JP2007289282A - Ultrasonographic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonographic apparatus which enables a reduction in labor for aligning the sample line and observing point by an operator and in the load on the operation. <P>SOLUTION: A relative position calculating section 63 obtains the relative positional relation of the sample line designated by the operator and a reference point on the ultrasonic image a brightness information acquiring section 62 acquires the brightness information of the reference point. A reference position calculating section 91 determines a new position of the reference point on a newly acquired ultrasonic image from the brightness information of the reference point and a position determining section 92 obtains a new position of the sample line on a newly acquired ultrasonic image from the above new position and the above relative positional relation. Consequently, the position of the sample line can be changed following the movement of the ultrasonic image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing the motion state of a fluid in a body using the Doppler effect of ultrasonic waves.

  There is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs Doppler scan (for example, Patent Document 1). Doppler scan is a technique for obtaining blood flow information in a subject based on the principle of ultrasonic Doppler method. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a method of observing a temporal change in blood flow information by executing a pulse Doppler method (PW Doppler method) or a continuous wave Doppler method (Continuous Wave: CW Doppler method) is generally performed. ing.

  Here, an observation point and sample line setting method for designating a position from which Doppler information is acquired will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a screen for explaining a method for setting observation points and sample lines. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the related art displays a B-mode tomographic image 100 that is a two-dimensional image on a monitor screen as shown in FIG. A movable observation point 102 is displayed on the tomographic image 100. The operator designates a position where blood flow information is acquired by the observation point 102.

  The operator observes the B-mode tomographic image 100 shown in FIG. 7 and determines a portion where blood flow is to be observed. At this time, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays a linear sample line 101 indicating the ultrasonic transmission / reception direction on the B-mode tomographic image 100. The sample line 101 can be moved in the scanning direction (in the direction of arrow A) using a pointing device such as a trackball. In addition, the observation point 102 can move on the linear sample line 101 in the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception direction (direction of arrow B). The operator moves the sample line 101 to a position including a portion where blood flow is to be observed, and further moves the observation point 102 in the transmission / reception direction (in the direction of arrow B) to match the portion where blood flow is to be observed. . In this manner, by manipulating the sample line and the observation point, it is possible to designate a portion where blood flow is to be observed. When a desired position is designated by the observation point and Doppler scan is executed, Doppler information (blood flow information) of the designated portion is obtained. The Doppler data representing the time change of the blood flow information has time on the horizontal axis and speed (frequency) on the vertical axis, and is usually displayed on the monitor screen simultaneously with the B-mode tomographic image 100.

  Note that blood flow information at the observation point is acquired by performing the pulse Doppler method (PW Doppler method), and the observation in the ultrasonic beam focus region is performed by performing the continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method). In addition to the points, blood flow information on the sample line is acquired by being superimposed. Note that the observation point has a predetermined width and can be changed by the operator. In the pulse Doppler method, blood flow information within an observation point having that width is acquired.

  On the other hand, by using an ultrasonic probe in which ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged, the inside of a subject is spatially scanned (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “volume scan”), and a three-dimensional living body is scanned. It has become possible to obtain information. When performing a volume scan, a three-dimensional image is displayed on the monitor screen, a sample line and an observation point are displayed, and a position where blood flow information is to be obtained is designated by the sample line and the observation point.

JP-A-6-217975

  In the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described above, the operator has to manually align the sample line and the observation point at a position where blood flow information is to be obtained. The ultrasonic probe, sample line, and observation point are displaced from the desired position due to slight shaking of the operator's hand, and blood flow information at the desired position cannot be obtained. There is a fear. In this way, if the desired position and the observation point are misaligned, the operator must adjust the position of the sample line and observation point each time, which places a heavy operational burden on the operator. In addition to being forced, there is a problem that the diagnosis time is prolonged and the examination efficiency is lowered.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can reduce the burden on the operator by reducing the labor of positioning the sample line and the observation point by the operator. Objective.

  The invention according to claim 1 acquires transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic probe, image generation means for generating ultrasonic images based on signals obtained by transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves, and acquisition of Doppler information. A display control unit that superimposes a marker for designating a position to be displayed on the ultrasonic image and displays the marker on a display unit; a Doppler processing unit that acquires Doppler information at a position designated by the marker; A relative position calculation means for obtaining a relative positional relationship between a predetermined reference position in FIG. 5 and the position of the marker, and a new marker on the ultrasonic image newly acquired based on the relative positional relationship. And a marker position determining means for obtaining a correct position.

  According to the present invention, the relative positional relationship between the predetermined reference position and the marker is obtained, and the new position of the marker on the newly acquired ultrasonic image is obtained based on the relative positional relationship. The marker can be set to follow the ultrasonic image. Accordingly, even when the marker is displaced from a desired position due to the movement of the ultrasonic probe, the marker can be set at the desired position. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor for the marker alignment by the operator and reduce the operational burden.

