JP2009291295A - Medical image processor, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic image acquisition program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus combinedly displaying an ultrasonic tomographic image in an affected part, a three-dimensional image of the affected part and a blood flow image. <P>SOLUTION: This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with a transceiver section 002 for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves via an ultrasonic probe 001, a signal processing section 003 processing an electric signal based on ultrasonic echo and generating B-mode data and Doppler data, an ultrasonic tomographic image generation section 004 generating a plurality of B-mode images with different locations in the volume direction from the B-mode data, a region-of-interest image generation section 100 generating a three-dimensional image of a region of interest from the B-mode data, a blood flow image generation section 005 generating a three-dimensional blood flow image from the Doppler data, a position specification section specifying the B-mode image at a specific position out of the plurality of B-mode images, an image composition section 006 composing the three-dimensional blood image by conforming coordinates of the respective images, and a display control section 007 displaying the composed image on a display section 081. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and an ultrasound acquisition program that display a region of interest, a tissue around the region of interest, and a blood vessel in the region of interest in combination.

  Currently, the mortality rate of cancer diseases, which are one of the three major diseases in Japan, is increasing year by year. For this reason, early diagnosis and early treatment for cancer diseases are strongly desired.

  Technological progress of medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, MRI apparatuses, and X-ray CT apparatuses is remarkable, and has become indispensable for early detection of various cancer diseases. In particular, the three-dimensional imaging method using an X-ray CT apparatus that combines a high-speed rotating helical scan and a parallel detector, and the MRI apparatus that enables high-speed imaging by improving the performance of a gradient magnetic field system, a high-frequency magnetic field system, and an RF coil system. Dimensional imaging has been put into practical use. By making a diagnosis using the three-dimensional image data obtained by these three-dimensional imaging methods, the diagnostic ability is remarkably improved as compared with the diagnosis using the conventional two-dimensional imaging method. This three-dimensional imaging method can also generate a blood flow image for observing the state of a blood vessel.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus enables real-time observation of two-dimensional image data with a simple operation by simply bringing an ultrasonic probe into contact with the body surface. Further, in recent years, a method for generating a three-dimensional B-mode image and color Doppler image data using a two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe in which ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged has been developed.

  However, in the three-dimensional image of the affected area created by these medical image diagnostic apparatuses, it is difficult to grasp the relationship with the tissue around the affected area even if the overall state of the affected area is known. In addition, in the two-dimensional tomogram, the state of the tissue around the trunk can be grasped, but the overall state of the affected part cannot be grasped. In addition, although the blood flow image can grasp a state such as stenosis of a blood vessel, it is difficult to understand the relationship between the blood flow and the affected part.

  Therefore, conventionally, a technique for displaying a combination of a three-dimensional image of an affected area and a three-dimensional image of a structure such as a blood vessel has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Thereby, the positional relationship between a blood vessel or the like and a three-dimensional image of the affected part can be grasped.

JP 2001-59872 A

  However, for example, when making a diagnosis with reference to an ultrasound image, it is important to make a diagnosis based on the correlation between the state of interest and the blood flow. Specifically, in tumor diagnosis and the like, the presence and state of arteries that feed nutrients to the tumor are important. Therefore, for more accurate diagnosis, a two-dimensional tomographic image of a subject such as a B-mode image, a three-dimensional image of a region of interest representing a three-dimensional state of the affected area, and a blood flow 3 Image diagnosis combining a blood flow image that is a three-dimensional image is required. However, since the technique described in Patent Document 1 only displays a combination of a three-dimensional image of a region of interest and a blood flow image, the surrounding tissue of the affected area, the overall state of the affected area, and the state of blood flow and blood flow It is difficult to grasp each other's relationship at once.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays an ultrasonic tomographic image at a diseased part, a three-dimensional image of the diseased part, and a blood flow image in combination. .

  In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 is configured to perform signal processing on electrical signals based on ultrasonic echoes, and transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves toward a subject via an ultrasonic probe. Signal processing means for generating B-mode image data and Doppler image data, ultrasonic tomographic image generation means for generating a plurality of B-mode images having different positions in the volume direction from the B-mode image data, and the B-mode image A region-of-interest image generation unit that generates a three-dimensional image of the region of interest from the data, a blood flow image generation unit that generates a three-dimensional blood flow image from the Doppler image data, and a specific one of the plurality of B-mode images A position designating unit for designating a B-mode image of the position, the designated B-mode image, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional blood flow image with the coordinates of each image An image synthesizing means for synthesizing by Itasa, it is characterized in that and a display control means for displaying the combined image on the display means.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an ultrasonic scan is performed toward an object via an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic echo from the object is received, and an electric based on the ultrasonic echo A signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the signal to generate B-mode image data and Doppler image data; an ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit that generates a plurality of B-mode images having different positions in the volume direction from the B-mode image data; Position designation means for designating a B-mode image at a specific position from among the plurality of B-mode images; and 3 of the scanned region on the volume direction side from the position of the designated B-mode image. A three-dimensional scanning region image that is a three-dimensional image is generated, and a non-interest region image that is a three-dimensional image of a portion obtained by removing the region of interest from the three-dimensional scanning region image is generated. An image generating means, a blood flow image generating means for generating a three-dimensional blood flow image from the Doppler image data, an image for synthesizing the image outside the region of interest and the three-dimensional blood flow image by matching the coordinates of each image The image processing apparatus includes a combining unit and a display control unit that displays the combined image on a display unit.

