JP2008183063A - Medical image diagnostic apparatus, medical image display device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To intuitively grasp a change in the size or firm of the region in a subject with the elapse of time. <P>SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is a medical image diagnostic apparatus for detecting the data which reflect the form in the subject to form the image data of a medical image on the basis of the detected data and constituted so as to photograph the same region in the subject at a plurality of different dates to acquire a plurality of medical images. Examination data including the acquiring dates are attached to a plurality of these medical images. Further, a concerned region showing the region in the subject is indicated on a plurality of the medical images. The concerned region is indicated in order to especially measure the size of the region in the subject. A control part 9 is constituted so as not only to allow the display scales of a plurality of the medical images on which the concerned region is respectively indicated to coincide with each other but also to arrange a plurality of the medical images, the display scales of which are allowed to coincide with each other, on the basis of the examination data to display them on a display part 81 along a time series. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus, a medical image display apparatus, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for observing a change in size of a site in a subject over time.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for measuring the size of a part in a subject based on a medical image has been widely used. Examples of the measurement target site include a fetus, a tumor, and a heart (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3). The measurement contents (size) include a distance (length), an area / volume of a predetermined region, and the like (for example, see Patent Document 4).

  The measurement of the internal part based on the medical image is used for observing changes (trends) in the size of the internal part over time, such as the growth state of the fetus and the growth state of the tumor.

  For example, in the observation of the fetal growth state, an image of the fetus is usually obtained using a noninvasive ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a specific part (for example, a large lateral diameter of a head of a child; BPD (bilateral diameter)) ). The examiner grasped the growth state of the fetus by comparing the measured value with the standard value.

  The standard value for the fetal growth status is statistically determined from a large number of clinical data, and is generally expressed as numerical values (average value, standard deviation, tolerance, etc.) on the screen on which the fetal image is displayed. It is displayed.

  Furthermore, for example, as described in Patent Document 5, the standard size of the specific part corresponding to the number of weeks of the fetus is graphed, and the actual measurement result is displayed superimposed on the growth curve, It is also performed to determine how much the fetal growth state is relative to the standard, or to determine whether it is within the normal range. Such a graph is called a growth curve or a trend graph.

  FIG. 12 shows a conventional trend graph display mode. The display screen 1000 shown in FIG. 12 displays three graphs Tab, Tmax, and Tmin that constitute the trend graph. Each of the graphs Tab, Tmax, and Tmin is obtained by taking the fetal week on the horizontal axis and the BPD value on the vertical axis, and represents a standard value of BPD corresponding to each week.

  Graph Tab is a graph showing the average value of BPD in each week number. Graphs Tmax and Tmin represent ranges in which the value of BPD is included in 5% to 95% of the entire sample in each week number.

  That is, when the value of BPD is larger than the graph Tmax, it means that the fetus belongs to the top 5% of the sample, indicating that the size of the BPD of the fetus is statistically very large. Conversely, if the BPD value is smaller than the graph Tmin, it means that the fetus belongs to the lower 5% of the sample, indicating that the fetal BPD size is statistically very small. Thus, the range defined by the graphs Tmax and Tmin represents the range of statistically normal BPD.

  The mark Curr represents the current (that is, latest) PBD measurement result for the fetus (measured BPD value at the 34th week). The mark Prev represents the previous BPD measurement result for the fetus (measured BPD value at the 32nd week).

JP 2006-231035 A JP 2005-118510 A JP 2006-223558 A JP 2006-187484 A JP-A-9-251364

  When observing changes over time in the size of a part within a subject, it is convenient to intuitively understand changes over time in the size of the measurement target part, and improvement in diagnostic accuracy is also expected. . Intuitively grasping the change over time of the size of the measurement target part is also effective for improving the efficiency of measurement work.

  However, according to the configuration in which the standard value is displayed as a numerical value as in the past, the examiner displays the numerical value of the displayed measured value and the standard value, such as the magnitude of the measured value relative to the standard value and the degree of difference from the standard value. Therefore, it is difficult to intuitively grasp the change over time of the size of the measurement target part.

  In addition, when displaying a trend graph, it is possible to grasp changes over time in the size of the measurement target part by displaying past measurement results on the trend graph, but the actual measurement target part It is difficult to intuitively understand how much the size has changed.

  Furthermore, when displaying a trend graph, it is possible to judge the size of the standard value and the change over time of the size, but it is difficult to grasp the form of the measurement target part and its change over time. It is. In addition, it is possible to sequentially display the images of the measurement target parts on each examination day and observe the change in the form one after another. However, such an observation procedure requires a long time for diagnosis and a different examination day. There is a problem that it is difficult to compare images of the measurement target part and to use for the progress diagnosis.

  The present invention was made to solve the above-described problems, and is a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of intuitively grasping changes over time in the size and form of a site in a subject, It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical image display device and a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image data generating unit that detects data reflecting the form in the subject and generates image data of a medical image based on the detected data. Display means for displaying a plurality of medical images based on the generated image data based on the detected data at each of a plurality of different dates and times, and each of the displayed plurality of medical images, The designating means for designating a region of interest representing a part in the subject is matched with the display scales of the plurality of medical images each including the designated region of interest, and the plurality of medical images with the matched display scale are obtained. A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to display the display unit side by side along a time series.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing image data of a medical image acquired at each of a plurality of different dates and having designated regions of interest each representing a part in a subject, and display means. Control means for matching display scales of the plurality of medical images each including the designated region of interest, and displaying the plurality of medical images having the matched display scales in time series on the display means; A medical image display device comprising:

  The invention according to claim 14 is a storage means for storing image data of a medical image obtained at each of a plurality of different dates and times, each of which represents a region of interest in a subject, and a display means; , A display scale of the plurality of medical images each including the designated region of interest is matched, and the plurality of medical images having the matched display scale are arranged in time series on the display means It is a program characterized by functioning as a control means for displaying.

  According to the present invention, the display scales of a plurality of medical images acquired at each of a plurality of different dates and times, each of which represents a region of interest within a subject, are designated to match each other, and a plurality of display scales matched. Medical images can be displayed side by side in chronological order. Therefore, the examiner can observe a plurality of medical images that are displayed on the same time scale and arranged in chronological order. It is possible to grasp.

  Exemplary embodiments of a medical image diagnostic apparatus, a medical image display apparatus, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Device configuration]
First, the configuration of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 shows an example of the entire configuration of a medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus) according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the control system of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, components necessary for the description of the control system are particularly described, and other components are omitted. FIG. 3 shows an aspect of ultrasonic scanning by the ultrasonic probe of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

  In general, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus that detects data (echo signal) reflecting the form and function in a subject, and forms and displays image data of a medical image based on the detected data. In this embodiment, a case where an image representing the form of a fetus in the mother body is acquired as the form in the subject will be described.

