JP2004195252A - Ultrasonic image diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide ultrasonic image diagnostic equipment capable of controlling a plurality of parts, which have separate housings, by one operation table and enhanced in operability. <P>SOLUTION: This ultrasonic image diagnostic equipment is equipped with the operation table which detects a part where a power supply is in an ON-state among a plurality of the parts having the separate housings to control operation only with respect to the function of the detected part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that obtains an ultrasonic tomographic image by scanning an ultrasonic transducer.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been proposed an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave into a living body while performing a three-dimensional scan such as a spiral scan that combines a radial scan and a linear scan.

  An example of such an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus is described in JP-A-6-30937. This ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus captures echo data of a test site as a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images (see FIG. 3 in the embodiment of the present invention).

  However, such an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus requires a special ultrasonic probe for performing spiral scan and a special driving device, which has been a factor of increasing costs.

  Correspondingly, there has been proposed an apparatus capable of constructing a three-dimensional image by using a general-purpose ultrasonic probe for performing a radial scan or a general-purpose driving apparatus without requiring the above-described special apparatus.

  Among the devices proposed in this way, for example, one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-261900 has a structure in which at least one of a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic field detecting means is disposed at the tip of an ultrasonic probe, The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus is configured to construct a three-dimensional image from an ultrasonic tomographic image based on position coordinates and tilt angle data detected with the movement.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-285069, an acceleration detecting means is disposed at the tip of an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic tomographic image is detected based on a position calculated from a detection signal detected as the ultrasonic probe moves. An ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus for constructing a three-dimensional image from images is described.

  Incidentally, an ultrasonic probe used in a body cavity generally acquires an ultrasonic tomographic image by protruding from an end of an endoscope through an insertion portion of the endoscope. This is because the distal end of an ordinary endoscope is provided with an optical system and a bending mechanism that can change the optical observation direction to a desired direction. This is because it is possible to easily change the direction while inserting the desired organ while observing with an optical system.

  Furthermore, when used in this way, after confirming the lesion by observing the ultrasonic tomographic image, the ultrasonic probe can be removed from the insertion portion, and various treatments can be performed by inserting forceps and the like.

  In addition, since an endoscope is usually more resilient than an ultrasonic probe, it attempts to acquire an ultrasonic tomographic image of a desired region in a lumen having a complicated shape such as intestine, pancreatic duct, and bile duct. When the ultrasonic probe is inserted, it is advantageous to insert the ultrasonic probe together with the endoscope or to insert the ultrasonic probe from the insertion portion after inserting the endoscope, since the insertion does not require skill. .

  In order to obtain the above-described effects, in the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-51267, the ultrasonic probe is projected from the distal end portion of the endoscope through the insertion portion of the endoscope, and the ultrasonic probe is inserted. A three-dimensional image is constructed from an ultrasonic tomographic image based on data on the amount of protrusion of the ultrasonic probe calculated from the amount of expansion and contraction of the probe advance / retreat means provided at the entrance of the unit.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of switching and connecting a plurality of ultrasonic probes and automatically setting the receiving sensitivity by the switching operation.

  As such an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus, for example, an apparatus described in JP-A-2-99043 is set by a gain setting means such as a semi-fixed resistor, a switch group, and a ROM provided in an ultrasonic probe. On the basis of the gain, the gain of a variable gain amplifier for amplifying the reception signal of the ultrasonic transducer is controlled.

  With such a configuration, simply connecting the ultrasonic probe to the observation device corrects the excitation frequency of the vibrator and the variation in the receiving sensitivity caused by the incorporation of the vibrator, and obtains a received signal with a constant sensitivity. It is something that can be done.

  Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that performs various types of image processing such as constructing a three-dimensional image has a housing separate from a part that creates an ultrasonic tomographic image from echo data and a part that performs image processing. In many cases. This is because a user who needs only an ultrasonic examination using an ultrasonic tomographic image can purchase the apparatus at a low cost by purchasing only a part for creating an ultrasonic tomographic image.

  In addition, a part that creates an image from echo data such as an ultrasonic tomographic image and a part that creates an image other than an image obtained from echo data such as an endoscope image are also configured as separate housings. However, for the same reason as above, users who need only ultrasonography or only endoscopy should purchase the necessary parts at low cost by purchasing only the necessary parts. This is because

  However, in an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that obtains an ultrasonic tomographic image by inserting an ultrasonic probe into an insertion portion of an endoscope as described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-51267, the outside of the ultrasonic probe is used. Since the diameter is limited to the inner diameter of the endoscope insertion portion or less, the opening of the ultrasonic transducer cannot be made large. For this reason, there is a problem that the image quality of the obtained ultrasonic tomographic image is inferior to that of the ultrasonic endoscope that scans the ultrasonic transducer disposed at the distal end of the endoscope.

