JP2009106494A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and annotation display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for improving working efficiency by omitting annotation display operation during application measurement. <P>SOLUTION: Tables in which measurement items are correlated with character strings beforehand are stored in table memory means in advance. When operating means receives an input of measurement items of a medical image, measuring means carries out measurement of the input measurement items. The character strings correlated with the input measurement items are then displayed on a medical image displayed on a monitor by referring to the table. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for automatically displaying an annotation on a medical image generated by an image diagnostic apparatus and applied and measured.

  For diagnosis of a subject, an image diagnostic apparatus that images the inside of the subject and creates a medical image thereof is used. For example, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, and the like. The generated medical image is displayed on a monitor and used for diagnosis of a subject.

  In recent years, an annotation display function is often added to this diagnostic imaging apparatus (see, for example, “Patent Document 1”). The annotation display function displays a character string representing an imaging region called a annotation, a measurement item, a measurement result, or a comment on the measurement result on a medical image of the monitor.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of displaying an annotation on a medical image. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, at the time of examination of the periphery or the like, an annotation function is used to identify whether the common carotid artery shown in the generated medical image is left or right, and “R-CCA” or “L Annotation composed of a character string “−CCA” is displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an operation panel for displaying annotations. In the annotation display operation, first, as shown in FIG. 9, a screen for displaying the annotation is displayed on the operation panel of the diagnostic imaging apparatus for displaying the annotation. On the annotation display screen, keys for selecting annotations to be displayed on the medical image are arranged. For example, an annotation made up of a character string “R-CCA” indicating the intima complex of the right common carotid artery or “L” indicating the intima complex of the left common carotid artery Keys corresponding to annotations configured with a character string “-CCA” are arranged. The operator presses the key corresponding to the desired annotation on the screen for displaying the annotation, specifies the display position of the annotation by pressing the direction key or the like, and displays the annotation on the medical image.

  In this case, applied measurement is often performed at the time of inspection by the image diagnostic apparatus. Applied measurement measures the shape, function, and physiological activity of a body or a part based on a generated medical image. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an operation panel displayed during applied measurement. As shown in FIG. 10, a screen for selecting applied measurement is displayed on the operation panel of the diagnostic imaging apparatus. On the screen for selecting applied measurement, a selection key is arranged for each measurement item. For example, a key labeled “Right CCA IMT” that measures the thickness of the intima complex of the right common carotid artery or “Left” that measures the thickness of the intima complex of the left common carotid artery Keys displayed as “CCA IMT” are arranged. The measurement items are distinguished by the combination of the imaging region and the measurement content. The operator presses a key corresponding to a desired measurement item on the screen for selecting the applied measurement, and starts applied measurement based on the displayed medical image.

  When applied measurement is performed, after the medical image is captured, the applied measurement operation and the annotation display operation are performed.

JP-A-11-285494

  In the medical field, work processes such as applied measurement operation and annotation display operation are repeated many times a day, and thus improvement of work efficiency is desired. On the other hand, since applied measurement is often distinguished by a part and measurement content as described above, the operation of applied measurement is also an operation for designating an imaging part, which is one of the items to be input as annotation. Therefore, performing an annotation display operation following the applied measurement operation is the same as specifying the imaging region twice for the image diagnostic apparatus, and cannot be said to be efficient.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for improving work efficiency by omitting an annotation display operation at the time of applied measurement.

  The present invention according to claim 1 for solving the above-described problem is an ultrasonic probe for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject, and an image for generating a medical image of the subject based on the received ultrasonic waves A generating unit; a monitor for displaying the medical image; an operating unit for receiving an input of a measurement item for the subject; a measuring unit for measuring the input measurement item; the measurement item and a character string for annotation; Storage means for storing the information in advance, and annotation display control means for displaying the character string associated with the input measurement item together with the medical image.

  The storage unit stores the measurement item, a predetermined measurement value range for the measurement item, and the character string for the measurement value range in association with each other, and the annotation display control unit stores the measurement value calculated by the measurement unit. May fall within the measured value range, the character string may be displayed on the medical image (corresponding to the invention of claim 2).

  The storage means stores in advance the measurement item and one or more character strings in association with each other, and the annotation display control means has a plurality of the character strings associated with the input measurement item. May display the plurality of associated character strings on the medical image (corresponding to the invention of claim 3).

