JPH0759780A - Ultrasonic diagnostic system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To rapidly select the figure of the body required by an operator without performing complicated selection operation by displaying at least one of a plurality of the figures of the body two-dimensionally changing almost continuously and altering the figure of the body in response to the signal corresponding to a two-dimensional operation direction. CONSTITUTION:The display function of the figure of the body is developed by a CPU circuit 109, a program memory 110 and a graphic memory 111. When an operator selects a figure-of-body display state from an operation panel 112, the CPU circuit 109 executes a figure-of-body display routine to form a figure-of- body pattern on the graphic memory 111. Next, when the cursor key on the operation panel 112 is used as a two-dimensional operation means, the CPU circuit 109 executes a figure-of-body renewing routine in response to the key input from the operation panel 112. By this constitution, the figure of the body displayed on a display device can be altered in the order of the positional relation of the body corresponding of the cursor key.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a function of displaying a diagnostic image of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a measurement site.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic pulse signal is transmitted from an ultrasonic probe into a subject, an ultrasonic echo signal reflected by a reflector of the subject is received again by the ultrasonic probe, and based on the echo signal. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that forms a tomographic image is widely used for the purpose of diagnosing a lesion inside a living body.

The tomographic image obtained by this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is often recorded and stored by a recording device such as a polaroid camera or a video printer. At that time, in order to clearly show which part of the living body the recorded image is, a tomographic image shows a figure showing a part of the body as shown in FIG. 8 (hereinafter referred to as a body figure, generally called a body mark). A device having a function of displaying on a displayed screen is generally used.

Further, a figure (hereinafter referred to as a probe figure) for indicating the position where the ultrasonic probe is applied is displayed on this body figure so that the position of the tomographic plane of the displayed tomographic image can be identified on the record. Various functions are also widely used.

[0005]

When using such a body figure display function, the operator selects a body figure corresponding to the part currently inspected by using a key or the like on the operation panel. However, many body figures are prepared to meet the demands of various specialists (about several dozen types), and the operator has to perform complicated operations in order to select from them. I had to. For example,
A key on which the pattern 131 of each body figure is printed is arranged on the operation panel, and when a key having the body figure to be displayed is searched for and pressed, the corresponding body figure appears on the screen. . In this case, as many keys as body figures are required, but many of them also have a function as a character key 133 provided in a normal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (FIG. 9). The operator had to do this each time he changed the type of body figure that was small printed on the key. Further, in a type that is also used as a character key, it is complicated to press it at the same time as another key (for example, the shift key 132) to distinguish it from the character / input function, and there is a risk of erroneous operation. .

As another method of selecting a body figure, a dedicated body figure selection key is provided, and by pressing the key, one or a plurality of body figures 134 are displayed on the screen, and then the cursor is moved. A method of selecting the body figure 134 to be used on the screen by operating the key 135 can be considered (FIG. 10). In this method, for example, when one figure is displayed at the time of selection, the figure is changed to a different figure each time the cursor movement key 135 is pressed. By pressing 136 again, the selection of the figure is confirmed (FIG. 10A).

Alternatively, when a plurality of figures are displayed at the time of selection, every time the cursor movement key 137 is pressed, the cursor set to one figure among the plurality of figures appearing on the screen (in the figure, The black solid line frame) moves to another figure. When the cursor moves to the figure at the end of the screen and the cursor key 137 is further pressed, the page is updated to the next page, a new body figure group is displayed, and the same operation can be performed. When the cursor is set at the position of the required figure, the operator presses the body figure confirmation key 136 again to confirm the selection of the figure (FIG. 10 (b)).

In the case of this selection method, there is a drawback in that the cursor key 135 has to be kept pressed until the figure required by the operator appears in FIG. Further, since it is not possible to know in advance what kind of body figure is provided, it is necessary to press the cursor key 135 while checking the displayed figure one by one until the figure required by the operator appears. Figure 10 (b)
In Fig. 10, the drawbacks in Fig. 10 (a) have been improved to some extent, but there is a problem that information on the screen is temporarily lost during selection.

