JP2006223898A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily recognize the corresponding relation between a three-dimensional probe (or a three-dimensional space) and a cut face in the case of forming the three-dimensional space by the three-dimensional probe and displaying a tomographic image corresponding to the cut face set within the three-dimensional space. <P>SOLUTION: The three-dimensional probe 10 is provided with a first physical mark 18 corresponding to a direction θ, and a second physical mark 20 corresponding to a direction ϕ. In the case of displaying the cut face set within the three-dimensional space V, as the tomographic image, a first display mark corresponding to the first physical mark 18 is displayed, and a second display mark corresponding to the second physical mark 20 is displayed. The position and direction of the cut face can be intuitively recognized by these display marks in observing the tomographic image. The first physical mark corresponds to a reference point in the direction θ or corresponds to the direction of the cut face including the direction θ. The second physical mark corresponds to a reference point in the direction ϕ or corresponds to the direction of the cut face including the direction ϕ. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for forming an ultrasonic image by taking in three-dimensional echo data.

  The ultrasonic probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data (3D probe) is a probe for forming a three-dimensional echo data capturing space (three-dimensional space) in a living body. The 3D probe is used when forming a three-dimensional image of a living tissue or when forming a tomographic image (tissue image, blood flow image) or the like corresponding to a cut surface set in a three-dimensional space. As 3D probes, 2D array transducers (including sparse array type) are used to scan ultrasonic beams two-dimensionally, 1D array transducers are mechanically scanned, single transducers are mechanically two-dimensional What is scanned is known.

  By the way, when a tomographic image corresponding to the cut surface in the three-dimensional space is formed and displayed, the three-dimensional space (or 3D probe) and the tomographic image (that is, the cut surface) are displayed from the displayed tomographic image. It is difficult to intuitively recognize the positional relationship with. Specifically, it is difficult to understand the relationship between the cut surface and the first and second scanning directions of the ultrasonic beam. In addition, it is difficult to understand whether the viewpoint of the cut surface is on the near side or the far side. This problem can also occur when displaying a three-dimensional image. In any case, there is a demand for convenience in image observation for the user in ultrasonic diagnosis for a three-dimensional space.

  In a probe having a conventional 1D array transducer, generally, a protruding physical marker is provided on the side of the case corresponding to one end of the 1D array transducer (a reference end corresponding to the start point of electronic scanning). Yes. Further, when displaying a tomographic image, a display marker corresponding to the physical marker is displayed on the side (right side or left side) corresponding to the reference end in the tomographic image. By specifying the side on which the display marker is displayed, it is possible to grasp whether the viewpoint of the tomographic image is on the near side or the far side. However, in the 3D probe and the tomographic image display using the 3D probe, the convenience of the user in observing the image is not sufficiently achieved.

JP 2001-269337 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-213521 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-070110 JP 11-1113913 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide convenience in image observation when an ultrasonic image is formed based on data acquired in a three-dimensional echo data acquisition space.

  Another object of the present invention is to facilitate understanding of the positional relationship between a 3D probe and an ultrasound image.

  Another object of the present invention is to enable intuitive understanding of two scanning directions in a 3D probe.

(1) The present invention provides a three-dimensional echo data capturing ultrasonic probe that scans an ultrasonic beam in a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction to form a three-dimensional echo data capturing space; A physical marker unit provided on an outer surface of the original echo data capturing ultrasonic probe for specifying the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction; and the three-dimensional echo data capturing ultrasonic probe. Image forming means for forming an ultrasonic image based on a received signal from the touch element; and display processing means for displaying a display marker portion associated with the physical marker portion together with the ultrasonic image. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, the physical marker portion is provided on the outer surface of the ultrasonic probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data (3D probe), and when the ultrasonic image is displayed, the physical marker is associated with the physical marker. The display marker part is displayed. Thereby, in observing the ultrasonic image, the positional relationship with the 3D probe (or the positional relationship between the three-dimensional echo data capturing space (the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction)) can be easily grasped.

  The 3D probe is preferably gripped by a user and brought into contact with the body surface, but can be applied to a probe inserted into a body cavity. The ultrasonic image is preferably a tissue image or a blood flow image corresponding to the cut surface. However, the above configuration can also be applied when displaying a three-dimensional image. In this case, display markers are displayed at positions corresponding to the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction together with the three-dimensional image.

  In the above configuration, the physical marker portion is preferably composed of a plurality of physical markers, and in that case, it is desirable that the forms (colors, shapes, etc.) are different from each other. In addition, it is desirable that the display marker unit is configured by a plurality of display markers in accordance with the configuration of the physical marker unit. In that case, the form of each display marker is the same as or similar to the form of the corresponding physical marker. It is desirable to do.

  Preferably, the physical marker unit has a first physical marker associated with the first scanning direction and a second physical direction associated with the second scanning direction and having a visually different form from the first physical marker. And 2 physical markers.

