CN101536920B

CN101536920B - Ultrasonograph and ultrasonograph control method

Info

Publication number: CN101536920B
Application number: CN2009101368202A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 加藤真; 萩原尚; 砂川和宏; 反中由直
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Konica Minolta Opto Inc
Priority date: 2004-07-28
Filing date: 2005-07-27
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-27
Also published as: CN101536920A; CN100496410C; CN1917818A

Abstract

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes: a transmitting section 14 for driving an ultrasonic probe 13 sending out an ultrasonic transmitted wave toward a tissue of an organism; a receiving section 15 for receiving an ultrasonic reflected wave, produced by getting the ultrasonic transmitted wave reflected by the tissue of the organism, through the ultrasonic probe to generate a received signal; a phase detecting section 17 for detecting the phase of the received signal to generate a phase detected signal; a positional displacement calculating section 31a for calculating the magnitudes of positional displacements at multiple measuring points, set on the tissue of the organism, based on the phase detected signal; a thickness variation calculating section 31b for calculating thicknesses or thickness variations, each measured between two arbitrary points set with respect to the measuring points, based on the magnitudes of positional displacements; and a maximum/minimum value calculating section 31c for finding the maximum and minimum thicknesses or thickness variations during a maximum value finding period and a minimum value finding period, which are defined as respective partial periods of one cardiac cycle of the organism. At least one of the greatest thickness difference, strain and elastic property is calculated based on a difference between the maximum and minimum thicknesses or thickness variations.

Description

The control method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment and diagnostic ultrasound equipment

The application is that application number is 2005800048669, the applying date is that July 27, denomination of invention in 2005 are: the dividing an application of the control method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment and diagnostic ultrasound equipment.

Technical field

The present invention relates to diagnostic ultrasound equipment, relate in particular to the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the character characteristic of measuring organism inner tissue and the control method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.

Background technology

In recent years, the people who suffers from circulating organ system's class diseases such as myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction is more and more, and the prevention of such disease and treatment become big problem.

The morbidity of myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction and arteriosclerosis have inveteracy relation.Specifically, if on arterial wall, form sebaceous cyst (atherom), or because a variety of causes tremulous pulse such as hypertension can not generate new cell the time, tremulous pulse follows the string, and hardening becomes fragile.Also have, owing to be formed with the blood vessel blockage of the part of sebaceous cyst, or the vascular tissue that covers sebaceous cyst breaks, and causes sebaceous cyst to flow out in the blood vessel, stops up tremulous pulse in other part, or arteriosclerotic partial rupture, thus, causes these diseases.Thereby diagnosis of arteriosclerosis in advance is to the prevention of these diseases or treat most important.

In the past, the diagnosis of arteriosclerosis disease was undertaken by the appearance of using vessel catheter (katheter) direct observation internal blood vessel.But this diagnosis need be inserted blood vessel with vessel catheter, therefore, has the problem of tested person's burden.Thereby the observation of being undertaken by vessel catheter for the true fixed tested person of arteriosclerotic lesion, is used for specific its position and uses, and for example, is being used for the inspection of health control, does not use this method.

Measure cholesterol (cholesterol) value of arteriosclerotic a kind of inducement, or measure pressure value, little to tested person's burden, be the inspection of carrying out easily.But, their the arteriosclerotic situation of not direct representation of value.

In addition,, the tested person is implemented arteriosclerotic curative, then bring into play the effect of arteriosclerotic treatment if can shift to an earlier date diagnosis of arteriosclerosis.But, if arteriosclerosis is in the process of spreading, then promptly allow to suppress arteriosclerotic development by curative, also be difficult to hardened tremulous pulse is recovered fully.

For this reason, pursuit is born little to the tested person, the commitment in arteriosclerotic evolution, the diagnostic method of the situation of diagnosis of arteriosclerosis or the diagnostic equipment.

On the other hand, as the tested person being born little non-intrusion type medical diagnosis device, use diagnostic ultrasound equipment or X radiodiagnosis x device.By from extracorporeal irradiation ultrasound wave or X line, the tested person is not caused suffering, can access intravital shape information or shape through the time change information.If obtain intravital determination object thing shape through the time change information (movable information), then can obtain the property information of determination object thing.In a word, biological intravital elasticity of blood vessels characteristic can be obtained, arteriosclerotic situation can be directly known.

Especially, the X radiodiagnosis x is compared in ultrasonic diagnosis, only the ultrasonic detector contact just can be measured on the tested person, therefore, does not need the tested person is dropped into the developing agent this point or do not exist suffering from this point of X line blast superior.

In addition, along with the progress of electronic technology in recent years, become gradually and also can leap the mensuration precision that improves diagnostic ultrasound equipment.Meanwhile, the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the small movements of instrumentation bio-tissue has obtained exploitation.For example, in the patent documentation 1, amplitude and phase place that the method for least square that has a constraint by use is resolved the ultrasonic echo signal are disclosed, with the technology of high precision tracking (tracking) determination object.This technology is called the phase contrast tracing.According to this technology as can be known, the amplitude that vasomotion causes is several microns, and high accuracy instrumentation frequency is the vibration at high speed composition till hundreds of Hz.Thereby, it was reported, the varied in thickness or the deformation high accuracy instrumentation of blood vessel wall can be arrived number micron grade (order).

By using so high-precision measuring method, can measure the Two dimensional Distribution of the elastic characteristic of arterial wall in detail.For example, in non-patent literature 1, represented the appearance of the Two dimensional Distribution of the spring rate of iliac artery blood vessel wall is overlapped the example that B pattern layer image is represented.

The hardness situation of arterial wall is inhomogeneous, whether knows existence by certain distribution, and in the diagnosis of arteriosclerosis, the distribution of hardness of correctly grasping arterial wall is most important.According to non-patent literature 1 disclosed method as can be known, because two dimension shows the spring rate as the characteristic quantity of the sclerosis situation of expression tremulous pulse, therefore, hardened part that can more accurate specific arterial wall.

Patent documentation 1: the spy opens flat 10-5226 communique

Non-patent literature 1:Hiroshi Kanai et al, " Elasticity imaging of Atheroma With Transcutaneous Ultrasound PreliminaryStudy, " Circulation Vol.107, p.3018-3021,2003.

Yet, along with by disclosed technology such as patent documentation 1 and non-patent literatures 1, can arrive the number micron grade by instrumentation, it is big that the influence of noise becomes relatively.In addition, in the diagnostic method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, owing to the position instrumentation as determination object that ultrasonic detector is connected to the tested person, therefore, if the tested person rocks in mensuration, then causing locates departs from.

Thereby, there is following problem, that is: can not obtain correct ultrasonic reflections ripple from tested person's bio-tissue, can not carry out correct instrumentation, or measured value is subjected to the influence of noise, cause incorrect value.In addition, measuring under the incorrect situation of structure,, causing based on the diagnosis of measurement result inappropriately, or causing the reliability decrease diagnosed if can not judge that this result for incorrect, then causes thinking this incorrect measurement result by mistake correct result.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide to solve at least a in such problem, can carry out the diagnostic ultrasound equipment and the control method thereof of the high mensuration of correct mensuration and reliability.

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention, it comprises: sending part, it drives ultrasonic detector, and this ultrasonic detector is used for sending ultrasound wave transmission ripple to the tissue of organism; Acceptance division, it uses described ultrasonic detector, receives described ultrasound wave and sends the ultrasonic reflections ripple that ripple obtains in the tissue reflection of described organism, and generate received signal; Phase detection portion, it carries out phase detection to described received signal, generates phase-detection signal; Style characteristic measuring shape value operational part, it is according to described phase-detection signal, computing is set in the position addendum modification of a plurality of determination objects position of the tissue of described organism respectively, according to described position addendum modification, a plurality of style characteristic measuring shape values between 2 arbitrarily of computing based on described a plurality of determination object set positions; Character characteristic value operational part is based on described a plurality of style characteristic measuring shape values, a plurality of character characteristic values of computing; The maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of the soma that described measuring shape value is an organism; The deformation or the elastic characteristic of the soma that described character characteristic value is an organism; Whether whether qualified operational part, its each of at least one side that carries out in described a plurality of style characteristic measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic value are the whether judgement of correct value, the judged result based on whether respectively, and computing is ratio whether; Display part, it is based on whether described ratio, shows at least a in described a plurality of style characteristic measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic value.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between described maximum test period and the minima test period between be set in a cardiac cycle of described organism not overlapping.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between described maximum test period and at least one side between the minima test period be set to the signal of organism that obtains from described organism synchronous.

Certain preferred embodiment in, the electrocardiographic wave of described signal of organism for obtaining by electrocardiograph.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between described maximum test period and at least one side between the minima test period, involve at least a setting in the U ripple based on P ripple, Q ripple, R ripple, S ripple, the T of described electrocardiographic wave.

Certain preferred embodiment in, the phonocardiogram waveform of described signal of organism for obtaining by phonocardiograph.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between described maximum test period and the minima test period between at least one side, based at least a setting in I sound, II sound, III sound and the IV sound of described phonocardiogram waveform.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described signal of organism is the pulse wave waveform.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between described maximum test period and at least one side between the minima test period, involve at least a setting in the D ripple based on S ripple, P ripple, T ripple, the C of described pulse wave waveform.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between described maximum test period and the minima test period between at least one side, based on the position addendum modification wave setting of obtaining in advance by described position addendum modification operational part.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described amounts of thickness variation operational part is obtained the amounts of thickness variation waveform of the amounts of thickness variation of the described soma of expression in advance according to described position addendum modification, at least one side in reaching between the minima test period between described maximum test period is based on described varied in thickness wave setting.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described amounts of thickness variation operational part is obtained the vessel diameter change amount waveform of vary in diameter amount that expression is included in the blood vessel of described soma in advance according to described position addendum modification, at least one side in reaching between the minima test period between described maximum test period is based on described vessel diameter change amount wave setting.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between described maximum test period and the minima test period between be respectively a described cardiac cycle 1% or more and 25% below length.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment also comprises the accuracy judging part, this accuracy judging part is judged at least a accuracy in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic based on the maximum of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and the comparative result of minima.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described accuracy judging part is less than or equal at maximum under the situation of described minima, is judged as at least a accuracy in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic low.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment also comprises the accuracy judging part, this accuracy judging part is judged at least a accuracy in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic based between the moment of at least one side in maximum that obtains described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and the minima and corresponding described maximum test period and the relation of at least one side between the minima test period.

Certain preferred embodiment in, under the zero hour between the moment of at least one side in maximum that obtains described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and minima and corresponding test period or the finish time corresponding to situation, be judged as at least a accuracy in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic low.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described maximin operational part or described character characteristic operational part are based on described accuracy, with at least a value that is set at regulation in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described accuracy judging part generates the information of the described accuracy of expression.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment also comprises display part, this display part shows at least a in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment also possesses at least a display part that shows in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic, based on the information of the described accuracy of expression, the two dimension of at least a structural position corresponding to described organism in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic is shown.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment also comprises display part, and the two dimension that this display part carries out the following stated shows: make at least a in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic respectively and based on the accuracy of the information of the described accuracy of the expression structural position corresponding to described organism.

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention comprises: sending part, and it drives ultrasonic detector, to the tissue transmission ultrasound wave transmission ripple of organism; Acceptance division, it sends the ultrasonic reflections ripple that ripple obtains in the tissue reflection of described organism to described ultrasound wave, uses described ultrasonic detector to receive, and generates received signal; Phase detection portion, it carries out phase detection to described received signal, and generates phase-detection signal; Position addendum modification operational part, it is according to described phase-detection signal, and computing is set in the position addendum modification of structural a plurality of determination objects position of described organism respectively; The amounts of thickness variation operational part, it obtains a plurality of thickness between 2 or amounts of thickness variation arbitrarily based on described a plurality of determination object set positions according to described position addendum modification; The amounts of thickness variation operational part, its basis is from regioselective any two the position addendum modification of described a plurality of determination objects, a plurality of thickness of computing or amounts of thickness variation; The maximin operational part, it determines the maximum and the minima of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation respectively; Character characteristic value operational part, it is poor based on maximum and minima, calculates at least a in maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic; The accuracy judging part, it judges at least a accuracy in maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic based on the moment that obtains described maximum and minima.

Certain preferred embodiment in, the described character characteristic value operational part of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, also possesses character characteristic value operational part, this character characteristic value operational part receives the information of the pressure value of the maximum of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and minima and relevant described organism, based on the maximum of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and the difference and the described pressure value of minima, calculating elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described accuracy judging part relatively obtains the described peaked moment and obtains moment of minima, judges described accuracy.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described maximin operational part is equating with a cardiac cycle of described organism or between short first phase, is determining described maximum and minima than it.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described maximin operational part is equating with a cardiac cycle of described organism or than it between short first phase, determine described maximum and minima, the second phase accuracy of judgement degree of the part of the moment of described accuracy judging part by at least one side in described maximum and the minima in whether being between described first phase in the cardiac cycle that is set in described organism.

