JP2009017991A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display information for recognizing the general tendency of a region to be examined by emphasizing the real-time property during the live display while inhibiting the consumption of CPU resources, and to display information for recognizing the details of the region to be examined during the freeze-reproduction without requiring the real-time property. <P>SOLUTION: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 has a specific frame acquisition part 43 for acquiring a specific frame only by thinning out part of frames composed of raw data of live images during the live display of ultrasonic images, and an analysis part 45 for generating image data of analysis images by analyzing the raw data constituting the specific frame. Frames composed of image data of the live images and frames composed of image data of the analysis images are simultaneously displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a live image generated based on data before imaging (data before quadrature detection processing, data before scan conversion processing, etc.) and analysis processing based on data before imaging were generated. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that simultaneously displays an analysis image in real time.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that uses an ultrasonic wave to generate an ultrasonic image related to a target region and display the ultrasonic image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a diagnostic apparatus that displays an image of in-vivo information, and is less expensive, non-exposed, and non-invasive compared to other diagnostic imaging apparatuses such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and an X-ray computed tomography apparatus. It is a useful device for real-time observation. Due to such characteristics, the application range is wide, and it is used for diagnosis of circulatory organs such as the heart, abdomen such as the liver and kidney, peripheral blood vessels, obstetrics and gynecology, and cerebral blood vessels.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus enables real-time processing of tissue strain imaging (TSI) processing and tissue tracking imaging (TTI) processing, and is used for clinical routine examinations.

  In recent years, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses display a general live image such as a B-mode image and an analysis image such as a high-quality TSI-processed image simultaneously in real time, thereby enabling more accurate diagnosis and shortening of diagnosis time. Is expected.

  However, if an attempt is made to simultaneously display a live image and an analysis image in real time, a circuit for analysis is required in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which is not practical because the circuit scale increases. For this reason, the apparatus is once frozen and then simultaneously displayed offline. Alternatively, the efficiency of the analysis process is increased by reducing the image quality of the analysis image or simplifying the analysis process, thereby ensuring real-time performance.

  As a method for simultaneously displaying live images and analysis images in real time without enlarging the circuit scale of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, analysis processing is executed and displayed on a CPU (central processing unit) with high processing capability. There is a way to do it. If this method is used, complicated processing such as TSI processing can be executed at high speed by software on the CPU without using dedicated hardware such as ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

  In addition, various analysis processes can be executed by replacing the software to be executed.

In addition, as a well-known document relevant to this application, there exist the following, for example.
JP 2006-141451 A

  However, in the conventional technology, when complicated analysis processing such as TSI processing is executed by software on the CPU, a large amount of CPU resources are consumed in the processing, resulting in deterioration of the responsiveness of the user interface of the switch operation, etc. There is a problem that adversely affects other processes.

  Further, even when the frame rate of transmission / reception is very high, it is necessary to process a large amount of data at high speed, and there is a problem that a large amount of CPU resources are similarly consumed.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances. In addition to suppressing the consumption of CPU resources, it is necessary to minimize the amount of CPU resources during live display and to grasp the general tendency of the examination site with emphasis on real-time characteristics. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of displaying information while displaying sufficient information for grasping details of an examination site during freeze reproduction in which real-time property is not required.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves while being in contact with the surface of a subject. A transmission / reception circuit that generates a drive signal for generation and receives a reflection signal obtained from a reflected wave from within the subject, and a signal for generating RAW data of a live image using the reception signal of the transmission / reception circuit A signal processing circuit that performs processing, a scan conversion circuit that generates image data of a live image based on the RAW data of the live image, and a part of a frame constituted by the RAW data of the live image are thinned out A specific frame acquisition unit that acquires only a specific frame and an analysis process on the RAW data that constitutes the specific frame, An analysis processing unit configured to synchronize a frame constituted by the image data of the live image and a frame constituted by the image data of the analysis image, and by the image data of the live image The configured frame and the frame configured by the image data of the analysis image are displayed simultaneously.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, while suppressing consumption of CPU resources, during live display, information on the minimum necessary level is displayed in order to grasp the general tendency of the examination site with emphasis on real-time characteristics. It is possible to display sufficient information for grasping the details of the examination site during freeze reproduction where real-time performance is not required.

  Embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 11, a biological information measuring apparatus 12, and an apparatus main body 13.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 arranges a plurality of ultrasonic transducers at the distal end portion, and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves by bringing the distal end portion into contact with the surface of a subject (not shown). The ultrasonic transducer is an electroacoustic transducer, and has a function of converting an electric pulse into an ultrasonic pulse when transmitting an ultrasonic wave and converting an ultrasonic signal into an electric signal when receiving an ultrasonic wave. Here, when the ultrasonic transducer is an ultrasonic probe arranged in 2D, scanning is performed electronically. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic transducer is an ultrasonic probe arranged 1D, scanning is mechanically performed.

