JP6213472B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, control method for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and controller for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present application relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control method, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controller.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject via an ultrasonic probe and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject (hereinafter referred to as “reflected ultrasonic waves” in the present specification). The information inside the subject is displayed as an ultrasound image based on the reflected ultrasound. As this ultrasonic image, two types of images, a B-mode image and a D-mode image, are known. The B-mode image is an image obtained by converting the reflected ultrasound into a luminance signal based on the magnitude of the amplitude. By converting to a luminance signal, the shape of the organ of the subject can be obtained as a two-dimensional image. The D-mode image is an image obtained by converting reflected ultrasound at the sample gate set at a specific position on the B-mode image into blood flow information such as blood flow velocity by the pulse Doppler method.

  The display of the D mode image is realized, for example, by the operation of the operator after the display of the B mode image (hereinafter, this display is referred to as “B mode image display”). That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shifts to the D-mode image display process by the operation of the operator after displaying the B-mode image. When shifting to D-mode image display processing, the B-mode image and the D-mode image may be simultaneously displayed on the display screen in order to facilitate understanding of the correspondence between the B-mode image and the D-mode image and subsequent operations. (Hereinafter, this display is referred to as “B / D mode image simultaneous display”).

  When the operator makes a transition from B-mode image display to B / D-mode image simultaneous display, two types of images are simultaneously displayed on the display screen. Is displayed smaller than the B-mode image display. For this reason, in particular, when a sample gate is set on a B-mode image using a small ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus such as a touch panel type, the visibility of the B-mode image is deteriorated for the operator. In order to avoid such a problem, conventionally, a sample gate is set by performing zoom processing on a B-mode image displayed after transition to B / D mode image simultaneous display.

  In this zoom process, complicated zoom conditions must be set, such as the need to set a reference position for zooming in (enlarging) or zooming out (reducing). Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs zoom processing with reference to a sample gate.

JP 2004-0344564 A

  However, in the conventional technique described above, further improvement in operability has been demanded.

  The non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present application is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of simplifying a zoom operation of a B-mode image for setting a sample gate when transitioning to B / D mode image simultaneous display, An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a controller for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

In order to achieve this object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one aspect of the present application is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connectable to a display, and is set at a desired position of the first B-mode image. A D-mode image data generation unit that generates image data of a D-mode image based on the received signal at the sample gate, and an ultrasonic image in a predetermined range based on the position of the sample gate in the first B-mode image A second B-mode image is assigned to the first display area of the display area for displaying the ultrasonic image of the display, and the second B-mode image is cut out as a second B-mode image. allocating the D-mode image on the second display area, and a display screen generating unit for simultaneously displaying the second B-mode image and the D mode image on the display unit, the display screen generating unit When there is an instruction to move the sample gate, the destination pixel in the second B-mode image is specified, and the specified pixel and the movement direction and / or movement amount of the instruction are followed. Other pixels are moved in parallel .

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control method, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controller according to an embodiment of the present application, the above configuration allows the transition to B / D mode image simultaneous display. The setting operation of the zoom operation of the B-mode image for setting the sample gate can be easily performed.

It is an example of the block diagram of the ultrasound diagnosing device by Embodiment 1 of this application. It is an example of the detailed block diagram of the display process part of the ultrasonic diagnosing device by Embodiment 1 of this application. It is an example of the hardware block diagram of the ultrasound diagnosing device by Embodiment 1 of this application. It is an example of the operation | movement flowchart of the ultrasound diagnosing device by Embodiment 1 of this application. In Embodiment 1 of this application, it is a figure which shows an example of the display screen which displayed the B mode image. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen which displayed the sample gate image set on the B mode image by Embodiment 1 of this application. It is an example of the figure explaining the cutting-out range of the B mode image by Embodiment 1 of this application. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen which displayed the B mode image and D mode image by Embodiment 1 of this application simultaneously. It is an example of the operation | movement flowchart regarding the change process of the sample gate of the ultrasonic diagnosing device by Embodiment 1 of this application. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen at the time of changing the sample gate position by Embodiment 1 of this application. It is an example of the detailed block diagram of the display process part of the ultrasonic diagnosing device by Embodiment 2 of this application. It is an example of the operation | movement flowchart of the ultrasound diagnosing device by Embodiment 2 of this application. It is an example of the figure which shows an example of the display screen in the case of changing the sample gate by Embodiment 2 of this application. It is an example of the figure which shows an example of the display screen after changing the sample gate by Embodiment 2 of this application.

