JP2001269335A - Image displaying method and ultrasonograph - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display not only a series of latest images continuously stored, but also past images stored in the past discontinuous to the series of latest images. SOLUTION: When an image group (the latest loop C) continuously stored in a normal display mode before the last freeze, an image group (loop B) continuously stored in a normal display mode before the previous freeze, and an image group (loop A) continuously stored in a normal display mode before the further previous freeze are mixed in a cine-memory, one of these loops is selected by an operator, and cine-display and rewinding display are performed. Thus, images remaining in the cine-memory can be effectively used without waste.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, not only to displaying a series of latest images continuously stored in chronological order, but also to displaying the latest series of images. The present invention relates to an image display method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of displaying a past image that is stored in the past that is discontinuous with an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a normal display mode and a freeze mode. In the normal display mode, images sequentially generated by scanning the subject are displayed in real time. At this time, images are successively stored in the cine memory. When the image reaches the storage capacity of the cine memory, the oldest stored image is overwritten with the latest image. The operator
Optionally, the mode can be switched from the normal display mode to the freeze mode. In the freeze mode, overwriting of the stored oldest image with the latest image is stopped. Then, the last image stored in the cine memory is displayed. If a cine loop is designated during the freeze mode, the cine display of the last image stored in the cine memory and the images successive in the past direction with respect to the image are repeated in chronological order. When the cine display is stopped, the image displayed at that time is displayed. Also, if the operator instructs rewinding during the freeze mode, images that are continuously displayed in the past direction with respect to the currently displayed image are displayed in reverse chronological order, and when the operator stops rewinding, The image displayed at that time is displayed. When the operator instructs to save an image, the image currently displayed is saved. The stored image skips the overwriting when returning to the normal display mode. Therefore, when the operator instructs the call, the call can be called and displayed at any time. When the operator releases the freeze, the display returns to the normal display mode.

[0003]

In the above conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when returning from the freeze mode to the normal display mode and then returning to the freeze mode in a short time, the memory is stored before the previous freeze mode. A part of the image may remain without being overwritten in the latest normal display mode. However, in the above-described conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, even if a part of the image stored before the previous freeze mode remains in the cine memory, it is not possible to display anything other than the one instructed to be stored, and to acquire the image. There is a problem that the used image cannot be used effectively. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to not only display the latest series of images stored continuously in chronological order, but also to display past images stored in the past that are discontinuous from the latest series of images. To provide an image display method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0004]

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for continuously overwriting an oldest stored image with a newly obtained image from an operator's start instruction to an end instruction. An image display method for displaying an image stored last and an image continuous in the past direction with respect to the image in chronological order when an operator gives a display instruction, wherein the image stored last and the image An image display method characterized in that, if there is a past image stored in the past that is discontinuous from an image that is continuous in the past direction, the past image is displayed according to a call instruction of an operator. . In the image display method according to the first aspect, any stored past image can be displayed until it is overwritten with the latest image. Therefore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when a part of the image stored before the previous freeze mode remains in the cine memory, it can be displayed, and the obtained image is wasted. It can be used effectively without.