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

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is characterized by a display processing unit 6 and a marker setting processing unit 8, and includes sample lines and observation points (sample volumes) indicating positions where Doppler information (blood flow information) is acquired. When the position deviates from a desired position (position where blood flow is to be observed), the deviation is corrected and the sample line and observation point are reset. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 is a so-called one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a row in the scanning direction, or ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a lattice (matrix) form, and volume scanning is performed. A so-called two-dimensional ultrasonic probe that acquires three-dimensional biological information is used.

  The transmission / reception unit 3 includes a transmission unit (not shown) that supplies an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate an ultrasonic wave, and a reception unit that receives a signal from the ultrasonic probe 2.

  The signal processing unit 4 includes a B mode processing unit 41 and a Doppler processing unit 42. The signal output from the transmission / reception unit 3 is subjected to predetermined processing in any of the processing units.

  The B-mode processing unit 41 visualizes echo amplitude information and generates B-mode ultrasonic raster data from the echo signal. Specifically, the B-mode processing unit 41 performs band-pass filter processing on the signal sent from the transmission / reception unit 3, then detects the envelope of the output signal, and performs logarithmic conversion on the detected data. Apply compression processing.

  The Doppler processing unit 42 generates blood flow information by a pulse Doppler method (PW Doppler method) or a continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method). For example, according to the pulse Doppler method, since a pulse wave is used, a Doppler shift frequency component at a specific depth can be detected. Thus, since it has distance resolution, it is possible to measure the velocity of tissue and blood flow at a specific site. The Doppler processing unit 42 extracts a Doppler shift frequency component by phase-detecting a received signal in an observation point (sample volume) having a predetermined size with respect to the signal sent from the transmission / reception unit 3, and further performs FFT processing To generate a Doppler frequency distribution representing a blood flow velocity in an observation point (sample volume) having a predetermined size.

  Unlike the pulse Doppler method, the continuous wave Doppler method superimposes all Doppler shift frequency components in the ultrasound transmission / reception direction in addition to the main Doppler shift frequency components obtained at the blood flow observation point. Excellent flow measurement. The Doppler processing unit 42 extracts the Doppler shift frequency component from the signal sent from the transmission / reception unit 3 by phase detection of the received signal on the blood flow observation sample line, and further performs FFT processing to obtain the sample line. A Doppler frequency component representing the upper blood flow velocity is generated.

  The image processing unit 5 performs image processing on a signal obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. For example, when a volume scan is executed and volume data (voxel data) is acquired, volume rendering is performed on the volume data to generate three-dimensional image data or perform MPR processing (Multi Planar Reconstruction). By applying, image data (MPR image data) of an arbitrary cross section is generated. Such ultrasonic image data such as three-dimensional image data and MPR image data is output to the display control unit 61, and the display control unit 61 displays an ultrasonic image based on the image data as a display unit 11 </ b> A of a UI (user interface) 11. To display.

  In this state where the ultrasonic image is displayed on the display unit 11A, the operator uses the operation unit 11B of the UI (user interface) 11 to locate the position where the Doppler information (blood flow information) is to be acquired. Can be specified above. For example, a sample line or observation point (sample volume) can be specified.

  Here, a case where a sample line or an observation point (sample volume) is designated on a three-dimensional image will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining sample lines and observation points set on a three-dimensional image. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a range including a reference point.

  In a state where a three-dimensional image is displayed on the monitor screen of the display unit 11A, the operator can specify a sample line and an observation point (sample volume) on the three-dimensional image using the operation unit 11B. For example, by specifying the point A and the point B on the three-dimensional image 20 using the operation unit 11B, the sample line 21 having the specified point A and the point B as end portions is set. In addition, an observation point (sample volume) 22 is set by designating an arbitrary point C on the sample line 21.

  In this embodiment, when an operator designates an arbitrary point using the operation unit 11 </ b> B, the point becomes a reference point for the sample line 21 and the observation point (sample volume) 22. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when a point a 1, a point a 2, and a point b are designated on the three-dimensional image 20, these points become reference points of the sample line 21 and the observation point (sample volume) 22. Become.

  The relative position calculation unit 63 includes the coordinates on the three-dimensional image 20 of the sample line 21 and the observation point (sample volume) 22 specified by the operation unit 11B and the reference point specified by the operation unit 11B on the three-dimensional image 20. The relative positional relationship between the sample line 21 or the observation point 22 and the reference point is obtained based on the coordinates at.