  The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 10, receiving means for receiving a plurality of two-dimensional image data including a region of interest of a subject and two-dimensional image data having different positions in a volume direction and three-dimensional image data representing a state of a blood vessel; Based on position designation means for designating a two-dimensional image at a specific position from the plurality of two-dimensional images and data of the input two-dimensional image, cutting is performed at the designated position of the two-dimensional image. A region-of-interest image generation unit that generates a three-dimensional image of a partial region of the region of interest, and uses a portion obtained by reducing the partial region from the partial region and removing the reduced region as a three-dimensional image of the region of interest; In response to designation of a two-dimensional image at a specific position, the designated two-dimensional image, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional image representing the state of the blood vessel are combined by matching the coordinates of the images. Image composition means And it is characterized in that it comprises a display control means for displaying the combined image on the display means.

  The ultrasonic image acquisition program according to claim 11 causes the control means having a computer to execute transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves to the subject via the ultrasonic probe with respect to the transmission / reception means, and causes the signal processing means to perform ultrasonic waves. Signal processing is performed on the electrical signal based on the echo to generate B-mode image data and Doppler image data, and an ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit generates a plurality of B-mode images having different positions in the volume direction from the B-mode image data. Generation is executed, the display control unit is caused to display the B-mode image on the display unit, and the region-of-interest image generation unit displays the B-mode image at a specific position among the displayed B-mode images. The region of interest generated from the B-mode image data at the position of the specified B-mode image with respect to the region-of-interest image generation means. A cut partial region is generated, and a portion excluding the reduced region generated by reducing the partial region from the partial region is executed as a three-dimensional image of the region of interest. The generation of a three-dimensional blood flow image cut at the position of the designated B-mode image from the Doppler image data is executed, the designation of the B-mode image is received by the image synthesis means, and the designated B-mode is received The image, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional blood flow image are combined by matching the coordinates of the images, and the display control unit displays the combined image on the display unit It is characterized by that.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the first aspect, it is possible to display an image obtained by synthesizing a B-mode image, a three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and a three-dimensional blood flow image. Thus, the operator can easily grasp the relationship between the tissue around the affected area, the overall state of the affected area, and the flow of blood flow in the affected area.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the seventh aspect, it is possible to display an image obtained by synthesizing the B-mode image outside the region of interest, the image outside the region of interest, and the three-dimensional blood flow image. Thus, the operator can easily grasp the tissue around the region of interest and the flow of blood flow that passes through the inside of the region of interest.

  According to the medical image processing apparatus of claim 10, based on the two-dimensional image generated by the medical image apparatus and the three-dimensional image of the blood vessel, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, the two-dimensional image of the subject, and the blood vessel An image obtained by synthesizing a three-dimensional image can be displayed. Accordingly, the operator can grasp the mutual relationship between the tissue around the affected area, the entire state of the affected area, and the state of the blood vessels in the affected area based on the data created by the medical imaging apparatus.

  According to the ultrasound image acquisition program according to claim 11, it is possible to display an image obtained by synthesizing a three-dimensional image obtained by extracting the contents of a region of interest, a three-dimensional image of blood flow, and a B-mode image. . This makes it easier for the operator to observe the state of blood flow that passes through the region of interest and the tissue of the subject located inside the region of interest. As a result, the operator can more accurately grasp the relationship between the tissue around the affected area, the overall state of the affected area, and the flow of blood flow in the affected area.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment.

  The ultrasonic probe 001 has a plurality of transducers (not shown). The ultrasonic probe 001 converts the pulse signal input from the transmission / reception unit 002 into an ultrasonic wave by the vibrator and transmits the ultrasonic wave toward the subject. The ultrasonic probe 001 receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject (hereinafter referred to as “ultrasonic echo”) by a vibrator, converts the ultrasonic wave into an electric signal based on the ultrasonic echo, and outputs the electric signal to a transmitting / receiving unit. .

  The transmission / reception unit 002 supplies a pulse signal to the ultrasonic probe 001 and generates an ultrasonic wave, and a reception unit that receives an electrical signal based on the ultrasonic echo output from the ultrasonic probe 001 that has received the ultrasonic echo (Both not shown). The transmission / reception unit 002 corresponds to “transmission / reception means” in the present invention.

  The transmission unit in the transmission / reception unit 002 includes a clock generation circuit, a transmission delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, and the like (not shown). The clock generation circuit is a circuit that generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of ultrasonic waves. The transmission delay circuit is a circuit that performs transmission focus with a delay when transmitting ultrasonic waves. The pulsar circuit includes a number of pulsars corresponding to individual paths (channels) corresponding to each ultrasonic transducer, generates a drive pulse at a transmission timing that is delayed, and generates each ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic probe 001. Operates to feed the child. Here, the transmission / reception unit 002 scans the ultrasonic beam in the direction of the cross section to be generated, repeats the scanning at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction (volume direction), and is a scanning region designated in advance by the operator. Scan within.

  The receiving unit in the transmitting / receiving unit 002 includes a preamplifier circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, and a reception delay / adder circuit (not shown). The preamplifier circuit amplifies an electric signal based on the ultrasonic echo output from each ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 001 for each reception channel. The A / D conversion circuit A / D converts the amplified signal. The reception delay / adder circuit gives a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the signal after A / D conversion, and adds the delay time. By this addition processing, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized. Since the transmission / reception unit 002 performs scanning at different positions in the volume direction as described above, the transmission / reception unit 002 acquires data on cross sections of a plurality of subjects acquired at different positions in the volume direction. The transmission / reception unit 002 inputs the added signal to the signal processing unit 003.

