JP2005279013A - Ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus capable of quantitatively determining the degree of coincidence of past and present ultrasonic images. <P>SOLUTION: An image computing circuit 5 receives ultrasonic image data outputted from a DSC circuit 4 and extracts feature images in an ultrasonic image (such as the image of the cordinac apex, the valve base part in the case of the heart). In addition, the image computing circuit 5 image computing circuit 5 computes quantitative data for judging the degree of coincidence between a past feature image and a present feature image. The quantitative data includes the horizontal width and vertical width of a feature image, a distance between the center of the feature image and an ultrasonic probe 1, and an angle between the center of the feature image and the ultrasonic probe 1. An image comparing circuit 6 compares the present feature image with the past feature image. The value of the quantitative data is compared respectively. In the case of coincidence, the present feature image is judged to be coincident with the past feature image and the effect to this is displayed through a monitor 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus that assists an operation of an ultrasonic probe of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and assists the collection of an ultrasonic image when the operator operates the ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique that facilitates comparison with ultrasonic images obtained in the past.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus acquires an ultrasonic image in a subject by transmitting ultrasonic waves to a subject such as a patient and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject. The ultrasonic image data obtained in this way is recorded on a recording medium installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In the diagnosis using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the change with time of the disease of the same patient is examined. For example, a state before surgery (before medication) and a state after surgery (after medication) are observed.

  For the follow-up of patients after surgery (after medication), past ultrasound images are displayed on a display other than the ultrasound diagnostic device, or past ultrasound images are read into the ultrasound diagnostic device and obtained now A method of comparing the images side by side with each other is considered. In addition, a method of superimposing and displaying a past ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic image to be obtained at present is considered (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In order to perform such patient follow-up observation, it is necessary to obtain an ultrasound image on the same tomographic plane. The tomographic plane scanned by ultrasonic waves depends not only on the position where the ultrasonic probe is applied but also on the direction in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received.

JP 2000-300557 A

  However, there is nothing in the living body that becomes a clear mark for comparison with ultrasonic images collected in the past. Therefore, when the follow-up is performed after surgery (after medication), it is difficult to output the same image if the size of the affected part to be examined is extremely small, and this requires skill.

  In addition, if the pre-operator and post-operator are different, it will take time to find the same affected area while looking at past (pre-operative) ultrasound images, leading to a decrease in diagnostic ability and efficiency. become. In addition, a high level of skill is required to find the same affected area.

  On the other hand, in the method of comparing the past image and the current image side by side, the determination of the degree of coincidence between the two images largely depends on the ability of the operator to perform qualitative determination, and there is a problem that skill is still required.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem, and compares the past ultrasonic image with the ultrasonic image to be obtained at present and calculates the displacement, thereby quantifying the determination of the degree of coincidence between the two images. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic probe operation support device that can be performed automatically. The purpose of this is to reduce the burden of work that requires skill, and to improve diagnostic ability and diagnostic efficiency.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnosis is performed in which an ultrasonic wave is transmitted to an object using an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic wave reflected by the object is received, and an ultrasonic image of the object is generated. An ultrasonic probe operation assisting device provided in the apparatus, storing a past ultrasonic image obtained by transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves, and extracting a current feature image from the currently obtained ultrasonic image, An image calculation unit that extracts a past feature image from a past ultrasonic image stored in the storage unit, the current feature image and the past feature image are compared, and the current feature image and the past feature image are compared. An image comparison unit that determines whether or not past feature images match, and notifies the operator of the ultrasound probe that the current feature image and the past feature image match or do not match. Notification means; An ultrasound probe operation support apparatus characterized by having.

  The present invention is used, for example, when observing a subject such as a patient, and has been obtained in the past with an ultrasound image (postoperative or postmedical ultrasound image) to be obtained at present. This is a device that reduces the burden on the operator's operation when comparing an ultrasound image (an ultrasound image before surgery or before medication).