  The storage means stores in advance the measurement item and one or more character strings in association with each other, and the annotation display control means has a plurality of the character strings associated with the input measurement item. Generates a menu for selecting one of the plurality of character strings, displays the menu on the monitor, and displays the character string selected based on the menu on the medical image. Good (corresponding to the invention of claim 4).

  The operation means receives an input for designating a measurement position on the medical image together with the measurement item, the measurement means performs the measurement based on the designated measurement position, and the annotation display control means Display position storage means for storing a value for determining the position in advance may be included, and the character string may be displayed at a position separated from the designated measurement position by the value. Equivalent to the described invention).

  The present invention as set forth in claim 6 for solving the above-mentioned problems is a monitor for displaying a medical image of a subject generated based on transmission / reception of an ultrasonic wave, and an operation means for receiving an input of a measurement item for the subject. Measuring means for measuring the input measurement item, storage means for storing the measurement item and the character string for annotation in advance, and the character string associated with the input measurement item. An annotation display control means for displaying together with the medical image.

  The storage unit stores the measurement item, a predetermined measurement value range for the measurement item, and the character string for the measurement value range in association with each other, and the annotation display control unit stores the measurement value calculated by the measurement unit. May fall within the measured value range, the character string may be displayed on the medical image (corresponding to the invention of claim 7).

  According to the present invention, an annotation can be displayed without requiring an operator's operation after performing an operation of selecting a measurement item in order to perform applied measurement. Therefore, a plurality of operation steps for displaying annotations that have been required in the past can be omitted, the work efficiency can be improved, and erroneous input of annotations can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an annotation display device according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an annotation display apparatus according to the present embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject, generates a medical image in the subject from the received ultrasonic waves, and displays the medical image. Further, when an applied measurement operation is performed by the operator, the generated medical image is measured according to the applied measurement operation, and the measured value is displayed. Applied measurements include, for example, measuring the thickness of the intima complex in a medical image, and measuring the time per heartbeat from the start of blood flow to the left ventricle of the heart until the inflow is completed. Etc.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 synthesizes and displays annotations according to applied measurement items on a medical image, together with display of measurement results. Note that an overlay display may be performed on the medical image, a window different from the medical image, or a display outside the medical image.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 101, a transmission / reception unit 102 connected to the ultrasonic probe 101, a signal processing unit 103 connected to the transmission / reception unit 102, and image processing connected to the signal processing unit 103. The unit 104 is configured to generate a medical image in the subject based on ultrasonic transmission / reception.

  The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a monitor 105 and a control unit 106. The control unit 106 controls the transmission / reception unit 102, the signal processing unit 103, the image processing unit 104, and the monitor 105 to generate a medical image based on ultrasound transmission / reception, and causes the monitor 105 to display the medical image. Further, the control unit 106 receives an input of an applied measurement operation using the operation panel 107 as an operation unit, performs an applied measurement of a medical image as a measurement unit, and an annotation corresponding to a measurement item on the monitor 105 as an annotation display control unit. Is displayed.

  The ultrasonic probe 101 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves into the subject. The ultrasonic probe 101 includes a piezoelectric body and an electrode pair disposed with the piezoelectric body interposed therebetween. The piezoelectric body is an acoustic / electric reversible conversion element made of a piezoelectric ceramic such as lead titanate. When a signal voltage is applied from the electrode pair, the piezoelectric body generates a piezoelectric effect and transmits ultrasonic waves in a direction orthogonal to the electrode pair. On the other hand, when receiving the ultrasonic wave, the piezoelectric body generates a piezoelectric effect, and converts the received ultrasonic wave into an echo signal having a voltage value corresponding to the intensity. This echo signal flows to the electrode pair.

  A signal voltage applied to the ultrasonic probe 101 is supplied from the transmission / reception unit 102. The transmission / reception unit 102 includes a transmission unit and a reception unit. Both the transmitter and the receiver are connected to the electrode pair. The transmitter applies a predetermined signal voltage to the electrode pair. The receiving unit receives an echo signal transmitted from the electrode pair.

  The echo signal is output from the receiving unit to the signal processing unit 103. The signal processing unit 103 performs signal processing for generating a two-dimensional medical image on the echo signal or performs signal processing for generating a two-dimensional blood flow image to obtain respective raster image data. In the signal processing for generating a two-dimensional medical image, the echo signal is subjected to band-pass filter processing, and then the envelope is detected, and the detected data is subjected to compression processing by logarithmic transformation, thereby rasterizing the two-dimensional medical image. Obtain image data. In 2D blood flow image generation signal processing, the phase is detected, high-pass filter processing (MTI filter processing) that separates tissue signals and blood flow signals is performed, and autocorrelation processing is performed, so that the blood flow velocity Raster image data of blood flow information such as dispersion, power, etc. is obtained.