  Preferably, the display marker unit includes a first display marker associated with the first physical marker and a second display marker associated with the second physical marker.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data has a first side surface orthogonal to the first scanning direction and a second side surface orthogonal to the second scanning direction, One physical marker is provided on the first side surface, and the second physical marker is provided on the second side surface.

  Preferably, the first side surface is a side surface on the reference end side in the first scanning direction, and the second side surface is a side surface on the reference end side in the second scanning direction. Each side surface does not have to be a complete plane, and of course may be a curved surface or an inclined surface. Each physical marker is preferably provided in the lower part of the 3D probe (part that is highly likely to be exposed in a gripped state), but may be provided in the upper part thereof. Each reference end is preferably the origin of electronic scanning (or mechanical scanning). Of course, a physical mark may be provided corresponding to an end (termination) opposite to the reference end.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic probe for taking in three-dimensional echo data has a second side surface spreading in the first scanning direction and a first side surface spreading in the second scanning direction, One physical marker is provided on the second side surface, and the second physical marker is provided on the first side surface. The second side surface is a surface orthogonal to the second scanning direction and substantially parallel to the first scanning direction, and the first side surface is a surface orthogonal to the first scanning direction and substantially parallel to the second scanning direction. According to the above configuration, the correspondence between each side surface of the 3D probe and each scanning direction (or each scanning surface) can be intuitively recognized.

  Preferably, the first physical marker is provided at a position displaced toward the reference end side in the first scanning direction, and the second physical marker is provided at a position displaced toward the reference end side in the second scanning direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily recognize the reference end in each scanning direction based on the displacement direction of each physical marker.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data has a substantially rectangular shape in a horizontal section, and thereby four corners are formed, and a specific corner among the four corners is formed. The physical marker part is provided in the part. Preferably, the physical marker portion is provided at a corner corresponding to both the reference end in the first scanning direction and the reference end in the second scanning direction.

  Preferably, the specific corner portion is formed by connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, and the physical marker portion is present on one physical marker present on the first side surface and on the second side surface. And the other physical marker. One physical marker represents a side surface corresponding to the reference end in the first scanning direction or a side surface parallel to the first scanning direction, and the other physical marker represents a side surface corresponding to the reference end in the first scanning direction or It represents a side surface parallel to the first scanning direction. That is, the two physical markers may be separately arranged separately or may be combined together.

  Preferably, the image forming unit forms a tomographic image of a cut surface set in the three-dimensional echo data capturing space, and the display marker unit has a positional relationship between the cut surface and each scanning direction. In response to this, it is displayed in the vicinity of or on the tomographic image. The cut surface is preferably a surface defined by two directions selected from the first scanning direction, the second scanning direction, and the depth direction. However, the present invention can also be applied when setting an arbitrary cut surface.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic probe for taking in three-dimensional echo data includes a two-dimensional array transducer including a plurality of vibration elements arranged two-dimensionally. Preferably, the ultrasonic probe for taking in three-dimensional echo data includes a one-dimensional array transducer including a plurality of transducer elements arranged in the first scanning direction and the one-dimensional array transducer. It has a mechanical scanning mechanism that scans in the scanning direction.

(2) The present invention relates to a three-dimensional echo data capturing ultrasonic probe that scans an ultrasonic beam in a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction to form a three-dimensional echo data capturing space, and the tertiary The first physical marker provided on the outer surface of the original echo data capturing ultrasonic probe and associated with the first scanning direction, and the outer surface of the three-dimensional echo data capturing ultrasonic probe On the basis of the second physical marker associated with the second scanning direction and the received signal from the ultrasonic probe for capturing the three-dimensional echo data. Image forming means for forming a tomographic image of the set cutting plane, means for displaying a first display marker associated with the first physical marker and a second display marker associated with the second physical marker And the cut surface and the Display processing means for displaying one or both of the first display marker and the second display marker together with the tomographic image in accordance with the positional relationship between the first and second scanning directions. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Preferably, the form of the first physical marker and the form of the first display marker are associated with each other, and the form of the second physical marker and the form of the second display marker are associated with each other.

  Preferably, the three-dimensional echo data capturing ultrasonic probe includes a first side surface orthogonal to the first scanning direction and corresponding to a reference end in the first scanning direction, and the second scanning. And a second side surface corresponding to a reference end in the second scanning direction, the first physical marker is provided on the first side surface, and the second side surface is the second side surface. A physical marker is provided.

  In the above configuration, preferably, when the cut surface is a surface including the first scanning direction, the first display marker is displayed on the side corresponding to the first reference end with respect to the tomographic image. . Desirably, the second display marker is displayed on a side corresponding to the second reference end with respect to the tomographic image when the cut surface is a surface including the second scanning direction. More preferably, when the cut surface is a surface including the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction, the first display marker is displayed on a side corresponding to the first reference end with respect to the tomographic image. In addition, the second display marker is displayed on the side corresponding to the second reference end with respect to the tomographic image. Preferably, the reference end in the first scanning direction is a start point or end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic beam, and the reference end in the second scanning direction is a start point or end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic beam.

