JP2009254506A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which makes it possible to more intuitively understand the three-dimensional structure of two separate scanning regions by displaying them as if they were observed from a viewpoint of the standard section opened after they were cut apart despite changes in the viewpoint of rendering process. <P>SOLUTION: With the viewpoint positioned at this side of the respective standard section of two separate regions divided at the standard section, an angle and another to look them down or up between the viewpoint and the standard section may become the same. Then rendering processing is done from their volume data to generate their divided-region projection images and display them as a double plate by placing them side by side with their standard sections facing each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that renders volume data acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, generates a projection image, and displays the projection image.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is widely used as a useful apparatus for non-invasive real-time observation, which is less expensive than other image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray or CT diagnostic apparatus, is not exposed to radiation. In addition, the application range of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is wide, and it is applied to 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 recent years, with rapid improvement of computer processing, rendering 4D data obtained by continuously scanning the inside of a subject to generate a three-dimensional moving image, and based on this three-dimensional moving image Diagnosis and treatment have become possible. Even in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, volume data is continuously acquired by a two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe capable of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic beam three-dimensionally to a space in a subject, and a three-dimensional moving image is obtained by sequentially rendering. Can be generated (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The rendering process is to create a projection moving image expressing a solid by projecting a region to be rendered in the direction of the line of sight. An example is a surface display method or a volume rendering method. In the volume rendering method, voxel data of a region viewed from the viewpoint is sampled, light transmission according to opacity and reflection to the viewpoint are calculated, and a projected moving image is generated while shading.

  In recent ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, a projection moving image in which a scanning region is viewed from a reference cross section is generated by this rendering process, and displayed side by side with an image of a reference cross section and other various cross sections. Supports 3D recognition within the subject.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus changes the viewpoint for the area to be rendered according to the operation of the doctor or the like, redisplays it, changes the area to be rendered according to the operation of the doctor or the like, and redisplays it. A technique for further enhancing the three-dimensional recognition of a subject by a doctor or the like is also provided (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, in order to improve the processing speed, a technique for rendering each of the regions divided by the reference cross section and simultaneously displaying the projected moving images has been proposed. By displaying both projected moving images at the same time, it becomes easier to grasp the three-dimensional structure of the scanning area based on the reference cross section.

  However, it cannot be said that the behavior at the time of changing the viewpoint in the case of simultaneously displaying both projected moving images of the divided areas has been established yet. For example, conventionally, when one viewpoint of a divided area is changed to a position where the area is looked down on, one of the divided areas is displayed on the display, and the other is looked up on the other. In other words, each of the divided areas is displayed as if it is observed from a different viewpoint.

  That is, on the display, the physical arrangement relationship of the divided areas may be lost. Therefore, the operator has to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of the scanning area in the head based on the displayed projection image, and it has been pointed out that the work efficiency is lowered.

JP 2004-275223 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-362853

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to observe both divided areas from a single point on the basis of the cut surface even when the viewpoint for rendering processing is changed. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can more intuitively understand the three-dimensional structure of a scanning region by expressing as expressed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the first aspect of the present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that acquires volume data by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a scanning region in a subject and generates an image based on the volume data. In addition, for each of the regions divided by the designated or predetermined reference cross section, a viewpoint with the reference cross section set in front is set, and then the rendering processing of both the regions is performed based on the volume data. Thus, image generation means for generating a projection image of each of the divided areas, and display means for displaying an image opened with the scanning area as the cut section, and the image generation means includes: In the setting of the viewpoint, a look-down angle or a look-up angle formed by the direction of the line of sight with respect to one region and the reference cross section, and the direction of the viewpoint with respect to the other region The look-up angle or the look-up angle formed by the reference cross section further defines the viewpoint in a positional relationship where the same angle is the same angle, and then performs the rendering process, and the display means further defines the positional relationship. The spread image is displayed by arranging the projection images generated using the viewpoint with the reference cross section facing inward.

  For one of the viewpoints, it further comprises an operation means for inputting a variable operation of an angle of attack formed by the direction of the viewpoint and the reference cross section, and the image generating means is configured to perform the one of the ones in the rendering process for the variable operation. The viewpoint may be changed based on the angle of attack, and the other viewpoint may be changed in a direction that is plane-symmetric with the one viewpoint about the reference cross section (corresponding to the invention of claim 2).

