JP2003116850A - Ultrasonic image display method and ultrasonograph - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To alleviate the burden of resetting a FOV imposed on an operator. SOLUTION: When the position and size of an ROI is changed, when a CFM image is displayed on the ROI set on a B-mode image is displayed, the depth of the FOV is automatically adjusted to ensure that a depth obtained by adding a prescribed space to the lowermost portion of the ROI after change is the FOV of the B-mode image B. The burden imposed on an operator can be reduced. Deterioration of the real-time property due to scanning with FOV kept unnecessarily deep is prevented. The position of the ROI can be moved to below the deepest part of the current FOV and the size of the ROI can be expanded.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic image display method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more specifically, to an ROI (Region Of Interest) set on a B-mode image such as a CFM (Color Flow Mapping) image. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic image display method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for automatically optimizing the FOV (Field Of View) of a B-mode image when the position or size of the ROI is changed while displaying the image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 shows a first example of a display screen in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. This display screen H51 shows B
The mode image B is displayed, and the CFM image F is displayed in the ROI set by the operator on the B mode image B. In this display screen H51, the depth of the FOV of the B-mode image B is considerably deeper than the bottom of the ROI. However, if the FOV is deep, the frame rate cannot be increased, so real-time (rea
l time) is worse. Therefore, the display screen H52 of FIG.
As shown in, the operator selects the FOV so that the depth obtained by adding a predetermined space to the bottom of the ROI is the depth of the FOV.
The depth of is reset and the real-time property is improved.

FIG. 10 is a second example of a display screen in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this display screen H53, R
The CFM image F is displayed in the OI. Here, when the operator wants to see the blood flow further below, the operator moves the position of the ROI downward or enlarges the size of the ROI downward. However, as shown in the display screen H54 of FIG.
The depth of the FOV of the mode image B becomes the downward movement limit of the ROI or the downward enlargement limit of the size. Therefore,
As shown in the display screen H55 of FIG. 12, the operator resets the depth of the FOV so that the desired portion can be entered, and thereafter,
The position of the ROI is moved downward or the size of the ROI is expanded downward.

[0004]

As described above, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the operator may have to reset the FOV of the B-mode image B when the position or size of the ROI is desired to be changed. there were. However, the operator
There is a problem in that it is a heavy burden to reset the ROI and change the position / size of the ROI. Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to
When changing the position and size of ROI, the F of B mode image
An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic image display method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that automatically optimize OV.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention displays a B-mode image generated based on data obtained by scanning the inside of a subject with ultrasonic waves, and the operator displays the B-mode image. An ultrasonic image display method for displaying an ultrasonic image that is not the same as the B-mode image in a ROI designated on the mode image, wherein the FOV of the B-mode image is tracked according to a change in the position or size of the ROI. There is provided an ultrasonic image display method characterized by automatically adjusting In the ultrasonic image display method according to the first aspect, when the position or size of the ROI is changed, the FOV is automatically adjusted to obtain an imaging field of view that is just enough for the ROI. Therefore, ROI
It is possible to reduce the operation load for the operator to reset the FOV according to the movement or size change of the.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic image display method having the above-mentioned structure, an ultrasonic image which is not the same as the B-mode image is subjected to a predetermined process for a CFM image, a B-Flow image and a B-mode image. There is provided an ultrasonic image display method characterized in that it is any one of the images subjected to. Second above
In the ultrasonic image display method from the point of view of the above, a predetermined process is applied to the CFM image in which the blood flow information is drawn in color, the B-Flow image in which the blood flow information is drawn in monochrome, and the B mode image in the ROI. Since the image is displayed, the diagnosis can be suitably performed.