  Preferably, the ultrasonic probe for taking in three-dimensional echo data has a second side surface extending in the first scanning direction and a first side surface extending in the second scanning direction, and the second side surface. The first physical marker is provided at a position displaced toward the reference end side in the first scanning direction in FIG. 5, and the second physical marker is provided at a position displaced toward the reference end side in the second scanning direction on the first side surface. It is done. The reference point in each scanning direction can be easily specified by the displacement of each physical mark, and even when displaying a tomographic image, the front surface and the back surface can be easily distinguished.

  In the above configuration, preferably, when the cut surface is a surface including the first scanning direction, the first display marker is located on a side corresponding to a reference end in the first scanning direction with respect to the tomographic image. Is displayed. Preferably, when the cut surface is a surface including the second scanning direction, the second display marker is displayed on a side corresponding to a reference end in the second scanning direction with respect to the tomographic image. Preferably, when the cut surface is a surface including the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction, the first display marker is located on a side corresponding to a reference end in the first scanning direction with respect to the tomographic image. Is displayed, and the second display marker is displayed on the side corresponding to the reference end in the second scanning direction with respect to the tomographic image. Preferably, the reference end in the first scanning direction is a start point or end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic beam, and the reference end in the second scanning direction is a start point or end point of the scanning of the ultrasonic beam.

(3) The present invention provides a transmission / reception unit that scans an ultrasonic beam in a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction, a case that houses the transmission / reception unit, a case that is provided in the case, A three-dimensional echo data capturing ultrasonic probe comprising: a first physical marker for identifying; and a second physical marker provided in the case for identifying the second scanning direction. Regarding the child.

  According to the above configuration, the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction can be easily identified by the first physical marker and the second physical marker.

  Preferably, the case is a side surface orthogonal to the first scanning direction and corresponding to a reference end in the first scanning direction, and a side surface orthogonal to the second scanning direction and the second side. A second side surface corresponding to a reference end in the scanning direction, wherein the first physical marker is provided on the first side surface, and the second physical marker is provided on the second side surface.

  Preferably, the case has a second side surface extending in the first scanning direction and a first side surface extending in the second scanning direction, and the first physical marker is provided on the second side surface, The second physical marker is provided on the first side surface. Preferably, the first physical marker is provided at a position displaced toward the reference end side in the first scanning direction on the second side surface, and the second physical marker is a reference end in the second scanning direction on the first side surface. It is provided at a position displaced to the side.

  Preferably, the first physical marker and the second physical marker are different from each other in at least one of color and shape. Preferably, one of the first physical marker and the second physical marker has a raised shape, and the other of the first physical marker and the second physical marker has a hollow shape. If the unevenness is used for distinction, each scanning direction can be easily recognized by tactile sensation.

  Preferably, the first physical marker and the second physical marker are integrally formed across the first side surface and the second side surface of the case.

  Preferably, the case and the first and second physical markers have different colors. According to this configuration, the visibility of the physical marker portion can be improved with respect to the background color of the case.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when an ultrasonic image is observed for a user, the convenience can be achieved, and in particular, the positional relationship between the 3D probe and the ultrasonic image can be easily recognized. Is possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration thereof. The 3D probe 10 is an ultrasonic probe for taking in three-dimensional echo data. That is, the ultrasonic beam B is scanned in both the θ direction (first scanning direction) and the φ direction (second scanning direction), thereby forming a three-dimensional echo data capturing space (three-dimensional space) V. is there.

  In FIG. 1, the depth direction is represented by r, and a scanning surface formed by electronic scanning of the ultrasonic beam B is represented by S.

  In the present embodiment, the 3D probe 10 has a 2D array transducer formed by two-dimensionally arranging a plurality of vibration elements. That is, the ultrasonic beam can be electronically scanned in both the θ direction and the φ direction. A so-called sparse 2D array transducer may be used as the 2D array transducer. Further, a three-dimensional space V may be formed by providing a 1D array transducer and a mechanism for mechanically scanning it.

  The 2D array transducer (not shown) is provided in the case 12 of the 3D probe 10. More specifically, the 2D array transducer is provided in the vicinity of the wave transmitting / receiving surface 13. The wave transmission / reception surface 13 is a surface abutted on the body surface. Although the present invention is particularly preferably applied to the 3D probe used in contact with the body surface as described above, it can also be applied to a 3D probe inserted into a body cavity. In that case, it is desirable to include an X-ray contrast medium in each physical mark so that each physical mark described later can be observed by X-rays or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a physical mark portion 16 is formed in the lower portion (end portion on the living body side) of the case 12. In the present embodiment, the physical mark portion 16 is composed of a first physical mark 18 and a second physical mark 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first physical mark 18 has a side surface (the scanning direction closest to the origin) corresponding to the origin (the fundamental starting point of scanning) in the θ direction among the four side surfaces of the case 12. (Side surface orthogonal to). Of the four side surfaces, the second physical mark 20 is provided on the side surface corresponding to the origin in the φ direction.

