JP2004344516A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which smooth image update can be achieved even when data are transferred in frame. <P>SOLUTION: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 comprises a buffer memory 24 for temporarily holding echo data received by a receiving circuit 22, a DMA controller 25 for transferring the echo data from the buffer memory 24, a cine-memory 26 for holding a plurality of frames of the transferred echo data, and an image processing section 27 for generating image data on the basis of the echo data held by the cine-memory 26. The image data generating speed and the image data outputting speed of the image processing section 24 is faster than the transfer cycle of the echo data. When the image data are generated, the image processing section carries out an image generation processing at least on the basis of the echo data of the newest frame and the frame proceeding the newest frame that are held in the cine-memory 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on echo data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses have been widely used. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave to a site to be diagnosed of a patient (subject) and receives an echo signal from the site to be diagnosed. Then, by imaging the echo signal, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus acquires an ultrasonic tomographic image (hereinafter, also referred to as an ultrasonic image) of the lesion and diagnoses the state of the lesion.
[0003]
In the past, such a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus was expensive in memory and could not be used frequently. For this reason, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus sequentially performs image processing such as DSC processing for converting the obtained echo signal into desired television data as shown in FIG. 15 along with the acquisition of the echo signal. The screen update type was generally used. FIG. 15 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state of a sequential screen update type display screen update in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 15A shows a scanning direction of an ultrasonic wave with respect to the display screen. FIG. 15B shows which frame data is to be used for which area when generating image data with respect to FIG.
[0004]
However, in recent years, as the cost of the memory has been reduced, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has generally obtained an echo signal which is stored in the memory as digital echo data.
For this reason, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus performs the above-described DSC processing or the like on a single-screen basis with a simple circuit configuration, or includes a cine memory for storing a plurality of ultrasonic images in a time-series manner. Devices that utilize digitized data in various ways, such as making it possible to re-display, have been developed.
[0005]
In performing the digital processing as described above, rather than sequentially transferring the echo data to the cine memory each time a sample (image) is obtained, the echo data acquisition unit stores a certain amount of echo data in the buffer memory. In general, it is more convenient to collectively transfer data when one frame of screen data is acquired.
This is because when the buffer memory and the cine memory are connected by a bus, or when other elements in the apparatus such as an image processing circuit frequently read from the cine memory, the data transfer efficiency increases and the simple operation is performed. This is because it is known that it can be realized by a circuit configuration.
[0006]
Here, it is generally known that image quality such as resolution is regarded as important as an element required for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
However, in addition to the above-mentioned demands, it is also desired that the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus be able to obtain a frame rate as high as possible and perform smooth display. Particularly when monitoring the movement of a high-speed organ such as the heart, a frame rate higher than the image quality may be required.
[0007]
For this reason, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus raises the frame rate by displaying different images on a field-by-field basis in interlaced scanning of a television signal, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-307220. Have been proposed.
Further, a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a helical scanning method in which an ultrasonic probe is moved in a radial scanning rotation axis direction (linear direction) every time one tomographic image is obtained while performing radial scanning.
[0008]
In this case, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a group of images stacked in a linear direction with respect to a tomographic image obtained by radial scanning is constructed. Then, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays a tomographic image (linear cross-sectional image) obtained by cutting the stacked image group in a plane parallel to the linear direction and a radial tomographic image together with a dual plane reconstruction display ( In some cases, the positional relationship between the region of interest and the peripheral portion can be grasped by performing DPR display).
[0009]
In addition, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus automatically stops the transmission / reception of the ultrasonic wave after the completion of the ultrasonic scan (freezes), so that the contents of each frame held in the cine memory are automatically reproduced so as to reproduce the scanning process. Some have an automatic cine-review mode that keeps displaying sequentially.
As described above, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is generally provided with various additional functions so as to be able to cope with various diagnoses.
[0010]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-2766963
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the update interval (frame rate) of the screen display is limited by the transfer cycle when the echo data is transferred from the buffer memory to the cine memory.
For this reason, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the screen update cannot follow the movement of a high-speed organ such as the heart, and the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is jerky like a frame-forward display as shown in FIGS. was there.
