CN108697408B - Ultrasonic analysis device, ultrasonic analysis method, and storage medium - Google Patents
Ultrasonic analysis device, ultrasonic analysis method, and storage medium Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
An object is to provide an ultrasonic analysis device, an ultrasonic analysis method, and a storage medium that generate analysis data for quantitatively evaluating the state of cartilage under non-invasive conditions. The solution is that an ultrasonic analysis device is characterized by comprising: a 1 st echo extraction unit that extracts 1 st echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 1 st region of interest relating to cartilage, from an echo signal from the inside of a subject, the echo signal being an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject including the cartilage therein to the inside of the subject; a 2 nd echo extraction unit that extracts 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 2 nd region of interest relating to the cartilage from the echo signal; a 1 st feature value calculation unit that calculates a 1 st feature value relating to the echo signal from the 1 st echo data extracted by the 1 st echo extraction unit; a 2 nd feature value calculation unit that calculates a 2 nd feature value relating to the echo signal from the 2 nd echo data extracted by the 2 nd echo extraction unit; and an analysis data generation unit that generates analysis data indicating the state of the cartilage based on a difference between the 1 st feature amount calculated by the 1 st feature amount calculation unit and the 2 nd feature amount calculated by the 2 nd feature amount calculation unit.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic analysis device, an ultrasonic analysis method, and an ultrasonic analysis program for generating analysis data for analyzing the state of cartilage.
Background
Conventionally, devices for generating various kinds of information for analyzing the state of cartilage have been proposed. For example, the device disclosed in patent document 1 causes a probe that transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal to come into contact with the surface of the knee, and analyzes an echo signal from the inside of the knee.
The device in patent document 1 estimates the thickness of cartilage based on the level of the echo signal in the depth direction.
Documents of the prior art
Patent document
Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2010-305
Disclosure of Invention
Problems to be solved by the invention
However, the conventional apparatus cannot obtain analytical data for quantitatively evaluating the state of cartilage under non-invasive conditions.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic analysis device, an ultrasonic analysis method, and an ultrasonic analysis program that generate analysis data for quantitatively evaluating the state of cartilage under non-invasive conditions.
Means for solving the problems
An ultrasonic analysis device is characterized by comprising: a 1 st echo extraction unit that extracts 1 st echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 1 st region of interest relating to cartilage, from an echo signal from the inside of a subject, the echo signal being an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject including the cartilage therein to the inside of the subject; a 2 nd echo extraction unit that extracts 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 2 nd region of interest relating to the cartilage from the echo signal; a 1 st feature value calculation unit that calculates a 1 st feature value relating to the echo signal from the 1 st echo data extracted by the 1 st echo extraction unit; a 2 nd feature value calculation unit that calculates a 2 nd feature value relating to the echo signal from the 2 nd echo data extracted by the 2 nd echo extraction unit; and an analysis data generation unit that generates analysis data indicating the state of the cartilage based on a difference between the 1 st feature amount calculated by the 1 st feature amount calculation unit and the 2 nd feature amount calculated by the 2 nd feature amount calculation unit.
According to this configuration, the ultrasonic analysis device generates analysis data based on a difference (for example, by calculating a ratio of intensities of the echo signals) between the 1 st region of interest related to cartilage (for example, the cartilage surface) and the 2 nd region of interest related to cartilage (for example, the subchondral bone surface including soft tissue). This makes it possible to eliminate the influence of attenuation and the like by soft tissue and to generate analysis data for quantitatively evaluating the state of cartilage.
Alternatively, the ultrasonic analysis method includes: a 1 st echo extraction step of extracting 1 st echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 1 st target site related to cartilage from an echo signal from the inside of a subject, the echo signal being an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject including the cartilage therein to the inside; a 2 nd echo extraction step of extracting 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 2 nd region of interest relating to the cartilage from the echo signal; a 1 st feature amount calculation step of calculating a 1 st feature amount related to the echo signal from the 1 st echo data extracted in the 1 st echo extraction step; a 2 nd feature amount calculation step of calculating a 2 nd feature amount related to the echo signal from the 2 nd echo data extracted in the 2 nd echo extraction step; and an analysis data generation step of generating analysis data indicating the state of the cartilage based on a difference between the 1 st feature amount calculated in the 1 st feature amount calculation step and the 2 nd feature amount calculated in the 2 nd feature amount calculation step.