  The biological information measuring device 12 is mainly used in contact with the body surface of a subject, and is a living body based on at least one of an electrocardiogram (ECG: electrocardiogram), an electroencephalogram, a heart sound, a blood pressure waveform, a respiratory waveform, an impedance waveform, and the like. Information is measured and the biological information is converted into a digital signal.

  The apparatus main body 13 includes a transmission / reception circuit 21, a signal processing circuit 22, a cine memory 23, a scan conversion circuit 24, a synchronization circuit 25, a video control circuit 26, a monitor 27, and a biological information memory 29.

  Although not shown, the transmission / reception circuit 21 includes a transmission unit and a reception unit. The transmission unit includes a rate pulse generation circuit that generates a rate pulse that determines the repetition period of the ultrasonic pulse radiated inside the subject, and a convergence time and deflection angle of the ultrasonic beam during ultrasonic transmission. And a transmission delay circuit that determines the timing for driving the N ultrasonic transducers, and a pulser circuit that generates a high-voltage pulse for driving the ultrasonic transducers.

  The rate pulse generation circuit included in the transmission unit of the transmission / reception circuit 21 supplies the transmission delay circuit with a rate pulse that determines the repetition period of the ultrasonic pulse radiated into the subject. The transmission delay circuit is composed of an independent delay circuit that is twice (2N) of the ultrasonic transducer used for ultrasonic transmission, and has a predetermined depth in order to obtain a narrow beam width in ultrasonic transmission. A delay time for converging the sound wave and a delay time for transmitting the ultrasonic wave in a predetermined direction are given to the rate pulse and supplied to the pulser circuit.

  The pulsar circuit has the same number of 2N independent drive circuits as the transmission delay circuit, and drives the ultrasonic transducer built in the ultrasonic probe 11 to emit ultrasonic waves into the subject. Form a pulse.

A part of the ultrasonic wave radiated into the subject is reflected at the interface between the organs in the subject having different acoustic impedances or at the tissue. Further, when this ultrasonic wave is reflected to the heart by a moving body such as air or blood cells, the ultrasonic frequency undergoes Doppler shift. Further, these ultrasonic waves newly generate an ultrasonic pulse having a center frequency of 2f ₀ due to the nonlinear characteristics of the subject tissue. Therefore, the ultrasonic wave reflected in the subject tissue and returning to the ultrasonic probe 11 includes an ultrasonic pulse (fundamental wave component) having a center frequency f ₀ at the time of ultrasonic transmission and an ultrasonic pulse having a center frequency of 2f ₀ ( Harmonic component) is mixed. The reception unit included in the transmission / reception circuit 21 includes a BPF (band pass filter) that acquires a fundamental wave component or a harmonic component of a reception signal, a preamplifier circuit that amplifies a minute signal converted into an electric signal by an ultrasonic transducer, An A / D (analog / digital) conversion circuit for digitally converting the received signal of the preamplifier circuit, and a phasing addition circuit including a beamformer circuit and an addition circuit are provided.

  The beamformer circuit scans the inside of the subject by sequentially changing the reception directivity of the ultrasonic beam and the convergence delay time for converging the ultrasonic wave from a predetermined depth in order to obtain a narrow reception beam width. Is given to the received signal converted into a digital signal. The adder circuit adds the outputs from the beamformer.

  The signal processing circuit 22 includes at least one of a B mode processing circuit 22a and a color Doppler mode processing circuit 22b, and generates RAW data of a live image using a reception signal of the transmission / reception circuit 21.

  The B-mode processing circuit 22a generates RAW data for B-mode image (tomographic image) (in this case, data before scan conversion processing) based on the digital input signal from the transmission / reception circuit 21. Specifically, although not shown, the B-mode processing circuit 22a includes a logarithmic conversion circuit that logarithmically converts the amplitude of the digital input signal from the transmission / reception circuit 21 and relatively emphasizes a weak signal, and this logarithmic conversion circuit. An envelope detection circuit that performs envelope detection on the logarithmically converted digital signal and detects an amplitude envelope is provided.