  When the sample line 21 is designated, the relative position calculation unit 63 obtains the relative positional relationship between the end of the sample line 21 and the reference point. This relative positional relationship is vector information of the end of the sample line 21 with respect to the reference point, and is constituted by the distance and direction from the reference point to the end of the sample line 21. For example, the relative position calculation unit 63 obtains the position (distance and direction) of the end of the sample line 21 with respect to the reference point based on the coordinates of the end of the sample line 21 and the coordinates of the reference point. Information indicating the relative positional relationship (the position of the end of the sample line 21 with respect to the reference point) is stored in the storage unit 7.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, points A and B are designated as the end portions of the sample line 21, and points a1, a2, and b are designated as reference points. As shown in FIG. 2, the coordinates on these volume data are end A (X1, Y1, Z1), end B (X2, Y2, Z2), reference point a1 (Xa1, Ya1, Za1), The reference point is a2 (Xa2, Ya2, Za2) and the reference point b (Xb1, Yb1, Zb1). The relative position calculation unit 63 obtains the relative positions of the end A and the end B of the sample line 21 with respect to the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b based on the coordinates of these points. That is, the relative position calculation unit 63 obtains vector information (distance and direction) of the end A and the end B of the sample line 21 with respect to the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b.

  The luminance information acquisition unit 62 acquires the coordinates of the reference point designated by the operation unit 11B, and acquires the luminance information of the reference point on the volume data. For example, the luminance information acquisition unit 62 acquires the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point in the volume data. At this time, the luminance information acquisition unit 62 may acquire not only the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point but also the voxel values (luminance information) of voxels within a predetermined range including the reference point. That is, the luminance information acquisition unit 62 acquires the distribution of voxel values (luminance information) within the predetermined range. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a distribution of voxel values (luminance information) at positions within a predetermined range including the reference point b is acquired. The predetermined range is set in advance, and the range may be arbitrarily changed by the operator. For example, the distribution of voxel values (luminance information) of 9 voxels or more with the reference point as the center is acquired. The voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point acquired in this way is stored in the storage unit 7 in association with the coordinates of the reference point.

  In addition, when the reference point is set for the observation point (sample volume) 22 as well as the sample line 21, the relative positional relationship between the observation point 22 and the reference point is obtained, and further, the voxel of the reference point is obtained. A value (luminance information) is acquired. That is, vector information (distance and direction) of the observation point 22 with respect to the reference point is obtained. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the point C (Xc, Yc, Zc) is specified by the operator and the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b are specified, the relative position calculation unit 63 sets the reference point a1, The relative position (vector information) of the observation point 22 with respect to the reference point a2 and the reference point b is obtained. Further, the luminance information acquisition unit 62 acquires the voxel values (luminance information) of the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b. Then, information (vector information) indicating the relative position of the observation point 22 with respect to the reference point is stored in the storage unit 7, and further, the storage unit 7 associates the coordinates of the reference point with the voxel value (luminance information). Is remembered.

  The determination unit 64 compares the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point designated by the operator with the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point on the newly acquired three-dimensional image, and determines the reference point. It is determined whether the voxel values (luminance information) match. When the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point does not match, the determination unit 64 determines that the three-dimensional image has changed since the designation of the reference point, and the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point matches. If so, the determination unit 64 determines that the three-dimensional image has not changed. Then, the determination unit 64 outputs the determination result to the marker position determination unit 9. Since the acquired three-dimensional image changes as the ultrasonic probe 2 and the subject move, the fact that the three-dimensional image changes means that the ultrasonic probe 2 and the subject are moving. means.

  The marker position determination unit 9 determines the position of a new sample line or observation point (sample volume) so as to follow the ultrasonic image. Hereinafter, the configuration of the marker position determination unit 9 will be described.

  The reference position calculation unit 91 receives new three-dimensional image data from the display processing unit 6, and further acquires the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point designated by the operator from the storage unit 7. Then, the reference position calculation unit 91 obtains a position where the voxel value (luminance information) matches the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point in the new three-dimensional image data, and determines the position as the new position of the reference point. (Coordinates).

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b are designated, the reference position calculation unit 91 uses the voxel value (luminance information) as the reference point in the new three-dimensional image data. The positions that coincide with each of a1, a2, and b are obtained, and those positions are set as new positions (coordinates) of the reference points a1, a2, and b.

  When the distribution of voxel values (luminance information) in a predetermined range including the reference point is acquired and stored in the storage unit 7, the reference position calculation unit 91 has a distribution of voxel values in the ultrasound image data. A position of a range that matches the distribution of the plurality of voxel values (luminance information) is obtained, and a position included in the range is set as a new position (coordinate) of the reference point. For example, when the distribution of the voxel values (luminance information) of 9 voxels is acquired, the position included in the range in which the voxel values match the distribution of the voxel values of the 9 voxels is set as the new position (coordinates) of the reference point. ). In this way, by obtaining the reference point based on the distribution of a plurality of voxels included in the predetermined range, it is possible to more accurately identify the new position (coordinate) of the reference point after the three-dimensional image has changed. It becomes.