Next, when the selected body figure is displayed, in the function of displaying the probe figure for indicating the position of the ultrasonic probe on this body figure, the probe figure is displayed on the body figure. Although it has to be set to a desired position, this operation is usually performed by moving in the vertical and horizontal directions and rotating at that position. The up, down, left, and right directions are performed with a trackball, joystick, cursor keys, and so on. Usually, this probe figure needs to display the above-mentioned body figure, and it can be said that it is rarely used alone. In spite of this related operation, the conventional device must have both a key for selecting a body figure and a moving means for moving the probe figure, which complicates the operation panel section and operability. Was in decline.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems in selecting a body figure and provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of promptly selecting a body figure required by an operator without performing a complicated selection operation. It is to be realized.

Further, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems in setting a probe figure, and enables an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to quickly move a probe figure required by an operator without performing a complicated moving operation. Is to realize.

[0012]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a scanning means for scanning an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic probe onto an object, and a receiving means for receiving an ultrasonic echo from the object. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a wave means and a display means for displaying a tomographic image of a subject based on the received echo signals, the apparatus comprises a plurality of body figures that change substantially continuously in two dimensions. A body figure display function for displaying at least one of them, a two-dimensional operation means for outputting a signal corresponding to a two-dimensional operation direction, and the displayed body figure is changed in response to the output of the two-dimensional operation means. It has a body figure update function.

Further, the body figure updating function has a function corresponding to the operation direction of the two-dimensional operation means and changing the body figure in the order of the positional relationship of the body.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, another aspect of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention has a probe position indicating function for indicating the position of the ultrasonic probe on the displayed body figure by a figure. It is also held, and the figure is displayed overlapping the body figure.

In the present application, the two-dimensional operation means means
It is defined as an input means capable of controlling the direction of operation, such as a trackball, a joystick, and cursor keys capable of instructing horizontal and vertical directions.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention displays a tomographic image of a subject based on an ultrasonic echo signal obtained by scanning the subject with an ultrasonic beam by an ultrasonic probe.

When the body figure display function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is used, at least one of a plurality of body figures that change substantially continuously in two dimensions is displayed. Next, when the operator operates the two-dimensional operation means, a signal corresponding to the two-dimensional operation direction is output. In response to the output of the two-dimensional operation means, the displayed body figure is changed by the body figure updating function and displayed on a different body figure. The newly displayed body figure corresponds to the operation direction of the two-dimensional operation means and is performed in the order of the positional relationship of the body. That is, if the operation direction of the two-dimensional operation means is on the left side, a body figure having a positional relationship that is connected to the right side of the partial figure that has been displayed until then is displayed. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows eight display patterns that can be updated centering around (a). If the body figure that has been displayed until then is the central portion of the abdomen (FIG. 3A), the body figure newly selected and displayed is the figure on the right side of the abdomen, that is, the figure of the left abdomen ( It becomes FIG.3 (b)). Similarly, if the operation direction of the two-dimensional operation means is on the right side, the body figure newly selected and displayed is the figure of the right abdomen (see FIG. 3).
(C)), if it is on the lower side, the figure of the chest (Fig. 3 (d),
If it is on the upper side, the figure of the lower abdomen (FIG. 3E) is changed.

Furthermore, when the body figure display function of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is used, at least one of a plurality of body figures that change substantially continuously in two dimensions is displayed. At this time, at the same time, the probe figure is displayed on the display means so as to overlap with the body figure (FIG. 4).