  Although the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail in this embodiment, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention detects data that reflects the form in the subject, and based on the detected data, the medical image Any device having a function of generating the image data may be used. Specifically, the configuration according to the present invention is applied to medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, and a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus (PET, SPECT, etc.). Is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is connected to a medical image database 100 via a communication line N such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The medical image database can also be provided inside the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  The medical image database 100 is a database that stores and manages medical image data acquired by a medical image diagnostic apparatus including the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. In the medical image database 100, a plurality of medical images (image data thereof) G1 to GN are stored.

  Each medical image Gi (i = 1 to N) is accompanied by inspection information related to the inspection from which the medical image is acquired (not shown). As an incidental mode of examination information for the medical image Gi, for example, an arbitrary method such as a method based on DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard or a normal file association method can be applied.

  The examination information includes information such as patient identification information, measurement result information, fetal age information, examination date information, and examination condition information. The patient identification information includes information for identifying the patient such as the patient's name and the patient ID at the medical institution. The measurement result information includes the content of measurement performed based on the medical image and the measurement result.

  The fetal age information includes information representing the age of the fetus such as the estimated number of weeks of the fetus based on LMP (Last Menstrual Period) and the pregnancy period (gestational period). . Since the age of the fetus is generally represented by the number of weeks, information included in the fetal age information may be referred to as “fetal week number”.

  The examination date information includes information indicating the date and time when the examination for obtaining the medical image was performed. Note that “date and time” appropriately includes at least one or more information of year, month, day, hour, minute, and second.

  The examination condition information includes information on various conditions in the examination that acquired the medical image. The examination condition information includes information such as the name of the imaging target (region of interest) of the medical image, the magnification when the medical image is acquired, and the scanning method of the ultrasonic scan.

  As the medical image database 100, for example, a medical image database in PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) can be used. In a relatively small obstetric clinic or the like, a general-purpose computer having a storage device such as a large-capacity hard disk drive can be used as the medical image database 100.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2, a transmission / reception unit 3, a signal processing unit 4, an image processing unit 5, an arithmetic processing unit 6, a storage unit 7, a user interface 8, and a control unit 9. Hereinafter, a specific example of each part constituting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described.

[Storage unit]
First, the storage unit 7 will be described. The storage unit 7 includes an arbitrary storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a hard disk drive.

〔program〕
The storage unit 7 stores in advance a program 71 for causing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to execute operations characteristic of the present invention. The program 71 corresponds to an example of the “program” of the present invention.

[Standard value information]
In addition, standard value information 72 is stored in the storage unit 7 in advance. The standard value information 72 is information that represents a standard value of the size of the body part corresponding to the region of interest. The standard value information 72 in this embodiment is information representing the standard size of the region of interest of the fetus. The standard value information 72 can be calculated in advance based on, for example, clinical data accumulated in the medical institution.

  As this size, for example, BPD (large head diameter), AC (abdominal circulation), APTD (antero-posto trunk diameter), HC (head circumference); head circumference ), CRL (crown length), TTD (transverse trunk diameter), EFW (estimated fat weight), and the like.

  In addition to these, standard value information 72 relating to an arbitrary size such as the volume and mass of a predetermined part (head, chest, abdomen, etc.) of the fetus and a cross-sectional area at a predetermined cross-sectional position can be used.

  Further, the standard value information 72 includes information (temporal change information) indicating a temporal change in the standard size of the fetus. This time-dependent change information is, for example, information indicating changes in BPD according to the number of weeks of the fetus (that is, list information describing standard values of BPD for each number of weeks, and the number of weeks on the horizontal axis, And the like, including a graph information having a standard value of BPD on the vertical axis.

  The unit of time in the temporal change information is not limited to “week”, and may be an arbitrary time interval that can be converted into the unit of time in the examination date information. Note that the unit of time used in this embodiment is generally determined according to the speed of change in the size of the body part to be observed. For example, when observing the growth state of the fetus, the number of weeks can be used as a unit of time as described above, and when observing the movement of the heart, various phases of the heart movement (such as an electrocardiogram). The unit of time (such as seconds) is used so that it can be grasped.

  The standard value information 72 includes information such as an average value and an allowable range based on a plurality of clinical data (samples) such as BPD. The average value can be obtained by calculating the average of a plurality of clinical data. Further, the allowable range can be obtained as a predetermined confidence interval (such as a 95% confidence interval or a 99% confidence interval) based on an average value and standard deviation statistically obtained from a plurality of clinical data. Further, the allowable range can be a range obtained by excluding specific values from a plurality of clinical data (for example, a range excluding the upper 5% and the lower 5% of the entire sample). As for the temporal change information, an average value and an allowable range are obtained for each fetal week.

  These pieces of information included in the standard value information 72 may be collectively referred to as “standard values”. The storage unit 7 storing the standard value information 72 in advance functions as an example of the “storage unit” of the present invention.

[Image folder]
The storage unit 7 is provided with an image folder 73. The image folder 73 is a folder in which medical images are stored. The medical image stored in the image folder 73 may be a medical image acquired by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 or a medical image acquired from the medical image database 100. Examination information is attached to the medical image stored in the image folder 73 in the same manner as the medical image database 100.

[User interface]
The user interface 8 is provided with a display unit 81 and an operation unit 82. The display unit 81 functions as an example of the “display unit” of the present invention, and includes an arbitrary display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. The display unit 81 displays an image such as an ultrasound image (medical image) acquired by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1, information such as examination information related to the image, various display screens such as an operation screen, and the like.

  The operation unit 82 is configured by various operation devices and input devices such as various switches on the control panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, a trackball, a mouse, a joystick, and a keyboard.

  The operation unit 82 is used for designating a measurement position in an ultrasonic image (medical image) displayed on the display unit 81. The measurement position means a position where a size is measured for a region of interest (ROI) in an ultrasound image. As described above, the operation unit 82 is used for an operation for designating a region of interest representing a part in the subject, and functions as an example of the “designating unit” of the present invention. A specific method for specifying the measurement position by the operation unit 82 will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the display unit 81 and the operation unit 82 are separately configured, but they can also be configured integrally, for example, like a touch panel type LCD or pen tablet.