  For one of the viewpoints, it further comprises an operation means for inputting a variable operation of an angle of attack formed by the direction of the viewpoint and the reference cross section, and the image generation means is configured to perform the ultrasonic wave in the rendering process for the variable operation. Each viewpoint may be changed based on the angle of attack input by the operation means while maintaining the angle formed by the viewpoint directions in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the depth direction of transmission / reception of This corresponds to the invention described in item 3).

  The image generating means may perform rendering processing by including an overlapping area in the divided area (corresponding to the invention according to claim 4).

  The image generation unit may perform the rendering process by adding a region having a predetermined thickness that extends beyond the reference cross section to each of the divided regions. ).

  The image generation unit may perform the rendering process by adding an area having a predetermined thickness that extends beyond the reference cross section to one of the divided areas. ).

  The image processing device further includes an operation unit that inputs a variable operation of a thickness of an area that extends beyond the reference cross section, and the image generation unit performs the rendering process by adding the region of the thickness input by the operation unit. (It is equivalent to the invention of claim 7).

  According to the present invention, the looking-down or looking-up angle of the projected moving image of the divided area is always the same, the scanning area is opened with the reference cross section as a cut, and the cut divided into both areas from one point is looked down or looked up at the same time. Since it can be expressed, the three-dimensional structure can be understood more intuitively.

  Also, by performing the rendering process by including the overlapping area in the divided area, even if the area of interest on the reference cross section is divided into divided areas or biased to either, The region of interest includes the information of the region of interest without any loss, and the region of interest can be observed better regardless of which projection image is referenced.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a piezoelectric element included in the ultrasonic probe.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is connected to an ultrasonic probe 2 that can perform a three-dimensional scan. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 causes the ultrasonic probe 2 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves toward the scanning region of the subject, generates an image in the subject from the received ultrasonic waves, and monitors the image 7 so that the image can be visually recognized. To display. The subject is, for example, a patient. The scanning area is a space for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to form an image. In particular, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves three-dimensionally within a subject, generates volume data continuously in time series, and displays a three-dimensional moving image. The volume data is data of a three-dimensional image representing the state in the scanning region, and is a collection of voxel data indicating the pixel value of the ultrasonic focus.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 2 is configured by arranging a plurality of piezoelectric elements 2a in a two-dimensional manner. The piezoelectric element 2a is composed of a ceramic material such as lead zirconate titanate Pb (Zr, Ti) O ₃ , lithium niobate (LiNbO ₃ ), barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), or lead titanate (PbTiO ₃ ). ing.

  The piezoelectric element 2a is an acoustic / electric reversible conversion element, which oscillates an ultrasonic wave when a pulse signal is applied, and outputs an echo signal according to the intensity of the ultrasonic wave when it receives the ultrasonic wave. By processing the echo signal with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, an image in the subject is visualized. The ultrasonic probe 2 in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements 2 a are arranged two-dimensionally transmits and receives ultrasonic waves three-dimensionally, and receives volume data that spreads radially from the surface of the ultrasonic probe 2 as an echo signal.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a transmission unit 3, a reception unit 4, a signal processing unit 5, an image generation unit 6, a monitor 7, a controller 8, and a console 12. The transmitter 3 and the receiver 4 are connected to the ultrasonic probe 2. The image generation unit 6 includes a coordinate conversion unit 61, a cross-sectional image generation unit 62, and a projection image generation unit 63.

  The transmission unit 3 generates a pulse signal and applies the pulse signal to the piezoelectric element 2a. The transmission unit 3 includes a pulse generator 11, a delay circuit 10, and a high output circuit 9.

  The pulse generator 11 is a circuit that generates a pulse signal. An internal clock generator for generating a basic signal is provided, and a pulse signal having a frequency represented by preset frequency data is output based on the frequency of the basic signal. The delay circuit 10 is a circuit that delays the pulse signal generated by the pulse generator 11 for each piezoelectric element 2a. A delay is generated based on preset delay data. For example, if a large delay is applied to the piezoelectric elements 2a arranged on one side, the ultrasonic beam is focused on the other side. That is, the ultrasonic beam oscillates in the scanning range in the main scanning direction by the delay sequence by the pulse generator 11. The high output circuit 9 converts the delayed pulse signal into a high voltage and applies it to the piezoelectric element 2a. The scanning range in the sub-scanning direction changes the row of piezoelectric elements 2a to be applied.

