JP2010259662A - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of easily and reliably setting an optimum operation parameter according to a region being imaged.
An ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to a subject, and a signal processing unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on an echo signal acquired by the probe and displays the ultrasonic image on a display device. 14, probe position detection means 16 for detecting the position of the probe 11, current position of the probe 11 detected by the probe position detection means 16, three-dimensional data of the object generated in advance and the three-dimensional data Imaging part specifying means 17 for specifying the body part that is currently imaged based on the part information representing which body part of the subject each part region of the subject, and the probe 11 and / or signal processing means A determination unit 19 is provided for determining whether the current operation parameters 12 to 14 are suitable for imaging the body part specified by the imaging part specifying unit 17.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic probe in contact with the body surface toward the living body, receives reflected waves from each tissue in the living body, and based on the received signal An apparatus for generating an ultrasound image. The generated ultrasonic images are sequentially sent to the monitor and displayed as a moving image in real time.

  In medical institutions such as hospitals, in addition to the above-described ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, various medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus. Is used, and an appropriate imaging technique (modality) is selected according to the purpose of diagnosis. In addition, images captured by each modality have different characteristics, and information useful for diagnosis may be obtained by comparing images captured by the same modality for the same patient.

  Therefore, as an apparatus that can easily perform such image comparison, an X-ray CT image and an MRI image corresponding to the currently imaged cross section are displayed in real time as a reference image while imaging an ultrasonic image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, first, the position of the cross-section currently being imaged is specified using a position sensor attached to the ultrasonic probe, and then the same acquired in advance using an X-ray CT apparatus or the like. An image of a cross section corresponding to the current cross-sectional position is extracted from the three-dimensional data of the patient and displayed together with the ultrasonic image.

International Publication No. WO2004 / 098414 Pamphlet

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described above, it is possible to perform ultrasonic imaging while comparing an ultrasonic image that changes in real time with the movement of the probe, an X-ray CT image, and the like. However, when a wide range of observation is performed by moving the probe greatly, the operating parameters set at the start of imaging (acoustic transmission / reception conditions such as acoustic power and center frequency, or signal processing conditions such as gain and dynamic range) are not May not be suitable for the imaging region.

  For example, the acoustic power (intensity of transmitted ultrasonic waves) is regulated for each diagnosis part in consideration of the influence on the human body. For example, when imaging the heart, the acoustic power may be relatively high. However, it is necessary to set a relatively low value when used in ophthalmology.

  In conventional ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, the acoustic power is set to a constant value according to the type of probe, or within the range that does not exceed the upper limit allowed for each diagnostic site by the operator operating the console. Some can change the sound power. In the case of a device that determines a certain acoustic power for each probe, such as the former, it is necessary to set the acoustic power in accordance with a part that requires the lowest acoustic power among parts diagnosed by the probe. For this reason, the value of the acoustic power is limited to a low value, and in a diagnostic region where a high acoustic power setting is recognized, the acoustic power is insufficient in the deep region, and a good image may not be obtained. On the other hand, in the latter type of device in which the operator can set the acoustic power for each diagnosis part, generally, the value specified as the acoustic power used by the operator for diagnosis of the predetermined part exceeds the regulation value in the part. In such a case, a mechanism for notifying the operator of the fact is provided. However, as described above, when a wide range of observations are performed using an apparatus that simultaneously displays an ultrasound image and an X-ray CT image, etc., a low acoustic level is maintained with high acoustic power set according to the initial diagnosis site. It is conceivable to perform ultrasonic transmission / reception with respect to a diagnostic site requiring power.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of easily and surely setting optimum operation parameters according to a region currently being imaged. There is to do.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems,
a) an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject;
b) a signal processing means for generating an ultrasonic image based on the echo signal acquired by the ultrasonic probe and displaying it on a predetermined display device;
c) probe position detecting means for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe;
d) The current probe position detected by the probe position detection means, the three-dimensional data of the subject generated in advance, and which body part of the subject corresponds to each partial area in the three-dimensional data Imaging part specifying means for specifying the body part currently imaged based on the part information representing
e) determination means for determining whether or not the current operation parameters of the ultrasonic probe and / or signal processing means are suitable for imaging the body part specified by the imaging part specifying means;
It is characterized by having.