In a third aspect, the present invention is characterized in that, in the ultrasonic image display method of the above construction, the depth of the FOV is the depth obtained by adding a predetermined space to the lowermost portion of the ROI after the change. A method for displaying an ultrasonic image is provided. In the ultrasonic image display method according to the third aspect, the changed R
Since a predetermined space is provided between the lowermost part of the OI and the deepest part of the FOV, an easy-to-see image can be displayed.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic image display method, characterized in that the operator sets the space in the ultrasonic image display method having the above configuration. In the ultrasonic image display method according to the fourth aspect, the size of the space can be customized according to the preference of the operator.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic image displaying method having the above-mentioned configuration, wherein an operator gives an instruction as to whether or not the FOV is automatically adjusted. provide. In the ultrasonic image display method according to the fifth aspect, the operator can arbitrarily select whether to automatically adjust the FOV according to the change of the ROI or maintain a constant FOV, and therefore, the usability is improved. Can be improved.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention is based on an ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic scanning means for scanning the inside of a subject using the ultrasonic probe, and data obtained by the scanning. B
A B-mode image generating means for generating a mode image, and an ROI for generating an ultrasonic image that is not the same as the B-mode image in the ROI designated on the B-mode image by the operator.
An internal ultrasonic image generation means, a control means for automatically adjusting the FOV of the B-mode image following changes in the position or size of the ROI, and a display means for displaying the B-mode image and the ultrasonic image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by being provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the sixth aspect can preferably implement the ultrasonic image display method according to the first aspect.

According to a seventh aspect, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the ultrasonic image which is not the same as the B-mode image is subjected to a predetermined process on the CFM image, the B-Flow image and the B-mode image. There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that it is any of the applied images. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh aspect can suitably implement the ultrasonic image display method according to the second aspect.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, the control means sets the depth obtained by adding a predetermined space to the bottom of the ROI after the change to the FOV.
Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a depth of. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eighth aspect can preferably implement the ultrasonic image display method according to the third aspect.

According to a ninth aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, further comprising space setting means for receiving the setting of the space from an operator. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the ninth aspect can suitably implement the ultrasonic image display method according to the fourth aspect.

In a tenth aspect, the present invention is characterized in that, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, it is provided with FOV automatic adjustment instruction means for receiving an instruction from an operator as to whether or not the FOV automatic adjustment is to be performed. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the tenth aspect,
The ultrasonic image display method according to the fifth aspect can be suitably implemented.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This ultrasonic diagnostic device 1
Reference numeral 00 denotes an ultrasonic probe 1, a transmission / reception unit 2 that transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 1, receives an echo corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 1, and outputs a reception signal, and generates B-mode data from the reception signal. A B-mode processing unit 3, a color Doppler processing unit 4 for generating CFM data from the received signal, and R
An operation unit 5 that receives designation of an OI and a change in the position and size of the ROI, a control unit 6 that adjusts the depth of the FOV in accordance with a change in the position and size of the ROI, and a B mode image from the B mode data. And an image processing unit 7 for generating a CFM image from the CFM data and synthesizing both images, and a display unit 8 for displaying the image.

Before explaining the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 in detail, the FO is tracked according to the change of the position and size of the ROI.
The principle of adjusting V will be described. First, as shown in the display screen Ho of FIG. 2A, the operator designates an arbitrary ROI on the B-mode image B. Then ROI
Displays a CFM image F. D is the distance between the shallowest part of the FOV and the uppermost part of the ROI. S is the vertical width of the ROI. When the operator determines that the ROI needs to be changed, the operator changes the position or size of the ROI. For example,
As shown in the display screen Ho ′ of FIG. 2B, when the ROI is moved downward by the movement distance δ, a part of the ROI protrudes from the imaging visual field (the protrusion amount is FOV, D, S,
determined by δ). Then, the display screen H of FIG.
As indicated by “o”, the control unit 8 adjusts the depth of the ROI after the movement to a predetermined space “a” from the bottom of the ROI after the adjustment of the FO.
Adjust the depth of the FOV to be the depth of V. In addition,
From the viewpoint of improving the real-time property of the image, it is preferable to perform scanning control so that the adjusted FOV can realize the maximum frame rate under a predetermined sound ray density condition. For simplification of the drawing, the region shapes of the B-mode image B and the ROI are rectangular (the B-mode image B may be fan-shaped, etc., and the ROI may be fan-shaped, circular, elliptical, curved, etc.).