Next, when the operator operates the two-dimensional operation means, the displayed body figure corresponding to the operation direction and in the order of the positional relationship of the body is updated, that is, if the two-dimensional operation is performed. If the operation direction of the operation means is on the left side, a body figure having a positional relationship that is connected to the right side of the body figure that has been displayed up to that point is displayed. Specifically, the central portion of the abdomen of the body figure that has been displayed until then (see FIG. 4).
(A)), the body figure newly selected and displayed is the figure on the right side of the abdomen, that is, the figure on the left abdomen (see FIG. 4).
(B)), and the probe figure points to the left abdomen. Similarly, if the operation direction of the two-dimensional operation means is on the right side, the newly selected and displayed partial figure is the figure on the right abdomen, and if it is on the lower side, the figure on the upper abdomen (FIG. 4 (d)). If it is on the upper side, it is changed to the figure of the lower abdomen (7th (e)), and the probe figures are the right abdomen (FIG. 4C), the chest (FIG. 4D), and the lower abdomen (FIG. 4E), respectively. )) Will be instructed.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021]

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In the transmission / reception circuit 101, the ultrasonic wave drive signal is transmitted to the transducer 14 in the ultrasonic probe 100, and the ultrasonic wave pulse 11 is transmitted into the subject 10. The transmitted ultrasonic pulse 11 is reflected by the reflector 12 in the subject 10,
It is received by the oscillator 14. The echo signal 13 received is converted into an electric signal in the transducer 14, and the transmission / reception circuit 101
Through the logarithmic conversion circuit 102 and the detection circuit 103,
It is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 104. The echo signal converted into a digital signal is stored in the image memory 105. The contents of the stored echo signal are read in synchronization with the video synchronization signal, converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion circuit 106, and then the video monitor 10
7 is displayed as an ultrasonic image.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the function of displaying and updating the figure of body will be described.

This is the body figure display function of this embodiment. This function is performed by the CPU circuit 109, the program memory 110,
This is performed by the graphic memory 111. When the operator selects the body figure display state from the operation panel 112,
The CPU circuit 109 executes the body figure display routine,
A body figure pattern is formed in the graphic memory 111 (S1). As an example of this forming method, the address of the graphic memory 111 corresponding to the body figure pattern is created in advance in the program memory as the body figure data, and when the body figure display state is selected, the data of 1 is assigned to the address. There is a way to write. The graphic memory 111 has a data length of 1 bit for each address,
It is associated with the screen coordinates. Similar to the image memory 105, the contents of the graphic memory 111 are read in synchronization with the video synchronizing signal, and only the pixels having data 1 of 1 are mixed with the analog signal as the maximum gradation value in the D / A conversion circuit 106 to obtain the video signal. It is displayed as a body figure on the monitor 107.

Next, the body figure updating function of this embodiment will be described. In the program memory 110, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of body graphic data representing a different part of the body that changes substantially continuously in two dimensions are stored in different memory areas. For convenience, these memory areas will be indicated by the coordinates (X, Y). For example, the figure at the center of the abdomen is represented by (3, 5) (S1). Consider a case where (3, 5) is selected in the body figure display function described above. Two
As the dimension operation means, [upper] on the operation panel 112,
It is assumed that the cursor keys 122 of [down], [left] and [right] are used. The CPU circuit 109 executes a body figure update routine in response to a key input from the operation panel 112. The body figure update routine moves the memory area coordinates by one area in the direction corresponding to the type of the cursor key 122 each time there is one input (S4) from the cursor key 122. For example, when selecting the figure on the left abdomen, the operator presses the [right] cursor once. As a result, the body figure update routine specifies the memory area of (2, 5) (S6).
Then, the body figure display routine is executed to form the body figure in the memory area of (2, 5) on the graphic memory 111 (S10). From this state, if the [down] cursor key 122 is pressed once, the memory area of (2, 6) is designated (S8), and the body figure of the right chest is formed on the graphic memory 111 (S10). ). Alternatively,
[Up] is (2,4) (S8), [Right] is (1,5) (S6), [Left] is (3,5) (S).
The memory area of 5) is designated, and the corresponding body figure is formed on the graphic memory 111 (S10). That is,
The body figure display routine changes the designated coordinates in the corresponding direction of the cursor key 122 based on the designated coordinates in the memory area at that time. Through the above process, the body figure displayed on the display corresponds to the operation direction of the cursor key 122 and can be changed in the order of the positional relationship of the body.