  Here, the feature image means, for example, an image of the apex of the heart when the affected part is the heart. A feature image (for example, an image of the apex of the heart) is extracted from each of the currently acquired ultrasonic image and the past ultrasonic image, and the shape and the position of the entire ultrasonic image are compared. Then, the displacement from the past feature image is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the ultrasonic image to be obtained at present is shifted based on the displacement. For example, if the shape, position, etc. are different, it is determined that they are shifted. And when it is judged that it has shifted | deviated, that is notified so that an operator can recognize. For example, the operator is notified by displaying that fact on a display installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, generating sound, or emitting a light emitter such as a light.

  By the notification, the operator can quantitatively determine the degree of coincidence between the current and past images. For example, even if the operator is not an expert or the operator is different before and after the operation, the degree of coincidence between the two images can be determined quantitatively. The fact that the ultrasound image to be obtained does not match the past ultrasound image means that the position or angle at which the ultrasound probe should be applied to the patient is different from the position at the time of diagnosis in the past. Therefore, when the current and past images do not match, the operator can change the position and angle to which the ultrasonic probe is applied and operate so that the images match.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic probe operation support device according to claim 1, wherein the image calculation means extracts the current feature image from the currently obtained ultrasonic image and the storage means. A past feature image is extracted from the past ultrasound image stored in the image, an angle between the center of the current feature image and the ultrasound probe is calculated, and the center of the past feature image and the ultrasound The angle between the sound wave probe and the image comparison unit is configured to compare the current angle with the past angle to determine whether the current feature image matches the past feature image. It is characterized by making such a determination.

  The angle between the center of the feature image and the ultrasound probe depends on the left / right tilt (swing angle) of the ultrasound probe. When the ultrasound probe is tilted to the left and right, the center between the feature image and the ultrasound probe The angle of changes. The image comparison means calculates this angle difference from the current and past feature images, and determines whether the left and right inclinations (swing angles) match. Then, the determination result is notified to the operator through the notification means. As a result, the operator can adjust the left / right inclination (swing angle) of the ultrasonic probe based on the determination result.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the ultrasonic probe operation support device according to claim 1, wherein the image calculation means extracts a current feature image from an ultrasonic image obtained at the present time, and the storage means. A past feature image is extracted from the past ultrasound image stored in the image, a distance between the center of the current feature image and the ultrasound probe is calculated, and the center of the past feature image and the ultrasound The distance between the probe and the acoustic probe is calculated, and the image comparison unit compares the current distance with the past distance, so that the current feature image matches the past feature image. It is characterized by determining whether or not.

  The distance between the center of the feature image and the ultrasound probe depends on the front and back tilt (turning angle) of the ultrasound probe. When the ultrasound probe is tilted back and forth, the distance between the center of the feature image and the ultrasound probe The distance of changes. The image comparison means calculates this distance difference from the current and past feature images, and determines whether or not the front and rear inclinations (turning angles) match. Then, the determination result is notified to the operator through the notification means. As a result, the operator can adjust the forward / backward inclination (turning angle) of the ultrasonic probe based on the determination result.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the ultrasonic probe operation support device according to claim 1, wherein the image calculation means extracts the current feature image from the currently obtained ultrasonic image and the storage means. A past feature image is extracted from a past ultrasonic image stored in the image, a width and a height of the current feature image are calculated, a width and a height of the past feature image are calculated, and the image comparison is performed. The means determines whether or not the current feature image matches the past feature image by comparing the current width and length with the past width and length. It is a feature.

  The horizontal width and vertical width of the feature image depend on the twist (rotation angle) of the ultrasonic probe. When the ultrasonic probe is rotated, the horizontal width and vertical width (ratio between the horizontal width and the vertical width) of the feature image change. The image comparison means calculates the difference between the width and the length (ratio difference) from the current and past feature images, and determines whether or not the twists (rotation angles) match. Then, the determination result is notified to the operator through the notification means. As a result, the operator can adjust the twist (rotation angle) of the ultrasonic probe based on the determination result.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image calculation means extracts a current feature image from an ultrasonic image obtained at the present time, and the storage means. A past feature image is extracted from the past ultrasound image stored in the image, an angle between the center of the current feature image and the ultrasound probe is calculated, and the center of the past feature image and the ultrasound Calculating an angle between the center of the current feature image and the ultrasound probe, and calculating a distance between the center of the past feature image and the ultrasound probe. Calculating a horizontal width and a vertical width of the current feature image, calculating a horizontal width and a vertical width of the past feature image, and the image comparison unit compares the current angle with the past angle. , The current distance and the past distance And comparing the current horizontal width and vertical width with the past horizontal width and vertical width to determine whether or not the current feature image matches the past feature image. It is characterized by.