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an ultrasonic image display process by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. In step T1, ultrasonic scanning is started with the ultrasonic probe 1 pressed against the body surface of the subject.

At step T2, B-mode image display is started. That is, the B-mode image generated by the B-mode processing unit 3 and the image processing unit 7 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 8. The FOV may be set by the operator (doctor or technician) or may be a default value. Step T
In 3, the operator uses the operation unit 5 to specify an arbitrary ROI on the B-mode image.

At step T4, CF is added to the ROI area.
Display M image. That is, the color Doppler processing unit 4
Then, the image processing unit 7 generates a CFM image relating to the ROI, and displays the CFM image superimposed on the B-mode image. At step T5, if the imaging is completed, the ultrasonic image display process is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step T6.

In step T6, it is determined whether the position or size of the ROI has been changed, and if so, step T7.
If not changed, the process returns to step T4. The operator grasps the blood flow state and the like from the CFM image in the ROI, and instructs the position change and the size change of the ROI by operating the buttons of the operation unit 5 or the mouse as necessary for diagnosis or the like.

At step T7, the changed content of ROI is R
If the OI is moved, the process proceeds to step T8, and if the ROI size is changed, the process proceeds to step T9.

In step T8, the FOV depth of the B-mode image is adjusted by following the bottom of the ROI after movement.
Then, the process returns to step T4. For example, as shown in the display screen H1 of FIG. 4A, the depth of FOV = 4
When a part of the ROI designated in the cm B-mode image B moves downward until it protrudes from the imaging field of view, the ROI after the movement is displayed as shown in the display screen H1 ′ of FIG.
Depth of a predetermined space a = 1 cm from the bottom of =
Let 6 cm be the adjusted FOV depth. Further, as shown in the display screen H2 of FIG. 5A, the depth of FOV = 8
When the designated ROI in the B mode image B of cm is moved upward, as shown in the display screen H2 ′ of FIG. 5B, a predetermined predetermined space a = 1 cm from the bottom of the ROI after the movement. The depth of the FOV after adjustment is 6 cm.

Returning to FIG. 3, in step T9, the FOV of the B mode image is tracked by following the bottom of the ROI after the size change.
Adjust the depth of. Then, the process returns to step T4.
For example, as shown in the display screen H3 of FIG.
RO specified in B-mode image B with OV depth = 4 cm
When the size is enlarged until a part of I protrudes from the imaging field of view, a predetermined space a = 1 from the bottom of the ROI after the size change, as shown in the display screen H3 ′ of FIG.
The depth of the FOV after adjustment is 6 cm without a depth of 6 cm. Further, as shown in the display screen H4 of (a) of FIG. 7, when the ROI designated in the B-mode image B having the depth of FOV = 8 cm is reduced upward, the display screen H4 of (b) of FIG. As shown in ', the depth = 6 with a predetermined space a = 1 cm from the bottom of the ROI after size change.
Let cm be the FOV depth after adjustment.

According to the above ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, R
Since the FOV depth of the B-mode image B is adjusted in accordance with the change of the position or size of the OI, it is possible to automatically adjust the ROI after the change to an imaging field of view that is sufficient.

