JP4276825B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates a tomographic image inside a body using an ultrasonic transducer that moves in a body cavity of a subject.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a so-called extracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates a tomographic image by transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic probe from outside the subject body, for example, JP-A-9-192128 and JP-A-11-47133 are disclosed. As disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001 or JP-A-2001-17433, the positional relationship of an ultrasonic probe and its scanning plane (and hence the position and direction of an ultrasonic tomographic image) with respect to an observation site is determined using a magnetic field. Many techniques for detecting by a direction detection unit and displaying on a monitor have been proposed. In this type of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when a tomographic image is displayed on a monitor, a figure representing an ultrasonic probe called a probe mark is superimposed on a human-shaped image called a body mark representing a subject prepared in advance by the apparatus. expressing. By configuring and acting in this manner, the operator can easily determine which part of the subject the tomographic image is observed at the time of examination or at the time of diagnosis using the image after the examination. Can be recognized.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-192128
[0004]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 11-47133 A
[0005]
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-17433 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, unlike the above-described extracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in the so-called intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from within a body cavity, which ultrasonic probe (including an ultrasonic endoscope) is inserted. It is difficult for an operator or the like to judge from the appearance whether the ultrasonic transducer is directed in the direction.
[0007]
In such an intracorporeal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an operator usually uses an ultrasonic endoscope in which an ultrasonic transducer and a CCD camera are provided at the distal end of an ultrasonic endoscope as an ultrasonic probe, and an optical image from the CCD camera is used. The tip of the ultrasonic endoscope is inserted to the vicinity of the region of interest such as a tumor while observing. Next, the operator determines the position and direction of the ultrasonic image obtained by the ultrasonic transducer based on his / her anatomical knowledge and the like based on the position of the organ displayed on the ultrasonic image. Next, the surgeon projects the region of interest on the ultrasound image by moving the tip of the ultrasound endoscope. However, with this method, considerable knowledge about the relationship between the ultrasound image obtained by the ultrasound endoscope and the anatomy in the first place and the operation of the ultrasound endoscope and the ultrasound image obtained by the ultrasound endoscope There was a problem that it was difficult to draw the region of interest well if there was no interpretation experience. In other words, in the so-called intracorporeal ultrasound diagnosis in which ultrasound is transmitted and received from the lumen of the body cavity, unlike the field of extracorporeal ultrasound diagnosis, the situation in the lumen of the esophagus, stomach, large intestine, etc. where the curvature is severe Since it is necessary to specify the position, direction, etc. in consideration of the above, it is difficult to depict the region of interest, and the operator is required to have such knowledge and experience.
[0008]
In particular, it is well known to observe a region of interest such as a tumor in a deep organ such as the pancreas or gallbladder with an ultrasonic endoscope inserted into the stomach or duodenum. Therefore, drawing the region of interest requires advanced knowledge of anatomy and skill in ultrasonic endoscopy, which is the biggest obstacle to the penetration of ultrasonic endoscopy to deep organ diagnosis. It is a factor.
[0009]
In this way, it is necessary for the intracorporeal ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to display clearly which part of the subject is being observed and how it is being observed during the examination and when making a diagnosis using the photograph after the examination. It is much larger than the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses described in JP-A-9-192128, JP-A-11-47133, and JP-A-2001-17433 described as the prior art, a body mark that represents a subject prepared by the apparatus in advance. Ultrasonic image that is currently scanned on the ultrasound image displayed on the screen because the figure representing the ultrasound probe called a probe mark is simply superimposed on the human-shaped image called There has been a problem that it is difficult to determine whether the image is an image or at which part the recorded ultrasonic image is an ultrasonic image recorded. The problem of obscuring which ultrasound image was recorded in which part caused the problem that when reviewing after the examination, if there was no operator, the ultrasound image could not be identified.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is obtained by scanning which part a current ultrasonic image generated using an ultrasonic transducer inserted into a body cavity or an ultrasonic image after recording is obtained. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that allows an operator or the like to easily recognize whether or not the above is true.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention moves an ultrasonic transducer within a body cavity of a subject, and a plurality of time-series tomograms as the ultrasonic transducer moves. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an image, a position / direction information detection unit that detects three-dimensional position and direction information of the ultrasonic transducer when the tomographic image is acquired, and a position / direction information detection unit An auxiliary image that creates an auxiliary image indicating the relative positional relationship of the cross sections related to the tomographic images along the path of movement of the ultrasonic transducer based on the position and direction information related to the plurality of tomographic images obtained Creating means, and The auxiliary image creating means includes a plurality of plate-like ultrasonic image markers expressing the position and direction of the tomographic image, and further, a specific direction of the ultrasonic image is set on all of the plate-like ultrasonic image markers. The auxiliary image is created by superimposing and displaying a direction marker to represent .
[0012]
In addition, the present invention The second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, Display control means is provided for displaying the auxiliary image and a tomographic image corresponding to the auxiliary image in a comparable manner.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 13 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of an insertion side distal end of an endoscope insertion portion, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of data for explaining the position / direction data, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an ultrasonic guide image, and FIGS. 6 to 11 are monitors. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are explanatory views showing modified examples of the guide image. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are explanatory views showing examples of display when displaying an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image.
[0015]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 2, an optical image processing unit 3, a magnetic sensor unit 4, a position / direction detection unit 5, The apparatus includes an ultrasonic image processing unit 6 and a monitor 7 as display means. In the present embodiment, among the signal lines shown in FIG. 1, thin broken lines are signals / data related to optical images, thick lines (solid lines) are signals / data related to ultrasonic images (tomographic images), and long broken lines are The signal / data related to the position / direction of the ultrasonic image, the two-dot chain line represents the signal / data related to the display screen, and the thin line (solid line) represents the flow of other signals / data.
[0016]
The ultrasonic endoscope 2 is configured to be flexible and is inserted into a body cavity of a subject 100, and an endoscope connected to the base of the endoscope insertion unit 10 And a mirror operation unit 11.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, a rigid frame 12 is connected to the distal end side of the endoscope insertion portion 10, and the distal end of the rigid frame 12 is made of a material such as hard polyethylene or polymethylpentene having good ultrasonic transmission. The tip cap 15 is crowned. An ultrasonic transducer 16 that is rotatably supported by the rigid frame 12 is disposed inside the tip cap 15 and is filled with an ultrasonic transmission medium 17 such as liquid paraffin or deaerated water. .
[0018]
Further, the ultrasonic transducer 16 is connected to the distal end side of a flexible shaft 18 made of a flexible material, and the proximal end side of the flexible shaft 18 penetrates through the endoscope insertion portion 10 to be viewed in the endoscope. It is guided to the mirror operation unit 11 side (not shown), and is connected to a motor 33 disposed in the endoscope operation unit 11. As a result, the ultrasonic transducer 16 (flexible shaft 18) rotates, for example, in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 (that is, in the clockwise direction). Further, a signal line (not shown) is wired in the flexible shaft 18, and the ultrasonic transducer 16 transmits an ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic image processing unit 6 via the signal line via the endoscope operation unit 11. An echo signal is output to the processing circuit 40 (described later).