Alternatively, the ultrasonic analysis program is characterized by causing a computer to execute: a 1 st echo extraction step of extracting 1 st echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 1 st target site related to cartilage from an echo signal from the inside of a subject, the echo signal being an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject including the cartilage therein to the inside; a 2 nd echo extraction step of extracting 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 2 nd region of interest relating to the cartilage from the echo signal; a 1 st feature amount calculation step of calculating a 1 st feature amount related to the echo signal from the 1 st echo data extracted in the 1 st echo extraction step; a 2 nd feature amount calculation step of calculating a 2 nd feature amount related to the echo signal from the 2 nd echo data extracted in the 2 nd echo extraction step; and an analysis data generation step of generating analysis data indicating the state of the cartilage based on a difference between the 1 st feature amount calculated in the 1 st feature amount calculation step and the 2 nd feature amount calculated in the 2 nd feature amount calculation step.
The invention has the following effects:
according to the present invention, analytical data for quantitatively evaluating the state of cartilage under non-invasive conditions can be generated.
Drawings
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an ultrasonic analysis apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a contact manner of the probe with respect to the subject.
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a scanning state of the transducer.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the analysis unit.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic analysis apparatus.
Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which an ultrasonic signal is focused at a predetermined position in the depth direction.
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic analysis apparatus.
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing data calculated in each process.
Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an analysis unit according to embodiment 2.
Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an analysis unit according to embodiment 3.
Detailed Description
(embodiment 1)
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an ultrasonic analysis apparatus. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a contact manner of the probe with respect to the subject. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a scanning state of the transducer.
The ultrasonic analysis device includes an information processing device 1, a probe 2, and a display 7. In the present embodiment, an ultrasonic analysis device, an ultrasonic analysis method, and an ultrasonic analysis program for analyzing an analysis object (cartilage) inside a knee of a person as an example of a subject will be described.
The information processing apparatus 1 is constituted by a computer or the like, for example. The information processing device 1 includes a transmission/reception unit 3, a control unit 4, an operation unit 5, and a signal processing unit 6.
The operation unit 5 is configured by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like, and receives an operation from a user. The operation unit 5 receives an operation for setting transmission of an ultrasonic signal, for example.
The control unit 4 and the signal processing unit 6 are constituted by a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 4 sets a transmission frequency, a pulse width, an input voltage, and the like in accordance with the received operation for transmission setting. The transmission/reception unit 3 transmits the ultrasonic signal from the probe 2 according to the contents set by the control unit 4.
As shown in fig. 2 and 3 (a), the probe 2 is abutted by the user against the knee surface (surface of the soft tissue 903) 904. The soft tissue 903 is an internal body part including skin, muscle, and the like, and is a part located on the front surface side of the subject rather than the cartilage 901. Cartilage 901 is attached to subchondral bone 911, which is a tissue that is combined with bone (spongy bone) 902.
As shown in fig. 3 a and 3B, the probe 2 includes a transducer 20 that mechanically and two-dimensionally scans (in the x direction and the y direction, which are directions along the surface of the subject) in the transmission/reception plane. As shown in fig. 3B, the transducer 20 transmits an ultrasonic signal in a depth direction (z direction) from the surface of the subject to the inside while scanning in the x direction and the y direction, and receives an echo signal from the inside of the subject. Thereby, the probe 2 receives an echo signal reflected inside the subject in the predetermined region.
The transceiver 3 converts the echo signal received by the probe 2 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the signal processor 6. The signal processing unit 6 includes an echo data generating unit 61, a storage unit (memory) 62 configured by a memory, and an analyzing unit 63.
The echo data generating unit 61 performs predetermined processing on the echo signal, and generates echo data from the echo signal.
In embodiment 1, the echo data generating unit 61 generates echo data from the time waveform of the echo signal. The echo data generating unit 61 performs an envelope detection process to generate echo data indicating the amplitude value (intensity) of the echo signal. When generating the echo data, the echo data generating unit 61 may perform log compression processing for logarithmically suppressing the output amplitude value with respect to the input amplitude value. The generated echo data (or the echo data after the log compression processing) is stored in the storage unit 62. That is, the echo data is data indicating the amplitude value of the echo signal at each position in the x direction, the y direction, and the depth direction (z direction).
The analysis unit 63 reads the echo data from the storage unit 62, and generates analysis data for analyzing the state of the cartilage. The analysis unit 63 also generates image data corresponding to the echo data. These analysis data and image data are displayed on a display 7 such as a monitor. The analysis unit 63 reads the echo data from the storage unit 62, but is not limited to this, and may generate analysis data by directly receiving the input of the echo data from the echo data generation unit 61 as shown by a broken arrow in fig. 1.