  The image comparison means calculates the above-described angle difference, distance difference, and width difference, and determines whether or not the ultrasound image that is currently obtained is shifted based on the difference. Then, the determination result is notified to the operator through the notification means. As a result, the operator can adjust the inclination and twist of the ultrasonic probe based on the determination result.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the image comparison unit is configured to perform the current feature based on an echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the image matches the past feature image.

  According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to quantitatively determine the degree of coincidence between the current and past images. Therefore, even if the operator is not an expert or even if the operator is different before and after the operation, the degree of matching can be determined quantitatively, reducing the burden of work requiring skill, It is possible to improve diagnostic ability and diagnostic efficiency.

  Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 6, by performing the match / mismatch determination based on the echo signal, in addition to the above effects, it is possible to improve the processing capability at the time of determination and reduce the processing time. It can be shortened.

(Constitution)
The configuration of the ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown), irradiates a subject such as a patient with ultrasonic waves, and receives a reflected wave reflected by the subject as an echo signal. The transmission / reception circuit 2 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 1, supplies an electric signal to the ultrasonic probe 1 to generate an ultrasonic wave, and receives an echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The image data conversion circuit 3 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 2 and converts the echo signal received by the transmission / reception circuit 2 into ultrasonic image data. The DSC (digital scan converter) circuit 4 is connected to the image data conversion circuit 3 and converts the ultrasonic image data converted by the image data conversion circuit 3 into a TV signal.

  The image calculation circuit 5 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 2 and the DSC circuit 4 and receives an echo signal output from the transmission / reception circuit 2 or ultrasonic image data output from the DSC circuit 4, and features in the ultrasonic image An image (for example, an image of a heart apex or a valve base in the case of a heart) is extracted. This feature image is extracted from the ultrasound image due to the difference in luminance. Tissues in the subject include those with high and low ultrasonic reflectivity, and tissues with high reflectivity have high luminance values of the ultrasonic image. Due to the difference in luminance value, the outline of a feature image (eg, apex or valve base in the case of a heart) can be clarified from an ultrasonic image. Therefore, the image calculation circuit 5 extracts a feature image based on the difference in luminance of the ultrasonic image.

  Further, the image calculation circuit 5 calculates quantitative data for determining the degree of coincidence between the feature image obtained in the past and the feature image currently obtained. This quantitative data includes the width and length of the feature image, the distance between the center of the feature image and the ultrasound probe 1, and the angle between the center of the feature image and the ultrasound probe 1. The image calculation circuit 5 approximates, for example, an ellipse of the feature image obtained by the difference in luminance, and calculates a horizontal width, a vertical width, a distance, and an angle from the ellipse obtained as a result of the approximation.

  The image comparison circuit 6 is connected to the image database 8 via the image calculation circuit 5 and the control circuit 7. Then, the feature image calculated by the image calculation circuit 5 is compared with the feature image of the ultrasonic image obtained from the image database 8 in the past. Specifically, the values of the quantitative data described above are compared to determine whether or not they match. If the quantitative data match, it is determined that the current feature image matches the past feature image.

  The image database 8 stores ultrasonic image data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. In this image database 8, in addition to past ultrasonic image data, currently acquired ultrasonic image data is also stored. The image database 8 corresponds to “storage means” of the present invention.

  The console 9 is made up of commands necessary for the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a keyboard for inputting diagnostic information, a mouse, a tracking ball, and the like. In addition to a keyboard or the like, a TCS (Touch Command Screen) is provided.

  The image display circuit 10 switches the output signal between the ultrasonic image data converted into the TV signal by the DSC circuit 4 and the past ultrasonic image data stored in the image database 8 and outputs the signal to the monitor 11. . The monitor 11 is composed of a CRT display or the like, and displays an ultrasonic image in response to a signal output from the image display circuit 10. In addition, a determination result as to whether or not the past ultrasonic image and the ultrasonic image to be obtained at present coincide is displayed.