  The receiving unit 4 receives an echo signal of each focal point in the scanning region from the ultrasonic probe 2. The receiving unit 4 amplifies the echo signal and converts it into a digital signal. Furthermore, a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity is given to the echo signal output from each piezoelectric element 2a, and phasing addition is performed, and a single reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized. An echo signal is generated. The receiving unit 4 outputs the processed echo signal to the signal processing unit 5.

  The signal processing unit 5 visualizes the amplitude information of the echo signal for each focal point in the scanning area, and generates the B-mode volume data by combining them. Volume data is a collection of echo signals for each focus in the scan area. Specifically, band-pass filter processing is performed on the echo signal output from the receiving unit 4, and then the envelope of the output signal is detected. The detected data is compressed by logarithmic conversion.

  The image generation unit 6 performs MPR processing on the volume data to generate a cross-sectional image, and renders the volume data to generate a projection image. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image generation mode of the image generation unit 6 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a side view of volume data viewed from a direction orthogonal to the axis Ax, and FIG. It is the top view which looked at data from the axis Ax side. The axis Ax is an axis extending in the depth direction from the center of gravity of the two-dimensional array of piezoelectric elements 2a in the volume data local coordinate system. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image regeneration mode according to the first embodiment when the viewpoint is changed, and (a) is a side view of the volume data viewed from a direction orthogonal to the axis Ax. (B) is a top view of the volume data viewed from the axis Ax side.

  The coordinate conversion unit 61 is a digital scan converter and performs modeling conversion of volume data into a world coordinate system represented by orthogonal coordinates. Further, the coordinate conversion unit 61 performs modeling conversion of the volume data into two viewpoint coordinate systems of the given viewpoint Vp1 and viewpoint Vp2 during the rendering process. The world coordinate system is a coordinate system that defines the entire three-dimensional space. The viewpoint coordinate system is a coordinate system for rendering processing in which the viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2 are the origins and the directions viewed by the viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2 are the Z axes, respectively. The viewpoint coordinate system defines a positional relationship with the world coordinate system.

  When the viewpoint Vp1 and the viewpoint Vp2 are changed using the console 12, the coordinate conversion unit 61 rearranges the changed viewpoint Vp1 and the viewpoint Vp2 in the world coordinate system, and further converts the volume data into the new viewpoint coordinate system. Remodeling conversion.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the coordinate conversion unit 61 includes the angle formed by the direction of the axis Ax along the reference cross section S and the direction of the viewpoint Vp1, the direction of the axis Ax along the reference cross section S, and the viewpoint. It rearranges in the position where the angle formed by the direction of Vp2 is always the same. In other words, the looking-up or looking-down angle formed by the direction of the viewpoint Vp1 and the reference section S and the looking-up or looking-down angle formed by the direction of the viewpoint Vp2 and the reference section S are always rearranged at the same position. The reference cross section S is a cross section that divides the area represented by the volume data into two areas A and B, and is set along the main scanning direction. The axis Ax is an axis extending in the depth direction from the center of gravity of the two-dimensional array of piezoelectric elements 2a in the local coordinate system of the volume data.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, in the present embodiment, the coordinate conversion unit 61 determines the angle formed by the direction perpendicular to the axis Ax along the reference section S and the direction of the viewpoint Vp1, and the reference section S. The angle between the direction perpendicular to the axis Ax and the direction of the viewpoint Vp2 is always rearranged at the same position. In other words, in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the axis Ax that is the depth direction of ultrasonic transmission / reception, the angle formed by the direction of the viewpoint Vp1 and the reference section S and the angle formed by the direction of the viewpoint Vp2 and the reference section S are always set. Relocate to the same position.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the coordinate conversion unit 61 rearranges the viewpoint Vp1 and its direction and the viewpoint Vp2 and its direction so that they are always symmetrical with respect to the reference cross section S.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the viewpoint Vp1 is changed to a predetermined angle of attack with respect to the reference cross section S using the console 12, the coordinate conversion unit 61 changes the angle of attack after the change. The position of the viewpoint Vp1 is changed to the angle formed with the reference cross section S. Accordingly, the coordinate conversion unit 61 changes the viewpoint Vp2 to a position that is plane-symmetric with the viewpoint Vp1 with the reference cross section S as the center. The angle of attack is an angle formed with the direction of the axis Ax along the reference cross section S and an angle formed with the direction orthogonal to the axis Ax along the reference cross section S.