  In the present invention, the operation parameter of the ultrasonic probe means a parameter related to the operation control of the ultrasonic probe, for example, the acoustic power of the transmission ultrasonic wave, the center frequency, the depth and score of the focus, the pulse repetition frequency (PRF), It includes parameters such as beam spacing and depth of field. The operation parameter of the signal processing unit means a parameter related to processing for generating an ultrasonic image from a received ultrasonic signal (echo signal) and a parameter related to display of the ultrasonic image. For example, gain, dynamic Range, enhancement processing setting value, STC (sensitivity time control) processing setting value that adjusts amplification gain according to the scanning depth, and post-processing processing setting value that performs gradation correction for a specific gradation And other parameters.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention further includes:
f) notification means for notifying the operator of the determination result by the determination means;
It is desirable to have.

  Here, the notification means may notify the determination result by displaying a predetermined item on a predetermined display device, or may perform the notification by a predetermined sound, a warning lamp, or the like. Further, the identification of the imaging region and the determination of the operation parameter as described above are typically repeatedly performed at predetermined time intervals while performing ultrasonic imaging, but are appropriately performed according to an instruction from the operator. You may do it. In the former case, it is desirable to notify the determination result only when it is determined that the operation parameter is not suitable for the current imaging region. In the latter case, it is desirable to perform notification regardless of the determination result.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the current position of the ultrasonic probe is detected by the probe position detection means during imaging of the ultrasonic image, and the position information and the tertiary of the subject acquired in advance are detected. Based on the original data and the part information, the body part of the subject is specified by the imaging part specifying unit. Then, it is determined by the determining means whether or not the current operation parameters of the ultrasonic probe and / or the signal processing means are suitable for the body part specified by the imaging part specifying means, and the result is notified by the notifying means. The operator is notified. As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus side automatically determines whether or not the predetermined operation parameter and the imaging part (the body part imaged by the ultrasonic probe) are compatible. Therefore, the operator need not pay attention to the operation parameters and the position of the ultrasonic probe, and the burden on the operator related to ultrasonic imaging can be reduced.

Moreover, in addition to or instead of the notification means, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention,
g) If the determination means determines that the current operating parameters of the ultrasound probe and / or signal processing means are not suitable for the body part being imaged, the ultrasound probe and / or signal processing means Parameter changing means for changing the operation parameter to a suitable one for the body part being imaged,
It is good also as a thing provided.

  According to such a configuration, when it is determined that the current operation parameter of the ultrasonic probe and / or the signal processing unit is not suitable for the region being imaged, the parameter is set to a value suitable for the current imaged region. Automatically changed. For this reason, it is not necessary for the operator to instruct the change of the operation parameter using the console or the like, and the work load on the operator can be further reduced.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention made to solve the above problems is
a) an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject;
b) a signal processing means for generating an ultrasonic image based on the echo signal acquired by the ultrasonic probe and displaying it on a predetermined display device;
c) probe position detecting means for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe;
d) The current probe position detected by the probe position detection means, the three-dimensional data of the subject generated in advance, and which body part of the subject corresponds to each partial area in the three-dimensional data Imaging part specifying means for specifying the body part currently imaged based on the part information representing
e) parameter changing means for changing operation parameters of the ultrasonic probe and / or signal processing means to those suitable for imaging the body part specified by the imaging part specifying means;
It is good also as what has.