[0012]
Here, FIGS. 16 to 19 are diagrams showing the temporal change of the image state obtained by the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the temporal change of the image state of the first round. 17, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a temporal change of the image state of the second round, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a temporal change of the image state of the third round, and FIG. 19 is a diagram of the fourth and fifth rounds. It is a figure showing a temporal change of an image state. The “target state” indicates the state of the subject when the receiving unit receives the echo signal, and the “conventionally obtained image” indicates the state of the image displayed on the display screen of the monitor.
In the figure, the arrow → indicates that time elapses from left to right, and the order is associated with numerical values such as (1) shown at the upper left of each image. The ranges indicated by the thick frames are updated portions.
[0013]
Further, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in the case of the radial scanning method, the end points of one scan (the first sound ray and the last sound ray in one frame) are adjacent to each other, and compared with the sequential screen update type, The information is displayed on a specific portion for a long time.
For this reason, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the radial scanning method, a boundary is conspicuous due to a temporal change of a living body to be a subject or movement of an ultrasonic probe, and an image with an uncomfortable feeling has been obtained. .
[0014]
In particular, in a mechanical radial system that mechanically performs a radial scan, a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus requires more time to scan one frame than an electronic scan system that performs an electrical scan. When the data transfer is performed, the above tendency becomes remarkable.
In order to solve this problem, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a configuration similar to that described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-307220. Is repeatedly displayed many times, and the effect of increasing the frame rate cannot be exhibited.
[0015]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can smoothly update a screen even in a configuration in which data is transferred in frame units.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Claim 1 of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on echo data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, wherein a buffer memory that temporarily holds the echo data and Transfer means for transferring the echo data from the buffer memory, a cine memory for holding the echo data transferred by the transfer means for a plurality of frames, and image data based on the echo data held in the cine memory. Image processing means for generating, the image processing means, the generation speed of the image data, the output speed of the generated image data, the transfer cycle of the echo data by the transfer means, faster than the transfer cycle, When generating the image data, at least a latest frame in the cine memory and a frame immediately before the latest frame It is characterized by performing the image generation processing based on the echo data.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect, when the image processing unit generates image data corresponding to a first area of the ultrasonic image, at least the cine memory is used. When generating image data corresponding to the second area of the ultrasound image using the data of the latest frame, at least use the data of the frame immediately before the latest frame in the cine memory, When combined with the second area, an ultrasonic image for one screen is formed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect, a ratio between the first region and the second region of the ultrasonic image is determined by a transfer cycle of the transfer unit; It is characterized in that the boundary between the first area and the second area changes with time in relation to the scanning direction of the ultrasonic wave, correlated with the ratio to the elapsed time after the transfer.
With this configuration, it is possible to realize an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can smoothly update a screen even in a configuration in which data transfer is performed in frame units.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 15 relate to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe. FIG. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view, FIG. 2B is a side sectional view, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the inside of a tip portion of an insertion portion of a helical scanning type ultrasonic probe. FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of the image display of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state of updating the display screen in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the scanning direction of the sound wave, FIG. 5B is a diagram showing which frame data is used for which region when generating image data, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an image generation / display process, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a keyboard used for an operation setting unit, and FIG. 9 to 13 are diagrams showing a temporal change in an image state obtained by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a view showing the image state in the first cycle. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a temporal change of the image state of the second round, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a temporal change of the image state of the third round, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a temporal change of the image state in the fifth round, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a conventional image generation / display process.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe (also referred to as an ultrasonic probe) 2 which is inserted into a subject and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and An ultrasonic probe 2 is detachably connected, an apparatus main body (ultrasonic observation apparatus) 3 for performing processing for constructing an ultrasonic image, and a video signal output from the apparatus main body 3 is inputted to the ultrasonic probe. A monitor 4 is a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal monitor that displays a sound image, and an operation setting unit 5 that performs setting instructions and the like for the device main body 3.
[0019]
The ultrasonic probe 2 has an elongated insertion section 6 formed so as to be easily inserted into a subject or the like, and an operation section (grip section) 7 provided at a rear end of the insertion section 6. An ultrasonic vibrator 9 is built in the tip 8 of the part 6.