  The color Doppler mode processing circuit 22b uses a cosine component velocity code (for example, 8 bits, 256 gradations) of a moving body, for example, an ultrasonic scanning line direction component (hereinafter referred to as “cosine component”) with respect to the absolute velocity of blood flow. Then, signal processing for generating velocity distribution data is performed, and RAW data for a color Doppler image (color blood flow image, CMF (color flow mapping)) is generated. Although not shown, the color Doppler mode processing circuit 22b includes a quadrature detection circuit that converts a digital input signal from the transmission / reception circuit 21 into a complex (Doppler) signal having a real part and an imaginary part, and an FFT ( Fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis circuit and an arithmetic circuit for calculating the center (average velocity of cosine component with respect to blood flow direction), dispersion value (perturbation of blood flow), etc. obtained by FFT analysis Is done.

  The cine memory 23 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like. The cine memory 23 is a memory that stores, for example, RAW data of live images corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is frozen.

  The scan conversion circuit 24 converts the RAW data of the live image output from the signal processing circuit 22 into a standard TV signal (TV format signal), and generates image data of the live image.

  The synchronization circuit 25 synchronizes the image data of the live image output from the scan conversion circuit 24 and the image data of the analysis image described later and outputs the image data to the video control circuit 26.

  During live display, both the image data of the live image and the image data of the analysis image exist only in a specific frame. Therefore, the synchronization circuit 25 performs the image data of the live image and the image data of the analysis image only in the specific frame. Are simultaneously output to the video control circuit 26. In addition, since both cine image image data and analysis image image data exist in all frames during cine reproduction, the synchronization circuit 25 performs cine image image data and analysis image image data in all frames. Are simultaneously output to the video control circuit 26.

  The video control circuit 26 generates live image display data based on the image data of the live image output from the synchronization circuit 25 and converts the display data to analog, while the analysis output from the synchronization circuit 25 is performed. Based on the image data of the image, data for display of the analysis image is generated, the display data is converted to analog, and the display data is output simultaneously. Specifically, the video control circuit 26 has a LUT (look up table), converts each pixel of the image data of the B mode image into black and white data, and generates data for displaying the B mode image. Based on the image data of the color Doppler image, the velocity code of the cosine component velocity with respect to the absolute velocity is color-mapped to generate data for displaying the color Doppler image.

  The monitor 27 simultaneously displays the live image and the analysis image based on the output from the video control circuit 26.

  The biological information memory 29 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like. The biological information memory 29 temporarily stores biological information measured by the biological information measuring device 12. In addition, the signal processing circuit 22 gives biometric information output from the biometric information memory 29 as a header of the RAW data of the live image generated by itself. When providing the biological information to the RAW data of the live image, the signal processing circuit 22 controls the timing of applying the biological information to the RAW data according to the ultrasound transmission / reception conditions. The biological information measuring device 12 and the biological information memory 29 are components necessary for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 only when a specific frame setting method shown in FIG. 5 described later is used.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes a control device (CPU: central processing unit) 31, a comprehensive memory 32, an HD (hard disk) 33, a RAW memory 34, and an operation panel 35.

  The CPU 31 transmits / receives a transmission / reception circuit 21, a signal processing circuit 22, a cine memory 23, a scan conversion circuit 24, a synchronization circuit 25, a video control circuit 26, and biological information in accordance with programs stored in the comprehensive memory 32 and the HD 33, and inputs from the operation panel 32. The operation of the memory 29 is controlled.

  The comprehensive memory 32 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like. The comprehensive memory 32 is a storage device that stores various application programs related to IPL (initial program loading), BIOS (basic input / output system), and ultrasonic diagnosis. Examples of various application programs related to the ultrasound diagnosis include a TSI processing program and a TTI processing program in addition to a live display program and a cine reproduction program. The comprehensive memory 32 also functions as a work memory for the CPU 31.

  The HD 33 is a metal disk coated or vapor-deposited with a magnetic material, and data in the HD 33 can be read and written by an HDD (Hard disk drive). The HD 33 can also record RAW data stored in the RAW memory 34 and various application programs related to ultrasonic diagnosis as an alternative to the comprehensive memory 32.

  The operation panel 35 includes a mouse, a trackball, a mode changeover switch, a keyboard, and the like for incorporating various instructions from the operator, a region of interest (ROI) setting instruction, various image quality condition setting instructions, etc. Have.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

  When the CPU 31 executes an application program stored in the comprehensive memory 32 or the HD 33, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 includes the specific frame setting unit 41, the RAW data generation unit 42, the specific frame acquisition unit 43, the all frame acquisition unit 44, and the analysis. It functions as the processing unit 45. Here, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 functions as a specific frame setting unit 41, a RAW data generation unit 42, a specific frame acquisition unit 43, and an analysis processing unit 45 during live display, while generating RAW data during cine reproduction. Functions as a unit 42, an all-frame acquisition unit 44, and an analysis processing unit 45.