[Ultrasonic probe]
The ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged one-dimensionally (not shown). The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are individually driven by a transmission / reception unit 3 to be described later to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive the reflected waves.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe 2 scans an ultrasonic beam output from the arrangement surface of the ultrasonic transducers in a scanning direction (array direction of the ultrasonic transducers), thereby forming a radial (fan-shaped) shape. A scan plane P is formed.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 may include a mechanism that moves the scan plane P in a direction orthogonal to the scan direction. By providing such a mechanism, the ultrasonic beam can be scanned two-dimensionally. By such an ultrasonic scan, stack data on a plurality of scan planes arranged in a direction orthogonal to the scan direction can be acquired. If such a mechanism is not provided, the examiner can manually move the position of the scan plane P and acquire stack data.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 may be a two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged two-dimensionally (for example, in a matrix (lattice)).

[Transceiver]
The transmitting / receiving unit 3 supplies an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate an ultrasonic wave, and a receiving unit that receives an echo signal output from the ultrasonic probe 2 that has received the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave. (Not shown).

  The transmission unit in the transmission / reception unit 3 includes a clock generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, and the like (not shown). The clock generation circuit is a circuit that generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of ultrasonic waves. The transmission delay circuit is a circuit that performs transmission focus with a delay when transmitting ultrasonic waves. The pulsar circuit includes a number of pulsars corresponding to individual paths (channels) corresponding to each ultrasonic transducer, generates a drive pulse at a transmission timing that is delayed, and each ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic probe 2. Operates to feed the child.

  The reception unit in the transmission / reception unit 3 includes a preamplifier circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, and a reception delay / addition circuit (not shown). The preamplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal output from each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 2 for each reception channel. The A / D conversion circuit performs A (analog) / D (digital) conversion on the amplified echo signal. The reception delay / adder circuit gives a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the echo signal after A / D conversion, and adds the delay time. By this addition processing, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized. The added signal may be referred to as “RF data (or raw data)”. The transmission / reception unit 3 inputs the acquired RF data to the signal processing unit 4.

[Signal processing section]
The signal processing unit 4 performs signal processing for imaging the amplitude information of the echo signal based on the RF data input from the transmission / reception unit 3. Data generated by the signal processing unit 4 is sent to the control unit 9 and displayed on the display unit 81 of the user interface 8 or input to the image processing unit 5. The signal processing unit 4 mainly includes a B-mode processing unit 41, a Doppler processing unit 42, and a CFM processing unit 43.

[B mode processor]
The B (Brightness) mode processing unit 41 generates B-mode ultrasonic raster data based on the RF data. More specifically, the B-mode processing unit 41 performs band pass filter processing on the RF data, detects an envelope of the output signal, and compresses the detected data by logarithmic transformation. Apply. Thereby, image data of a tomographic image (B-mode image) on the scan plane P in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness is generated.

[Doppler processing section]
The Doppler processing unit 42 generates blood flow information in the living tissue by, for example, a pulse Doppler method (PW Doppler method) or a continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method).

  In the pulse Doppler method, a pulse wave is used to detect an ultrasonic frequency displacement (Doppler displacement frequency component) caused by a Doppler effect due to blood flow at a specific depth (distance from the ultrasonic probe 2). Can do. As described above, since the pulse Doppler method has a good distance resolution, the pulse Doppler method is suitably used for tissue measurement of a specific site or blood flow depth measurement. When this pulse Doppler method is applied, the Doppler processing unit 42 extracts a Doppler displacement frequency component from the RF data input from the transmission / reception unit 3 by phase detection of a signal in a blood flow observation region having a predetermined size. Further, FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing is performed to generate data indicating the Doppler frequency distribution representing the blood flow velocity in the blood flow observation region.

  Also, in the continuous wave Doppler method, unlike the pulse Doppler method, the Doppler displacement frequency component in all the parts in the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception direction (the radial direction in the fan-shaped scan plane P shown in FIG. 3) is obtained by using the continuous wave. A superimposed signal, that is, a signal reflecting all the blood flow conditions on the ultrasonic path can be obtained, but there is an advantage that the measurement speed is excellent. When this continuous wave Doppler method is applied, the Doppler processing unit 42 detects the Doppler displacement frequency component by performing phase detection on the RF data input from the transmitting / receiving unit 3 on the sample line for blood flow observation. Extraction is performed, and further FFT processing is performed to generate data indicating a Doppler frequency distribution representing the blood flow velocity on the sample line.

[CFM processing section]
A CFM (Color Flow Mapping) processing unit 43 operates when performing a color flow mapping method in which blood flow information of a living tissue is superimposed on a monochrome B-mode image in color and displayed in real time. The displayed blood flow information includes blood flow velocity, dispersion, power, and the like. This blood flow information is obtained as binarized information.

  More specifically, the CFM processing unit 43 includes a phase detection circuit, an MTI (Moving Target Indication) filter, an autocorrelator, a flow velocity / dispersion calculator, and the like. The CFM processing unit 43 separates the morphological signal reflecting the morphology of the biological tissue and the blood flow signal reflecting the blood flow by high-pass filter processing (MTI filter processing), and performs blood flow velocity by autocorrelation processing. Blood flow information such as dispersion and power is obtained for a plurality of positions. In addition, non-linear processing for reducing the shape signal may be performed.

[Image processing unit]
The image processing unit 5 performs various image processing based on the data generated by the signal processing unit 4. For example, the image processing unit 5 has a DSC (Digital Scan Converter), and converts data synchronized with ultrasonic scanning generated by the signal processing unit 4 into display data (TV scanning method data). That is, the scan conversion process is executed.

  The image processing unit 5 includes a volume data generation unit 51 and an MPR processing unit 52 described below.

[Volume data generator]
The volume data generation unit 51 performs interpolation processing on image data (stack data) of each scan plane generated by the B-mode processing unit 41 of the signal processing unit 4 when scanning of an ultrasonic beam is performed on a plurality of scan planes. To generate volume data (voxel data). The volume data generation unit 51 includes, for example, a DSC or a microprocessor.

  When displaying a pseudo three-dimensional image based on volume data, the image processing unit 5 performs volume rendering processing, MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) processing, or the like on the volume data to display image data for display. Generate. The control unit 9 transmits the display image data to the display unit 81 to display a pseudo three-dimensional image.

[MPR processing unit]
An MPR (MultiPlanar Reconstruction) processing unit 52 generates image data of a tomographic image (MPR image) at an arbitrary cross section by executing a cross-section conversion process based on the volume data generated by the volume data generation unit 51. The MPR processing unit 52 includes, for example, a DSC and a microprocessor.