The ultrasonic probe 2 has an ultrasonic vibrator 9 attached to the distal end side of a flexible shaft 11 inserted through the insertion section 6. The rear end of the flexible shaft 11 is connected to a drive unit 12 provided in the operation unit 7.
[0020]
The drive unit 12 controls the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave by mechanically rotating the ultrasonic vibrator 9, moving the ultrasonic vibrator 9 along the rotation axis, or electrically delaying the ultrasonic signal. .
The ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 9 via a hard shaft 14 rotatably supported by a bearing 13 of a flexible shaft 11 in the vicinity of the distal end portion 8 of the insertion section.
[0021]
The ultrasonic probe 2 has an insertion portion distal end 8 covered with an acoustic cap 15 that transmits ultrasonic waves (see FIG. 2). The periphery of the ultrasonic transducer 9 is filled with an ultrasonic wave propagation medium (not shown) for transmitting (propagating) ultrasonic waves. The bearing 13 also has a sealing function for preventing the ultrasonic wave propagation medium from leaking from the acoustic cap 15 to the rear side.
[0022]
In the ultrasonic probe 2, an ultrasonic vibrator 9 is electrically connected to the apparatus main body 3 via a signal line passing through the inside of the flexible shaft 11. Then, the ultrasonic probe 2 transmits an ultrasonic wave generated by applying a pulse-like transmission signal from a transmission circuit 21 of the apparatus main body 3 to be described later to the subject side, and reflects the reflected light from the subject side. The ultrasonic wave is received, converted into an echo signal, and output to a receiving circuit 22 of the apparatus main body 3 described later.
[0023]
The apparatus main body 3 includes a transmission circuit 21 that applies a pulse-like transmission signal to the ultrasonic transducer 2a, a reception circuit 22 that receives an echo signal from the ultrasonic transducer 2a, and a signal received by the reception circuit 22. An A / D converter 23 for A / D converting the echo signal, a buffer memory 24 for temporarily holding the echo data A / D-converted by the A / D converter 23, and an echo data from the buffer memory 24. DMA controller 25 as transfer means for transferring, cine memory 26 for holding a plurality of frames of echo data transferred by DMA controller 25, and DMA (transfer means) for transferring echo data from buffer memory 24 to cine memory 26. Direct Memory Access) The controller 25 and the eco memory held in the cine memory 26 An image processing unit 27 that generates image data based on the image data, a frame memory 28 that temporarily stores the image data generated by the image processing unit 27, and a D / D that stores the image data stored in the frame memory 28. And a D / A conversion unit 29 that performs A conversion and outputs the result to the monitor 4.
[0024]
Here, the DMA controller 25 transfers the echo data from the buffer memory 24 to a predetermined address of the cine memory 26 under the control of the image processing unit 27 (CPU 27a described later).
The cine memory 26 has n stages, and one cine memory 26 sequentially stores echo data from the buffer memory 24 for each frame, thereby holding echo data for n frames.
[0025]
The image processing unit 27 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 27a and a main memory 27b. Based on the image processing software stored in the main memory 27b, the CPU 27a reads the echo data in the cine memory 26 and performs the DSC processing. And image processing such as gain / contrast adjustment to generate image data.
[0026]
The CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 sets the generation speed of the image data and the output speed of the generated image data to be faster than the transfer period of the echo data by the DMA controller 25, and when generating the image data. The image generation processing is performed based on at least the latest frame in the cine memory 26 and the echo data of the frame immediately before the latest frame.
The ultrasonic transducer 9 transmits an ultrasonic wave generated by applying a pulse-like transmission signal from the transmission circuit 21 to the subject side, receives the reflected ultrasonic wave reflected on the subject side, and echoes the echo. The signal is converted into a signal and output to the receiving circuit 22.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 is assumed to be of a mechanical radial type that mechanically performs radial scanning as shown in FIG.
