility management table 56E shown in FIG. 8 represents information corresponding to image information having attributes of a display format, a still image, and a monochrome image. The compatibility management table 56F shown in FIG. 9 indicates information corresponding to image information having attributes of a display format, a moving image, and a monochrome image. The compatibility management table 56G shown in FIG. 10 shows information corresponding to image information having attributes of a display format, a still image, and a color image. The compatibility management table 56H shown in FIG. 11 indicates information corresponding to image information having attributes of a display format, a moving image, and a color image.

  According to the suitability management table as described above, when an attribute of image information is given, one or a plurality of output destinations that match the attribute can be automatically and quickly searched, while the output destination is specifically designated. For example, it is possible to perform reverse lookup for attributes of image information suitable for the output destination.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a status management table stored on the status management table storage unit 54. As shown in the figure, the status is managed for each output destination, where ◯ indicates that it can be used. Of course, instead of managing only the ON / OFF status, more detailed information such as the operation, the operation standby, and the number of waiting jobs may be managed as the status. According to this, for example, for a printer in which a large number of jobs are stored in a queue, image information can be distributed to other printers instead of being output to the printer.

  Next, an example of the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As will be described below, the image output control unit 46 shown in FIG. 1 has three operation modes, which are selected from the attribute designation mode, all designation mode, and output destination designation mode. Therefore, output control is executed.

  In S101, preconditions are input using the operation panel. Usually, information specifying a patient and information specifying a test are input. As a result, the result of ultrasonic diagnosis performed on a certain examination date for a certain patient can be set as a search target. In S102, the process branches according to each mode.

  In the attribute designation mode, an attribute is designated by the user using the operation panel in S103. In the designation, one or a plurality of attribute item values are input. FIG. 14 illustrates an operation screen 132 displayed in S103. In the present embodiment, the contents of attribute designation are preset as a plurality of icons 134 to 158 in advance. That is, the attribute designation contents that are frequently used are iconified.

  Here, reference numeral 134 denotes an icon operated in an all-designation mode to be described later, and is operated when searching for all image information. The icons denoted by reference numeral 136 are icons corresponding to the transmission / reception format, still image, and B mode attributes. Reference numeral 138 indicates icons corresponding to attributes of the transmission / reception format, moving image, and CFM mode (B mode + flow mode). Reference numeral 140 indicates icons corresponding to attributes of the transmission / reception format, still image, B mode, and JPG conversion. Reference numeral 142 indicates icons corresponding to attributes of the transmission / reception format, moving image, B mode, and MPEG2 conversion. Reference numeral 144 indicates icons corresponding to attributes of the display format, still image, and B mode. Reference numeral 146 indicates icons corresponding to attributes of display format, moving image, and B mode + D mode. Reference numeral 148 indicates icons corresponding to attributes of the display format, moving image, and CFM mode. Reference numeral 150 indicates icons corresponding to attributes of display format, moving image, CFM mode, and MPEG2 conversion. Reference numeral 152 denotes icons corresponding to attributes of display format, moving image, B + P (power mode), and MPEG4. Reference numeral 156 indicates an icon corresponding to the attribute of the transmission / reception wave format or 3D mode. Reference numeral 158 indicates icons corresponding to attributes of the display format, 3D mode, and DICOM conversion. As described above, by customizing the attribute for each icon appearing on the operation screen 132, there is an advantage that it is possible to easily specify an attribute with a combination of a plurality of attribute items only by selecting an icon. is there. The combination of the values of the plurality of attribute items shown in FIG. 14 is an example, and can be set freely by the user or automatically set.

  Returning to FIG. 13, when an attribute is designated in S103, one or more pieces of image information having the designated attribute are retrieved by searching the contents of the image attribute management table according to the designated attribute in S104. Identified. In S105, an image list representing the image information is displayed.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of the image list 130. In the present embodiment, the image list 130 includes a plurality of thumbnail images 130A corresponding to a plurality of image information. Each thumbnail image 130A is a reduced image having a low resolution as described above. By displaying the image list 130 as shown in FIG. 15, the user can easily and quickly specify target image information by observing the contents of the thumbnail image 130A. In the present embodiment, since thumbnail images are prepared for image information configured in a transmission / reception format, even if the image information cannot be easily displayed as such, the content of the thumbnail image is displayed. There is an advantage that it can be observed as 130A.

  Returning to FIG. 13, in S106, specific image information is selected by selecting one of the thumbnail images on the image list. In S107, an output destination list is formed and displayed. Specifically, by referring to the compatibility management table according to the attribute of the selected image information, one or more output destinations that match the attribute are searched, and an output destination list is created from the search results. Is done. The output destination list may be a list of one or a plurality of output destination names, or may be a list configured using a graphic such as an icon.

  In S108, a specific output destination is selected by the user on the output destination list. In S114, it is determined whether or not coordinate conversion at the time of output is performed for the specific image information designated as described above. If coordinate conversion is necessary, the conversion is registered in the image attribute conversion table in S115. Conversion for image information is performed.