  As described above, when a new position (coordinate) of each reference point is obtained, the reference position calculation unit 91 outputs information indicating the new position (coordinate) of each reference point to the position determination unit 92.

  When the position determination unit 92 receives information (coordinate information) indicating a new position of each reference point from the reference position calculation unit 91, the position determination unit 92 stores the relative position information (vector information) obtained by the relative position calculation unit 63. Get from. Then, the position determination unit 92 sets the position indicated by the relative position information (vector information) as the position (coordinates) of the end of the new sample line with reference to the new position (coordinates) of each reference point. As a result, the position (coordinates) of the sample line after the three-dimensional image is changed is obtained.

  Then, the position determination unit 92 outputs information (coordinate information) indicating the position of the end of the new sample line to the display processing unit 6. The display control unit 61 superimposes a new sample line on the three-dimensional image according to the coordinate information and displays the new sample line on the display unit 11A.

  Also, when resetting the position of the observation point (sample volume), the position determination unit 92 receives information (coordinate information) indicating the new position of each reference point from the reference position calculation unit 91, as in the case of the sample volume. Then, with the new position (coordinate) of each reference point as a reference, the position indicated by the relative position information (vector information) is set as the position (coordinate) of the new observation point. As a result, the position (coordinates) of the observation point after the three-dimensional image is changed is obtained.

  As described above, even when the three-dimensional image changes, the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) can be set to follow the three-dimensional image. As a result, even if the sample line or observation point deviates from the position where you want to obtain Doppler information (blood flow information) due to movement of the ultrasonic probe or shaking of the hand of the operator, the sample line or observation point Can be set at a position where Doppler information is desired. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor of positioning the sample lines and observation points by the operator and reduce the operational burden.

  Even when the three-dimensional image is rotated or inverted, the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) can follow the three-dimensional image.

  Then, the marker setting unit 10 outputs information (coordinate information) indicating the position of a new sample line or a new observation point (sample volume) determined by the position determination unit 92 to the Doppler processing unit 42 and the transmission / reception unit 3. To do. The transceiver 3 acquires Doppler information (blood flow information) on the sample line or the observation point by deflecting the ultrasonic beam according to the coordinate information and performing Doppler scan.

  In this embodiment, the point a1, the point a2, and the point b are used as reference points, but a line segment or a predetermined range may be used as a reference point. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the line segment L1 is drawn on the three-dimensional image 20 by the operator, the luminance information acquisition unit 62 causes the positions of the points a1 and a2 at the ends of the line segment L1 ( The coordinate) voxel value (luminance information) is acquired, and the shape of the line segment L1 is stored in the storage unit 7 together with the voxel value (luminance information). This line segment L1 corresponds to the reference point. Although only the line segment L1 is shown in FIG. 2, three or more line segments are designated. Then, the relative position calculation unit 63 obtains the relative positional relationship (vector information: distance and direction) between the position of the end of the line segment L1 and the end A and the end B of the sample line 21. Information indicating the actual position (vector information) is stored in the storage unit 7. For the observation point (sample volume) 22, the relative position calculation unit 63 obtains the relative positional relationship (vector information) between the position of the end of the line segment and the observation point 22, and the relative position is determined. Information shown (vector information) is stored in the storage unit 7.

  When the reference position calculation unit 91 receives new 3D image data from the display processing unit 6, the voxel value (luminance information) in the end of the line segment (reference point) is included in the new 3D image data. A location that matches the voxel value and matches the shape of the line segment (reference point) is detected. The line position L1 will be described as an example. In the new three-dimensional image data, the reference position calculation unit 91 matches the voxel values (luminance information) at the end a1 and the end a2 of the line segment L1, and Then, a location that matches the shape of the line segment L1 is detected. For example, when the line segment L1 is set along the edge of the three-dimensional image 20, the reference position calculation unit 91 detects a location where the shape of the line segment L1 matches the shape of the edge of the three-dimensional image 20. The detected location becomes the position (coordinates) of the reference point in the new three-dimensional image data.

  Although only the line segment L1 has been described here, the position (coordinates) in the new three-dimensional image data is also obtained for a line segment (reference point) set other than the line segment L1. That is, a plurality of line segments are set as reference points, and the position (coordinates) in new three-dimensional image data is obtained for each line segment (reference point).

  The position determination unit 92 is indicated by the relative position information (vector information) stored in the storage unit 7 with the new position (coordinate) of each reference point (line segment) obtained by the reference position calculation unit 91 as a reference. The position is set as the coordinates of the end of the new sample line, and information indicating the coordinates is output to the display processing unit 6. The display control unit 61 superimposes a new sample line on the three-dimensional image according to the coordinate information and displays the new sample line on the display unit 11A. For the observation point (sample volume) as well, the position determination unit 92 indicates the relative position information (vector information) stored in the storage unit 7 based on the new position (coordinate) of each reference point (line segment). The position is set as the coordinates of a new observation point, and information indicating the coordinates is output to the display processing unit 6. The display control unit 61 superimposes a new observation point (sample volume) on the three-dimensional image according to the coordinate information, and displays it on the display unit 11A.