Here, FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing the inside of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic probe 2, FIG. 2 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view, and FIG. 2 (b) is a side sectional view.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe 2 advances and retreats (moves) the ultrasonic transducer 9 in the radial scanning rotation axis direction (linear direction) every time one tomographic image is obtained while performing radial scanning. A helical scanning method may be assumed. In this case, the helical scanning type ultrasound probe 2 of FIG. 3 performs image display as in the image display example shown in FIG.
[0029]
Then, after the echo signal is received by the receiving circuit 22, it is input to the A / D converter 23. The echo signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal (digital data) by the A / D converter 23, and is then input to the buffer memory 24 and temporarily stored. Digital data is written into the buffer memory 24 every time a pulsed ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received, and when the data reaches one frame of the display screen, the digital data is transferred to a predetermined address of the cine memory 26 via the DMA controller 25.
When the transfer is completed, the write address of the cine memory 26 is updated to the address corresponding to the next frame position.
[0030]
Upon detecting that the transfer has occurred, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 reads the echo signal from the cine memory 26 and performs image processing such as DSC processing and gain / contrast adjustment to generate a digital image signal (digital image data). The digital image data is output to the frame memory 28 and stored temporarily.
The digital image data temporarily stored in the frame memory 28 is converted from a digital signal into an analog signal (analog image signal) by the D / A conversion unit 29, and then output to the monitor 4. An ultrasonic image (ultrasonic tomographic image) is displayed.
[0031]
Here, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is configured to generate an image using the latest frame data of the cine memory 26 when generating the image data. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. After the initialization process is performed (step S11), the contents of the frame memory 28 are not updated (steps S13 to S16) until one frame of data is accumulated in the buffer memory 24 (step S12). .
[0032]
Therefore, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the same ultrasonic image is continuously displayed on the display screen of the monitor 4 until the data transfer from the buffer memory 24 to the cine memory 26 by the DMA controller 25 is performed. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the frame is jerky like a frame-by-frame display.
[0033]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, instead of generating image data only from the data of the latest frame in the cine memory 26 and continuing to display the ultrasonic image, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 stores the image data in the buffer memory 24 as shown in FIG. Even if data for one frame does not accumulate, image data is generated using at least the data of the latest frame of the cine memory 26 and the data of the immediately preceding frame, and stored in the frame memory 28. The ultrasound image is continuously updated on the display screen of the monitor 4 until the data is transferred to the monitor 4.
[0034]
FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state of updating a display screen in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5A shows a scanning direction of ultrasonic waves with respect to the display screen, and FIG. FIG. 9A shows which area and which frame data is used when generating image data. In an actual device, frame data other than the frame of interest may be used for the purpose of improving the image quality, but for simplicity, the description will be made on the assumption that data of only the frame of interest is used.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 5A, the scanning of the ultrasonic wave is performed so as to rotate clockwise from the upper part of the screen as time passes. Further, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 updates the screen display at a speed four times the data transfer cycle from the buffer memory 24 to the cine memory 26 as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0036]
Here, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 forms a partial image using the data of the latest frame in the first area shown in FIG. A partial image is formed using the data of the frame No. 1, and by combining these two regions, an ultrasonic image of the entire screen can be obtained.
[0037]
First, when updating the screen immediately after the data transfer, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 sets the latest area of the cine memory 26 as the second area as shown in the example of the leftmost display image in FIG. The data of the previous frame is used in the entire display screen.
[0038]
Then, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 sets the second display image from the left in FIG. 5B when updating the screen after approximately one-fourth of the time from the data transfer to the next data transfer. The screen is updated as shown in the example. That is, the first region occupies one quarter of the image along the scanning direction from the upper part of the display screen, and the second region occupies three quarters of the image along the scanning direction.
[0039]
Similarly, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 displays the third display from the left in FIG. 5B when updating the screen after approximately half of the time from the data transfer to the next data transfer. The screen is updated as shown in the image example. That is, the first area occupies half of the image along the scanning direction from the upper part of the display screen, and the second area occupies half of the image along the scanning direction.
[0040]
Similarly, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 displays the fourth display from the left in FIG. 5B when updating the screen after approximately three quarters of the time from the data transfer to the next data transfer. The screen is updated as shown in the image example. That is, the first area occupies three quarters of the image along the scanning direction from the upper part of the display screen, and the second area occupies one quarter of the image along the scanning direction.
