JP3366726B2 - Ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system, especially with label signal stored ultrasonic tomographic image,
Select an ultrasonic tomographic image stored on the basis of this label signal
That relates to an ultrasonic three-dimensional data collection device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an ultrasonic three-dimensional imaging apparatus has been proposed which three-dimensionally displays tissues inside a living body based on a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images obtained from the inside of a living body. Is used for diagnosis in.

Generally, an ultrasonic tomographic image is obtained by processing an ultrasonic echo obtained by moving an ultrasonic probe inserted in a body cavity, for example, in an ultrasonic diagnostic layer device.

On the other hand, the ultrasonic three-dimensional image device forms a three-dimensional image by stacking a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images input from an ultrasonic diagnostic device, etc., every predetermined number. Therefore, unless a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images collected for each equal movement amount are combined, the entire ultrasonic three-dimensional image cannot have uniform resolution. For example, insert an ultrasonic probe into an organ that has a wall surface with many irregularities, collect an ultrasonic tomographic image with a short movement amount at a certain location, and collect an ultrasonic tomographic image with a long movement amount at a certain location. It is assumed that a three-dimensional image is formed based on this. In this case, the portion of the three-dimensional image formed by stacking the ultrasonic tomographic images at the time of high-speed movement becomes a flat image, whereas the part of the three-dimensional image formed by stacking the ultrasonic tomographic images at the time of low-speed movement is formed. The part becomes an image with clear irregularities. With this, accurate diagnostic information cannot be obtained.

Therefore, conventionally, while the ultrasonic probe is moved manually or mechanically at a constant speed, the operator of the ultrasonic probe outputs from the position detector attached to the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic echoes for each constant movement amount were monitored and input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to collect a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images at constant velocity intervals.

When diagnosing an organ of the circulatory system, it is generally performed according to the movement of the heart. Therefore, for the ultrasonic three-dimensional image of the organ of the circulatory system, the operator collects ultrasonic tomographic images at regular time intervals for each wave (for example, R wave) with a heartbeat while monitoring the electrocardiographic signal. It was synthesized based on

[0007]

However, as described above, if the operator monitors the amount of movement from the position detector and determines that the amount of movement is constant and collects ultrasonic tomographic images, it will inevitably occur at completely constant intervals. Could not be collected.
For this reason, when a three-dimensional image is formed from a plurality of collected ultrasonic tomographic images, the resolution on one image is not uniform,
There was a risk that the diagnostic accuracy would be poor.

In particular, when the operator operates the ultrasonic probe and observes the output of the position detector to collect ultrasonic tomographic images for each fixed amount of movement, it is very difficult to collect three-dimensional ultrasonic data. It will take time.

The object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of supersonic waves at irregular intervals.
After capturing the tomographic images, multiple ultrasonic tomographic images are selected at regular intervals.
It is to be able to choose .

[0010]

According to the present invention , a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images obtained by inserting an ultrasonic probe into a living body and moving it are collected for three-dimensional image formation. In the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device, the movement of the ultrasonic probe
Means for outputting a movement amount label signal indicating the movement amount in
And a plurality of ultrasonic waves obtained by moving the ultrasonic probe.
Storing a tomographic image and a movement amount label signal in a storage medium
A storage device and a plurality of ultrasonic disconnections stored in the storage medium.
The movement amount label stored in the storage medium from the layer image
Based on the signal, multiple movements are
Selecting means for selecting an ultrasonic tomographic image,
Means for forming a three-dimensional image based on a number of ultrasonic tomographic images
And are included. Desirably, the selection
Means vary the constant interval to obtain the desired resolution.
Let Preferably, the plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images are stored in the memory.
The moving amount label recorded on the video track of the medium
The signal is recorded on the audio track of the storage medium. Hope
More preferably, the movement amount label stored on the audio track.
The full signal is a signal that represents the amount of movement in frequency.