  The initial values of the position coordinates of the viewpoint Vp1, the viewpoint Vp2, and the reference section S are determined in advance in a positional relationship that is plane-symmetric with respect to the reference section S represented by the initial values. When the reference cross section S is changed using the console 12, the coordinate conversion unit 61 changes the reference cross section S by adding the displacement amount of the reference cross section S to the initial values of the position coordinates of the viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2. The subsequent viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2 are determined.

  The projection image generation unit 63 performs projection conversion by rendering processing with the regions A and B divided by the reference cross section S as projection regions, and generates projection moving images for the regions A and B.

  The rendering process by the projection image generation unit 63 is, for example, a volume rendering process. The volume rendering process is a so-called transmissive projection conversion process, which is a method of sequentially generating frame data of a projected moving image while calculating light transmission and reflection to a viewpoint according to opacity, and performing shading. That is, the side closer to the viewpoint is more reflected in the projected moving image.

  The projection image generation unit 63 sets a region in which the reference cross section S is in the foreground as a projection region for the viewpoint in the direction of peeking from the viewpoint. That is, the projection image generation unit 63 performs rendering processing so that the reference cross section S side is more strongly reflected.

  If one is divided into the region A and the other is divided into the region B across the reference cross section S, the projection image generation unit 63 will, for the region A, from the viewpoint Vp1 disposed beyond the reference cross section S. Perform the rendering process you saw. Further, the projection image generation unit 63 performs the rendering process for the region B as viewed from the viewpoint Vp2 disposed beyond the reference cross section S. The projection image generation unit 63 is preset so that the viewpoint Vp1 is used for the area A and the viewpoint Vp2 is used for the area B.

  Specifically, the projection image generation unit 63 projects the voxel data constituting the area A represented by the coordinate system of the viewpoint Vp1 onto a plane orthogonal to the Z axis that is the viewing direction of the viewpoint Vp1. In addition, the projection image generation unit 63 projects the voxel data constituting the region B expressed in the coordinate system of the viewpoint Vp2 onto a plane orthogonal to the Z axis that is the viewing direction of the viewpoint Vp2.

  The cross-sectional image generation unit 62 converts the cross-section of the reference cross-section S of the volume data by MPR processing to generate a cross-sectional moving image. The slice image generation unit 62 sequentially generates frame data in which the voxel values of the voxel data arranged in the reference slice S are arranged two-dimensionally for each volume data that is sequentially generated. In addition, the cross-sectional image generation unit 62 generates a cross-sectional image by converting a cross section along an axis Ax perpendicular to the reference cross-section S and extending in the depth direction from the center of gravity of the two-dimensional array of piezoelectric elements 2a by MPR processing. To do.

  The controller 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the transmission unit 3, the image generation unit 6, and the monitor 7 in accordance with the operation of the console 12. The console 12 is an operation means that includes a keyboard and a trackball and can move the viewpoint Vp1 and the viewpoint Vp2. The monitor 7 is a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays the cross-sectional moving image and the projected moving image generated by the image generating unit 6.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the displayed projected moving image according to the first embodiment. (A) shows before the viewpoint is changed, and (b) shows after the viewpoint is changed. The frame in the figure indicates the direction of the reference cross section S relative to the display screen.

  The monitor 7 projects the reference slice S, a slice moving image orthogonal thereto, an A-side projected moving image Da obtained by projecting the region A in the direction of the viewpoint Vp1, and a region B projected in the direction of the viewpoint Vp2. The obtained B-side projection moving image Db is displayed. In particular, the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db are displayed side by side with the reference cross section S facing inward.

  In this display, as shown by the frame in the figure, the orientation of the reference section S with respect to the display screen of the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db is before or after changing the viewpoint. It is always symmetrical with respect to a virtual plane standing on the display screen.

  That is, in this display, the image generation unit 6 generates the A-side projection moving image Da and the B-side projection moving image Db by arranging the viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2 with plane symmetry about the reference section S. The look-down or look-up angle of the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db is always the same. Therefore, the A side projected moving image Da and the B side projected moving image Db can be used to represent a spread image with the reference cross section S as a cut, and simultaneously looking down or looking up at the cut divided into the regions A and B from one point. . As a result, the operator can more intuitively understand the three-dimensional structure of the scanning area.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an image display operation accompanying the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the case where the viewpoint Vp1 is moved by operation will be described. However, the same applies when the viewpoint Vp2 is moved by operation.