[0025]

[Embodiment 2] A probe position designating function for designating the position of an ultrasonic probe in a graphic form is added to the first embodiment, so that a diagnostic site can be designated more accurately. The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The circuit configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. This embodiment has a function of instructing the probe position. This function is similar to the body figure display function, and the CPU circuit 109 and the program memory 11
0, performed by the graphic memory 111. When the operator selects the body figure display function from the operation panel 112, the CPU circuit 109 executes the body figure display routine to form the body figure pattern in the graphic memory 111, as described above. Next, the probe position designation routine operates to form the probe graphic pattern 120 as shown in FIG. 5A in the graphic memory 111. A point 121 of the probe graphic pattern 120 indicates a connection position of a cable connected to the ultrasonic probe. This point 1
The position of 21 allows the direction of the probe to be easily known. The probe graphic pattern 120 is formed so as to overlap substantially in the center of the area where the body graphic pattern is formed. Like the body figure pattern data, the data of the probe figure pattern 120 is 1-bit data for each pixel, and the logical sum of the probe figure pattern data and the body figure pattern data is the combined figure data in the graphic memory 111.

Next, the probe position pointing function of this embodiment will be described.

Consider the case where FIG. 2 (3, 5) is selected by the body figure display function as in the first embodiment. The CPU circuit 109 uses cursor keys 122 from the operation panel 112.
In response to the input, the body figure update routine and the probe position indication routine are executed. The body figure update routine moves the memory area coordinates by one area in the direction corresponding to the type of the cursor key 122 each time there is an input from the cursor key 122. For example, when newly selecting the figure of the left abdomen, the operator presses the [right] cursor key 122 by 1.
Press twice. As a result, the body figure update routine is (2,5)
Specify the memory area of. After that, the body figure display routine is executed, and the body figure in the memory area of (2, 5) is formed on the graphic memory 111. Subsequently, the probe position designating routine is executed, and the probe graphic pattern 120 of the area on the graphic memory 111 corresponding to the central portion on the body graphic is formed. From this state,
If the [Down] cursor key 122 is pressed once, (2,
The memory area of 6) is designated, and the body figure of the right chest is formed on the graphic memory 111. Alternatively,
If it is [upper] (2, 4), if it is [right] (1,
5) In case of [left], the memory area of (3, 5) is designated, the corresponding body figure is formed on the graphic memory 111, and each time on the body figure, on the graphic memory 111 corresponding to the central part. Probe pattern 120
Is formed. That is, even if the body figure on the graphic memory 111 is updated by the body figure display routine,
The probe pattern 12 is always in the center of the body pattern.
0 is formed.

Through the above process, the body figure displayed on the display corresponds to the operation direction of the cursor key 122 and can be changed in the order of the positional relationship of the body. Without providing both a key for selecting a body figure and a moving means for moving the probe figure, it becomes possible to display the probe figure in duplicate at the position of the target body figure only with the cursor key 122.

In the present embodiment, in order to further increase the accuracy of the probe position, a probe rotation key 123 is provided on the operation panel 112 as shown in FIG. Probe figure pattern 1
20 may be displayed. To do that, see Figure 5.
Probe pattern 12 with different angles as shown in FIG.
0 is stored in the program memory 110 in advance, and each time the probe rotation key 123 is pressed, the graphic memory 1 is sequentially created with the probe graphic patterns 120 of different angles.
11 probe pattern 120 may be updated.
Specifically, if the probe rotation key 123 is pressed, the body figure update routine is executed and the graphic memory 11
The operation is such that the body figure that is the same as the body figure in 1 is updated, and then a new probe figure pattern 120 is formed in the graphic memory 111.