According to the present invention, an ultrasonic probe is inserted into a living body.
Three-dimensional images of multiple ultrasonic tomographic images obtained while moving
Ultrasonic 3D data acquisition device for imaging
The movement indicating the movement amount in the movement of the ultrasonic probe.
A means for outputting a quantity label signal and an electrocardiographic label showing the electrocardiographic waveform
A means for outputting a bell signal and movement of the ultrasonic probe
Multiple ultrasonic tomographic images obtained in
And a storage device for storing the electrocardiographic label signal in a storage medium,
Among multiple ultrasonic tomographic images stored in the storage medium
, The movement amount label signal and the heart stored in the storage medium.
The amount of movement between ultrasonic tomographic images is
Make sure that there are multiple
Selecting means for selecting an ultrasonic tomographic image,
Means for forming a three-dimensional image based on a number of ultrasonic tomographic images
And are included. Desirably, the selection
Means vary the constant interval to obtain the desired resolution.
Let Preferably, the plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images are stored in the memory.
The moving amount label recorded on the video track of the medium
A signal is recorded on the first audio track of the storage medium,
The electrocardiographic label signal is the second audio track of the storage medium.
Remembered above. Preferably on the first audio track
The movement amount label signal stored in
Signal, which is stored on the second audio track.
The ECG label signal is a signal that represents the ECG waveform in frequency.
It

The present invention draws an ultrasonic probe from inside a living body.
Multiple ultrasonic slices obtained by pulling and moving
In the ultrasonic data acquisition system for acquiring an image,
A movement amount label indicating the movement amount in the movement of the ultrasonic probe
A means for outputting a signal and a movement of the ultrasonic probe
Multiple ultrasonic tomographic images and movement amount label signals obtained by
A storage device that stores in a storage medium, and a storage device that stores in the storage medium.
Synchronization of multiple ultrasonic tomographic images and displacement label signals
A delay circuit that delays the movement amount label signal to obtain
It is characterized by having.

[0013]

[0014]

According to the configuration of the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device, the ultrasonic tomographic image in the ultrasonic examination is randomly (non-uniform).
For example, the inspection can be performed in a short time because the data can be collected ( at regular intervals) . In addition, since the collected ultrasonic tomographic image is stored with a label signal attached, the label signal is stored at regular intervals (if necessary, the same time phase
Multiple ultrasonic tomographic images can be selectively captured. Therefore, if a three-dimensional image is formed by using the selected ultrasonic tomographic image, a three-dimensional image having a uniform resolution can be obtained for the entire image.

Further, since a storage device composed of a video tape recorder (VTR) and a recording medium of a video tape are used, the ultrasonic tomographic image and the label signal can be stored at the same time, and the ultrasonic tomographic image at a specific time can be reproduced. It is also easy to select.

Further, if the label signal is a signal formed on the basis of the movement amount of the ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic tomographic images having the same movement amount are selectively taken in from the ultrasonic tomographic images randomly collected. be able to.

When the label signal is an electrocardiographic signal, an ultrasonic tomographic image at a time phase with a heartbeat can be selectively captured.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a waveform obtained by converting a voltage change of movement amount information into a frequency change. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a waveform obtained by converting a voltage change of electrocardiographic information into a frequency change.

As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition apparatus according to this embodiment includes an ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system for acquiring ultrasonic tomographic images and an ultrasonic tomographic image for three-dimensional image formation. And an ultrasonic three-dimensional data processing system for selecting.

Ultrasonic 3D Data Acquisition System First, the ultrasonic 3D data acquisition system will be described.

The above ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system is
This is a system for capturing and storing an ultrasonic tomographic image obtained by moving the ultrasonic probe together with a label signal indicating a specific capturing timing. And this label signal is
It is formed from a signal formed based on the amount of movement of the ultrasonic probe and an electrocardiographic signal.

Next, the structure of the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system will be described.

The ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system includes a general-purpose ultrasonic diagnostic device 16, an ultrasonic probe 10, a position detector 12, an electrocardiographic detector 14, and a video tape recorder (hereinafter referred to as "VTR"). (Abbreviated) 20 and a voice band signal conversion unit 18.

Collection of ultrasonic tomographic images For example, when performing an ultrasonic examination of the heart, the ultrasonic probe 1
Reference numeral 0 is an ultrasonic probe for trans-food. Ultrasonic probe 10
6, is inserted into the esophagus through a mouthpiece-shaped position detector 12, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves while being manually or mechanically pulled out by an operation such as parallel or rotation. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 16 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves into the living body through the ultrasonic probe 10, forms an ultrasonic tomographic image, converts it into a video signal and displays it on a monitor, and also from a video output port. The video signal is output to the VTR 20.

Label signal type based on the amount of movement of the ultrasonic probe
Formation First, the position detector measures the amount of movement of the ultrasonic probe 12
The structure of is explained. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the position detector 12 is connected to the main roller 46 that rotates in contact with the ultrasonic probe 10 passing through the hollow inside of the position detector 12, and is connected to the main roller 46 to move. Encoder 4 to detect quantity
0, a connector 42 that transmits the output of the encoder 40 to the outside, an auxiliary roller 48 that moves the ultrasonic probe 10 that passes through the hollow inside of the position detector 12 while holding it in parallel, and a spring 44. Become.