  Further, an apparatus described in the above-mentioned JP-A-6-261900 or JP-A-6-285069 also includes an ultrasonic endoscope as an ultrasonic probe in a broad sense. It includes a device in which a position detecting means such as a magnetic sensor or an acceleration sensor is disposed at the tip of the endoscope. However, if the position detecting means is always provided at the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope, the distal end becomes significantly heavy. Therefore, when performing an inspection for a purpose different from an inspection for constructing a three-dimensional image, for example, performing a biopsy by inserting forceps into the insertion portion, the operability of the ultrasonic endoscope is impaired. There were also problems.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to obtain an ultrasonic tomographic image with good image quality and construct three-dimensional data from the ultrasonic tomographic image, and to use the ultrasonic tomographic image for other purposes. It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of performing an examination with good operability.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of controlling a plurality of portions having separate housings with one console and improving operability.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present invention detects a power-on part of a plurality of parts having separate housings and controls operation only for a function of the power-on part. It is characterized by having an operation console to perform.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to acquire an ultrasonic tomographic image with good image quality and to construct three-dimensional data from the ultrasonic tomographic image, and to perform an inspection with good operability when used for other purposes. Can be.

  Further, a plurality of parts having separate housings can be controlled by one console, and operability can be improved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope and a position detection catheter of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic observation unit and an ultrasonic image processing unit of the diagnostic imaging apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data of a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images. FIG. It is a figure showing an example of the constructed three-dimensional image.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 has an elongated insertion section 3 for insertion into a body cavity from an operation section 2 on the hand side, while the operation section is An ultrasonic cable 5 extends from the side of the cable 2.

  The operation unit 2 has a plurality of operation buttons 14 disposed on a side surface on the hand side and a forceps port 15a disposed so as to partially protrude from a side surface on the distal end side, and has a DC motor 9 and a DC motor 9 therein. And a flexible shaft 8 having one end connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 9.

  A signal line 11 connected to the DC motor 9 is provided in the ultrasonic cable 5.

  A forceps channel 15 as an insertion portion communicating with the forceps port 15 a is provided in the insertion portion 3, and the other end thereof communicates with a projection port 15 b provided on the distal end hard portion 4 of the insertion portion 3. are doing.

  The distal end hard portion 4 of the insertion portion 3 has an ultrasonic vibrator 7 in a cap 6 at the distal end.

  The ultrasonic vibrator 7 is attached to the other end of the flexible shaft 8 and is driven by a DC motor 9. The echo signal obtained from the ultrasonic transducer 7 is transmitted to the ultrasonic observation unit 13 via the flexible shaft 8, the DC motor 9, the signal line 11 in the ultrasonic cable 5, and the signal line (not shown) in the ultrasonic connector 12. Is entered.

  In the forceps channel 15 of the ultrasonic endoscope 1, a position detection catheter 17 having a magnetic sensor 16 at a distal end thereof is inserted through a forceps port 15 a which is an entrance thereof and protrudes from a projection port 15 b which is an exit. It is supposed to be.

  The position signal detected by the magnetic sensor 16 is input to the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 via the position signal cable 18 of the position detection catheter 17.

  Note that the distal end hard portion 4 near the magnetic sensor 16, that is, the cap 6, the vicinity of the projecting opening 15 b of the forceps channel 15, the distal end portion of the flexible shaft 8, and the like disturb the magnetic field around the magnetic sensor 16. For example, it is made of a non-magnetic material such as titanium.

  A magnetic source 19 is provided at a position outside the ultrasonic endoscope 1 and outside the subject, and is connected to the inside of the ultrasonic image processing unit 21.

  The image data of the ultrasonic tomographic image from the ultrasonic observation unit 13 is displayed on the observation monitor 22 in real time, and is input to and recorded in the recording unit 23 provided in the ultrasonic image processing unit 21. It has become.

  The magnetic sensor 16 and the magnetic source 19 are connected to a position signal processing unit 24 provided in the ultrasonic image processing unit 21, and the position data calculated by the position signal processing unit 24 is stored in the recording unit. 23 and is recorded together with the image data.

  The output of the recording unit 23 is displayed on an image processing monitor 26 after being input to a three-dimensional processing unit 25 and subjected to predetermined processing.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of such an embodiment will be described.

  When performing ultrasonic observation, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, and the DC motor 9 is rotated to rotate the ultrasonic vibrator 7 attached to the distal end of the flexible shaft 8. Drive.