  As such an apparatus, for example, a value of an operation parameter suitable for imaging of each body part is stored in advance as a preset value for each body part, and when the body part being imaged is specified by the imaging part specifying unit In addition, the preset value corresponding to the body part can be called and applied to subsequent imaging. Thereby, the operation parameter suitable for the body part currently imaged can be set easily.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configuration, it is possible to easily and surely set the optimum operation parameter corresponding to the currently imaged part.

1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device based on the Example. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device based on the Example.

  Hereinafter, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated using an Example.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The probe 11 is brought into contact with the body surface of the subject and transmits an ultrasonic wave into the body of the subject, and receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from the body tissue to generate an electrical signal (echo signal). Convert. The beam former 12 controls transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves by the probe 11, A / D-converts echo signals output from each ultrasonic transducer in the probe 11, and generates sound ray data by phasing and adding. To do. The image generation unit 13 performs predetermined processing on the sound ray data to generate ultrasonic image data, and converts it into a format that can be displayed on the monitor 15. The ultrasonic image data output from the image generation unit 13 is stored in a display memory (not shown) provided in the display processing unit 14 and sequentially output to the monitor 15. By repeatedly executing the above steps, the image displayed on the monitor 15 is updated at a predetermined time interval and visually recognized as a moving image.

  A magnetic position sensor 16 is attached to the probe 11, and a magnetic source called a source 30 is installed in the vicinity of a subject (not shown). The source 30 includes three orthogonal magnetism generating coils, and the position sensor 16 detects a three-dimensional position of the probe 11 by detecting a magnetic signal generated by these coils.

  The 3D data storage unit 18 stores the three-dimensional data of the subject acquired in advance by another modality (for example, X-ray CT or MRI). In the 3D data storage unit 18, together with the 3D data, information indicating which body part (neck, chest, abdomen, etc.) of the subject corresponds to each partial region in the 3D data ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as part information).

  The part information is, for example, a two-dimensional image (tomographic image) or a three-dimensional image (projected image) generated from the three-dimensional data is displayed on the monitor 15, and an operator designates an appropriate range on the image, The area within the range is generated by a method such as registering as a predetermined body part (for example, abdomen). Alternatively, the operator inputs information (height, weight, gender, etc.) related to the physique of the subject and designates a predetermined point (navel etc.) on the two-dimensional image or the three-dimensional image as described above. Thus, the part information may be automatically generated. In this case, for example, the region included in a predetermined distance above and below the predetermined point is the abdomen, and the region up to a predetermined distance above it is the chest, depending on the distance from the specified point, etc. The original data is divided into partial areas.

  Such site information may be generated on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, or may be stored in the 3D data storage unit 18 after being generated by another apparatus. Further, the part information may constitute a single file together with the three-dimensional data, or may constitute another file.

  From the position information of the probe 11 output from the position sensor 16 and the three-dimensional data and the part information stored in the 3D data storage unit 18, the imaging region specifying unit 17 determines that the current probe 11 is the subject's subject. Specify which body part is being imaged.

  The determination table storage unit 20 stores a determination table that indicates a correspondence relationship between each body part (neck, chest, abdomen, etc.) of the subject and a numerical range of acoustic power suitable for imaging the body part. Yes. The numerical range of sound power suitable for imaging is not only the body part to be imaged, but also ultrasonic transmission / reception such as pulse repetition frequency, imaging mode (B mode, M mode, Doppler mode, etc.), focus position and number. Varies depending on other parameters. Therefore, the determination table is a multidimensional that describes a numerical range of sound power suitable for imaging for each of the possible combinations of the body part of the subject and one or more operation parameters (other than sound power). It is desirable to use a table.

  The determination unit 19 is a unit in which the set value of the current acoustic power is suitable for the part being imaged based on the information on the body part specified by the imaging part specifying unit 17 and the determination table stored in the determination table storage unit 20. It is determined whether or not there is. When the determination table is multi-dimensional as described above, whether or not the sound power is suitable for the imaging region is determined based on the one or more operation parameters (other than the sound power). Judgment is made with consideration.