Therefore, when the ultrasonic probe 10 is operated,
The main roller 46 in the detector 12 rotates, and the encoder 40 connected to this main roller 46 outputs an electric pulse according to the movement of the probe. The cumulative value of the number of electric pulses is proportional to the moving amount of the ultrasonic probe 10. The position detector 12 accumulates electric pulses output from the encoder 40 in a counter in the position detector 12, and outputs a voltage signal by performing digital / analog conversion (hereinafter D / A conversion) on the counter output. This voltage value is a value proportional to the movement amount of the probe. That is, the amplitude V in FIG. 2A may be considered as the probe movement amount L.

Next, in FIG. 1, this voltage signal is output to the first voltage / frequency converter (hereinafter referred to as “first V / F converter”) 18 a of the voice band signal conversion section 18. The first V / F converter 18a outputs to the delay circuit 19a as a frequency voice band change signal (hereinafter referred to as "movement amount label signal") indicating the movement amount. This movement amount label signal is used as a label signal indicating the position of the ultrasonic tomographic image during movement of the probe. In this frequency conversion, a low voltage signal is converted into a low frequency signal and a high voltage signal is converted into a high frequency signal. Generally, an amplitude change signal such as a voltage is easily affected by noise and the S / N ratio cannot be increased. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a V / F converter is used to convert to a voice band signal having a frequency (20 Hz to 20 kHz) that is less likely to be affected by noise.

The delay circuit 19a synchronizes the movement amount label signal with the video signal of the ultrasonic tomographic image output from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 16 and outputs it as audio to the audio input port of the VTR 20.

Label signal formation based on electrocardiographic signal The terminals of the electrocardiographic detection device 14 are attached to the wrist and ankle of a living body, and the electrocardiographic signal is input to the electrocardiographic detection device 14.
The input electrocardiographic signal consisting of a voltage signal with amplitude is
It is output to the second voltage / frequency converter (hereinafter referred to as “second V / F converter”) 18b of the voice band signal conversion unit 18. The second V / F converter 18b converts a voltage change of the electrocardiographic signal into a frequency change, and as a frequency voice band change signal indicating an electrocardiographic waveform (hereinafter referred to as "electrocardiographic label signal"),
It outputs to the delay circuit 19b. This electrocardiographic label signal is used as a label signal indicating the acquisition timing of the ultrasonic tomographic image. The electrocardiographic label signal is also a voice band signal having a frequency (20 Hz to 20 kHz) that is not easily affected by noise.

The delay circuit 19b outputs the electrocardiographic label signal as audio to the audio input port of the VTR 20 so as to synchronize with the video signal of the ultrasonic tomographic image output from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 16.

Simultaneous acquisition of ultrasonic tomographic image and label signal
The VTR 20 captures the two label signals together with the ultrasonic tomographic image and stores them in the VTR tape 22 at the same time.

The two label signals and the video signal of the ultrasonic tomographic image input to the VTR 20 are recorded on different tracks of the magnetic tape in the VTR tape 22, respectively.
That is, the video signal of the ultrasonic tomographic image is recorded on the digital video track, and the movement amount label signal and the electrocardiographic label signal indicating the acquisition timing are recorded on the high-fidelity audio track CH1 and the high-fidelity audio track CH2, respectively.

Ultrasonic 3D Data Processing System Next, an ultrasonic 3D data processing system will be described.

Three-dimensional image using movement amount of ultrasonic probe
Selective acquisition of ultrasonic tomographic image for formation VTR tape 22 in which label signal and ultrasonic tomographic image are simultaneously recorded in the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system
Is a VTR2 for reproduction of an ultrasonic three-dimensional data processing system.
Played at 4.

The reproducing VTR 24 outputs the movement amount label signal and the video signal of the ultrasonic tomographic image to the three-dimensional data processing device 26. As shown in FIG. 4, the three-dimensional data processing device 26 analyzes the frequency of the reproduced movement amount label signal to calculate the movement amount of the ultrasonic tomographic image. FIG. 4 shows an example in which an ultrasonic tomographic image is recorded by moving the probe at irregular intervals. The three-dimensional data processing device 26 selects and takes in an ultrasonic tomographic image (VTR frame) such that the movement amount becomes a constant interval from the calculated movement amount. In FIG. 4, the ultrasonic tomographic image recorded in the VTR is scattered in the portion where the probe moves fast, and is continuously selected in the portion where the probe slowly moves. Thereby, the ultrasonic tomographic image for three-dimensional image formation is collected. Here, as the three-dimensional data processing device 26, a personal computer (PC), a workstation (WS), or the like is used.