  The inventors of the present application have examined the techniques described in the conventional literature in detail. As a result, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, since the operator has to set the zoom process, there is a problem that the sample gate setting operation is complicated for the operator.

  That is, the operator has a plurality of regions of interest to display the D mode image on the B mode image displayed after the transition to the B / D mode image simultaneous display, and sets the sample gate for each region of interest and sets the D When attempting to display a mode image, there have been cases where zooming in and zooming out operations have to be repeated for each region of interest.

  The present inventor has conceived an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of simplifying a zoom operation of a B-mode image for setting a sample gate when transitioning to B / D mode image simultaneous display even in the above case. It came to do. The outline of one aspect of the present application is as follows.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an aspect of the present application is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connectable to a display device, and is based on a reception signal at a sample gate set at a desired position of a first B-mode image. A D-mode image data generation unit that generates image data of a D-mode image, and an ultrasonic image in a predetermined range is cut out as a second B-mode image based on the position of the sample gate in the first B-mode image Among the display areas for displaying the ultrasonic image of the B-mode image cutout processing unit and the display, the second B-mode image is assigned to the first display area, and the D-mode image is assigned to the second display area. And a display screen construction unit for simultaneously displaying the second B-mode image and the D-mode image on the display.

  In one embodiment, the display screen construction unit performs a process of displaying the first B-mode image in the ultrasonic image display area, and displays the first B-mode image in the ultrasonic image display area. When there is an instruction to shift to the simultaneous display of the B-mode image and the D-mode image, the display screen construction unit displays the second B-mode image in the first display area and the D in the second display area. A mode image is assigned, and the second B-mode image and the D-mode image are simultaneously displayed on the display.

  In one embodiment, the display screen construction unit displays the second B-mode image in the second display area with the same display scale as the first B-mode image, or a predetermined enlargement factor set in advance. To display.

  In one embodiment, when the sample gate is set to a different position from the desired position on the second B-mode image, the D-mode image data generation unit sets the sample set at the different position. A D-mode image at the gate is generated, and the display screen construction unit assigns the D-mode image at the sample gate set at the different position to the second display area and causes the display to display the D-mode image.

  In one embodiment, when the sample gate is set to a different position from the desired position on the second B-mode image, the B-mode image cut-out processing unit is configured to store the first B-mode image. The ultrasonic image in the predetermined range is re-cut out as a third B-mode image based on the position of the sample gate set at the other position, and the display screen construction unit extracts the third B-mode image. The display area is assigned to the first display area and displayed on the display.

  In one embodiment, any of the above-described ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses is configured to be connectable to an ultrasonic probe having a piezoelectric transducer, and transmission for transmitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe. A transmission / reception unit that performs reception processing for generating a reception signal based on the reflected ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe, and B-mode image data corresponding to the first B-mode image based on the reception signal And a B-mode image display processing unit for generating.

  A method according to an aspect of the present application is a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connectable to a display device, and is based on a received signal at a sample gate set at a desired position of a first B-mode image. A step A for generating image data of a D-mode image; a step B for cutting out an ultrasonic image in a predetermined range based on the position of the sample gate in the first B-mode image as a second B-mode image; The second B mode image is assigned to the first display area, the D mode image is assigned to the second display area, and the second B mode is displayed among the display areas for displaying the ultrasonic image of the display. And C for simultaneously displaying the image and the D-mode image on the display.

  The controller according to one aspect of the present application is a controller of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connectable to a display, and receives a reception signal at a sample gate set at a desired position of the first B-mode image. A D-mode image data generation unit that generates image data of the D-mode image based on the ultrasonic image in a predetermined range based on the position of the sample gate in the first B-mode image as a second B-mode image; Of the display area for displaying the ultrasonic image of the B-mode image cut-out processing unit and the display, the second B-mode image is assigned to the first display area, and the D-mode is assigned to the second display area. A display screen constructing unit that assigns an image and causes the display to simultaneously display the second B-mode image and the D-mode image.

  Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control method, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controller according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control method, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controller according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present application.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment is configured to be connectable to the ultrasonic probe 101 and the display 102. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1A shows a state in which an ultrasonic probe 101 and a display 102 are connected.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of piezoelectric transducers, and each of the piezoelectric transducers converts a transmission electric signal from a transmission / reception unit 3 to be described later into an ultrasonic wave to generate an ultrasonic beam. Therefore, by arranging the ultrasonic probe 101 on the subject surface, the ultrasonic beam can be irradiated inside the subject. Then, the reflected ultrasound from the inside of the subject is received by the ultrasound probe 101, and the reflected ultrasound is converted into a received electrical signal by a plurality of piezoelectric transducers and supplied to the transmission / reception unit 3.

  In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 101 is described as an example of the ultrasonic probe 101 in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a one-dimensional direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to use an ultrasonic probe 101 in which a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements are two-dimensionally arranged. Further, the ultrasonic probe 101 selects the piezoelectric transducer to be used by the control unit 12, changes the timing of applying voltage to the piezoelectric transducer and the value of the voltage individually, thereby irradiating the ultrasonic beam to be transmitted. And the irradiation direction can be controlled.

  Further, the ultrasound probe 101 may include a part of functions of the transmission / reception unit 3 described later. For example, based on a control signal (hereinafter referred to as “transmission control signal”) for generating a transmission electric signal output from the transmission / reception unit 3, a transmission electric signal is generated in the ultrasonic probe 101. There is a configuration in which a transmission electric signal is converted into an ultrasonic wave, a received reflected ultrasonic wave is converted into a reception electric signal, and a reception signal described later is generated in the ultrasonic probe 101 based on the reception electric signal.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a controller 1 and an input unit 2 on which an operator performs various settings. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is a touch panel type, the display 102 and the input unit 2 are integrally configured. The operator performs various settings of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 by touching an input key (indicating the input unit 2) displayed on the display 102. In the present embodiment and the second embodiment to be described later, a touch panel type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is assumed, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The controller 1 includes a transmission / reception unit 3, an image generation unit 4, a display processing unit 5, and a controller 6.

  Note that each component shown in FIG. 1A is not necessarily configured by independent hardware, and is configured to realize the function of each block by a CPU and software in which each block is integrated as necessary. Also good. A hardware configuration example will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, with respect to each functional block of the controller 1, a part or all of the functions of each functional block can be realized as an LSI which is typically an integrated circuit. These may be individually made into one chip, or may be made into one chip so as to include a part or all of them. Here, although LSI is used, it may be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

  Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI's, and implementation using dedicated circuitry or general purpose processors is also possible. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after manufacturing the LSI, or a reconfigurable processor (ReConfigurable Processor) that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

  Further, if integrated circuit technology comes out to replace LSI's as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or a derivative other technology, it is naturally also possible to carry out function block integration using this technology.

  The transmission / reception unit 3 generates a transmission control signal for transmitting an ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 101, and has a predetermined timing with respect to the ultrasonic probe 101 having a piezoelectric transducer based on the transmission control signal. A transmission process for driving the piezoelectric transducer of the ultrasonic probe 101 is performed by supplying a transmission signal that is a high-voltage transmission electrical signal generated in step S1. By this transmission processing, the ultrasound probe 101 can irradiate the subject, which is the object to be measured, with the ultrasound by converting the transmission electrical signal into the ultrasound.

  In addition, the transmission / reception unit 3 receives the received electrical signal converted by the ultrasound probe 101 with respect to the reflected ultrasound from the subject, amplifies it, and performs A / D conversion to generate a received signal. (Hereinafter, this processing is referred to as reception processing). Then, this received signal is supplied to the image generation unit 4.

  The image generation unit 4 includes a B mode image data generation unit 41 and a D mode image data generation unit 42. Based on the received signal from the transmission / reception unit 3, B-mode image data and D-mode image data are constructed.

  The B-mode image data generation unit 41 is configured using, for example, various filters, detectors, logarithmic amplifiers, scan converters, and other signal / image processors. The B-mode image data generation unit 41 mainly analyzes the amplitude of the reception signal and converts the signal strength of the reception signal (that is, the amplitude of the reflected ultrasonic wave) into a luminance signal. Then, the B-mode data generation unit 41 constructs B-mode image data by performing coordinate conversion so that the luminance signal of one frame B-mode image converted from each received signal corresponds to the orthogonal coordinate system. Then, the B mode image data generation unit 41 supplies the constructed B mode image data to the display processing unit 5.