In a second aspect, the present invention is characterized in that, in the image display method having the above structure, when the past image is a plurality of continuous images, those images can be displayed as a moving image. To provide an image display method. In the image display method according to the second aspect, a plurality of continuous images remaining without being overwritten can be displayed as a moving image. Therefore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when a plurality of images stored before the previous freeze mode remain in the cine memory and they are continuous, they can be displayed in the cine.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and a transmitting / receiving means for driving the ultrasonic probe, transmitting an ultrasonic wave, receiving an echo, and outputting a received signal based on the echo. Image generation means for generating an image from the received signal, image display means for displaying the image, input means for inputting an instruction by an operator, image storage means for storing a large number of the image, Image storage control means that continuously repeats overwriting the latest generated image on the stored oldest image from an operator's start instruction to an end instruction,
The latest image display means for displaying, in chronological order, the last stored image and an image continuous in the past direction with respect to the last stored image when the operator gives a display instruction, and the latest stored image and the latest image. And a past image display means for displaying the past image discontinuously stored in the past in the case where there is a past image stored in the past in response to an operator's call instruction. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third aspect, the image display method according to the first aspect can be suitably implemented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-described configuration, when the past image is a plurality of continuous images, the past image display means displays the images in a moving image. The present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be displayed. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the image display method according to the second aspect can be suitably implemented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, there is provided a past image existence notifying means for notifying an operator of the presence or absence of the past image. I will provide a. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the presence or absence of a past image that can be displayed is notified to the operator, so that the usability is improved.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 1, a transmitting / receiving unit 2 that drives the ultrasonic probe 1, transmits an ultrasonic wave, receives an echo, and outputs a reception signal based on the echo, From the received signal, an image image (B mode image,
An image generation unit 3 for generating a Color Flow Mapping mode image, a Power Dopplar mode image, etc.), a cine memory 4 for storing a large number of the images, and a frame memory 5 for storing the image displayed when the freeze is released. A DSC 6 for converting an image stored in the cine memory 4 or an image stored in the frame memory 5 into a display image,
A CRT 7 for displaying the display image, an input unit 8 for an operator to input an instruction, and a controller 9 for controlling the whole are provided.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the input unit 8. The input unit 8 includes a “freeze” switch button 81 for switching between a normal display mode and a freeze mode,
A “cine loop” switch button 85 for switching the start / stop of cine display, and a start / rewind display for rewinding display of images that can be displayed in cine following one another in reverse order of time.
"Rewind" switch button 86 for switching stop
A "Save" push button 87 for designating that the displayed image is to be saved; a "Recall" push button 88 for retrieving and displaying the image designated to be saved; An "image resurrection" button 90 for reviving and displaying the image which has been made, and a "latest loop" push button 91 for selecting the latest loop (the last stored image and the image that is continuous in the past direction). A "previous loop" push button 92 for selecting a previous loop (a continuous image stored in the normal display mode one time before the latest loop); and a two-last loop (normal display mode one time before the previous loop) "Previous loop" push button 93 for selecting a series of images stored at the time)
Is provided.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the image display processing by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of FIG. FIG.
In step S1, the normal display mode is set. That is, the subject is scanned to generate and display an image. Also,
The newest image is overwritten on the oldest image stored in the cine memory 4. However, the image specified as “Save” is not overwritten. In step S2, if the mode is switched to the freeze mode by the "freeze" switching button 81, the process proceeds to step S10, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1.
repeat. In step S10, the latest loop is selected.

In step S11, the last image of the selected loop is displayed. Therefore, immediately after switching to the freeze mode, the latest image is continuously displayed. In step S12, "cine loop" switch button 8
When the start of cine display is instructed by step 5, step S13
If the “cine loop” switching button 85 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S15. Step S13, S14
Then, repeatedly displaying the image group of the selected loop as a moving image in chronological order, the "cine loop" switch button 85
When the stop of the cine display is instructed by, the process proceeds to step S15 while maintaining the display of the image at that time.

In step S15, if the start of rewind is instructed by the "rewind" switch button 86, the process proceeds to step S16, and if the "rewind" switch button 86 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S18. Step S16, S
In step 17, the image group of the selected loop is repeatedly displayed as a moving image in reverse chronological order, and if a stop is instructed by the "rewind" switch button 85, the process proceeds to step S18 while maintaining the display of the image at that time. .

In step S18, if the "save" push button 87 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S19. If the "save" push button 87 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S19, the address at which the currently displayed image is stored is designated as "save". Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, if the "call" push button 88 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S21. If the "call" push button 88 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S21, an image at the address designated as "save" is displayed. Then, the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, if the mode is switched to the normal display mode by the "freeze" switching button 81, the process proceeds to step S23. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG.
Go to 0. In step S23, the currently displayed image is stored in the frame memory 5. Then, the step S1
Return to

In step 30 of FIG. 4, if the "image restoration" push button 90 is pressed, the flow advances to step S31,
If the “image resurrection” push button 90 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S31, the image stored in the frame memory 5 is displayed. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

In step 32, if the "latest loop" push button 91 has been pressed, the flow proceeds to step S33. If the "latest loop" push button 91 has not been pressed, the flow proceeds to step S34. In step S33, the latest loop is selected. Then, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step 34, it is checked whether or not the "previous loop" remains in the cine memory 4. If there is, the process proceeds to step S35. If not, the process returns to step S11 in FIG. In step 35, if the "last loop" push button 92 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S36. If the "last loop" push button 92 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S36, the previous loop is selected. Then, the process proceeds to step S37.