Certain preferred embodiment in, be set to the signal of organism that obtains from described organism synchronous between the described first phase.

Certain preferred embodiment in, involve at least a setting in the U ripple based on P ripple, Q ripple, R ripple, S ripple, the T of described electrocardiographic wave between the described first phase.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between the described first phase based at least a setting in I sound, II sound, III sound and the IV sound of described phonocardiogram waveform.

Certain preferred embodiment in, involve at least a setting in the D ripple based on S ripple, P ripple, T ripple, the C of described pulse wave waveform between the described first phase.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between the described first phase based on the position addendum modification wave setting of obtaining in advance by described position addendum modification operational part.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described amounts of thickness variation operational part is obtained the amounts of thickness variation waveform of amounts of thickness variation of the described soma of expression in advance according to described position addendum modification, between the described first phase based on described varied in thickness wave setting.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described amounts of thickness variation operational part is obtained the vessel diameter change amount waveform of vary in diameter amount that expression is included in the blood vessel of described soma in advance according to described position addendum modification, between the described first phase based on described vessel diameter change amount wave setting.

Certain preferred embodiment in, between the described first phase be a described cardiac cycle more than 5% and 75% following length.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment also comprises display part, this display part is represented at least a in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment also comprises display part, this display part is represented at least a in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic, based on the information of the described accuracy of expression, the two dimension of at least a structural position corresponding to described organism in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic is shown.

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention comprises: sending part, and it drives ultrasonic detector, to the tissue transmission ultrasound wave transmission ripple of organism; Acceptance division, it sends the ultrasonic reflections ripple that ripple obtains in the tissue reflection of described organism to described ultrasound wave, uses described ultrasonic detector to receive, and generates received signal; Phase detection portion, it carries out phase detection to described received signal, and generates phase-detection signal; Character characteristic operational part, it is according to described phase-detection signal, computing is set in the position addendum modification of a plurality of determination objects position of the tissue of described organism respectively, according to described position addendum modification, a plurality of measuring shape values between 2 arbitrarily of computing based on described a plurality of determination object set positions; Character characteristic operational part, it is based on described a plurality of measuring shape values, a plurality of character characteristics of computing; Whether whether qualified operational part, its each of at least one side that carries out in described a plurality of measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic value are the whether judgement of correct value, the judged result based on whether respectively, and computing is ratio whether; Display part, it is based on whether described ratio, shows at least a in described a plurality of measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic value.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described whether qualified operational part satisfies under the situation of defined terms in the threshold value of whether described ratio and regulation, generate the superior shows signal of the whether described ratio of expression, described display part shows at least wherein a kind of spatial distribution image in described measuring shape value and the character characteristic value based on described shows signal.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described character characteristic operational part, described character characteristic operational part and described whether qualified operational part carry out computing by the cardiac cycle of described organism, described display part shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind in described measuring shape value and the character characteristic value, until the shows signal that receives next.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment also possesses storage part, threshold value in described ratio and regulation satisfies under the defined terms, store one of them kind in described measuring shape value and the character characteristic value, display part is based on the instruction of regulation, shows the up-to-date measuring shape value in the data be stored in described storage part and the spatial distribution image of one of them kind in the character characteristic value.

Certain preferred embodiment in, diagnostic ultrasound equipment possesses the storage part of the whether described ratio of storage, described whether qualified operational part is at every turn when the whether described ratio of computing, compare with the optimum of the whether ratio that is stored in described storage part, whether described ratio than the superior situation of described optimum under, generate shows signal, described display part shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind in described measuring shape value and the character characteristic value based on described shows signal.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described storage part is under the superior situation of the described optimum of whether described ratio, store one of them kind in described measuring shape value and the character characteristic value, described display part shows the measuring shape value of the optimum that obtains whether described ratio that is stored in described storage part and the spatial distribution image of one of them kind in the character characteristic value based on the instruction of regulation.

Certain preferred embodiment in, the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of the soma that described measuring shape value is an organism.

Certain preferred embodiment in, the deformation and/or the elastic characteristic of the soma that described character characteristic value is an organism.

The control method of the diagnostic ultrasound equipment that the control part of diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention carries out, comprise: send ultrasound wave and send ripple, use ultrasonic detector to receive described ultrasound wave and send the ultrasonic reflections ripple that ripple obtains in the tissue reflection of described organism, and generate the step (A) of received signal; Described received signal is carried out phase detection, generate the step (B) of phase-detection signal; According to described phase-detection signal, computing is set in the step (C) of position addendum modification of a plurality of determination objects position of the tissue of described organism respectively; According to described position addendum modification, obtain based on a plurality of thickness between any two points of described a plurality of determination object set positions or the step (D) of a plurality of amounts of thickness variation; Between the maximum test period in during the part of a cardiac cycle that is set in described organism respectively and between the minima test period, determine each thickness or the maximum of amounts of thickness variation and the step (E) of minima respectively; Poor according to the maximum of described each thickness or amounts of thickness variation and minima, at least a step (F) in computing maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic respectively.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (F), receive the information of the pressure value of the maximum of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and minima and relevant described organism, based on the maximum of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and the difference and the described pressure value of minima, calculating elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (E), between described maximum test period and the minima test period between be set in a cardiac cycle of described organism not overlapping.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (E), between described maximum test period and at least one side between the minima test period, be synchronized with the signal of organism that obtains from described organism and set.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises step (G), based on the maximum of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and the comparative result of minima, judges at least a accuracy of described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (G1), be less than or equal at described maximum under the situation of described minima, be judged as at least a accuracy in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic low.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises step (G2), based between the moment of at least one side in maximum that obtains described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and the minima and corresponding described maximum test period and the relation of at least one side between the minima test period, judge at least a accuracy in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (G2), under the zero hour between the moment of at least one side in maximum that obtains described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and minima and corresponding test period or the finish time corresponding to situation, be judged as at least a accuracy of described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic low.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises step (H), based on described accuracy, with at least a value that is set at regulation in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described step (G2) generates the information of the described accuracy of expression.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises step (I1), shows at least a in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, phase detection and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises at least a step (I2) that shows described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic, based on the information of the described accuracy of expression, the two dimension of at least a structural position corresponding to described organism that makes described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic shows.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises step (I3), and the two dimension that this step (I3) is carried out the following stated shows: make at least a of described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic and correspond respectively to the structural position of described organism based on the accuracy of the information of the described accuracy of expression.

The control method of the diagnostic ultrasound equipment that the control part of diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention carries out, comprise: send ultrasound wave and send ripple, use ultrasonic detector to receive described ultrasound wave and send the ultrasonic reflections ripple that ripple obtains in the tissue reflection of described organism, and generate the step (A) of received signal; Described received signal is carried out phase detection, generate the step (B) of phase-detection signal; According to described phase-detection signal, computing is set in the step (C) of position addendum modification of a plurality of determination objects position of the tissue of described organism respectively; According to described position addendum modification, obtain based on a plurality of thickness between any two points of described a plurality of determination object set positions or the step (D) of a plurality of amounts of thickness variation; According to from regioselective any two the position addendum modification of described a plurality of determination objects, the step (E) of a plurality of thickness of computing or a plurality of amounts of thickness variation; Determine each thickness or the maximum of amounts of thickness variation and the step (F) of minima respectively; Poor according to described maximum and minima calculated at least a step (G) in maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic; Based on the moment that obtains described maximum and minima, judge the step (I) of at least a accuracy in maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (G), receive the information of the pressure value of the maximum of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and minima and relevant described organism, based on the maximum of described thickness or amounts of thickness variation and the difference and the described pressure value of minima, calculating elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (I), relatively obtain the described peaked moment and obtain moment of minima, judge described accuracy.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (F), equating with a cardiac cycle of described organism or between short first phase, determining described maximum and minima than it.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (F), equating with a cardiac cycle of described organism or than it between short first phase, determine described maximum and minima, in described step (I), the second phase accuracy of judgement degree of the part of the moment by at least one side in described maximum and the minima in whether being between described first phase in the cardiac cycle that is set in described organism.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises based on described accuracy, with at least a step (J) that is set at the value of regulation in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, in described step (I), generate the information of the described accuracy of expression.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises at least a step (K1) that shows in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises at least a step (K1) that shows in described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic, based on the information of the described accuracy of expression, the two dimension of at least a structural position corresponding to described organism that makes described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic shows.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises step (K3), and the two dimension that this step (K3) is carried out the following stated shows: make at least a of described maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic and correspond respectively to the structural position of described organism based on the accuracy of the information of the described accuracy of expression.

The control method of the diagnostic ultrasound equipment that the control part of diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention carries out, comprise: send ultrasound wave and send ripple, use ultrasonic detector to receive described ultrasound wave and send the ultrasonic reflections ripple that ripple obtains in the tissue reflection of described organism, and generate the step (A) of received signal; Described received signal is carried out phase detection, generate the step (B) of phase-detection signal; According to described phase-detection signal, computing is set in the step (C) of the locational position of a plurality of determination objects addendum modification of the tissue of described organism respectively; According to described position addendum modification, computing is based on the step (D) of a plurality of measuring shape values between any 2 of described a plurality of determination object set positions; According to described a plurality of measuring shape values, the step (E) of a plurality of character characteristics of computing; Whether at least one side who carries out described a plurality of measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic values is respectively the whether judgement of correct value, and the judged result computing step (F) of ratio whether based on whether respectively; Based on whether described ratio, represent at least one side's of how described measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic values step (G).

Certain preferred embodiment in, described step (F) satisfies under the situation of defined terms in the threshold value of whether described ratio and regulation, generate the superior shows signal of the whether described ratio of expression, described step (G) shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value based on described shows signal.

Certain preferred embodiment in, described step (D), (E) reach and (F) carry out computing by cardiac cycle, described step (G) shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value, until the shows signal that receives next.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises, threshold value in whether described ratio and regulation satisfies under the situation of defined terms, store the step (H1) of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value, step (G) is based on the instruction of regulation, shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of up-to-date measuring shape value in the data be stored in described storage part and character characteristic value.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method comprises the step (H2) of storing whether described ratio, described step (F) is when each whether described ratio of computing, compare with the optimum of the whether ratio of storage in described step (H2), if whether described ratio be more superior than described optimum, then generate shows signal, described step (G) shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value based on described shows signal.

Certain preferred embodiment in, control method also comprises, whether described ratio than the more superior situation of described optimum under, store the step (H3) of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value, described step (G) is based on the instruction of regulation, shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of the measuring shape value of the optimum that obtains whether described ratio be stored in described storage part and character characteristic value.

Certain preferred embodiment in, the deformation and/or the elastic characteristic of the tissue that described character characteristic value is an organism.

According to the present invention as can be known, according to reaching maximum and the minima of obtaining thickness or amounts of thickness variation between the minima test period between the maximum test period during the part that is located at a cardiac cycle.Thereby, can reduce between the maximum test period and the minima test period between beyond during in influences such as noise, can correctly measure.

In addition, based on the moment that obtains maximum and minima, obtain the accuracy of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic.Thereby, by considering that measurement result is the accuracy of which kind of degree, reduce the probability that by mistake incorrect measurement result is considered as correct result, can carry out the high diagnosis of reliability based on measurement result.

In addition, obtain based on judging whether measuring shape value or character characteristic value are respectively the whether ratio of whether judging, whether reach judged result of correct value ratio based on whether, display shape measured value or character characteristic value, therefore, can carry out the high diagnosis of reliability based on measurement result.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is that expression is used to use diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention to measure the block diagram of structure of the character characteristic of vascular wall tissue.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of first embodiment of expression diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the block diagram of structure of representing the operational part of diagnostic ultrasound equipment as shown in Figure 2.

Fig. 4 A is the sketch map of the ROI of the expression image that is set in the blood vessel wall that display part shows.

Fig. 4 B is the sketch map that is illustrated in the two-dimension elastic characteristic image of display part.

Fig. 5 is to schematically show the figure of the ultrasonic beam of propagating in the tissue of organism.

Fig. 6 is the sketch map of relation of the spring rate at expression determination object position finding object position.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of representing the detailed structure of wanting portion of diagnostic ultrasound equipment as shown in Figure 2.

Curve chart 8a to Fig. 8 c of Fig. 8 represents that curve chart 8d to 8f represents phonocardiogram and pulse wave by position addendum modification, amounts of thickness variation and the vessel diameter variable quantity of people's carotid artery vascular of diagnostic ultrasound equipment mensuration of the present invention.Curve chart 8g explanation cardiac cycle phenomenon.

Fig. 9 is that expression is set between the maximum test period of a cardiac cycle length of varied in thickness waveform and the figure of the example between the minima test period.

Figure 10 A is to schematically show the side view of the determination object position on the sound ray that is set in the ultrasonic beam of propagating in the blood vessel.

Figure 10 B is to schematically show the cutaway view of the determination object position on the sound ray that is set in the ultrasonic beam of propagating in the blood vessel.

Figure 11 A is to schematically show the curve chart of the locational position of the determination object addendum modification shown in Figure 10 A and 10B.