As shown in fig. 1, the analysis unit 63 includes: the 1 st position detection unit 611, the 2 nd position detection unit 612, the 1 st echo extraction unit 621, the 2 nd echo extraction unit 622, the 1 st feature amount calculation unit 631, the 2 nd feature amount calculation unit 632, the analysis area setting unit 640, and the analysis data generation unit 650.
The 1 st position detection unit 611 detects the position of the 1 st region of interest (subchondral bone surface) of the analysis target (cartilage).
The 2 nd position detecting unit 612 detects the position of the 2 nd region of interest (cartilage surface) of the analysis target (cartilage).
The 1 st echo extraction unit 621 extracts 1 st echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 1 st target site (subchondral bone surface) related to an analysis target object (cartilage) from an echo signal from the inside of a subject (human knee) of an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject to the inside.
The 2 nd echo extraction unit 622 extracts 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 2 nd region of interest (cartilage surface) related to an analysis object (cartilage) from an echo signal from the inside of a subject (human knee) of an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject to the inside of the subject.
The 1 st feature calculating unit 631 calculates the 1 st feature relating to the echo signal from the 1 st echo data extracted by the 1 st echo extracting unit 621. In the present embodiment, an amplitude value (maximum amplitude value) will be described as an example of the 1 st feature quantity.
The 2 nd feature calculating unit 632 calculates a 2 nd feature relating to the echo signal from the 2 nd echo data extracted by the 2 nd echo extracting unit 622. In the present embodiment, an amplitude value (maximum amplitude value) will be described as an example of the 2 nd feature quantity.
The analysis region setting unit 640 sets an analysis region (an analysis region in which an ultrasonic signal is irradiated substantially perpendicularly to the subchondral bone surface or the cartilage surface as described later) necessary for generating analysis data indicating the state of cartilage.
The analysis data generator 650 generates analysis data indicating the state of cartilage in the analysis region set by the analysis region setting unit 640 based on the difference between the 1 st feature amount calculated by the 1 st feature amount calculator 631 and the 2 nd feature amount calculated by the 2 nd feature amount calculator 632.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the analysis unit 63. Fig. 5 and 7 are flowcharts showing the operation of an ultrasonic analysis apparatus (an ultrasonic analysis method or an ultrasonic analysis program for executing various processes related to the ultrasonic analysis method). Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which an ultrasonic signal is focused at a predetermined position in the depth direction.
The analysis unit 63 further includes an amplitude correction unit 601, a surface fitting processing unit 660, and a cartilage thickness distribution calculation unit 670. The 1 st feature amount calculating unit 631 is configured by a 1 st amplitude characteristic calculating unit 631A, and the 1 st amplitude characteristic calculating unit 631A calculates a temporal amplitude characteristic based on the 1 st echo data extracted by the 1 st echo extracting unit 621. The 2 nd feature quantity calculation unit 632 is configured by a 2 nd amplitude characteristic calculation unit 632A, and the 2 nd amplitude characteristic calculation unit 632A calculates a temporal amplitude characteristic based on the 2 nd echo data extracted by the 2 nd echo extraction unit 622.
The operation of the analysis unit 63 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of fig. 5 and 7. First, as described above, the transmission/reception unit 3 transmits an ultrasonic signal from the transducer 20 of the probe 2 (S101). Further, the transmitting/receiving unit 3 receives the echo signal (S102).
Then, the 1 st position detection unit 611, the 2 nd position detection unit 612, and the amplitude correction unit 601 each read echo data from the storage unit 62. Here, the 1 st position detection unit 611, the 2 nd position detection unit 612, and the amplitude correction unit 601 read echo data D (X, Z) distributed in 2 dimensions in the X direction and the Z direction, from the echo data at the predetermined Y-direction position.
The 1 st position detector 611 detects the 1 st position (position of subchondral bone surface) zb (x), and the 2 nd position detector 612 detects the 2 nd position (position of cartilage surface) zc (x) (S103).
The detection method of the subchondral bone surface position zb (x) and the cartilage surface position zc (x) may be any method, and in the present embodiment, for example, the method uses a cost map and a minimum cost path search by utilizing the characteristic that the ultrasonic signal is not reflected by the cartilage 901.