  The first physical mark 18 and the second physical mark 20 are different in color and shape in the present embodiment. For example, the first physical mark 18 has a square shape, and its color is orange. The mark 20 has a circular shape, and its color is green. Of course, as long as each of the physical marks 18 and 20 can be easily visually identified, various forms can be adopted.

  For example, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, one of the two physical marks 18 and 20 may have a raised shape, and the other may have a concave portion.

  In FIG. 1, the physical marks 18 and 20 are provided at the central portion of the lower end portion on the side surface, but may be provided at other portions. However, it is desirable to provide the physical marks 18 and 20 at positions where the physical marks 18 and 20 are not concealed by the operator's hand in the state where the case 12 is held.

  Therefore, as is apparent from the above description, in the present embodiment, the first physical mark 18 is associated with the θ direction, which is the first scanning direction, and also associated with the origin, which is the reference end. . Similarly, the second physical mark 20 is associated with the φ direction that is the second scanning direction, and is also associated with the origin that is the reference end.

  The case 12 generally has a color such as white or gray, but it is desirable that the colors of the physical marks 18 and 20 be different from the color of the case 12. The physical marks 18 and 20 are preferably made of, for example, a rubber material and have a different texture from the case 12 made of resin or the like.

  The transmission unit 30 functions as a transmission beam former, and supplies a transmission signal with a predetermined delay relationship to a plurality of vibration elements constituting the array transducer. As a result, a transmission beam is formed in the 3D probe 10. The receiving unit 32 functions as a reception beam former that performs phasing addition on reception signals output from a plurality of vibration elements. Both the transmitter 30 and the receiver 32 have a function of electronically scanning an ultrasonic beam two-dimensionally.

  The above-described three-dimensional space V is formed by two-dimensional scanning of the ultrasonic beam. In this case, the ultrasonic beam may be scanned in the θ direction, and the scanning surface S formed thereby may be formed at each position in the φ direction.

  The signal processing unit 34 includes, for example, a detector and a logarithmic converter. Of course, when performing Doppler signal processing, a quadrature detector, an autocorrelation circuit, or the like may be provided. In any case, the received signal (echo data) processed by the signal processing unit 34 is stored in the 3D memory 36.

  In the storage, the address of the 3D memory 36 is associated with φ, θ, r, and each echo data is stored at the address associated with the three-dimensional coordinate in the three-dimensional space V. However, when 3D image formation and tomographic image formation can be performed sequentially, the 3D memory 36 can be excluded, or a frame memory, a line memory, or the like may be provided instead. In storing data in the 3D memory 36, the data may be stored not in the polar coordinate system as described above but in a rectangular coordinate system (x, y, z). In any case, it is desirable that coordinate conversion is performed when writing to or reading from the 3D memory 36. The three-dimensional image forming unit 38 forms the three-dimensional space V as a three-dimensional image by using a method such as an integration projection method or a volume rendering method. In that case, each echo data stored in the 3D memory 36 is read out, and a three-dimensional image is formed using the echo data.

  On the other hand, the tomographic image forming unit 40 is a module that forms a tomographic image corresponding to the cut plane set by the user. That is, each echo data on the cut surface is read from the 3D memory 36, and a tomographic image is formed by the echo data. In this case, the tomographic image may be formed using only the echo data existing on the cut surface, or the interpolation calculation is performed in consideration of the echo data existing in the vicinity of the cut surface. Thus, a tomographic image may be formed. Alternatively, a constant finite thickness (slab) may be provided on the cut surface, and a tomographic image may be formed from echo data within the thickness. In any case, various methods can be used as a tomographic image forming method.

  The control unit 48 performs operation control of each component shown in FIG. An operation panel 50 is connected to the control unit 48. The operation panel 50 is configured by, for example, a trackball or a keyboard, and the user can input a three-dimensional image formation condition, a tomographic image formation condition, and the like using the operation panel 50. In particular, the position of each cutting plane in the triplane display described later is set using the operation panel 50. The coordinate information of one cutting plane or a plurality of cutting planes set as described above is output to the tomographic image forming unit 40, and the tomographic image forming unit 40 forms a tomographic image corresponding to each set cutting plane. The control unit 48 controls the operation of the graphic image forming unit 42. The graphic image forming unit 42 is a module that forms a graphic image that is displayed superimposed on a three-dimensional image or a tomographic image. As will be described later, the graphic image includes at least one of a first display mark and a second display mark. Here, the first display mark corresponds to the first physical mark 18 and the second display mark is the above-described one. Corresponds to the second physical mark 20. That is, when a tomographic image is displayed based on the corresponding relationship, the position of the tomographic image in the three-dimensional space and the orientation of the viewpoint can be easily recognized. Therefore, the control unit 48 provides necessary information so that the graphic image forming unit 42 can form a graphic image including a display mark.