Therefore, if a three-dimensional image is formed by using the plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images that have been selectively collected, the three-dimensional image with uniform resolution can be obtained for the entire image.

It should be noted that three-dimensional data having a desired resolution can be recorded by changing the interval of the read movement amount.

Ultrasonic cutting for three-dimensional image formation using electrocardiography
Layer image selective acquisition VTR tape 22 in which label signals and ultrasonic tomographic images are simultaneously recorded in the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system
Is a VTR2 for reproduction of an ultrasonic three-dimensional data processing system.
Played at 4.

When collecting three-dimensional data of the heart as in the example of FIG. 1, ultrasonic tomographic images at the same time phase and at different positions are required. Normally, an ultrasonic tomographic image of one or more heartbeats is recorded at one position, and when data is taken in, a time phase with an electrocardiogram is selected and taken in. In this case, the movement amount information of the recorded ultrasonic tomographic image and the time phase information of the electrocardiogram are required.

The reproducing VTR 24 outputs the movement amount, which is a label signal, the frequency voice band change signal indicating the electrocardiogram, and the video signal of the ultrasonic tomographic image, to the three-dimensional data processing device 26. The three-dimensional data processing device 26 analyzes the frequencies of the movement amount label signal and the electrocardiographic label signal, and calculates the movement amount of the ultrasonic tomographic images and the time phase of the electrocardiographic waveform which are simultaneously recorded. The three-dimensional data processing device 26 selects an electrocardiographic cycle so that the movement amount becomes a constant interval.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5, the three-dimensional data processing apparatus 26 searches for a certain time phase (for example, the rising of the R wave) in the selected electrocardiographic cycle, and the ultrasonic tomography corresponding to this time phase is searched. Capture the image (VTR frame).
An ultrasonic tomographic image for three-dimensional image formation of the heart is collected while simultaneously selecting the movement amount and the time phase.

Since the heart rate generally varies from individual to individual, an accurate three-dimensional image of the time phase can be formed by selectively collecting ultrasonic tomographic images based on the electrocardiographic label signal as described above. .

Since the ultrasonic tomographic image and the electrocardiographic information are recorded on different tracks of the VTR tape, it is possible to output only the electrocardiographic waveform.

The ultrasonic tomographic images collected as described above are three-dimensionally constructed and displayed as a three-dimensional image on a CRT (cathode ray tube).

In the present embodiment, the voice band signal converter 18 shown in FIG. 1 performs voltage / frequency conversion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the signal level of voltage change is adjusted. It may be converted into an amplitude change signal. Further, although the storage medium is the VTR tape, the storage medium is not limited to this and may be a laser disk or the like.

Further, although the present invention has been described by exemplifying the ultrasonic examination of the heart, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to the ultrasonic examination in a body cavity or a blood vessel. As described above , according to the configuration of the above-described ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device, ultrasonic tomographic images in ultrasonic inspection can be acquired at random, so that the inspection can be performed in a short time. Further, since the collected ultrasonic tomographic images are stored with the label signals attached, it is possible to selectively capture the ultrasonic tomographic images at a specific time based on the label signals. Therefore, if a three-dimensional image is formed by using the selected ultrasonic tomographic image, a three-dimensional image having a uniform resolution can be obtained for the entire image. In addition, video tape recorder (VT
Since the storage device composed of R) and the recording medium of the video tape are used, the ultrasonic tomographic image and the label signal can be stored at the same time, and the ultrasonic tomographic image at a specific time can be easily reproduced and selected. . If a signal formed based on the amount of movement of the ultrasonic probe is used as the label signal,
Ultrasonic tomographic images of equal movement amount can be selectively captured from the ultrasonic tomographic images randomly collected. Further, when the ultrasonic probe is manually moved, the ultrasonic probe can be operated without worrying about the moving state of the ultrasonic probe, and thus the time required for acquiring the ultrasonic three-dimensional data can be shortened. Further, when the label signal is an electrocardiographic signal, an ultrasonic tomographic image at a time phase with a heartbeat can be selectively captured. Furthermore, since the VTR and the VTR tape which are widely spread and available at low cost are used, the cost of the entire system of the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device can be reduced. Further, if the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system that collects ultrasonic tomographic images and the ultrasonic three-dimensional data processing system that selects ultrasonic tomographic images for three-dimensional image formation are separated, each device can be downsized, The operation can be simplified.