  The signal processing unit 003 performs signal processing for visualizing the amplitude information of the ultrasonic echo based on the signal input from the transmission / reception unit 002. The signal generated by the signal processing unit 003 is output to the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 or the blood flow image generation unit 005. The signal processing unit 003 mainly includes a B-mode processing unit 031 and a Doppler processing unit 032. This signal processing unit 003 corresponds to “signal processing means” in the present invention.

  The B mode processing unit 031 includes a logarithmic amplifier, an envelope detection circuit, and an A / D converter (all not shown). Then, the following processing is performed based on the control signal supplied from the overall control unit 009.

  That is, the logarithmic amplifier of the B mode processing unit 031 logarithmically amplifies the signal supplied from the transmission / reception unit 002. The logarithmic amplifier outputs the logarithmically amplified signal to the envelope detection circuit. The envelope detection circuit detects an envelope of a signal input from the logarithmic amplifier. Then, the envelope detection circuit outputs the detected signal to the A / D converter. The A / D converter converts the signal supplied from the envelope detection circuit into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 and the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 as B-mode image data.

  The Doppler processing unit 032 acquires the signal input from the transmission / reception unit 002, and mainly performs quadrature detection and FFT on the acquired signal. That is, the Doppler processing unit 032 lowers the frequency by quadrature detection, and converts the time domain signal input from the signal processing unit 003 into a frequency domain signal by FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis. Then, the Doppler processing unit 032 calculates the center frequency and variance of the frequency spectrum of the Doppler signal subjected to the FFT analysis, and outputs the calculated frequency to the blood flow image generation unit 005 as Doppler image data.

  The ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 has a DSC (Digital Scan Converter). The ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 receives input of B mode image data from the B mode processing unit 031 of the signal processing unit 003. Then, the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 converts the B-mode image data, which is the scanning line signal sequence of the input ultrasonic echoes, into orthogonal coordinate system data. Further, the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 assigns brightness to the B-mode image data according to the signal value and generates a B-mode image. The ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 generates a plurality of B-mode images at different positions in the volume direction. The ultrasonic tomographic image generating unit 004 corresponds to “ultrasonic tomographic image generating means” in the present invention.

  The ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 outputs the plurality of generated B-mode images to the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 and the image synthesis unit 006.

  In addition, the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 causes the display unit 081 to display a plurality of B-mode images generated via the display control unit 007 described later. The operator selects one of the displayed B-mode images, and designates the B-mode image that becomes the cutting position of the region of interest by the input unit 082. The user interface 008 that combines the display unit 081 and the input unit 082 used by the operator to select a B-mode image at a specific volume direction position from among a plurality of B-mode images is the “position specifying means” in the present invention. It hits.

  The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 includes an image coloring unit 101. The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 receives input of B-mode image data from the B-mode processing unit 031. Furthermore, the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 receives an input of the B-mode image from the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004. This region-of-interest image generation unit 100 corresponds to “region-of-interest image generation means” in the present invention.

  The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 receives designation of a B-mode image via the input unit 082 from the operator. The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 receives a region-of-interest specification from the operator via the input unit 082. The region of interest is specified by the operator specifying the region of interest in the three-dimensional region while referring to a plurality of B-mode images. Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 selects the B-mode image designated by the operator from the B-mode images input from the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004, and the B-mode image is displayed in the volume direction. The position of the B-mode image in the volume direction is obtained based on information such as whether the image is the first image. Then, volume rendering is performed on the region of interest from the obtained volume direction position toward the direction of the origin of the line of sight when viewing the B-mode image, and from the volume direction position designated by the operator. A three-dimensional image of the region of interest is generated in the direction in which the line of sight starts when viewing the B-mode image designated by the operator. The three-dimensional image of the region of interest in the direction of the origin of the line of sight when viewing the B-mode image designated by the operator from the designated volume direction position is the “designated B-mode image position” in the present invention. Corresponding to “cut three-dimensional image” and “partial region”.

  The image coloring unit 101 converts all the pixels included in the generated three-dimensional image of the region of interest into a single translucent color. Here, the color scheme may be any color, but a color that allows the inside to be easily seen when seen through is preferable. Thus, when the 3D image of the region of interest is displayed on the display unit 081 as described later by making the 3D image of the region of interest a semi-transparent single color, the operator can display the 3D image of the region of interest. It is possible to grasp the state of blood flow and the like passing through it. In addition, by using a single color, the structure inside the region of interest displayed by volume rendering can be removed, and the inside when the region of interest is seen through becomes easier. This image coloring portion 101 corresponds to the “image coloring means” in the present invention.

  Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 outputs the generated three-dimensional image of the region of interest to the image composition unit 006.

  The blood flow image generation unit 005 has a DSC (Digital Scan Converter). The blood flow image generation unit 005 receives input of Doppler image data from the Doppler processing unit 032 of the signal processing unit 003. Then, the blood flow image generation unit 005 performs volume rendering on the input Doppler image data, and generates a three-dimensional image of the blood flow. Then, the blood flow image generation unit 005 cuts the three-dimensional image of the blood flow generated at the position of the designated B mode image, and starts the line of sight when the B mode image is viewed from the position of the B mode image. A three-dimensional image of blood flow extending in a certain direction is generated. Furthermore, the blood flow image generation unit 005 assigns a color to the generated three-dimensional image according to the signal value. This blood flow image generation unit 005 corresponds to “blood flow image generation means” in the present invention.