  The display processing unit 44 has an image synthesis function and the like, synthesizes a graphic image with a three-dimensional image or a tomographic image, and outputs the synthesized image data to the display unit 46. In the present embodiment, a composite image including a three-dimensional image is displayed on the display unit 46, or a triplane image corresponding to an orthogonal three cross section is displayed together with a graphic. Of course, various display forms can be employed. For example, one tomographic image may be displayed together with a graphic.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the 3D probe 10 shown in FIG. As described above, the first physical mark 18 and the second physical mark 20 are provided on the outer surface of the case 12 in the 3D probe 10. The case 12 has four side surfaces 12A to 12D. In the present embodiment, the first physical mark 18 is provided on the first side surface 12A, and the second physical mark 20 is provided on the second side surface 12B. Here, the first side surface 12A is a side surface (a side surface orthogonal to the θ direction and substantially parallel to the φ direction) corresponding to the reference end (origin) in the θ direction that is the first scanning direction, and the second side surface 12B is the first side surface 12B. It is a side surface (a side surface orthogonal to the φ direction and substantially parallel to the θ direction) corresponding to the reference end in the φ direction that is the two scanning directions. The wave transmitting / receiving surface 13 is in contact with the body surface, and the 2D array transducer 13A described above is provided on the back side thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the first physical mark 18 has a quadrangular shape and is formed as a depression. On the other hand, the second physical mark 20 has a raised protrusion-like form, and its overall shape is approximately circular or elliptical. With such an uneven relationship, the user can recognize each physical mark by tactile sensation. Further, even when visually observed, such irregularities are extremely discriminating. The first physical mark can be provided on the first side surface and the third side surface, and the second physical mark can be provided on the second side surface and the fourth side surface. In that case, it is desirable to change the form of the two first physical marks. Similarly, it is desirable to change the form of the two second physical marks. Thereby, each physical mark can be identified. In such a case, the display mark is displayed in the same form for each physical mark.

  FIG. 3 shows a modification of the physical mark portion. In FIG. 3, the case 62 of the 3D probe 60 has a rectangular shape with a horizontal section similar to that shown in FIG. 2, that is, four corners are synthesized around the side thereof. Of these corners, physical mark portions 68 are formed at corners 70 corresponding to both the reference end in the θ direction and the reference end in the φ direction (the corner where the first side surface and the second side surface intersect). . The physical mark portion 68 includes a portion 64 existing on the first side surface 62A and a portion 66 existing on the second side surface 62B with the ridge line of the corner portion 70 therebetween. That is, the portions 64 and 66 are integrally connected, and the physical mark portion 68 exists across the two side surfaces. Also in such an embodiment, when each tomographic image is displayed as described later, it becomes possible to recognize the respective scanning directions and scanning directions.

  In the present embodiment, a reference point specifying type mark assignment rule is adopted in which the first physical mark specifies the position of the origin in the first scanning direction and the second physical mark specifies the position of the origin in the second scanning direction. However, in other embodiments to be described later, the first physical mark specifies the orientation of the surface of the first scanning surface (or the side surface substantially parallel to the first scanning surface), and the second physical mark performs the second scanning. A surface orientation specification type mark provision rule for specifying the surface orientation (or the side surface substantially parallel to the second scanning surface) is employed. In the latter case, when the 3D probe 60 as shown in FIG. 3 is used, the portion 66 corresponds to the first physical mark and the portion 64 corresponds to the second physical mark. It is necessary for the user who observes the ultrasonic image to understand the mark provision rule that is actually adopted.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a 2D array transducer 63 </ b> A is provided on the back side of the wave transmitting / receiving surface 63. The portion 66 of the physical mark portion 68 corresponds to the first physical mark 20 shown in FIG. 2, and the portion 64 corresponds to the first physical mark 18 shown in FIG. Therefore, you may make it form those parts 64 and 66 by a mutually different color. In the 3D probe 60 shown in FIG. 3, for example, the entire ridge line as the corner portion 70 may be colored, and the physical mark portion 68 may be formed with the coloring.

  Next, an example of an image displayed on the display unit 46 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The contents of each image shown below are for explaining the embodiment and do not necessarily correspond to the actual heart structure.

  FIG. 4 shows the positional relationship between the 3D probe 10 and the heart 100 as an organ in the living body. Here, reference numeral 102 represents a set cutting plane, that is, a scanning plane corresponding to the cutting plane 102 is formed.

  When such a cutting plane is set, an image as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. That is, a fan-shaped tomographic image 106 formed by electronic sector scanning is displayed on the display screen 104, and a second display mark 20A is displayed near the top of the tomographic image 106. The second display mark 20 </ b> A has a color and shape corresponding to the second physical mark 20. Specifically, the second display mark 20A has an orange color. Therefore, according to the display as shown in FIG. 2, the user can intuitively understand that the tomographic image corresponds to the r-φ plane, and intuitively understand the reference end in the φ direction. can do. That is, as indicated by reference numeral 200 in FIG. 4, the observation direction of the tomographic image, that is, the direction of the viewpoint can be easily grasped.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the cut surface 108 is set in the θ direction with respect to the heart 100, an image as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. That is, a tomographic image 110 corresponding to the R-θ plane is displayed on the display screen 104. In that case, the first display mark 18A is displayed on the side corresponding to the reference end in the θ direction. That is, the first display mark 18 </ b> A is displayed on the right side at the top of the fan-shaped tomographic image 110. The first display mark 18 </ b> A has the same shape and color as the first physical mark 18 in the 3D probe 10. Specifically, the shape is a rectangle, and the color is, for example, green.