The cost map is configured by calculating a cost for all positions by using, as the cost for each position, a difference between an average amplitude value of a plurality of echo data (1 st region) consecutive in the depth direction and an average amplitude value of a 2 nd region adjacent to the 1 st region in the depth direction.
Minimum cost path exploration is the exploration of a minimum cost path from a cost map according to an algorithm such as dickstra. The explored path corresponds for example to the position zb (x) of the subchondral bone surface.
Since the cartilage 901 does not reflect the ultrasonic signal, the amplitude value of the echo signal is extremely small. Therefore, by creating a cost map using the width of the 1 st or 2 nd region in the depth direction as a value corresponding to the assumed thickness of the cartilage 901, the boundary surface between the cartilage 901 and the subchondral bone 911 can be accurately detected.
Among them, the 2 nd position detector 612 reads echo data having a thickness corresponding to the assumed thickness of the cartilage 901 from the storage 62 from the position zb (x) of the subchondral bone surface detected by the 1 st position detector 611. This can reduce the calculation load by reducing the search region.
The amplitude correction unit 601 performs amplitude correction in accordance with the beam characteristics of the transmitted ultrasonic signal in the depth direction. As shown in fig. 6, the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the probe 2 is focused at a predetermined focal position P in the depth direction. Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio of the echo signal is highest at the focal position P, and decreases with distance from the focal position P. Then, the amplitude correction unit 601 multiplies the echo data at each position in the depth direction by a predetermined coefficient (a coefficient whose value increases as the distance from the focal position P increases). The corrected echo data Dcr (X, Z) is output to the 1 st echo extraction unit 621 and the 2 nd echo extraction unit 622. Although the embodiment has been described as the embodiment in which the amplitude correction unit 601 performs amplitude correction, the embodiment may be configured not to perform amplitude correction (that is, configured without the amplitude correction unit 601).
The 1 st echo extraction unit 621 extracts echo data corresponding to the position zb (X) of the subchondral bone surface from the input echo data Dcr (X, Z). More specifically, the 1 st echo extraction unit 621 extracts 1 st echo data in a predetermined section (for example, 1.0 μ sec) in the depth direction including the position zb (x) of the subchondral bone surface (S104). The extracted 1 st echo data Dcrb (X, Z) is output to the 1 st feature amount calculation unit 631 (1 st amplitude characteristic calculation unit 631A).
Similarly, the 2 nd echo extraction unit 622 extracts echo data corresponding to the cartilage surface position zc (X) from the input echo data Dcr (X, Z). More specifically, the 2 nd echo extraction unit 622 extracts the 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section (for example, 0.6 μ sec) in the depth direction including the position zc (x) of the cartilage surface (S104). The extracted 2 nd echo data Dcrc (X, Z) is output to the 2 nd feature quantity calculation unit 632 (2 nd amplitude characteristic calculation unit 632A).
The 1 st feature amount calculator 631 calculates a maximum amplitude value (1 st feature amount) rb (X) and a maximum value position Zb2(X) corresponding to the maximum amplitude value rb (X) from the extracted 1 st echo data Dcrb (X, Z) (S105).
Similarly, the 2 nd feature quantity calculation unit 632 calculates a maximum amplitude value (2 nd feature quantity) rc (X) and a maximum value position Zc2(X) corresponding to the maximum amplitude value rc (X) from the extracted 2 nd echo data Dcrc (X, Z) (S105).
The analysis unit 63 (the 1 st feature amount calculation unit 631 and the 2 nd feature amount calculation unit 632) changes each position in the Y direction, and performs the above-described detection processing of the maximum amplitude value and the maximum position for all echo data (S105). Thus, the maximum amplitude value of the subchondral bone surface and the maximum position thereof in the depth direction, and the maximum amplitude value of the cartilage surface and the maximum position thereof in the depth direction are stored in the storage unit 62 for all the positions in the transmission/reception plane (S106).
Next, as shown in fig. 4, the surface fitting processing unit 660 reads out the maximum value position Zb2(X, Y) of the subchondral bone surface and the maximum value position Zc2(X, Y) of the cartilage surface from the storage unit 62.
Fig. 8 (a) is a diagram showing the maximum value position Zb2(X, Y) of the subchondral bone surface, and fig. 8 (B) is a diagram showing the maximum value position Zc2(X, Y) of the cartilage surface. The surface fitting unit 660 performs, for example, approximation of a curved surface (or a flat surface) by using a least square method (S201). As a result, an approximate curved surface of the subchondral bone surface was calculated as shown in fig. 8 (C). In addition, the approximate curved surface of the cartilage surface as shown in fig. 8 (D) is calculated.