[0031]

[Third Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the body figures are stored in different areas of the program memory 110 independently of each other. However, at least in the vertical direction, the body figures may be stored as one continuous whole body figure data. it can. The pattern in this case is shown in FIG. As the cursor moves up and down, the area (hatched area) corresponding to the body figure formed in the graphic memory 111 moves.
By doing this, the body figure can be
It is possible to scroll almost continuously.

[0032]

Fourth Embodiment In the above embodiment, the cursor key direction designation is [up], [down], [left], [right], but it is also possible to add an operation in the direction of 45 degrees. For example, if the body figure currently being displayed is the pattern shown in Fig. 2 (3, 5), pressing the two keys [Down] and [Right] at the same time causes the upper left (2, 6) to be [Up]. By pressing the two keys, and [Left] at the same time, the lower right (4, 4) is selected. By doing so, it is possible to more quickly select the desired body figure.

Although the cursor keys are used as the two-dimensional operation means in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained by various means such as a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick. That is clear.

In the above embodiment, the operation directions of [up], [down], [left] and [right] of the two-dimensional operation means are as follows.
Although the directions in which the coordinates of the selected body figure memory area change are −Y, + Y, + X, and −X, respectively, the directions may be reversed to + Y, −Y, −X, and + X. The former is displayed as the body figure moves, and the latter is displayed as the operator's visual field moves on the body figure with respect to the direction in which the two-dimensional operation means is operated.

[0035]

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, it is necessary to prepare as many keys as the number of selectable body figures as in the prior art for the body figure display function, or to use the function as a character key. Since the desired body figure can be selected only by operating the two-dimensional operation means, the operation panel can be simplified. Further, since the body figure updating function of the present invention corresponds to the operation direction of the two-dimensional operation means and changes the body figure in the order of the positional relationship of the body, the operator can easily select the desired body figure. It becomes possible to do it. Therefore, like the method of selecting the body figure you want to use with the cursor, you can hold down the cursor key while checking the display function once until the figure that the operator needs appears, or you can select the body figure group at the time of selection. There is no problem that the information on the screen is temporarily lost due to the display, and it is possible to realize an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can quickly select a body figure required by the operator.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when the function of displaying a probe figure for indicating the position of the ultrasonic probe on the body figure is used in addition to the function of displaying the body figure, the conventional apparatus is used. As described above, without providing both a key for selecting a body figure and a moving means for moving the probe figure, the probe figure is displayed in duplicate at the position of the desired body figure with only one two-dimensional operation means. It becomes possible. According to the present invention, an operation panel can be simplified and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with good operability can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a pattern diagram of a body figure stored in a program memory.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a body figure display function according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram in which a display example of a probe figure is added to the body figure display function of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display pattern of a probe according to an embodiment of the present invention and cursor keys for display.

FIG. 6 is a pattern diagram of a partially continuous body figure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a body figure update routine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional display pattern.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a key display for selecting a body figure screen of the related art.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of selecting a body figure according to the related art.

[Explanation of main symbols]

100: Ultrasonic probe, 101: Transceiver circuit, 102:
Logarithmic conversion circuit, 103: detection circuit, 104: A / D conversion circuit, 105: image memory, 106: D / A conversion circuit,
107: video monitor, 109: CPU circuit, 110:
Program memory, 111: Graphic memory, 11
2: Operation panel 120: Probe pattern

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A scanning means for scanning an ultrasonic beam on an object by an ultrasonic probe, a wave receiving means for receiving an ultrasonic echo from the object, and a slice of the object based on the received echo signal. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a display unit for displaying an image, wherein the apparatus has a body figure display function of displaying at least one of a plurality of body figures that change substantially continuously in a two-dimensional manner, and a two-dimensional operation. An ultrasonic wave having a two-dimensional operation means for outputting a signal corresponding to a direction, and a body figure updating function for changing the displayed body figure in response to the output of the two-dimensional operation means. Diagnostic device.