Figure 11 B is the curve chart with 2 amounts of thickness variation of the adjacency that schematically shows the determination object position shown in Figure 10 A and 10B.

Figure 12 is that expression is set in other the figure of example between the maximum test period of a cardiac cycle length of varied in thickness waveform and between the minima test period.

Figure 13 A is the sketch map of an example that expression is presented at the two-dimension elastic characteristic image of display part.

Figure 13 B is other the sketch map of example of the expression two-dimension elastic characteristic image that is presented at display panel.

Figure 14 be expression use the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of first embodiment and the amounts of thickness variation of people's carotid artery vascular antetheca of measuring through the time curve chart that changes.

Figure 15 be expression use the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of first embodiment and the amounts of thickness variation of people's carotid artery vascular antetheca of measuring through the time curve chart that changes, between the maximum test period that expression is set and between the minima test period.

Figure 16 is the block diagram of the detailed structure of wanting portion of second embodiment of expression diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention.

Figure 17 be expression be set in the varied in thickness waveform obtain maximum and minima during figure.

Figure 18 is the maximum of the positive and negative varied in thickness waveform of putting upside down of expression and the figure of minima.

Figure 19 is the maximum of the varied in thickness waveform under the different situation in beginning period of a cardiac cycle of expression and the figure of minima.

Figure 20 is that expression is set in the figure that predictive period appears in maximum and minima and maximum and minima that obtains in the varied in thickness waveform.

Figure 21 be expression be set in the varied in thickness waveform obtain maximum and minima during and maximum and minima other figure of predictive period appears.

Figure 22 be expression be set in the varied in thickness waveform obtain maximum and minima during, between the maximum test period and the figure between the minima test period.

Figure 23 is the block diagram of the detailed structure of wanting portion of the 3rd embodiment of expression diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention.

Figure 24 A is the block diagram with the detailed structure of wanting portion of the 3rd embodiment that schematically shows diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention.

Figure 24 B is to schematically show from only the taken a sample figure of image at blood vessel wall position of the image shown in Figure 24 A.

Figure 25 is the flow chart of action of the 3rd embodiment of explanation diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention.

Figure 26 is other the flow chart of action of the 3rd embodiment of explanation diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention.

Figure 27 is to schematically show the curve chart of the qualification rate of obtaining according to the action of the flow chart shown in Figure 25 or 26.

Figure 28 is other the flow chart of action of the 3rd embodiment of explanation diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention.

Figure 29 is to schematically show the curve chart of the qualification rate of obtaining according to the action of as shown in figure 28 flow chart.

Among the figure, the 1-extravascular tissue, the 2-surface, the 3-blood vessel, 4-blood vessel antetheca, 5-blood, the 11-diagnostic ultrasound equipment, the 12-sphygomanometer, the 13-ultrasonic detector, the 14-sending part, the 15-acceptance division, 16-control part time delay, 17-phase detection portion, 18-filtering portion, the 19-operational part, 20-operational data storage part, the 21-display part, the 22-electrocardiograph, 31-measuring shape value operational part, 31a-position addendum modification operational part, 31b-amounts of thickness variation operational part, 31c-maximin operational part, 32-character characteristic value operational part, 33,33 '-accuracy judging part, 34-distributed image operational part, the whether qualified operational part of 35-, the 40-blood vessel wall, 41-ROI, the 60-organism, the 64-blood vessel wall, 66-sound gland, the 67-ultrasonic beam.

The specific embodiment

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention is used to measure the movement velocity at each position of determined object or the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity and the elastic characteristic of each tiny area.Diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention is suitable for measuring the elastic characteristic at each position of organism, because therefore the spatial resolving power height is particularly suited for the measurement of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and the elastic characteristic of blood vessel wall.

The maximum of blood pressure and poor (pulse pressure) of minima are being made as Δ p, blood vessel wall is made as Δ h at the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity in cardiac cycle arbitrarily, the maximum of the thickness of blood vessel wall is made as under the condition of H, and deformation is expressed as Δ h/H, and elastic characteristic is expressed as Δ pH/ Δ h.Thereby, correct measurement maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity obtain on deformation with height reliability or the elastic characteristic most important.Below, enumerate the situation of the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of measuring blood vessel wall, diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention is described.

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that is illustrated in the structure of using in the situation of the character diagnosis of using diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 of the present invention and carrying out vascular wall tissue.This structure is general in each embodiment.The ultrasonic detector 13 that is connected diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 is supported as with tested person's surface 2 and closely contacts, to the inner ultrasound wave that sends of the soma that comprises extravascular tissue 1 and blood vessel 3.Extravascular tissue 1 is made of fat or muscle etc.The ultrasound wave that sends is reflected by blood vessel 3 or blood 5, scattering, and its part turns back to ultrasonic detector 13, and receives as echo.Ultrasonic detector 13 comprises a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators (ultrasonic oscillator group) that array-like is arranged, and can use the known ultrasonic detector that uses in the diagnostic ultrasound equipment in the past.Diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 is resolved and computing by the received signal to the echo that received by ultrasonic detector 13, obtains the movable information of extravascular tissue 1 or blood vessel 3.In addition, diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 is connected with sphygomanometer 12, and the information about tested person's pressure value that sphygomanometer 12 is measured is imported into diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11.

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 can be according to disclosed method in the patent documentation 1, use the amplitude of rectified signal and phase place both, determine the instantaneous position of object by Constraint least square algorithm, carry out the Phase Tracking of high accuracy (the mensuration precision of position addendum modification for about ± 0.2 micron), thus can with the position of the minute sites of enough precision determination blood vessels 3 and thickness through the time change.And then, by using the information that obtains from sphygomanometer 12, can obtain the elastic characteristic of minute sites of the wall of blood vessel 3 about blood pressure.

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 is connected with electrocardiograph 22.Diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 receives electrocardiographic waves from electrocardiograph 22, and with electrocardiographic wave as the reset triggering signal use of sequential of (data reset) of acquisition or the data of determining determination data.

(first embodiment)

Below, first embodiment of diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention is described.Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the structure of expression diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11.Diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 has: sending part 14, acceptance division 15, time delay control part 16, phase detection portion 17, filtering portion 18, operational part 19, operational data storage part 20, display part 21.In addition, in order to control these each positions, has the control part 30 that constitutes by microcomputer etc.

Sending part 14 generates the drive pulse signal of regulation, and outputs to ultrasonic detector 13.The ultrasound wave that sends by drive pulse signal from ultrasonic detector 13 sends ripple in the process reflection of somas such as blood vessel 3, scattering, and the ultrasonic reflections ripple of generation is detected by ultrasonic detector 13.The ultrasonic pulse of the frequency that produces hyperacoustic driving pulse front and back of adjacency on the time shaft is overlapping, considers the degree of depth of determination object and hyperacoustic velocity of sound and determines.

Acceptance division 15 uses ultrasonic detector 13 to detect the ultrasonic reflections ripple, and amplifies by the signal that detection is obtained, and generates received signal.Acceptance division 15 comprises the A/D converter section, with received signal and then be converted to digital signal.Sending part 14 and acceptance division 15 are by formations such as use electronic units.

Time delay, control part 16 was connected sending part 14 and acceptance division 15, was used to control the time delay of the drive pulse signal of giving to the ultrasonic oscillator group of ultrasonic detector 13 from sending part 14.Thus, change is from the direction or the focal depth of the sound ray of the ultrasonic beam of the ultrasound wave transmission signal of ultrasonic detector 13 transmissions.In addition, control time delay by the received signal that will be received and be generated by acceptance division 15 by ultrasonic detector 13 can change opening diameter or change the focal position.Time delay, control part 16 output was imported into phase detection portion 17.

The received signal that is delayed control in the phase detection portion control part 17 pairs of time delay 16 is carried out phase detection, and is separated into actual signal and virtual signal.Isolating actual signal of institute and virtual signal are imported into filtering portion 18.In filtering portion 18, remove radio-frequency component, become to grade from reflex components beyond the determination object and noise.Phase detection portion 17 and filtering portion 18 can be made of software, also can be made of hardware.Thus, correspond respectively to a plurality of determination objects position of the organization internal that is set in blood vessel 3, generate the phase-detection signal that comprises actual signal and virtual signal.

As shown in Figure 3, operational part 19 comprises measuring shape value operational part 31 and character characteristic value operational part 32.In addition, the electrocardiographic wave that obtains from electrocardiograph 22 is imported into operational part 19, uses as the reset triggering signal of sequential of (data reset) of acquisition or the data of determining determination data.In this purpose, also can replace electrocardiograph 22 and use other signal of organism testing agency, i.e. phonocardiograph or pulse clock can also replace electrocardiographic wave and use phonocardiogram waveform or pulse wave waveform as triggering signal.

Measuring shape value operational part 31 uses the actual signal and the virtual signal of phase-detection signals, obtains the locational position of a plurality of determination objects addendum modification (position through time addendum modification) of the organization internal that is set in blood vessel 3.The position addendum modification can be by obtaining the movement velocity of determination object position (tracing positional), and this movement velocity of integration and obtaining equally.Also have,, can obtain the amounts of thickness variation between these 2 by obtaining the difference of any two locational position addendum modifications of from the addendum modification of a plurality of positions, selecting.Under the situation of the initial value of the difference of the locational position of initial value that obtains position, two places or two places addendum modification, can obtain the thickness between 2.

In addition, two of specific thickness or amounts of thickness variation also can be inconsistent with the determination object position of the organization internal that is set in blood vessel 3.For example, also can use the center of a plurality of determination objects position.In this case, preferably the position addendum modification around a plurality of determination objects position at center is averaged, and uses average position addendum modification.Under the situation of using a plurality of determination objects position, represent the position and the position addendum modification of a plurality of determination objects position to obtain by simple averaging method, also can find out emphasis, as long as according to a plurality of determination objects position, obtain and this locational position addendum modification at 2 and get final product.

Character characteristic value operational part 32 calculates the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity according to the maximum of the amounts of thickness variation of obtaining and the difference of minima, according to the blood pressure data that obtains from sphygomanometer 12, obtains the elastic characteristic of the tissue between 2 o'clock.The position of obtaining elastic characteristic is that a place that is clipped between any 2 is also harmless.But the ultrasonic detector 13 of Shi Yonging has a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators that array-like is arranged in the present embodiment, therefore, can obtain the elastic characteristic at all positions in the zone arbitrarily in the fault plane.

Display part 21 is used for shining upon maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or the elastic characteristic of the bio-tissue of obtaining like this, and presses each cardiac cycle display space distributed image of the spatial distribution of expression measured value or character characteristic value.The spatial distribution image can be one dimension, also can be two dimension or three-dimensional.Show by color or gray scale, just grasp measurement result easily corresponding to measuring shape value or character characteristic value.

At this moment, the operator can determine to desire to obtain the zone arbitrarily of measuring shape value or character characteristic value by specifying ROI (Region 0f Interest) at display part 21.ROI is used to specify the demonstration that the operator desires to obtain the zone of measured value, Yi Bian can on display part 21, confirm its size or position, Yi Bian freely set by interface (interface) portion (not shown) of diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11.Fig. 4 A is to schematically show blood vessel wall 40 and the ROI41 that shows on display part 21.The zone of ROI41 regulation also comprises blood vessel wall 40 tissue in the past.The image of blood vessel wall 40 passes through will be for example, and the brightness that the received signal different with above-mentioned computing is modulated to corresponding oscillator intensity obtains.Fig. 4 B is illustrated in by the elastic characteristic on the zone of the ROI41 regulation of blood vessel wall 40.On zone, dispose the view data f (k) that is mapped as 6 row * 5 row by the ROI41 regulation ₁₁～f (k) ₆₅, view data f (k) ₁₁～f (k) ₆₅Constitute spatial distribution image Fk.Described view data f (k) ₁₁～f (k) ₆₅Be the measuring shape value or the character characteristic values such as deformation or elastic characteristic such as maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of bio-tissue.

, can read at any time at operational data storage part 20 by data storages such as the position addendum modification of operational part 19 computings, amounts of thickness variation, elastic characteristics.In addition, be imported into display part 21, make it possible to data visualization is turned to two dimensional image etc. by data such as the position addendum modification of operational part 19 computings, amounts of thickness variation, elastic characteristics.And then, by connecting display part 21 and operational data storage part 20, the various data of storage can also be presented at display part 21 at any time.Preferably will output to display part 21, also output to operational data storage part 20, when making in real time video data, can utilize data afterwards by the various data of operational part 19 computings.But, also can be only to wherein side output.

Secondly, with reference to Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the calculating of the position addendum modification of soma is described in detail.As shown in Figure 5, the ultrasound wave that penetrates from ultrasonic detector 13 sends ripple and propagates the extravascular tissue 1 of bio-tissue 60 and blood vessel 3 as the ultrasonic beam 67 with limited width, in its process, returned ultrasonic detector 13, and receive as the ultrasonic reflections ripple by hyperacoustic part of extravascular tissue 1 and blood vessel 3 reflections or scattering.The ultrasonic reflections ripple is used as time series signal r (t) and detects, and the time series signal of the reflection that obtains from the tissue near ultrasonic detector 13 is positioned at the position the closer to initial point on time shaft.The width of ultrasonic beam 67 (beam diameter) can be controlled by changing time delay.