Then, the cartilage thickness distribution calculating unit 670 calculates the thickness of the cartilage 901 at each position based on the difference between the approximate curved surface of the subchondral bone surface and the approximate curved surface of the cartilage surface and the sound velocity in the cartilage (for example, 1630 m/s). The calculated cartilage thickness distribution is displayed on the display 7. The user can grasp the state of the cartilage 901 by referring to the thickness distribution of the cartilage 901.
The analysis region setting unit 640 detects the respective regions that are flat surfaces, that is, the 1 st region and the 2 nd region where the ultrasonic signal is incident substantially vertically (including within a predetermined vertical incidence angle range), based on the respective inputs of the approximate curved surface of the subchondral bone surface and the approximate curved surface of the cartilage surface calculated by the surface fitting processing unit 660. As a result, the 1 st region on which the ultrasonic signal is incident substantially perpendicularly on the subchondral bone surface is calculated as shown in fig. 8 (E). In addition, the 2 nd region where the ultrasonic signal on the cartilage surface is incident substantially perpendicularly as shown in fig. 8 (F) is calculated.
As shown in fig. 8 (G), the analysis region setting unit 640 detects a 1 st region on the subchondral bone surface on which the ultrasonic signal is incident substantially vertically and a 2 nd region on the cartilage surface on which the ultrasonic signal is incident substantially vertically. The analysis region setting unit 640 sets the detected region as an analysis region (S202).
As shown in fig. 8 (H), the analysis data generation unit 650 reads the maximum amplitude value Rb (X, Y) of the echo data in the set analysis region from the storage unit 62. As shown in fig. 8 (I), the analysis data generation unit 650 reads the maximum amplitude value Rc (X, Y) of the echo data in the set analysis region from the storage unit 62.
Then, the analysis data generation unit 650 calculates the ratio Rcb (X, Y) of the maximum amplitude value Rc (X, Y) of the cartilage surface to the maximum amplitude value Rb (X, Y) of the subchondral bone surface in the analysis region, Rc (X, Y)/Rb (X, Y). Further, the analysis data generation unit 650 calculates an average value of each ratio in the analysis area, and calculates a normalized value rcb (mean), as shown in fig. 8 (J). The normalized value is analysis data indicating the state of the cartilage 901 after canceling attenuation and the like of the soft tissue 903. Thus, the analysis region setting unit 653 generates analysis data indicating the state of the cartilage 901 after the attenuation and the like of the soft tissue 903 are cancelled out (S203).
Further, although the analysis data generation unit 650 calculates the ratio of the maximum amplitude value of the subchondral bone surface (the 1 st feature amount) to the maximum amplitude value of the cartilage surface (the 2 nd feature amount), it is also possible to generate analysis data by calculating the difference between the maximum amplitude value of the subchondral bone surface and the maximum amplitude value of the cartilage surface.
The analysis data generation unit 650 may correct the amplitude values Rb (X, Y) and Rc (X, Y) based on the thickness of the cartilage 901 calculated by the cartilage thickness distribution calculation unit 670, assuming the absorption coefficient in the cartilage 901. Furthermore, analysis data generation unit 650 may correct amplitude value Rb (X, Y) and amplitude value Rc (X, Y) based on the thickness of soft tissue 903 (distance to the cartilage surface position) assuming the absorption coefficient in soft tissue 903.
The analysis data generation unit 650 may correct the amplitude values Rb (X, Y) and Rc (X, Y) according to the inclination angles corresponding to the approximate planes of the subchondral bone surface and the cartilage surface calculated by the plane fitting processing unit 660.
(embodiment 2)
Next, another embodiment of the ultrasonic analysis apparatus will be described. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the analysis unit 63. The same reference numerals are given to the components common to fig. 4, and the description thereof is omitted. The analysis unit 63 shown in fig. 9 is different from that shown in fig. 4 in the 1 st feature amount calculation unit 631, the 2 nd feature amount calculation unit 632, the analysis data generation unit 650, and the frequency specification unit 651. The 1 st feature amount calculating unit 631 includes a 1 st frequency characteristic calculating unit 631B. The 2 nd feature amount calculation unit 632 includes a 2 nd frequency characteristic calculation unit 632B.