  The control circuit 7 is connected to each circuit and controls the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Although not shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  Next, the ultrasonic probe 1 provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the ultrasonic probe. When an ultrasonic image is obtained using the ultrasonic probe 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the tip surface 1a of the ultrasonic probe 1 is applied to the body surface of the subject, and the ultrasonic wave is changed by changing the angle or the like of the ultrasonic probe 1. Send and receive. For example, as shown in the figure, the ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted back and forth, tilted left and right, or rotated around the center of the ultrasonic probe 1 as an axis.

  Here, each angle is defined for convenience. When the ultrasonic probe 1 is set up perpendicular to the body surface of the subject as a reference (shown as the reference axis 1b in FIG. 2), the reference axis 1b and the ultrasonic wave when tilted back and forth from the reference axis 1b The angle with the probe 1 is defined as an angle θ. In the ZX plane shown in FIG. 2, an angle formed by the ultrasonic probe 1 with respect to the reference line 1b is defined as an angle θ. The angle between the reference and the ultrasonic probe 1 when tilted left and right from the reference axis 1b is defined as an angle φ. In the YZ plane shown in FIG. 2, an angle formed by the ultrasonic probe 1 with respect to the reference axis 1b is defined as an angle φ. In addition, an angle around the ultrasonic probe 1 is an angle ω. In the XY plane shown in FIG. 2, an angle around the reference axis 1b is an angle ω. The quantitative data (horizontal width, vertical width, distance, angle) of the feature image described above depends on these angles (θ, φ, ω), and when these angles change, the quantitative data also changes.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the flow of operations of the ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for quantitatively determining the degree of coincidence between a past ultrasonic image and an ultrasonic image to be obtained at present.

  First, for example, an ultrasound image of the affected area before surgery (before medication) is read (step S01). In this operation, for example, an operator such as an inspection engineer inputs an instruction from the console 9, and a past ultrasonic image is read from the image database 8 in accordance with the instruction. Although it is not necessary to display the past ultrasonic image on the monitor 11, it may be displayed as necessary.

  Then, the ultrasonic probe 1 is applied to a subject such as a patient, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the subject, and the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject is received as an echo signal by the ultrasonic probe 1 (step S02). . The echo signal thus obtained is received by the transmission / reception circuit 2 and then converted into ultrasonic image data by the image data conversion circuit 3 (step S03). The DSC circuit 4 converts the ultrasonic image data into a TV signal.

  The ultrasonic image data converted into the TV signal is output to the image display circuit 10 and also to the image calculation circuit 5. The ultrasonic image data output to the image display circuit 10 is displayed on the monitor 11. On the other hand, feature image data is extracted from the ultrasonic image data by the image calculation circuit 5 from the ultrasonic image data output to the image calculation circuit 5 (step S04). This feature image data is extracted by the method described above.

  On the other hand, the past ultrasonic image data read from the image database 8 in step S01 is output to the image calculation circuit 5 via the control circuit 7. Then, the feature image data is extracted with the same content as the ultrasound image data to be obtained at present (step S04).

  FIG. 5 shows extracted feature images (for example, a heart apex or a valve base in the case of a heart). In FIG. 5, the whole image of the ultrasonic image obtained by the ultrasonic scanning is represented by a fan shape. The ultrasonic probe 1 is positioned at the fan-shaped apex. The feature image 20 is approximated to an ellipse and is displayed on the monitor 11 in some cases. As described above, the outline of the feature image can be clarified by the difference in luminance. Then, the horizontal width X and the vertical width Y of the feature image data are calculated by the image calculation circuit 5 (step S05). The extraction of the horizontal width X and the vertical width Y is also performed on past feature images. As shown in FIG. 5, let X be the length where the horizontal width of the feature image 20 is maximum, and Y be the length where the vertical width is maximum.

  Further, the image calculation means 5 calculates the point where the horizontal width X and the vertical width Y intersect, that is, the center point 22 of the feature image 20 approximated by an ellipse (step S06). Then, the ultrasonic probe 1 (fan-shaped apex) and the center point 22 are connected by a straight line 24, and an angle A between the vertical axis of the feature image 20 approximated by an ellipse and the straight line 24 is calculated (step S07). .