  Then, the blood flow image generation unit 005 outputs the generated three-dimensional image of blood flow to the image composition unit 006.

  The image composition unit 006 inputs a three-dimensional image of the region of interest from the region-of-interest image generation unit 100, inputs a three-dimensional image of the blood flow from the blood flow image generation unit 005, and outputs from the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004. The B-mode image input is received. Then, the image composition unit 006 matches the coordinate positions of the three-dimensional image of the region of interest and the three-dimensional image of the blood flow, and synthesizes the three-dimensional image of the region of interest and the three-dimensional image of the blood flow. Furthermore, the image composition unit 006 matches the coordinate positions of the three-dimensional image of the region of interest and the B-mode image, and combines the three-dimensional image of the region of interest and the B-mode image by superimposing them. Here, since these coordinate alignments have the same coordinate space for the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, the three-dimensional image of the blood flow, and the B-mode image, the coordinate alignment can be performed simply by superimposing them. In this way, the image composition unit 006 generates a composite image of the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, the three-dimensional image of the blood flow, and the B-mode image. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a composite image generated by the image composition unit 006. FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a composite image generated by the image composition unit 006. FIG. 2B is a view when a three-dimensional composite image is viewed from the side. An image 201 is a B-mode image, an image 202 is a three-dimensional image of a region of interest, and an image 203 is a three-dimensional image of blood flow. As shown in FIG. 2, the three-dimensional image 202 of the region of interest is displayed at the position of the B-mode image 201, and the three-dimensional image 203 of the blood flow overlaps with the position of the B-mode image 201. Displayed as if disconnected. By displaying the three-dimensional image 202 of the region of interest and the B-mode image 201 in an overlapping manner, the operator can grasp the relationship between the region of interest and the surrounding tissue. Further, by displaying the three-dimensional image 202 of the region of interest and the three-dimensional image 203 of the blood flow in an overlapping manner, the operator can grasp the relationship between the region of interest and the blood flow passing through the region of interest. This image composition unit 006 corresponds to “image composition means” in the present invention.

  The image composition unit 006 outputs the generated 3D image of the region of interest, 3D image of the blood flow, and composite image of the B-mode image to the display control unit 007.

  The display control unit 007 displays the composite image input from the image composition unit 006 on the display unit 081. The display control unit 007 corresponds to the “display control unit” in the present invention, and the display unit 081 corresponds to the “display unit” in the present invention.

  The overall control unit 009 controls the operation timing of each unit and information transfer. Information transfer is actually performed through the overall control unit 009, but in the above description, there is a case where each functional unit directly transfers information for convenience of explanation.

  The user interface 008 has a display unit 081 and an input unit 082. The operator inputs an instruction to each function unit using the user interface 008. Specifically, the operator refers to the image displayed on the display unit 081 and inputs an instruction using the input unit 082.

  Next, generation of an ultrasound image in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 3 is a flowchart of ultrasonic image generation in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Step S001: The transmission / reception unit 002 transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from the subject via the ultrasonic probe 001.

  Step S002: The signal processing unit 003 receives an electric signal based on an ultrasonic echo from the transmission / reception unit 002. The B mode processing unit 031 generates B mode image data based on an electrical signal based on the ultrasonic echo. The Doppler processing unit 032 generates Doppler image data based on an electrical signal based on the ultrasonic echo.

  Step S003: The ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 receives input of B mode image data from the B mode processing unit 031 of the signal processing unit 003, and generates a plurality of B mode images having different positions in the volume direction. A plurality of B-mode images generated by the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 are displayed on the display unit 081 so as to be selectable.

  Step S004: The operator designates a position in the volume direction from among the B-mode images displayed on the display unit 081 using the input unit 082, thereby designating a B-mode image corresponding to the position.

  Step S005: The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 receives the designation of the B-mode image from the operator, and starts the volume from the position of the designated B-mode image toward the volume direction in which the designated B-mode image is displayed. Rendering is performed to generate a three-dimensional image of the region of interest.

  Step S006: The blood flow image generation unit 005 receives input of Doppler image data from the Doppler processing unit 032 of the signal processing unit 003, and generates a three-dimensional image of blood flow.

  Step S007: The image composition unit 006 synthesizes the B-mode image, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional image of the blood flow by matching the positions of the coordinates of each image in the three-dimensional space.

  Step S008: The display control unit 007 causes the display unit 081 to display a composite image of the B-mode image, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional image of the blood flow.

  Furthermore, it is possible to move the cross section of the region of interest by changing the B-mode image designated by the operator in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the composite image 401 is displayed, the operator is in a direction opposite to the direction in which the origin of the line of sight when the operator looks at the back B-mode image (that is, when viewing the B-mode image). When a certain B-mode image) is designated, the cross section moves to the back, and an image like the composite image 402 is generated and displayed. Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the composite image by changing the designation of the B-mode image. In addition, when the composite image 401 is displayed, if the operator designates a B-mode image in front (that is, a B-mode image in the same direction as the direction of the line of sight when viewing the B-mode image). The cross section is moved forward, and an image such as a composite image 403 is generated and displayed. Looking at the movement of the cross section from the side, when the back B-mode image is designated, the state moves from the state of the image 404 to the state of the image 405, and the range in which the region of interest is displayed becomes large. I can see that In addition, when the B-mode image in the foreground is designated, the state changes from the state of the image 404 to the state of the image 406, and it can be seen that the range in which the region of interest is displayed is reduced. In this manner, the operator can grasp the relationship between the region of interest and the surrounding tissue more accurately by changing the position of the designated B-mode image.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the B-mode image, the translucent three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional blood flow image are combined and displayed as one image. The configuration can be made. As a result, the operator grasps the state around the region of interest using the B-mode image, and furthermore, how much blood flow is flowing in which part of the region of interest using the three-dimensional image of the blood flow and the three-dimensional image of the region of interest. It is possible to grasp the relationship between the region of interest and the blood flow. Further, the operator can more accurately grasp the relationship between the region of interest and the surrounding tissue by changing the designated B-mode image. Therefore, the operator can easily and reliably diagnose a tumor or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the three-dimensional image obtained by cutting the region of interest at the position in the volume direction of the designated B-mode image is used as the three-dimensional image of the region of interest. It is also possible to use the entire region as a three-dimensional image of the region of interest.