  Thus, the ultrasonic vibrator 7 radially transmits the ultrasonic waves in a direction (that is, a radial direction) perpendicular to the axial direction (insertion direction) of the distal end hard portion 4 and reflects the ultrasonic waves at a portion where the acoustic impedance of the subject changes. Received reflected ultrasonic waves (echo signals).

  The echo signal obtained by the radial scan is input to the ultrasonic observation unit 13, combined with image data forming an ultrasonic tomographic image, and displayed on the observation monitor 22 in real time.

  On the other hand, this image data is also input to the recording unit 23 and recorded. That is, when the ultrasonic transducer 7 performs a radial scan for one rotation, image data for one ultrasonic tomographic image output from the ultrasonic observation unit 13 is recorded in the recording unit 23. .

  On the other hand, the magnetic source 19 creates a magnetic field in the surrounding space, and the magnetic sensor 16 senses the magnetic field and outputs a voltage corresponding to the magnetic field to the position signal processing unit 24 as a position signal.

  The position signal processing unit 24 determines the position and the inclination angle of the magnetic sensor 16 with respect to the magnetic source 19 from the obtained position signal, and position data (X, Y, Z; ψ, φ, θ) with the magnetic source 19 as the origin. Is calculated in real time.

  The position data is input to the recording unit 23, and is recorded synchronously when image data for one ultrasonic tomographic image is input from the ultrasonic observation unit 13.

  By repeating such an operation, the image data of a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images obtained by the radial scan of the ultrasonic transducer 7 is recorded in the recording unit 23 together with the position data of the magnetic sensor 16 corresponding thereto. You.

  That is, when the user moves the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 1 little by little while radially scanning the ultrasonic transducer 7, image data of a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images as shown in FIG. Is recorded in the recording unit 23 together with the corresponding position data.

  At this time, when the distal end hard portion 4 of the ultrasonic endoscope 1 moves by the above-described configuration, the magnetic sensor 16 moves by the same distance in the same direction as the distal end hard portion 4. The obtained position data may be used as it is as data relating to mutual positions and inclination angles of a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images.

  Next, the three-dimensional processing unit 25 obtains image data of a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images from the recording unit 23, performs an averaging process on overlapping portions of these image data, and By performing an interpolation process between the two, three-dimensional data having (X, Y, Z) as coordinates with a certain point as the origin is formed.

  Further, the three-dimensional processing unit 25 constructs a three-dimensional image as shown in FIG. 4 based on the three-dimensional data by a known method such as section setting, and outputs the three-dimensional image to the image processing monitor 26. 26 displays such a three-dimensional image.

  As shown in the figure, the coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is clearly shown in the three-dimensional image, and the origin is set at the back as the intersection of each coordinate axis, so that the spatial position of the region of interest can be easily determined. Can be grasped.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the forceps channel 15 functions as an insertion unit, the magnetic sensor 16 functions as a position detection unit, and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 including the three-dimensional processing unit 25 functions as a three-dimensional processing unit. It has become.

  According to such a first embodiment, an ultrasonic endoscope acquires an ultrasonic tomographic image by scanning an ultrasonic transducer, and a position detection catheter inserted through a forceps channel is used to detect a position signal by a magnetic sensor. Since the ultrasonic image processing unit synchronously acquires a position signal from the magnetic sensor and a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images from the ultrasonic endoscope to form three-dimensional data, An ultrasonic tomographic image with good image quality can be acquired to form three-dimensional data.

  Further, three-dimensional data can be configured using a general-purpose ultrasonic endoscope without using a special driving device or a special ultrasonic probe.

  Further, when the ultrasonic endoscope is used for a purpose other than constructing three-dimensional data, the position detecting catheter can be removed from the forceps channel, so that the inspection can be performed with good operability.

  After observing the three-dimensional image, the position detection catheter is removed from the forceps channel, and various treatments such as biopsy can be performed by inserting forceps or the like. For that purpose, three-dimensional data can be configured in the routine inspection.

  In the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-30937, distortion appears in a three-dimensional image due to camera shake, pulsation, or blur due to body movement such as respiratory movement. The distortion can be corrected.

  Further, since the tip hard portion is made of a non-magnetic material such as titanium, the position can be accurately detected without disturbing the magnetic field around the magnetic sensor.

  FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different points will be mainly described.

  In this embodiment, the spatial positions of the magnetic sensor 16 and the magnetic source 19 described in the first embodiment are interchanged. That is, the magnetic source 19 is provided at the distal end of the position detecting catheter 17 (see FIG. 1), and the magnetic sensor 16 is provided outside. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

  The position signal processing unit 24 calculates the position data of the magnetic source 19 in real time based on the position signal output from the magnetic sensor 16.

  In the first embodiment described above, the position signal processing unit 24 determines the position and the inclination angle of the magnetic sensor 16 with respect to the magnetic source 19 based on the position signal, and the position data (X, Y, Z; ψ, φ, θ).