In the example of fig. 4, the 1 st feature quantity calculating unit 631 and the 2 nd feature quantity calculating unit 632 detect maximum amplitude values of signals (echo data) in the respective time domains (Z directions), and the analysis data generating unit 650 calculates a ratio of these maximum amplitude values, in the example of fig. 9, the 1 st feature quantity calculating unit 631 (the 1 st frequency characteristic calculating unit 631B) calculates a 1 st frequency characteristic (for example, frequency characteristic of amplitude) as a 1 st feature quantity from echo signals in a predetermined section corresponding to the 1 st region of interest (subchondral bone surface), the 2 nd feature quantity calculating unit 632 (the 2 nd frequency characteristic calculating unit 632B) calculates a 2 nd frequency characteristic (for example, frequency characteristic of amplitude) as a 2 nd feature quantity from echo signals in a predetermined section corresponding to the 2 nd region of interest (cartilage surface), and the analysis data generating unit 650 calculates a 2 nd frequency characteristic based on a difference (for example, by taking a ratio or a difference between the two) between the 1 st frequency characteristic and the 2 nd frequency characteristic, and generating analysis data.
More specifically, the 1 st frequency characteristic calculating unit 631B calculates the 1 st frequency characteristic by performing, for example, FFT processing on the extracted echo data Dcrb (X, Z), and outputs the intensity (amplitude value in the present embodiment) qb (X) and the frequency fb (X) in the 1 st frequency characteristic. Similarly, the 2 nd frequency characteristic calculating unit 632B calculates the 2 nd frequency characteristic by performing FFT processing, for example, on the extracted echo data Dcrc (X, Z), and outputs the intensity (value of amplitude in the present embodiment) qc (X) and the frequency fc (X) thereof in the 2 nd frequency characteristic.
Then, the frequency specifying unit 651 specifies the frequency (hereinafter referred to as a specific frequency, which is referred to as f0 herein) in the frequency region calculated by the 1 st frequency characteristic calculating unit 631B and the 2 nd frequency characteristic calculating unit 632B. The analysis data generation unit 650 calculates a ratio of the value of the 1 st frequency characteristic of the amplitude corresponding to the specific frequency f0 specified by the frequency specification unit 651 to the value of the 2 nd frequency characteristic of the amplitude. The specific frequency is preferably, for example, 15MHz, or between 5MHz and 20 MHz. Thus, the analysis unit 63 can eliminate the influence of the difference in attenuation of the soft tissue 903 due to the frequency.
(embodiment 3)
Next, another embodiment of the ultrasonic analysis apparatus will be described. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the analysis unit 63. The same reference numerals are given to the components common to fig. 9, and the description thereof is omitted. The difference between the analysis unit 63 shown in fig. 10 and that shown in fig. 9 is the analysis data generation unit 650 and the frequency domain identification unit 652.
The frequency band specifying unit 652 specifies the frequency of a specific band (band) of the frequency band calculated by the 1 st frequency characteristic calculating unit 631B and the 2 nd frequency characteristic calculating unit 632B (hereinafter referred to as a specific frequency band, which is defined as a band < f1-f2> of frequencies from the 1 st specific frequency f1 to the 2 nd specific frequency f2, wherein f1< f 2).
The analysis data generator 650 calculates the ratio of the amplitude values in the specific frequency interval < f1-f2> specified by the frequency interval specification unit 652, calculates the slopes of the value of the 1 st frequency characteristic of the amplitude and the value of the 2 nd frequency characteristic of the amplitude in the interval between the 1 st specific frequency f1 and the 2 nd specific frequency f2, and generates analysis data based on the difference in the slopes (for example, by taking the ratio or the difference between the two). The 1 st specific frequency f1 is, for example, 10MHz, and the 2 nd specific frequency f2 is, for example, 15 MHz. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain analysis data for accurately analyzing the state of cartilage by eliminating the influence of the difference in attenuation of the soft tissue 903 due to the frequency.
Preferably, the analysis data generation unit 650 calculates an average of the frequency characteristics of all the ratios in the analysis region set by the analysis region setting unit 640 among the ratios of the values of the frequency characteristics of the amplitude, and calculates the slope of each frequency characteristic in the specific frequency interval < f1-f2> in the frequency characteristics of the average ratio. (modification 1)
In embodiment 1 described above, the analysis unit 63 (analysis data generation unit 650) generates analysis data by taking the ratio of the maximum amplitude values, but the present invention is not limited to this, and analysis data may be generated based on the difference of the maximum amplitude values compared by taking the difference between the maximum amplitude values, for example.