  When the position of the reference section S is changed using the trackball of the console 12 (S01, Yes), the controller 8 calculates the amount of displacement of the reference section S from the displacement of the trackball (S02). The coordinate conversion unit 61 calculates new position coordinates of the viewpoint Vp1 and the viewpoint Vp2 after the change of the reference cross section S by adding the calculated displacement amount to the position coordinates of the viewpoint Vp1 and the viewpoint Vp2 (S03).

  When the new viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2 are set, the projection image generation unit 63 sequentially performs the rendering process for projecting the area A in the peeping direction of the new viewpoint Vp1, and sequentially generates the frame data of the A-side projection moving image Da. Then, the projection image generation unit 63 performs rendering processing for projecting the region B in the peep direction of the new viewpoint Vp2, and sequentially generates frame data of the B-side projection moving image Db (S05).

  In this step, the coordinate conversion unit 61 performs modeling conversion of the area A into the viewpoint coordinate system having the viewpoint Vp1 as the origin, and modeling conversion of the area B into the viewpoint coordinate system having the viewpoint Vp2 as the origin. Then, the projection image generation unit 63 samples each voxel data in the region A, and projects each voxel data along the direction of the Z axis in the direction of the origin of the viewpoint Vp1. Frame data of the A side projected moving image Da is generated. In addition, the projection image generation unit 63 samples each voxel data in the region B, and projects each voxel data along the direction of the Z axis in the direction of the origin of the viewpoint Vp2, so that the B-side projected moving image Db can be projected. Generate frame data.

  When the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db are generated, the controller 8 sequentially generates images on a display screen in which these images are arranged with the reference cross section S interposed therebetween (S06). It is displayed (S07).

  When the position of the viewpoint Vp1 is changed using the trackball of the console 12 (S08, Yes), the controller 8 calculates the displacement amount of the viewpoint Vp1 from the displacement of the trackball (S09). The coordinate conversion unit 61 calculates a new position coordinate of the changed viewpoint Vp1 by adding the calculated displacement amount to the position coordinates of the viewpoint Vp1 (S10).

  Further, the coordinate conversion unit 61 calculates a new position coordinate of the viewpoint Vp2 by performing coordinate conversion of the new position coordinate of the viewpoint Vp1 with plane symmetry about the reference cross section S (S11).

  Thereafter, the processes of S04 to S07 are performed to generate the A-side projected moving image Da for the new viewpoint Vp1 and the B-side projected moving image Db for the new viewpoint Vp2, and display them side by side with the reference cross section S in between.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, another embodiment relating to a viewpoint change will be described. 7A and 7B are schematic views showing an image regeneration mode when the viewpoint is changed. FIG. 7A is a side view of the volume data viewed from a direction orthogonal to the axis Ax, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the volume data along the axis Ax. It is the top view seen from the side.

  As shown in (a) of FIG. 7, the coordinate conversion unit 61 rearranges the viewpoint Vp1 and the viewpoint Vp2 along the reference cross section S so that the look-down or look-up angle is always the same. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the present embodiment, the coordinate conversion unit 61 determines the direction of the viewpoint Vp1 and the direction of the viewpoint Vp2 in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the axis Ax along the reference section S. Reposition to the position where the angle formed by is always the same.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the viewpoint changing operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the case where the viewpoint Vp1 is moved by operation will be described. However, the same applies when the viewpoint Vp2 is moved by operation.

  When the position of the viewpoint Vp1 is changed using the trackball of the console 12 (S21, Yes), the controller 8 calculates the displacement amount of the viewpoint Vp1 from the displacement of the trackball (S22). The coordinate conversion unit 61 calculates a new position coordinate of the changed viewpoint Vp1 by adding the calculated amount of displacement to the position coordinates of the viewpoint Vp1 (S23).

  Further, the coordinate conversion unit 61 performs plane-symmetrical movement about the reference cross section S for the axis Ax component of the viewpoint Vp1 (S24), and subtracts the displacement amount of the viewpoint Vp1 for the horizontal component orthogonal to the axis Ax of the viewpoint Vp1. In this way (S25), a new position coordinate of the viewpoint Vp2 is calculated.

  Thereafter, the processes of S04 to S07 are performed to generate the A-side projected moving image Da for the new viewpoint Vp1 and the B-side projected moving image Db for the new viewpoint Vp2, and display them side by side with the reference cross section S in between.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams showing the displayed projected moving image according to the second embodiment, where FIG. 9A shows before the viewpoint change, and FIG. 9B shows the viewpoint after the viewpoint change. The frame in the figure indicates the direction of the reference cross section S relative to the display screen.