[0019]
In addition, on the distal end side of the endoscope insertion portion 10, a pair of magnetic sources 21 and 22 including solenoid coils that stretch a magnetic field in the space are provided in the rigid frame 12. 24 is connected to a coil drive circuit 37 (described later) in the position / direction detection unit 5 via the endoscope operation unit 11 via the line 24. Among these magnetic sources, the winding axis constituting the coil of one magnetic source 21 is set along the “12 o'clock direction” shown in FIG. 2, and the winding axis constituting the coil of the other magnetic source 22 is set. Is set along the “normal direction” shown in FIG. Here, in the present embodiment, the normal direction indicates the insertion axis direction of the endoscope insertion unit 10, and the 12 o'clock direction indicates one axial direction orthogonal to the normal direction. In addition, the normal direction coincides with the normal direction of the ultrasonic image obtained by the ultrasonic transducer 16 performing radial scanning in the body cavity of the subject 100. Further, the winding axis of the magnetic source 22 is set to coincide with the 12 o'clock direction of the ultrasonic image among the directions orthogonal to the normal direction. The radial scanning of the ultrasonic transducer 16 will be described later.
[0020]
Further, on the distal end side of the endoscope insertion portion 10, the rigid frame 12 is provided with a CCD camera 25 for capturing an optical image, and light necessary for imaging with the CCD camera 25 is transmitted into the body cavity. An imaging light irradiation window 26 for irradiating the image sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the CCD camera 25. The CCD camera 25 is connected to the optical image processing unit 3 via the endoscope operation unit 11 via a signal line (not shown) wired in the endoscope insertion unit 10. When an imaging signal is output from the CCD camera 25 to the optical image processing unit 3, the optical image processing unit 3 creates an optical image in the body cavity based on the imaging signal. The imaging light irradiation window 26 has a front end portion of a light guide path (not shown) such as an optical fiber facing the interior of the endoscope insertion section 10 and the endoscope operation section 11. By being connected to a light source device (not shown) via the imaging light, the imaging light is guided to the imaging light irradiation window 26.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope operation unit 11 includes a motor 33 that rotationally drives the ultrasonic transducer 16 via a flexible shaft 18 and a rotary encoder 34 that detects the rotation angle of the motor 33. It is configured. The rotary encoder 34 is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 33 via a rigid shaft, and thereby detects the rotation angle of the ultrasonic transducer 16 from the reference position with reference to the 12 o'clock direction, and rotates. The angle signal is output to the ultrasonic signal processing circuit 40 in the ultrasonic image processing unit 6.
[0022]
The magnetic sensor unit 4 includes a plurality of magnetic sensors 35 that are solenoid coils for sensing a magnetic field. The positions and directions of these magnetic sensors 35 are defined so as to sense the magnetic fields from the magnetic sources 21 and 22 provided on the distal end side of the endoscope insertion unit 10 from predetermined directions at predetermined positions. In a state, the magnetic sensor unit 4 is disposed in the housing.
[0023]
The position direction detection unit 5 realizes a function as position information detection means together with the magnetic sensor unit 4 and the magnetic sources 21 and 22, and generates and outputs a drive signal to the magnetic sources 21 and 22. And a position / direction calculation circuit 38 for calculating the position vector of each magnetic source 21 and 22 and the direction vector indicating the direction of the winding axis based on the received signal from each magnetic sensor 35 disposed in the magnetic sensor unit 4. And is configured. Each position vector and direction vector calculated by the position / direction calculation circuit 38 is output as position / direction data (position information) to the guide image creation circuit 41 and the image mixing circuit 42 of the ultrasonic image processing unit 6. It is like that.
[0024]
The ultrasound image processing unit 6 performs known signal processing such as envelope detection, logarithmic amplification, A / D conversion, and digital scan conversion (described later) on the echo signal from the ultrasound transducer to create an ultrasound image. Ultrasonic signal as an auxiliary image representing the relationship between the trajectory of the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion 10 and the position and direction of the ultrasonic image based on the position and direction data from the ultrasonic signal processing circuit 40 and the position and direction calculation circuit 38. A guide image creation circuit 41 as auxiliary image creation means for creating a guide image (hereinafter also simply referred to as a guide image), an ultrasonic image, a guide image, and an optical image from the optical image processing unit 3 can be compared with each other. An image mixing circuit 42 as display control means for generating display image data for displaying them in a predetermined combination (mixed) simultaneously or selectively, and an image generated by the image mixing circuit 42 A display circuit 43 for converting the data into an analog video signal, and various image data such as a display image, an ultrasonic image, a guide image, and an optical image created by the image mixing circuit 42 are stored in association with the position / direction data. Ultrasonic wave including the guide image creating circuit 41 based on input signals from a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 44 and input means such as a mouse 46, a keyboard 47, and a trackball 48 provided on the keyboard 47. And a control circuit 45 that controls each unit in the image processing unit 6 in an integrated manner.
[0025]
Here, as shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the monitor 7, the ultrasonic image processing unit 6, the optical image processing unit 3, and the position / direction detection unit 5 are each a unit having a separate casing. And these are integrally held by a trolley 50. In addition, a magnetic sensor unit 4 formed of a rectangular parallelepiped housing is fixed on a bed 51 on which the subject 100 is supine or lying. In this case, by fixing the magnetic sensor unit 4 as close as possible to the region of interest of the subject 100, the distance between the distal end of the endoscope insertion unit 10 provided with the magnetic sources 21 and 22 and the magnetic sensor 4. Is set to be small. Thereby, the S / N ratio is increased, and the magnetic sensor unit 4 can sense the magnetic field with high accuracy. The operator uses the hand to perform an examination by moving the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 or rotating (ie, twisting) the insertion direction as a center.
[0026]
Next, the operation of the embodiment configured as described above will be described.
First, the flow of signals / data related to an optical image will be described.
The image signal obtained by the CCD camera 25 attached to the distal end of the endoscope insertion unit 10 is subjected to necessary signal processing and image processing by the optical image processing unit 3, and as an optical image in the ultrasonic image processing unit 6. Are output to the image mixing circuit 42.
[0027]
Next, the flow of signals / data related to ultrasonic images will be described.
The ultrasonic transducer 16 receives an excitation signal in the form of a pulse voltage generated by the ultrasonic signal processing circuit 40 in the ultrasonic image processing unit 6 and converts it into an ultrasonic beam that is a dense wave of the medium. The ultrasonic beam is transmitted to the outside of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 through the ultrasonic transmission medium 17 and the tip cap 15, and the reflected echo from the inside of the subject 100 follows a path opposite to the ultrasonic beam. Return to the ultrasonic transducer 16. The ultrasonic transducer 16 converts the reflected echo into an electrical echo signal and transmits it to the ultrasonic signal processing circuit 40 through a path opposite to the excitation signal. Furthermore, while repeating this action repeatedly, the flexible shaft 18 and the ultrasonic transducer 16 rotate in the directions of the block arrows in FIG. 2 as the motor 33 in the endoscope operation unit 11 rotates. For this reason, the ultrasonic beam is sequentially irradiated radially in a plane perpendicular to the endoscope insertion portion 10 (hereinafter referred to as a radial scanning plane), and so-called mechanical radial scanning is realized (hereinafter simply referred to as radial scanning). The ultrasonic signal processing circuit 40 converts envelope detection data, logarithmic amplification, A / D conversion, digital scan converter (polar coordinate system data generated by radial scanning into an orthogonal coordinate system image) to echo signals from the ultrasonic transducer 16. Image data of an ultrasonic image is generated by performing a known process such as a process of converting to data. When creating an image, the rotation angle signal from the rotary encoder 34 is used to determine the 12 o'clock direction of the ultrasonic image. This ultrasonic image is output to the image mixing circuit 42.