[0041]
Finally, when the screen is updated after the next data transfer, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 transfers the data as the first area as shown in the fifth display image example from the left in FIG. 5B. The data of the frame that was the latest frame before is used throughout the display screen.
[0042]
As described above, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 generates image data based on at least the latest frame in the cine memory 26 and the echo data of the frame immediately before this latest frame, and generates the first image of the ultrasonic image. The ratio between the region and the second region is correlated with the ratio between the transfer cycle of the DMA controller 25 and the elapsed time after the transfer, and the boundary between the first region and the second region is determined in the scanning direction of the ultrasonic wave. The screen is updated by controlling it to change with time in relation to the screen.
[0043]
Incidentally, in an actual apparatus, data of a frame other than the latest frame of the cine memory may be used at the time of image generation, such as when correlating between frames for the purpose of noise reduction or improvement of spatial resolution. In the image displayed on the screen, the data of the latest frame is dominant.
[0044]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 configured as described above is used by inserting the ultrasonic probe 2 into a body cavity of a patient (subject). Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 transmits an ultrasonic wave to a diagnosis target site of a patient (subject) and receives an ultrasonic echo signal from the diagnosis target site. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 receives the echo signal output from the ultrasonic transducer 9 of the ultrasonic probe 2 by the receiving circuit 22 as described above, and thereafter, the digital signal (digital ), And the digital data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 24.
[0045]
Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, digital data is transferred from the buffer memory 24 via the DMA controller 25 and written into the cine memory 26. Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 generates image data based on the latest frame in the cine memory 26 and the echo data of the frame immediately before the latest frame, and the D / A After being converted into an analog signal (analog image signal) by the conversion unit 29, the analog signal is output to the monitor 4, and an ultrasonic image (ultrasonic tomographic image) is displayed on the display surface of the monitor 4.
[0046]
Here, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, an image is generated by the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 in accordance with the flowchart of the image generation / display processing shown in FIG.
First, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 performs initialization processing of the entire system (Step S1). This initialization process is performed under conditions preset by operation of the operation setting unit 5.
[0047]
Here, the operation setting unit 5 is connected to a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and performs image quality adjustment such as start / stop of ultrasonic transmission / reception, gain / contrast, and measurement operation on an obtained ultrasonic image. I have.
[0048]
The operation setting unit 5 may be configured to sound a buzzer only when a function is valid when a key is pressed in order to improve operability so as to be able to reliably determine whether or not an operation has been performed. good. Further, the operation setting unit 5 may be configured to have different functions by pressing the operation key while pressing the Shift key in addition to the normal operation in order to reduce the number of operation keys.
[0049]
For example, the operation setting unit 5 includes a keyboard 30 as shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in the display screen example of FIG. 8, the operation setting unit 5 performs a distance measurement function corresponding to each symbol when pressing the + key 32 and the × key 33 on the trackball 31 of the keyboard 30. When the system is activated and the + key 32 and the X key 33 on the trackball 31 are pressed simultaneously with the Shift key 34, the number of systems that can be measured with a small number of keys, such as activation of the distance measurement function of the systems of symbols △ and ◇ Can be increased.
[0050]
Then, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 causes the digital data to be transferred from the buffer memory 24 to the cine memory 26 via the DMA controller 25, even if data for one frame accumulates or does not accumulate in the buffer memory 24 (step S2). (Step S3).
[0051]
Then, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 generates image data using at least the data of the latest frame and the immediately preceding frame (step S4), and stores the image data in the frame memory 28 via the D / A conversion unit 29. (Step S5).
Then, the CPU 27a of the image processing unit 27 updates the display screen as described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0052]
Therefore, the ultrasonic image displayed on the display screen of the monitor 4 is, for example, shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 even before the data transfer from the buffer memory 24 to the cine memory 26 by the DMA controller 25 is performed. The display screen of the monitor 4 is continuously updated at quarters faster than the transfer cycle.