  Then, the image comparison circuit 6 compares the angle A of the past feature image data with the angle A of the current feature image data (step S08). In this comparison, it is determined whether or not the error is within the past angle A (step S09). Here, the relationship between the angle A and the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 1 will be described with reference to the ultrasonic probe 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted in the left-right direction (angle φ in the Y direction), the ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 11 is displayed tilted in the opposite direction. That is, this angle A depends on the left / right inclination (angle φ in the Y direction) of the ultrasonic probe 1. Therefore, the difference between the past angle A and the current angle A means that the currently disposed ultrasonic probe 1 is in either the left or right direction as compared with the ultrasonic probe 1 that was diagnosed in the past. It is thought that it is inclined to. That is, it is considered that the value of the angle φ is different.

  If the image comparison circuit 6 determines that it is out of the error range (step S09: No), the ultrasound image (ultrasound probe 1) that is currently being acquired is in either the left or right direction (Y direction). The fact that there is a deviation is displayed on the monitor 11 (step S10). In addition, sound may be generated by a speaker, or a light or the like may be emitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S09 that the image comparison circuit 6 is within the error range (step S09: Yes), the ultrasonic image (ultrasound probe 1) that is currently being acquired is tilted to the left and right (ultrasonic probe 1). With respect to the angle φ in the Y direction, it is displayed on the monitor 11 that it matches the past inclination (step S11).

  When the monitor 11 displays that the ultrasonic probe 1 is displaced in either the left or right direction in step S10, the operator adjusts the left / right inclination (angle φ) of the ultrasonic probe 1. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received (step S02). Then, the operations of Step S02 to Step S09 are repeated, and the left / right inclination (angle φ in the Y direction) of the ultrasonic probe 1 is adjusted until it is determined in Step S09 that it is within the error range. If it is determined in step S09 that the error is within the error range, the monitor 11 displays that the left / right inclination (Y-direction angle φ) matches the past inclination (step S11).

  As described above, it is possible to determine a left-right inclination deviation (angle φ) of the ultrasonic probe 1 from an angle formed by the ultrasonic probe 1 (fan-shaped apex) and the center point 22 of the feature image 20. Therefore, even if it is not an expert, a desired image can be obtained.

  After the angle A coincides, that is, after the left and right inclinations (angle φ) of the ultrasonic probe 1 coincide, the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the like are continuously adjusted. This adjustment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When it is determined that the left / right tilt (Y-direction angle φ) of the ultrasonic probe 1 is within the error range, the image calculation circuit 5 determines whether the ultrasonic probe 1 (fan-shaped apex) is between the center point 22 and the ultrasonic probe 1. The distance L is calculated (step S12). The extraction of the distance L is also performed on past feature images.

  Then, the image comparison circuit 6 compares the distance L between the past feature image data and the distance L between the current feature image data (step S13). In this comparison, it is determined whether or not the error is within the past distance L (step S14). Here, the relationship between the distance L and the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is tilted in the front-rear direction (angle θ in the X direction), the ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 11 is displayed tilted in the opposite direction. That is, this distance L depends on the front-back inclination (angle θ in the X direction) of the ultrasonic probe 1. Therefore, the fact that the past distance L and the current distance L are different means that the ultrasonic probe 1 that is currently arranged is in either the front or rear direction as compared with the ultrasonic probe 1 that was diagnosed in the past. It is thought that it is inclined to. That is, it is considered that the value of the angle θ is different.

  And when it is judged that it is outside an error range (Step S14: No), it displays on the monitor 11 that the ultrasonic image (ultrasonic probe 1) which is going to acquire now has shifted in either the front or back direction. (Step S15). As in the case of the left / right deviation, the operator may be notified by a speaker, a light, or the like.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that it is within the error range (step S14: Yes), the ultrasound image (ultrasound probe 1) that is currently being acquired is tilted back and forth (angle θ in the X direction). Is displayed on the monitor 11 to match the past inclination (step S17).