  As a result, by observing the display as shown in FIG. 7, the user can easily recognize the position of the tomographic image in the three-dimensional space and can easily recognize the reference end in the scanning direction. That is, it can be easily recognized whether the tomographic image is viewed from the front side or the tomographic image viewed from the back side. In FIG. 6, the direction of the viewpoint is indicated by reference numeral 202.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the horizontal cut surface 112 is set in the three-dimensional space V, an image as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Here, the cut surface 112 corresponds to the φ-θ plane, or corresponds to the xy plane with the depth direction being the z direction.

  9, the tomographic image 114 corresponding to the cut surface 112 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display screen 104. In this case, two display marks 18A, 20A is displayed. In this case, the display marks 18A and 20A are displayed in the vicinity of the center of the two sides of the tomographic image 114, respectively. Therefore, also in this case, the user can intuitively recognize the positional relationship between the tomographic image 114 and the 3D probe 10 by grasping the positions of the display marks 18A and 20A. In this case, the orientation of the viewpoint is as indicated by reference numeral 204 as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a triplane display as three orthogonal cross sections can be performed on the display screen 104. That is, the tomographic images shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 9 are displayed side by side, and the corresponding display marks 18A and 20A are displayed accordingly. Here, for example, a figure schematically representing a 3D probe and a figure schematically representing a three-dimensional space may be displayed in the lower left part. In that case, two physical marks may be displayed on the figure schematically representing the 3D probe, and the position of each cutting plane may be represented by a wire or the like on the figure schematically representing the three-dimensional space. May be.

  When a 3D probe 60 as shown in FIG. 3 is used, a triplane display as shown in FIG. 11 may be performed. That is, although the tomographic images 106, 110, and 114 are displayed on the display screen 104, the display mark portion 120 associated with the physical mark 68 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed in the vicinity thereof.

  Therefore, the direction of each tomographic image 106, 110, 114 can be easily recognized by such display.

  Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the above embodiment.

  In other embodiments, as in the above-described embodiment, the first scanning is performed when the ultrasonic image is observed by associating the first physical mark and the second physical mark with the first display mark and the second display mark. The direction and the second scanning direction can be easily identified visually.

  However, in the above embodiment, the first physical mark is provided on the first side surface orthogonal to the first scanning direction, and the second physical mark is provided on the second side surface orthogonal to the second scanning direction. However, in this embodiment, as will be described in detail below, the first physical mark is provided on the second side surface in a parallel relationship with the first scanning surface, and the second physical mark is in a parallel relationship with the second scanning surface. Is provided on the first side surface. Although there are such differences, they are common in terms of the principle of associating the probe coordinate system with the coordinate system of the display image. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 12 shows a 3D probe 10 according to this embodiment. The case 12 has four side surfaces 12A to 12D that are substantially orthogonal to each other. Among them, a first physical mark 300 is formed below the second side surface 12B, and a second physical mark 302 is formed below the first side surface 12A. The first physical mark 300 is provided at a position displaced to the scanning origin side in the first scanning direction (θ direction), and the second physical mark 302 is a position displaced to the scanning end point side in the second scanning direction (φ direction). Is provided. Of course, the first physical mark 300 may be provided at a position displaced toward the end point in the first scanning direction, and the second physical mark 302 may be provided at a position displaced toward the origin in the second scanning direction. In any case, the user should be made aware in advance of the relationship between the scanning plane, physical marks, and display marks. In each embodiment, the mark assignment rule is different, but if the user understands the executed rule, there is no confusion in grasping the image.

  The first physical mark 300 is an orange mark having, for example, a circular convex shape (expressed in the same form as the second physical mark 20 of the above embodiment for convenience of explanation), and the second physical mark 302 is For example, it is a green mark having a concave shape with a rectangle (for the convenience of explanation, it is expressed in the same form as the first physical mark 18 of the above embodiment). As in the above embodiment, it is desirable that the first physical mark 300 and the second physical mark have different shapes, irregularities, colors, and the like. A first display mark to be described later has the same shape and color as the first physical mark 300, and the second display mark has the same shape and color as the second physical mark 302.