  In this display, the look-down or look-up angle is always the same in the relationship between the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db, while the angle at which the cut is looked into when the scanning area is opened with the reference cross section S as the cut. Can express double-page spread images.

  For example, the spread image of (a) is displayed so as to face the center line of the reference cross section S, while the spread image of (b) is the A side projected moving image Da and the B side projected moving image. Although the look-down angle or the look-up angle with the image Db is the same, it is expressed as if the region divided slightly from the region B side is looked into from the center line. Therefore, one moving image is drawn with more detailed information, and the other moving image is drawn with a deeper expression, so you can grasp its three-dimensional structure while reading the detailed information. It becomes easy to do.

(Third embodiment)
Next, another embodiment relating to generation of a projection image will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image regeneration mode according to the third embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the image generation unit 6 according to the third embodiment performs rendering by including both overlapping regions existing in the region A and the region B.

  Specifically, the rendering process is performed after the areas a and b exceeding the reference cross section S are added to the areas A and B. The region a is an overlapping region that extends beyond the reference cross section S to the side opposite to the region A and is included in the region B. The region b is an overlapping region that extends beyond the reference cross section S to the opposite side of the region B and is included in the region A.

  The reference section S is often set on the region of interest R. If the region of interest R is divided at the reference cross section S, information about a part of the region of interest R beyond the reference cross section S is not reflected in the region A, and the reference cross section S is applied to the region B. This is because the information about a part of the region of interest R beyond that is not reflected.

  When rendering the region A, the projection image generation unit 63 performs a rendering process of sampling the voxel data of the region a having a predetermined thickness continuous from the region A and the reference cross section S and projecting it in the direction of the viewpoint Vp1.

  In addition, when rendering the region B, the projection image generation unit 63 performs a rendering process of sampling the voxel data of the region b having a predetermined thickness continuous from the region B and the reference cross section S and projecting it in the direction of the viewpoint Vp2.

  The thickness of the area to be added is preset in advance, and variable operation is possible using the console 12. The projection image generation unit 63 stores voxel data positioned at a distance corresponding to the thickness value stored in advance from the reference cross section S or at a distance corresponding to the thickness value input from the reference cross section S as the area a and the area. Sampling as b.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of generating a projection image according to the third embodiment.

  The projection image generation unit 63 performs rendering processing for projecting a region in which the region A and the region a that extends beyond the reference cross section S in the viewing direction of the viewpoint Vp1 are performed, and sequentially generates frame data of the A-side projection moving image Da. (S31), and the projection image generation unit 63 performs a rendering process for projecting a region in which the region B and the region b extending beyond the reference cross section S are projected in the viewing direction of the viewpoint Vp2, thereby performing the B-side projection moving image. The frame data of the image Db is sequentially generated (S32).

  In this step, the projection image generation unit 63 samples each voxel data of the region a extending within the distance of the predetermined thickness value from the region A and the reference cross section S, and the origin of the viewpoint Vp1. By projecting each voxel data along the direction of the Z-axis in the direction of, frame data of the A-side projected moving image Da is generated. In addition, the projection image generation unit 63 samples each voxel data of the region b extending from the region B and the reference cross section S within a distance of a predetermined thickness value, and follows the direction of the origin of the viewpoint Vp2 along the direction of the Z axis. By projecting each voxel data, frame data of the B-side projected moving image Db is generated.

  When the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db are generated, the processes of S06 and S07 are executed and displayed on the monitor 7.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, different aspects of other embodiments relating to the generation of projection images will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first image regeneration mode according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a GUI screen for setting an overlapping area. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second image generation mode in response to the setting of the overlapping area.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the image generation unit 6 projects from the viewpoints Vp1 or Vp2 corresponding to the regions A and B divided on the basis of the reference cross section S set by using the console 12, and the A side projection. A moving image Da and a B-side projected moving image Db are generated.

  Here, in general, the reference cross section S set by the operator may deviate from the region of interest R that the operator wants to observe. Then, one region A or B is rendered in a state where the region of interest R is included, but the region of interest R is not included in the other region A or B, so that the region of interest R is observed. In some cases, the projection image is not suitable.