As mentioned above, the ultrasonic reflections ripple from extravascular tissue 1, blood vessel 3, and blood 5 begin to generate.But in the present embodiment, vascular wall tissue is a determination object, therefore, in the following description, only to blood vessel 3, is that the blood vessel antetheca is studied to the near blood vessel wall of extracorporeal surface especially.Be positioned at a plurality of determination objects position P as the blood vessel antetheca on the sound ray 66 of the central shaft of ultrasonic beam _n(P ₁, P ₂, P ₃, P _kP _n, n is the natural number more than 3) be arranged in order nearby from ultrasonic detector 13 at certain intervals and be P ₁, P ₂, P ₃, P _kP _nAs just, the below is arranged on the depth direction as minus coordinate axes above will be Fig. 5, and with determination object position P ₁, P ₂, P ₃, P _kP _nCoordinate be made as Z respectively ₁, Z ₂, Z ₃, Z _k... Z _nCondition under, from determination object position P _kBe reflected in and be positioned at t on the time shaft _k=2Z _k/ c.At this, c represents the velocity of sound of ultrasound wave in soma.Carry out phase detection at 17 couples of reflection wave signal r of phase detection portion (t), the signal of detection is categorized as actual signal and virtual signal, make it by filtering portion 18.

As mentioned above, diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 is obtained maximum, the minima of position addendum modification, amounts of thickness variation and amounts of thickness variation successively according to the signal that has passed through phase detection by computing.As shown in Figure 7, in order to obtain their style characteristic, operational part 19 comprises location variation 31a, amounts of thickness variation 31b and maximin operational part 31c.The amplitude of the reflection wave signal r (t+ Δ t) of location variation operational part 31a after not changing reflection wave signal r (t) and small time Δ t, only change on the basis of constraints of phase place and reflection position, the method of least square of the integration error minimum by making the waveform between reflection wave signal r (t) and the r (t+ Δ t) is obtained phase contrast (Constraint least square algorithm).According to phase contrast, obtain determination object position P _nMovement velocity V _n(t), and then this is carried out integration, thus, obtain position addendum modification d _n(t).

Fig. 6 is to schematically show determination object position P _nWith the object tissue T that obtains spring rate _nBetween relation.Object tissue T _kBe positioned at the determination object position P that is clipped in adjacency _kAnd P _K+1Between scope and have thickness h.In the present embodiment, according to determination object position P ₁P _nDefined (n-1) individual object tissue T ₁T _N-1

Amounts of thickness variation operational part 31b is according to determination object position P _kAnd P _K+1Position addendum modification d _k(t) and d _K+1(t), use D _k(t)=d _k(t)-d _K+1(t) relation is obtained amounts of thickness variation D _k(t).

And then maximin operational part 31c obtains the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation.The tissue T of blood vessel antetheca _kThickness variation since the blood that flows through the blood vessel that the blood vessel antetheca constitutes along with heart beating changes, and take place.Thereby, can use object tissue T _kThe maximum of amounts of thickness variation Dk (t) of maximum Hk (value during minimal blood pressure), object tissue of thickness and the poor Δ h between the minima _kReach pulse pressure Δ p, by obtaining as object tissue T with following formula as the difference between minimal blood pressure value and the maximal blood pressure value _kThe vessel radius direction of deformation ratio on spring rate Ek.

E _k＝(Δp×H _k)/Δh _k

In the above description, obtained the spring rate of the object tissue Tn between the determination object position of adjacency, but spring rate can be selected 2 points arbitrarily of a plurality of determination objects position.In this case, can use equally the thickness between 2 of selection maximum, and the maximum of the amounts of thickness variation between select 2 and the difference of minima calculate.

Be organized as at determination object under circulator's such as blood vessel wall the situation, any one of maximum ga(u)ge variation delta h, pulse pressure Δ p all is the numerical value that upgrades along with each cardiac cycle.Thereby the preferred elastomeric characteristic also is synchronized with cardiac cycle and obtains the numerical value of each cardiac cycle.In order to obtain the maximum ga(u)ge variation delta h of each cardiac cycle, the maximum and the minima that need the amounts of thickness variation of each cardiac cycle, but find the maximum and the minima of this amounts of thickness variation in the present invention, during shorter than each cardiac cycle.Describe the instrumentation sequential of this numerical value in detail.

Curve chart 8a to 8c among Fig. 8 is respectively to schematically show the variable quantity of position addendum modification, amounts of thickness variation and vessel diameter on the optional position that measured by diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11, in people's carotid artery vascular wall.In addition, the curve chart 8d to 8f among Fig. 8 represents electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram and the pulse wave of the signal of organism that conduct obtains respectively when the addendum modification of measuring shown in the curve chart 8a to 8c.In these each figure, transverse axis is a time shaft, respectively with shared one and describe of time shaft.In addition, the chart 8g among Fig. 8 is used for the cardiac cycle phenomenon of illustrative graph Fig. 8 a to 8f on time shaft.

Shown in chart 8g, a cardiac cycle is divided into systole and relaxing period substantially, and systole is divided into PEP and penetrates the blood phase, and relaxing period is divided into isovolumic relaxation phase, filling period, Atrial systole.Systole in electrocardiogram (curve chart 8d), roughly be equivalent to from the Q ripple begin before the end to the T ripple during, in phonocardiogram (curve chart 8e), roughly be equivalent to from the I sound begin before the beginning of II sound during.On the other hand, before relaxing period roughly is equivalent to from the end of T ripple to the beginning of Q ripple in electrocardiogram during, in phonocardiogram, roughly be equivalent to from the II sound begin before the beginning of I sound during.In Fig. 8, dotted the cardiac cycle of observed Syst beginning in the heart as the trigger point.

From the pulse wave shown in the position addendum modification shown in the curve chart 8a to 8c, amounts of thickness variation and vessel diameter variable quantity and the curve chart 8f is respectively the data of measuring the carotid artery away from heart.Thereby, in these addendum modifications or pulse wave, having observed, the variety of event of the heart in the cardiac cycle postpones about the 0.1 second phenomenon that the back is corresponding with the variety of event of heart.For example, in the pulse wave (curve chart 8f) observed systole from the S ripple, but this sequential than 0.1 second time lag of observed Syst beginning (dotting) in heart about.In Fig. 8, represent the Syst beginning that to observe in the carotid artery a cardiac cycle with a chain-dotted line as the trigger point.

The waveform of pulse wave is owing to penetrating blood from heart and sharply rising from S wave direction P ripple.Then,, describe slight protuberance (T ripple) protruding upward and arrive cut channel shape place (C ripple),, describe protuberance protruding upward (D ripple) once more at this through summit (behind the P ripple), and mild decline.C ripple, D wavelength-division are not called as dicrotism (dicrotic) defective, dicrotic wave, come event by obturation active mixer amplification by variable reactance (aorta valve).In the carotid amounts of thickness variation as shown in Fig. 8 b, observe maximum b1 in the S phase of wave moment together with pulse wave, observe minima b2 in the P phase of wave moment together with pulse wave.In a word, can know maximum ga(u)ge variation delta h do not need with whole cardiac cycle once as instrumentation during, involve the period that the P ripple is observed as long as comprise the S of pulse wave.Specifically, if can know will measure maximum b1 during be located at the time band of the S ripple that comprises pulse wave at least, also have, with measure minima b2 during be located at the P ripple that comprises pulse wave at least the time band just be enough to.In addition, be used to obtain the minimum pressure value of pulse pressure Δ p and the time band acquisition that the P ripple also can was with and comprise to maximum pressure value according to these times that comprise the S ripple.The maximum H of thickness obtains when amounts of thickness variation becomes maximum b1.

Thereby, circulators' such as the blood vessel wall of organism elastic characteristic obtains by carrying out instrumentation in during following, that is: the S that comprises pulse wave involves the blood phase of penetrating or systole (Atrial systole) period that the P ripple is observed, in the cardiac cycle or comprises a part of penetrating the blood phase at least or the part of systole (Atrial systole).On the contrary,, therefore,, search maximum and minima, can not reach the maximum and the minima of hope carrying out instrumentation during this period owing in the relaxing period of a cardiac cycle, do not have the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation.Promptly, the mensuration of position addendum modification does not need to carry out continuously a cardiac cycle interval yet, for example, under Electrocardiographic S being involved the situation that phonocardiographic I sound begins to measure as trigger point (representing with the dotted line among Fig. 8), just be enough to till being measured to the P ripple that comprises pulse wave at least.

In the present invention, utilize such characteristic of amounts of thickness variation, with obtain the maximum of an amounts of thickness variation in the cardiac cycle and minima during be set at shorter than a cardiac cycle.Specifically, will be used for obtaining between the peaked maximum test period of amounts of thickness variation and be used to obtain between the minima test period of minima and be located at respectively during the part of a cardiac cycle.Be set between the preferred maximum test period moment that the S ripple that comprises pulse wave at least takes place during, be set between the minima test period moment that the P ripple that comprises pulse wave at least takes place during.Preferred short as far as possible during these, in addition, between the preferred maximum test period and not overlapping between the minima test period.The maximum of the amounts of thickness variation during the maximin operational part 31c of measuring shape value operational part 31 obtains between the maximum test period of having set, and the minima of the amounts of thickness variation in obtaining between the minima test period of having set.

In Fig. 9, represent to have set in the cardiac cycle example that reaches between the maximum test period between the minima test period.In Fig. 9, be clipped between two dotted lines during be a cardiac cycle.By shortening be used to obtain maximum and minima during, can reduce mistake with the probability of noise as maximum or minima identification.For example, with being set at about 10% time span of a whole cardiac cycle between the maximum test period and between the minima test period respectively, then the probability that is subjected to the influence of noise can be reduced to about 1/5.In addition, by shortening the instrumentation time, can reduce the amount that needs the instrumentation of computing value, therefore, need not a large amount of internal memories is carried at diagnostic ultrasound equipment, or use the computer with high performance calculation process ability of high price, thereby, can reduce the manufacturing cost of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.Perhaps, the diagnostic ultrasound equipment that realization can the high speed instrumentation.

The quantity that is contained in the mensuration sample point in reaching between the minima test period between the maximum test period is preferably a plurality of.In order to reduce the influence of noise, can with between the maximum test period and between the minima test period as a sample point, but the phase aroused in interest is not because therefore the influence of being breathed, is strict constant.Thereby,, be preferably set to respectively between the maximum test period and between the minima test period and comprise a plurality of sample points from finding the purpose of maximum and minima.And then, under sample point is a plurality of situation, obtain meansigma methods according to a plurality of values in (or between minima test period) between the maximum test period, and the maximum (or minima) that will be worth as amounts of thickness variation also can.

As can be known clear and definite as Fig. 8, involve the moment that the P ripple is observed or obtain the maximum b1 of amounts of thickness variation and the moment of minima b2 can use signal of organism easily to determine at the S of pulse wave.For example, under the situation that electrocardiograph 22 is used as signal of organism testing agency, if be made as respectively between the maximum test period and between the minima test period from the detection of R ripple begin to through during till 0.1 second and from behind 0.2 second of the detection of R ripple till after 0.3 second during, then can suitably obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation.Can use P ripple, Q ripple, S ripple, T ripple, U ripple to replace the R ripple, begin also can obtain identical effect to through during till 10% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle etc. with being made as between the maximum test period from the S ripple as benchmark.

Under the situation that electrocardiograph is used as signal of organism testing agency, by beginning suitably to obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation to through during till beginning after 0.2 second during till after 0.1 second and from the detection of I sound after 0.3 second with being set at respectively between the maximum test period and between the minima test period from the detection of I sound.Can use II sound, III sound, IV sound to replace the I sound, begin also can obtain identical effect to through during till after 10% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle etc. with being made as between the maximum test period from the I sound as benchmark.

Using under the situation of pulse wave instrument as signal of organism testing agency, with before be made as respectively between the maximum test period and between the minima test period from the S ripple 0.05 second till behind 0.05 second of S ripple during and from before 0.05 second of P ripple till behind 0.05 second of P ripple during, can suitably obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation.Can use T ripple, C ripple, D ripple to replace S ripple or P ripple, be made as between the maximum test period from before 5% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle of S ripple to the S ripple be equivalent to after time of 5% till during etc., also can obtain identical effect.

And then, even at the other machine of the outer setting of diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 as signal of organism testing agency, and do not adopt signal of organism, also the numerical value that diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 can be measured is as triggering signal.Shown in the curve chart 8a among Fig. 8, on the locational arbitrarily position addendum modification in the carotid artery vascular of measuring, the part that the variation that can observe the position addendum modification shown in an a1, a2 and the a3 is compared other has characteristic maximal point or minimal point.Thereby, can also be in 19 pairs of points of operational part a1, a2, a3 sampling, use them to determine between the maximum test period of amounts of thickness variation and between the minima test period.Also have, some a1 is the incident from the blood pressure smallest point on the determination object position of blood vessel 3, and some a2 is the incident from the blood pressure maximum point on the determination object position, and some a3 is the incident from the dicrotism defective.