[0053]
Here, FIGS. 9 to 13 are diagrams illustrating a temporal change of the image state obtained by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 illustrates a temporal change of the image state of the first round. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the temporal change of the image state of the second round, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the temporal change of the image state of the third round, and FIG. 12 is the time of the image state of the fourth round. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a temporal change of the image state of the fifth round.
[0054]
The “target state” indicates the state of the subject when the receiving unit receives the echo signal, and the “image of the latest previous frame” is held in the latest previous frame of the cine memory 26. The image state is shown, and the “image obtained in the present application” indicates the state of the image displayed on the display screen of the monitor 4.
In the figure, the arrow → indicates that time elapses from left to right, and the order is associated with numerical values such as (1) shown at the upper left of each image. The ranges indicated by the thick frames are updated portions.
[0055]
The “image obtained in the present application” does not jerky like the conventional frame-by-frame display shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, but gradually changes according to the scanning direction as shown in FIGS. A smooth ultrasonic image can be formed.
[0056]
As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can obtain a smooth ultrasonic image that gradually changes from the frame immediately before the latest frame to the latest frame according to the scanning direction, and performs data transfer in frame units. Also, smooth screen updating is possible.
Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the effect that the image can follow the operation performed by the operator during the examination and that the boundary between the new and old frames is moved by scanning in the image, so that the image becomes less noticeable. Obtainable.
[0057]
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is of a radial scanning type in which the scanning direction rotates clockwise on the display screen of the monitor 4 and the screen updating speed is four times the data transfer period. Although described, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other scanning method such as a convex scanning type in which scanning is performed in a fan shape or a configuration in which the screen update speed is other than four times the data transfer period is applicable. Needless to say, the effect can be expected.
[0058]
Further, the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0059]
[Appendix]
(Additional Item 1) In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on echo data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject,
A buffer memory for temporarily holding the echo data,
Transfer means for transferring the echo data from the buffer memory,
A cine memory for holding the echo data transferred by the transfer unit for a plurality of frames,
Image processing means for generating image data based on the echo data held in the cine memory,
With
The image processing means sets a generation speed of the image data and an output speed of the generated image data to be faster than a transfer cycle of the echo data by the transfer means, and at least the cine memory when generating the image data. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs image generation processing based on the latest frame in the image and echo data of a frame immediately before the latest frame.
[0060]
(Additional Item 2) The image processing means uses at least the latest frame data in the cine memory when generating image data corresponding to a first area of the ultrasonic image, and generates a second area of the ultrasonic image. When generating image data corresponding to the above, at least the data of the frame immediately before the latest frame in the cine memory is used,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic image for one screen is formed by combining the first area and the second area.
[0061]
(Supplementary Note 3) The ratio between the first area and the second area of the ultrasonic image correlates with a ratio between a transfer cycle of the transfer unit and an elapsed time after transfer is performed,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a boundary between the first area and the second area changes with time in relation to a scanning direction of the ultrasonic wave.
[0062]
(Supplementary Note 4) A / D conversion means for A / D-converting an echo signal received by the reception means at a stage subsequent to the reception means,
4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said buffer memory temporarily holds echo data after A / D conversion by said A / D conversion means.
[0063]
(Additional Item 5) In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on echo data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject,
Ultrasound transmitting and receiving means for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the subject and receiving an echo signal obtained by reflection from the subject,
A / D conversion means for A / D converting an echo signal received by the ultrasonic transmission / reception means;
A buffer memory for temporarily holding echo data after A / D conversion by the A / D conversion means;
Transfer means for transferring the echo data from the buffer memory,
A cine memory for holding the echo data transferred by the transfer unit for a plurality of frames,
Image processing means for generating image data based on the echo data held in the cine memory,
With
The image processing means sets a generation speed of the image data and an output speed of the generated image data to be faster than a transfer cycle of the echo data by the transfer means, and at least the cine memory when generating the image data. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs image generation processing based on the latest frame in the image and echo data of a frame immediately before the latest frame.