  The first scanning plane is formed by scanning the ultrasonic beam in the first scanning direction (θ direction) (data on the scanning plane is extracted from the 3D echo data space formed by the two-dimensional scanning of the ultrasonic beam. The first scanning plane and the second side surface 12B are in a parallel relationship (substantially parallel relationship). The first scanning plane is inclined by the deflection angle of the ultrasonic beam in the second scanning direction. When the deflection angle is zero degrees, that is, when the first scanning plane is vertical, the first scanning plane and the second side surface 12B are They are parallel (see FIG. 15 described later). Similarly, a second scanning plane is formed by scanning an ultrasonic beam in the second scanning direction (φ direction) (data extraction on the scanning plane is performed from a 3D echo data space formed by two-dimensional scanning of the ultrasonic beam). The second scanning plane and the first side surface 12A are in a parallel relationship (substantially parallel relationship). The second scanning plane is inclined according to the deflection angle of the ultrasonic beam in the first scanning direction. When the deflection angle is zero degrees, that is, when the second scanning plane is vertical, the second scanning plane and the first side surface 12A are They are parallel (see FIG. 13 described later). However, even if each side surface is slightly curved or inclined, the correspondence between each scanning surface and each side surface can be intuitively understood by the user.

  In this embodiment, as shown later in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16, each display mark can be displayed as if each physical mark was projected on the tomographic image as it is, so that the correspondence can be grasped more naturally than in the above embodiment. There is an advantage.

  The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the 3D probe shown in FIG. 12 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Next, an example of an image displayed on the display unit will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 13 shows the positional relationship between the 3D probe 10 and the heart 100 as an organ in the living body. Here, as in FIG. 4, reference numeral 102 represents a set cut plane, that is, a scan plane (second scan plane) corresponding to the cut plane 102 is formed.

  When such a cutting plane is set, an image as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. In other words, a fan-like tomographic image 106 formed by electronic sector scanning is displayed on the display screen 104, and a second display mark 302A is displayed near the right side of the tomographic image 106 above. Displayed on the right side corresponds to the second physical mark 302 being displaced to the right side on the first side surface in the 3D probe 10. That is, the second display mark 302A is displayed with the impression that the second physical mark 302 is projected on the cut surface. This also applies to the case where the first display mark 300A is displayed as will be described later. The second display mark 302A has a color and shape corresponding to the second physical mark 302. Therefore, according to the display as shown in FIG. 2, the user can intuitively understand that the tomographic image corresponds to the r-φ plane, and intuitively understand the reference end in the φ direction. can do. That is, as indicated by reference numeral 200 in FIG. 13, the observation direction of the tomographic image, that is, the direction of the viewpoint can be easily grasped.

  In addition, when displaying the back surface of a cut surface, the 2nd display mark 302A is displayed on the left side of a tomographic image. In that case, processing such as reducing the luminance while maintaining the shape and color may be applied, that is, the display form may be slightly changed. The same applies to the case where other cut surfaces are displayed.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 15, when a cut plane (corresponding to the first scanning plane) 108 is set in the θ direction with respect to the heart 100, an image as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. That is, a tomographic image 110 corresponding to the R-θ plane is displayed on the display screen 104. In that case, the first display mark 300A is displayed on the side corresponding to the reference end in the θ direction. That is, the first display mark 300 </ b> A is displayed on the right side at the top of the fan-shaped tomographic image 110. This corresponds to the fact that in the 3D probe 10, the first physical mark 300 is provided on the right side of the second side surface. The first display mark 300 </ b> A has the same shape and color as the first physical mark 18 in the 3D probe 10.

  As a result, the user can easily recognize the position of the tomographic image in the three-dimensional space by observing the display as shown in FIG. 16, and can easily recognize the reference end in the scanning direction. That is, it can be easily recognized whether the tomographic image is viewed from the front side or the tomographic image viewed from the back side. In FIG. 15, the direction of the viewpoint is indicated by reference numeral 202.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 17, when the horizontal cut surface 112 is set in the three-dimensional space V, an image as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. Here, the cut surface 112 corresponds to the φ-θ plane, or corresponds to the xy plane with the depth direction being the z direction.

  18, the tomographic image 114 corresponding to the cut surface 112 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display screen 104. In this case, two display marks 300A corresponding to the respective physical marks 300 and 302 are displayed. , 032A are displayed. In this case, display marks 300A and 302A are displayed at the right ends of two specific sides of the tomographic image 114, respectively. That is, the display marks 300A and 302A are displayed in such an arrangement that the physical marks 300 and 302 in the 3D probe 10 are viewed from above. The display method in this case is based on the same rule as that shown in FIG. Therefore, also in this case, the user can intuitively recognize the positional relationship between the tomographic image 114 and the 3D probe 10 by grasping the positions of the display marks 300A and 302A. In this case, the orientation of the viewpoint is as indicated by reference numeral 204 as shown in FIG.

  Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, triplane display as three orthogonal cross sections can be performed on the display screen 104. That is, the tomographic images shown in FIGS. 14, 16 and 18 are displayed side by side, and corresponding display marks 300A and 302A are displayed accordingly. Here, for example, a figure schematically representing a 3D probe and a figure schematically representing a three-dimensional space may be displayed in the lower left part. In that case, two physical marks may be displayed on the figure schematically representing the 3D probe, and the position of each cutting plane may be represented by a wire or the like on the figure schematically representing the three-dimensional space. May be.