Under the situation during determining instrumentation according to the position addendum modification, for example, with during till being made as before 0.5 second an of a1 after 0.05 second between the maximum test period and between the minima test period respectively, before 0.5 second of some a2 till after 0.05 second during, can suitably obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation thus.In addition, can use an a3 on the datum mark, also can be made as between the maximum test period from before 5% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle of an a1 to an a1 be equivalent to after time of 5% till during etc.

In addition, shown in curve chart 8c, can use in the setting during the instrumentation from the vessel diameter variable quantity with some c1, the c2 shown in the figure, and c3 sampling, to put b1, b2, b3 sampling from the amounts of thickness variation self shown in the curve chart 8b, the setting of carrying out during the instrumentation also can.

Reach between the minima test period between the maximum test period of amounts of thickness variation in order to utilize the signal of organism that obtains by above-mentioned signal of organism testing agency to set, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, will be input to operational part 19 from the electrocardiographic wave that electrocardiograph 22 obtains.If in electrocardiographic wave, detect the R ripple, then begin work location addendum modification and amounts of thickness variation, and till will detecting after 0.1 second from the R ripple during as between the maximum test period, the amounts of thickness variation in measuring during this period peaked.Secondly, after will detect from the R ripple 0.2 second till after 0.3 second during as the minima test period, the minima of amounts of thickness variation in during this period.Detecting the moment of passing through 0.3 second, the computing of interruption position addendum modification and amounts of thickness variation from the R ripple.

The test example of R ripple as, at operational part 19, undertaken by the size of using the amplitude in the electrocardiographic wave, the value that the differential electrocardiographic wave obtains, the sequential that their occur.Perhaps, this R ripple detection is carried out at electrocardiograph 22,, control signal is outputed to operational part 19 according to the detection of R ripple.

In addition, for example T ripple that obtains from electrocardiograph 22 or U ripple etc. are the same, as between the maximum test period and the sequential of singular signal of the benchmark of the setting between the minima test period, approaching to obtain the maximum of amounts of thickness variation and the sequential of minima, or lag behind under the situation of sequential of the maximum that obtains amounts of thickness variation and minima, also can as the triggering signal during the instrumentation of the next cycle that is used for setting the cycle that obtains the singular signal used as triggering signal.Also have, the calculating that is used to obtain the maximum of amounts of thickness variation and minima can carried out in during settings such as singular signal above-mentioned in real time, also can stagger and carry out during above-mentioned.

Also have, if consider the difference separately of subject, then preferred will reaching between the minima test period between the maximum test period respectively is set as more than 1% and below 25% of a cardiac cycle.If then there is at least one side's of the maximum that can not obtain amounts of thickness variation and minima probability in 1% short than a cardiac cycle during the instrumentation.In addition, if 1% long than a cardiac cycle then can not fully obtain shortening the effect during the instrumentation, there is the probability of the influence that is subjected to noise easily.Thereby, with above-mentioned signal of organism as triggering signal and under the situation during setting instrumentation, be in this scope during preferably setting instrumentation.By this length will being set in, thinking the operand that can reduce about 50% to 99% during the instrumentation, in addition, can reduce about 50% to 99% of influence that noise brings.

In addition, undertaken in the diagnostic procedure by diagnostic ultrasound equipment, because organism is in rest state, therefore, the cardiac cycle change is few.Thereby, between the maximum test period and the setting between the minima test period may not all need to carry out at every turn, can be according to above-mentioned Biont information, in case after setting during the instrumentation, with instrumentation during identical cycle carry out instrumentation repeatedly.On the other hand, if each cardiac cycle detection of biological body signal all, and during determining instrumentation according to signal of organism, though then the cardiac cycle of organism owing to irregular situations that becomes such as arrhythmias under, also reliable instrumentation elastic characteristic.

In the present embodiment, the example of setting using the singular signal that obtains from a kind of signal of organism testing agency during the instrumentation is illustrated, but also can use the singular signal that obtains from a plurality of signal of organism testing agency to set during the instrumentation.For example, the R ripple of electrocardiographic wave is used as the signal of setting between the maximum test period, the some c3 of vessel diameter variable quantity is used and also can as setting signal between the minima test period.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when obtaining the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation, but measure this thing of thickness as described above, and obtain amounts of thickness variation from its maximum and minima and also can.In amounts of thickness variation is under the known situation, if know the thickness the when mensuration of amounts of thickness variation begins, then thickness through the time variable quantity can thickness and amounts of thickness variation sum when measuring beginning obtain.Thickness when measuring beginning is not the initial value of the distance between 2 arbitrarily of obtaining 2 position addendum modification, and is known parameter in the diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 that illustrates in the present embodiment.

Obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation by said method, can reduce the influence that noise brings, but exist the maximum of amounts of thickness variation of a cardiac cycle or minima not between the maximum test period or the situation between the minima test period.Describe about this reason.

Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B are to have schematically shown the determination object position P on hyperacoustic sound ray that blood vessel 3 sends ₁To P ₇In Figure 10 A, position P is set in blood vessel antetheca 4 ₁And P ₂, position P is set in blood 5 ₃, P ₄, and P ₅, position P is set in blood vessel rear wall 6 ₆And P ₇

Figure 11 A is to have schematically shown each determination object position P ₁To P ₇Position addendum modification waveform d ₁(t) to d ₇(t) a complete cardiac cycle.Position P in the blood vessel antetheca 4 ₁And P ₂(near the direction of ultrasonic detector 13) moves by the expansion of blood vessel upward, moves downwards by vasoconstriction.On the other hand, the position P in the blood vessel rear wall 6 ₆And P ₇Move downwards by vasodilation, be moved upward by vasoconstriction.The amplitude of the position addendum modification waveform in the wall of blood vessel 3 is more little away from angiocentric position more.In a word, the d of blood vessel antetheca 4 ₁(t) amplitude ratio d ₂(t) also little, on blood vessel rear wall 6, d ₇(t) amplitude ratio d ₆(t) also little.

Obtaining determination object position P like this ₁～P ₇Position addendum modification waveform d ₁(t)～d ₇(t) under the situation, the amounts of thickness variation waveform D between the adjacent determination object position ₁To D ₅Pass through D _n(t)=d _n(t)-d _N+1(t) obtain, shown in Figure 11 B.

Shown in Figure 11 B, amounts of thickness variation waveform D ₁(t) and D ₆(t) be the waveform that protrudes downwards, have with Fig. 8 in the identical shape of curve chart 8b.Amounts of thickness variation waveform D ₁(t) and D ₆(t) in a cardiac cycle, maximum is compared minima and is positioned at forward.

To this, comprise the varied in thickness waveform D on the border of blood vessel antetheca 4 and blood 5 ₂(t) and comprise the varied in thickness waveform D on the border of blood 5 and blood vessel rear wall 6 ₅(t) be waveform protruding upward.In addition, compare tissue with blood 5, quite low to hyperacoustic scattering degree, unlike organizing, show the variation that is synchronized with heart beating, therefore, comprise a large amount of noise compositions.Thereby, the amounts of thickness variation waveform D in the blood 5 ₃(t) and D ₄(t) be to comprise the irregular waveform of noise in a large number or change the waveform that does not almost observe.

In addition, according to the difference of determination object position, cause the ultrasonic reflections wave amplitude extremely little for a certain reason, or comprise under the situation of noise, use the reflection wave signal at such position and the position addendum modification obtained may not be correct numerical value.Specifically, become the big waveform of amplitude on the whole, or little waveform.In this case, use amounts of thickness variation waveform that this position addendum modification obtains also as above-mentioned waveform D ₂(t) and D ₅(t) the same, become the positive and negative curve chart of putting upside down.

Under the situation that obtains the positive and negative like this varied in thickness waveform of putting upside down, even maximum and minima during each between definite maximum test period and between the minima test period can not be obtained maximum and minima.Thereby maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic that maximum that use is obtained and minima are calculated do not become correct value yet, we can say that the value reliability that obtains is low.For operator or the doctor who makes diagnostic ultrasound equipment can correctly be identified as such measurement result the low determination data of reliability, the diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 of present embodiment also possesses and is used to judge maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation, and the accuracy judging part 33 (Fig. 7) of the accuracy of elastic characteristic.

Accuracy judging part 33 with between the maximum test period and the maximum and the minima of varied in thickness waveform between the minima test period compare, and according to comparative result, judge maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation, and the accuracy of elastic characteristic.Specifically, the maximum that obtains between with the maximum test period is made as D _Max, will be made as D between the minima test period that obtains between the minima test period _MinCondition under, judge that whether maximum and minima satisfy the relation of note inequality (1) down.

D _max＞D _min (1)

In accuracy judging part 33, when maximum and minima satisfy concerning of above-mentioned inequality (1), the maximum and the minima that are judged as the varied in thickness waveform that obtains are right values, are worth maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, the deformation of calculating, the accuracy height that reaches elastic characteristic according to these.Why be because to correct amounts of thickness variation D _k(t), between the maximum test period and between the minima test period, there be the maximum and the minima of a cardiac cycle of varied in thickness waveform.Under the situation that obtains varied in thickness waveform shown in Figure 9, D (t1)＞D (t2), and satisfy inequality (1).Thereby, use maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity that maximum D (t1) and minima D (t2) calculate, deformation, and the accuracy height of elastic characteristic.

On the other hand, as shown in figure 12, under the positive and negative situation about putting upside down of varied in thickness waveform, between the maximum test period and the maximum D ' (t1 ') that obtains between the minima test period and minima D ' (t2 ') be D ' (t1 ')＜D ' (t2 '), therefore, do not satisfy inequality (1).Thereby, use maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity that maximum D ' (t1 ') and minima D ' (t2 ') calculate, deformation, and the accuracy of elastic characteristic low.

Accuracy judging part 33 is according to maximum and minima, is judged as under the low situation of the accuracy of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic, maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic is set at the value (for example, 0 or negative etc.) of regulation.Perhaps, accuracy judging part 33 also can generate the information of expression accuracy.The information of expression accuracy is " accuracy height " or " accuracy is low ", gets final product as long as generate suitable numerical value (for example, 1 or 0 etc.) corresponding to these information.

Accuracy judging part 33 can also use corresponding to relation on time shaft between the maximum test period in the moment that obtains maximum and minima and between the minima test period and determine accuracy except the comparison of carrying out maximum and minima.Specifically, between the moment that obtains maximum and minima and maximum test period and under the zero hour between the minima test period or the finish time consistent situation, the accuracy that also can be judged as maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic is low.As shown in figure 12, under the positive and negative situation about putting upside down of varied in thickness waveform, the varied in thickness waveform has maximum between the maximum test period, and therefore, the maximum between the maximum test period is the value that obtains the zero hour between the maximum test period or the finish time.Equally, the varied in thickness waveform has minimum between the minima test period, and therefore, the minima between the minima test period is the value that obtains the zero hour between the maximum test period or the finish time.Thereby, use such relation, also correct accuracy of judgement degree.

Also have, under the situation of using this judgment standard, as long as will obtain maximum and minima at least one the moment and corresponding with it during relational query on time shaft just be enough to.Why be because as long as any one party at least in maximum or the minima is not correct value, then maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic are not correct value yet.

Accuracy judging part 33 can pass through these wherein a kind of method accuracy of judgement degree, also can make up these two kinds of method accuracy of judgement degree.By making up a plurality of accuracy determination methods, can suitably obtain further careful accuracy information.

Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B represent the judged result by the accuracy of reflection accuracy judging part 33, and maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic are presented at the example of display part 21.In Figure 13 A, represented to be judged as the example that situation that accuracy low maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic be set at the value of regulation shows.At spatial distribution image F as shown in FIG. 13A _kIn, view data f (k) ₃₄And view data f (k) ₄₄It is low to be judged as accuracy, therefore, is set with the value of regulation.Thereby, show by the color different with other view data.As mentioned above, accuracy judging part 33 also can generate the information of expression accuracy, and according to the information that is generated, shows spatial distribution image F as shown in FIG. 13A _k

In addition, Figure 13 B represents to represent the two-dimensional space distributed image F of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic _k, and the two-dimensional space distributed image G of information of expression accuracy _kBe simultaneously displayed on the example of picture 70.In Figure 13 B, by the gray scale display image data f (k) of regulation ₃₄And view data f (k) ₄₄, but distributed image G in space in these zones _kRepresented that accuracy is low.

By carrying out such demonstration, can be in the picture that shows maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic, the easy low zone of recognition accuracy, thereby, can carry out more accurate diagnosis according to measurement result.

Below, to using diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11, measure certain a part of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of carotid wall and the situation of elastic characteristic and illustrate.