  The specific frame setting unit 41 has a function of setting a specific frame acquired by the specific frame acquisition unit 43 during live display.

  The RAW data generation unit 42 has a function of controlling the transmission / reception circuit 21, the signal processing circuit 22, and the cine memory 23 during live display to generate and store RAW data of a live image.

  The specific frame acquisition unit 43 controls the cine memory 23 during live display, acquires RAW data of the live image from the cine memory 23, temporarily records it in the RAW memory 34, and stores it in the RAW memory 34 according to the setting of the specific frame setting unit 41. It has a function of thinning out a part of the stored frame and acquiring only a specific frame.

  The all-frame acquisition unit 44 controls the cine memory 23 during cine reproduction, acquires data from the cine memory 23 as RAW data of the cine image, temporarily records it in the RAW memory 34, and stores the live image stored in the RAW memory 34. It has a function of acquiring all the frames constituted by RAW data.

  During live display, the analysis processing unit 45 performs tissue strain imaging (TSI) processing and tissue tracking only on the RAW data of the live image constituting the specific frame acquired by the specific frame acquisition unit 43. It has a function of performing analysis processing such as imaging (TTI) processing to generate image data of an analysis image. The analysis processing unit 45 outputs image data of an analysis image generated with a specific frame as an analysis target to the synchronization circuit 25 during live display.

  In addition, during the cine reproduction, the analysis processing unit 45 performs analysis processing such as TSI processing and TTI processing on the RAW data of the cine images constituting all the frames acquired by the all frame acquisition unit 44, A function of generating image data of the analysis image; The analysis processing unit 45 outputs the image data of the analysis image generated with all the frames as analysis targets to the synchronization circuit 25 during cine reproduction.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a specific frame setting method during live display.

  In the first example of the specific frame setting method shown in FIG. 3, a case where a specific time setting unit 41 sets a required time interval will be described. When a required time interval, for example, a 4-frame interval, is set by the specific frame setting unit 41, the specific frame acquisition unit 43 sets each frame acquired at the 4-frame interval as a specific frame.

  The first row from the top in FIG. 3 shows frames (all frames) configured by image data of live images input to the synchronization circuit 25 in time series. The second row in FIG. 3 shows the frames at intervals of 4 frames extracted from the first frame by the specific frame acquisition unit 43 as specific frames in time series. Further, the third row in FIG. 3 shows a frame constituted by image data of an analysis image after analysis with respect to RAW data of a live image constituting the second row frame, that is, an analysis image input to the synchronization circuit 25. Frames composed of image data are shown in time series.

  As shown in the first and second stages of FIG. 3, the first frame composed of the live image image data input to the synchronization circuit 25 and the arbitrarily extracted first frame are generated almost simultaneously. Is done. The same applies to the sixth, eleventh and sixteenth frames. However, as shown in the first and third stages of FIG. 3, the first frame (third stage) constituted by the image data of the analysis image input to the synchronization circuit 25 is input to the synchronization circuit 25. Compared with the first frame (first stage) constituted by the image data of the live image, the input time to the synchronization circuit 25 is delayed by the RAW data analysis processing time. Therefore, the synchronization circuit 25 is configured by the live image image data after waiting for the input of the first frame configured by the image data of the analysis image after the input of the first frame configured by the image data of the live image. The first frame and the first frame constituted by the image data of the analysis image are simultaneously output to the video control circuit 26. The same applies to the sixth, eleventh and sixteenth frames.

  On the other hand, for the frames other than the first, sixth, eleventh and sixteenth frames, the synchronization circuit 25 is configured by the image data of the live image without waiting for the input of the frame configured by the image data of the analysis image. Only the frames to be output are sequentially output to the video control circuit 26.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a specific frame setting method during live display.

  In the second example of the specific frame setting method illustrated in FIG. 4, a case where the Flash frame is set by the specific frame setting unit 41 will be described. When the Flash frame is set by the specific frame setting unit 41, the specific frame acquisition unit 43 sets each Flash frame as a specific frame.

  The first row from the top in FIG. 4 shows frames (all frames) composed of image data of live images input to the synchronization circuit 25 in time series. Further, the second row in FIG. 4 is a time series in which a specific frame is a Flash frame in the FEI (Flash Echo Imaging) mode of contrast harmonic imaging (CHI) extracted from the first frame by the specific frame acquisition unit 43. It shows. The third row in FIG. 4 shows a frame constituted by image data of an analysis image after analysis with respect to RAW data of a live image constituting the second row frame, that is, an analysis image input to the synchronization circuit 25. Frames composed of image data are shown in time series. Further, the fourth row in FIG. 4 shows the Monitor frame or Flash frame in the CHI FEI mode in time series.