  The operation of each unit is controlled by a control unit 21 including a CPU, a memory, and the like. Operator instructions are input to the control unit 21 via an operation unit 22 including a trackball and a keyboard. The control unit 21 has a storage unit (not shown) for storing parameters (operation parameters) for controlling the above-described units. Based on the operation parameters stored in the storage unit, the beamformer 12, operations of the image generation unit 13, the display processing unit 14, and the like are controlled. The functions of the imaging region specifying unit 17 and the determination unit 19 are preferably realized by software by causing a CPU to execute a predetermined program, but may be configured by hardware by a circuit or the like. . In this embodiment, the beam former 12, the image generation unit 13, and the display processing unit 14 correspond to the signal processing unit in the present invention, the position sensor 16 serves as the probe position detection unit in the present invention, and the control unit 21 serves as the main unit. This corresponds to the parameter changing means in the invention. In addition, the monitor 15, the display processing unit 14, and the control unit 21 cooperate to function as notification means in the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, prior to imaging by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a coordinate system of a real space with reference to the source 30 (hereinafter referred to as “source coordinate system”) and a coordinate system of three-dimensional data in the 3D data storage unit 18 (hereinafter referred to as “source coordinate system”). , Referred to as “3D data coordinate system”).

  First, the reference point is set on the three-dimensional data stored in the 3D data storage unit 18 (step S11). Specifically, a three-dimensional image (projection image) or a two-dimensional image (tomographic image) generated based on the three-dimensional data of the subject is displayed on the monitor 15, and the operator uses the operation unit 22 to display the image. A predetermined upper position (for example, a position corresponding to a xiphoid process) is designated and registered as a reference point 0a in the 3D data coordinate system.

  Next, the subject is laid on a diagnostic bed, and a point serving as a reference for association on the body of the subject is designated (step S12). Specifically, the operator brings the probe 11 into contact with a predetermined position (for example, on the xiphoid process) of the subject body corresponding to the reference point 0a specified in step S11, and performs a predetermined operation with the operation unit 22. To register the position as the reference point 0b of the source coordinate system.

  Thus, the reference point 0a and the reference point 0b are associated as the same point in the 3D data coordinate system and the source coordinate system. Note that by arranging the source 30 in an appropriate orientation in advance, the directions of the coordinate axes of the source coordinate system and the 3D data coordinate system can be made to coincide with each other, and further, between the source coordinate system and the 3D data coordinate system. The scale can be obtained from parameters at the time of three-dimensional data acquisition (for example, pixel size and slice thickness at the time of X-ray CT imaging). Therefore, the correspondence between the source coordinate system and the 3D data coordinate system is obtained as described above, and conversion data for converting the coordinates on the source coordinate system into the coordinates on the 3D data coordinate system can be obtained. Note that the above coordinate system association method is merely an example, and the two coordinate systems may be associated by another method.

  Subsequently, the operator brings the probe into contact with the region to be diagnosed and starts normal ultrasonic imaging (step S13). Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, processing such as detection of the probe position, identification of the imaging region, and determination of acoustic power as described below is started.

  First, the position of the current probe 11 is detected by the position sensor 16 (step S14), and the position information is output to the imaging part specifying unit 17.

  From the position information of the probe 11 input from the position sensor 16 and the three-dimensional data and part information of the subject stored in the 3D data storage unit 18, the imaging region specifying unit 17 is It identifies which part of the body is located (step S15). Specifically, first, the position information of the probe 11 given as coordinates on the source coordinate system is converted into coordinates on the 3D data coordinate system using the conversion data described above. And it is specified using the said site | part information which position of the subject body the position specified by the coordinate on this 3D data coordinate system corresponds. The body part specified by this is the current imaging part.