[0028]
Next, the flow of signals / data related to the position / direction of the ultrasonic image will be described.
When the magnetic sources 21 and 22 are driven by drive signals generated by the coil drive circuit 37 of the position / direction detection unit 5 and the magnetic sensors 35 of the magnetic sensor unit 4 receive the magnetic fields from the magnetic sources 21 and 22, the magnetic sources 21 and 22 receive magnetic fields. The received signal from the sensor 35 is converted into position / direction data at the tip of the endoscope insertion unit 10 by the position / direction calculation circuit 38 and output to the guide image creation circuit 41 in the ultrasonic image processing unit 6.
[0029]
Here, the content of the position / direction data calculated by the position / direction calculation circuit 38 is as follows, as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG.
[0030]
(1) Position vector r [= (x, y, z)] of the rotation center of the ultrasonic transducer 16
Since the rotation center of the ultrasonic transducer 16 and the magnetic sources 21 and 22 are at the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion 10 and are close to each other and the positional relationship is fixed by the rigid frame 12, r is 2 The position vector may be the same as the position vector based on one of the magnetic sources 21 and 22.
[0031]
(2) Direction vector V in the normal direction of the ultrasound image _h [= (V _hx , V _hy , V _hz ]]
The direction vector V _h Is the same as the direction vector of the magnetic source 22 wound in the normal direction.
[0032]
(3) Direction vector V of 12 o'clock direction of ultrasonic image ₁₂ [= (V _12x , V _12y , V _12z ]]
The direction vector V ₁₂ Is the same as the direction vector of the magnetic source 21 wound in the 12 o'clock direction.
[0033]
Here, the components of each vector are described above in [], but these components are set as components with respect to a coordinate system defined with reference to the rectangular parallelepiped magnetic sensor unit 4. Actually, this component is output as position direction data.
[0034]
As is clear from FIG. 4, the ultrasonic image is a vector V _h And vector (V ₁₂ × V _h ) (X is an outer product of vectors), and is in a plane (radial scanning plane) spanned by two vectors.
[0035]
The guide image creation circuit 41 creates a guide image, which will be described later, from the position / direction data obtained by the position / direction calculation circuit 38, and outputs this guide image to the image mixing circuit 42.
[0036]
Finally, the flow of signals / data related to the display screen on the monitor 7 will be described.
The image mixing circuit 42 generates image data for individually displaying an optical image, an ultrasonic image, and a guide image, and image data arranged on the same screen so that they can be compared with each other. The image data is converted into an analog video signal by the display circuit 43 and output to the monitor 7. Further, the image mixing circuit 42 synchronizes with each other and outputs the optical image, the ultrasonic image, the guide image, and the position / direction data to the HDD 44 in association with each other so that they can be used even after use.
[0037]
The operation of the ultrasonic guide image creation method by the guide image creation circuit 41 will be described in detail below.
First, the guide image creation circuit 41 takes in the position / direction data from the position / direction calculation circuit 38 every time the ultrasound signal processing circuit 40 creates an ultrasound image. Since the ultrasonic signal processing circuit 40 generates an ultrasonic image each time the ultrasonic transducer 16 performs radial scanning, the guide image generation circuit 41 includes a plurality of position direction data related to the ultrasonic image. Are sequentially taken in as a set.
[0038]
Next, the guide image creation circuit 41 creates an ultrasonic guide image as shown in FIG. 5, for example. This guide image includes a magnetic sensor unit marker 60, a plurality of ultrasonic image markers 61 displayed relative to the magnetic sensor unit marker 60, and a 12 o'clock direction marker 62 displayed on each ultrasonic image marker 61. And a locus marker 63.
[0039]
The magnetic sensor unit marker 60 is a rectangular parallelepiped marker expressed in the guide image in the same form as the magnetic sensor unit 4 in order to express the direction of the magnetic sensor unit 4. In this case, each surface of the magnetic sensor unit 4 is given a predetermined coloring, and the corresponding coloring of each surface of the magnetic sensor unit marker 60 is given so that the operator or the like can actually perform the actual coloring. The correspondence between the orientation of the magnetic sensor unit 4 and the magnetic sensor unit marker 60 can be easily recognized. In the example of FIG. 5, the front surface of the magnetic sensor unit marker 60 is set to yellow, the top surface is blue, and the right side surface is red.
[0040]
The ultrasonic image marker 61 (ultrasonic image markers 61a to 61e in the illustrated example) represents the position and direction of the radial scanning plane of the ultrasonic image obtained at each timing, that is, the position and direction of each ultrasonic image. This is a plate-like marker obtained by projecting a rectangle (or square) to be projected onto a certain plane. The ultrasonic image marker 61 includes the three vectors r and V described above. _h , V ₁₂ It can be easily created from each of the components. In FIG. 4, a large number of radial scanning planes are drawn, but in FIG. 5, images are thinned out for convenience of explanation.
[0041]
The 12 o'clock direction marker 62 (62a to 62e in the illustrated example) is a triangular marker that represents the 12 o'clock direction of the ultrasonic image on the ultrasonic image marker 61. The twelve o'clock direction marker 62 has the three vectors r and V described above. _h , V ₁₂ It can be easily created from each of the components. The twelve o'clock direction marker 62 is a triangle having a vertex in a direction indicating the center of the image from the twelve o'clock direction.
[0042]
The trajectory marker 63 is a curved marker that represents the trajectory followed by the tip of the endoscope insertion unit 10. The trajectory marker 63 is created by sequentially connecting the points indicated by the vector r with time. That is, if the point indicated by the vector r is followed in time order, a history of movement of the rotational center of radial scanning is obtained. Therefore, if the points indicated by r are sequentially connected in time and projected onto a certain plane, the trajectory marker is displayed. can get. In addition, when connecting these, interpolation is required, but this may be interpolated by a straight line or may be interpolated by a curve using a plurality of front and rear position vectors.
[0043]
As the operator inserts the ultrasonic transducer 16 into the deep part of the subject 100 while performing radial scanning, or pulls it after inserting it, the guide image creating circuit 41 is shown with reference numerals 61e, 61d, 61c, 61b, 61a, And 62e, 62d, 62c, 62b, and 62a, the new ultrasonic image marker 61 and the 12 o'clock direction marker 62 are displayed, and the trajectory marker 63 is extended. The guide image creation circuit 41 synthesizes the ultrasonic image marker 61, the 12 o'clock direction marker 62, and the trajectory marker 63, and creates a guide image together with the magnetic sensor unit marker 60.
[0044]
A specific display example and a display method for simultaneously displaying the ultrasonic guide image and the ultrasonic image during radial scanning on the monitor 7 will be described below.