  When a 3D probe 60 as shown in FIG. 3 is used, a triplane display as shown in FIG. 20 may be performed. That is, although each tomographic image 106, 110, 114 is displayed on the display screen 104, a display mark portion associated with the physical mark 68 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed in the vicinity thereof. Here, the display mark portion has, for example, a rectangular display mark 400A indicating the position of the corner portion where the physical mark 68 is provided, and a form (L-shape) similar to the physical mark 68, and the position of the corner portion. Display mark 400B.

  Therefore, the direction of each tomographic image 106, 110, 114 can be easily recognized by such display.

1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of 3D probe. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of 3D probe. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a cut surface. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the tomographic image corresponding to the cut surface shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a cut surface. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the tomographic image corresponding to the cut surface shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a cut surface. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the tomographic image corresponding to the cut surface shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a triplane display. It is a figure which shows the other example of a triplane display. It is a perspective view of the 3D probe which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a cut surface in other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the tomographic image corresponding to the cut surface shown in FIG. 13 in other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a cut surface in other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the tomographic image corresponding to the cut surface shown in FIG. 15 in other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a cut surface in other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the tomographic image corresponding to the cut surface shown in FIG. 17 in other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a triplane display in other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of a triplane display in other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  10 3D probe (ultrasound probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data), 16 physical mark part, 18, 300 first physical mark, 20, 302 second physical mark, 30 transmission part, 32 reception part, 34 signal processing Part, 36 3D memory, 38 three-dimensional image forming part, 40 tomographic image forming part, 42 graphic image forming part, 44 display processing part, 46 display part.

Claims (8)

A three-dimensional echo data capturing ultrasonic probe that scans an ultrasonic beam in the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction to form a three-dimensional echo data capturing space;
A physical marker portion provided on an outer surface of the ultrasonic probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data, for specifying the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction;
An image forming means for forming an ultrasonic image representing the inside of the three-dimensional echo data capturing space based on a received signal from the ultrasonic probe for capturing the three-dimensional echo data;
Display processing means for displaying a display marker portion associated with the physical marker portion together with the ultrasound image;
Including
The physical marker part is
A first physical marker associated with the first scanning direction;
A second physical marker associated with the second scanning direction and having a visually different form from the first physical marker;
Have
The display marker portion is
A first display marker associated with the first physical marker;
A second display marker associated with the second physical marker;
Have
The display processing means displays the first ultrasonic image together with the first ultrasonic image when displaying the first ultrasonic image formed by the ultrasonic beam scanning in the first scanning direction among the plurality of ultrasonic images. When displaying a display marker and displaying a second ultrasonic image formed by ultrasonic beam scanning in the second scanning direction, the second display marker is displayed together with the second ultrasonic image,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein a display marker corresponding to a scanning direction of the ultrasonic beam is displayed together with an ultrasonic image. The apparatus of claim 1.
When displaying the third ultrasonic image formed by the ultrasonic beam scanning in the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction, the display processing means, together with the third ultrasonic image, the first display marker and Simultaneously displaying the second display marker;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 2.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the first ultrasonic image, the second ultrasonic image, and the third ultrasonic image are simultaneously displayed to perform a triplane display. A three-dimensional echo data capturing ultrasonic probe that scans an ultrasonic beam in the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction to form a three-dimensional echo data capturing space;
A physical marker portion provided on an outer surface of the ultrasonic probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data, for specifying the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction;
An image forming means for forming an ultrasonic image representing the inside of the three-dimensional echo data capturing space based on a received signal from the ultrasonic probe for capturing the three-dimensional echo data;
Display processing means for displaying a display marker portion associated with the physical marker portion together with the ultrasound image;
Including
The physical marker part is
A first physical marker associated with the first scanning direction;
A second physical marker associated with the second scanning direction and having a visually different form from the first physical marker;
Have
The display marker portion is
A first display marker associated with the first physical marker;
A second display marker associated with the second physical marker;
Have
When the display processing means displays a three-dimensional ultrasonic image formed by ultrasonic beam scanning in the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction, the first display marker is displayed together with the three-dimensional ultrasonic image. And displaying the second display marker,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein a display marker corresponding to a scanning direction of the ultrasonic beam is displayed together with a three-dimensional ultrasonic image. The device according to claim 1 or 4,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the first physical marker and the second physical marker are provided with different tactile sensations. The device according to claim 1 or 4,
The ultrasonic probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data is:
A first side surface orthogonal to the first scanning direction;
A second side surface orthogonal to the second scanning direction;
Have
The first physical marker is provided on the first side surface;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the second physical marker is provided on the second side surface. The apparatus of claim 6.
The first side surface is a side surface on a reference end side in the first scanning direction;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the second side surface is a side surface on a reference end side in the second scanning direction. The device according to claim 1 or 4,
The ultrasonic probe for capturing three-dimensional echo data is:
A second side surface extending in the first scanning direction;
A first side surface extending in the second scanning direction;
Have
The first physical marker is provided on the second side surface;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the second physical marker is provided on the first side surface.

Images