  Therefore, the controller 8 causes the monitor 7 to display the GUI screen shown in FIG. On the GUI screen of the monitor 7, in addition to the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db, the S-sectional moving image Ds of the reference slice S generated by the sectional image generating unit 62 and the regions A and B are traversed. A T-section moving image Dt of the T section is displayed.

  In the T-section moving image Dt, a band object EO indicating a band indicating the range of the overlapping area is displayed with the position of the reference cross-section S as a starting end. The width of the band object EO can be changed using the console 12. For example, when the cursor is moved while the band object EO is being dragged, the controller 8 displays the range of the band object EO enlarged or decreased by the amount of movement. At the same time, the controller 8 inputs a value indicating the position and range of the overlapping area to the image generation unit 6. The position where the overlapping area expands corresponds to the position where the band object EO expands, and is indicated by whether it extends to the area A side or the area B side with respect to the reference cross section S. The range of the overlapping area corresponds to the range of the band object EO and is indicated by the thickness of the overlapping area.

  When the position and range of the overlapping area are input, the projection image generation unit 63 adds the overlapping area to either one of the areas A or B on the opposite side across the reference cross section S as shown in FIG. Above, one of the areas A and B to which the overlapping area is added is rendered.

  For example, it is assumed that the reference section S is set on the area A side with respect to the region of interest R, and the band object EO is set so as to cover the region of interest R from the reference section S to the region B side. At this time, the projection image generation unit 63 adds the overlapping area a indicated by the band object EO to the area A on the opposite side across the reference cross section S. Then, the projection image generation unit 63 performs a rendering process for each of the region B and the region B, which is a combination of the region A and the overlapping region a. Then, both the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db are generated and displayed in a state in which the region of interest R is reflected.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of generating a projection image according to the fourth embodiment.

  When the position and range where the band object EO spreads are changed using the trackball of the console 12 (S41, Yes), the controller 8 calculates the position and thickness of the overlapping region from the displacement of the trackball (S42).

  When the overlapping area is on the opposite side of the area A across the reference cross section S (S43, Yes), the projection image generation unit 63 projects the area that combines the area A and the overlapping area in the viewing direction of the viewpoint Vp1. Processing is performed to sequentially generate frame data of the A-side projected moving image Da (S44).

  On the other hand, when the overlapping region is on the opposite side of the region B across the reference cross section S (No in S43), the projection image generation unit 63 projects a region that combines the region B and the overlapping region in the viewing direction of the viewpoint Vp2. The frame data of the B-side projection moving image Db is sequentially generated by performing the rendering process (S45).

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of each embodiment, even if there is a variable operation, the direction of the corresponding viewpoint Vp1 and the reference section S with respect to the regions A and B divided by the reference section S Rendering processing is performed after setting the look-down or look-up angle formed by, the direction of the viewpoint Vp2 and the look-up or look-up angle formed by the reference cross section S to be the same.

  Specifically, when the angle-of-attack variable operation with respect to the reference section S is input for either the viewpoint Vp1 or the viewpoint Vp2, the relationship between the viewpoint Vp1 and the viewpoint Vp2 is symmetrical with respect to the reference section S is maintained. The rendering process is performed after the viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2 are moved in conjunction with each other.

  Alternatively, when an angle-of-attack variable operation with respect to the reference cross section S is input for either the viewpoint Vp1 or the viewpoint Vp2, the viewpoint Vp1 and the viewpoint Vp2 are in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the axis Ax that is the depth direction of ultrasonic transmission / reception. While maintaining the angle between the viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2, the rendering process is performed after the viewpoints Vp1 and Vp2 are moved in conjunction with each other.

  As a result, the look-down or look-up angle of the A-side projected moving image Da and the B-side projected moving image Db is always the same. Therefore, even if there is a variable operation, the scanning area is opened with the reference cross section S as the cut, and the area A is A two-page spread image can be always expressed by looking down or looking up at the cut edge divided into B and B at the same time, and the three-dimensional structure can be understood more intuitively.

  In addition, rendering is performed by including the overlapping areas in the divided areas A and B, or the area A or B. For example, a rendering process is performed by adding a region a or b having a predetermined thickness extending beyond the reference cross section S to the divided regions A and B. Also, for example, a rendering process is performed by adding a region having a predetermined thickness that extends beyond the reference cross section S to one of the divided regions A or B.

  As a result, even if the region of interest R on the reference cross section S is divided into divided regions or is biased to either one, the information on the region of interest R is included in both regions without any loss. Thus, the region of interest R can be observed better regardless of which projection moving image is referenced.