  As described above, a line segment is set along the edge of the three-dimensional image, the line segment is set as a reference point, and a new reference point is determined based on the shape of the line segment as well as the luminance information of the end portion. By obtaining the position, the positions of the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) can be specified more accurately.

  In addition to the line segment, a new sample line position and a new observation point (sample volume) position may be obtained by using a region having a predetermined range designated by the operator as a reference point. For example, when a region having a predetermined range is drawn on the three-dimensional image by the operator, the luminance information acquisition unit 62 acquires the distribution of voxel values (luminance information) of each point included in the region, Along with the distribution of voxel values (luminance information), the shape of the region is stored in the storage unit 7. This area corresponds to the reference point. Also for this area, three or more areas are designated. Then, the relative position calculation unit 63 obtains the relative positional relationship (vector information: distance and direction) between the position of each region and the end A and the end B of the sample line 21, and calculates the relative position. Information shown (vector information) is stored in the storage unit 7. In addition, for the observation point (sample volume) 22, the relative position calculation unit 63 obtains the relative positional relationship (vector information) between the position of each region and the observation point 22, and information (relative position information) Vector information) is stored in the storage unit 7.

  When the reference position calculation unit 91 receives new 3D image data from the display processing unit 6, the distribution of voxel values (luminance information) in the new 3D image data is the voxel value of the region (reference point). , And a location that matches the shape of the region (reference point) is detected. The detected location becomes the position (coordinates) of the reference point in the new three-dimensional image data.

  The position determination unit 92 uses the new position (coordinate) of each reference point (region) obtained by the reference position calculation unit 91 as a reference, and the position indicated by the relative position information (vector information) stored in the storage unit 7 Is the coordinates of the end of the new sample line, and information indicating the coordinates is output to the display processing unit 6. The display control unit 61 superimposes a new sample line on the three-dimensional image according to the coordinate information and displays the new sample line on the display unit 11A. Also for the observation point (sample volume), the position determination unit 92 uses the new position (coordinates) of each reference point (region) as a reference and the position indicated by the relative position information (vector information) stored in the storage unit 7. Is the coordinates of the new observation point, and information indicating the coordinates is output to the display processing unit 6. The display control unit 61 causes the display unit 11 </ b> A to display a new observation point (sample volume) superimposed on the three-dimensional image according to the coordinate information.

  As described above, an area having a predetermined range is set on the three-dimensional image, and the area is set as a reference point, and a new reference point area is obtained based on not only luminance information of the area but also the shape of the area. This makes it possible to specify the position of the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) more accurately.

  Note that the display processing unit 6 and the marker position determination unit 9 may be configured by hardware or software. For example, the luminance information acquisition unit 62, the relative position calculation unit 63, the determination unit 64, and the marker position determination unit 9 are configured by a calculation device such as a CPU, and the calculation device is stored in a storage unit (not shown). And executing the program, the functions of the luminance information acquisition unit 62, the relative position calculation unit 63, the determination unit 64, and the marker position determination unit 9 may be executed.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a series of operations by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a series of operations when a sample marker is set on a three-dimensional image will be described.

  First, volume scanning is performed by the ultrasonic probe 2, the image processing unit 5 performs volume rendering to generate three-dimensional image data, and the display control unit 61 displays the three-dimensional image on the display unit 11A.

(Step S01)
As described above, the operator sets the sample marker while the three-dimensional image is displayed on the display unit 11A. For example, the operator designates two points on the three-dimensional image 20, specifically, a point A and a point B shown in FIG. A line segment connecting the points A and B is the sample marker 21.

(Step S02)
When the sample marker is set, next, in order to set a reference point for the sample marker, the operator designates an arbitrary point (reference point) on the three-dimensional image using the operation unit 11B. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when a point a1, a point a2, and a point b are specified on the three-dimensional image 20, these points become reference points. In addition, it is preferable that a position having a large luminance difference such as a blood vessel edge is used as a reference point. This is because the reference position calculation unit 91 can easily detect the reference point because the luminance difference from the surroundings is large.

(Step S03)
When the reference point is designated in step S02, the luminance information acquisition unit 62 acquires the voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point in the volume data. At this time, the luminance information acquisition unit 62 may acquire voxel values (luminance information) of voxels within a predetermined range including the reference point. The voxel value (luminance information) of the reference point acquired in this way is stored in the storage unit 7 in association with the coordinates of the reference point.