Figure 14 represents to use diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 to measure the result of the amounts of thickness variation of the carotid antetheca of people.The tested person is 41 years old male, and the R ripple of tested person's electrocardiographic wave as triggering signal, (is approximately 700 (ms)) and measures during the part of a cardiac cycle.In Figure 14, the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of a cardiac cycle is 1.87+2.62=4.49 (μ m).The maximum thickness at the determination object position of this moment is 160 (μ m), and tested person's blood pressure difference is 40 (mmHg), that is, and and 5.33 (kPa).Thereby elastic characteristic E is 5.33 * 160/4.49=190 (kPa).

Yet, this maximum and minima, as shown in figure 14, based on the signal that observes among the about 10ms in the cardiac cycle and the about 545ms.If relatively the curve chart 8b of Figure 14 and Fig. 8 is then as can be known clear and definite, the amounts of thickness variation of giving this maximum and minima can not be the characteristic that the thickness variation as blood vessel wall causes, and is subjected to the influence of noise.Like this, during using a cardiac cycle whole, obtain under the situation of maximum and minima, have the influence that is subjected to noise, obtain the situation of the low elastic characteristic of accuracy.

Figure 15 represents the amounts of thickness variation measurement result of the people carotid antetheca identical with Figure 14.As shown in figure 15, during will being used to obtain amounts of thickness variation peaked, change to 150 (ms) from 50 (ms), and will be used to obtain minima during change to 400 (ms) from 300 (ms), can select high maximum of accuracy and minima.Maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity in this case is 1.87+1.25=3.12 (μ m).The maximum thickness at determination object position is 160 (μ m), and tested person's blood pressure difference is 5.33 (kPa), and therefore, elastic characteristic E is 5.33 * 160/3.12=270 (kPa), thereby, can obtain the higher elastic characteristic of accuracy.And then, as shown in figure 15, can also know by between the maximum test period that other are set and between the minima test period to have the effect of the influence of the noise of avoiding near the needle pattern that exists of 200 (ms).

In addition, by between the change test period since obtain data during be approximately 1/2, therefore, the capacity of the internal memory of the data that storage obtains little also can, can also reduce the operand of the computer of a cardiac cycle.Thereby, can reduce the capacity of lift-launch, further the realization of High Speed measuring elastic characteristics at the internal memory of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.Along with the reduction of operand, also can use the low computer of operational capability, in this case, can reduce the cost of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.

Like this, according to the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of present embodiment as can be known, since with the instrumentation of the maximum of amounts of thickness variation and minima be provided with respectively, than a cardiac cycle short during in carry out, therefore, the influence of noise etc. can be reduced, accuracy higher maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity and elastic characteristic can be obtained.

(second embodiment)

Below, second embodiment of diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention is described.Figure 16 is the block diagram of the structure of wanting portion of the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of expression second embodiment.Diagram not among Figure 16, but the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of second embodiment is identical with first embodiment has sending part 14, acceptance division 15, time delay control part 16, phase detection portion 17, filtering portion 18, reaches control part 30.These each positions are as moving to the explanation of first embodiment.

The diagnostic ultrasound equipment of present embodiment is also determined the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation during the part of a cardiac cycle or a cardiac cycle, based on determined maximum and minima, judge the accuracy of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic.Thereby, comprise operational part 19, location variation operational part 31a, amounts of thickness variation operational part 31b, reach maximin operational part 31c '.In addition, comprise character characteristic value operational part 32 and accuracy judging part 33 '.In addition, the computing of location variation operational part 31a and amounts of thickness variation operational part 31b is identical with first embodiment.In addition, the computing of maximin operational part 31c ' is following to be stated brightly, and the difference, the mode identical with first embodiment carried out during the maximum of obtaining amounts of thickness variation and minima.

As detailed in the first embodiment explanation, amounts of thickness variation is synchronized with the cycle, the incident that maximum that obtains in a cardiac cycle of amounts of thickness variation and minima are associated with a heart in the cardiac cycle.Thereby maximum and minima can be by determining during the part in the cardiac cycle of amounts of thickness variation.

As can be known clear and definite as

curve chart

8b and 8f among Fig. 8, if a part during comprise pulse wave S involve the period that the P ripple is observed, just can correctly obtain maximum and minima.In the present embodiment, will be used to obtain maximum and minima during be set in the successive part of a cardiac cycle.

By shortening be used to obtain maximum and minima during, can reduce mistake with the probability of noise as maximum or minima identification.For example, only undertaken under the situation of instrumentation, occupying time of about 30% of a cardiac cycle integral body, therefore, the probability that is subjected to the influence of noise can be reduced to below 1/3 owing to penetrate the blood phase by the blood phase of penetrating in the cardiac cycle.In addition, by shortening the instrumentation time, can reduce the amount that needs computing, therefore, do not need a large amount of internal memories are carried at diagnostic ultrasound equipment, or use the computer of the high performance calculation process ability of high price, can reduce the manufacturing cost of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.Perhaps, realize the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the enough high speed instrumentations of energy.

With reference to Fig. 8, as the explanation in first embodiment, involve the moment that the P ripple is observed or the moment of maximum b1 that obtains amounts of thickness variation and minima b2 at the S of pulse wave, can use signal of organism to determine easily.For example, under the situation that electrocardiograph 22 is used as signal of organism testing agency, by be made as during data are obtained the R ripple till the T ripple during, can suitably obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation.Can use P ripple, Q ripple, S ripple to replace the R ripple, also can be with the R ripple as benchmark, be made as during data are obtained during during till behind the R ripple to 0.5 second or till after from the R ripple to 40% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle, obtain same effect.

In addition, under the situation that phonocardiograph is used as signal of organism testing agency, during till being made as from the I sound to the II sound during data are obtained, can suitably obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation.Use the IV sound to replace the I sound, use the III sound to replace the II sound and also can.In addition, with the I sound as benchmark, be made as during data are obtained from during till behind the I sound to 0.5 second or from before 10% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle of I sound to the I sound be equivalent to after time of 30% till during, also obtain same effect.

Under the situation that pulse clock is used as signal of organism testing agency, during till being made as from the S ripple to the C ripple during data are obtained, can suitably obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation.Can use T ripple or D ripple to replace the C ripple, be made as during also the S ripple can being obtained as benchmark and with data from during till behind the S ripple to 0.5 second or from before 10% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle of S ripple to the S ripple be equivalent to after time of 30% till during.

And then, even at the other machine of the outer setting of diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 as signal of organism testing agency, do not adopt signal of organism, also the numerical value that diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 can be measured is as triggering signal.Shown in the curve chart 8a among Fig. 8, on the locational arbitrarily position addendum modification in the carotid artery vascular of measuring, the part that the variation that can observe the position addendum modification shown in an a1, a2 and the a3 is compared other has characteristic maximal point or minimal point.Thereby, can also will put a1, a2, a3 sampling at operational part 19, use they determine to obtain the maximum of the amounts of thickness variation in the cardiac cycle and minima during.Also have, some a1 is the incident that derives from the blood pressure smallest point on the determination object position of blood vessel 3, and some a2 is the incident that derives from the blood pressure maximum point on the determination object position, and some a3 is the incident that derives from the dicrotism defective.

Under the situation during determining instrumentation according to the position addendum modification, for example, be made as during data are obtained till the a1 to a3 during, can suitably obtain the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation.In addition, can use a some a2 to replace an a3, also can be made as during an a1 obtains as benchmark and with data from during till after a1 to 0.5 second or from before 10% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle of a1 till to 10% the time that is equivalent to a cardiac cycle of a2 during.

In addition, shown in curve chart 8c, can use in the setting of instrumentation time from the vessel diameter variable quantity with some c1, the c2 shown in the figure, and c3 sampling, extract some b1, a b2, b3 from the amounts of thickness variation self shown in the curve chart 8b, the setting of carrying out during the instrumentation also can.

The signal of organism that utilization is obtained by above-mentioned signal of organism testing agency, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, to be input to operational part 19 from the electrocardiographic wave that electrocardiograph 22 obtains, if detect the R ripple as described above, then carry out the computing of amounts of thickness variation,, interrupt computing and get final product if detect the T ripple.R involves the detection of T ripple, and for example, in operational part 19, the sequential that size that can be by using the amplitude in the electrocardiographic wave, the value that the differential electrocardiographic wave obtains and their occur is carried out.Perhaps, should detect in electrocardiograph 22 and carry out, the detection based on R involves the T ripple outputs to operational part 19 with control signal.

In addition, sequential as the singular signal of waveform of the triggering signal of signal of organism etc., in the approaching maximum of amounts of thickness variation and the sequential of minima of obtaining, or under the situation of singular signal as triggering signal that will after the sequential of maximum that obtains amounts of thickness variation and minima, obtain, get final product as the triggering signal that obtains as during the instrumentation of following one-period in cycle of the singular signal of triggering signal use.

As mentioned above, the differing from of position addendum modification between amounts of thickness variation 2 by specific thickness obtained.Thereby maximum and the minima of obtaining amounts of thickness variation according to the position addendum modification between 2 that obtain during the maximum of obtaining amounts of thickness variation and the minima get final product.Diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 is at a whole cardiac cycle, in a word, METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS DETERMINATION position addendum modification, the position addendum modification that obtains in extracting from the position addendum modification that obtains during the maximum of obtaining above-mentioned amounts of thickness variation and minima is as sample, and maximum and the minima of obtaining amounts of thickness variation also can.Perhaps, during above-mentioned in a cardiac cycle of 11 of diagnostic ultrasound equipments, METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS DETERMINATION position addendum modification, maximum and the minima of obtaining amounts of thickness variation also can.The calculating that is used to obtain the maximum of amounts of thickness variation and minima can carried out in real time by during settings such as signal of organism above-mentioned, also can stagger and carry out during above-mentioned.

If consider the difference separately of subject, then preferably will obtain be set as during the instrumentation of the maximum of amounts of thickness variation and minima a cardiac cycle 5% or more and the length below 75%.If then there is at least one side's of the maximum that can not obtain amounts of thickness variation and minima probability in 5% short than a cardiac cycle during the instrumentation.In addition, if 75% long than a cardiac cycle then can not fully obtain shortening the effect during the instrumentation, there is the probability of the influence that is subjected to noise easily.Thereby, with above-mentioned signal of organism as triggering signal and under the situation during setting instrumentation, be in this scope during preferably setting instrumentation.By this length will being set in, thinking the operand that can reduce about 25% to 95% during the instrumentation, in addition, can reduce about 25% to 95% of influence that noise brings.

In addition, undertaken in the diagnostic procedure by diagnostic ultrasound equipment, because organism is in rest state, therefore, the cardiac cycle change is few.Thereby, between the maximum test period and the setting between the minima test period may not all need to carry out at every turn, also can be according to above-mentioned Biont information, in case after setting during the instrumentation, with instrumentation during identical cycle carry out instrumentation repeatedly.On the other hand, if each cardiac cycle detection of biological body signal all, and during determining instrumentation according to signal of organism, though then the cardiac cycle of organism owing to irregular situations that becomes such as arrhythmias under, also reliable instrumentation elastic characteristic.

In the present embodiment, the example of setting using the singular signal that obtains from a kind of signal of organism testing agency during the instrumentation is illustrated, but also can use the singular signal that obtains from a plurality of signal of organism testing agency and set during the instrumentation.For example, the R ripple of electrocardiographic wave is used as the signal of setting the beginning between the maximum test period, the some c3 of vessel diameter variable quantity is used as the signal of setting the end between the minima test period also can.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when obtaining the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, obtained the maximum and the minima of amounts of thickness variation, but measured this thing of thickness as described above, and obtained amounts of thickness variation from its maximum and minima and also can.In amounts of thickness variation is under the known situation, if know the thickness the when mensuration of amounts of thickness variation begins, then thickness through the time variable quantity can thickness and amounts of thickness variation sum when measuring beginning obtain.Thickness when measuring beginning is not the initial value of the distance between 2 arbitrarily of obtaining 2 position addendum modification, is known parameter in Shuo Ming the diagnostic ultrasound equipment 11 in the present embodiment.

Secondly, accuracy judging part 33 ' is described.Accuracy judging part 33 ' is judged at least a accuracy of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation and elastic characteristic according to maximum and the minima obtained by maximin operational part 31c '.Specifically, the moment that obtains the peaked moment and acquisition minima is compared, according to comparative result accuracy of judgement degree.

Figure 17 is illustrated in the varied in thickness waveform of a cardiac cycle length under the situation of having determined a cardiac cycle under the condition consistent with the Syst beginning of heart.During in a cardiac cycle, having set a part of obtaining maximum and minima as the first phase between.In between the first phase, at moment t _MaxObtain maximum D (t _Max), at moment t _MinObtain minima D (t _Min).In common amounts of thickness variation D (t), to set as illustrated in fig. 17 under the situation between test period, maximum was observed than the moment that minima shifts to an earlier date.Thereby, moment t _MaxAnd moment t _MinSatisfy t _Max＜t _MinRelation, accuracy judging part 33 ' uses this D (t _Max) and minima D (t _Min) and be judged as the accuracy height of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or the elastic characteristic of calculating.