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since only the relative positional relationship between the magnetic sensor 16 and the magnetic source 19 is changed, the position data of the magnetic source 19 with respect to the magnetic sensor 16 is calculated in the same manner. Can be. Other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the magnetic source 19 functions as a position detecting unit.

  According to the second embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. In the third embodiment, the same portions as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different points will be mainly described.

  In this embodiment, instead of the magnetic sensor 16 and the magnetic source 19 described in the first embodiment, an acceleration sensor 28 is provided at the distal end of a position detection catheter 17.

  In addition, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 has a position signal processing start button 14a at substantially the same position as the operation button 14 shown in FIG. 4, and the position signal processing start button 14a is positioned via a control line. It is connected to the signal processing unit 24. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described.

  The position signal processing unit 24 starts operating in response to an input from the position signal processing start button 14a via a control line.

  The acceleration sensor 28 detects acceleration applied in the X, Y, and Z directions, and outputs a voltage proportional to the acceleration to the position signal processing unit 24 as a position signal.

  The position signal processing unit 24 calculates the speed of the acceleration sensor 28 by integrating the position signals in the X, Y, and Z directions with time. Note that the integration constant at this time is 0. Further, by integrating this speed with time, the coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the acceleration sensor 28 are calculated as position data. The integration constant at this time is also set to 0.

  In the above description, each integration constant is set to 0, which means that the acceleration sensor 28 was at the origin at time 0 and was stationary. That is, in this case, the position data calculated by the position signal processing unit 24 corresponds to the amount by which the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope 1 has stopped at time 0 and has been displaced from the state at the origin.

  By the way, in order to form three-dimensional data, it is only necessary to know the relative positional relationship between a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images, so that time 0 and the origin can be arbitrarily set.

  Therefore, in actual use, the user stops the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope 1 and presses the position signal processing start button 14a to start the operation of the position signal processing unit 24. Then, the selected position data coincides with the coordinates where the time (the rest time of the acceleration sensor 28) is 0 and the point (the rest point of the acceleration sensor 28) is the origin.

  Further, a series of processing by the position signal processing unit 24 is performed in real time. Other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 28 functions as a position detecting unit.

  According to the third embodiment, by using the acceleration sensor, substantially the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

  7 to 11 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic observation unit and an ultrasonic image processing unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detection code corresponding to a power-on state, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the image processing monitor when the section display menu is selected, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a processing monitor, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a keyboard having a keypad is operated.

  In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different points will be mainly described.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of this embodiment includes a keyboard 33 having a liquid crystal touch panel 34 with a variable display menu, in addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment.

  Further, the ultrasonic observation unit 13 is provided with an observation control unit 31 that controls each component in accordance with an input from the keyboard 33.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 is provided with an image processing control unit 32 that controls each component including the recording unit 23 and the three-dimensional processing unit 25 based on an input from the keyboard 33.

  The control line 31 a from the observation control unit 31 is connected to the image processing control unit 32, and the control line 32 a from the image processing control unit 32 is connected to the keyboard 33.

  These control lines 31a and 32a are used not only for communication of control commands but also for the purpose of communicating 2-bit detection codes related to the power supply state as shown in FIG.

  Other configurations are almost the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.

  The observation control unit 31 of the ultrasonic observation unit 13 supplies “01” as a detection code to the image processing control unit 32 of the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 via the control line 31a when the power is turned on and in the on state. Output.

  In addition, the observation control unit 31 outputs “00” as a detection code when in the off state.

  That is, the lower one bit of the detection code is a code for detecting the power-on state of the ultrasonic observation unit 13, where "1" indicates an ON state and "0" indicates an OFF state.

  On the other hand, the upper one bit of the detection code is a code for detecting the power-on state of the ultrasonic image processing unit 21. The image processing control unit 32 of the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 determines that the value of the detection code input from the observation control unit 31 via the control line 31a is “10” when in the on state and “00” when in the off state. Is added. Then, the added value is output to the keyboard 33 via the control line 32a.

  The power-on state of the ultrasonic observation unit 13 and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 is detected by the keyboard 33 by the detection code as shown in FIG.

  When the ultrasonic observation unit 13 is in the ON state and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 is in the OFF state, that is, when the detection code is “01”, the liquid crystal touch panel 34 of the keyboard 33 outputs the ultrasonic wave. Only menus necessary for controlling the observation unit 13 are displayed.

  Examples of these menus include gain, contrast, and STC (Sensitivity Time Control) for adjusting the amplification factor of the echo signal, and freeze and freeze cancellation for controlling the radial scan of the ultrasonic vibrator 7.