<First display example>
FIG. 6 shows a display example of an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image during radial scanning by the ultrasonic transducer 16. In this display example, as illustrated, for example, the latest ultrasonic image is displayed on the right side of the monitor 7 and the guide image is displayed on the left side. At the time of such display, the guide image creation circuit 41, as shown, performs another ultrasound image on the ultrasound image marker 61 (the ultrasound image marker 61e in the illustrated example) indicating the currently displayed ultrasound image. A color different from the marker 61 is colored. Thus, the latest ultrasonic image marker 61 is associated with the latest ultrasonic image marker 61 by coloring a different color to the latest ultrasonic image marker 61 in this way. In addition, a 12 o'clock direction marker 65 corresponding to the 12 o'clock direction marker 62 (12 o'clock direction marker 62e in the illustrated example) provided on the latest ultrasonic image marker 61 is provided on the ultrasonic image. . The shape of the 12 o'clock direction marker 65 is similar to that of the 12 o'clock direction marker 62 on the guide image. By the way, there is a possibility that the latest ultrasonic image marker 61, the 12 o'clock direction marker 62, and the trajectory marker 63 may protrude from the monitor screen when the surgeon advances and retracts the distal end of the endoscope insertion unit 10 while performing radial scanning. However, the image mixing circuit 42 automatically scrolls these markers so that the ultrasonic image marker 61 of the ultrasonic image being displayed does not protrude from the screen.
[0045]
According to such a display example, the current monitor 7 is configured and operated by, for example, configuring the image mixing circuit 42 and the like so that the latest ultrasonic image is displayed on the right side of the monitor 7 and the guide image is displayed on the left side. An operator or the like can easily recognize at which site the ultrasonic image displayed above is an ultrasonic image scanned. That is, for example, when the endoscope insertion portion 10 is inserted or removed along the digestive tract from the esophagus through the stomach and through the duodenum, the locus thereof anatomically matches the shape of the digestive tract. Using this, the surgeon can clearly determine in which part of the body cavity the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion 10 is located from the guide image, and at which site the ultrasonic wave being scanned You can easily grasp whether it is an image.
[0046]
In addition, the ultrasonic image marker 61 and the ultrasonic image are provided with 12 o'clock direction markers 62 and 65 indicating their respective 12 o'clock directions so that they can be compared with each other, so that the ultrasonic wave currently displayed on the screen is displayed. An operator or the like can clearly grasp which part of the image is an ultrasonic image scanned in which direction.
[0047]
Further, by causing the ultrasonic image marker 61 indicating the currently displayed ultrasonic image to be distinguished from the other ultrasonic image markers 61, the ultrasonic image currently displayed on the screen is displayed at which part. It can be made to grasp clearly whether it is the ultrasonic image currently scanned.
[0048]
Furthermore, since each ultrasonic image marker 61 of the guide image can grasp at a glance the history of the ultrasonic image obtained so far, the surgeon can select the ultrasonic image of the subject 100 in which area. It is possible to easily grasp whether or not a certain number (number) of images has been taken, and it is also possible to produce an effect that image acquisition is not easily missed.
[0049]
<Second display example>
FIG. 7 shows a display example of an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image during radial scanning by the ultrasonic transducer 16. In this display example, as shown in the figure, for example, the latest ultrasonic image is displayed on the upper side of the monitor 7, and guide images from different directions are displayed on the lower left and right. The lower right guide image is a guide image when viewed from another direction orthogonal to the lower left. By acting in this way, even if the tube surface of the monitor 7 is two-dimensional, it can be expressed in an easy-to-understand manner during the examination.
[0050]
According to such a display example, when the guide image creating circuit and the image mixing circuit are displayed, for example, the latest ultrasonic image is displayed on the upper side of the monitor 7 and the guide images having different directions on the left and right sides are displayed. Therefore, the operator or the like can more easily grasp at which site the ultrasonic image currently displayed on the screen is the ultrasonic image scanned.
[0051]
<Third display example>
FIG. 8 shows a display example of an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image after radial scanning by the ultrasonic transducer 16. In this display example, as illustrated, for example, an ultrasonic image read from the HDD 44 is displayed on the right side on the monitor 7 and a guide image corresponding to the ultrasonic image is displayed on the left side. In this case, the surgeon can read out the ultrasonic image recorded during the radial scan on the monitor 7 by designating it with the mouse 46 or the keyboard 47.
[0052]
Such a display example is achieved by the following operation.
First, when a predetermined ultrasonic image is designated by the operator from among the ultrasonic images recorded on the HDD 44, the image mixing circuit 42 adds this designated ultrasonic image to the recorded ultrasonic image. The position / direction data of a series of ultrasound images including the ultrasound image is read in order of time or in reverse order, and the read position / direction data is output to the guide image creation circuit 41. The guide image creation circuit 41 creates a guide image based on the position / direction data and outputs it again to the image mixing circuit 42. In this way, the guide image is displayed on the same screen as the ultrasonic image as shown in FIG.
[0053]
Next, an operation in which the guide image changes according to the operation of the operator will be described.
When the surgeon operates an arrow key (not shown) on the keyboard 47, a mouse 46, or a trackball 48 while looking at the screen, the image mixing circuit 42 converts the ultrasonic images recorded at the time of radial scanning in order of time. Or it reads in reverse order and updates the ultrasonic image on the right side of the screen sequentially. At this time, the guide image creation circuit 41 has an ultrasonic image marker 61 (ultrasonic image marker 61d in the illustrated example) corresponding to the ultrasonic image being displayed on the right side of the screen, in color with the other ultrasonic image markers 61. A guide image is recreated so as to be distinguished, and is output to the image mixing circuit 42. Therefore, the surgeon can recognize that the ultrasound images on the right side of the screen have been sequentially updated, and on the left side of the screen, the ultrasound image markers with different colors are sequentially linked to the positions of the adjacent ultrasound image markers. Can be recognized.
[0054]
According to such a display example, in addition to the effects obtained in the first display example described above, an ultrasonic image read from the HDD 44 is displayed on the right side of the image on the monitor 7, and a guide image linked to this is displayed on the left side. By making it act so that it can be displayed, it is possible for an operator or the like to easily recognize at which site the recorded ultrasonic image is the ultrasonic image recorded.
[0055]
In addition, by displaying the color of the ultrasonic image marker 61 indicating the ultrasonic image being displayed separately from the other ultrasonic image markers, the recorded ultrasonic image can be recorded at any part. It is possible to make it easier for the surgeon to grasp whether or not.
[0056]
In addition, when the ultrasound image on the right side of the screen is sequentially updated, the ultrasound image marker 61 whose color is distinguished is displayed on the left side of the screen so as to sequentially move to the position of the adjacent ultrasound image marker. Thus, it is possible to more easily grasp at which site the recorded ultrasonic image is the ultrasonic image recorded. Furthermore, it is possible to easily recognize how surrounding organs and blood vessels are connected along the trajectory of movement of the endoscope insertion unit 10.
[0057]
<Fourth display example>
FIG. 9 shows a display example of an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image after radial scanning by the ultrasonic transducer 16. In this display example, as shown in the figure, for example, an ultrasonic image is displayed on the right side of the monitor 7 and a guide image is displayed on the left side. At that time, the surgeon designates the ultrasonic image recorded during the radial scan with the mouse 46 or the keyboard 47 and reads it on the screen, and further displays the lower half circle or the upper half circle so that the portion outside the normal display range is displayed. The display range can be changed so that it can be displayed. FIG. 9 shows a case where the lower half circle of the read ultrasonic image is displayed.
[0058]
Such a display example is achieved by the following operation. The operation described below may be performed during the radial scan.