[Second Embodiment]
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is an image obtained by removing a reduced region generated by reducing the region of interest (that is, the reduced region is similar to the region of interest) from the region of interest (hereinafter, “ The use of “contour image” as a three-dimensional image of the region of interest is different from the first embodiment. Therefore, the generation of a three-dimensional image of the region of interest will be mainly described below. In the following description, in FIG. 5, blocks having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 have the same functions unless otherwise specified.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 includes a region-of-interest generation unit 102, a reduced region generation unit 103, a three-dimensional image generation unit 104, and an image coloring unit 101.

  The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 receives a B-mode image input from the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004. The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 receives B-mode image data from the signal processing unit 003. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining generation of a three-dimensional image of a region of interest according to the present embodiment.

  The region-of-interest generation unit 102 of the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 receives an input of B-mode image designation from the operator via the input unit 082. Then, the region-of-interest generation unit 102 obtains the position of the B-mode image designated by the operator from the B-mode image input from the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004. Then, volume rendering is performed using the B-mode image data from the position of the obtained B-mode image toward the direction of the line of sight when the B-mode image is viewed, and the B-mode specified by the operator An original image of the region of interest is generated in a direction where the line of sight when the B-mode image is viewed from the image. This original image is a region of interest 601 shown in FIG. The region of interest 601 is a three-dimensional image with a filled interior. Then, the region of interest generation unit 102 outputs the region of interest 601 that is the original image of the generated region of interest to the three-dimensional image generation unit 104. Further, the region-of-interest generation unit 102 outputs the coordinates of the pixels constituting the surface of the generated region of interest 601 to the reduced region generation unit 103.

  The reduced region generation unit 103 of the region of interest image generation unit 100 stores in advance the distance from the surface of the region of interest 601 for reducing the region of interest to the reduced region. This distance is a distance represented by an arrow 605 in FIG. In the present embodiment, this distance is set to 1 cm from the balance between the display of the three-dimensional image of the region of interest and the internal transmittance. However, this distance may be a distance having a certain length. The longer the distance, the clearer the area of interest can be displayed as the thickness of the three-dimensional image of the area of interest increases. The thickness of the three-dimensional image of the region of interest can be reduced and the transmittance inside the region of interest can be increased. Therefore, this distance is preferably set on the basis of the required display state and transmittance of the region of interest.

  The reduced region generation unit 103 receives input of the coordinates of the pixels constituting the surface of the region of interest 601 from the region of interest generation unit 102. A surface 602 is a collection of pixels constituting the surface of the region of interest 601. The reduced region generation unit 103 obtains a normal line in each pixel that forms the surface of the region of interest. This normal is a straight line including the arrow 605. Further, the reduced region generation unit 103 obtains a point inside the 1 cm region of interest along the obtained normal. Then, the reduced region generation unit 103 collects the obtained points corresponding to each point on the surface of the region of interest and sets the region inside the set of points as the reduced region. This reduced area is an area represented by a reduced area 603 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the reduced region 603 has a shape similar to the surface 602 representing the contour of the region of interest 601. The reduced area generation unit 103 outputs the obtained reduced area 603 to the 3D image generation unit 104.

  The three-dimensional image generation unit 104 receives the input of the region of interest 601 from the region of interest generation unit 102 and the input of the reduction region 603 from the reduction region generation unit 103. Then, the three-dimensional image generation unit 104 removes the reduced region 603 from the region of interest 601. Accordingly, the three-dimensional image generation unit 104 can generate data of a hollow region having a thickness of 1 cm from the surface 602 of the region of interest. Hereinafter, an image having a thickness of 1 cm from the surface 602 is referred to as a “contour image 604”. The three-dimensional image generation unit 104 outputs data of the generated contour image 604 to the image coloring unit 101.

  The image coloring unit 101 colors all the pixels included in the contour image 604 input from the three-dimensional image generation unit 104 into a semi-transparent single color.

  The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 outputs the contour image 604 colored by the image coloring unit 101 to the image composition unit 006.

  The image composition unit 006 generates a composite image by superimposing the images by matching the three-dimensional coordinates of the contour image 604, the three-dimensional image of blood flow, and the B-mode image.

  The display control unit 007 causes the display unit 081 to display a contour image 604, a three-dimensional image of blood flow, and a composite image of a B-mode image.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the region of interest can be displayed hollow. This makes it easier to see blood flow and the like passing through the region of interest, and the operator can more easily and accurately grasp the relationship between the region of interest and blood flow.