  The D-mode image data generation unit 42 performs quadrature detection using a reference signal having a frequency substantially the same as the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric transducer with respect to the received signal at the sample gate set by the operator at a desired position on the B-mode image. Then, Doppler spectrum data is constructed by performing frequency analysis on the obtained Doppler signal by FFT. Then, the D-mode image data generation unit 42 uses the constructed Doppler spectrum data, for example, the flow velocity (V) corresponding to the frequency on the vertical axis, time (t) on the horizontal axis, and the power (strength) of each flow velocity (frequency) component. ) Is displayed as luminance (gradation), and temporally continuous D-mode image data is generated.

  The above-described method for generating image data of the B-mode image and the D-mode image is an example. Other methods may be used.

  FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the display processing unit 5.

  The display processing unit 5 includes a B-mode image display processing unit 51, a sample gate display processing unit 52, a B-mode image cut-out processing unit 53, a D-mode image display processing unit 54, and a display screen construction unit 55. The display processing unit 5 performs processing for displaying B-mode image data and D-mode image data on the display screen of the display 102.

  Note that the D-mode image displayed on the display device 102 may be an image including a trace waveform generated based on Doppler spectrum data and an image displaying measurement results of various diagnostic parameters based on the trace waveform. . This trace waveform is generated, for example, by connecting the maximum flow velocity point and the average flow velocity point for each time of the Doppler spectrum data. The various diagnostic parameters are PSV (Peak Systolic Velocity), EDV (End Dielectric Velocity), TAMV (Time Average Maximum Velocity), RI (Resistence Index), and PI (Pulse Index). Measured based on the trace waveform.

  The B mode image display processing unit 51 constructs a B mode image based on the B mode image data and outputs the B mode image to the display screen construction unit 55.

  The sample gate display processing unit 52 holds an image showing a predetermined sample gate (hereinafter referred to as a sample gate image) in advance, and the operator operates the input unit 2 to display a D-mode image. The sample gate image is output to the display screen construction unit 55.

  The B-mode image cut-out processing unit 53 is configured by the B-mode constructed by the B-mode image display processing unit 51 when the operator performs an operation for switching from B-mode image display to B / D-mode image simultaneous display using the input unit 2. From the image, a B-mode image in a predetermined range is cut out based on the set position of the sample gate, and is output to the display screen construction unit 55.

  The D-mode image display processing unit 54 displays a D-mode image constructed based on the D-mode image data when the operator performs an operation for switching from B-mode image display to B / D-mode image simultaneous display using the input unit 2. Output to the screen construction unit 55.

  The display screen construction unit 55 constructs a display screen that displays a B-mode image or a D-mode image, and includes various graphics images and display formats for constructing the display screen in advance.

  In the case of B-mode image display, the display screen construction unit 55 prepares a display format and various graphics images corresponding to the B-mode image display. Then, the display screen constructing unit 55 assigns the B mode image from the B mode image display processing unit 51 to the ultrasonic image display area in the display screen, and performs processing for causing the display 102 to display the constructed display screen. In addition, when the operator performs an operation for setting a sample gate in order to construct a D-mode image with the input unit 2, the display screen construction unit 55 displays on the B-mode image displayed in the B-mode image display. The sample gate image from the sample gate display processing unit 52 is superimposed and displayed.

  On the other hand, when the operator causes the input unit 2 to transition from the B mode image display to the B / D mode image simultaneous display, the display screen construction unit 55, for example, displays the ultrasonic image display area in the display screen as the first display. It is divided into upper and lower (or left and right) two parts such as an area and a second display area. The display screen construction unit 55 prepares the B mode image cut out by the B mode image cutout processing unit 52 in the upper first display area, and displays the D mode image in the lower second display area. Prepare a display format and various graphics images. The B-mode image is assigned to the first display area above the ultrasonic image display area, and the D-mode image is assigned to the second display area below the ultrasonic image display area. Further, the display screen construction unit 55 performs processing for displaying the set sample gate image so as to be superimposed on the B-mode image. Note that the sample gate image can be moved by an operation of the input unit 2 by an operator such as touching and dragging. The D-mode image data processing unit 42 constructs D-mode image data based on the received signal corresponding to the position on the B-mode image of the sample gate image set by movement under the control of the control unit 6 described later.

  The control unit 6 controls the operation of each block in the controller 1 based on a command from the input unit 2.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. From the viewpoint of hardware, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes, for example, a pulser 153, an amplifier 154, an AD converter 155, a transmission beam former 156, a reception beam former 157, an image processor 158, an arithmetic processor 159, and a memory 160. Yes.