(Step S04)
The relative position calculation unit 63 acquires information indicating the coordinates of the sample line designated by the operator and information indicating the coordinates of the reference point, and based on these coordinates, the relative position between the sample line and the reference point is acquired. The positional relationship (vector information: distance and direction) is obtained. For example, the relative position calculation unit 63 determines the end A and the end with respect to the reference points a1, a2, and b based on the coordinates of the end A and end B of the sample line and the coordinates of the reference points a1, a2, and b. The relative position (vector information) of part B is obtained. Then, information indicating the relative positional relationship (vector information) is stored in the storage unit 7.

(Step S05)
When the end A and the end B of the sample marker are designated by the operator, the sample marker is displayed on the display unit 11A.

  When the sample marker is designated in this way, the marker setting unit 10 outputs information (coordinate information) indicating the position of the sample line designated by the operator to the Doppler processing unit 42 and the transmission / reception unit 3. The transceiver 3 acquires Doppler information (blood flow information) on the sample line or the observation point by deflecting the ultrasonic beam according to the coordinate information and performing Doppler scan.

(Step S06)
Then, the determination unit 64 uses the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b specified by the operator, and the reference point a1 and the reference point on the newly acquired three-dimensional image. The voxel values (luminance information) of a2 and the reference point b are compared, and it is determined whether or not the respective voxel values (luminance information) match. If the voxel values of the reference points do not match (step S06, Yes), the determination unit 64 determines that the three-dimensional image has changed. On the other hand, when the voxel values of the reference points match (No in step S06), the determination unit 64 determines that the three-dimensional image has not changed. Then, the determination unit 64 outputs the determination result to the marker position determination unit 9.

  If the position of the ultrasonic probe is shifted due to the shaking of the hand of the operator, the newly acquired 3D image is shifted from the position of the 3D image when the sample marker and the reference point are set. End up. When the position of the three-dimensional image is shifted in this way, the voxel value (luminance information) at the set reference point position changes. Therefore, by detecting the change in the voxel value of the reference point, the position of the three-dimensional image is changed. It is possible to determine whether or not there is a deviation.

(Step S07)
When the voxel values (luminance information) of the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b have changed (step S06, Yes), since it is determined that the three-dimensional image has changed, the marker position determination unit 9 As the three-dimensional image changes, new sample line coordinates are obtained. For this purpose, the reference position calculation unit 91 receives newly acquired three-dimensional image data from the display processing unit 6, and further stores voxel values (luminance information) of each reference point designated by the operator from the storage unit 7. get. Then, the reference position calculation unit 91 obtains a position where the voxel value (luminance information) matches each of the reference points in the new three-dimensional image data, and determines the position as a new position (coordinate) of each reference point. And

  If there is no portion on the newly acquired 3D image data that matches the voxel value (luminance information) of each reference point, new 3D image data is acquired and voxels of each reference point are acquired. Find the position that matches the value (luminance information).

(Step S08)
When the position determination unit 92 receives information (coordinate information) indicating the new position of each reference point from the reference position calculation unit 91, the position determination unit 92 acquires relative position information (vector information) from the storage unit 7, and obtains a new reference point. Using the position (coordinates) as a reference, the position indicated by the relative position information (vector information) is set as the coordinates of the end of the new sample line. Then, the position determination unit 92 outputs information (coordinate information) indicating the coordinates of the end of the new sample line to the display processing unit 6.

(Step S09)
The display control unit 61 superimposes a new sample line on the three-dimensional image according to the coordinate information of the end of the sample line obtained by the position determination unit 92 and displays the new sample line on the display unit 11A.

  As described above, even when the three-dimensional image changes, the sample line can be set to follow the three-dimensional image. As a result, even if the sample line deviates from the desired position (the position where blood flow is to be observed) due to movement of the ultrasonic probe or shaking of the hand of the operator, It is possible to set it so as to follow a desired position. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor of aligning the sample line by the operator and reduce the operational burden.

  When the coordinates of the new sample line are determined, the marker setting unit 10 outputs information (coordinate information) indicating the position of the new sample line to the Doppler processing unit 42 and the transmission / reception unit 3. The transmission / reception unit 3 acquires Doppler information (blood flow information) on the sample line by deflecting the ultrasonic beam according to the coordinate information and performing Doppler scanning.

  In the above operation example, the sample line is made to follow the three-dimensional image, but the observation point (sample volume) can be made to follow the three-dimensional image in the same manner as the sample line.