[Third Embodiment]
The following describes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining enlargement or reduction of the region of interest. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment generates a three-dimensional image of a region of interest that has been enlarged or reduced after receiving the operator's instruction and enlarged or reduced the region of interest. This is different from the embodiment. Therefore, in the following, enlargement and reduction of the region of interest and generation of a three-dimensional image of the enlarged region that has been enlarged or reduced will be mainly described. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment is described as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-described configuration added. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment is described above. It is also possible to operate with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which the above configuration is added. That is, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest excluding the reduced region from the original image of the region of interest is enlarged or reduced.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 includes an image coloring unit 101 and an enlargement / reduction unit 105, as shown in FIG.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 performs volume rendering from the position of the B-mode image designated by the operator toward the direction where the line of sight when viewing the B-mode image is located. Thus, a three-dimensional image of the region of interest is generated. The generated three-dimensional image of the region of interest corresponds to 801 in FIG.

  Furthermore, the enlargement / reduction unit 105 of the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 sets the magnification of the region of interest from the operator via the input unit 082 (this “magnification” includes both the enlargement ratio and the reduction ratio). Receive input. In the present embodiment, the operator designates the magnification in the normal direction from the surface of the three-dimensional image of the region of interest (hereinafter referred to as “first region of interest 801”) generated first by the region-of-interest image generation unit 100. Enter how much distance to zoom in or out.

  The enlargement / reduction unit 105 obtains a normal from each point on the surface of the first region of interest. Then, the enlargement / reduction unit 105 obtains a point separated by the distance input along the normal from each point on the surface of the first region of interest based on the input distance (magnification). In this way, the enlargement / reduction unit 105 obtains points corresponding to all points on the surface of the first region of interest, and sets the region in which the obtained points are collected in the three-dimensional space as the second region of interest. Here, the second region of interest is a region obtained by enlarging or reducing the first region of interest, and the second region of interest is similar to the first region of interest. Specifically, when the first region of interest is enlarged, the second region of interest becomes an image 802 shown in FIG. 8, and when the first region of interest is reduced, an image 803 shown in FIG. Become. This second region of interest corresponds to the “second region of interest” in the present invention.

  The enlargement / reduction unit 105 outputs to the image coloring unit 101 the image data representing the set of the obtained points and the combined area as a three-dimensional image of the second region of interest.

  The image coloring unit 101 colors all the pixels included in the three-dimensional image of the second region of interest into a translucent single color.

  The region-of-interest image generation unit 100 outputs the colored three-dimensional image of the second region of interest to the image composition unit 006.

  The image composition unit 006 matches and superimposes the three-dimensional coordinates of the three-dimensional image of the second region of interest, the three-dimensional image of the blood flow, and the B-mode image, thereby superimposing the three-dimensional image of the second region of interest, blood A three-dimensional image of a flow and a B-mode image are synthesized.

  Next, generation of a three-dimensional image of the second region of interest and display of a composite image according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a region of interest enlargement / reduction and a composite image display in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Step S101: The display control unit 007 displays a composite image created based on the three-dimensional image of the first region of interest generated by the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 in response to the designation of the B-mode image by the operator. To display.

  Step S102: The enlargement / reduction unit 105 determines whether or not an input of a magnification has been made by the operator. If the magnification has been input, the process proceeds to step S103. If no magnification has been input, the process proceeds to step S104.

  Step S103: The enlargement / reduction unit 105 enlarges or reduces the first region of interest based on the input magnification to generate a second region of interest.

  Step S104: The enlargement / reduction unit 105 enlarges or reduces the first region of interest at the current magnification to generate a second region of interest.

  Step S105: The image coloring unit 101 sets all pixels included in the three-dimensional image of the second region of interest to a semi-transparent single color.

  Step S106: The image composition unit 006 makes the coordinates of the three-dimensional space of the second region of interest, the three-dimensional image of the blood flow, and the B-mode image input from the region-of-interest image generation unit 100 coincide with each other. Thus, a composite image is generated.

  Step S107: The display control unit 007 displays the composite image input from the image composition unit 006 on the display unit 081.

  Step S108: The overall control unit 009 determines whether or not the diagnosis by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been completed. When it is finished, the generation and display of the composite image is finished. If not completed, the process proceeds to step S102.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment, the size of the three-dimensional image of the region of interest can be changed. Accordingly, the operator can display a portion included in the displayed three-dimensional image of the region of interest so as not to be included in the region of interest. Therefore, the operator can more accurately grasp the state of blood flow included in the region of interest.

[Fourth Embodiment]
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing functions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to display an image obtained by removing a region of interest from a three-dimensional image that displays the entire operated region. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a three-dimensional image outside the region of interest generated in the present embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a three-dimensional image outside the region of interest generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view when a three-dimensional image outside the region of interest is viewed from the side.

  The transmission / reception unit 002 transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from the subject via the ultrasonic probe 001.

  The signal processing unit 003 receives an electrical signal based on the ultrasonic echo from the transmission / reception unit 002. The B mode processing unit 031 generates B mode image data based on an electric signal based on the ultrasonic echo. The Doppler processing unit 032 generates Doppler image data based on an electrical signal based on the ultrasonic echo.

  The ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004 receives the input of the B mode image data from the B mode processing unit 031 and generates a plurality of B mode images having different positions in the volume direction.

  The blood flow image generation unit 005 receives the input of Doppler image data from the Doppler processing unit 032 and generates a three-dimensional image of the blood flow image.

  The region-of-interest image generation unit 120 includes a three-dimensional scanning region image generation unit 121, a region-of-interest generation unit 122, a region-of-interest exclusion unit 123, and a region-of-interest B-mode image generation unit 124. This region-of-interest image generation unit 120 corresponds to the “region-of-interest image generation unit” in the present invention.

  The non-region-of-interest image generation unit 120 acquires B-mode image data from the B-mode processing unit 031 and acquires a B-mode image from the ultrasonic tomographic image generation unit 004.

  The three-dimensional scanning region image generation unit 121 receives designation of a B-mode image via the input unit 082 by the operator. Based on the B-mode image data, the three-dimensional scanning region image generation unit 121 performs volume rendering in a direction opposite to the direction in which the line of sight when the B-mode image is viewed from the designated B-mode image position. Then, a three-dimensional image 112 (see FIG. 11) of the scanning region having the B-mode image in front is generated. Here, the three-dimensional image of the scanning region is a three-dimensional image of the region scanned by the transmission / reception unit 002. Then, the three-dimensional scanning region image generation unit 121 outputs the generated three-dimensional image 112 of the scanning region to the region-of-interest exclusion unit 123.

  The region-of-interest generation unit 122 performs volume rendering of the region of interest in a direction opposite to the direction in which the line of sight when the B-mode image is viewed from the position of the designated B-mode image based on the B-mode image data. A three-dimensional image 113 of the region of interest is generated. The region of interest generation unit 122 outputs the generated three-dimensional image 113 of the region of interest to the region of interest exclusion unit 123.

  The region-of-interest exclusion unit 123 deletes the portion of the three-dimensional image 113 of the region of interest generated from the three-dimensional image 112 of the scanning region having the position of the designated B-mode image at the head, thereby removing the three-dimensional image outside the region of interest. Is generated. This is the image shown in FIG. Here, to delete the part of the three-dimensional image 113 of the region of interest means to make all the pixels of the part corresponding to the three-dimensional image 113 of the region of interest transparent.

  The region-of-interest exclusion unit 123 outputs the generated three-dimensional image outside the region of interest to the image composition unit 006.

  The non-region-of-interest B-mode image generation unit 124 generates an image 111 obtained by removing the region of interest from the designated B-mode image. This image is referred to as a B-mode image outside the region of interest. The non-interest region B mode image generation unit 124 outputs the generated non-interest region B mode image to the image composition unit 006.

  The image composition unit 006 generates a composite image by matching the coordinates of the three-dimensional space of the three-dimensional image outside the region of interest, the three-dimensional image of the blood flow, and the B-mode image outside the region of interest to coincide with each other. .

  A cross section viewed from the side of this composite image is as shown in FIG. That is, the region of interest is cut out from the three-dimensional image of the scanning region, and the three-dimensional image of the blood flow is superimposed on the region of interest.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the three-dimensional image outside the region of interest and the three-dimensional image of the blood flow flowing through the region of interest are combined and displayed as a single image. be able to. Thereby, the operator can easily grasp the relationship between the outside of the region of interest and the blood flow flowing through the region of interest, and can perform a more accurate diagnosis.

  Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment can be provided with the configuration for enlarging or reducing the region of interest described in the third embodiment. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the blood flow flowing through the outer portion of the region of interest.

  In the present embodiment, the portion of the 3D image 113 of the region of interest generated from the 3D image 112 of the scanning region is deleted to generate a 3D image outside the region of interest. May be reversed. In other words, the B-mode image of the portion other than the three-dimensional image 113 of the region of interest may be deleted from the three-dimensional image 112 of the scanning region to obtain a three-dimensional image of the region of interest. In this case, deleting the portion outside the three-dimensional image 113 of the region of interest means that all the pixels corresponding to the portion other than the three-dimensional image 113 of the region of interest are made transparent. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately grasp the relationship between the region of interest and the blood flow flowing through the portion from the viewpoint from the outside of the region of interest.

  In the description of each of the above embodiments, since it is necessary to grasp the relationship between the region of interest and the blood flow flowing in the region of interest, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device, Explained. However, this includes a three-dimensional image of the region of interest, a structure located within the region of interest (corresponding to blood flow in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus), and a two-dimensional image in the subject (in the ultrasonic tomogram). Any other device may be used as long as it is a medical image device that generates a corresponding device. Further, data for generating a three-dimensional image of the region of interest generated by the medical image device, data of a structure located inside the region of interest, and data of the two-dimensional image in the subject are acquired. A medical image processing apparatus that generates, synthesizes, and displays a three-dimensional image of a region of interest, a structure positioned inside the region of interest, and a two-dimensional image in the subject may be used.

1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. (A) is an example of a composite image generated by the image composition unit in the first embodiment, and (B) is a diagram of a three-dimensional composite image in the first embodiment viewed from the side. The figure of the flowchart of the production | generation of the ultrasonic image in the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the transition of the composite image by the change of designation | designated of B mode image Block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment The figure for demonstrating the production | generation of the three-dimensional image of the region of interest which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment Diagram for explaining expansion or reduction of the region of interest The figure of the flowchart of the enlargement / reduction of the region of interest and the display of the composite image in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment Block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment (A) An example of a three-dimensional image outside the region of interest generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, (B) A cross-sectional view when the three-dimensional image outside the region of interest is viewed from the side.

Explanation of symbols

001 Ultrasonic probe 002 Transmission / reception unit 003 Signal processing unit 031 B mode processing unit 032 Doppler processing unit 004 Ultrasound tomographic image generation unit 005 Blood flow image generation unit 006 Image synthesis unit 007 Display control unit 008 User interface 081 Display unit 082 Input unit 009 General control unit 100 Region-of-interest image generation unit 101 Image coloring unit 102 Region-of-interest generation unit 103 Reduction region generation unit 104 Three-dimensional image generation unit 105 Expansion / reduction unit 120 Region-of-interest image generation unit 121 Three-dimensional scanning region image generation unit 122 Region-of-interest generation unit 123 Region-of-interest exclusion unit 124 Region-of-interest B-mode image generation unit

Claims (11)

Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves toward the subject via the ultrasonic probe;
Signal processing means for performing signal processing on an electrical signal based on ultrasonic echoes to generate B-mode image data and Doppler image data;
Ultrasonic tomographic image generation means for generating a plurality of B-mode images having different positions in the volume direction from the B-mode image data;
A region-of-interest image generation means for generating a three-dimensional image of the region of interest from the B-mode image data;
Blood flow image generation means for generating a three-dimensional blood flow image from the Doppler image data;
Position specifying means for specifying a B mode image at a specific position from the plurality of B mode images;
Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the designated B-mode image, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional blood flow image by matching the coordinates of each image;
Display control means for displaying the synthesized image on a display means;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The region-of-interest image generation means sets a three-dimensional image obtained by cutting the region of interest at the position of the designated B-mode image as a three-dimensional image of the region of interest,
The blood flow image generation means sets a three-dimensional image obtained by cutting the three-dimensional image of the blood flow at the position of the designated B-mode image as the three-dimensional blood flow image.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The region-of-interest image generation means is a three-dimensional image of the region of interest obtained by removing a reduced region generated by reducing the region of interest cut at the position of the designated B-mode image from the cut region of interest. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:   The reduced region of interest is a three-dimensional region including a point that is a predetermined distance away from each point on the surface of the cut region of interest in the internal direction of the region of interest and in the normal direction, and the inside thereof. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3. The region of interest image generation means includes:
In response to the designation of the magnification, a portion obtained by removing the second reduced region of interest obtained by reducing or enlarging the reduced region of interest by the magnification from the second region of interest reduced or enlarged by the magnification. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a three-dimensional image of a region.   The ultrasonic diagnosis according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an image coloring unit that changes a color of all pixels in the three-dimensional image of the region of interest to a semitransparent single color. apparatus. Ultrasonic scanning toward the subject via the ultrasonic probe and transmitting / receiving means for receiving an ultrasonic echo from the subject;
Signal processing means for performing signal processing on the electrical signal based on the ultrasonic echo to generate B-mode image data and Doppler image data;
Ultrasonic tomographic image generation means for generating a plurality of B-mode images having different positions in the volume direction from the B-mode image data;
Position specifying means for specifying a B mode image at a specific position from the plurality of B mode images;
A three-dimensional scanning region image that is a three-dimensional image of the scanned region on the volume direction side from the position of the designated B-mode image is generated, and a region of interest is removed from the three-dimensional scanning region image A region-of-interest image generation means for generating a region-of-interest image that is a three-dimensional image of a portion;
Blood flow image generation means for generating a three-dimensional blood flow image from the Doppler image data;
Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the image outside the region of interest and the three-dimensional blood flow image by matching the coordinates of each image;
Display control means for displaying the synthesized image on a display means;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The non-region-of-interest image generating means generates an out-of-region-of-interest B mode image obtained by removing a portion included in the region of interest from the designated B-mode image
The image synthesis means synthesizes the B-mode image outside the region of interest, the image outside the region of interest, and the three-dimensional blood flow image by matching the coordinates of each image.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7. The region-of-interest image generation means includes
In response to designation of the magnification, the region of interest is set as a second region of interest reduced or enlarged at the magnification, and a portion obtained by removing the second region of interest from the scanning region image is set as the image outside the region of interest. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized. Receiving means for receiving a plurality of two-dimensional image data including a region of interest of a subject and different two-dimensional positions in a volume direction and three-dimensional image data representing a state of a blood vessel;
Position specifying means for specifying a two-dimensional image at a specific position from the plurality of two-dimensional images;
Generates a 3D image of the partial area of the region of interest cut at the specified position of the 2D image based on the input 2D image data, and generates the reduced partial area from the partial area A region-of-interest image generation means that uses a portion excluding the reduced region as a three-dimensional image of the region of interest;
By receiving the designation of the two-dimensional image at the specific position, the coordinates of the designated two-dimensional image, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional image representing the state of the blood vessel are matched. Image synthesizing means to synthesize;
Display control means for displaying the synthesized image on a display means;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: In the control means having a computer,
The transmission / reception means performs transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves toward the subject via the ultrasonic probe,
The signal processing means performs signal processing on the electrical signal based on the ultrasonic echo to execute generation of B-mode image data and Doppler image data,
Causing the ultrasonic tomogram generation means to generate a plurality of B-mode images having different positions in the volume direction from the B-mode image data;
Causing the display control unit to display the B-mode image on the display unit;
A region-of-interest image generating unit accepts designation of the B-mode image at a specific position among the displayed B-mode images;
Generated by generating a partial region obtained by cutting the region of interest generated from the B-mode image data at the position of the designated B-mode image, and reducing the partial region from the partial region. A portion excluding the reduced region is made a three-dimensional image of the region of interest,
Causing the blood flow image generation means to generate a three-dimensional blood flow image cut from the Doppler image data at the position of the designated B-mode image;
Upon receiving the designation of the B-mode image to the image synthesizing means, the designated B-mode image, the three-dimensional image of the region of interest, and the three-dimensional blood flow image are synthesized by matching the coordinates of the images. And execute
Causing the display control means to display the synthesized image on the display means;
An ultrasonic image acquisition program.