  The ultrasonic probe 2, the transmission / reception unit 3, the signal processing unit 4, and the image processing unit 5 detect data (echo signal) reflecting the form in the subject, and based on this data, image data of a medical image is obtained. It functions to generate and corresponds to an example of the “image data generating means” of the present invention.

[Operation processing unit]
The arithmetic processing unit 6 performs various arithmetic processes based on image data of medical images such as B-mode images and MPR images. The arithmetic processing unit 6 is particularly provided with a measurement processing unit 61.

[Measurement processing section]
The measurement processing unit 61 measures the size of the region of interest in the medical image displayed on the display unit 81, and functions as an example of the “measurement unit” of the present invention. When the examiner operates the operation unit 82 and designates a measurement position in the medical image, the measurement processing unit 61 measures a target size based on the designated measurement position. The measurement processing unit 61 may be configured to analyze the medical image, automatically detect the region of interest to be measured, and automatically measure the size of the region of interest. The size measurement process by the measurement processing unit 61 can be executed, for example, in the same manner as in the past.

[Control unit]
The control unit 9 controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 based on the program 71, and includes a microprocessor such as a CPU (central processing unit). The control unit 9 functions as an example of the “control means” of the present invention as will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 9 includes a main control unit 90, a display scale adjustment unit 91, a display direction adjustment unit 92, a region of interest extraction unit 93, a display control unit 94, and a data communication unit 95. . Hereinafter, each of these units 90 to 95 will be described.

(Main control part)
The main controller 90 controls each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. In particular, the main control unit 90 operates each part of the apparatus in the order shown in the program 71a in order to cause the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to implement a usage pattern described later based on the program 71.

  Further, the main control unit 90 performs a process of reading information stored in the storage unit 7 and a process of writing information to the storage unit 7. Further, the main control unit 90 operates each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in accordance with an operation signal from the operation unit 82.

[Display scale adjustment section]
The progress diagnosis of the fetal growth state and the like is performed with reference to medical images including the same region of interest acquired at each of a plurality of different dates and times. The display scale adjustment unit 91 acts to match the display scales of a plurality of medical images used for such progress diagnosis.

  The “display scale” means the scale of the coordinate axis in the coordinate system in which the medical image displayed on the display unit 81 is defined, that is, the length of the unit distance (for example, 1 mm or 1 cm) on the coordinate axis. Therefore, when the display scales of a plurality of medical images are matched, the plurality of medical images are respectively defined by the coordinate system of the same scale and displayed on the display screen of the display unit 81. In other words, when the display scales of a plurality of medical images are matched, the plurality of medical images are displayed so that the unit distance (actual unit distance: 1 mm, etc.) in each medical image is equal on the display screen. It will be.

  The process executed by the display scale adjustment unit 91 will be described more specifically. When a plurality of medical images for progress diagnosis are acquired at the same magnification, it is not particularly necessary to adjust the display scale.

  On the other hand, when medical images having different magnifications are included, the display scale adjustment unit 91 adjusts the display scale so that the magnifications of all the medical images match. For example, when the display scales of the first medical image with a magnification of 1 ×, the second medical image with a magnification of 1.5 ×, and the third medical image with a magnification of 2 × are matched, The medical image is multiplied by 2/3, and the third medical image is multiplied by 1/2.

(Display direction adjustment section)
The orientation of the medical image depends on the orientation of the fetus in the mother's body, how the ultrasonic probe 2 is applied, and the like. Therefore, when observing the same region of interest as in the course diagnosis, the directions of a plurality of medical images are generally different.

  The display direction adjustment unit 92 performs a process for matching the display directions of the plurality of medical images, and functions as an example of the “display direction adjustment unit” of the present invention. A specific example of the display direction adjustment process will be described below.

  A first specific example of the display direction adjustment processing will be described with reference to FIGS. This first specific example matches the display direction of the medical image based on the measurement position of the size of the region of interest, and can be applied, for example, when measuring the distance (length) in the region of interest.

  Here, a case where the display directions of three medical images acquired at different dates and times are matched will be described. FIG. 4 shows regions of interest R1, R2, and R3 designated on these three medical images. Each region of interest R <b> 1 to R <b> 3 is set in an elliptical shape, for example, when measuring BPD.

  The measurement marks M11 and M12 are marks that are designated and input to set the distance measurement position in the region of interest R1. The measurement marks M11 and M12 designate both ends of the line segment L1, which is a distance measurement part. The same applies to the measurement marks M21 and 22 and the line segment L2 related to the region of interest R2, and further to the measurement marks M31 and M32 and the line segment L3 related to the region of interest R3.

  The display direction adjustment unit 92 obtains the measurement position (line segment L1) in the region of interest R1 based on the positions of the measurement marks M11 and M12. Similarly, the display direction adjustment unit 92 acquires measurement positions (line segments L2 and L3) in the regions of interest R2 and R3, respectively. Here, information indicating the position of each measurement mark is included in the examination information attached to the medical image. When information indicating the positions (measurement positions) of the line segments L1 to L3 is included in the inspection information, the information indicating the measurement positions is not performed without performing processing for obtaining the measurement positions from the positions of the measurement marks. It can be used as it is.

  Next, the display direction adjustment unit 92 makes the region of interest R1 so that the measurement directions determined by the measurement positions in the regions of interest R1 to R3 face the same direction, that is, the line segments L1 to L3 face the same direction. The rotation angle of each medical image including ~ R3 is obtained. At this time, it is assumed that the direction in which the line segments L1 to L3 are directed is set in advance.

  Finally, the display direction adjustment unit 92 rotates each medical image by the calculated rotation angle. This image rotation processing can be performed by using affine transformation as in the conventional case. FIG. 5 shows the arrangement state of the regions of interest R1 to R3 in the three medical images whose display directions are matched according to this specific example.

  Next, a second specific example of the display direction adjustment process will be described with reference to FIGS. This specific example matches the display direction of the medical image based on the shape of the region of interest, and can be applied to, for example, measuring the area, volume, and perimeter of the region of interest. Also in this specific example, elliptical regions of interest R1 to R3 in three medical images will be described.

  The display direction adjustment unit 92 specifies the directions of the major axes A1, A2, and A3 of the elliptical regions of interest R1 to R3 illustrated in FIG. Next, the display direction adjustment unit 92 obtains the rotation angle of each medical image including the regions of interest R1 to R3 so that the major axes A1 to A3 face the same direction. At this time, the direction in which the major axes A1 to A3 are directed is set in advance. Finally, the display direction adjustment unit 92 rotates each medical image by the calculated rotation angle. FIG. 7 shows the arrangement state of the regions of interest R1 to R3 in the three medical images whose display directions are matched according to this specific example.

[Region of Interest Extraction Unit]
The region-of-interest extraction unit 93 extracts a partial image corresponding to the region of interest from the medical image in which the region of interest is specified, and functions as an example of the “extraction unit” of the present invention.

  When a region of interest is specified in the medical image, information indicating the position of this region of interest is included in the examination information. The region-of-interest extraction unit 93 specifies the position of the region of interest set in the medical image based on the information included in the examination information, and extracts a partial image corresponding to the specific position from the medical image. This region-of-interest extraction process corresponds to a process called trimming in the image processing field.

(Display control unit)
The display control unit 94 causes the display unit 81 to display various images such as medical images, various information such as examination information, and various display screens such as an operation screen.

[Data communication department]
The data communication unit 95 transmits / receives data to / from an apparatus that can communicate with the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1. In particular, the data communication unit 95 receives a medical image (and examination information) transmitted from the medical image database 100 through the communication line N. In addition, the data communication unit 95 transmits a medical image (and examination information) to the medical image database 100 through the communication line N. Further, the data communication unit 95 transmits a transmission request for data such as a medical image to the medical image database 100 through the communication line N. The data communication unit 95 includes a network adapter such as a LAN card.

[Usage form]
A usage pattern of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 represents an example of a usage pattern of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 for displaying a plurality of medical images acquired at different times for the same region of interest.

  Prior to describing the usage pattern shown in FIG. 8, acquisition of medical images and measurement processing by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be briefly described. First, the examiner applies an ultrasonic jelly coupling medium to the abdomen of the subject (maternal body), and contacts the ultrasonic probe 2 to obtain a fetal image (medical image), as in the past.

  The acquired image is displayed on the display unit 81 by the display control unit 94. In addition, the main control unit 90 stores the acquired image data in the image folder 73 together with the inspection information. This examination information includes patient identification information, fetal age information, examination date information, examination condition information, and the like. Such information is automatically generated by the control unit 9 based on information input by the examiner.

  The examiner sets a region of interest in the image using a measurement tool corresponding to the measurement target, and measures the distance, area, volume, and the like of the measurement target portion, as in the past. The main control unit 90 records the measurement contents and measurement results (measurement result information) in the inspection information of the image.

  When the measurement process is completed, the main control unit 90 reads the image data and examination information stored in the image folder 73, controls the data communication unit 95, and transmits it to the medical image database 100. The medical image database 100 stores the image data and examination information.

  In the progress diagnosis for observing the growth state of the fetus, the above image acquisition and measurement processes are performed at predetermined intervals (for example, every week, every other week, etc.). Accordingly, medical images and examination information acquired at a plurality of different dates and times for the same region of interest are stored in the medical image database 100. This is the end of the description of the image acquisition and measurement processing, and the description shifts to the description of the usage pattern of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  First, a medical image and examination information used for a progress diagnosis are acquired from the medical image database 100 (S1). This step S1 will be specifically described. First, the examiner operates the operation unit 82 to input patient identification information of the subject (maternal body) and input measurement contents (for example, a name of measurement contents such as “BPD”). The main control unit 90 controls the data communication unit 95 to transmit the input patient identification information and measurement contents to the medical image database 100 (transmission request).

  The medical image database 100 receives a transmission request from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, searches for medical images and examination information based on patient identification information and measurement contents, and transmits the medical image and examination information to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The main control unit 90 stores the medical image and examination information received by the data communication unit 95 in the image folder 73.

  The medical images acquired from the medical image database 100 are represented by symbols G1 to GN. Each medical image G1 to GN is accompanied by examination information including a measurement result based on the medical image. That is, the medical images G1 to GN correspond to medical images and examination information acquired at a plurality of different dates and times.

  Next, the examiner operates the operation unit 82 to select a display mode of information used for the progress diagnosis (S2). The display mode options include a conventional trend graph display screen as shown in FIG. 12 and a trend graph display screen using images.

  When the former display mode is selected, the main control unit 90 creates a trend graph similar to the conventional one based on the examination information of a plurality of times acquired from the medical image database 100, and controls the display control unit 94. Are displayed on the display unit 81.

  On the other hand, the latter display mode is a display mode according to the present invention. In the following description, it is assumed that the latter display mode is selected.

  When the latter display mode is selected, the display scale adjustment unit 91 matches the display scales of the medical images G1 to GN (S3).

  Next, the display direction adjustment unit 92 matches the display directions of the medical images G1 to GN having the same display scale (S4).

  Subsequently, the region of interest extraction unit 93 extracts a partial image corresponding to the region of interest from each of the medical images G1 to GN whose display scale and display direction are matched (S5).

  Here, steps S3, S4, and S5 can be performed in an arbitrary order.

  The display control unit 94 displays the plurality of partial images extracted in step S5 along the time series on the display unit 81 (S6). The examiner refers to the information displayed in step S6 to make a progress diagnosis of the fetal growth state.

  The process of step S6 will be described more specifically. The examination information attached to each of the medical images G1 to GN includes the examination date and time. Here, it is assumed that the medical images G1, G2,. The display control unit 94 displays a plurality (N) of partial images extracted from the medical images G1 to GN in order from the oldest examination date.

  Note that all of the N partial images may be displayed at a time, or only two or more partial images of the N partial images may be displayed at a time. Even in the latter case, two or more partial images are displayed in time series. It is also possible to display them in order from the latest inspection date.

[Specific example of display mode]
A specific example of the information displayed in step S6 will be described. 9 to 11 show specific examples of information displayed in step S6.

[First display mode]
In the first display mode, a specific example in the case of displaying a result of measuring a linear distance in a medical image, such as BPD, will be described. The display information shown in FIG. 9 represents changes over time in the fetal BPD value. The origin graph C, the average value graphs C1 and C2, the tolerance range graphs D1 and D2, and the medical images G1 to G5 Is included. These pieces of information are displayed on a plane coordinate system in which the horizontal axis represents the number of fetal weeks and the vertical axis represents the BPD value. The average value graphs C1 and C2 and the allowable range graphs D1 and D2 correspond to an example of “graph information” of the present invention.