  In this embodiment, the case where the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) are set for the three-dimensional image has been described. However, the target image may be a B-mode tomographic image as a two-dimensional image. good.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described. In this modification, the displacement amount of the reference point accompanying the change of the ultrasonic image is obtained, and if the displacement amount is within a predetermined range, the position of the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) is corrected, and the predetermined range is obtained. If it is outside, no correction is performed. In order to make this determination, the marker position determination unit 9 includes a determination unit 93 as shown in FIG. Based on the position of each reference point designated by the operator and the position of the new reference point obtained by the reference position calculation unit 61, the determination unit 93 stores the reference point. Displacement amount (distance) is obtained, and it is determined whether the displacement amount is equal to or less than a preset value. The value may be arbitrarily changed by the operator. When the displacement amount of each reference point is equal to or less than a preset value, the positions of the sample line and the observation point are corrected. On the other hand, when the displacement amount of each reference point exceeds a preset value, the sample line and the observation point are not corrected.

  Since the displacement amount of the reference point represents the displacement amount of the three-dimensional image, if the displacement amount of the three-dimensional image is equal to or smaller than the set value, the position of the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) is corrected. . For example, when the displacement amount of the reference point (three-dimensional image) exceeds a set value by moving the ultrasonic probe, the positions of the sample line and the observation point are not corrected.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a variation range 24 is set for the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b. The size of the variation range 24 may be arbitrarily changed by the operator. When the reference point a1, the reference point a2, and the reference point b are moved outside the variation range 24 as the ultrasonic image changes, the position of the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) is corrected. If it remains within the variation range 24, the position of the sample line and the observation point is corrected. This determination is performed by the determination unit 93 as described above.

  The position determination unit 92 receives the determination result from the determination unit 93, and corrects the positions of the sample line and the observation point (sample volume) when the displacement amount of each reference point is determined to be equal to or less than a preset value. To determine the position (coordinates) of a new sample line and a new observation point. Thereby, when the displacement amount of each reference point (the displacement amount of the three-dimensional image) is equal to or less than the set value, a new sample line and a new observation point are set following the three-dimensional image.

  On the other hand, when the displacement amount of each reference point exceeds a preset value, the position determination unit 92 does not correct the positions of the sample line and the observation point. In this case, the sample line and the observation point moved with the change of the three-dimensional image are displayed on the display unit 11A, and the Doppler information at the position specified by the sample line and the observation point is acquired.

  As described above, the tracking function of the sample line and the observation point can be canceled according to the amount of displacement of the ultrasonic image. For example, by moving the ultrasonic probe by a predetermined distance or more, the displacement amount of the reference point (three-dimensional image) exceeds the set value, and the tracking function of the sample line and the observation point can be canceled.

  Further, when the ultrasonic probe is moved away from the body surface of the subject and a noise level signal is detected by the transmission / reception unit 3, the sample line and observation point tracking function may be canceled.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the determination unit 93 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a series of operations according to a modification of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a series of operations when a sample marker is set on a three-dimensional image will be described.

  First, volume scanning is performed by the ultrasonic probe 2, the image processing unit 5 performs volume rendering to generate three-dimensional image data, and the display control unit 61 displays the three-dimensional image on the display unit 11A.

(Step S10 to Step S16)
Steps S10 to S16 are the same as the steps from Step 01 to Step S07 in the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

(Step S17)
In step S16, when a new position of each reference point is obtained, the determination unit 93 acquires information (coordinate information) indicating the position of each reference point designated by the operator from the storage unit 7, Obtain the displacement (distance) of each reference point. Then, the determination unit 93 determines whether or not the displacement amount of the reference point is equal to or less than a preset value. If the amount of displacement of each reference point is equal to or less than a preset value, the determination unit 93 determines to correct the position of the sample line. On the other hand, if the amount of displacement exceeds a preset value, the determination unit 93 determines not to correct the position of the sample line. The determination unit 93 outputs the determination result to the position determination unit 92.

(Step S18)
When the displacement amount of each reference point is equal to or less than a preset value (Yes in step S17), the position determination unit 92 corrects the position of the sample line according to the determination result of the determination unit 93. That is, the position determination unit 92 receives information (coordinate information) indicating a new position of each reference point from the reference position calculation unit 91, further acquires relative position information (vector information) from the storage unit 7, Using the new position (coordinate) of the reference point as a reference, the position indicated by the relative position information (vector information) is set as the coordinate of the end of the new sample line. Then, the position determination unit 92 outputs information (coordinate information) indicating the position of the end of the new sample line to the display processing unit 6.

(Step S19)
The display control unit 61 superimposes a new sample line on the three-dimensional image according to the coordinate information of the end of the new sample line obtained by the position determination unit 92 and displays the new sample line on the display unit 11A. As a result, the sample line is set to follow the three-dimensional image.

  When the coordinates of the new sample line are determined, the marker setting unit 10 outputs information (coordinate information) indicating the position of the new sample line to the Doppler processing unit 42 and the transmission / reception unit 3. The transmission / reception unit 3 acquires Doppler information (blood flow information) on the sample line by deflecting the ultrasonic beam according to the coordinate information and performing Doppler scanning.