The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 may be changed as follows. (1) Space a that defines the distance between the bottom of the changed ROI and the adjusted depth of the FOV (FIGS. 2 and 4 to 7)
May be set by the operator. For example, the space a is adjusted by operating the numeric keys of the operation unit 5 to input the space a numerically or operating the dial while observing the CFM image F. In this case, it is possible to customize the size of the space a according to the individual difference of the operator's screen preference. (2) Automatic adjustment of FOV (steps T8 and T9 in FIG. 3)
The operator may instruct whether or not to perform. For example, the FOV is automatically adjusted temporarily only while the "automatic adjustment button" of the operation unit 5 is pressed, and the B-mode image B is displayed at a constant FOV while the FOV is not pressed. In this case, the operator can arbitrarily select whether to automatically adjust the FOV according to the change of the ROI or maintain a constant FOV, so that the usability can be further improved. (3) An ultrasonic image other than the CFM image may be displayed in the ROI designated by the operator. For example, in the ROI, B
-By displaying a flow image, it becomes possible to grasp blood flow information and the like even in monochrome display, and by displaying an image obtained by performing a predetermined process on a B-mode image, it is possible to suitably diagnose the affected area. Become.

[0027]

According to the ultrasonic image display method and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the operator's burden of resetting the FOV for moving or changing the size of the ROI can be reduced.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the real-time property by scanning with the FOV being unnecessarily deep. Also, the current FO
The position of the ROI can be freely moved below the deepest part of V and the size of the ROI can be enlarged.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of FOV adjustment according to the ultrasonic image display method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic image display process by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen when the ROI is moved downward.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen when the ROI is moved upward.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen when the ROI is enlarged.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen when the ROI is reduced.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing a first example of an image display screen in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 9 is another exemplary view showing an image display screen in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing a second example of an image display screen in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 11 is still another exemplary view showing a display screen of an image in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 12 is still another exemplary view showing a display screen of an image in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 transceiver 3 B-mode processing unit 4 Color Doppler processing section 5 Operation part 6 control unit 7 Image processing section 8 Display

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hiroaki Kataoka             127, 4-7 Asahigaoka, Hino City, Tokyo             GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd.             Within F-term (reference) 4C301 CC02 EE13 EE14 KK02 KK03                       KK07 KK08 KK12 KK21 KK22                       KK30 LL04                 4C601 EE11 JB55 JC37 KK02 KK03                       KK09 KK10 KK12 KK18 KK19                       KK23 KK24 KK31 LL01 LL02

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A B-mode image generated based on data obtained by scanning the inside of a subject with ultrasonic waves is displayed, and the B-mode image is displayed within an ROI designated by the operator on the B-mode image. An ultrasonic image displaying method for displaying an ultrasonic image which is not the same as the above-mentioned, wherein:
An ultrasonic image display method characterized by automatically adjusting the FOV of a mode image. 2. The ultrasonic image display method according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic image that is not the same as the B-mode image is
An ultrasonic image display method, which is one of a CFM image, a B-Flow image, and an image obtained by performing a predetermined process on a B-mode image. 3. The ultrasonic image display method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a depth obtained by adding a predetermined space to a lowermost portion of the changed ROI is set as a depth of the FOV. Ultrasonic image display method. 4. The ultrasonic image display method according to claim 3, wherein an operator sets the space. 5. The ultrasonic image display method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an operator instructs whether or not to automatically adjust the FOV. Method. 6. An ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic scanning means for scanning the inside of a subject using the ultrasonic probe, and a B-mode for generating a B-mode image based on the data obtained by the scanning. Image generation means, and an intra-ROI ultrasonic image generation means for generating an ultrasonic image that is not the same as the B-mode image in the ROI designated by the operator on the B-mode image;
Following the change in the position or size of the ROI, the B
A control means for automatically adjusting the FOV of the mode image;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a mode image and a display unit for displaying the ultrasonic image. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the ultrasonic image that is not the same as the B-mode image is CF
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that it is any one of an M image, a B-Flow image, and an image obtained by subjecting a B mode image to predetermined processing. 8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control means is the RO after the change.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the depth obtained by adding a predetermined space to the lowermost part of I is the depth of FOV. 9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising space setting means for receiving setting of the space from an operator. 10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising FOV automatic adjustment instruction means for receiving an instruction from an operator as to whether or not to automatically adjust the FOV. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: