JP2012170536A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, image processing apparatus and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily set a cut face for observing lumen-like tissue.SOLUTION: This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an extraction part 16b, a connected volume data generating part 16c and a control part 18. The extraction part 16b extracts core line information on a lumen region based on volume data. A volume data processing part 16 generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional data for cutting the volume data by a plurality of perpendicular planes to the core line based on the core line information. The control part 18 sets a designated plane along a connecting direction based on a straight line designated by an operator in an ultrasonic image of reference cross-sectional data that cut the connected volume data by a reference plane perpendicular to the connected direction of each cross-sectional data in the connected volume data, and displays on a monitor 2 the ultrasonic image of the designated cross-sectional data that cut the connected volume data by the designated plane.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program.

  In recent years, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that acquires three-dimensional image data (volume data) by using an ultrasonic probe that can scan a subject in three dimensions with ultrasonic waves has been put into practical use. Such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus performs various rendering processes on volume data. Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus performs a ray tracing method, a volume rendering method, a multi-planar reconstruction method (MPR: Multi Planer Reconstruction), and the like to reflect a three-dimensional information from the volume data. Generate and display.

  For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates a cross-sectional image (MPR image) obtained by cutting volume data at an arbitrary cut surface by MPR. First, the operator sets a cutting plane in order to refer to the MPR image in which the observation site is drawn. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates and displays an MRP image by cutting the volume data at the cutting plane set by the operator. Here, the cut surface may be a curved surface as well as a flat surface. MPR using a curved surface is also called “Curved MPR”.

  “Curved MPR” is used, for example, when the observation site is a lumen and a cross-sectional image along the lumen is observed. Examples of the luminal observation site in ultrasonic diagnosis include breast ducts and blood vessels of abdominal organs (for example, the portal vein of the liver). However, it has been a difficult task for the operator to set the cut surface according to the spatially curved tubular tissue.

JP 2000-132664 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program capable of easily setting a cutting plane for observing a tubular tissue. .

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an extraction unit, a connected volume data generation unit, and a control unit. The extraction unit extracts core line information, which is information about the core line of the lumen region, based on volume data generated by three-dimensionally scanning the subject with ultrasound. The concatenated volume data generation unit generates concatenated volume data by concatenating a plurality of cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the volume data with a plurality of vertical planes with respect to the core line based on the core line information. The control unit is configured so that the operator uses an ultrasonic image generated based on the reference cross section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data with a reference plane that is perpendicular to the connection direction of the cross section data in the connected volume data. Based on the specified straight line, a specified plane is set along the connecting direction, and an ultrasonic image generated based on the specified cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the connected volume data by the specified plane is displayed on a predetermined display unit. Let

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the A surface, the B surface, and the C surface. FIG. 3 is a diagram (1) for explaining the extraction unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram (2) for explaining the extraction unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the first control process performed by the control unit according to the present embodiment and the generation process of the connected volume data generation unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the adjustment process of the linked volume data generation unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the reference plane used for the second control performed by the control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram (1) for explaining the third control performed by the control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram (2) for explaining the third control performed by the control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (3) illustrating the third control performed by the control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram (4) illustrating the third control performed by the control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
First, the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 1, a monitor 2, an input device 3, and an apparatus main body 10.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 has a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, and the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from a transmission unit 11 included in the apparatus main body 10 to be described later. The ultrasonic probe 1 receives a reflected wave from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a matching layer provided on the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear, and the like. The ultrasonic probe 1 is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 10.

  When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another at the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P, and the ultrasonic probe is used as a reflected wave signal. 1 is received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. Note that the reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected on the moving blood flow or the surface of the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving body in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. And undergoes a frequency shift.

  Here, the ultrasound probe 1 according to the present embodiment is an ultrasound probe capable of scanning the subject P in two dimensions with ultrasound and scanning the subject P in three dimensions. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the present embodiment swings a plurality of ultrasonic transducers that scan the subject P in two dimensions at a predetermined angle (swing angle), so that the subject P Is a mechanical scan probe that scans in three dimensions.

  In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 1 is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe that can ultrasonically scan the subject P in three dimensions by arranging a plurality of ultrasonic transducers in a matrix. Even in some cases, it is applicable. The two-dimensional ultrasonic probe can scan the subject P in two dimensions by focusing and transmitting ultrasonic waves.

  The input device 3 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a trackball, and the like, accepts various setting requests from an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and accepts it to the apparatus main body 10. Transfer various setting requests.

  Here, the input device 3 according to the present embodiment receives setting information for generating a cross-sectional image (MPR image) including an observation site by a multi-planar reconstruction method (MPR: Multi Planer Reconstruction). Specifically, the input device 3 according to the present embodiment receives designation of a cut surface used for generating an MPR image from volume data from an operator. Note that a method for specifying a cut surface that the input device 3 according to the present embodiment receives from the operator will be described in detail later.

  The monitor 2 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to input various setting requests using the input device 3, or displays an ultrasonic image generated in the apparatus main body 10. To do.

  Specifically, the monitor 2 according to the present embodiment displays a reference cross-sectional image for accepting designation of a cut surface in volume data, or displays a cross-sectional image cut by a cut surface designated by an operator. To do. Various cross-sectional images displayed by the monitor 2 according to this embodiment will be described in detail later.

  The apparatus main body 10 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 10 includes a transmission unit 11, a reception unit 12, a B-mode processing unit 13, a Doppler processing unit 14, an image generation unit 15, a volume data processing unit 16, and an image memory. 17, a control unit 18, and an internal storage unit 19.

  The transmission unit 11 includes a trigger generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1. The pulsar circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. Each transmission delay circuit generates a transmission delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for determining transmission directivity by focusing ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 1 into a beam shape. Give to rate pulse. The trigger generation circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 1 at a timing based on the rate pulse. The transmission delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the transmission delay time given to each rate pulse.

  That is, the transmission delay circuit controls the position of the focal point (transmission focus) in the depth direction of ultrasonic transmission by giving a transmission delay time to each rate pulse generated by the pulser circuit. Further, the transmission unit 11 has a function capable of instantaneously changing a transmission frequency, a transmission drive voltage, and the like in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on an instruction from the control unit 18 described later. In particular, the change of the transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type transmission circuit capable of instantaneously switching the value or a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units.

  The receiving unit 12 includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, a reception delay circuit, an adder, and the like, and performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1 to generate reflected wave data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter A / D converts the reflected wave signal whose gain is corrected. The reception delay circuit gives a reception delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the digital data. The adder performs the addition process of the reflected wave signal given the reception delay time by the reception delay circuit to generate the reflected wave data. By the addition processing of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal is emphasized.

  As described above, the transmission unit 11 and the reception unit 12 control transmission directivity and reception directivity in transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves. Here, the transmission unit 11 according to the present embodiment transmits a three-dimensional ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject P. The receiving unit 12 according to this embodiment generates three-dimensional reflected wave data from the three-dimensional reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The B-mode processing unit 13 receives the reflected wave data from the receiving unit 12, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness. .

  The Doppler processing unit 14 performs frequency analysis on velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the receiving unit 12, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and mobile object information such as average velocity, dispersion, and power. Is generated for multiple points (Doppler data).

  Note that the B-mode processing unit 13 and the Doppler processing unit 14 according to the present embodiment can process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the B-mode processing unit 13 according to the present embodiment can generate three-dimensional B-mode data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data. Further, the Doppler processing unit 14 according to the present embodiment can generate three-dimensional Doppler data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data.

  The image generation unit 15 generates an ultrasonic image from the data generated by the B mode processing unit 13 and the Doppler processing unit 14. That is, the image generation unit 15 generates a B-mode image in which the intensity of the reflected wave is expressed by luminance from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 13. In addition, the image generation unit 15 generates a color Doppler image as an average velocity image, a dispersion image, a power image, or a combination image representing the moving body information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 14. .

  Here, the image generation unit 15 generally converts (scan converts) a scanning line signal sequence of ultrasonic scanning into a scanning line signal sequence of a video format typified by a television or the like, and serves as a display image. Generate an ultrasound image. Specifically, the image generation unit 15 generates an ultrasonic image as a display image by performing coordinate conversion in accordance with the ultrasonic scanning mode by the ultrasonic probe 1. In addition to the scan conversion, the image generation unit 15 performs various image processing, such as image processing (smoothing processing) for regenerating an average luminance image using a plurality of image frames after scan conversion, Image processing (edge enhancement processing) using a differential filter is performed in the image. The image generation unit 15 generates a composite image in which character information, scales, body marks, and the like of various parameters are combined with the ultrasonic image.

  The image generation unit 15 can generate a three-dimensional B board image by performing coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional B mode data generated by the B mode processing unit 13. The image generation unit 15 can generate a three-dimensional color Doppler image by performing coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 14.

  The volume data processing unit 16 is a processing unit that performs various rendering processes on the volume data. Here, the volume data processing unit 16 generates “three-dimensional reflected wave data” generated by the receiving unit 12, “three-dimensional B mode data” generated by the B mode processing unit 13, and “ It is a processing unit capable of processing each of “three-dimensional Doppler data”, “three-dimensional B-mode image” generated by the image generation unit 15, and “three-dimensional color Doppler image” generated by the image generation unit 15. That is, the “volume data” to be processed by the volume data processing unit 16 is “three-dimensional reflected wave data”, “three-dimensional B-mode data”, “three-dimensional Doppler data”, “three-dimensional B-mode”. Either “image” or “three-dimensional color Doppler image” may be used.

  Note that the image generation unit 15 performs scan conversion and various processing on the processing results of the volume data processing unit 16 for “3D reflected wave data”, “3D B-mode data”, and “3D Doppler data”. A two-dimensional ultrasonic image as a display image is generated by performing the image processing and the synthesis processing. In addition, the image generation unit 15 performs various image processing and synthesis processing other than scan conversion on the processing result of the volume data processing unit 16 for the “three-dimensional B-mode image” and the “three-dimensional color Doppler image”. By doing so, a two-dimensional ultrasonic image as a display image is generated.

  The processing contents of the volume data processing unit 16 according to this embodiment will be described in detail later.

  The image memory 17 is a memory that stores the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 15. The image memory 17 can also store data generated by the receiving unit 12, the B-mode processing unit 13, the Doppler processing unit 14, and the volume data generation unit 16.

  The internal storage unit 19 stores a control program for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, image processing and display processing, diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), various data such as a diagnostic protocol and various body marks. To do. The internal storage unit 19 is also used for storing images stored in the image memory 17 as necessary.

  The control unit 18 controls the entire processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Specifically, the control unit 18 is based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input device 3 and various control programs and various data read from the internal storage unit 19. 12, controls the processing of the B-mode processing unit 13, the Doppler processing unit 14, the image generation unit 15, and the volume data processing unit 16. The control unit 18 also controls the monitor 2 to display an ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 17, a GUI for designating various types of processing performed by the volume data processing unit 16, and the like.

  The overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment generates volume data. Here, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment performs various rendering processes in order to generate and display a two-dimensional image reflecting three-dimensional information from volume data. Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment performs a ray tracing method, a volume rendering method, MPR, and the like.

  For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates a cross-sectional image (MPR image) obtained by cutting volume data at an arbitrary cut surface by MPR. First, the operator sets a cut surface in order to refer to the MPR image in which the observation site is drawn. Here, the cut surface may be a curved surface as well as a flat surface. MPR using a curved surface is also called “Curved MPR”.

  “Curved MPR” is used, for example, when the observation site is a lumen and a cross-sectional image along the lumen is observed. Examples of the luminal observation site in ultrasonic diagnosis include breast ducts and blood vessels of abdominal organs (for example, the portal vein of the liver).

  Here, in order to set a cut surface for volume data, generally, an MPR image obtained by cutting volume data along three orthogonal cross sections is used as an MPR image for reference. Specifically, planes defined by the A, B, and C planes shown in FIG. 2 are used for the three orthogonal cross sections used for setting the cutting plane. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the A surface, the B surface, and the C surface.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the A plane is a cross section constructed by the direction in which the piezoelectric vibrators are arranged and the ultrasonic transmission direction in the mechanically oscillating ultrasonic probe 1. is there. Further, the B surface is a cross section constructed in the direction in which the piezoelectric vibrators are arranged and the swinging direction, as shown in FIG. In addition, the C plane is a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the ultrasonic transmission direction, as shown in FIG.

  Conventionally, when executing “Curved MPR”, an operator draws a cutting line for setting a cutting plane on a reference MPR image cut along the A plane, the B plane, and the C plane. However, it is troublesome for the operator to set the cutting line with an arbitrary curve along the lumen. For example, since breast ducts and blood vessels are also curved in the depth direction, it is difficult to draw a cutting line in the depth direction. In addition, when drawing a cutting line on the reference MPR image, it is desirable for the operator to display the center of the lumen, but displaying the center of the lumen on the reference MPR image is not possible. It was difficult. For this reason, in order to perform “Curved MPR”, for example, the operator has set a plurality of straight cutting lines for each of a plurality of reference MPR images. Thus, conventionally, it has been difficult for an operator to set a cut surface in accordance with a spatially curved tubular observation site.

  Therefore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, processing by the volume data processing unit 16 shown in FIG. 1 is performed in order to easily set a cut surface for observing the luminal tissue. That is, the volume data processing unit 16 illustrated in FIG. 1 extracts core line information, which is information related to the core line of the lumen region, based on volume data generated by three-dimensionally scanning the subject P with ultrasound. Then, the volume data processing unit 16 generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the volume data with a plurality of vertical planes with respect to the core line based on the core line information.

  The control unit 18 then generates an ultrasonic image (reference slice) generated based on the reference slice data obtained by cutting the linked volume data with a reference plane perpendicular to the linkage direction of each slice data in the linked volume data. Based on the straight line specified by the operator in the image), a specified plane along the connecting direction is set, and an ultrasonic image (specified cross section) generated based on the specified section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data by the specified plane. Image) is displayed on the monitor 2.

  In order to perform the above processing, the volume data processing unit 16 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rendering processing unit 16a, an extraction unit 16b, and a linked volume data generation unit 16c. Hereinafter, an example of processing executed by the control unit 18 in cooperation with the rendering processing unit 16a, the extraction unit 16b, the connected volume data generation unit 16c, and the control unit 18 will be described in detail. In the following, a case will be described in which the volume data processing unit 16 uses, as volume data, three-dimensional B-mode data including blood vessels of abdominal organs.

  The rendering processing unit 16a performs rendering processing on the volume data generated by three-dimensionally scanning the subject P with ultrasound. That is, the rendering processing unit 16a is a processing unit that executes various rendering processes such as a ray tracing method, a volume rendering method, and MPR.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the processing target of the rendering processing unit 16a is three-dimensional B-mode data. Therefore, in the following description, when the data (cross-section data) generated by the rendering processing unit 16a is displayed on the monitor 2, the image displayed on the monitor 2 is an image generating unit corresponding to the output result of the rendering processing unit 16a. Reference numeral 15 denotes a display image (ultrasonic image) generated by performing processing such as coordinate transformation.

  The extraction unit 16b extracts core line information, which is information related to the core line of the lumen region, based on the volume data. That is, the extraction unit 16b extracts the core line of the lumen area included in the volume data. First, in order to perform the processing of the extraction unit 16b, the operator designates volume data to be processed via the input device 3, and further, MPR of three orthogonal cross sections (A plane, B plane, C plane). An image display request is made. The control unit 18 notified of the display request from the input device 3 controls the rendering processing unit 16a to generate cross-sectional data for generating MPR images of three orthogonal cross sections from the volume data specified by the operator. To do. And the monitor 2 displays the MPR image of three orthogonal cross sections which the image generation part 15 produced | generated based on the cross-section data which the rendering process part 16a produced | generated by control of the control part 18. FIG. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining the extraction unit according to the present embodiment.

  The operator sets a seed point for the extraction unit 16b to extract the luminal region in the blood vessel drawn in the MPR image displayed on the monitor 2 using the drawing function of the input device 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the operator sets the seed point 20 in the lumen depicted in the A-plane MPR image. The control unit 18 acquires position information in the volume data of the seed point 20 received by the input device 3, and notifies the extraction unit 16b of the acquired position information of the seed point 20.

  Then, the extraction unit 16b acquires the luminance of the volume data at the seed point 20, and sequentially specifies voxels having luminance that falls within a predetermined threshold range with respect to the acquired luminance. As a result, the extraction unit 16b extracts the lumen region 21 included in the volume data as shown in FIG. That is, the extraction unit 16b extracts a lumen region by performing a morphological operation (Dilation, Erosion, Opening, Closing). And the extraction part 16b extracts the core wire 22 of the lumen | bore area | region 21 as shown to (C) of FIG. For example, the extraction unit 16b extracts the core wire 22 by thinning the lumen region 21. In other words, the extraction unit 16 b extracts the position information in the volume data of the core wire 22 as the core line information related to the core wire 22 of the lumen region 21.

  In addition, the extraction part 16b selects the extraction direction of a core line based on the preset selection conditions, when the lumen region has branched. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the operator has set the seed point 30 before the branch point in the branching lumen region. In such a case, the extraction unit 16b extracts a lumen region that branches in two directions as shown in FIG. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the extraction unit 16 b can extract a core wire 31 and a core wire 32 that are divided into two at a branch point as core wires.

  Here, when “extraction direction of core wire: length priority” is set as the selection condition, the extraction unit 16b compares the lengths of the core wire 31 and the core wire 32 as shown in FIG. The core wire 31 that is the direction in which the core wire can be extracted for a long time is extracted. Alternatively, when “core line extraction direction: lumen thickness priority” is set as the selection condition, the extraction unit 16b determines that the lumen thickness in the core wire 32 is the core line 31 as shown in FIG. The core wire 31 is extracted because it is thicker than the thickness of the lumen.

  In addition, the case where the process of the extraction part 16b mentioned above is manually performed by the operator may be sufficient. Moreover, this embodiment may be a case where the operator specifies the extraction direction of the core wire when the lumen region is branched.

  Returning to FIG. 1, as the first control, the control unit 18 causes the rendering processing unit 16 a to perform extraction processing of a plurality of cross-sectional data obtained by cutting volume data along a plurality of vertical planes with respect to the core line extracted by the extraction unit 16 b. . That is, by the first control, the rendering processing unit 16a extracts a plurality of cross-section data by cutting the volume data along a plurality of vertical planes with respect to the core line based on the core line information. Then, the concatenated volume data generation unit 16c generates concatenated volume data by concatenating a plurality of cross-sectional data extracted by the rendering processing unit 16a. Specifically, the connected volume data generation unit 16c generates the connected volume data by connecting the plurality of cross-sectional images in parallel so that the core lines of the lumen regions in the plurality of cross-sectional data are substantially straight lines.

  More specifically, the connected volume data generation unit 16c generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-section data in parallel so that the passing points of the core lines in each cross-sectional image are arranged on a straight line. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the first control process performed by the control unit according to the present embodiment and the generation process of the connected volume data generation unit.

  That is, by the first control of the control unit 18, the rendering processing unit 16 a generates a plurality of cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the volume data along the plurality of vertical surfaces 23 with respect to the core wire 22 as illustrated in FIG. Here, the rendering processing unit 16a is configured so that the center coordinates of the cross-sectional data become the passing point 24 of the core wire 22 as shown in FIG. Generate cross-section data. The rendering processing unit 16 a stores the generated plurality of cross-sectional data in the image memory 17.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the connected volume data generation unit 16c generates a connected volume by connecting a plurality of pieces of cross-sectional data stored in the image memory 17 in parallel. That is, since the center of each cross-section data generated by the rendering processing unit 16a is the passing point of the core line, the connected volume data generating unit 16c generates a connected volume by a simple process of arranging a plurality of cross-sectional data in parallel. be able to. As a result, the core wire 22 that has been curved in the volume data becomes a straight line 25 in the connected volume data, as shown in FIG.

  Here, the interval between the vertical planes used for generating a plurality of cross-sectional data is determined by, for example, an initially set value. The initial value may be, for example, the vertical plane interval itself or the number of vertical planes. When the number of vertical planes is given as an initial setting, the interval between the vertical planes is determined by dividing the length of the core wire by the number of sheets.

  Or the space | interval of the vertical surface used in order to produce | generate several cross-section data may be a case where it sets by an operator. That is, the present embodiment may be a case where the interval between the vertical planes can be arbitrarily set according to the resolution of the connected volume data desired by the operator. In such a case, the input device 3 receives the intervals between the plurality of vertical surfaces with respect to the core wire. Then, as the first control, the control unit 18 sets a plurality of vertical planes that match the information received by the input device 3, and sets the rendering processing unit 16a so as to cut the volume data by the set plurality of vertical planes. Control.

  For example, it is assumed that the vertical plane interval “L” set in the initial setting is changed to “L / 2” by the operator. In such a case, the rendering processing unit 16a generates a plurality of cross-sectional data at a density twice as high as that of the initial setting by cutting the core wire 22 along a vertical plane having an interval of “L / 2”. As a result, the concatenated volume data generation unit 16c generates concatenated volume data having twice the resolution as illustrated in FIG. 5C, as illustrated in FIG. 5D. Can do.

  Further, the connected volume data generation unit 16c can perform fine adjustment described below to improve the generation accuracy of the connected volume data. That is, the connection volume data generation unit 16c further adjusts the connection position of the plurality of cross-section data in the direction perpendicular to the connection direction so that the edge of the lumen region in the connection portion between the cross-section data is continuous. Then, concatenated volume data is generated. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the adjustment process of the linked volume data generation unit according to the present embodiment.

  That is, even if a plurality of cross-sectional data are connected so that the core line 22 becomes a straight line 25, depending on the extraction accuracy of the core line, as indicated by a dotted circle in FIG. The edge part may become discontinuous. In such a case, the connected volume data generation unit 16c searches for a voxel having substantially the same luminance as that of the edge of the lumen region on the discontinuous surface. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, the connected volume data generation unit 16 c searches for the voxel 26 and the voxel 27.

  Then, the connected volume data generation unit 16c calculates the distance between the voxel 26 and the voxel 27. Then, the connected volume data generation unit 16c moves the block 28 (see (A) of FIG. 6) of the cross-sectional data in which the edge of the lumen region is continuous by the calculated distance in the vertical direction. As a result, the connected volume data generation unit 16c generates connected volume data in which the edge of the lumen region continues as shown in FIG. 6B.

  Returning to FIG. 1, as the second control, the control unit 18 causes the rendering processing unit 16 a to generate the reference cross-section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data generated by the connected volume data generation unit 16 c with the reference plane. Control is performed to display on the monitor 2 a reference cross-sectional image that is an ultrasonic image generated based on the reference cross-section data.

  As described above, the reference plane is a plane that is perpendicular to the connection direction of the slice images in the connection volume data. Here, the reference plane may be set by an initial setting or may be set by an operator. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the reference plane used for the second control performed by the control unit according to the present embodiment. First, as an example of the reference plane set by the initial setting, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the connected volume data 40, the reference plane is located at the center of the connecting direction and is perpendicular to the connecting direction. A plane 41 is mentioned.

  When the reference plane is set by the operator, the operator inputs a reference plane setting request via the input device 3. The control unit 18 that has been notified that the reference plane setting request has been input, as shown in FIG. 7B, uses the plane passing through the line corresponding to the core line in the connected volume data, The rendering processing unit 16a is caused to generate cross-sectional data for generating the cut MPR image 42. Then, the control unit 18 displays the MPR image 42 on the monitor 2. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7B, the control unit 18 displays a straight line 43 corresponding to the plane 41 shown in FIG. The operator who refers to the straight line 43 superimposed on the MPR image 42 slides the straight line 43 along the connecting direction as shown in FIG. 7B using the mouse of the input device 3, for example. Let As a result, the operator sets a straight line 44 and a straight line 45 as shown in FIG. The control unit 18 acquires position information of a reference plane corresponding to the straight line 44 or the straight line 45. And the control part 18 makes the rendering process part 16a perform the production | generation process of the cross-section data for producing | generating a reference cross-section image with the plane for a reference which acquired position information.

  Thus, when the reference plane is set by the operator, the input device 3 receives information on the position of the reference plane. Then, as the second control, the control unit 18 sets a reference plane at a position that matches the information received by the input device 3, and renders the connected volume data by using the set reference plane. To control. Note that there may be a plurality of reference planes. For example, when the operator sets two of the straight line 44 and the straight line 45, the control unit 18 generates two reference cross-sectional images by using two reference planes corresponding to the straight line 44 and the straight line 45, respectively. Control is performed to cause the rendering processing unit 16a to generate two cross-section data.

  Returning to FIG. 1, as the third control, the control unit 18 sets the designated plane based on the straight line set by the operator who refers to the reference slice image displayed on the monitor 2, thereby obtaining the designated slice data. It is generated by the rendering processing unit 16a. Thereafter, as the third control, the control unit 18 performs control to display on the monitor 2 a designated cross-sectional image that is an ultrasonic image based on the designated cross-sectional data generated by the rendering processing unit 16a. Note that, as described above, the designated plane is a plane along the connection direction of the slice images in the connection volume data. Further, when the lumen region is a blood vessel, the designated plane set in the connected volume data is a plane along the traveling direction of the blood vessel.

  Hereinafter, the third control will be described with reference to FIGS. 8-11 is a figure for demonstrating the 3rd control which the control part based on a present Example performs. In FIG. 8, as an example of the reference cross-sectional image, an MPR image (MPR shown in FIG. 8) generated by the image generation unit 15 from cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the connected volume data 40 by the plane 41 shown in FIG. The case where the image 50 is displayed will be described.

  In the third control, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, six straight lines are superimposed and displayed on the MPR image 50 every 45 degrees centering on the passing point 51 of the core line in the MPR image 50. Is done. For example, the control unit 18 sets a straight line in the vertical direction passing through the passing point 51 of the core line in the MPR image 50. Then, the control unit 18 finally sets four straight lines by rotating the set vertical lines by 45 degrees around the passing point. The operator refers to the image illustrated in FIG. 8A and designates a straight line for determining the plane of the MPR image that the operator wants to refer to. As a result, the control unit 18 sets a designated plane, generates designated section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data 40 using the set designated plane, and controls to create a designated section image from the designated section data.

  Alternatively, in the third control, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, seven straight lines arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval in the MPR image 50 are superimposed and displayed on the MPR image 50. For example, the control unit 18 sets a straight line in the vertical direction passing through the passing point 51 of the core line in the MPR image 50. Then, the control unit 18 finally sets seven straight lines by setting three straight lines in which the set vertical lines are arranged at predetermined intervals in both outer directions of the passing point 51. To do. The operator refers to the screen illustrated in FIG. 8B and designates a straight line for determining the plane of the MPR image that the operator wants to refer to. As a result, the control unit 18 sets a designated plane, generates designated section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data 40 using the set designated plane, and controls to create a designated section image from the designated section data.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the operator rotates four straight lines around the passing point 51, translates the four straight lines in the vertical direction, or moves the four straight lines. Or the like, and a straight line for setting the designated plane may be designated from the straight line after the movement. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8B, the operator rotates the seven straight lines around the passing point 51 or translates the seven straight lines in the left-right direction, and then moves. A straight line for setting the designated plane may be designated from the straight line.

  Further, the operator may designate a straight line for setting a designated plane by arbitrarily drawing a straight line using the input device 3 in the MPR image 50. Further, there may be a plurality of straight lines designated by the operator.

  As described above, when the third control is performed, the input device 3 accepts designation of an arbitrary number of straight lines and a straight line having an arbitrary angle from an operator who refers to the reference cross-sectional image. Then, as the third control, the control unit 18 sets a designated plane that matches the information received by the input device 3, and performs control for causing the rendering processing unit 16a to generate designated plane data based on the set designated plane.

  Note that the parameters for setting the superimposed and displayed straight lines illustrated in FIG. 8 are merely examples. The number and angle of the straight lines shown in FIG. 8A and the number and interval of the straight lines shown in FIG. 8B can be arbitrarily changed even in the initial setting. Moreover, this embodiment is a case where the straight line display pattern shown in FIG. 8A and the straight line display pattern shown in FIG. 8B are displayed in parallel so as to increase the options in the designated plane setting. There may be.

  The third control performed by the “setting method of the designated plane using straight lines” shown in FIG. 8 will be further described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 9, an MPR image 60 in which a site where a blood vessel is narrowed is depicted is displayed on the monitor 2 as a reference cross-sectional image. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, when the operator designates a straight line 61 that passes through the stenosis site, the control unit 18 sets a designated plane based on the position information of the straight line 61. Then, under the control of the control unit 18, the rendering processing unit 16 a generates designated cross-sectional data for generating a designated cross-sectional image obtained by cutting the connected volume data along the designated plane corresponding to the straight line 61. As a result, the monitor 2 displays the MPR image 70, which is a display image of the designated section data generated by the rendering processing unit 16a, as shown in FIG. By referring to the MRP image 70 shown in FIG. 9A, the operator can observe that a part of the blood vessel is narrowed due to stenosis in the designated plane corresponding to the straight line 61.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, when the operator designates a straight line 62 at a position away from the stenosis site, the control unit 18 sets a designated plane based on the position information of the straight line 62. Then, under the control of the control unit 18, the rendering processing unit 16 a generates specified cross-sectional data for generating a specified cross-sectional image obtained by cutting the connected volume data along a specified plane corresponding to the straight line 62. As a result, the monitor 2 displays the MPR image 71, which is a display image of the designated section data generated by the rendering processing unit 16a, as shown in FIG. 9B. By referring to the MRP image 71 shown in FIG. 9B, the operator can observe that the designated plane corresponding to the straight line 62 is not affected by the stenosis.

  Here, in the third control, when a plurality of designated planes are set by designating a plurality of straight lines in the reference cross-sectional image in the third control, the control unit 18 cuts the connected volume data for each of the set designated planes. Control is performed to cause the rendering processing unit 16a to generate a plurality of designated section data. Thereafter, in the third control, the control unit 18 performs control so that a plurality of ultrasonic images (a plurality of designated slice images) based on the plurality of designated slice data generated by the rendering processing unit 16a are displayed in parallel on the monitor 2. To do. Alternatively, the control unit 18 controls to switch and display a plurality of designated slice images based on the plurality of designated slice data generated by the rendering processing unit 16a in the third control.

  For example, when the operator specifies the straight line 61 and the straight line 62 in the MPR image 60, the image generation unit 15 generates the MPR image 70 and the MPR image 71 from the output result of the rendering processing unit 16a. The monitor 2 displays the MPR image 70 and the MPR image 71 in parallel. Alternatively, the monitor 2 alternately displays the MPR image 70 and the MPR image 71 for display. Note that the selection between the parallel display and the switching display may be an initial setting or a selection made by an operator.

  By the way, the designated cross-sectional image is not limited to the MPR image. For example, the designated cross-sectional image generated by the designated plane may be a developed image that is an image obtained by virtually cutting a lumen region. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the rendering processing unit 16 a cuts the connected volume data 80 along the designated plane 81. When the viewpoint is set to the near side in FIG. 10, the rendering processing unit 16 a is behind the designated plane 81, as shown in FIG. 10, of the two data obtained by cutting the connected volume data 80 by the designated plane 81. The connected volume data 82 that is positioned is set as a processing target. Note that the position of the viewpoint can be arbitrarily changed by the operator.

  Then, the rendering processing unit 16a removes all voxels corresponding to the brightness of the voxel of the seed point in the connected volume data 82. In other words, the rendering processing unit 16a removes voxels corresponding to blood in the connected volume data 82. Then, the rendering processing unit 16a generates cross-sectional data obtained by projecting the connected volume data 82 from which voxels corresponding to blood are removed onto a two-dimensional plane. By processing such cross-sectional data, the image generation unit 15 generates a developed image of the blood vessel inner wall as shown in FIG.

  An example in which a developed image is generated from the MPR image 60 shown in FIG. 9 by the method described in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. For example, in the MPR image 60 shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the operator designates a straight line 63 and a line-of-sight direction 64 and selects a developed image as a designated cross-sectional image. That is, the operator makes a display request for a developed image that allows observation of the stenotic region 65 by specifying the straight line 63 and the line-of-sight direction 64. By the third control by the control unit 18 notified of such a display request, as shown in FIG. 11, a developed image in which the blood vessel inner wall of the stenosis site is depicted is displayed on the monitor 2. By referring to the developed image shown in FIG. 11, the operator can observe a portion corresponding to the stenosis portion 65 due to a difference in shadow from the surroundings.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether or not volume data to be processed is specified in the volume data stored in the image memory 17 (step S101). . Here, when the volume data is not designated (No at Step S101), the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, when volume data is designated (Yes at Step S101), the extraction unit 16b extracts a lumen region included in the volume data (Step S102), and extracts a core line of the lumen region (Step S103). That is, the extraction unit 16b extracts core line information, which is information related to the core line of the lumen region, based on volume data generated by three-dimensionally scanning the subject P with ultrasound. The specified volume data may be volume data generated by a past ultrasonic examination or volume data generated by an ultrasonic examination currently being performed.

  Then, under the first control of the control unit 18, the rendering processing unit 16a generates a plurality of cross-section data from the volume data using a plurality of vertical surfaces with respect to the core line (step S104). Then, the connected volume data generation unit 16c generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional data in parallel so that the core line of the lumen region is substantially a straight line (step S105). Specifically, the connected volume data generation unit 16c generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional images in parallel so that the passing points of the core lines in each cross-sectional data are arranged on a straight line. Further, the connection volume data generation unit 16c further adjusts the connection position of the plurality of cross-sectional data in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction so that the edge of the lumen region in the connection part between the cross-section data is continuous. Then, concatenated volume data is generated.

  Then, by the second control of the control unit 18, the rendering processing unit 16a generates reference cross section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data with the reference plane (step S106), and the monitor 2 is generated based on the reference cross section data. A reference cross-sectional image is displayed (step S107). Specifically, the monitor 2 displays the reference slice image generated by the image generation unit 15 using the reference slice data generated by the rendering processing unit 16a.

  Thereafter, the control unit 18 determines whether or not a straight line is designated in the reference cross-sectional image (step S108). Here, when a straight line is not designated (No at Step S108), the control unit 18 waits until a straight line is designated.

  On the other hand, when a straight line is designated (Yes at Step S108), the control unit 18 sets a designated plane based on the designated straight line (Step S109). Then, under the third control of the control unit 18, the rendering processing unit 16a generates designated section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data with the designated section (step S110).

  Thereafter, the third control of the control unit 18 causes the monitor 2 to display the designated cross-sectional image generated based on the designated cross-sectional data (step S111), and the process is terminated. Specifically, the monitor 2 displays the designated slice image generated by the image generation unit 15 using the designated slice data generated by the rendering processing unit 16a.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the extraction unit 16b obtains core line information that is information related to the core line of the lumen region based on volume data generated by three-dimensionally scanning the subject P with ultrasound. Extract. Then, the volume data processing unit 16 generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the volume data with a plurality of vertical planes with respect to the core line based on the core line information. That is, the connected volume data generation unit 16c generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional images in parallel so that the passing points of the core lines in each cross-sectional image are arranged on a straight line.

  The control unit 18 then generates an ultrasonic image (reference slice) generated based on the reference slice data obtained by cutting the linked volume data with a reference plane perpendicular to the linkage direction of each slice data in the linked volume data. Based on the straight line specified by the operator in the image), a specified plane along the connecting direction is set, and an ultrasonic image (specified cross section) generated based on the specified section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data by the specified plane. Image) is displayed on the monitor 2.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, a rendering processing unit 16a that performs rendering processing on volume data is installed. And the control part 18 makes the rendering process part 16a perform the extraction process of several cross-section data as 1st control. Then, as the second control, the control unit 18 causes the rendering processing unit 16a to generate the reference cross section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data with the reference plane, and then generates the reference cross section image generated based on the reference cross section data. Control to display on the monitor 2 is performed. Then, as the third control, the control unit 18 sets the designated plane based on the straight line set by the operator who refers to the reference slice image displayed on the monitor 2, thereby rendering the designated slice data 16a. Then, control is performed to display on the monitor 2 a specified cross-sectional image generated based on the specified cross-sectional data.

  That is, in the present embodiment, connected volume data in which the lumens are pseudo-linearly connected is generated by continuously connecting a plurality of cross sections up to the end of the lumen so that the core line is linear. When generating an MPR image along a lumen from such connected volume data, the operator only needs to specify a plane. Conventionally, when executing “Curved MPR”, an operator has to set a cutting line with a curved line along a spatially meandering lumen. However, in this embodiment, the operator can set a designated plane along the lumen only by designating a straight cut line in the reference cross-sectional image generated from the connected volume data. That is, in this embodiment, “Curved MPR” can be executed by a simple operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to easily set a cut surface for observing a tubular tissue.

  In the present embodiment, the connected volume data generation unit 16c further perpendicularizes the connection position of the plurality of cross-section data with respect to the connection direction so that the edge of the lumen region in the connection portion between the cross-section data continues. Concatenated volume data is generated by adjusting the direction. That is, the lumen region and the core line may not be accurately extracted due to the influence of artifacts in the volume data. In the connected volume data generated in such a case, the edge portion may be discontinuous. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the connected volume data is generated by adjusting the connection position so that the continuity of the edge portion is maintained. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the generation accuracy of linked volume data.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the extraction part 16b selects the extraction direction of a core line based on the preset selection conditions, when the lumen region has branched. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the lumen region is branched, the core line can be automatically extracted in the direction desired by the operator by setting the selection condition.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the input device 3 receives the space | interval of the some vertical surface with respect to a core wire. Then, as the first control, the control unit 18 sets a plurality of vertical planes that match the information received by the input device 3, and sets the rendering processing unit 16a so as to cut the volume data by the set plurality of vertical planes. Control. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, linked volume data can be generated at an arbitrary resolution desired by the operator.

  In the present embodiment, the input device 3 receives information on the position of the reference plane. Then, as the second control, the control unit 18 sets a reference plane at a position that matches the information received by the input device 3, and renders the connected volume data by using the set reference plane. To control. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the reference cross-sectional image can be generated from the reference plane at the position desired by the operator or the number of reference planes desired by the operator.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the plurality of designated planes are set by designating a plurality of straight lines in the reference cross-sectional image as the third control, the control unit 18 connects for each of the set designated planes. The rendering processing unit 16a is caused to generate a plurality of designated section data obtained by cutting the volume data. Thereafter, as the third control, the control unit 18 performs control so that a plurality of designated slice images generated based on a plurality of designated slice data are displayed in parallel or switched on the monitor 2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the operator can easily display a plurality of MRP images along the lumen. In addition, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of MRP images can be displayed in parallel or displayed in accordance with the operator's request.