[0059]
First, when an ultrasonic image designated by the operator is designated from among the ultrasonic images recorded on the HDD 44, the image mixing circuit 42 is recorded at the time of scanning in addition to the designated ultrasonic image. The position and direction data of a series of ultrasonic images including this ultrasonic image are read in order of time or reverse order, and the read position and direction data are output to the guide image creation circuit 41. The guide image creation circuit 41 creates a guide image based on the position / direction data and outputs it again to the image mixing circuit 42. In this way, the guide image is displayed on the same screen as the ultrasonic image as in the third display example.
[0060]
Next, for example, when the lower half circle range of the currently displayed ultrasonic image is designated by the operator, the image mixing circuit 42 reads out again the ultrasonic image of the range designated by the operator from the HDD 44 and reads it out. The ultrasonic image is updated so that the ultrasonic image of the selected range (ultrasonic image of the lower semicircle) is enlarged and displayed on the right side of the screen.
[0061]
Next, the effect | action which a guide image changes according to an operator's operation is demonstrated.
When the image mixing circuit 42 updates the ultrasound image on the right side of the screen as described above, the guide image creation circuit 41 detects the ultrasound image marker 61 (in the illustrated example, the ultrasound image 61 corresponding to the ultrasound image being displayed on the right side of the screen). Among the ultrasonic image markers 61d), a guide image is created so that the color of only the portion corresponding to the display range of the ultrasonic image (that is, the lower half) is distinguished from the colors of the other ultrasonic image markers, and the image mixing circuit 42 Output to. Therefore, the surgeon can recognize that the display range of the ultrasonic image on the right side of the screen has been changed to the lower semicircle by the color display of the corresponding ultrasonic image marker 61.
[0062]
According to such a display example, in addition to the same effects as those of the third display example described above, the display range of the ultrasonic image is arbitrarily changed and enlarged display or the like is performed, so that focused observation of the region of interest can be performed. It can be easily realized. At this time, as shown in this display example, the corresponding region on the ultrasonic image marker 61 is color-coded and displayed corresponding to the enlarged ultrasonic image, so that the operator can know which part is enlarged and displayed. It can be easily confirmed. Further, the positional relationship between the displayed portion and the locus traced by the tip of the endoscope insertion unit 10 is easy to understand.
[0063]
<Fifth display example>
FIG. 10 shows a display example of an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image after radial scanning by the ultrasonic transducer 16. In this display example, as shown in the figure, for example, an ultrasonic image is displayed on the right side of the monitor 7 and a guide image is displayed on the left side. At that time, the surgeon designates the ultrasonic image recorded during the radial scanning with the mouse 46 or the keyboard 47 and reads it out on the screen, and further uses the mouse 46, the trackball 48 or the keyboard 47 to read the direction. The ultrasonic image can be rotated around the rotation center of the ultrasonic transducer 16. FIG. 10 shows a case where the read ultrasonic image is rotated clockwise (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10).
[0064]
Such a display example is achieved by the following operation. Note that the operation described below may be performed during radial scanning.
[0065]
First, when a predetermined ultrasonic image is designated by the operator from among the ultrasonic images recorded on the HDD 44, the image mixing circuit 42 adds this designated ultrasonic image to the recorded ultrasonic image. The position / direction data of a series of ultrasound images including the ultrasound image is read in order of time or in reverse order, and the read position / direction data is output to the guide image creation circuit 41. The guide image creation circuit 41 creates a guide image based on the position / direction data and outputs it again to the image mixing circuit 42. In this way, the guide image is displayed on the same screen as the ultrasonic image as in the third display example.
[0066]
Next, the image mixing circuit 42 rotates the ultrasonic image according to the operation of the mouse 46 and the trackball 48 by the operator.
[0067]
Next, an operation in which the guide image changes according to the operation of the operator will be described.
When the image mixing circuit 42 rotates the ultrasonic image on the right side of the screen, the guide image creation circuit 41 displays an ultrasonic image marker 61 (in the illustrated example, the ultrasonic image marker 61d) corresponding to the ultrasonic image being displayed on the right side of the screen. ) Including the 12 o'clock direction marker 62 is rotated. Then, rotating guide images are sequentially created and output to the image mixing circuit 42. Therefore, when the ultrasonic image on the right side of the screen is rotated, the surgeon can recognize the rotation state of the ultrasonic image by the rotation display of the ultrasonic image marker 61.
[0068]
According to such a display example, in addition to the same effects as those of the third display example described above, it is possible to easily realize focused observation of the region of interest by displaying the ultrasonic image at an arbitrary rotation position. it can. At this time, as shown in this display example, by rotating the corresponding ultrasonic image marker 61 in the guide image in conjunction with the ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic image in which the rotated ultrasonic image is recorded at which part. It is possible to make the surgeon easily recognize whether this is the case. Further, the positional relationship between the orientation of the rotated ultrasonic image and the trajectory followed by the endoscope insertion unit 10 is easy to understand.
[0069]
<Sixth display example>
FIG. 11 shows a display example of an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image after radial scanning by the ultrasonic transducer 16. In this display example, as shown in the figure, for example, an ultrasonic image is displayed on the right side of the monitor 7 and a guide image is displayed on the left side. At this time, the surgeon can rotate the magnetic sensor unit marker 60 of the guide image on the left side of the screen using the mouse 46, the trackball 48, and the keyboard 47. Furthermore, at that time, each ultrasonic image marker 61, each 12 o'clock direction marker 62, and the locus marker 63 also rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the magnetic sensor unit marker 60.
[0070]
Such a display example is achieved by the following operation. Note that the operation described below may be performed during radial scanning.
[0071]
First, when a predetermined ultrasonic image is designated by the operator from among the ultrasonic images recorded on the HDD 44, the image mixing circuit 42 adds this designated ultrasonic image to the recorded ultrasonic image. The position / direction data of a series of ultrasound images including the ultrasound image is read in order of time or in reverse order, and the read position / direction data is output to the guide image creation circuit 41. The guide image creation circuit 41 creates a guide image based on the position / direction data and outputs it again to the image mixing circuit 42. In this way, the guide image is displayed on the same screen as the ultrasonic image as in the third display example.
[0072]
Next, when the operator inputs the rotation axis and angle for rotating the magnetic sensor unit marker 60 displayed on the monitor 7 by operating the mouse 46, the trackball 48, or the keyboard 47, the guide image is displayed. The creation circuit 41 rotates the magnetic sensor unit marker 60 in accordance with this angle, and guide images obtained by rotating the ultrasonic image markers 61, the 12 o'clock direction markers 62, and the trajectory markers 63 in conjunction therewith. Sequentially created and output to the image mixing circuit 42. As a result, the rotated guide image of each ultrasonic image marker 61, each 12 o'clock direction marker 62, and the locus marker 63 is displayed on the left side of the screen on the monitor 7 together with the magnetic sensor unit marker 60 of the guide image. .
[0073]
According to such a display example, in addition to the same effect as the above-described third display example, by rotating the guide image, it is possible to determine at which part the recorded ultrasonic image is the ultrasonic image recorded. It can be observed from various angles. Accordingly, for example, even when the ultrasonic image markers 61 overlap each other in the display from a certain direction, the visibility of desired information can be improved.