  Although the 2D array type in which the piezoelectric elements 2a are arranged in a two-dimensional manner has been described as the ultrasonic probe 2 capable of three-dimensional scanning, other than that, for example, a mechanical 4D type may be used. The mechanical 4D type ultrasonic probe 2 is configured such that three-dimensional scanning is possible by arranging the piezoelectric elements 2a in a one-dimensional manner and mechanically swinging the arrangement of the piezoelectric elements 2a. The scan in the main scanning direction can employ electronic linear scanning and convex scanning in addition to electronic sector scanning.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasound diagnosing device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the piezoelectric element arranged in two dimensions. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image generation aspect of the image generation part which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) is a side view which looked at volume data from the direction orthogonal to the axis Ax, (b) is the axis data on the axis Ax side It is the top view seen from. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image regeneration aspect which concerns on 1st Embodiment when a viewpoint is changed, (a) is the side view which looked at volume data from the direction orthogonal to the axis | shaft Ax, (b) is volume data. It is the top view which looked at from the axis | shaft Ax side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the displayed projection moving image which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows image display operation | movement accompanying operation of the ultrasound diagnosing device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image regeneration aspect when a viewpoint is changed, (a) is the side view which looked at volume data from the direction orthogonal to the axis Ax, (b) looked at volume data from the axis Ax side. It is a top view. It is a flowchart which shows the viewpoint change operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the displayed projection moving image which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (a) shows before a viewpoint change, (b) shows after a viewpoint change. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image reproduction | regeneration aspect which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the projection image generation which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st image regeneration aspect which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the GUI screen which sets an duplication area | region. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd image generation aspect responsive to the setting of an overlap area | region. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the projection image generation which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Ultrasonic probe 2a Piezoelectric element 3 Transmission part 4 Reception part 5 Signal processing part 6 Image generation part 61 Coordinate conversion part 62 Cross-sectional image generation part 63 Projection image generation part 7 Monitor 8 Controller 9 High output circuit 10 Delay Circuit 11 Pulse generator 12 Console A, B, a, b Area Ax Axis S Reference section Vp1, Vp2 Viewpoint Da A side projected moving picture Db B side projected moving picture Ds S sectional moving picture Dt T slice moving picture EO Band object

Claims (7)

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that acquires volume data by transmitting and receiving ultrasound to and from a scanning region in a subject and generates an image based on the volume data,
For each of the regions divided by the designated or predetermined reference cross section, after setting the viewpoint with the reference cross section in front, the rendering processing of both the areas is performed based on the volume data, respectively, Image generation means for generating projected images of the divided areas, and
Display means for displaying an image in which the scanning area is widened with the reference cross section as a cut, and
The image generating means includes
In the setting of the viewpoint, a look-down angle or a look-up angle formed by the direction of the line of sight with respect to one region and the reference cross section, and a look-down angle or a look-up angle formed by the direction of the view point with respect to the other region and the reference cross-section Then, the rendering process is performed after further defining the viewpoint in the positional relationship with the same angle,
The display means includes
Displaying the spread image by arranging the projection images generated using the viewpoint further defined by the positional relationship with the reference cross section facing inward;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above. For one of the viewpoints, it further comprises an operation means for inputting a variable operation of an angle of attack formed by the direction of the viewpoint and the reference cross section,
The image generating means includes
In the rendering process for the variable operation, the one viewpoint is changed based on the angle of attack, and the other viewpoint is changed in a direction symmetrical to the one viewpoint around the reference cross section.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. For one of the viewpoints, it further comprises an operation means for inputting a variable operation of an angle of attack formed by the direction of the viewpoint and the reference cross section,
The image generating means includes
In the rendering process for the variable operation, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception depth direction maintains the angle formed by the directions of the viewpoints based on the angle of attack input by the operation means. Changing each perspective,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The image generating means includes
Including an overlapping area in the divided area and performing a rendering process;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The image generating means includes
Adding a region of a predetermined thickness that extends beyond the reference cross section to each of the divided regions, and performing the rendering process;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. The image generating means includes
Adding a region having a predetermined thickness that extends beyond the reference cross section to one of the divided regions, and performing the rendering process;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. Further comprising an operation means for inputting a variable operation of the thickness of the region extending beyond the reference cross section,
The image generating means includes
Adding the region of the thickness input by the operation means, and performing the rendering process;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.