  When, for example, freeze is selected from these menus, a predetermined command is output from the keyboard 33 as a code.

  This code is directly sent to the observation control unit 31 via the control line 32a, the image processing control unit 32, and the control line 31a, and the observation control unit 31 transmits the DC motor signal via the signal line 11 in the ultrasonic cable 5. 9 is stopped. This stops the radial scan.

  When it is desired to perform the radial scan again, it is sufficient to select a freeze release menu from the menu displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 34. At this time, the image processing control unit 32 does not participate in the control.

  On the other hand, when the ultrasonic observation unit 13 is in the off state and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 is in the on state, that is, when the detection code is “10”, the liquid crystal touch panel 34 performs the ultrasonic image processing. Only menus necessary for controlling the unit 21 are displayed.

  As an example of these menus, three-dimensional data is formed from image data and position data recorded in the recording unit 23, and the three-dimensional data is subjected to image processing in various modes as shown in FIGS. Menus related to functions necessary for display on the monitor 26 are listed. That is, for example, the “section display menu” 34a and the “three-dimensional display menu” 34b as shown in FIG. 7 are a part of the menu displayed at this time.

  Here, an example of the operation of the three-dimensional processing unit 25 when these menus are selected will be described.

  First, a case will be described in which, for example, a “section display menu” 34 a is selected on the liquid crystal touch panel 34.

  At this time, the three-dimensional processing unit 25 cuts the three-dimensional data by orthogonal cutting lines △, △, ×, and +, and displays the three-dimensional data on the image processing monitor 26 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the image shown in FIG. 9 and the three-dimensional image shown in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, the same symbols △, ×, ×, + are given to the cross sections (ranges surrounded by thick frames) obtained by cutting along the cutting lines △, △, ×, +. These cross sections ○, Δ, ×, + shown in FIG. 9 are three-dimensionally shown in FIG.

  That is, both the cross section x and the cross section + are parallel to the XY plane, that is, the cross sections are parallel to each other. Further, since the cross-section は is a cross-section parallel to the YZ plane and the cross-section △ is a cross-section parallel to the ZX plane, these cross-section と and cross-section △ are perpendicular to the cross-section × and the cross-section + and perpendicular to each other. It has a cross section.

  Thus, the cutting lines ○, Δ, ×, + indicate the positions of the cross sections ○, Δ, ×, +, respectively.

  Image data having the gradation of the echo signal is displayed on each section shown in FIG. 9 as described above. Further, on the liquid crystal touch panel 34, a menu for moving each cutting line ○, Δ, ×, + is also displayed, and each cross section is updated in conjunction with this movement.

  Next, a case where the “stereoscopic display menu” 34b is further selected on the liquid crystal touch panel 34 from this state will be described.

  In this case, the three-dimensional processing unit 25 displays a three-dimensional image as shown in FIG. 4 on the image processing monitor 26 based on the selected cross section.

  Finally, when the ultrasonic observation unit 13 is on and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 is on, that is, when the detection code is “11”, the liquid crystal touch panel 34 Both menus necessary for controlling the observation unit 13 and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 are displayed.

  Other operations are almost the same as those of the first embodiment.

  As described above, the method of expressing the three-dimensional data configured by the three-dimensional processing unit 25 uses a symbol that clearly indicates a mutual positional relationship as illustrated in FIG. 9 in addition to the three-dimensional image illustrated in FIG. It may be an image of a plurality of cross sections attached with (markers).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the magnetic sensor 16 functions as a position detection unit, and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 including the three-dimensional processing unit 25 functions as an image processing unit. The liquid crystal touch panel 34 functions as a menu selection unit, and the keyboard 33 functions as a console.

  In the present embodiment, the keyboard 33 provided with the liquid crystal touch panel 34 is used as the operation console. However, even if the liquid crystal touch panel 34 is not provided, the keyboard corresponding to the portion where the power is off is not operated. Is also good.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal touch panel 34 is used as the menu selection means, but other devices not using liquid crystal may be used.

  For example, FIG. 11 shows a modification of the fourth embodiment.

  The keyboard 36 has a keypad 37. As shown in FIG. 11A, the keypad 37 is divided into a total of nine areas by dividing the area into, for example, three in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a menu corresponding to each function is assigned to each area. ing.

  When a finger or the like touches, for example, an area assigned to the cutting line 内 among these nine divided areas, the keypad 37 is set to a mode for moving the cutting line に shown in FIG. 9 (hereinafter, a trace mode). Transition.

  Then, when the user moves his / her finger left and right on the keypad 37 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11B, the cutting line O moves in the direction in which the left or right finger is moved in FIG. The image is displayed on the image processing monitor 26.