In step 37, it is checked whether or not the "loop before last" remains in the cine memory 4. If there is, the process proceeds to step S38. If not, the process returns to step S11 in FIG. Step 38 proceeds to step S39 when the "loop before last" push button 93 is pressed,
If the “Loop last time” push button 93 is not pressed, the process returns to step S11 in FIG. In step S39, a loop is selected two times before. Then, step S11 in FIG.
Return to

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a change in the storage contents of the frame memory 4 accompanying the image display processing. According to the normal display mode of steps S1 and S2 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5A, images are sequentially stored from the head address f of the empty cine memory 4. When the image is stored up to the end address e of the cine memory 4 as shown in FIG. 5B, the image is returned to the start address f of the cine memory 4 as shown in FIG. Overwrite. When the normal display mode is switched to the freeze mode at time t1, the generation and storage of a new image are stopped. During the freeze mode, cine display and rewind display are possible. For example, the image at the time t0 can be designated as "save" or "recalled" and displayed.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the mode is switched from the freeze mode to the normal display mode at time t2, a new image is generated and displayed, and the newest image is displayed on the oldest image stored in the cine memory 4. It will be overwritten. However, the address for which "save" is specified is skipped overwriting. In the state of FIG. 6, the image group “A” is temporally continuous, and the image group “B” is temporally continuous. However, the group of images “A” and the group of images “B” are temporally discontinuous. In other words, the space between the last image of the group of images “A” and the first image of the group of images “B” flies for the time of the freeze mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, the mode is switched to the freeze mode at time t3, and the display is returned to the normal display mode at time t4.
5, the cine memory 4 stores the latest loop C, the previous loop B, and the loop A two times before.
And will be mixed. Further, the image displayed immediately before time t4 is stored in the frame memory 5. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, the cine display and the rewind display can be performed in any of the latest loop C, the last loop B, and the last loop A. On the contrary,
Conventionally, it was impossible to view the images of the previous loop B and the loop A two times before. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, since the image displayed when the freeze is released is automatically stored in the frame memory 5, even if the freeze is released by mistake, the image is displayed again. I can do it.

[0024]

According to the image display method and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, any stored past image can be displayed until it is overwritten with the latest image. Therefore, if a part of the image stored before the previous freeze mode remains in the cine memory, it can be displayed, and the obtained image can be effectively used without waste. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a main part showing an input unit in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an image display process by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a continuation of the image display process of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of overwriting in a cine memory.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which overwriting is resumed when returning to the normal display mode after freezing.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the latest loop, the previous loop, and the loop before the last are mixed in the cine memory.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Transmission / reception part 3 Image generation part 4 Cine memory 5 Frame memory 6 DSC 7 CRT 8 Input part 9 Controller 91 "Latest loop" push button 92 "Last loop" push button 93 "Last previous loop" push button 100 Ultra Ultrasound diagnostic equipment A Loop before the previous loop B Previous loop C Latest loop

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. Overwriting the latest acquired image on the oldest stored image continuously from an operator's start instruction to an end instruction, and when an operator's display instruction is issued, the last stored image is stored. An image display method for displaying an image and an image continuous in the past direction with respect to the image in time series, wherein the last stored image and the image continuous in the past direction with respect to the image are discontinuous. An image display method comprising: displaying a past image stored in the past, in response to a call instruction from an operator, when there is a past image stored in the past. 2. The image display method according to claim 1, wherein when the past image is a plurality of continuous images, the images can be displayed as a moving image. 3. An ultrasonic probe, transmitting / receiving means for driving the ultrasonic probe, transmitting ultrasonic waves, receiving an echo, and outputting a received signal based on the echo, and forming an image from the received signal. Image generating means for generating, image displaying means for displaying the image, input means for inputting an instruction by an operator, image storing means for storing a large number of the images, and Image storage control means for continuously overwriting the most recently generated image from the start instruction to the end instruction of the operator, and the last stored image and the past image Latest image display means for displaying images continuous in the direction in a time-series manner,
The last image stored in the past in which the last stored image and the image continuous in the past direction with respect to the image are present if there is a previous image stored in the past that is discontinuous. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a display unit. 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the past image display means can display a moving image of the past image when the past image is a plurality of continuous images. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 5. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a past image existence notifying means for notifying an operator of the presence or absence of said past image.