  The origin graph C represents the origin of the BPD value (the origin of the vertical axis). The average value graphs C1 and C2 represent average values of BPD values according to the number of fetal weeks. The average value of BPD in each fetal week is expressed by the interval between two average value graphs C1 and C2 at the position on the coordinate system corresponding to the fetal week. The average value expressed by the average value graphs C1 and C2 is calculated from, for example, a large number of BPD value samples accumulated in the past in the medical institution.

  The allowable range graphs D1 and D2 represent the maximum value of the allowable range of the BPD value according to the number of fetal weeks. The maximum value of the allowable range of the BPD value in each fetal week is expressed by the interval between the two allowable range graphs D1 and D2 at the position on the coordinate system corresponding to the fetal week. The allowable range expressed by the allowable range graphs D1 and D2 is, for example, a range derived based on the standard deviation calculated from the sample on which the average value is based. Moreover, it is also possible to use the range excluding a predetermined ratio (for example, 5%) at the top of this sample as the allowable range.

  In FIG. 9, only the maximum value of the allowable range is displayed, but an allowable range graph representing the minimum value of the allowable range may be displayed. It is also possible to display both an allowable range graph representing the maximum value of the allowable range and an allowable range representing the minimum value.

  The medical images G <b> 1 to G <b> 5 are tomographic images of the head acquired at five different dates and times for the fetus to be diagnosed. In particular, each of the medical images G1 to G5 is a tomographic image (partial image designated as a region of interest) used for BPD measurement at the date and time.

  The display scales of the medical images G <b> 1 to G <b> 5 are matched by the display scale adjusting unit 91, and the display directions are matched by the display direction adjusting unit 92. Circular images displayed at the upper and lower ends of each of the medical images G1 to G5 represent the positions of a pair of measurement marks (see FIG. 4).

  The medical images G1 to G5 are displayed so that the center position in the vertical direction of the image (that is, the BPD measurement direction) is arranged on the origin graph C. Here, the measurement direction and the origin graph C in each of the medical images G1 to G5 are orthogonal to each other. That is, the measurement direction in each of the medical images G1 to G5 is arranged in parallel to the vertical axis (BPD) of the coordinate system.

  Further, the display scale of the medical images G1 to G5 and the display scale of the vertical axis of the coordinate system are the same. That is, the unit distance (1 mm) on the medical images G1 to G5 and the unit distance (1 mm) on the vertical axis coincide. Therefore, the length of a line segment having both ends of a pair of measurement marks on each of the medical images G1 to G5 represents a BPD value based on the medical image.

  By observing the medical images G1 to G5 and the graph information C1, C2, D1, and D2, the examiner sets the BPD values based on the medical images G1 to G5 to the standard values (average value, allowable range). On the other hand, it is possible to intuitively understand how large the size is. Further, according to such a display mode, it is possible to intuitively grasp the change with time of the BPD value and the change with time of the form and size of the measurement site.

  The display mode illustrated in FIG. 9 is not limited to the case where the measurement target is a BPD, and can be applied to any case where a linear distance in a medical image is a measurement target. Specifically, the display mode of FIG. 9 can be applied when APTD (trunk longitudinal diameter), CRL (trunk length), TTD (trunk transverse diameter), and the like are measurement targets. is there.

[Second display mode]
In the second display mode, a specific example in the case of displaying a measurement result other than a linear distance will be described. Examples of measurement objects other than the linear distance include a circumference such as AC (trunk circumference) and HC (child head circumference), and a mass such as EFW (estimated infant weight). The second display mode can also be applied to the case where the area of a fetus in a predetermined cross section is measured or the volume of a predetermined part is measured.

  The display information shown in FIG. 10 represents changes over time in the fetal AC value, and includes an origin graph E, average value graphs E1 and E2, tolerance range graphs F1 and F2, and medical images H1 to H5. The measurement value presentation images h1 to h5 are included. These pieces of information are displayed on a plane coordinate system in which the horizontal axis represents the number of fetal weeks and the vertical axis represents the value of AC. The average value graphs E1 and E2 and the allowable range graphs F1 and F2 correspond to an example of “graph information” of the present invention.

  The origin graph E represents the origin of the AC value (the origin of the vertical axis). Average value graphs E1 and E2 represent average values of AC values according to fetal weeks. The average value of AC in each fetal week is expressed by the interval between two average value graphs E1 and E2 at the position on the coordinate system corresponding to the fetal week. The calculation method of the average value expressed by the average value graphs C1 and C2 is the same as that in the first display mode.

  The allowable range graphs F1 and F2 represent the maximum value of the allowable range of the AC value according to the number of fetus weeks. The maximum value of the allowable range of AC values for each fetal week is represented by the interval between the two allowable range graphs F1 and F2 at the position on the coordinate system corresponding to the fetal week. The calculation method of the allowable range expressed by the allowable range graphs F1 and F2 is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 10, only the maximum value of the allowable range is displayed, but an allowable range graph indicating the minimum value of the allowable range may be displayed. It is also possible to display both an allowable range graph representing the maximum value of the allowable range and an allowable range representing the minimum value.

  The medical images H <b> 1 to H <b> 5 are tomographic images of the trunk obtained at five different dates and times for the fetus that is the subject of follow-up diagnosis. In particular, each of the medical images H1 to H5 is a tomographic image (partial image designated as a region of interest) used for AC measurement at the date and time.

  The medical images H <b> 1 to H <b> 5 have the display scales matched by the display scale adjustment unit 91 and the display directions matched by the display direction adjustment unit 92. In the second display mode, it is not necessary to match the display scale of the medical images H1 to H5 with the display scale of the vertical axis of the coordinate system.

  The medical images H <b> 1 to H <b> 5 are displayed so that the center position in the vertical direction of the image (the major axis direction of the elliptical region of interest) is arranged on the origin graph E. Here, the vertical direction of each of the medical images H1 to H5 and the origin graph E are orthogonal to each other.

  The measurement value presentation images h1 to h5 present the magnitudes of AC measurement values based on the medical images H1 to H5 as images. Each of the measurement value presentation images h1 to h5 is a double-sided arrow image having a length corresponding to the display scale of the vertical axis (AC) of the coordinate system. The measurement value presentation images h1 to h5 are displayed so that the center position of the image is arranged on the origin graph E. Moreover, each measured value presentation image h1-h5 is displayed in parallel with a vertical axis | shaft. Accordingly, the AC measurement values based on the medical images H1 to H5 are expressed by the lengths of the measurement value presentation images h1 to h5. As described above, the measurement value presentation images h1 to h5 linearly represent a measurement value of a non-linear distance or a measurement value other than the distance, and the magnitude of the value of the measurement value is the length of the image. It is expressed by

  By observing such measurement value presentation images h1 to h5 and graph information E1, E2, E1, and E2, the examiner can determine that the AC value on each examination date is a standard value (average value, allowable range). It is possible to intuitively understand how large the size is. Further, according to such a display mode, it is possible to intuitively grasp a change with time of the AC value and a change with time of the form and size of the measurement site.