  On the other hand, when the displacement amount of each reference point exceeds a preset value (No in step S17), the display control unit 61 moves the three-dimensional image without correcting the position of the sample line. The moved sample line is displayed on the display unit 11A (step S14).

  In this case, since the sample line is not set to follow the ultrasonic image, the marker setting unit 10 transmits information (coordinate information) indicating the position of the sample line moved along with the change of the three-dimensional image to the Doppler processing unit. 42 and the transmission / reception unit 3. The transmission / reception unit 3 acquires Doppler information (blood flow information) on the sample line by deflecting the ultrasonic beam according to the coordinate information and performing Doppler scanning.

  As described above, the sample line tracking function can be canceled according to the displacement of the three-dimensional image. For example, the sample line tracking function can be canceled by moving the ultrasonic probe by a predetermined distance or more. It becomes possible to set another sample line.

  In the above operation example, the sample marker has been described. However, when the observation point (sample volume) is set, the observation point tracking function can be canceled in accordance with the amount of displacement of the three-dimensional image. In this modification, a three-dimensional image has been described as an object, but a B-mode tomographic image as a two-dimensional image may be used as an object image.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the sample line and observation point which were set on the three-dimensional image. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the range containing a reference | standard point. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a series of operation | movement by the ultrasound diagnosing device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the range of the dispersion | variation set on the three-dimensional image. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a series of operation | movement by the modification of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure of the screen for demonstrating the setting method of an observation point and a sample line.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Ultrasonic probe 3 Transmission / reception part 4 Signal processing part 5 Image processing part 6 Display processing part 7 Memory | storage part 8 Marker setting process part 9 Marker position determination part 10 Marker setting part 61 Display control part 62 Luminance information acquisition part 63 Relative position calculation unit 64, 93 Judgment unit 91 Reference position calculation unit 92 Position determination unit

Claims (8)

Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic probe;
Image generating means for generating an ultrasonic image based on a signal obtained by transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic wave;
Display control means for superimposing a marker for designating a position for acquiring Doppler information on the ultrasonic image and displaying it on the display means;
Doppler processing means for acquiring Doppler information at a position specified by the marker;
A relative position calculating means for obtaining a relative positional relationship between a predetermined reference position on the ultrasonic image and the position of the marker;
Marker position determining means for obtaining a new position of the marker on a newly acquired ultrasonic image based on the relative positional relationship;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   The marker position determining means obtains a new position of the predetermined reference position on the newly acquired ultrasonic image based on a luminance value of the predetermined reference position, and the new position and the relative position The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a new position of the marker on the newly acquired ultrasonic image is obtained based on a specific positional relationship.   The marker position determining unit obtains a new position of the predetermined reference position on the newly acquired ultrasonic image based on a luminance value within a predetermined range including the predetermined reference position, and the new position is determined. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a new position of the marker on the newly acquired ultrasonic image is obtained based on a position and the relative positional relationship. The marker position determining means includes
Reference position calculation means for obtaining a new position of the predetermined reference position on the newly acquired ultrasonic image based on the luminance value of the predetermined reference position;
If the displacement amount of the predetermined reference position is equal to or smaller than a preset value, the newly acquired ultrasonic image is based on the new position of the predetermined reference position and the relative positional relationship. A position determining means for determining a new position of the marker on the top;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The predetermined reference position is composed of a plurality of points designated by the operator,
The relative position calculation means obtains a relative positional relationship between the plurality of points and the position of the marker,
The marker position determination means sets a position at which the luminance value coincides with each of the plurality of points in the newly acquired ultrasonic image, and newly sets the plurality of points on the newly acquired ultrasonic image. 2. The position of the marker is obtained on the basis of the new position and the relative positional relationship, and a new position of the marker on the newly acquired ultrasonic image is obtained. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The predetermined reference position is composed of a plurality of lines designated by the operator,
The relative position calculation means obtains a relative positional relationship between the plurality of lines and the position of the marker,
The marker position determining means sets the position where the luminance value and the shape match in the newly acquired ultrasonic image as new positions of the plurality of lines on the newly acquired ultrasonic image, 2. The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein a new position of the marker on the newly acquired ultrasonic image is obtained based on the new position and the relative positional relationship. apparatus. The predetermined reference position is composed of a plurality of areas designated by the operator,
The relative position calculating means obtains a relative positional relationship between the plurality of regions and the position of the marker,
The marker position determination means sets a position where the distribution of the luminance value and the luminance value in the newly acquired ultrasonic image coincides with each other in the newly acquired ultrasonic image. 2. The position of the marker is obtained on the basis of the new position and the relative positional relationship, and a new position of the marker on the newly acquired ultrasonic image is obtained. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The marker is composed of a sample line along the transmission / reception direction of the ultrasonic wave, or an observation point set on the sample line,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Doppler processing unit acquires Doppler information on the sample line or Doppler information at the observation point.

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