  As shown in the first and second stages of FIG. 4, the first frame composed of the image data of the live image input to the synchronization circuit 25 and the first frame corresponding to the Flash frame are generated almost simultaneously. Is done. The same applies to the second, seventh, eighth, thirteenth and fourteenth frames. However, as shown in the first and third stages of FIG. 4, the first frame (third stage) constituted by the image data of the analysis image input to the synchronization circuit 25 is input to the synchronization circuit 25. Compared with the first frame (first stage) constituted by the image data of the live image, the input time to the synchronization circuit 25 is delayed by the RAW data analysis processing time. Therefore, the synchronization circuit 25 is configured by the live image image data after waiting for the input of the first frame configured by the image data of the analysis image after the input of the first frame configured by the image data of the live image. The first frame and the first frame constituted by the image data of the analysis image are simultaneously output to the video control circuit 26. The same applies to the second, seventh, eighth, thirteenth and fourteenth frames.

  On the other hand, for the frames other than the first, second, seventh, eighth, thirteenth and fourteenth frames, the synchronization circuit 25 does not wait for the input of the frame constituted by the image data of the analysis image, and the live image Only frames composed of the image data are sequentially output to the video control circuit 26.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a third example of a specific frame setting method during live display.

  In the third example of the specific frame setting method shown in FIG. 5, the case where the R wave of the heartbeat is set by the specific frame setting unit 41 will be described. When the heartbeat R wave is set by the specific frame setting unit 41, the specific frame acquisition unit 43 sets each frame corresponding to the timing of the heartbeat R wave as a specific frame.

  The first row from the top in FIG. 5 shows frames (all frames) formed by image data of live images input to the synchronization circuit 25 in time series. The second row in FIG. 5 shows a frame corresponding to the timing of the R wave of the heartbeat extracted from the first frame by the specific frame acquisition unit 43 as a specific frame in time series. The third row in FIG. 5 is a frame constituted by image data of an analysis image after analysis with respect to RAW data of the live image constituting the second row frame, that is, an analysis image input to the synchronization circuit 25. Frames composed of image data are shown in time series. Furthermore, the 4th stage | paragraph of FIG. 5 has shown the electrocardiogram waveform in time series.

  As shown in the first and second stages of FIG. 5, the second frame constituted by the image data of the live image input to the synchronization circuit 25 and the first frame corresponding to the timing corresponding to the R wave timing of the heartbeat. Two frames are generated almost simultaneously. The same applies to the eighth and fourteenth frames. However, as shown in the first and third stages of FIG. 5, the second frame (third stage) constituted by the image data of the analysis image input to the synchronization circuit 25 is input to the synchronization circuit 25. Compared with the second frame (first stage) constituted by the image data of the live image, the input time to the synchronization circuit 25 is delayed by the RAW data analysis processing time. Therefore, the synchronization circuit 25 is configured by image data of the live image after input of the second frame configured by the image data of the live image and waiting for input of the second frame configured by the image data of the analysis image. The second frame and the second frame constituted by the image data of the analysis image are simultaneously output to the video control circuit 26. The same applies to the eighth and fourteenth frames.

  On the other hand, for the frames other than the second, eighth and fourteenth frames, the synchronization circuit 25 does not wait for the input of the frame constituted by the image data of the analysis image, and only the frame constituted by the image data of the live image. Are sequentially output to the video control circuit 26.

  Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 shows the operation during live display, while the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows the operation during cine reproduction.

  The operator uses the operation panel 35 to set a specific frame acquired by the specific frame acquisition unit 43 during live display (step S1 in FIG. 6), and performs live display operation using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. Let it begin.

The transmission / reception circuit 21 performs transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves (step S2 in FIG. 6). Specifically, the transmission / reception circuit 21 applies a driving pulse to each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 11 so that an ultrasonic beam is formed toward a predetermined scan line, and the center frequency f is set in the subject. _{A zero} ultrasonic pulse is emitted.

  Further, the reflected signal from the inside of the subject is received by the same ultrasonic transducer as that used when transmitting the ultrasonic wave, and converted from the ultrasonic wave to an electrical signal. From the reception signal converted into the electric signal by the ultrasonic probe 11, the harmonic reception signal of the ultrasonic pulse is selected by the BPF of the transmission / reception circuit 21. The harmonic reception signal is amplified to a predetermined size by the preamplifier circuit, and then converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit. Further, the digitally converted received signal is given a predetermined delay time by the beamformer of the phasing addition circuit and then added and synthesized by the addition circuit.