[Third display mode]
In the third display mode, a display mode when a relatively large number of medical images are displayed at once will be described. FIG. 11 shows an example of a display mode when eight medical images J1 to J8 are displayed at a time. The medical images J1 to J8 are acquired at eight different dates and times. Reference numeral 81 </ b> A represents a screen of the display unit 81.

  Two coordinate systems K1 and K2 are displayed side by side on the screen 81A. The horizontal axis of each coordinate system K1, K2 represents the number of fetal weeks. The vertical axis represents, for example, the length of the fetal head in the vertical direction.

  On the plane defined by the coordinate systems K1 and K2, an average value graph (broken line) and an allowable range graph (dotted line) similar to those in the first display form are displayed. On the plane defined by the coordinate system K1, five medical images J1 to J5 acquired during the fetal week period up to the 35th week are displayed side by side. In addition, three medical images J6 to J8 acquired after the 35th week are displayed on the plane defined by the coordinate system K2.

  According to the third display mode, even if there are a large number of medical images to be displayed at a time, it is possible to display the change over time of the measurement value and the change over time of the form in an intuitive manner.

[Action / Effect]
The operation and effect of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 detects data reflecting the form in the subject, and generates image data of a medical image based on this data. In particular, when performing a progress diagnosis, image data of a medical image including a part in the same subject is acquired at each of a plurality of different dates and times. The examiner designates a region of interest representing the relevant part (measurement target part) of the subject on each medical image. The image data of the plurality of medical images acquired in this way is stored in the medical image database 100.

  Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 acquires image data of a plurality of medical images from the medical image database 100, matches the display scales of the plurality of medical images, and also generates a plurality of medical images having the same display scale. It works to display side by side along the series.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 that operates in this manner, the examiner observes a plurality of medical images that have the same display scale and are arranged in time series, thereby measuring a measurement target region (region of interest). It is possible to intuitively grasp the change over time in the size and form of the.

  In addition, since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can display a plurality of medical images in the same display direction, the examiner can easily grasp the change in the size and form of the site in the subject over time. It is possible. Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 matches the display directions of a plurality of medical images based on the measurement position of the size of the part in the subject and the shape of the region of interest designated for the part (measurement target part). Therefore, the examiner can easily grasp the change over time in the size and form of the site in the subject.

  In addition, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 is configured so that a standard size image representing a standard value of the size of the region of interest is combined with a plurality of medical images. As the standard size information, in particular, graph information representing a change in the size along the time series is displayed. As the graph information, an average value graph representing an average value of the size, an allowable range graph indicating an allowable range of the size, and the like are displayed.

  Thus, the examiner can compare the size of the region of interest of each medical image with the standard value (average value or allowable range) of the size, so that the size and form of the site in the subject over time It is possible to intuitively grasp the changes.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is configured to display a measurement value presentation image that presents a size measured for each of a plurality of medical images, along with a plurality of medical images, arranged in time series. This measured value presentation image is displayed particularly when the measurement target is other than a linear distance.

  As a result, the examiner can compare multiple medical images displayed simultaneously with the measured value presentation image, and intuitively understand changes over time in the measured values and changes in the shape and size of the measurement site. It is possible to grasp. Furthermore, by displaying the standard size image at the same time, it is possible to intuitively understand how large the size measurement value is relative to the standard value (average value, allowable range).

  Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can extract a partial image corresponding to a region of interest from each of a plurality of medical images, and can cut out and display the partial image from the medical image. Therefore, the examiner can easily compare only the part to be observed in the medical image. Thereby, the examiner can promote intuitive grasp of the change in the size and form of the subject over time.

[About medical image display device]
The medical image display device according to the present invention is provided with a storage unit that stores image data of a medical image that is acquired at each of a plurality of different dates and that each designates a region of interest representing the inside of a subject, and a display unit. And a control unit that matches the display scales of the plurality of medical images each including the region of interest and displays the plurality of medical images having the matched display scales in time series on the display unit.

  The medical image display apparatus can be configured as an apparatus including the storage unit 7, the user interface 8, and the control unit 9 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 described above, for example. At this time, the storage unit 7 functions as an example of “storage unit”, the display unit 81 of the user interface 8 functions as an example of “display unit”, and the control unit 9 functions as an example of “control unit”. Become.

  This medical image display apparatus receives the image data of a medical image from an arbitrary medical image processing apparatus, medical image database, or the like, and executes the above processing. The configuration of this medical image display device can be applied to a display device for image interpretation (interpretation viewer), for example.

  According to such a medical image display device, the examiner can intuitively grasp the change over time in the size and form of the site in the subject, as in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 described above. is there.

[About the program]
The program according to the present invention controls a computer including storage means and display means for storing medical image image data acquired at each of a plurality of different dates and times, each of which represents a region of interest representing the inside of a subject. The computer as a control means that matches the display scales of a plurality of medical images each including a designated region of interest and displays the plurality of medical images with the matched display scales in time series on the display means Is to function.

  This program is installed in a computer constituting a device such as a medical image processing device or a medical image display device, and realizes the above function, that is, a function as a control means, in the device.

  This program may be stored in a server on a communication line such as a LAN. In this case, a computer constructed as a client of this server can acquire the program through the communication line and execute the above operation.

  According to such a program, the examiner can intuitively grasp the change over time in the size and form of the site in the subject, as in the case of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 described above.

[Modification]
The embodiment described above is merely a specific example of a configuration for suitably carrying out the present invention. Therefore, arbitrary modifications within the scope of the present invention can be made as appropriate.

  In the following, a modification of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the above embodiment will be described, but the same modification can be applied to any medical image diagnostic apparatus, medical image display apparatus, and program according to the present invention. Is possible.

  It is possible to select and display two or more medical images out of a plurality of medical images used for the progress diagnosis. For example, a desired examination date / time can be selectively specified from a plurality of examination dates / times, and the display sizes of the medical images at the selected examination date / time can be matched and displayed side by side in time series. At this time, it is desirable to match the display directions of the medical images to be displayed. In addition, a standard size image can be displayed together with a medical image. It is also possible to extract and display a partial image corresponding to the region of interest.