  The raster image data is input from the signal processing unit 103 to the image processing unit 104 via the image memory. The image processing unit 104 converts the raster image data into an orthogonal coordinate system video format by scan conversion processing. The image data converted into the video format is output to the monitor 105. The monitor 105 displays the image data of this medical image.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 106.

  The control unit 106 includes a drive control unit 108, a measurement unit 109, a table storage unit 110, and an annotation display control unit 111.

  The drive control unit 108 controls the transmission / reception unit 102, the signal processing unit 103, the image processing unit 104, and the monitor 105.

  When input of an applied measurement operation using the operation panel 107 is performed, the measurement unit 109 measures a measurement item according to the applied measurement operation based on the displayed medical image. On the operation panel 107, a soft keyboard is displayed as an operation means for receiving an operator's input. On the soft keyboard, direction keys and keys associated with various measurement items are arranged. For example, the operation panel 107 displays a key displayed as “Right CCA IMT”, a key displayed as “AR V Trace”, and a key for applied measurement displayed as “LV Inf. Dct”. .

  When the key labeled “Right CCA IMT” is pressed, the measurement unit 109 measures the thickness of the intima complex of the right common carotid artery. When the directional key on the operation panel 107 is pressed and the lines are aligned so that the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the inner-media complex of the right common carotid artery shown in the medical image are end portions, the measurement unit 109 The specified distance indicated by the line is measured, and the measured value is displayed as the thickness of the intima-media complex of the right common carotid artery.

  When the key labeled “AR V Trace” is pressed, the measurement unit 109 measures the blood flow and derives a measurement result as to whether or not aortic regurgitation regurgitation exists. When the direction key of the operation panel 107 is pressed and the pointer is placed on the aortic valve shown in the medical image, the measurement unit 109 measures the blood flow direction at the designated position indicated by the pointer, and the aorta Displays the measured value of whether or not regurgitation occurs.

  When the key labeled “LV Inflight Dct” is pressed, the measurement unit 109 measures the time per heartbeat from the start of blood flow into the left ventricle of the heart until the inflow is completed. When the direction key of the operation panel 107 is pressed and the pointer is positioned on the left ventricle of the heart that is reflected in the medical image, the measurement unit 109 monitors the pixel value at the designated position indicated by the pointer, A detection interval between a pixel value set in advance as representing the start of blood flow inflow and a pixel value luminance set in advance as representing the end of blood flow inflow is measured, and the measured value is displayed.

  The table storage unit 110 stores annotations to be displayed on medical images in a table. FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram showing an annotation table stored in the table storage unit 110. As shown in FIG. 3, the annotation is associated with the measurement item. For example, a measurement item “Right CCA IMT” for measuring the thickness of the intima-media complex of the right common carotid artery is associated with an annotation composed of a character string “R-CCA”. In addition, a measurement item “AR V Trace” indicating whether or not aortic regurgitation is present is associated with an annotation composed of a character string “Aortic valve Registration”.

  The annotation display control unit 111 displays an annotation corresponding to the measurement item of applied measurement on the medical image. When an applied measurement operation is performed using the operation panel 107, the annotation display control unit 111 reads the annotation associated with the measurement item of the applied measurement from the table storage unit 110, and synthesizes the read annotation on the medical image. The drawn image is generated and displayed on the monitor 105.

  In the table, one or a plurality of annotations may be associated with one measurement item. The annotation display control unit 111 reads out all the annotations associated with the measurement item, and displays them on the medical image in a synthesized manner. Associating a measurement item with a plurality of annotations, a plurality of annotations may be listed in one record, or a plurality of records in which the same measurement item is associated with each annotation may be stored in a table.

  The annotation display control unit 111 stores in advance display position information for determining a display position for displaying the annotation. This display position information is a numerical value indicating the distance with reference to the pixel. The annotation display control unit 111 causes the annotation to be displayed at a position separated from the reference by the value indicated by the display position information on the basis of the designated position such as a line or a point designated at the time of applied measurement. A value input using the operation panel 107 is stored in advance as the display position information.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the annotation display operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 equipped with such an annotation display apparatus.

  First, when an operator inputs an applied measurement operation using the operation panel 107, the measurement unit 109 measures a measurement item according to the input applied measurement operation (S01). When the measurement is completed, the measurement unit 109 displays the measurement value on the monitor 105 (S02).