  When the keypad 37 shifts to the mode for moving the cutting line に shown in FIG. 9, a message such as “The keypad is in the trace mode” is output on the image processing monitor 26.

  In this way, the keypad 37 is configured so that the role of selecting a function and the role of moving a cutting line or a cursor on the screen can be selectively used by switching modes.

  In this modification, the keypad 37 functions as a menu selection unit.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic observation unit 13 and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21 have been described as a plurality of parts having separate housings. However, for example, an image is obtained from echo data such as an ultrasonic tomographic image. A combination of a part to be created and a part to create an image other than an image obtained from echo data, such as an X-ray image, an MR (nuclear magnetic resonance) image, a video endoscope image, or the like may be used.

  According to the fourth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the above-described first to third embodiments can be obtained, and the keyboard has a plurality of parts having separate housings, that is, the ultrasonic observation. Unit and the ultrasonic image processing unit are configured to detect the power-on part of the unit and enable the operation only for the function of the power-on part. A plurality of parts having a body casing can be controlled, and operability is improved.

  12 and 13 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic observation unit, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of a structure of a mirror and an ultrasonic observation part.

  In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different points will be mainly described.

  The ultrasonic endoscope 1 is provided with a RAM 41, which is connected to a later-described write control circuit 46 and a read control circuit 47 in the ultrasonic observation unit 13 via signal lines.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic observation unit 13 includes a pulsar 42 that applies a voltage pulse to excite the ultrasonic vibrator 7 when observing an ultrasonic tomographic image, and an output destination of an echo signal from the ultrasonic vibrator 7. Is switched to one of a transducer sensitivity correction section 44 and an amplifier 48, which will be described later, a transducer sensitivity correction section 44 for correcting the reception sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer 7, and data recorded in the RAM 41 are read out. Control circuit 47, an amplifier 48 for amplifying the echo signal from the ultrasonic transducer 7, an A / D converter 49 for converting the amplified echo signal into a digital signal, and displaying the digital signal on the observation monitor 22. A digital scan converter (abbreviated as DSC in the figure) 50 that performs coordinate conversion so that the image data is converted, and a frame memory 51 that stores image data that has been subjected to coordinate conversion. It is configured by a D / A converter 52 for converting an analog signal to be able to display the image data to the observation monitor 22.

  Further, the vibrator sensitivity correction unit 44 includes a reception voltage detection circuit 45 and a write control circuit 46 for recording data in the RAM 41. It is connected to a circuit 45.

  The frame memory 51 is connected to the observation monitor 22 and the ultrasonic image processing unit 21.

  Note that the above-described ultrasonic endoscope 1 and the ultrasonic observation unit 13 are connected via the ultrasonic connector 12 as shown in FIG. 2, and the ultrasonic observation unit 13 is connected to another ultrasonic endoscope. It can also be connected to a mirror.

  Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described.

  First, sensitivity data for correcting the receiving sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer 7 is recorded. At that time, the switch 43 switches the output destination of the echo signal to the reception voltage detection circuit 45 of the transducer sensitivity correction unit 44. The operation at this time will be described below.

  The reception voltage detection circuit 45 applies a reference voltage to the ultrasonic vibrator 7, converts the reception voltage of an echo (not shown) from the subject into sensitivity data which is digital data, and outputs the sensitivity data to the write control circuit 46. . The write control circuit 46 records the sensitivity data in the RAM 41 in the ultrasonic endoscope 1.

  Next, the operation when the ultrasonic tomographic image is observed by the observation monitor 22 will be described.

  At this time, the switch 43 switches the output destination of the echo signal to the amplifier 48. On the other hand, the read control circuit 47 reads the sensitivity data from the RAM 41 and determines the gain of the amplifier 48 based on the sensitivity data.

  The amplifier 48 amplifies the echo signal with the determined gain. After that, the amplified echo signal is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 49, coordinate-converted by a digital scan converter 50, and then transmitted through a frame memory 51 and a D / A converter 52 to an ultrasonic wave. It is output to the observation monitor 22 as a tomographic image.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 is an ultrasonic probe, the amplifier 48 is a variable gain amplifier, the ultrasonic observation unit 13 is an observation unit, the readout control circuit 47 is a gain control unit, and the RAM 41 is a The vibrator sensitivity correction unit 44 including the write control circuit 46 functions as a write unit as a gain setting unit and a storage unit.

  Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the reception voltage of the echo from the subject is converted into sensitivity data which is digital data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. This may be received by the reception voltage detection circuit 45. In this case, the switch 43 becomes unnecessary.

  Then, in the case of operating, the reception voltage from the hydrophone 53 may be detected by the reception voltage detection circuit 45 after the pulsar 42 applies a reference voltage to the ultrasonic vibrator 7.