  In S116, the image information is output to a specific output destination. In this case, when outputting image information to a device on the network, thumbnail image data and attribute data are added as necessary. In S117, the output execution result is displayed on the screen, for example.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S102 that the mode is the all designation mode, an image list representing all image information corresponding to the preconditions is displayed in S119. As described with reference to FIG. 14, the mode is executed by selecting an icon as indicated by reference numeral 134. In this mode, the subsequent steps are the same as the steps after S106 described above.

  On the other hand, in the output destination designation mode, the output destination is designated by the user in S110. In S111, referring to the compatibility management table, one or more attributes that match the designated output destination are recognized, and image information having the one or more attributes is searched. An image list representing the image information is displayed on the screen in S112. The image list has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, a plurality of pieces of image information are displayed on the screen as a plurality of thumbnail images. In S113, image information is selected by selecting any thumbnail image on the image list. And each process after S114 is performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user's burden can be reduced by supporting the selection of specific image information, and the user's burden can be reduced by supporting the selection of a specific output destination. Also, since thumbnail images are displayed when selecting image information, there is an advantage that appropriate image information can be selected while actually checking the contents.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the image information to be managed is stored on the storage device 42, but the image information itself stored in the cine memories 16 and 20 and the video memory 27 is to be managed. Is also possible. In the above embodiment, the image information configured in the display format is a composite image in the CFM mode, but the B-mode image and the flow image that form the basis thereof are individually managed individually. It may be. Note that the contents of the tables shown in each figure are examples, and it is desirable to set the contents of each table as appropriate according to various attributes or according to various conditions.

1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between image information and a thumbnail image. It is a figure which shows an example of an image attribute management table. It is a figure which shows an example of a 1st compatibility management table. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd compatibility management table. It is a figure which shows an example of the 3rd compatibility management table. It is a figure which shows an example of the 4th compatibility management table. It is a figure which shows an example of the 5th compatibility management table. It is a figure which shows an example of the 6th compatibility management table. It is a figure which shows an example of a 7th compatibility management table. It is a figure which shows an example of the 8th compatibility management table. It is a figure which shows an example of a status management table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of image information output. It is a figure which shows the operation screen which has several icons. It is a figure which shows the image list which has several thumbnail images.

Explanation of symbols

  16, 20 cine memory, 26 display processing unit, 27 video memory, 30 control unit, 44 thumbnail image generation unit, 46 image output control unit, 48 table creation unit, 50, 52 conversion module, 54 status management table storage unit, 56 Sex management table storage unit, 58 image attribute management table storage unit, 60 image storage unit, 62 thumbnail image storage unit.

Claims (4)

Image storage means for storing image information generated by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, and capable of storing a plurality of pieces of image information having different attributes;
An attribute management table storage unit storing an attribute management table for managing attributes of image information stored in the image storage unit;
A matching relationship management table storage unit storing a matching relationship management table representing a matching relationship between the attribute of the image information that can be stored in the image storage means and the output destination of the image information;
Output control means for controlling processing for outputting specific image information stored in the image storage means to a specific output destination based on the attribute management table and the matching relation management table;
Including
The managed attribute consists of a plurality of attribute items,
The plurality of attribute items include an attribute item indicating whether the image information is configured in a transmission / reception format or image information configured in a display format, and whether the image is a still image or a moving image. And an attribute item to indicate,
In the attribute management table, a plurality of attribute item values corresponding to a plurality of attribute items for each of the respective image information is managed,
In the matching relationship management table, as compatible relationship between the output destination O are the combination of a plurality of attribute item value, format conversion condition when the output enable and whether that can be outputted to the output destination is managed,
The output control means, based on the attribute management table includes an image information list creating means for creating image information list indicating a plurality of image information corresponding to the designated one or more attributes field values by the user, the The specific image information is selected by the user from the image information list ,
The output control means includes output destination list creation means for creating an output destination list representing a plurality of output destinations that match a plurality of attribute item values for the specific image information based on the matching relationship management table, The specific output destination is selected by the user from the output destination list,
The output control means, prior to outputting the specific image information, based on the matching relationship management table, the specific image according to a plurality of attribute item values for the specific image information and the specific output destination An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising a conversion module for converting an information format into a format suitable for the specific output destination . The apparatus of claim 1.
The image information list is composed of a plurality of reduced images indicating the contents of the plurality of image information,
The image information list generating means generates image information configured in the display format by converting the format of the image information configured in the transmission / reception format, generates a reduced image based on the image information, and generates the image An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that, when the information is a moving image, a reduced image corresponding to the representative frame or a reduced image as a moving image is generated. The apparatus of claim 1.
A status management table storage unit that stores a status management table for managing the status of part or all of the output destination group;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the output control means further controls output of image information with reference to the status management table. The apparatus of claim 1.
The output destination group includes a first output destination group composed of a plurality of local devices connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a first network composed of a plurality of network devices connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus via a network. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising two output destination groups.

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