[0074]
<Seventh display example>
FIG. 12 shows a display example after radial scanning by the ultrasonic transducer 16. In FIG. 12, only the guide image is shown, and the description of the ultrasonic image is the same as that in the third display example, and will be omitted. This display example particularly relates to a display example when the ultrasonic image markers 61 are densely arranged. That is, when the number of ultrasonic image markers 61 is large, the trajectory marker may be hidden, and therefore the trajectory marker on the guide image is omitted and displayed by the action of the guide image creation circuit 41. Such guide image display may be performed during radial scanning. Also in such a display example, the same effect as the above-mentioned third display example can be obtained.
[0075]
<Eighth display example>
FIG. 13 shows a display example after radial scanning by the ultrasonic transducer 16. Note that FIG. 13 shows only the guide image, and the description of the ultrasonic image is the same as in the third display example, and will be omitted. This display example particularly relates to a display example when the ultrasonic image markers 61 are densely arranged. That is, in this display example, when the number of ultrasonic image markers 61 is large, the ultrasonic image marker 61 corresponding to the currently displayed ultrasonic image is hidden by another ultrasonic image marker. This is an example, and is realized by the action of the guide image creation circuit 41. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the guide image creation circuit 41 has an elliptical shape obtained by projecting an ultrasonic image marker other than the ultrasonic image marker 61 corresponding to the displayed ultrasonic image onto a plane. A guide image expressed by the ultrasonic image marker 66 is created. In this case, each small circle constituting the ultrasonic image marker 66 is set based on a circle having a radius smaller than the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ultrasonic image marker 61 corresponding to the ultrasonic image being displayed. Such guide image display may be performed during radial scanning.
[0076]
According to such a display example, in addition to the same effect as the above-described third display example, there is an effect that the visibility of the ultrasonic image marker 61 corresponding to the currently displayed ultrasonic image can be improved. .
[0077]
Next, FIGS. 14 and 15 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a guide image. In the present embodiment, only differences from the first embodiment described above will be described, and descriptions of other similar points will be omitted.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of magnetic sources 70 composed of solenoid coils wound in different directions are provided on the subject 100, similarly to the magnetic sources 21 and 22 provided in the endoscope insertion unit 10. It has been. The coil drive circuit 37 inputs drive signals to these magnetic sources 70 via signal lines (not shown). Here, each magnetic source 70 is fixed to a belt 71 wound around the subject 100, whereby the position of each magnetic source 70 is fixed at a predetermined position on the abdomen of the subject 100.
[0079]
Next, the effect | action by such a structure is demonstrated.
In the present embodiment, r, V when calculating the position direction data of the magnetic sources 21, 22 provided at the distal end of the endoscope insertion unit 10. _h , V ₁₂ The position / direction calculation circuit 38 is fixed to the subject 100 in place of the operation of the first embodiment in which the components of the vectors are calculated as components for the coordinate system fixed by the rectangular parallelepiped magnetic sensor unit. After obtaining each vector for each magnetic source 70, the above-described vectors r, V _h , V ₁₂ Are calculated as components of a coordinate system defined by the magnetic source 70 of the subject 100.
[0080]
As a result, the guide image creation circuit 41 creates an auxiliary image (guide image) based on the orientation of the subject 100 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the auxiliary image in the present embodiment includes a human-shaped subject marker 75 representing the orientation of the subject 100 instead of the magnetic sensor unit marker 60. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates a display example corresponding to <eighth display example> described in the first embodiment, but other tables described in the first embodiment. Of course, an auxiliary image may be created corresponding to the example shown.
[0081]
According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment described above, the position / direction calculation circuit 38 has r, V _h , V ₁₂ The components of the vectors are output as components for the coordinate system fixed by the magnetic source 70 of the subject 100, and the guide image creation circuit 41 creates an auxiliary image based on the orientation of the subject 100. Therefore, it is the subject 100 whether the ultrasound image currently displayed on the screen is an ultrasound image scanned at which location, or at which location the recorded ultrasound image is an ultrasound image recorded. It is easy to compare with the direction of and easy to understand. When the subject 100 moves during the examination, it is particularly easy to understand and useful.
[0082]
Next, FIG. 16 relates to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe. In the present embodiment, only differences from the first embodiment described above will be described, and descriptions of other similar points will be omitted.
[0083]
In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 16 is integrally disposed in the endoscope insertion unit 10 to realize the function as the radial scanning ultrasonic probe, and the configuration of the first embodiment described above is realized. Instead, the endoscope insertion part is abolished, and a capsule-type ultrasonic endoscope (hereinafter referred to as capsule ultrasonic endoscope) 76 is directly inserted into the body cavity.
[0084]
The capsule ultrasonic endoscope 76 includes a magnetic source 78, an ultrasonic transducer 79, a rigid shaft 80, and a micro motor 81 in a capsule 77, and is directly connected via a signal cable 82. In particular, it is connected to the endoscope operation unit 11. In such a configuration, the micro motor 81 is provided in place of the motor 33 in the endoscope operation unit 11 described in the first embodiment.
[0085]
More specifically, as shown in the figure, in the capsule 77, the ultrasonic transducer 79 is connected to a rigid rod-like rigid shaft 80, and is connected to the micro motor 81 via the rigid shaft 80. ing. The ultrasonic transducer 79 is connected to the ultrasonic signal processing circuit 40 in the ultrasonic image processing unit 6 via the endoscope operation unit 11 via the rigid shaft 80, the micro motor 81, and the signal line 83 via the signal cable 82. It is connected to the. The magnetic source 78 is connected to the coil drive circuit 37 in the position / direction detector 5 via the signal line 83, and a magnetic field is applied to the space based on the drive signal from the coil drive circuit 37. ing. In addition, the magnetic source 78 of this embodiment is comprised integrally with a solenoid coil wound in two directions. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0086]
In such an embodiment, in addition to the effect obtained in the first embodiment described above, by using the capsule ultrasonic endoscope 76, there is an effect that the subject 100 can easily drink the capsule and the burden is small. be able to. In this case, since the advancement / retraction of the capsule ultrasonic endoscope 76 is generally due to swallowing, dropping, or peristalsis, it is difficult for the operator to manipulate the direction of the radial scanning plane. Although it is difficult to specify whether or not the image is being observed, such a problem can be solved by performing observation using an auxiliary image, and an ultrasonic image is obtained by scanning which part. Can be easily recognized by the surgeon.
[0087]
Next, FIGS. 17 and 18 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and FIG. 18 displays an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image on a monitor. It is explanatory drawing which shows each example of a display at the time. In the present embodiment, only differences from the first embodiment described above will be described, and descriptions of other similar points will be omitted.
[0088]
As shown in FIG. 17, the subject 100 is provided with a plurality of magnetic sources 85 including solenoid coils wound in different directions, similarly to the magnetic sources 21 and 22 provided in the endoscope insertion unit 10. ing. In the present embodiment, the guide image creation circuit 41 of the ultrasonic image processing unit 6 includes a relative position data calculation circuit 86 and a path data calculation circuit 87.
[0089]
The relative position data calculation circuit 86 receives position direction data based on the magnetic sources 21 and 22 and subject position orientation data based on the magnetic source 85 from the position / direction detection unit 5, and the relative position data calculation circuit 86 Then, the position and orientation data (relative position orientation data) of the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion 10 with respect to the coordinate system based on the magnetic source 85 (subject 100) is created. Further, the path data calculation circuit 87 creates an ultrasonic image marker 61, a 12 o'clock direction marker 62, and a locus marker 63 based on the input from the relative position data calculation circuit 86. Each of these data is recorded in the HDD 44 in association with an ultrasonic image, an optical image, etc., as in the first embodiment.