(modification 2)
In embodiment 1 described above, the analysis unit 63 (analysis data generation unit 650) generates analysis data by taking the ratio of the maximum amplitude values, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may generate analysis data based on, for example, the difference in the amplitude integrated value, the amplitude median value, the amplitude average value, or the amplitude mode value instead of the difference in the maximum amplitude value.
(modification 3)
In embodiment 2 described above, the analysis unit 63 (analysis data generation unit 650) generates analysis data by taking the ratio of the values of the respective frequency characteristics (frequency characteristics of amplitude) at the specific frequency f0, but the invention is not limited to this, and analysis data may be generated based on the difference of the values of the frequency characteristics compared by taking the difference of the values of the respective frequency characteristics (frequency characteristics of amplitude) at the specific frequency f0, for example. (modification 4)
In embodiment 3 described above, the analysis unit 63 (analysis data generation unit 650) generates analysis data by taking the slope of the amplitude value (or the slope of the ratio of the amplitude values) in the specific frequency interval < f1-f2> for each frequency characteristic, but the invention is not limited to this, and analysis data may be generated based on, for example, the difference in the slope of the amplitude value (or the slope of the ratio of the amplitude values) and the like, and the difference in the ratio of the slope of the amplitude value (or the slope of the ratio of the amplitude values) that are compared.
(modification 5)
In embodiment 2 or 3, the analysis unit 63 (analysis data generation unit 650) generates analysis data using the values of the respective amplitudes, but may generate analysis data using the integrated value of the frequency characteristics, the median value of the amplitudes, the average value of the amplitudes, or the mode value of the amplitudes of the respective amplitudes in the specific frequency interval < f1-f2 >.
Description of reference numerals:
1 … information processing device
2 … Probe
3 … transceiver
4 … control part
5 … operation part
6 … Signal processing section
7 … display
20 … vibrator
63 … analysis unit
61 … echo data generating unit
62 … storage part
601 … amplitude correction unit
611 … 1 st position detecting unit
612 … 2 nd position detecting part
621 … 1 st echo extracting unit
622 … 2 nd echo extracting unit
631 … part 1 feature value calculating section
632 … 2 nd feature value calculating unit
640 … analysis region setting unit
650 … analysis data generating part
651 … frequency determining part
652 … frequency segment determination unit
660 … surface fitting processing unit
670 … cartilage thickness distribution calculating unit
901 … cartilage
902 … bone (sponge bone)
903 … Soft tissue
904 … Knee surface
911 … subchondral bone.
Claims (8)
1. An ultrasonic analysis device is characterized by comprising: a 1 st echo extraction unit that extracts 1 st echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 1 st region of interest relating to cartilage, from an echo signal from the inside of a subject, the echo signal being an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject including the cartilage therein to the inside of the subject; a 2 nd echo extraction unit that extracts 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 2 nd region of interest relating to the cartilage from the echo signal; a 1 st feature value calculation unit that calculates a 1 st feature value relating to the echo signal from the 1 st echo data extracted by the 1 st echo extraction unit; a 2 nd feature value calculation unit that calculates a 2 nd feature value relating to the echo signal from the 2 nd echo data extracted by the 2 nd echo extraction unit; and an analysis data generation unit that generates analysis data indicating a state of the cartilage based on a difference between the 1 st feature amount calculated by the 1 st feature amount calculation unit and the 2 nd feature amount calculated by the 2 nd feature amount calculation unit, wherein the 1 st feature amount calculation unit calculates a 1 st frequency characteristic of an amplitude as the 1 st feature amount from the echo signal in a predetermined section corresponding to the 1 st region of interest; the 2 nd feature amount calculation unit calculates a 2 nd frequency characteristic of an amplitude as the 2 nd feature amount, based on the echo signal in a predetermined section corresponding to the 2 nd region of interest; the analysis data generation unit generates the analysis data by taking a ratio or a difference between a value of the 1 st frequency characteristic of the amplitude and a value of the 2 nd frequency characteristic of the amplitude.
2. The ultrasonic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis data generation unit generates the analysis data by taking a ratio or a difference between a value of a 1 st frequency characteristic of the amplitude corresponding to a specific frequency and a value of a 2 nd frequency characteristic of the amplitude among frequency characteristics of the echo signal.
3. The ultrasonic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis data generation unit generates the analysis data by taking a slope of a value of a 1 st frequency characteristic of the amplitude and a value of a 2 nd frequency characteristic of the amplitude in a specific frequency section defined by a 1 st specific frequency and a 2 nd specific frequency among frequency characteristics of the echo signal.