  The harmonic reception signal added and synthesized by the addition circuit of the transmission / reception circuit 21 is sent to the signal processing circuit 22 (B mode processing circuit 22a or color Doppler mode processing circuit 22b). Based on the output signal from the transmission / reception circuit 21, the signal processing circuit 22 generates RAW data of a live image related to the frame among a plurality of time-sequential frames (step S <b> 3 in FIG. 6). The RAW data relating to the frame is output to the cine memory 23 and the scan conversion circuit 24.

  The scan conversion circuit 24 converts the RAW data of the live image related to the frame output from the signal processing circuit 22 into a standard TV signal to generate image data of the live image related to the frame (Step S4 in FIG. 6). The image data of the live image relating to the frame is output to the synchronization circuit 25.

  On the other hand, the RAW data of the live image relating to the frame is read from the cine memory 23 and once recorded in the RAW memory 34. It is determined whether or not the frame to be acquired from the RAW memory 34 is the specific frame set in step S1 (step S5 in FIG. 6).

  If YES in step S5, that is, if it is determined that the frame to be acquired from the RAW memory 34 is the specific frame set in step S1, the RAW data of the live image related to the frame is determined. Analysis processing such as TSI processing and TTS is performed to generate image data of an analysis image related to the frame (step S6 in FIG. 6). Image data of the analysis image related to the frame is output to the synchronization circuit 25.

  On the other hand, if NO in step S5, that is, if it is determined that the frame to be acquired from the RAW memory 34 is not the specific frame set in step S1, the analysis processing of the frame is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S7. .

  Therefore, during live display, analysis processing is performed only on image data relating to a specific frame, and therefore only a part of the frames that are thinned out from all frames that are continuous in time series are analyzed.

  Next, the synchronization circuit 25 determines whether there is image data of an analysis image together with image data of a live image for the frame (step S7 in FIG. 6).

  If YES in step S7, that is, if it is determined that the image data of the analysis image is present together with the image data of the live image for the frame, the synchronization circuit 25 determines the live image generated in step S4 for the frame. The image data and the image data of the analysis image generated in step S6 are synchronized and output to the video control circuit 26 simultaneously.

  Next, the video control circuit 26 generates live image display data based on the image data of the live image output from the synchronization circuit 25 and converts the display data into analog data, while being output from the synchronization circuit 25. Based on the image data of the analysis image to be generated, data for display of the analysis image is generated, the display data is converted to analog, and the display data is output simultaneously.

  Based on the output from the video control circuit 26, the monitor 27 simultaneously displays a live image and an analysis image related to the frame (step S8 in FIG. 6). In step S8, when the live image related to the frame before the frame is displayed on the monitor 27, the live image related to the frame is updated and displayed. On the other hand, in step S8, when the analysis image related to the frame before the frame is displayed on the monitor 27, the analysis image related to the frame is updated and displayed.

  If the determination in step S5 is NO, that is, if it is determined that the frame to be acquired from the RAW memory 34 is not the specific frame set in step S1, the synchronization circuit 25 performs step S4 for the frame. Only the image data of the generated live image is output to the video control circuit 26. Therefore, the monitor 27 displays only the live image based on the output from the video control circuit 26 (step S9 in FIG. 6). In step S9, when the live image related to the frame before the frame is displayed on the monitor 27, the live image related to the frame is updated and displayed. In step S9, when an analysis image related to a frame prior to the frame is displayed, the display of the analysis image related to the frame prior to the frame is maintained.

  Further, after step S8 or S9, it is determined whether or not to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves for the next frame (step S10 in FIG. 6). If YES in step S10, that is, if it is determined to perform ultrasonic transmission / reception for the next frame, the process returns to step S2 to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves for the next frame.

  8 and 9 are conceptual diagrams showing display examples of live images and analysis images.

  The display screen illustrated in FIG. 8 is a display screen that realizes dual display of a live image (for example, a B-mode image) and an analysis image (for example, a TSI image) displayed in step S8. On this Dual display screen, a live image is displayed at the position of Dual_Left, while an analysis image is displayed at the position of Dual_Right. On the other hand, the display screen shown in FIG. 9 is a display screen that realizes dual display of a live image and an analysis image and display of biological information, for example, an electrocardiogram waveform. By repeating steps S2 to S10, according to the display screen shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the update frequency of the live image becomes larger than the update frequency of the analysis image.

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display example of a live image and an analysis image.