  The plurality of piezoelectric transducers 151 transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The plurality of piezoelectric transducers 151 correspond to a part of the ultrasonic probe 101 (FIG. 1A). A plurality of pulsars 153, amplifiers 154, and AD converters 155, which will be described later, are prepared corresponding to the number of piezoelectric transducers 151.

  In this specification, the ultrasonic probe 101 is not a component of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 but an external element that can be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, but this is an example. The ultrasonic probe 101 may be a component of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

  The transmission beamformer 156 generates a transmission control signal having an appropriate phase and transmits it to the pulser 153 at an appropriate timing. This makes it possible to form an ultrasonic main beam in a desired direction. The pulser 153 outputs a high-frequency voltage pulse (transmission signal) based on the transmission control signal received from the transmission beam former 156. The voltage pulse is applied to the plurality of piezoelectric transducers 151, and ultrasonic waves corresponding to the voltage pulses are transmitted from the piezoelectric transducers 151. The transmission beam former 156 and the pulser 153 are hardware corresponding to the transmission function of the transmission / reception unit 3 (FIG. 1A).

  The amplifier 154 amplifies the reflected ultrasonic wave received by the piezoelectric conversion element 151. The AD converter 155 converts the analog reflected ultrasound amplified by the amplifier 154 into a digital received signal. The reception beam former 157 changes and integrates the phases of the reception signals of the reflected ultrasonic waves generated by the AD converter 155 and received by the piezoelectric transducers 151. Depending on how this change is made, signals from certain points in the body can be strengthened. As a result, the reception beamformer 157 makes it possible to perform focusing at a desired position. The amplifier 154, the AD converter 155, and the reception beamformer 157 are hardware corresponding to the reception function of the transmission / reception unit 3 (FIG. 1A).

  The image processor 158 is, for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU). The image processor 158 converts the signal intensity of the image signal generated by the reception beamformer 57 into a luminance signal, for example, and generates B-mode image data. The image processor 58 converts the reflected ultrasonic wave at the sample gate set at a specific position on the B-mode image into blood flow information by a predetermined process, and generates a D-mode image.

  The arithmetic processor 59 is a computer known as a CPU, for example. The arithmetic processor 59 controls the operation of the entire ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 by executing a computer program described later.

  The memory 160 stores a computer program that defines a procedure for realizing the function of each component shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In addition, the memory 160 controls the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, the ultrasonic probe 101, and the display 102 by operating each component in a predetermined procedure, and generates a B-mode image and / or a D-mode image. A computer program that defines the procedure for storing the program is stored. These programs are sequentially read from the memory 160 and executed by the arithmetic processor 159.

  The hardware configuration described above is merely an example, and various modifications can be made. For example, the image processor 158 can be omitted. The function of the image processor 158 may be realized by causing the arithmetic processor 159 to execute a computer program in which processing corresponding to the function is described. Further, the functions of the transmission beam former 156 and the reception beam former 157 may be realized by software. Instead of the hardware described above, a PC including the image processor 158, the arithmetic processor 159, and the memory 160 may be used.

  An example of a control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. Here, a process will be described in which the operator performs an operation for switching to B / D mode image simultaneous display with the input unit 2 from the B mode image display for displaying the B mode image on the display 102 based on the B mode image data. .

  Moreover, although the example of the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 demonstrated individually is demonstrated in the example using the ultrasonic image produced | generated in real time, this invention is not limited to this. The control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can also be applied when using a B-mode image and a D-mode image based on a reception signal recorded in advance. In that case, for example, in the example of FIG. 2, the image processor 158, the arithmetic processor 159, and the memory 160 may be present. The image processor 158 acquires the digital data of the received signal or the data of the B mode image and the D mode image based on the received signal recorded in advance from the memory 160 or a secondary storage device (not shown). Thus, the process shown in FIG. 3 can be performed. This configuration can also be applied to a second embodiment described later.

  Step S1 is a process for displaying a B-mode image. The B mode image display processing unit 51 constructs a B mode image based on the B mode image data constructed by the B mode image data generation unit 41 and outputs the B mode image to the display screen construction unit 55. Then, the display screen construction unit 55 performs processing for causing the display device 102 to display the constructed B-mode image based on the display format and various graphics images stored in advance.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the display screen 201 of the display 102. The display screen construction unit 55 assigns the B-mode image to the ultrasonic image display area 202 and displays it. Note that the B-mode image shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of a cross section in the direction of extension of the carotid artery.