  Further, the annotation display control unit 111 refers to the table stored in the table storage unit 110, and reads the annotation associated with the measurement item according to the input applied measurement operation (S03). Then, the annotation display control unit 111 reads the display position information stored in advance (S04), and reads the read annotation at a position separated from the position specified in the application measurement by the value indicated by the display position information. Display (S05).

  For example, the measurement item of “Right CCA IMT” for measuring the thickness of the intima complex of the right common carotid artery is associated with the table and an annotation composed of the character string “R-CCA” And

  In this case, when an operation for measuring the thickness of the intima complex of the right common carotid artery is performed, “R-CCA” associated with the measurement item “Right CCA IMT” is referred to by referring to the table. An annotation composed of the character string “R-CCA” is displayed on the medical image together with the measurement value. Accordingly, it is possible to omit the operation of switching the operation panel 107 to the annotation display panel and the operation of selecting and pressing the annotation key composed of the character string “R-CCA” from the operation panel 107.

  In the table, when a plurality of annotations are associated with one inspection item, the menu 112 may be displayed on the monitor 105 and the annotation may be selected from the menu 112.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen for displaying the menu 112. The annotation display control unit 111 displays a menu 112 on the monitor 105 when there are a plurality of annotations read from the table. In the menu 112, a plurality of read annotations are arranged. When an operation for selecting one annotation from the menu 112 by pressing the direction key of the operation panel 107 is performed, the annotation display control unit 111 displays the annotation selected from the menu 112 on the medical image.

  In addition to displaying annotations corresponding to measurement items, annotations corresponding to the results of applied measurement may be displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram showing a table for displaying annotations according to the result of applied measurement.

  The table stores records in which measurement items and annotations are associated with each other, and records in which measurement items, measurement value range information, and annotations are associated with each other. The measured value range information is information indicating the numerical range of the measured value to be compared with the measured value. This measurement value range information also serves as a condition for determining whether to display an annotation. On the other hand, the annotation associated with the measurement value range information is a character string such as a comment to be annotated when the measurement value falls within the numerical range indicated by the measurement value range information.

  For example, as the measurement value range information, information indicating “1 mm or less” is stored in association with the measurement item “Right CCA IMT” representing the thickness measurement of the intima-media complex of the common carotid artery. The measurement item “Right CCA IMT” and the measurement value range information indicating “greater than 1 mm” are associated with an annotation including a character string “abnormal” indicating abnormality.

  Further, for example, the measurement value range information is associated with a measurement item of “LV Inflow DcT” representing measurement of time per heartbeat from the start of inflow of blood flow to the left ventricle of the heart until the inflow is completed. Information indicating “150 msec or less” is stored. An annotation composed of a character string “Restrict” is associated with the measurement item “LV Inflight DcT” and the measurement value range information indicating “150 msec or less”.

  The annotation display control unit 111 refers to a table stored in the table storage unit 110, and when a numerical range is associated with a measurement item corresponding to an applied measurement operation input using the operation panel 107. The measurement value range information is read, and the measurement value calculated by the measurement unit 109 is compared with the measurement value range information. Then, if the measurement value falls within the range indicated by the measurement value range information, the annotation display control unit 111 displays the annotation associated with the measurement item and the numerical value range on the medical image.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation for displaying an annotation according to the result of this applied measurement.

  First, when the operator inputs an applied measurement operation using the operation panel 107, the measurement unit 109 measures a measurement item according to the input applied measurement operation (S11). When the measurement is completed, the measurement unit 109 displays the measurement value on the monitor 105 (S12).

  Further, the annotation display control unit 111 refers to the table stored in the table storage unit 110, and if the measurement value range information is associated with the measurement item according to the input applied measurement operation (S13, Yes). ), The measurement value calculated by the measurement unit 109 is compared with the numerical value range indicated by the measurement value range information (S14). If the measured value falls within the numerical range indicated by the measured value range information (S14, Yes), the measurement item corresponding to the input applied measurement operation and the annotation associated with the measured value range information are read (S15).

  On the other hand, the annotation display control unit 111 refers to the table stored in the table storage unit 110, and if the measurement value range information is not associated with the measurement item corresponding to the input applied measurement operation (S13, No). ), An annotation associated with the measurement item corresponding to the input applied measurement operation is read (S15).

  Then, the annotation display control unit 111 reads the display position information stored in advance (S16), and reads the read annotation at a position separated from the position designated by the applied measurement at the value indicated by the display position information. It is displayed (S17).