  Further, in response to designating a desired medical image among a plurality of currently displayed medical images, only the designated medical images can be displayed side by side in time series. Also in this case, it is possible to match the display directions of the designated medical images, display the standard size image, or display only the partial image corresponding to the region of interest. Also, the designated medical image can be enlarged and displayed.

  In the above embodiment, the display direction of the medical image is matched based on the measurement position of the size of the region of interest and the shape of the region of interest, but the method of matching the display direction is not limited to this.

  For example, each medical image can be analyzed to extract a feature part, and the display direction of the medical image can be matched based on the position and orientation of the feature point. A specific example will be described. The medical image is taken of the heart. From each medical image, the apex and base are extracted as feature parts. The direction connecting the apex and the base is the longitudinal direction of the heart. The display directions of a plurality of medical images can be adjusted so that the longitudinal directions coincide with each other.

  In the above embodiment, the examiner manually designates the region of interest representing the inside of the subject on the medical image, but the designation means according to the present invention automatically designates the region of interest. It may be. As an example, the specifying unit analyzes image data of a medical image, specifies an image region corresponding to a predetermined part in the subject using a known pattern matching technique, and the specified image region is set as a region of interest. It is possible to specify.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration suitable for the progress diagnosis of the fetal growth state has been described. However, the configuration according to the present invention is applied to applications such as grasping a change in the size of the tumor in the subject over time, for example. It is also possible to do.

  The configuration according to the present invention can also be applied to the case of measuring functional information in the subject. For example, when the blood flow velocity is measured as functional information, the change over time of the blood flow velocity measurement value can be displayed together with the morphological images of the circulatory system such as the heart and blood vessels. In addition, the measured value of functional information can be displayed by the method demonstrated by the 2nd display mode of the said embodiment, for example.

  The configuration according to the present invention can also be applied to functional information in the brain acquired by an fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a cancer metastasis state acquired by a nuclear medicine diagnostic device, and the like. is there.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a preferred embodiment of a medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus) according to the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the structure of the control system of suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the scanning aspect of the ultrasonic wave in suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process which adjusts the display direction of the medical image by suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process which adjusts the display direction of the medical image by suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process which adjusts the display direction of the medical image by suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process which adjusts the display direction of the medical image by suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart showing an example of the usage pattern of suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the information displayed by the usage type of suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the information displayed by the usage type of suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the information displayed by the usage type of suitable embodiment of the medical image diagnostic apparatus (ultrasound diagnostic apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a figure showing the display aspect of the trend graph of BPD (child head large horizontal diameter) of the conventional fetus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment (medical diagnostic imaging equipment)
2 Ultrasonic probe 3 Transmission / reception unit 4 Signal processing unit 41 B mode processing unit 42 Doppler processing unit 43 CFM processing unit 5 Image processing unit 51 Volume data generation unit 52 MPR processing unit 6 Arithmetic processing unit 61 Measurement processing unit 7 Storage unit 71 Program 72 Standard value information 73 Image folder 8 User interface 81 Display unit 81A Screen 82 Operation unit 9 Control unit 90 Main control unit 91 Display scale adjustment unit 92 Display direction adjustment unit 93 Region of interest extraction unit 94 Display control unit 95 Data communication unit 100 Medical Image database G1-GN (G1-G5), H1-H5, J1-J8 Medical image C, E Origin graph C1, C2, E1, E2 Average value graph D1, D2, F1, F2 Allowable range graph h1-h5 Measurement value Presented image K1, K2 coordinate system

Claims (14)

Image data generating means for detecting data reflecting the form in the subject and generating image data of a medical image based on the detected data;
Display means for displaying a plurality of medical images based on the generated image data based on the detected data at each of a plurality of different dates and times;
Designating means for designating a region of interest representing a part in the subject for each of the displayed medical images;
Control means for matching display scales of the plurality of medical images each including the designated region of interest, and displaying the plurality of medical images having the matched display scales in time series on the display means;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: The control means includes display direction adjustment means for matching the display directions of the plurality of medical images, and causes the display means to display the plurality of medical images whose display directions are matched.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. A measuring means for measuring the size of the region of interest in each of the plurality of medical images;
The display direction adjusting means matches the display directions of the plurality of medical images based on the measurement position of the size by the measuring means;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. The display direction adjustment means matches the display directions of the plurality of medical images based on the shape of the region of interest.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. Measuring means for measuring the size of the region of interest in each of the plurality of medical images;
Storage means for storing in advance a standard value of the size of the region of interest;
Further comprising
The control means causes the display means to display a standard size image representing a standard value of the size of the stored region of interest together with the plurality of medical images.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The control means displays, as the standard size image, graph information representing a change along the time series of the size of the region of interest.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5. The standard value stored in the storage means includes an average value of the size of the region of interest calculated based on clinical data,
The control means displays at least an average value graph representing an average value of the sizes as the graph information.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5. The standard value stored in the storage means includes an allowable range of the size of the region of interest calculated based on clinical data,
The control means displays at least an allowable range graph representing an allowable range of the size as the graph information.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6. A measuring means for measuring the size of the region of interest in each of the plurality of medical images;
The control means causes the display means to display a measurement value presentation image presenting the measured size for each of the plurality of medical images along with the plurality of medical images in time series.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. Storage means for storing in advance a standard value of the size of the region of interest;
The control means causes the display means to display a standard size image representing a standard value of the stored size of the region of interest together with the plurality of medical images and the plurality of measurement value presentation images.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9. The control means includes extraction means for extracting partial images corresponding to the region of interest from each of the plurality of medical images, and the extracted plurality of partial images are arranged in time series and displayed on the display means. Let
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. Image data generating means for detecting data reflecting the form of the fetus in the mother body, and generating image data of a medical image including the predetermined portion of the fetus based on the detected data;
Display means;
A display scale of the medical image based on the generated image data is matched based on the detected data in each of a plurality of different fetal weeks, and the plurality of medical images having the matched display scale are time-sequentially Control means for arranging and displaying on the display means,
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: Storage means for storing medical image image data acquired at each of a plurality of different dates and times, each of which represents a region of interest representing a part in a subject;
Display means;
Control means for matching display scales of the plurality of medical images each including the designated region of interest, and displaying the plurality of medical images having the matched display scales in time series on the display means;
A medical image display device comprising: Storage means for storing medical image image data acquired at each of a plurality of different dates and times, each of which represents a region of interest representing a part in a subject;
Display means;
A computer comprising
Function as a control unit that matches display scales of the plurality of medical images each including the designated region of interest, and displays the plurality of medical images having the matched display scales in time series on the display unit Let
A program characterized by that.

Images