  FIG. 10 is a display screen that realizes display of a live image, a first analysis image (for example, a TSI image), and a second analysis image (TTI image). In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which only one analysis process is performed on RAW data of a live image constituting a specific frame. However, two or more different analysis processes can be performed on the RAW data of the live image constituting a specific frame. FIG. 10 shows a screen on which two different analysis processes are performed on RAW data of a live image constituting a specific frame. By repeating steps S2 to S10, according to the display screen shown in FIG. 10, the update frequency of the live image becomes larger than the update frequency of the first analysis image and the second analysis image.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S10 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is NO, that is, if it is determined not to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves related to the next frame, it is determined whether or not the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 has been frozen by the operator. (Step S11 in FIG. 7). If YES in step S11, that is, if the operator determines that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is frozen, the operation of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is stopped. Then, the scan conversion circuit 24 reads the data from the cine memory 23 as RAW data of the cine image, converts the RAW data of the cine image into a standard TV signal, and generates image data of the cine image related to the frame (FIG. 7 step S12). The image data of the cine image relating to the frame is output to the synchronization circuit 25.

  On the other hand, the data from the cine memory 23 is read as RAW data of the cine image, and the RAW data of the cine image is temporarily recorded in the RAW memory 34. Then, RAW data of the cine image related to the frame stored in the RAW memory 34 is acquired.

  Next, an analysis process is performed on the RAW data of the cine image relating to the frame to generate image data of the analysis image relating to the frame (step S13 in FIG. 7). Image data of the analysis image related to the frame is output to the synchronization circuit 25.

  The synchronization circuit 25 synchronizes the image data of the cine image generated in step S12 and the image data of the analysis image generated in step S13 for all the frames, and outputs them simultaneously to the video control circuit 26.

  Therefore, during cine reproduction, analysis processing is performed on the image data of all frames.

  The video control circuit 26 generates cine image display data based on the image data of the cine image output from the synchronization circuit 25 and converts the display data into analog data, while the analysis output from the synchronization circuit 25 is performed. Based on the image data of the image, data for display of the analysis image is generated, the display data is converted to analog, and the display data is output simultaneously.

  Based on the output from the video control circuit 26, the monitor 27 simultaneously displays a cine image and an analysis image relating to the frame (step S14 in FIG. 7). In step S14, when the live image and analysis image relating to the frame before the frame are displayed on the monitor 27, the live image and analysis image relating to the frame are updated and displayed.

  Further, after step S14, it is determined whether or not to generate image data of the cine image relating to the next frame (step S15 in FIG. 7). If YES in step S15, that is, if it is determined to generate image data of the cine image relating to the next frame, the process returns to step S12 to generate image data of the cine image relating to the next frame.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S15 is NO, that is, if it is determined not to generate image data of a cine image relating to the next frame, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is terminated.

  If NO in step S11, that is, if the operator determines that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is not frozen, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is terminated.

  11 and 12 are conceptual diagrams showing display examples of cine images and analysis images.

  The display screen illustrated in FIG. 11 is a display screen that realizes dual display of a cine image (for example, a B-mode image) and an analysis image (for example, a TSI image) displayed in step S14. On this Dual display screen, a cine image is displayed at the position of Dual_Left, while an analysis image is displayed at the position of Dual_Right. On the other hand, the display screen shown in FIG. 12 is a display screen that realizes dual display of a live image and an analysis image and display of biological information such as an electrocardiographic waveform. Even if steps S12 to S15 are repeated, according to the display screen shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the update frequency of the cine image is equal to the update frequency of the analysis image.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display example of a cine image and an analysis image.

  FIG. 13 is a display screen that realizes display of a cine image, a first analysis image (for example, a TSI image), and a second analysis image (TTI image). In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which only one analysis process is performed on RAW data of a cine image constituting a specific frame. However, two or more different analysis processes can be performed on the RAW data of the cine image constituting a specific frame. FIG. 13 shows a screen for performing two different analysis processes on the RAW data of a cine image constituting a specific frame. Even if steps S12 to S15 are repeated, according to the display screen shown in FIG. 13, the update frequency of the cine image is equal to the update frequency of the first analysis image and the second analysis image.

  As described above, during live display, a real-time simultaneous display of a live image and an analysis image is realized by a display screen as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, and the display screen is displayed as shown in FIG. To switch as shown in FIG.

  During live display, a live image and an analysis image (for example, a TSI image) are displayed as shown in FIG. 8, and another application program is executed at the start timing of cine reproduction, so that cine reproduction is performed during cine reproduction. The image and the analysis image different from the analysis image shown in FIG. 8 (for example, a TTI image) may be displayed synchronously (shown in FIG. 14).