  In the present embodiment, the transducer sensitivity correction unit 44 may be provided separately from the ultrasonic observation unit 13 as an inspection jig. With this configuration, the sensitivity data can be easily recorded in the RAM 41 by using this inspection jig at the time of shipment at a factory or at the time of periodic inspection after shipment.

  According to the fifth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the above-described first to fourth embodiments can be obtained, and the ultrasonic observation unit selectively connects the ultrasonic endoscope and performs the write control. The circuit stores the acoustic characteristics of the ultrasonic vibrator in the RAM, and the readout control circuit connects the ultrasonic endoscope as an ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic observation unit and the gain of the amplifier based on the gain set in the RAM. , It is possible to correct the variation in the receiving sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer including the change with time by simply connecting the ultrasonic probe to the observation device.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) An ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus including an insertion portion and an ultrasonic transducer, and having an ultrasonic endoscope that obtains an ultrasonic tomographic image by scanning the ultrasonic transducer.
A position detection catheter that is used by being inserted into the insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope, and has a position detection unit at the distal end of the catheter,
A three-dimensional processing unit configured to acquire three-dimensional data by synchronizing a position signal from the position detection unit and a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images from the ultrasonic endoscope;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising:

  According to the configuration of the above (1), the ultrasonic endoscope obtains an ultrasonic tomographic image by scanning the ultrasonic transducer, and the position detecting catheter inserted through the insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope is used. A position signal is output by position detection means provided at the distal end of the catheter, and the three-dimensional processing means synchronizes the position signal from the position detection means with a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images from the ultrasonic endoscope. To obtain three-dimensional data.

(2) The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to (1), wherein the three-dimensional processing means constructs a three-dimensional image based on the three-dimensional data.

  According to the configuration (2), the three-dimensional processing means constructs a three-dimensional image based on the three-dimensional data.

(3) The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the position detecting means is a magnetic sensor that detects a position by a magnetic field.

  According to the above configuration (3), the magnetic sensor detects the position by the magnetic field.

(4) The superposition according to (1) or (2), wherein the position detecting means is a magnetic source for generating a magnetic field, and includes a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field generated from the magnetic source. Ultrasound image diagnostic device.

  According to the configuration (4), the magnetic source emits a magnetic field, and the magnetic sensor detects the position by detecting the magnetic field emitted from the magnetic source.

(5) The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to (3) or (4), wherein the position detection catheter and the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope are formed of a non-magnetic material.

(6) The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the position detecting means is an acceleration sensor that detects a position by acceleration.

  According to the configuration of (6), the acceleration sensor detects the position based on the acceleration.

  According to the invention described in Supplementary Notes (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6), an ultrasonic tomographic image with good image quality is obtained, and the ultrasonic tomographic image is obtained. Three-dimensional data can be constructed from the images.

  In addition, three-dimensional data can be configured using a general-purpose ultrasonic endoscope without using a special driving device or a special ultrasonic probe.

  Further, when used for purposes other than the construction of three-dimensional data, the position detecting means and the position detecting catheter can be removed from the insertion portion, so that the inspection can be performed with good operability.

  After observing the three-dimensional image, the position detection catheter is removed from the insertion portion, and various treatments such as biopsy can be performed by inserting, for example, forceps. For that purpose, three-dimensional data can be configured in the routine inspection.

  In addition, in the apparatus described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-30937, distortion appears in a three-dimensional image due to camera shake, pulsation, or blur due to body movement such as respiratory movement. This can also be corrected.

  According to the invention described in the supplementary note (5), in addition to the above-described effects, since the position detecting catheter and the distal end of the ultrasonic endoscope are formed of a nonmagnetic material, it is possible to disturb the magnetic field around the magnetic sensor. And the position can be accurately detected.

  By the way, the apparatus described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-99043 can re-correct the gain once set, especially when the gain setting means is constituted by a device which cannot be rewritten. could not. On the other hand, since the receiving sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer is affected by a change with time, it is necessary to re-correct the gain. For this reason, this device has a problem in that it may not be possible to obtain a reception signal having a constant sensitivity.

  Therefore, a second object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of correcting variations in the receiving sensitivity of an ultrasonic transducer, including temporal changes, by simply connecting an ultrasonic probe to an observation apparatus. Is to do.

  In order to achieve the second object, the apparatus is configured as shown in the following supplementary notes (7), (8) and (9).

(7) an ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic transducer;
An observation unit that includes a variable gain amplifier that amplifies a reception signal by the ultrasonic transducer, and selectively connects the ultrasonic probe,
Gain setting means provided on the ultrasonic probe, for setting the gain in the variable gain amplifier,
Gain control means for controlling the gain of the variable gain amplifier based on the gain set by the gain setting means in a state where the ultrasonic probe is connected to the observation means,
In an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising
The gain setting means includes storage means for storing acoustic characteristics of the ultrasonic transducer, and the storage means further includes writing means for storing acoustic characteristics of the ultrasonic transducer. Diagnostic imaging device.