On the other hand, for example, the ultrasonic reflections wave amplitude is extremely little, or comprises under the situation of noise, uses the reflection wave signal at such position and the position addendum modification obtained may not be correct numerical value.Specifically, become the big waveform of amplitude on the whole, or little waveform.At this moment, the varied in thickness waveform that uses this position addendum modification to obtain, as shown in figure 18, positive and negative putting upside down.In addition, with the reason with reference to Figure 10 A, 10B, 11A and 11B explanation is identical in the first embodiment, the positive and negative of varied in thickness waveform put upside down.In waveform as shown in figure 18, if obtain maximum and minima in the same manner, then at moment t with Figure 17 _Max' acquisition maximum D ' (t _Max'), at moment t _Min' acquisition minima D ' (t _Min).At this moment, moment t _Max' and moment t _Min' be t _Max'＞t _MaxRelation, do not satisfy correct relation.Thereby in this case, accuracy judging part 33 ' uses this D ' (t _Max') and minima D ' (t _Min) and to be judged as the accuracy of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic of calculating low.

Accuracy judging part 33 ' is according to maximum and minima, be judged as under the low situation of the accuracy of maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic, as detailed in the first embodiment explanation, maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic are set at the value (for example, 0 or negative etc.) of regulation.Perhaps, accuracy judging part 33 ' also can generate the information of expression accuracy.The information of expression accuracy is " accuracy height " or " accuracy is low ", gets final product as long as generate suitable numerical value (for example, 1 or 0 etc.) corresponding to these information.

Display part 21 is used for reflecting the judged result of the accuracy that accuracy judging part 33 ' is judged, shows maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic.Be set under the situation of value of regulation will being judged as accuracy low maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or elastic characteristic, the color matching of using when being blended in common maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of demonstration or elastic characteristic (for example, black etc.) show, or recently show according to accuracy change transmission.In addition, generate at accuracy judging part 33 ' under the situation of information of expression accuracy, also other two-dimensional map can be shown that as the accuracy information dedicated mapping uses, abide by pre-prepd color matching and show accuracy.Concrete display packing can be carried out the demonstration identical with first embodiment.

Also have, in accuracy judging part 33 ', according to obtaining the peaked moment and obtaining the moment of minima and the condition of accuracy of judgement degree depends on the establishing method of a cardiac cycle of varied in thickness waveform.As shown in figure 19, the trigger position of beginning of a cardiac cycle of regulation can be located among the curve chart 8b among Fig. 8 between the b1 and b2, in a word, with the zero hour that detects behind 0.1 second of I sound of the S ripple of electrocardiographic wave or phonocardiogram waveform as a cardiac cycle.In this case, accuracy judging part 33 ' is obtaining maximum D (t _Max) moment t _MaxWith acquisition minima D (t _Min) moment t _MinSatisfy t _Max＞t _MinConcern the time be judged as the accuracy height.

In addition, accuracy judging part 33 ' also can be by other method accuracy of judgement degree.As shown in figure 20, set in during the part of a cardiac cycle and be used to obtain between the first phase of maximum and minima, and then predictive period (second phase) appears in setting maximum and minima between the first phase in.Maximum and minima the mechanism of predictive period consideration circulator system occurs and set, and for example, the probability that the maximum of interior amounts of thickness variation and minima occur during being preferably set at is 99.9%.Maximum and minima occur between predictive period and maximum and minima test period identical, can be according to settings such as signal of organism such as electrocardiographic wave or phonocardiogram waveform or position addendum modification waveforms.

Accuracy judging part 33 ' judges whether the moment that obtains definite maximum of maximin operational part 31c ' and minima respectively is that predictive period appears in maximum and minima, during in situation under, be judged as the accuracy height of the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or the elastic characteristic that obtain from this maximum and minima.

In Figure 20, owing to obtain the moment t of maximum and minima respectively _MaxAnd t _MinBe respectively maximum and predictive period appears in minima, therefore, accuracy judging part 33 ' is judged as the frequency height.

As shown in figure 21, contain noise in the amounts of thickness variation waveform, this noise is used as and is minima D " (t _Min") under the situation about measuring, t constantly _Min" be in maximum and minima occurs outside the predictive period.Thereby, be judged as from maximum " (t _Max") and minima D " (t _Min") accuracy of the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or the elastic characteristic that obtain is low.

Also have, the probability that maximum and minima occur high during be not one successive during, as shown in figure 22, the high maximum of probability that also maximum can be occurred the high minima of probability that predictive period and minima occur occur and occurs in predictive period is set between the first phase.In this case, accuracy judging part 33 ' judge obtain the peaked moment whether during predictive period appears in maximum in, and whether the moment that obtains minima in predictive period appears in minima.

In addition, also can make up a plurality of method of accuracy of above-mentioned judgement.By making up a plurality of accuracy determination methods, can access more high-precision accuracy information.For example, under the situation that obtains varied in thickness waveform as shown in figure 21, only relatively obtain the moment of maximum and minima, just owing to satisfy t " _Max＜t " _MinRelation, so be judged as the accuracy height, but can the judgement of predictive period, correct accuracy of judgement degree appear by using maximum and minima.

So, according to diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention as can be known, by based on the maximum that obtains amounts of thickness variation and the moment of minima, can estimate maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, the deformation of acquisition, the reliability of elastic characteristic, can carry out correct and the high diagnosis of reliability.

(the 3rd embodiment)

Below, the 3rd embodiment of diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention is described.Figure 23 is the block diagram of the structure of wanting portion of the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of expression the 3rd embodiment.Not shown among Figure 23, but the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the 3rd embodiment is identical with first embodiment, have ultrasonic detector 13, sending part 14, acceptance division 15, time delay control part 16, phase detection portion 17, filtering portion 18 and control part 30.Move as the explanation in first embodiment at these each positions.

The diagnostic ultrasound equipment of present embodiment judges whether the whole reliability of the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity, deformation or the elastic characteristic that obtain in each cardiac cycle is high.Thereby operational part 19 comprises measuring shape value operational part 31, character characteristic value operational part 32, whether qualified operational part 35.

As the detailed explanation in first embodiment, measuring shape value operational part 31 is obtained the character characteristic.Specifically, use the actual signal and the virtual signal of phase-detection signal, obtain the locational position of a plurality of determination objects addendum modification of the organization internal that is set in organism, and then, obtain amounts of thickness variation between any 2 according to a plurality of positions addendum modification.Character characteristic value operational part 32 is obtained the character characteristic value.Specifically, obtain deformation or elastic characteristic according to the maximum of amounts of thickness variation and the difference of minima.The maximum of amounts of thickness variation and minima also can be according to obtaining during the part that is set in a cardiac cycle or between the maximum test period and between the minima test period as the explanation in second embodiment.Obtain maximum and minima during the part by cardiac cycle,, can reduce the instrumentation error that noise causes as the explanation in first and second embodiment.

Whether qualified operational part 35 carries out computing for all data, judges whether deformation quantity or elastic characteristic that maximum variable quantity that measuring shape value operational part 31 is obtained or character characteristic value operational part 32 are obtained are to be worth reliable numerical value.For example, be that 2 of 6 row, 5 row are tieed up under the situation of matrixes in the elastic characteristic that obtains, whether each locational elastic characteristic of computing is to be worth reliable numerical value.To amounting to the computing whether carry out at 30 positions.As whether determination methods, for example exist, be conceived under the situation of amounts of thickness variation, the data that the thickness that will should reduce owing to the increase of blood pressure increases on the contrary are made as defective, or the sequential of thickness being represented the sequential of maximum (minima) and (or maximum) that pressure value is represented minima is made as underproof method etc. greater than the data of the threshold value of predesignating.

Whether qualified operational part 35 calculates each whether locational ratio of obtaining like this.Figure 24 A is illustrated in the elastic characteristic image of the information of whether adding on the elastic characteristic of 6 row 5 row.The zone of presentation video is as the explanation in first embodiment, is presented at the ROI that shows on 21 the picture by appointment and specifies.In Figure 24 A, represent to be judged as underproof position by black.In 30 positions, being judged as qualified data is 18 positions, and its qualification rate is 60%.Wherein, being positioned at first row and the 6th data of going is the data that the tissue outside blood vessel wall obtains.Thereby, do not represent correct spring rate.Whether qualified operational part 35 can replace qualification rate, and obtains disqualification rate.

Figure 24 B is the image of only being taken a sample in the position of blood vessel wall from the elastic characteristic image shown in Figure 24 A.In order to be equivalent to the arda sampling of blood vessel wall from the spatial distribution image, for example, can utilize the poor of acoustic impedance.Perhaps, regulate ROI, be set at and only contain blood vessel wall and also can.In 20 positions of expression blood vessel wall, qualified data are 18 positions, and its qualification rate is 90%.Below, the method for the demonstration of the qualification rate control diagnostic ultrasound equipment that use is obtained is described in detail, but the data of the judgement of whether carrying out preferably only comprise the zone that need obtain elastic characteristic.Thereby, preferred judge whether the zone represented by Figure 24 B to be, rather than the zone of representing by Figure 24 A, will use the control that is showing based on the whether result's who obtains qualification rate.

The qualification rate of obtaining compares with the threshold value of predesignating that is stored in operational data storage part 20 in whether qualified operational part 35.Under qualification rate is situation more than the threshold value, whether qualified operational part 35 will whether represent rate superior shows signal output to display part 21.Display part 21 is according to shows signal, display image data.For example, be defined as in threshold value under 80% the situation, qualification rate is that 90% view data is presented at display part 21.In addition, be that view data is not presented at display part 21 under 95% the situation in threshold value.Obtain under the situation of disqualification rate at whether qualified operational part 35,, then will represent the shows signal output that qualified ratio is superior if disqualification rate is below the threshold value.Generate shows signal when in a word, whether ratio and threshold value satisfy defined terms.Whether qualified operational part 35 carries out such action by the cardiac cycle of organism.

Figure 25 is to use the flow chart of an example of qualification rate control diagnostic ultrasound equipment.The qualification rate a that expression is obtained based on whether qualified operational part 35 _nWith the comparative result of the threshold value A of the predefined qualification rate of operator of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, the method for the demonstration of control spatial distribution image.In the step of following explanation, for example,, be recorded in the recording mediums such as ROM that are arranged at diagnostic ultrasound equipment by the program that can carry out on computers or software etc.

At first, before measuring, the operator stipulates the threshold value A of qualification rate, and is set in (step S1) in the diagnostic ultrasound equipment.Secondly, the operator operates diagnostic ultrasound equipment, measures the measuring shape value at the position of wishing or character characteristic value, for example, elastic characteristic (step S2), its spatial distribution image of computing F by distributed image operational part 34 ₁(step S3).Then, whether obtain and qualification rate a ₁(step S4) is with qualification rate a ₁Compare with threshold value A (step S5).At qualification rate a ₁Under the big situation of threshold value A, based on shows signal, with spatial distribution image F from whether qualified operational part 35 outputs ₁Be presented at display part 21 (step S6), finish the action of this cardiac cycle.Then, return step S2, carry out from step 2 to step 6 repeatedly.On the other hand, at qualification rate a ₁Under the situation less than threshold value A, spatial distribution image F ₁Do not show, finish the action of its cardiac cycle, return step S2.Former spatial distribution image F ₀Be shown under the situation of display part 21, keep this image.

At this, the distributed image computing (step S3) of Figure 25 and the reversed in order of qualification rate computing (step S4) also can.Flow chart under this kind situation as shown in figure 26.The difference of control method as shown in figure 26 and control method as shown in figure 25 is: in the method for Figure 26, only be judged as qualification rate a _nSurpass (step S14) computational space distributed image F under the situation of threshold value A _n(step S15) this point.That is the operand effect on the low side that, has the distributed image operational part 34 in as shown in figure 26 the control method.

Qualification rate a _nBe presented at display part 21 when obtaining also can at every turn.Even display image F does not inform the operator by showing qualification rate, the operator can know also whether the qualification rate of mensuration rises or descend, and judges the fitness of the posture of measuring position or mensuration.

Under the situation that operator's desire is interrupted or end is measured, the operator can import interrupt signal to diagnostic ultrasound equipment.Interrupt signal can be imported in any one step shown in Figure 25 and 26, if diagnostic ultrasound equipment confirms the input of interrupt signal, interrupts all mensuration.On display part 21, qualification rate a _nThan showing last spatial distribution image F that obtains and the qualification rate a of this moment in the big image of threshold value A _n

In order to carry out such action, in as the step S6 of Figure 25 and step 16 as shown in figure 26, preferred display space distributed image F not only _n, and will be greater than the spatial distribution image F of threshold value A _nWith qualification rate a _nBe stored in the operational data storage part 20.If store these images F _nWith qualification rate a _n, then the operator in have no progeny and can only browse greater than the high image of the reliability of threshold value A, can carry out effective diagnosis.In addition, can also be when having imported interrupt signal, begin from mensuration till the interrupt signal input during, read image F under the highest situation of qualification rate from operational data storage part 20, carry out this is presented at control on the display part 21.Also have, also can control, make not stop all mensuration, only keep showing by the input interrupt signal.