  Step S2 is a sample gate setting process. Based on the B mode image displayed in the display screen 201 (ultrasound image display area 202), the operator sets the sample gate at a desired position of the B mode image through the operation of the input unit 2. At this time, for example, when a “sample gate setting” input key (not shown) of the input unit 2 is pressed, the display screen construction unit 55 receives the output from the sample gate display processing unit 52 and receives the B-mode image. A sample gate image is superimposed and displayed at a predetermined default position above. Then, for example, the operator touches the sample gate image displayed at the default position on the B-mode image and moves it by a drag operation or the like to set the sample gate 204 at a desired position as shown in FIG. To do.

  Step S3 is a process in which the D-mode image data generation unit 42 constructs a D-mode image based on the reception signal corresponding to the sample gate position for the B-mode image set in step S2. The D-mode image data generation unit 42 can specify which position of each dot of the B-mode image is constructed based on the reflected ultrasound obtained from which position of the subject. When the sample gate position is designated, the D-mode image data generation unit 42 constructs a D-mode image from the reflected ultrasound (reception signal) corresponding to the position. In addition, the process which changes the display position of a D mode image later with the change of a sample gate position is demonstrated. Such processing is also realized based on the correspondence relationship between the above-described sample gate position and the position of the subject.

  Step S4 is a process in which the operator switches the setting from the B mode image display to the B / D mode image simultaneous display by operating the input unit 2.

  In step S5, in response to the switching setting for transition to B / D mode image simultaneous display in step S4, the B mode image cutout processing unit 53 selects a predetermined one of the B mode images constructed by the B mode image display processing unit 51. Is a process of performing a process of cutting out a B-mode image in the range and outputting it to the display screen construction unit 55. Specifically, the B-mode image cutout processing unit 53 performs a process of cutting out a predetermined range with reference to the sample gate set on the B-mode image. For example, when the B-mode image to be cut out is a rectangle having a predetermined size, the B-mode image cut-out processing unit 53 causes the set sample gate to be centered in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the B-mode image to be cut out. Then, a B-mode image in a predetermined range is cut out.

  FIG. 6 shows an image around the sample gate cut out by the B-mode image cut-out processing unit 53. A cut-out range 205 is indicated by a long broken line. In this specification, an image in a range 205 indicated by a long broken line is referred to as a cut-out B-mode image 205.

  Step S6 is a process in which the display screen construction unit 55 performs a process of displaying the cut-out B-mode image and the D-mode image on the display screen.

  Specifically, the display screen construction unit 55 prepares a display format and various graphics images prepared in advance in order to display the cut-out B mode image and the D mode image at the same time. Then, the display screen construction unit 55 divides the ultrasonic image display area 202 into two parts, for example, up and down. Then, the display screen constructing unit 55 cuts out the upper side as a first display area and assigns it to display the B-mode image 205, and assigns the lower side as a second display area to display the D-mode image 206, Each image is displayed on the display 102. At this time, the display scale of the cut-out B-mode image 205 is displayed with the same display scale as the B-mode image displayed in step S1 or with a predetermined magnification set in advance.

  FIG. 6 shows the cut-out B-mode image 205 assigned to the upper first display area and the D-mode image 206 assigned to the lower second display area. FIG. 6 shows an example of display on the same display scale as the B-mode image displayed when the B-mode image is displayed in step S1.

  By performing the processes in steps S1 to S6 described above, the operator sets the sample gate without performing the zoom operation of the B mode image when the B mode image display is changed to the B / D mode image simultaneous display. Can do.

  Next, a process for changing the setting of the sample gate will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows the procedure of the sample gate setting change process. The processes in steps S7 to S9 are processes when the sample gate set in step S2 in FIG. 3 is set to another position.

  Step S7 is a process of changing the sample gate position set in step S2 (FIG. 3). The operator operates the sample gate image 204 that has already been set to a desired position on the cut-out B-mode image by touching and dragging. FIG. 9 shows a sample gate image 204 that has already been set, and a sample gate image 207 that has been moved to a desired position. At the time of movement, the display screen constructing unit 55 moves the sample gate image 204 currently displayed on the cut-out B mode image 205 to a desired cut-out B mode image position operated by touching and dragging (sample gate in FIG. 9). A process of moving the image to the position of the image 207 and displaying it is performed.