  Subsequently, the determination unit 19 receives the information on the imaging region from the imaging region specifying unit 17 and acquires the current set value of the acoustic power from the control unit 21. Then, by searching the determination table in the determination table storage unit 20 using the information on the imaging part, a numerical range of acoustic power suitable for the imaging part is obtained, and the current acoustic power setting value is within the numerical range. It is determined whether or not (step S16).

  When a multi-dimensional table such as that described above is used as the determination table, the determination unit 19 uses the control unit 21 to set other operation parameters (for example, shooting mode and PRF) in addition to the current sound power setting value. A current set value is obtained, and an appropriate numerical range of sound power in the combination of the imaging region and the operation parameter is obtained by referring to the multidimensional determination table. Then, it is determined whether or not the current set value of the sound power is within the numerical range.

  When it is determined in step S16 that the acoustic power is not suitable for the current imaging region (No in step S16), the control unit 21 is within the numerical range specified using the determination table. The sound power setting value is changed so as to be an appropriate value (for example, the median value or the upper limit value) (step S17). Before executing the change, it is desirable to display a predetermined message on the monitor 15 to notify the operator that the sound power will be changed. Further, according to the message displayed on the monitor 15, the operator decides whether or not to change the sound power, or allows the operator to select an appropriate value within the above numerical range, and uses that value for subsequent imaging. It may be applied as acoustic power.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the current set value of the sound power is suitable for the current imaging region (Yes in step S16), the process proceeds to step S18 until imaging is completed (ie, step S18). Steps S14 to S18 are repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second).

  By doing as described above, even when the imaging part changes due to the operator moving the probe during the execution of ultrasonic imaging, the compatibility between the new imaging part and the acoustic power is determined, and it is determined that they do not match The sound power can be automatically changed to a value suitable for the imaging region. For this reason, it is not necessary for the operator to pay attention to the sound power and the imaging region during ultrasonic imaging, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  In the above example, when it is determined in step S16 that the current acoustic power is not suitable for the part being imaged, the acoustic power is changed on the device side. It is good also as a structure which notifies an operator and makes an operator change an acoustic power. In this case, when it is determined in step S16 that the sound power is not suitable for the imaging region (No in step S16), the control unit 21 controls the display processing unit 14 to display the determination result on the monitor 15. Display on the screen. At this time, in addition to the notification of the determination result, it is desirable to present a numerical range of sound power suitable for the current imaging region to the operator. In addition to or instead of the notification, the transmission / reception of the ultrasonic wave is temporarily stopped, and the operator operates the operation unit 22 to change the sound power to an appropriate value or uses the operation unit 22 to restart the imaging. Ultrasonic transmission / reception may be resumed at the time of instructing.

  Further, instead of describing the numerical range of the sound power suitable for each body part, the upper limit value of the sound power allowed for each body part may be described in the determination table. In this case, in step S16, it is determined whether or not the current sound power is equal to or lower than the upper limit value obtained from the determination table. If the upper limit value is exceeded, the set value of the sound power is determined in step S17. To be less than or equal to the upper limit value.

  In the above example, the configuration for determining the conformity between the imaging region and the sound power has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other operation parameters. In this case, the determination table storage unit 20 stores each body part and predetermined operation parameters suitable for imaging the body part (for example, PRF and center frequency of transmission ultrasonic waves, gain and dynamic range of reception ultrasonic waves). A determination table describing the correspondence with the numerical range is stored, and the determination unit 19 determines whether or not the current set value of the predetermined operation parameter is suitable for the part being imaged.

  Next, another embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the apparatus of FIG. 1 except that the determination unit 19 is not included and a preset storage unit 23 is provided instead of the determination table storage unit 20. Hereinafter, the same or corresponding components as those in the apparatus of FIG.