  In the present embodiment, the input device 3 accepts designation of an arbitrary number of straight lines and straight lines having an arbitrary angle from an operator who refers to the reference cross-sectional image. Then, as the third control, the control unit 18 sets a designated plane that matches the information received by the input device 3, and performs control for causing the rendering processing unit 16a to generate designated plane data based on the set designated plane. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate a specified cross-sectional image with an arbitrary specified plane desired by the operator.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where processing for volume data is performed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been described. However, the processing for the volume data described above may be performed by an image processing apparatus installed independently of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus having the functions of the volume data processing unit 16 and the control unit 18 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a PACS database, or an electronic medical record system database. It may be a case where the received volume data is received and the above-described processing is performed.

  Note that the image processing method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing an image processing program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This image processing program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The image processing program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, or a DVD, and being read from the recording medium by the computer. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily set a cut surface for observing a tubular tissue.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Monitor 3 Input device 10 Apparatus main body 11 Transmission part 12 Reception part 13 B mode processing part 14 Doppler processing part 15 Image generation part 16 Volume data processing part 16a Rendering process part 16b Extraction part 16c Concatenated volume data generation part 17 Image memory 18 Control unit 19 Internal storage unit

Claims (11)

An extraction unit that extracts core line information, which is information related to the core line of the lumen region, based on volume data generated by three-dimensionally scanning the subject with ultrasound;
Based on the core line information, a connected volume data generation unit that generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the volume data by a plurality of vertical planes with respect to the core line;
In a straight line designated by the operator in the ultrasonic image generated based on the reference cross section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data by the reference plane perpendicular to the connecting direction of the cross section data in the connected volume data. A control unit configured to set a designated plane along the coupling direction and display an ultrasonic image generated based on the designated slice data obtained by cutting the coupled volume data by the designated plane on a predetermined display unit; ,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: A rendering processing unit for performing rendering processing on the volume data;
Further comprising
The controller is
As the first control, the rendering processing unit executes the extraction processing of the plurality of cross-sectional data,
As the second control, after the rendering processing unit generates the reference slice data obtained by cutting the connected volume data with the reference plane, the ultrasonic image generated based on the reference slice data is displayed on the predetermined display. Control to display in the
As the third control, by setting the designated plane based on a straight line set by an operator who refers to an ultrasonic image based on the reference slice data displayed on the predetermined display unit, the designated slice data is After causing the rendering processing unit to generate, control is performed to display an ultrasonic image generated based on the designated cross-sectional data on the predetermined display unit.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The connected volume data generation unit generates the connected volume data by connecting the plurality of cross-section data in parallel so that the passing points of the core lines in each cross-sectional image are arranged on a straight line. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The connection volume data generation unit further adjusts the connection position of the plurality of cross-sectional data in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction so that the edge of the lumen region in the connection part between the cross-section data is continuous. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the connected volume data is generated.   The said extraction part selects the extraction direction of the said core line based on the preset selection conditions, when the said lumen | bore area | region has branched, The statement of any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described. An input unit for receiving intervals of a plurality of vertical surfaces with respect to the core wire;
As the first control, the control unit sets a plurality of vertical planes that match the information received by the input unit, and causes the rendering processing unit to cut the volume data by the set plurality of vertical planes. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is controlled. An input unit for receiving information on the position of the reference plane;
As the second control, the control unit sets a reference plane at a position that matches the information received by the input unit, and cuts the connected volume data by the set reference plane. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is controlled.   When the control unit sets a plurality of specified planes by specifying a plurality of straight lines in the reference cross-sectional image as the third control, the controller cuts the connected volume data for each of the set specified planes. After the plurality of designated slice data is generated by the rendering processing unit, a plurality of ultrasonic images generated based on the plurality of designated slice data are displayed in parallel or switched on the predetermined display unit The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is controlled so as to be performed. An input unit that receives designation of an arbitrary number of straight lines and straight lines having an arbitrary angle from the operator referring to the reference cross-sectional image,
In the third control, the control unit sets a designated plane that matches the information received by the input unit, and controls the rendering processing unit to generate designated plane data based on the set designated plane. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein An extraction unit that extracts core line information, which is information related to the core line of the lumen region, based on volume data generated by three-dimensionally scanning the subject with ultrasound;
Based on the core line information, a connected volume data generation unit that generates connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the volume data by a plurality of vertical planes with respect to the core line;
In a straight line designated by the operator in the ultrasonic image generated based on the reference cross section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data by the reference plane perpendicular to the connecting direction of the cross section data in the connected volume data. A control unit configured to set a designated plane along the coupling direction and display an ultrasonic image generated based on the designated slice data obtained by cutting the coupled volume data by the designated plane on a predetermined display unit; ,
An image processing apparatus comprising: An extraction procedure for extracting core line information, which is information related to the core line of the lumen region, based on volume data generated by three-dimensionally scanning the subject with ultrasound;
Based on the core line information, a connected volume data generation procedure for generating connected volume data by connecting a plurality of cross-sectional data obtained by cutting the volume data by a plurality of vertical planes with respect to the core line;
In a straight line designated by the operator in the ultrasonic image generated based on the reference cross section data obtained by cutting the connected volume data by the reference plane perpendicular to the connecting direction of the cross section data in the connected volume data. A control procedure for setting a designated plane along the coupling direction and displaying an ultrasonic image generated based on the designated slice data obtained by cutting the linked volume data by the designated plane on a predetermined display unit; ,
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute.

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