  According to the configuration (7), the observation unit selectively connects the ultrasonic probe, the writing unit stores the acoustic characteristics of the ultrasonic transducer in the storage unit, and the gain setting unit is stored in the storage unit. The gain of the variable gain amplifier is set according to the acoustic characteristics, and the gain control means controls the gain of the variable gain amplifier based on the gain set by the gain setting means with the ultrasonic probe connected to the observation means.

(8) The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to (7), wherein the storage means is configured by a rewritable memory.

(9) The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to (7) or (8), wherein the writing unit is provided separately from the observation unit.

  According to the invention described in Supplementary Note (7), (8), or (9), the variability of the receiving sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer including the temporal change is corrected by simply connecting the ultrasonic probe to the observation device. be able to.

  According to the invention described in the supplementary note (9), in addition to the above-described effects, since the writing means and the observation means are provided separately, for example, at the time of shipment at a factory or at the time of regular inspection after shipment. By using this writing means, the sensitivity data can be easily recorded in the storage means, and the variation in the receiving sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer can be corrected.

  By the way, a part that creates an ultrasonic tomographic image and a part that performs image processing, or a part that creates an image from echo data, and a part that creates an image other than the image obtained from the echo data are configured as separate housings. In an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus as described above, that is, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in which a plurality of parts are formed of separate housings, each part has a dedicated console. For this reason, for example, in a case where the operability is improved by accommodating a plurality of parts in the same cart, there is a plurality of consoles in the same cart, and eventually, the operability can be improved. There was a problem that could not be done.

  Therefore, a third object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of controlling a plurality of parts having separate housings with one console and improving operability. It is in.

  In order to achieve the third object, it is configured as shown in the following supplementary notes (10), (11), (12), and (13).

(10) A console is provided which detects a power-on portion of the plurality of portions having separate housings and controls operation of only the function of the power-on portion. An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus characterized in that:

  According to the configuration of (10) above, the console detects the power-on portion of the plurality of portions having separate housings, and performs only the function of the power-on portion. Control behavior.

(11) The plurality of parts include an observation unit that creates an ultrasonic tomographic image from the echo data, and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the echo data. The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to 10).

(12) The console has a menu selecting means for selecting a menu related to a function of a power-on portion of a plurality of portions having separate housings. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to (10) or (11).

  According to the configuration of (12), the menu selection unit can select a menu related to a function of a part whose power is on from among a plurality of parts having separate housings.

(13) The ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus according to (12), wherein the menu selection means displays a menu that can be selected.

  According to the configuration of the above (13), the menu which can be selected by the menu selection means is displayed.

  According to the invention described in Supplementary Notes (10), (11), (12), or (13), a plurality of parts having separate housings can be controlled by one console. Operability is improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope and a position detection catheter of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic observation unit and an ultrasonic image processing unit of the ultrasonic image diagnostic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of image data of a plurality of continuous ultrasonic tomographic images in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a three-dimensional image constructed based on three-dimensional data in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing detection codes corresponding to power-on states of an ultrasonic observation unit and an ultrasonic image processing unit in the fourth embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the image processing monitor when the cross section display menu of the fourth embodiment is selected. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on an image processing monitor when a stereoscopic display menu according to the fourth embodiment is selected. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a keyboard including a keypad is operated in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic observation unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope and the ultrasonic observation unit of the fifth embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

1. Ultrasonic endoscope (also serves as ultrasonic probe)
4 ... Hard tip 6 ... Cap 7 ... Ultrasonic vibrator 13 ... Ultrasonic observation unit (observation means)
14a: Position signal processing start button 15: Forceps channel 16: Magnetic sensor (position detecting means)
17 position detecting catheter 19 magnetic source (position detecting means)
21 ... Ultrasonic image processing unit (three-dimensional processing means, image processing means)
25: three-dimensional processing unit 28: acceleration sensor (position detecting means)
33, 36 ... Keyboard (operation console)
34 ... LCD touch panel (menu selection means)
37 ... Keypad (menu selection means)
41 RAM (gain setting means, storage means)
44: Transducer sensitivity correction unit (writing means)
46 write control circuit 47 read control circuit (gain control means)
48 ... Amplifier (variable gain amplifier)
53 ... Hydrophone
Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (1)

  It is characterized by comprising a console that detects a part where the power is on among a plurality of parts having separate housings and controls operation only for a function of the part where the power is on. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

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