4. The ultrasonic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the value of the 1 st frequency characteristic of the amplitude is one of a maximum value, an integrated value, a median value, an average value, and a mode value of the frequency characteristic of the amplitude of the echo signal in a predetermined section corresponding to the 1 st region of interest; the value of the 2 nd frequency characteristic of the amplitude is any one of a maximum value, an integrated value, a median value, an average value, and a mode value of the frequency characteristic of the amplitude of the echo signal in a predetermined section corresponding to the 2 nd region of interest.
5. The ultrasonic analysis device according to claim 1, comprising a thickness calculation unit that calculates the thickness of the cartilage; the analysis data generation unit corrects the intensity of the echo signal based on the thickness of the cartilage.
6. The ultrasonic analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the 1 st region of interest and the 2 nd region of interest are a cartilage surface and a subchondral bone surface, respectively.
7. An ultrasonic analysis method is characterized by comprising: a 1 st echo extraction step of extracting 1 st echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 1 st target site related to cartilage from an echo signal from the inside of a subject, the echo signal being an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject including the cartilage therein to the inside; a 2 nd echo extraction step of extracting 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 2 nd region of interest relating to the cartilage from the echo signal; a 1 st feature amount calculation step of calculating a 1 st feature amount related to the echo signal from the 1 st echo data extracted in the 1 st echo extraction step; a 2 nd feature amount calculation step of calculating a 2 nd feature amount related to the echo signal from the 2 nd echo data extracted in the 2 nd echo extraction step; and an analysis data generation step of generating analysis data indicating a state of the cartilage based on a difference between the 1 st feature amount calculated in the 1 st feature amount calculation step and the 2 nd feature amount calculated in the 2 nd feature amount calculation step, wherein the 1 st feature amount calculation step calculates a 1 st frequency characteristic of an amplitude as the 1 st feature amount from the echo signal in a predetermined section corresponding to the 1 st region of interest; a 2 nd feature amount calculation step of calculating a 2 nd frequency characteristic of an amplitude as the 2 nd feature amount, based on the echo signal in a predetermined section corresponding to the 2 nd region of interest; the analysis data generation step generates the analysis data by taking a ratio or a difference between a value of the 1 st frequency characteristic of the amplitude and a value of the 2 nd frequency characteristic of the amplitude.
8. A storage medium storing an ultrasonic analysis program for causing a computer to execute: a 1 st echo extraction step of extracting 1 st echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 1 st target site related to cartilage from an echo signal from the inside of a subject, the echo signal being an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the surface of the subject including the cartilage therein to the inside; a 2 nd echo extraction step of extracting 2 nd echo data in a predetermined section corresponding to a 2 nd region of interest relating to the cartilage from the echo signal; a 1 st feature amount calculation step of calculating a 1 st feature amount related to the echo signal from the 1 st echo data extracted in the 1 st echo extraction step; a 2 nd feature amount calculation step of calculating a 2 nd feature amount related to the echo signal from the 2 nd echo data extracted in the 2 nd echo extraction step; and an analysis data generation step of generating analysis data indicating a state of the cartilage based on a difference between the 1 st feature amount calculated in the 1 st feature amount calculation step and the 2 nd feature amount calculated in the 2 nd feature amount calculation step, wherein the 1 st feature amount calculation step calculates a 1 st frequency characteristic of an amplitude as the 1 st feature amount from the echo signal in a predetermined section corresponding to the 1 st region of interest; a 2 nd feature amount calculation step of calculating a 2 nd frequency characteristic of an amplitude as the 2 nd feature amount, based on the echo signal in a predetermined section corresponding to the 2 nd region of interest; the analysis data generation step generates the analysis data by taking a ratio or a difference between a value of the 1 st frequency characteristic of the amplitude and a value of the 2 nd frequency characteristic of the amplitude.
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| PCT/JP2016/084903 WO2017110361A1 (en) | 2015-12-25 | 2016-11-25 | Ultrasonic analyzing device, ultrasonic analyzing method and ultrasonic analyzing program |
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| CN111812199B (en) * | 2020-07-15 | 2023-08-08 | 上汽通用五菱汽车股份有限公司 | Ultrasonic signal processing method, system and storage medium based on plate thickness characteristics |
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| WO2017110361A1 (en) | 2017-06-29 |
| CN108697408A (en) | 2018-10-23 |
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