  The preset storage unit 23 stores various operation parameter values suitable for imaging each body part for each part as preset data. Note that the preset data for each body part may include a plurality of types of operation parameters, or may include only one type of operation parameters.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the operations (steps S21 to S25) from associating the coordinate system to specifying the imaging region are the same as steps S11 to S15 in the first embodiment. However, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, when the current imaging region is specified in step S25, the control unit 21 calls preset data corresponding to the body region from the preset storage unit 23, and various operations specified by the preset data. The parameter value is applied to subsequent imaging (step S26). As a result, the operations of the beam former 12, the image generation unit 13, or the display processing unit 14 are controlled with parameters corresponding to the body part being imaged.

  The detection of the probe position and the specification of the imaging part as described above are repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals until the imaging of the ultrasonic image is completed (that is, until Yes in step S27). In step S26, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the body part specified in step S25 is the same as the body part specified in the previous step S25. If the body part is not the same (that is, the imaging part has changed). It is desirable to call the preset data as described above only in the case).

  In addition, before changing parameters by calling preset data in step S26, it is desirable to display a predetermined message on the monitor 15 to notify the operator that the parameters will be changed. At this time, the operator may select whether or not to change the operation parameter according to the message displayed on the monitor 15.

  Furthermore, the detection of the probe position, the specification of the imaging part, and the calling of the preset data as described above may be repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals or in accordance with an instruction from the operator.

  As mentioned above, although the form for implementing this invention was demonstrated using the Example, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A change is accept | permitted suitably in the range of the meaning of this invention. . For example, in the above-described embodiment, a 3D data storage unit is provided inside the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the 3D data and the site information of the subject are acquired from the 3D data storage unit, and the imaging site is specified by the imaging site specifying unit. However, the information may be acquired from an external device via a predetermined communication unit.

  In addition, the three-dimensional data of the subject used in the present invention does not necessarily have to be acquired by a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as the X-ray CT apparatus or MRI apparatus as described above. The surface shape of the subject may be measured by a three-dimensional scanner using the above, and generated based on the result. Also, prepare data of multiple 3D human models with different body types, select the one closest to the body type of the subject, use it, or based on information such as the subject's height, weight, gender, etc. Alternatively, a standard three-dimensional human body model may be used after being deformed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Probe 12 ... Beamformer 13 ... Image generation part 14 ... Display processing part 15 ... Monitor 16 ... Position sensor 17 ... Imaging region specific | specification part 18 ... 3D data storage part 19 ... Determination part 20 ... Determination table storage part 21 ... Control part 22 ... Operation unit 23 ... Preset storage unit 30 ... Source

Claims (4)

a) an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject;
b) a signal processing means for generating an ultrasonic image based on the echo signal acquired by the ultrasonic probe and displaying it on a predetermined display device;
c) probe position detecting means for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe;
d) The current probe position detected by the probe position detection means, the three-dimensional data of the subject generated in advance, and which body part of the subject corresponds to each partial area in the three-dimensional data Imaging part specifying means for specifying the body part currently imaged based on the part information representing
e) determination means for determining whether or not the current operation parameters of the ultrasonic probe and / or signal processing means are suitable for imaging the body part specified by the imaging part specifying means;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: Furthermore,
f) notification means for notifying the operator of the determination result by the determination means;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Furthermore,
g) If the determination means determines that the current operating parameters of the ultrasound probe and / or signal processing means are not suitable for the body part being imaged, the ultrasound probe and / or signal processing means Parameter changing means for changing the operation parameter to a suitable one for the body part being imaged,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a) an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject;
b) a signal processing means for generating an ultrasonic image based on the echo signal acquired by the ultrasonic probe and displaying it on a predetermined display device;
c) probe position detecting means for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe;
d) The current probe position detected by the probe position detection means, the three-dimensional data of the subject generated in advance, and which body part of the subject corresponds to each partial area in the three-dimensional data Imaging part specifying means for specifying the body part currently imaged based on the part information representing
e) parameter changing means for changing operation parameters of the ultrasonic probe and / or signal processing means to those suitable for imaging the body part specified by the imaging part specifying means;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

Images