Figure 27 is the qualification rate a that obtains in each cardiac cycle of diagnostic ultrasound equipment of expression present embodiment _nCurve chart.Transverse axis represents to begin to obtain from instrumentation the number of times of spatial distribution image, represents the number of times of the cardiac cycle that begins to start at from instrumentation in a word.Threshold value A is set at 90%.After instrumentation begins, owing to the tested person or keep operator's the posture of accuracy judging part 33 or reason such as breathing state instability, qualification rate a _nLittle, but qualification rate a afterwards _nBecome big.In Figure 27, as labelling circle on the numerical value on the transverse axis, the qualification rate a that obtains in the 5th～8 and 10 cardiac cycle _nBigger than threshold value A.Diagnostic ultrasound equipment is presented at display part 21 with the spatial distribution image when obtaining than the big qualification rate of threshold value A.Specifically, after instrumentation began, till 4 cardiac cycles, display space distributed image not on the display part 21 thereafter, began display space distributed image F from the 5th cardiac cycle ₅Afterwards, press each cardiac cycle update displayed spatial distribution image until 8 cardiac cycles.Qualification rate a the 9th cardiac cycle acquisition _nLittler than threshold value A.Thereby, in the 9th cardiac cycle, do not carry out the update displayed of spatial distribution image, keep spatial distribution image F ₈Demonstration.Afterwards, carry out update displayed at the 10th cardiac cycle, and display space distributed image F ₁₀

So, according to present embodiment as can be known, carrying out qualification rate a that whether qualified operational part 35 obtains and the comparison of operator's pre-set threshold A, the spatial distribution image F under the situation of qualification rate a that only will be more superior than threshold value A shows.Thereby the operator can only see the measurement result with reliability to a certain degree selectively, thereby, can carry out more accurate diagnosis.

In addition, also can utilize qualification rate a _nAnd the end that control is measured.For example, as threshold value A ', set the value that expression instrumentation result has sufficient reliability, judge qualification rate a _nWhether than threshold value A ' superior.At qualification rate a _nThan threshold value A ' under the superior situation, finish instrumentation, and print the spatial distribution image of last acquisition, or be recorded on the recording medium.This control also can with the control combination of the demonstration of above-mentioned spatial distribution image.Under the situation that the spatial distribution image also shows, use the threshold value A in finishing the control of measuring ' be preferably the reliability numerical value also higher of expression instrumentation than the threshold value A that is used for the display space distributed image.Thus, can be behind the beginning instrumentation, obtain inscribing when fully high in the instrumentation reliability, finish automatically to measure, thereby, the spatial distribution image that can obtain to wish.

Also have, in the present embodiment, illustration obtain the situation of Two dimensional Distribution of the elastic characteristic of blood vessel wall, but diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention can also be fit to circulator's tissue or somas such as liver or breast beyond the blood vessel wall such as heart are measured.

In addition, in the present embodiment, measured the Two dimensional Distribution of measuring shape value or character characteristic value, and diagnostic ultrasound equipment by the cardiac cycle display image has been described, but also can use 3D mechanism detector etc. to measure the distributed in three dimensions of measuring shape value or character characteristic value, carry out pictorial display by cardiac cycle.

In aforesaid way, compared qualification rate and threshold value, the result has controlled display part 21 based on the comparison.Thereby at the instrumentation initial stage of being undertaken by diagnostic ultrasound equipment, because the instrumentation instability, always can there be the not situation of display image in qualification rate greater than threshold value.In this case, also can be by its qualification rate is controlled demonstration as benchmark, at instrumentation initial stage display image.

Specifically, whether operational data storage part 20 stores at least one side of ratio and measuring shape value and character characteristic value.Whether qualified operational part 35 is in each computing whether during ratio, is stored in the whether ratio of the optimum of whether ratio of operational data storage part 20 and computing, and whether ratio than generating shows signal under the superior situation of optimum.Operational data storage part 20 also can be stored all whether ratios,, measuring shape value and character characteristic value, with the optimum and the measuring shape value and the character characteristic value of this moment of whether specific ratio in the whether ratio of storage.Perhaps, when measuring shape value in the time of also can only whether inciting somebody to action the optimum of ratio often and obtain this value and character characteristic value upgrade, store.

Figure 28 is that qualification rate a is used in expression _nAnd the flow chart of control diagnostic ultrasound equipment.Qualification rate a _nOperation method as mentioned above.The qualification rate a that obtains based on whether qualified operational part 35 _n, and the operator of diagnostic ultrasound equipment predefined during in qualification rate maximum a _BestComparative result, control spatial distribution image F _nDemonstration.

At first, the operator operates diagnostic ultrasound equipment, measures the measuring shape value or the character characteristic value of hope place as described above by distributed image operational part 34, for example, and elastic characteristic (step S21).Secondly, obtain the spatial distribution image F of the elastic characteristic of mensuration ₁, or image F ₁Qualification rate a ₁, they are presented at display part 21 (step S22).Whether qualified operational part 35 is with image F ₁With qualification rate a ₁As the optimum F on this time point _BestAnd a _Best, be stored in operational data storage part 20 (step S23) respectively.

In the ensuing cycle, distributed image operational part 34 is measured elastic characteristic (step S24), computing distributed image F ₂(step S25).Then, whether obtain and qualification rate a ₂(step S26), relatively qualification rate a ₂With qualification rate maximum a _Best(step S27).At qualification rate a ₂Than qualification rate maximum a _BestUnder the also big situation, image F ₂With qualification rate a ₂Again as F _BestAnd a _BestStorage (step S28), spatial distribution image F ₂Show (step S29) by display part 21, finish the action of this cardiac cycle.Then, return step S24, repeatedly execution in step 24～step 29.On the other hand, at qualification rate a ₂Than qualification rate maximum a _BestUnder the also little situation, display space distributed image F not ₂, finish the action of this cardiac cycle, and turn back to step S24.

If operator's desire is interrupted or finished under the situation of mensuration, the operator can import interrupt signal to diagnostic ultrasound equipment.This interrupt signal can also can be imported in any one step as shown in figure 28, if diagnostic ultrasound equipment confirms the input of interrupt signal, then ends all mensuration.Show qualification rate maximum a on the display part 21 _Best, and spatial distribution image F _BestAlso have, also can not end all mensuration, and only keep showing by the input interrupt signal.

Figure 29 is illustrated in the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of present embodiment, the qualification rate a that obtains by cardiac cycle _nCurve chart.Identical with Figure 27, transverse axis represent from instrumentation begin to obtain the number of times of spatial distribution frame, the number of times of the cardiac cycle that begins to start at from instrumentation in a word.After instrumentation has just begun, owing to the tested person or keep operator's the posture of ultrasonic detector 13 or reason, qualification rate a such as breathing state is also stable _nLess, afterwards, qualification rate a _nBecome big gradually.In Figure 29, in the cardiac cycle of mark circle, upgrade optimum F on the numeral on transverse axis _BestAnd a _BestThereby, update displayed spatial distribution image.In a word, after just having begun, because in each cardiac cycle, qualification rate a _nBecome big, therefore, press cardiac cycle and upgrade the spatial distribution image.If it is stable that instrumentation finally becomes, qualification rate a _nFinally become the value of constant, then only at qualification rate a _nAnd then under the situation of the high value of reliability of expression instrumentation, upgrade the spatial distribution image.

So according to present embodiment as can be known, mensuration has just begun back frequent updating spatial distribution image and has shown, if but instrumentation becomes stable gradually, then keep the spatial distribution image under the highest situation of reliability.Thereby, along with instrumentation is stable and become and observe the image that is presented at display part easily, in addition, the high measurement result of observe reliability selectively.Thus, the operator can carry out correct diagnosis.

(utilizability on the industry)

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment of the present invention is suitable for using in the proterties characteristic of bio-tissue and the mensuration of style characteristic, is suitable for measuring elastic characteristic. In addition, be suitable for measuring the elastic characteristic of vascular wall, be suitable for using discovery or arteriosclerotic prevention at arteriosclerotic lesion.

Claims

1. diagnostic ultrasound equipment, it comprises:

Sending part, it drives ultrasonic detector, and this ultrasonic detector is used for sending ultrasound wave transmission ripple to the tissue of organism;

Acceptance division, it uses described ultrasonic detector, receives described ultrasound wave and sends the ultrasonic reflections ripple that ripple obtains in the tissue reflection of described organism, and generate received signal;

Phase detection portion, it carries out phase detection to described received signal, generates phase-detection signal;

Measuring shape value operational part, it is according to described phase-detection signal, computing is set in the position addendum modification of a plurality of determination objects position of the tissue of described organism respectively, according to described position addendum modification, a plurality of measuring shape values between 2 arbitrarily of computing based on described a plurality of determination object set positions;

Character characteristic value operational part, based on described a plurality of measuring shape values, a plurality of character characteristic values of computing;

The maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of the soma that described measuring shape value is an organism;

The deformation or the elastic characteristic of the soma that described character characteristic value is an organism;

Whether whether qualified operational part, its each of at least one side that carries out in described a plurality of measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic value are the whether judgement of correct value, the judged result based on whether respectively, and computing is ratio whether;

Display part, it is based on whether described ratio, shows at least a in described a plurality of measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic value.

2. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, wherein,

Described whether qualified operational part satisfies under the situation of defined terms in the threshold value of whether described ratio and regulation, generates the superior shows signal of the whether described ratio of expression,

Described display part shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind in described measuring shape value and the character characteristic value based on described shows signal.

3. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 2, wherein,

Described measuring shape value operational part described character characteristic operational part and described whether qualified operational part carry out computing by the cardiac cycle of described organism,

Described display part shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind in described measuring shape value and the character characteristic value, until the shows signal that receives next.

4. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 3, wherein,

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment also possesses storage part, satisfies under the defined terms in the threshold value of described ratio and regulation, stores one of them kind in described measuring shape value and the character characteristic value,

Display part is based on the instruction of regulation, shows the up-to-date measuring shape value in the data be stored in described storage part and the spatial distribution image of one of them kind in the character characteristic value.

5. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, wherein,

Diagnostic ultrasound equipment possesses the storage part of the whether described ratio of storage,

Described whether qualified operational part compares with the optimum of the whether ratio that is stored in described storage part at every turn when the whether described ratio of computing, whether described ratio than the superior situation of described optimum under, generate shows signal,

6. diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 5, wherein,

One of them kind in described measuring shape value of described storage portion stores and the character characteristic value,

Described display part shows the measuring shape value of the optimum that obtains whether described ratio that is stored in described storage part and the spatial distribution image of one of them kind in the character characteristic value based on the instruction of regulation.

7. the control method of a diagnostic ultrasound equipment is controlled by the control part of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, and the control method of described diagnostic ultrasound equipment comprises:

Send ultrasound wave and send ripple, use ultrasonic detector to receive described ultrasound wave and send the ultrasonic reflections ripple that ripple obtains in the tissue reflection of described organism, and generate the steps A of received signal;

Described received signal is carried out phase detection, generate the step B of phase-detection signal;

According to described phase-detection signal, computing is set in the step C of the locational position of a plurality of determination objects addendum modification of the tissue of described organism respectively;

According to described position addendum modification, obtain step D, the maximum ga(u)ge variable quantity of the soma that described measuring shape value is an organism based on a plurality of measuring shape values between any two points of described a plurality of determination object set positions;

Based on described a plurality of measuring shape values, obtain the step e of a plurality of character characteristic values, the deformation or the elastic characteristic of the tissue that described character characteristic value is an organism;

Whether at least one side who carries out described a plurality of measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic values is respectively the whether judgement of correct value, and the judged result computing step F of ratio whether based on whether respectively;

Based on whether described ratio, represent at least one side's of described a plurality of measuring shape value and a plurality of character characteristic values step G.

8. the control method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 7, wherein,

Described step F satisfies under the situation of defined terms in the threshold value of whether described ratio and regulation, generates the superior shows signal of the whether described ratio of expression,

Described step G shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value based on described shows signal.

9. the control method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 8, wherein,

Described step D, E and F carry out computing by cardiac cycle,

Described step G shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value, until the shows signal that receives next.

10. the control method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 9, wherein,

Control method also comprises, satisfies under the situation of defined terms in the threshold value of whether described ratio and regulation, stores the step H1 of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value,

Step G is based on the instruction of regulation, shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of up-to-date measuring shape value in the data be stored in described storage part and character characteristic value.

11. the control method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 7, wherein,

Control method comprises the step H2 that stores whether described ratio,

Described step F compares with the optimum of the whether ratio of storing in described step H2 when each whether described ratio of computing, if whether described ratio be more superior than described optimum, then generates shows signal,

12. the control method of diagnostic ultrasound equipment according to claim 11, wherein,

Control method also comprises, stores the step H3 of one of them kind of described measuring shape value and character characteristic value,

Described step G is based on the instruction of regulation, shows the spatial distribution image of one of them kind of the measuring shape value of the optimum that obtains whether described ratio be stored in described storage part and character characteristic value.