  Step S8 is a process in which the D-mode image data generation unit 41 constructs a D-mode image at the re-set sample gate, as in Step S3.

  In step S9, the D mode image display processing unit 42 and the display screen construction unit 55 newly construct a D mode image (D mode image corresponding to the sample gate image 204) that is already displayed ( It is replaced with a D-mode image corresponding to the sample gate image 207 and is displayed on the display 102.

  With the above configuration, when changing from B-mode image display to B / D-mode image simultaneous display, the operator can set the sample gate without zooming the B-mode image, thereby improving operability. It becomes possible.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment will describe a configuration that can more easily perform an operation when transitioning from B-mode image display to B / D-mode image simultaneous display. Specifically, as shown in step S7 in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, when the setting of the sample gate is changed, a simpler operation can be performed.

  In step S7 of the first embodiment, the setting of the sample gate is changed in the cut-out B mode image 205. In this case, when it is desired to set the sample gate at a position outside the cut-out B-mode image 205, or when it is desired to set the sample gate at the periphery of the B-mode image even within the cut-out B-mode image 205, the operation becomes complicated. That is, in such a case, it is necessary to change the setting to the B-mode image display setting again, set the sample gate, and set the transition to the B / D mode image simultaneous display. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the sample gate can be set with a simple operation even in such a case will be described.

  The difference between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment is the configuration of the display processing unit 5 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the processing when there is a change in the setting of the sample gate in step S7 of the first embodiment is different. That is, in the present embodiment, the display screen configuration unit 55 outputs the changed sample gate position to the B-mode image display processing unit 51, and the B-mode image display processing unit 51, based on the changed sample gate position, A B-mode image in a predetermined range is cut out again.

  The overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A and 2. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment can perform the process of FIG. 3 described in relation to the first embodiment. In the following, the description of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2 and FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration of FIG. 1B in the first embodiment is changed to the configuration shown in FIG. Hereinafter, an example of the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described based on the operation of the operator with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG.

  Step S21 is a sample gate setting changing process resulting from the operation of the operator. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the operator touches the sample gate image 204 that has already been set, and drags the sample gate image 204 as it is to a position on the desired cut-out B mode image. The display screen construction unit 55 displays the desired cut-out B mode image position (the position of the sample gate image 207 in FIG. 9) that the sample gate image 204 currently displayed on the cut-out B mode image 205 is operated by touching and dragging. ) Until the display is moved and displayed following the operation. More specifically, the display screen construction unit 55 acquires information on the position on the screen corresponding to the touch position, and specifies the pixel of the cut-out B-mode image currently displayed at that position. The display screen construction unit 55 also acquires information on the drag direction and drag amount, and changes the display position of the image by translating the specified pixel and other pixels in accordance with the direction and amount. In order to improve visibility, the display of the image may be changed following the change in the direction and amount of the drag. Alternatively, the display of the image may be changed at the timing when the touch is finished.

  In step S22, with the movement of the sample gate image to the desired position in step S21, the display screen construction unit 55 outputs the changed sample gate position on the B mode image to the B mode image display processing unit 51. . Then, the B-mode image cutout processing unit 53 cuts out a B-mode image in a predetermined range based on the changed sample gate position output to the B-mode image display processing unit 51. As shown in FIG. 13, the display screen construction unit 55 performs a process of replacing the cut-out B-mode image 208 with the cut-out B-mode image 204 that has already been displayed and causing the display 102 to display it.

  In step S23, the B-mode image displayed in step S22 displays the desired position where the operator wants to set the sample gate, and the sample gate is set at that position (YES in step S23). The process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, when the desired position where the operator wants to set the sample gate is not displayed (NO in step S23), the process returns to step S21, and the sample gate is touched and dragged until the desired B-mode image is displayed. The same steps are repeated by moving by operation.