[0090]
Next, a specific display example when the ultrasonic guide image and the ultrasonic image during radial scanning are simultaneously displayed on the monitor 7 will be described.
In the display example of FIG. 18, the guide image includes path information indicating the path of the distal end of the endoscope insertion unit 10 and the like, and orientation information of the currently displayed ultrasonic image with respect to the subject 100.
[0091]
The path information includes a plurality of ultrasonic image markers 61 (ultrasonic image markers 61a to 61e in the illustrated example) and a 12 o'clock direction marker 62 (12 o'clock direction in the illustrated example) attached on each ultrasonic image marker 61. Markers 62a to 62e) and a trajectory marker 63 connecting the ultrasonic image markers 61. The orientation information includes a plurality of subject markers 90a, 90b, and 90c obtained by projecting a three-dimensional subject marker onto a two-dimensional plane from a predetermined direction, and is currently displayed on each of the subject markers 90a, 90b, and 90c. The ultrasonic image marker 61 and the 12 o'clock direction marker 62 (in the illustrated example, the ultrasonic image marker 61e and the 12 o'clock direction marker 62e) corresponding to the ultrasonic image in the center are synthesized, thereby the subject 100 of the ultrasonic image. The position and direction with respect to is displayed. The path information and orientation information are displayed side by side on the right and left sides of the latest ultrasonic image displayed at the center of the monitor 7 as shown in the figure, for example.
[0092]
According to such an embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.
[0093]
[Appendix]
According to each embodiment of the present invention described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.
[0094]
(Additional Item 1) In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that moves an ultrasonic transducer within a body cavity of a subject and generates a plurality of time-series tomographic images along with the movement,
Position information detecting means for detecting position information of the ultrasonic transducer when acquiring the tomographic image;
An auxiliary image showing the position information of each tomographic image along the path of movement of the ultrasonic transducer based on the position information obtained by the position information detecting means and the tomographic image corresponding to the position information. Auxiliary image creating means for creating
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:
[0095]
(Additional Item 2) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Additional Item 1, further comprising display control means for displaying the auxiliary image and a tomographic image corresponding to the auxiliary image in a comparable manner.
[0096]
(Supplementary Item 3) The supplementary item 1 or the supplementary item 2, wherein the auxiliary image creating unit creates the auxiliary image including a plate-like ultrasonic image marker expressing the position and direction of the tomographic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described.
[0097]
(Additional Item 4) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Additional Item 2 or Additional Item 3, wherein the display control unit displays the auxiliary image and a tomographic image corresponding to the auxiliary image on the same screen.
[0098]
(Additional Item 5) A recording unit that records the tomographic image and the position information in association with each other,
The auxiliary image creating means can create an auxiliary image indicating the position information of each tomographic image based on the position information read from the recording means and the tomographic image corresponding to the position information. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Items 1 to 4, which is a feature.
[0099]
(Additional Item 6) The auxiliary image creating means creates a plurality of auxiliary images indicating position information of the tomographic images from different directions,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of additional items 2 to 5, wherein the display control unit displays the auxiliary images on the same screen so as to be comparable.
[0100]
(Additional Item 7) The auxiliary image creating unit synthesizes the auxiliary image by combining a plurality of the ultrasonic image markers and a trajectory marker of the ultrasonic transducer created by sequentially connecting the ultrasonic image markers. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of additional items 3 to 6, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic device is created.
[0101]
(Additional Item 8) The supplementary image creating unit superimposes a direction marker that defines a specific direction of a corresponding tomographic image on the ultrasonic image marker, according to any one of the additional items 3 to 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described.
[0102]
(Additional Item 9) Input means for instructing a change in the display method of the tomographic image,
The supplementary image creating unit creates the supplementary image in which the display method of the ultrasonic image marker is changed in conjunction with the change of the display method of the tomographic image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.
[0103]
(Additional Item 10) The auxiliary image creating unit creates the auxiliary image including a plurality of the ultrasonic image markers arranged along a path of movement of the ultrasonic transducer, and a plurality of the ultrasonic images Of the markers, the display mode of the ultrasonic image marker corresponding to the tomographic image displayed in a contrastable manner is different from the display correspondence of the other ultrasonic image markers. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of the above.
[0104]
(Additional Item 11) An input unit that instructs to change a tomographic image to be displayed from among the plurality of tomographic images recorded in the recording unit,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the auxiliary image creating unit changes the ultrasonic image marker having a different display mode in conjunction with the change of the tomographic image to be displayed.
[0105]
(Additional Item 12) The additional image generating unit generates the auxiliary image including a marker indicating a coordinate system that serves as a reference when generating each of the ultrasonic image markers. Item 12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Item 11.
[0106]
(Additional Item 13) An input unit that instructs to change the display direction of the auxiliary image,
13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the auxiliary image creating unit changes a display direction of the auxiliary image together with a marker indicating the coordinate system based on an instruction from the input unit.
[0107]
(Additional Item 14) The ultrasonic diagnosis according to any one of Additional Item 1 to Additional Item 13, wherein the position information detection unit calculates the position information based on a coordinate system based on a subject. apparatus.
[0108]
Hereinafter, effects obtained by the configurations of the above-described supplementary items will be described.
According to the configurations according to the supplementary items 1 to 4 and the supplementary item 7, when the ultrasonic transducer moving in the body cavity is used to generate a plurality of time-series tomographic images (ultrasound images), It is possible to easily grasp at which site the sound image is scanned.
[0109]
Therefore, for example, when the endoscope insertion part is inserted or removed along the digestive tract from the esophagus through the stomach and through the duodenum, the locus of the auxiliary image (guide image) is anatomically similar to the shape of the digestive tract. Using this match, the surgeon can clearly determine in the body cavity where the distal end of the endoscope insertion part is located by the guide image, and at which part the ultrasound image is being scanned Can be easily grasped. Further, by displaying the guide image during the examination, it is easy to understand the density of the image indicating how many images are taken on which side of the subject, and it is difficult to cause the image acquisition to be missed.
[0110]
Further, according to the configuration according to the supplementary item 3, the recording unit that records the ultrasonic image and the position data or the direction data in association with each other is provided, and the auxiliary image generating unit receives the ultrasonic image from the recording unit and the position data associated therewith. Alternatively, it is configured to read the direction data and create an auxiliary image based on the read position data or direction data, so that it is easy to grasp at which part the recorded ultrasonic image is the recorded ultrasonic image. be able to.
[0111]
Further, according to the configuration according to supplementary item 6, since the auxiliary image generating unit generates a plurality of auxiliary images having different directions and the display unit displays the plurality of auxiliary images on the same screen, the auxiliary image generating unit displays the auxiliary image on the current screen. It is possible to more easily grasp at which part the ultrasonic image being scanned is an ultrasonic image scanned or at which part the recorded ultrasonic image is recorded.
[0112]
Further, according to the configuration according to supplementary item 8, since the auxiliary image creating unit is configured to create an auxiliary image by superimposing a direction marker indicating a specific direction of the ultrasonic image on the ultrasonic image marker, It is easier to grasp at which part the ultrasound image currently displayed on the screen is scanned, or at which part the recorded ultrasound image is recorded. Can do.