  Further, during live display, a live image and an analysis image (for example, a TSI image) are displayed as shown in FIG. 8, and another application program is executed at the timing of starting cine reproduction. The image, the analysis image shown in FIG. 8, and an analysis image (for example, a TTI image) different from the analysis image shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed synchronously (shown in FIG. 15).

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, during live display, an analysis process is performed only on a specific frame to reduce the load on the CPU 31 and reduce the load on the CPU 31 in substantially real time. By realizing the simultaneous display, it is possible to display the minimum necessary information for grasping the general tendency of the examination site.

  In addition, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, during freeze reproduction that does not require real-time performance, information sufficient to grasp the details of the examination site is obtained by performing analysis processing on all frames. Can be displayed.

1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The block diagram which shows the function of embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating the 1st example of the setting method of the specific frame in live display. The figure for demonstrating the 2nd example of the setting method of the specific frame in live display. The figure for demonstrating the 3rd example of the setting method of the specific frame in live display. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of this embodiment. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of a display of a live image and an analysis image. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of a display of a live image and an analysis image. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of a display of a live image and an analysis image. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of a display of a cine image and an analysis image. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of a display of a cine image and an analysis image. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of a display of a cine image and an analysis image. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of a switching of the synchronous display between live display and cine reproduction | regeneration. The conceptual diagram which shows the example of a switching of the synchronous display between live display and cine reproduction | regeneration.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 Ultrasonic probe 12 Biological information measuring device 13 Apparatus main body 21 Transmission / reception circuit 22 Signal processing circuit 23 Cine memory 24 Scan conversion circuit 25 Synchronization circuit 26 Video control circuit 27 Monitor 31 CPU
34 RAW memory 32 Operation panel 41 Specific frame setting unit 42 RAW data generation unit 43 Specific frame acquisition unit 44 All frame acquisition unit 45 Analysis processing unit

Claims (11)

An ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in contact with the surface of the subject;
A transmission / reception circuit that generates a drive signal for generating the ultrasonic wave and receives a reflected signal obtained from a reflected wave from within the subject;
A signal processing circuit for performing signal processing for generating RAW data of a live image using a reception signal of the transmission / reception circuit;
A scan conversion circuit that generates image data of a live image based on the RAW data of the live image;
A specific frame acquisition unit that acquires only a specific frame by thinning out a part of the frame constituted by the RAW data of the live image;
An analysis processing unit that performs analysis processing on RAW data constituting the specific frame to generate image data of an analysis image;
A synchronization circuit that synchronizes a frame configured by image data of the live image and a frame configured by image data of the analysis image;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that simultaneously displays a frame constituted by image data of the live image and a frame constituted by image data of the analysis image. The signal processing circuit generates a B-mode image RAW data using a reception signal of the transmission / reception circuit, and a color Doppler generates a color Doppler image RAW data using the reception signal of the transmission / reception circuit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one of mode processing circuits. 2. The analysis processing unit performs at least one of TSI (Tissue Strain Imaging) processing and TTI (Tissue Tracking Imaging) processing on RAW data used for generating the analysis image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1. 2. The superframe according to claim 1, wherein a biometric information measurement device that measures biometric information of the subject is provided, and the specific frame acquisition unit acquires only the specific frame based on the biometric information. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the biological information measuring apparatus measures biological information based on at least one of an electrocardiogram waveform, an electroencephalogram, a heart sound, a blood pressure waveform, a respiratory waveform, and an impedance waveform. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an R wave of a heartbeat is detected from the electrocardiogram waveform, and only the specific frame is acquired based on the R wave of the heartbeat. The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 4, wherein the biological information is displayed on a screen composed of a frame composed of image data of the live image and a frame composed of image data of the analysis image. apparatus. During cine reproduction, the apparatus has an all-frame acquisition unit that acquires all of the RAW data of the live image as RAW data of the cine image, and during the cine reproduction, the analysis processing unit performs processing on the RAW data of the cine image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein analysis processing is performed to generate image data of an analysis image. 9. The second program for generating an image data of a second analysis image by performing an analysis process on the RAW data of the cine image at a start timing of the cine reproduction is started. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment. 10. The synchronization circuit synchronizes a frame constituted by image data of the cine image and a frame constituted by image data of the second analysis image during the cine reproduction. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment. During the cine reproduction, the synchronization circuit includes a frame constituted by image data of the cine image, a frame constituted by image data of the analysis image, and a frame constituted by image data of the second analysis image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the two are synchronized.

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