  In addition, when the monitor 11 displays that the ultrasonic probe 1 is displaced in any one of the front and rear directions in step S14, the operator tilts the front and rear of the ultrasonic probe 1 (angle θ in the X direction). The ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received while adjusting (step S16). Then, the front-rear inclination (angle θ in the X direction) of the ultrasonic probe 1 is adjusted until it is determined in step S14 that it is within the error range. If it is determined in step S14 that it is within the error range, the monitor 11 displays that the front / rear inclination (angle θ in the X direction) matches the past inclination (step S17).

  In this way, the deviation of the front-rear inclination (angle θ in the X direction) of the ultrasonic probe 1 is determined from the distance between the ultrasonic probe 1 (fan-shaped apex) and the center point 22 of the feature image 20. Therefore, even if it is not an expert, a desired image can be obtained.

  When it is determined that the forward / backward inclination (angle θ in the X direction) is within the error range, the image comparison circuit 6 determines the horizontal width X and vertical width Y of the past feature image data, and the horizontal width of the current feature image data. X and the vertical width Y are compared (step S18). In this comparison, it is determined whether or not the error is within the error range of the past horizontal width X and vertical width Y (step S19). Here, the relationship between the horizontal width X and the vertical width Y and the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, when the ultrasonic probe 1 is rotated with respect to the reference axis 1b, the elliptical shape (ellipticity: X / Y) of the feature image 20 changes. That is, the horizontal width X and the vertical width Y depend on the rotation angle (angle ω) of the ultrasonic probe 1. Therefore, the difference between the past ellipticity and the current ellipticity means that the ultrasonic probe 1 currently arranged is twisted in either direction as compared with the ultrasonic probe 1 when diagnosed in the past. It is thought that.

  If it is determined that it is out of the error range (step S19: No), the monitor 11 displays that the ultrasonic image (ultrasonic probe 1) to be obtained is twisted in any direction. (Step S20). As in the case of the angle φ, the operator may be notified using a speaker, a light, or the like.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S19 that it is within the error range (step S19: Yes), the ultrasonic image (ultrasonic probe 1) to be obtained at present is the past regarding the rotation angle (angle ω). It is displayed on the monitor 11 that it matches the one (step S22).

  When the monitor 11 displays that the ultrasonic probe 1 is twisted in any direction in step S20, the operator adjusts the rotation angle (angle ω) of the ultrasonic probe 1 while adjusting the ultrasonic angle. Are transmitted and received (step S21). Then, the rotation angle (angle ω) of the ultrasonic probe 1 is adjusted until it is determined in step S19 that it is within the error range. If it is determined in step S19 that it is within the error range, the monitor 11 displays that the twist corresponds to the past twist (step S22).

  As described above, since it is possible to determine the displacement of the twist of the ultrasonic probe 1 from the horizontal width X and the vertical width Y of the feature image 20, a desired image can be obtained even by a non-expert.

  As a result of the above processing, the right / left inclination deviation (Y direction angle φ), the front / rear inclination deviation (X direction angle θ), and the twist deviation (angle ω) of the ultrasonic probe 1 are adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an ultrasound image that substantially matches the past ultrasound image (within an error range). When it is determined that the currently acquired ultrasonic image and the past ultrasonic image substantially coincide (within the error range), the fact is displayed on the monitor 11 (step S23).

  In this way, in order to obtain a desired image, by displaying the difference from the past ultrasonic image, the operator can recognize the deviation from the past ultrasonic image. As a result, the time for collecting the target ultrasound image can be shortened, and the diagnostic ability of the operator can be improved. Further, even if the operator who has collected images in the past and the operator who is currently collecting images may be different, it is possible to collect ultrasonic images having substantially the same cross section. As a result, individual differences among operators can be corrected, and the rate of re-examination due to a wrong fault to be diagnosed can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1 is converted into ultrasonic image data by the image data conversion circuit 3 and the DCS circuit 4, and further converted into a TV signal, and the feature images are compared. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an echo signal before ultrasonic image data is created may be output from the transmission / reception circuit 2 to the image calculation circuit 5. Since the echo signal includes ultrasonic scanning information, feature image data is extracted based on the scanning information and compared with past feature image data. Then, the image comparison circuit 7 compares the angle A, the distance L, the horizontal width X, and the vertical width Y, and determines whether or not it matches the past ultrasonic image. If it is determined that it matches the past ultrasonic image, the echo signal is output to the image data conversion circuit 3 via the control circuit 7. The image data conversion circuit 3 converts the image data into ultrasonic image data. The DSC circuit 4 converts the ultrasonic image data into a TV signal, which is output to the monitor 11 via the image display circuit 10. Displayed as an image. Thus, by using the signal before being processed by the DSC circuit 4, it becomes possible to compare the current image with the past image at high speed. In other words, the signal before being processed by the DSC circuit 4 has a smaller amount of information compared to the signal after processing, so that it can be processed at high speed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the past (preoperative or pre-medication) ultrasound image and the current (postoperative or post-medication) ultrasound image are compared, but the average model data and the current ultrasound image are compared. May be compared. By comparing with average data, it is possible to evaluate the difference from a typical ultrasound image.