  For example, in the table, a measurement item of “Right CCA IMT” for measuring the thickness of the intima complex of the right common carotid artery is associated with an annotation composed of a character string “R-CCA”. There is a first record, a measurement item of “Right CCA IMT”, measurement value range information indicating “greater than 1 mm”, and a second record associated with an annotation composed of a character string “abnormal” Shall. The measured value indicating the thickness of the intima complex of the right common carotid artery is 1.5 mm.

  In this case, when an operation for measuring the thickness of the intima complex of the right common carotid artery is performed, the table is referred to and is associated with the measurement item “Right CCA IMT” in the first record. An annotation composed of the character string “R-CCA” is read out, and the annotation composed of the character string “R-CCA” is displayed on the medical image together with the measurement value.

  Furthermore, since the measurement value range information exists in the second record associated with the measurement item “Right CCA IMT”, the measurement value range information indicating “over 1 mm” and the measurement value “1.5 mm” are present. And compare. As a result of the comparison, the measured value is within the numerical range indicated by the measured value range information indicating “greater than 1 mm”, so an annotation composed of the character string “abnormal” is read from the second record, and the measured value and “ Along with the character string “R-CCA”, an annotation composed of the character string “abnormal” is displayed on the medical image.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 equipped with such an annotation display apparatus, after performing an operation of selecting a measurement item in order to perform applied measurement, an annotation can be generated without requiring an operator's operation. Can be displayed. Accordingly, a plurality of operation steps for displaying annotations that have been required in the past can be omitted, the work efficiency can be improved, and erroneous input of annotations can be prevented.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an ultrasound diagnosing device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a control part. It is a data structure figure which shows the table of the annotation memorize | stored in the table memory | storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the annotation display operation | movement of an ultrasonic diagnosing device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen which displays a menu. It is a data structure figure which shows the table for displaying the annotation according to the result of applied measurement. It is a flowchart of the operation | movement which displays an annotation according to the result of applied measurement. It is a figure which shows the specific example which displays an annotation on a medical image. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation panel for an annotation display. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation panel displayed in the case of applied measurement.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 Ultrasonic probe 102 Transmission / reception part 103 Signal processing part 104 Image processing part 105 Monitor 106 Control part 107 Operation panel 108 Drive control part 109 Measurement part 110 Table memory | storage part 111 Annotation display control part 112 Menu

Claims (7)

An ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject;
Image generating means for generating a medical image of the subject based on received ultrasonic waves;
A monitor for displaying the medical image;
Operating means for receiving input of measurement items for the subject;
A measuring means for measuring the input measurement item;
Storage means for previously storing the measurement item and the character string for annotation in association with each other;
Annotation display control means for displaying the character string associated with the input measurement item together with the medical image;
Providing
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above. The storage means
Preliminarily storing the measurement item, a predetermined measurement value range for the measurement item, and the character string for the measurement value range,
The annotation display control means includes:
Displaying the character string on the medical image when the measurement value calculated by the measurement means falls within the measurement value range;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The storage means stores the measurement item and one or a plurality of the character strings in association with each other,
The annotation display control means includes:
When there are a plurality of the character strings associated with the input measurement item, the plurality of the character strings associated with each other are displayed on the medical image;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The storage means stores the measurement item and one or a plurality of the character strings in association with each other,
The annotation display control means includes:
When there are a plurality of the character strings associated with the input measurement item, a menu for selecting one of the character strings is generated and displayed on the monitor,
Displaying the character string selected based on the menu on the medical image;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The operation means accepts an input for designating a measurement position on the medical image together with the measurement item,
The measurement means performs the measurement based on the designated measurement position,
The annotation display control means includes:
Including display position storage means for previously storing a value for determining the display position;
Displaying the character string at a position away from the designated measurement position by the value;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. A monitor for displaying a medical image of a subject generated based on transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves;
Operating means for receiving input of measurement items for the subject;
A measuring means for measuring the input measurement item;
Storage means for previously storing the measurement item and the character string for annotation in association with each other;
Annotation display control means for displaying the character string associated with the input measurement item together with the medical image;
Providing
An annotation display device characterized by. The storage means
Preliminarily storing the measurement item, a predetermined measurement value range for the measurement item, and the character string for the measurement value range,
The annotation display control means includes:
Displaying the character string on the medical image when the measurement value calculated by the measurement means falls within the measurement value range;
The annotation display device according to claim 6.