[0048]

According to the present invention, a plurality of superscripts at irregular intervals are provided.
After capturing the ultrasonic tomographic images, multiple ultrasonic tomographic images are taken at regular intervals.
You can choose.

[0049]

[0050]

[0051]

[0052]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a waveform obtained by converting a voltage change of movement amount information into a frequency change.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a waveform obtained by converting a voltage change of electrocardiographic information into a frequency change.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a timing of capturing an ultrasonic tomographic image at regular intervals using movement amount information.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the timing of capturing an ultrasonic tomographic image at regular intervals using electrocardiographic information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of a position detector used in the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition system of the invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line orthogonal to the line AA ′ in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Ultrasonic probe 12 Position detector 14 ECG detector 16 Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 18 Voice band signal converter 20 VTR 22 VTR tape 24 VTR for playback 26 Three-dimensional data processing device

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 8/00-8/15

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A ultrasonic probe the inserted ultrasonic three-dimensional data collection device for collecting a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images obtained while shifting <br/> moving it for three-dimensional imaging in vivo , The amount of movement of the ultrasonic probe indicates the amount of movement in the movement.
Means for outputting a bell signal and a plurality of ultrasonic waves obtained by the movement of the ultrasonic probe
Storage for storing tomographic image and movement amount label signal in a storage medium
Device and a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images stored in the storage medium
Based on the movement amount label signal stored in the storage medium.
And multiple ultrasonic slices so that the amount of movement is at regular intervals.
Selecting means for selecting an image and a three-dimensional image based on the selected plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images
A means for forming an image, and an ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition apparatus. 2. The ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition according to claim 1.
In the apparatus, the selection means is configured to obtain the desired resolution by the constant interval.
Three-dimensional ultrasonic data collection characterized by varying
apparatus. 3. The ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images are recorded on a video track of the storage medium.
Recorded on the audio track of the storage medium.
Ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device characterized by being recorded in . 4. The ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the movement amount label signal stored on the audio track is
An ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device characterized in that it is a signal representing the amount of movement in frequency . 5. An ultrasonic probe is inserted into a living body and moved.
While forming multiple ultrasonic tomographic images for 3D image formation
In the ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device for collecting the ultrasonic wave, the movement amount indicating the movement amount in the movement of the ultrasonic probe is
A means for outputting a bell signal, a means for outputting an electrocardiographic label signal showing an electrocardiographic waveform, and a plurality of ultrasonic waves obtained in the movement of the ultrasonic probe.
Storage medium for tomographic images, movement amount label signals and electrocardiographic label signals
A storage device for storing in the body and a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images stored in the storage medium
, The movement amount label signal and the heart stored in the storage medium.
The amount of movement between ultrasonic tomographic images is
Make sure that there are multiple
Selecting means for selecting an ultrasonic tomographic image, and a three-dimensional image based on the selected plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images
Ultrasound three-dimensional data acquisition instrumentation characterized by having a means for forming an image
Place 6. The ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition according to claim 5.
In the apparatus, the selection means is configured to obtain the desired resolution by the constant interval.
Three-dimensional ultrasonic data collection characterized by varying
apparatus. 7. The ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition according to claim 5.
In the apparatus, the plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images are recorded on a video track of the storage medium.
Recorded on the recording medium, the movement amount label signal is recorded on the first voice track of the storage medium.
Recorded on a second audio track of the storage medium.
Ultrasonic three-dimensional data collection characterized by being stored on
Collector. 8. The ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition according to claim 7.
In the device, a movement amount label signal stored on the first audio track
Is a signal representing the amount of movement in frequency, and is an electrocardiographic label signal stored on the second audio track.
Is a signal that represents the electrocardiographic waveform in frequency.
Ultrasonic three-dimensional data acquisition device. 9. An ultrasonic probe is pulled out of the living body and moved.
Collecting multiple ultrasonic tomographic images obtained by
In the ultrasonic data acquisition system, the movement amount line indicating the movement amount in the movement of the ultrasonic probe is
Means for outputting a bell signal and a plurality of ultrasonic waves obtained by the movement of the ultrasonic probe
Storage for storing tomographic image and movement amount label signal in a storage medium
Device and a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images and movements stored in the storage medium
Delay the moving amount label signal to synchronize the amount label signal.
And a delay circuit for extending the ultrasonic data acquisition system.