  Steps S8 and S9 have already been described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

  With the above configuration, when the operator changes the setting of the sample gate, the position on the B-mode image where the sample gate is desired to be set after the change is outside the currently displayed cut-out B-mode image or the cut-out B-mode. Even within the image or the periphery of the B-mode image, the sample gate can be set with a simple operation, so that the operability can be further improved.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control method, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus controller of the present application, the sample gate setting operation in the case of transition to B / D mode image simultaneous display with the above configuration Can be performed easily. As a result, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is easy to operate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Controller 2 Input part 3 Transmission / reception part 4 Image generation process part 5 Display process part 6 Control part 41 B mode image data generation part 42 D mode image data generation part 51 B mode image display process part 52 Sample gate display process part 53 B Mode image cutout processing unit 54 D-mode image display processing unit 55 Display screen construction unit 100 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 101 Ultrasound probe 102 Display unit 201 Display screen 202 Ultrasound image display region 203 Cross section in extension direction of carotid artery blood vessel B-mode image 204, 207 Sample gate image 205 Cut-out B-mode image 206 D-mode image 208 Re-cut-out B-mode image

Claims (8)

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connectable to a display,
A D-mode image data generating unit that generates image data of the D-mode image based on a reception signal at the sample gate set at a desired position of the first B-mode image;
A B-mode image cut-out processing unit that cuts out a predetermined range of an ultrasonic image as a second B-mode image with reference to the position of the sample gate in the first B-mode image;
The second B mode image is assigned to the first display area, the D mode image is assigned to the second display area, and the second B mode is displayed among the display areas for displaying the ultrasonic image of the display. A display screen construction unit for simultaneously displaying an image and the D-mode image on the display ;
Equipped with a,
When there is an instruction to move the sample gate, the display screen construction unit identifies a destination pixel in the second B-mode image, and follows a change in the direction and / or amount of movement of the instruction. To translate the identified pixel and other pixels,
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The display screen construction unit performs a process of displaying the first B-mode image in the ultrasonic image display area,
When there is an instruction to change the display of the first B-mode image in the ultrasonic image display area to simultaneous display of a B-mode image and a D-mode image, the display screen construction unit is configured to display the first display area. Assigning the D-mode image to the second B-mode image and the second display area, and causing the display to simultaneously display the second B-mode image and the D-mode image,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The display screen construction unit displays the second B-mode image in the second display area at the same display scale as the first B-mode image, or a predetermined enlargement factor set in advance.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. When the sample gate is set at a different position from the desired position on the second B-mode image, the D-mode image data generation unit is configured to display a D-mode image at the sample gate set at the different position. The display screen construction unit assigns a D-mode image at the sample gate set at the different position to the second display area, and causes the display to display the display screen.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3. When the sample gate is set to a different position from the desired position on the second B-mode image, the B-mode image cutout processing unit is configured to change the different position of the first B-mode image. The ultrasonic image in the predetermined range is re-cut out as a third B-mode image with reference to the position of the sample gate set in step S, and the display screen construction unit displays the third B-mode image in the first display. Assigned to the area and displayed on the display,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connectable to an ultrasonic probe having a piezoelectric transducer,
A transmission / reception unit that performs a transmission process for transmitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic probe and performs a reception process for generating a reception signal based on the reflected ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic probe; and
The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, further comprising: a B-mode image display processing unit that generates B-mode image data corresponding to the first B-mode image based on the received signal. apparatus. A method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connectable to a display,
Generating image data of a D-mode image based on a reception signal at a sample gate set at a desired position of the first B-mode image;
A step B of cutting out an ultrasonic image of a predetermined range as a second B-mode image based on the position of the sample gate in the first B-mode image;
The second B mode image is assigned to the first display area, the D mode image is assigned to the second display area, and the second B mode is displayed among the display areas for displaying the ultrasonic image of the display. A step C of simultaneously displaying an image and the D-mode image on the display;
It encompasses,
In the step C, when there is an instruction to move the sample gate, the destination pixel in the second B-mode image is specified, and the movement direction and / or movement amount of the instruction is followed. And further comprising a step D of translating the identified pixel and the other pixels.
Control method of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A controller for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to be connectable to a display;
A D-mode image data generating unit that generates image data of the D-mode image based on a reception signal at the sample gate set at a desired position of the first B-mode image;
A B-mode image cut-out processing unit that cuts out a predetermined range of an ultrasonic image as a second B-mode image with reference to the position of the sample gate in the first B-mode image;
The second B mode image is assigned to the first display area, the D mode image is assigned to the second display area, and the second B mode is displayed among the display areas for displaying the ultrasonic image of the display. A display screen construction unit for simultaneously displaying an image and the D-mode image on the display;
Equipped with a,
When there is an instruction to move the sample gate, the display screen construction unit identifies a destination pixel in the second B-mode image, and follows a change in the direction and / or amount of movement of the instruction. To translate the identified pixel and other pixels,
Controller for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

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