1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the ultrasonic probe with which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is equipped. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic probe operation assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention in order. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic probe operation assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention in order. It is a figure for judging quantitatively the degree of coincidence between the past ultrasonic image and the ultrasonic image to be obtained now.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 1a Tip surface 1b Reference axis 2 Transmission / reception circuit 3 Image data conversion circuit 4 DSC circuit 5 Image calculation circuit 6 Image comparison circuit 7 Control circuit 8 Image database 9 Console 10 Image display circuit 11 Monitor 20 Feature image 22 Center point 24 straight lines

Claims (6)

Ultrasonic probe operation support provided in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject using an ultrasonic probe, receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject, and generates an ultrasonic image of the subject A device,
Storage means for storing past ultrasonic images obtained by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves;
An image calculation unit that extracts a current feature image from a currently obtained ultrasound image and extracts a past feature image from a past ultrasound image stored in the storage unit;
Image comparing means for comparing the current feature image with the past feature image and determining whether the current feature image and the past feature image match;
A notification means for notifying the operator of the ultrasonic probe of the coincidence / non-coincidence between the current feature image and the past feature image;
An ultrasonic probe operation support device comprising: The image calculation means extracts a current feature image from a currently obtained ultrasound image, extracts a past feature image from a past ultrasound image stored in the storage means, and extracts the current feature image. Calculate the angle between the center and the ultrasonic probe, calculate the angle between the center of the past feature image and the ultrasonic probe,
The image comparison means determines whether or not the current feature image and the past feature image match by comparing the current angle with the past angle. Item 2. The ultrasonic probe operation support device according to Item 1. The image calculation means extracts a current feature image from a currently obtained ultrasound image, extracts a past feature image from a past ultrasound image stored in the storage means, and extracts the current feature image. Calculate the distance between the center and the ultrasonic probe, calculate the distance between the center of the past feature image and the ultrasonic probe,
The image comparison unit is configured to determine whether the current feature image and the past feature image match by comparing the current distance with the past distance. The ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to claim 1. The image calculation means extracts a current feature image from a currently obtained ultrasound image, extracts a past feature image from a past ultrasound image stored in the storage means, and extracts the current feature image. Calculate the width and height, calculate the width and height of the past feature image,
The image comparison means determines whether or not the current feature image and the past feature image match by comparing the current width and length with the past width and length. The ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation is performed. The image calculation means extracts a current feature image from the currently obtained ultrasound image, and extracts a past feature image from a past ultrasound image stored in the storage means,
An angle between the center of the current feature image and the ultrasound probe is calculated, an angle between the center of the past feature image and the ultrasound probe is calculated, and the center of the current feature image Calculating a distance between the ultrasonic probe, calculating a distance between a center of the past characteristic image and the ultrasonic probe, calculating a horizontal width and a vertical width of the current characteristic image, Calculate the width and height of the feature image of
The image comparison unit compares the current angle with the past angle, compares the current distance with the past distance, and compares the current horizontal width and vertical width with the past horizontal width and vertical width. The ultrasonic probe operation support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a comparison is made as to whether or not the current feature image matches the past feature image. The image comparison means determines whether or not the current feature image matches the past feature image based on an echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe. Item 2. The ultrasonic probe operation support device according to Item 1.

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