[0113]
Therefore, for example, by configuring the direction marker indicating the 12 o'clock direction of the ultrasonic image to be superimposed on the ultrasonic image marker, the operator can perform endoscopy based on the movement of the endoscope operation unit. Compared to the conventional method of estimating the anatomical position of the tip of the mirror insertion part and the 12 o'clock anatomical direction of the ultrasonic image, the contrast between the ultrasonic image and the anatomical position and direction is more accurate. become.
[0114]
Further, according to the configuration according to the supplementary item 9, the input unit that instructs the change of the display method of the ultrasonic image is provided, and the auxiliary image creating unit is operated in conjunction with the change of the display method of the ultrasonic image. Since the auxiliary image is created by changing the display method, the following effects can be obtained.
[0115]
First, in the body cavity ultrasound field, the display range may be changed, such as a semicircle display, in order to focus on the region of interest. At this time, it is easier to understand at which part the displayed range of the displayed ultrasound image is scanned or at which part is recorded. In addition, the positional relationship between the displayed portion and the trajectory followed by the ultrasonic transducer is easy to understand.
[0116]
Secondly, in the intracavity ultrasonic field, in order to observe the region of interest at a good position, the image may be rotated around a specific point. At this time, it is easier to understand at which part the rotated ultrasonic image is the ultrasonic image scanned or at which part. In addition, the positional relationship between the orientation of the rotated ultrasonic image and the trajectory followed by the ultrasonic transducer is easy to understand.
[0117]
In addition, according to the configuration according to the supplementary item 10, the auxiliary image creating unit includes a plurality of ultrasonic images representing the positions and directions of the plurality of ultrasonic images obtained along the trajectory along which the ultrasonic probe has moved. An auxiliary image including a marker is created and the display mode of a specific ultrasonic image marker corresponding to the ultrasonic image displayed in a contrastable manner is different from the display mode of other ultrasonic image markers. Since it is configured so as to be created, it is easier to understand at which part the ultrasonic image displayed in a comparable manner is an ultrasonic image scanned or at which part.
[0118]
Moreover, according to the structure which concerns on additional claim 11, the input means which instruct | indicates the change of the ultrasonic image which should be displayed among several ultrasonic images is provided, and an auxiliary image creation means changes the ultrasonic image which should be displayed Since the ultrasonic image marker to be displayed with different display modes in conjunction with is configured to be selectively changed from a plurality of ultrasonic image markers, the ultrasonic wave in which the recorded ultrasonic image is recorded It is easier to see if it is an image. Furthermore, it is easy to recognize how surrounding organs and blood vessels are connected along the locus of movement of the endoscope insertion portion.
[0119]
Further, according to the configuration according to the supplementary item 12, the auxiliary image generating unit is configured to generate the auxiliary image including the coordinate system marker indicating the coordinate system serving as a reference for calculating the position data or the direction data of the scanning plane. It is easy to understand at what angle the auxiliary image is the image when the locus is observed.
[0120]
Further, according to the configuration according to the supplementary item 13, the input unit that instructs to change the display direction of the auxiliary image is provided, and the auxiliary image creating unit is configured to change the display direction of the auxiliary image together with the coordinate system marker according to the instruction. How to view from different angles whether the ultrasound image that is displayed in a contrastable manner is the ultrasound image that is scanned at which location, or at which location the recorded ultrasound image is the ultrasound image that is recorded It is easy to understand. For example, it is particularly easy to see and understand when the ultrasonic image markers overlap each other.
[0121]
Further, according to the configuration according to supplementary item 14, since the position information detection unit is configured to calculate the position data or the direction data of the scanning plane of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the coordinate system fixed to the subject, the current screen is displayed. It is easy to compare with the direction of the subject whether the displayed ultrasound image is an ultrasound image scanned at which location or the recorded ultrasound image is an ultrasound image recorded at which location. Easy to understand. This is particularly easy to understand and useful when the subject moves during the examination.
[0122]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the auxiliary image and the ultrasonic image are displayed on the same screen so that they can be compared with each other. However, even if this is switched and displayed on the monitor, a plurality of monitors are displayed. May be displayed side by side, not depending on the method of comparison.
[0123]
In each of the above embodiments, an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a mechanical radial scanning ultrasonic endoscope that performs radial scanning by mechanically rotating an ultrasonic transducer has been described. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, a so-called electronic radial scanning ultrasonic endoscope in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are provided in a ring shape, or a plurality of ultrasonic transducers instead of radial scanning are provided. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is configured using a linear or convex scanning type ultrasonic endoscope provided in the direction of the insertion axis of the endoscope insertion portion, and the operator inserts the endoscope insertion portion with the hand around the insertion axis. You may make it act like twisting.
[0124]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the displayed ultrasonic image marker is configured to have a different color from other ultrasonic image markers. A method of changing the display mode may be used.
[0125]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the current ultrasonic image generated using the ultrasonic transducer inserted into the body cavity and the ultrasonic image after recording are obtained by scanning which part. Can be easily recognized by the surgeon.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the insertion side distal end of the endoscope insertion portion.
FIG. 3 is an external view when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used for a subject.
FIG. 4 is a data conceptual diagram for explaining position direction data;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an ultrasonic guide image as above;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each display example when displaying an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image on the monitor.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing each display example when displaying an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image on the monitor.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing each display example when an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image are displayed on the monitor.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing each display example when displaying an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image on the monitor.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing each display example when displaying an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image on the monitor.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing each display example when displaying an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image on the monitor.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a modified example of the guide image.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a modified example of the guide image.
FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a guide image
FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing each display example when displaying an ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic guide image on the monitor.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment
4 ... Magnetic sensor unit (position information detecting means)
5. Position / direction detection unit (position information detection means)
16 ... Ultrasonic transducer
21 ... Magnetic source (position information detecting means)
22 ... Magnetic source (position information detecting means)
40 Ultrasonic signal processing circuit
41. Guide image creation circuit (auxiliary image creation means)
42. Image mixing circuit (display control means)
61. Ultrasonic image marker
66 ... Ultrasonic image marker
78 ... Magnetic source (position information detecting means)
79 ... Ultrasonic transducer
85 ... Magnetic source (position information detecting means)
100 ... Subject

Claims (2)

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that moves an ultrasonic transducer in a body cavity of a subject and generates a plurality of time-series tomographic images as the ultrasonic transducer moves,
Position and direction information detection means for detecting three-dimensional position and direction information of the ultrasonic transducer when acquiring the tomographic image;
Based on the position and direction information related to the plurality of tomographic images obtained by the position / direction information detecting means, the relative positional relationship of the cross-sections related to the tomographic images along the path of movement of the ultrasonic transducer is obtained. An auxiliary image creating means for creating an auxiliary image to be shown;
With
The auxiliary image creating means includes a plurality of plate-like ultrasonic image markers representing the position and direction of the tomographic image, and further, a specific direction of the ultrasonic image is set on all of the plate-like ultrasonic image markers. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus , wherein the auxiliary image is created by superimposing and displaying a directional marker to be expressed .   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying the auxiliary image and a tomographic image corresponding to the auxiliary image in a comparable manner.

Images