[0064]
(Additional item 6) An ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the subject and receiving an echo signal obtained by reflection from the subject, and an A / D converter for A / D converting the echo signal received by the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means D conversion means, buffer memory for temporarily holding echo data after A / D conversion by the A / D conversion means, transfer means for transferring the echo data from the buffer memory, and transfer by the transfer means A cine memory for holding the obtained echo data for a plurality of frames, and image processing means for generating image data based on the echo data held in the cine memory, and a display image generated by the image processing means. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying and outputting
The image processing means sets a generation speed of the image data and an output speed of the generated image data to be faster than a transfer cycle of the echo data by the transfer means, and at least the cine memory when generating the image data. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs image generation processing based on the latest frame in the image and echo data of a frame immediately before the latest frame.
[0065]
(Additional Item 7) The image processing means uses at least the latest frame data in the cine memory when generating image data corresponding to the first region of the ultrasonic image, and generates the second region of the ultrasonic image. When generating image data corresponding to the above, at least the data of the frame immediately before the latest frame in the cine memory is used,
7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an ultrasonic image for one screen is formed by combining the first area and the second area.
[0066]
(Supplementary Note 8) The ratio of the first region to the second region of the ultrasonic image is correlated with a ratio between a transfer cycle of the transfer unit and an elapsed time after transfer is performed,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a boundary between the first area and the second area changes with time in relation to a scanning direction of the ultrasonic wave.
[0067]
(Additional Item 9) In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on an echo signal obtained by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from a subject,
Conversion means for converting the echo signal into echo data for each predetermined block in the order obtained and obtained,
Image data generating means for sequentially generating echo data for each of the predetermined blocks as image data that can be displayed at a predetermined position on a display screen,
Control means for sequentially updating the image data generated by the image data generation means to echo data converted by the conversion means,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:
[0068]
(Additional Item 10) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Additional Item 9, wherein a period at which the image data generating unit generates image data is shorter than a period at which the echo data is acquired.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of smoothly updating a screen even in a configuration in which data is transferred in frame units.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing the inside of a distal end portion of an insertion portion of the ultrasonic probe.
FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing the inside of a distal end portion of an insertion section of a helical scanning ultrasonic probe.
FIG. 4 is an image display example of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a state of updating a display screen in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an image generation / display process according to the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a keyboard used for an operation setting unit.
FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen when using the keyboard of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a temporal change of an image state in a first round;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a temporal change of an image state in a second round;
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a temporal change in an image state in a third round;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a temporal change of an image state in a fourth round;
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a temporal change of an image state in a fifth round;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a conventional image generation / display process.
FIG. 15 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state of a successive screen update type display screen update in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a temporal change of an image state in a first round in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a temporal change of an image state in a second round in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a temporal change of an image state in a third round in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a temporal change in an image state of a fourth and fifth rounds in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment
2. Ultrasonic probe
3. The device body
4: Monitor
5 Operation setting section
9 ... Ultrasonic vibrator
21 ... Transmission circuit
22 ... Reception circuit
23 A / D converter
24 ... Buffer memory
25 ... DMA controller
26 ... Cine memory
27 ... Image processing unit
27a CPU
27b: Main memory
28 ... Frame memory
29 ... D / A converter

Claims (3)

Based on echo data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the subject, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image,
A buffer memory for temporarily holding the echo data,
Transfer means for transferring the echo data from the buffer memory,
A cine memory for holding the echo data transferred by the transfer unit for a plurality of frames,
Image processing means for generating image data based on the echo data held in the cine memory,
With
The image processing means sets a generation speed of the image data and an output speed of the generated image data to be faster than a transfer cycle of the echo data by the transfer means, and at least the cine memory when generating the image data. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs image generation processing based on the latest frame in the image and echo data of a frame immediately before the latest frame. The image processing means uses at least data of the latest frame in the cine memory when generating image data corresponding to a first area of the ultrasonic image, and generates image data corresponding to a second area of the ultrasonic image. Is generated, using at least the data of the frame immediately before the latest frame in the cine memory,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ultrasound image for one screen is formed by combining the first area and the second area. The ratio between the first region and the second region of the ultrasonic image is correlated with a ratio between a transfer cycle of the transfer unit and an elapsed time after transfer is performed,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a boundary between the first region and the second region changes with time in relation to a scanning direction of the ultrasonic wave.

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