JP2010155031A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus enabling an operator to easily select a three-dimensional ultrasonic image acquired in the static state of a subject to be imaged. <P>SOLUTION: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with an ultrasonic scanning means 11 for scanning ultrasonic waves repeatedly and three-dimensionally in an optional imaging region; two-dimensional image set generating means 15, 18 for generating a two-dimensional image set composed of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images different in cross-sectional positions based on an echo signal acquired by ultrasonic scanning; a three-dimensional data constructing means 19 for constructing three-dimensional data from the two-dimensional image set; three-dimensional image display means 20, 25 forming a three-dimensional ultrasonic image from the three-dimensional data and displaying it on a display device; and a motion determining means 24 for determining whether there is a motion in the imaging region when acquiring the two-dimensional image set by comparing the two-dimensional ultrasonic images in the corresponding cross-sectional positions on the plurality of two-dimensional image sets acquired before and after in terms of time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of displaying information inside a subject as a three-dimensional image is known and used for various diagnoses including a fetal growth diagnosis. In such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images (tomographic images) having different cross-sectional positions are continuously collected by an ultrasonic probe, and volume data to be imaged from the set of the two-dimensional ultrasonic images. (Three-dimensional data) is constructed. Thereafter, the three-dimensional data is projected onto a two-dimensional projection surface by a technique such as surface rendering or volume rendering, and the projected image represents a three-dimensional computer graphic (hereinafter referred to as a third-order computer graphic) representing a predetermined region in the subject. (Referred to as the original ultrasound image) on the monitor screen.

  Furthermore, in recent years, by repeating such ultrasonic scanning, construction of three-dimensional data, and generation / display of a three-dimensional ultrasonic image (projection image) in a short time, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is almost converted into a moving image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a so-called real-time three-dimensional moving image display function that can be displayed in real time is also widely used (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

  In the diagnosis using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, based on the three-dimensional data acquired by the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning as described above, the length, angle, area of an arbitrary part in the subject, Alternatively, the volume or the like may be measured. In such measurement, an operator selects an appropriate image as a measurement image from the three-dimensional ultrasonic images sequentially displayed on the monitor, and designates a measurement site by superimposing a measurement caliper or the like on the image. . Then, predetermined measurement is executed based on the three-dimensional data corresponding to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image, and the result is displayed on the monitor.

Ritsuko Yushin, “Latest 3D / 4D Fetal Ultrasound Imaging, Full Color Atlas,” Medica Publishing, January 31, 2004, pp.24-27

  However, even when the so-called real-time three-dimensional moving image display as described above is performed, the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning requires a certain amount of time. Therefore, when an imaging target (for example, a fetus) moves during one three-dimensional ultrasonic scan, distortion occurs in the three-dimensional data obtained by the ultrasonic scan. When the above measurement is performed on such three-dimensional data, the obtained measurement value is different from the true value. Therefore, in order to perform accurate measurement, it is necessary to perform measurement using three-dimensional data acquired in a state where the imaging target is stationary, but the operator displays a three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor. It was difficult to accurately determine whether or not it was acquired in a stationary state.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to acquire an imaging target in a stationary state in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional ultrasonic image. The object is to allow an operator to easily select the three-dimensional ultrasonic image.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems,
a) an ultrasonic scanning means for repeatedly scanning an ultrasonic wave three-dimensionally on an arbitrary imaging region in the subject;
b) Two-dimensional image set generation means for generating a two-dimensional image set composed of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images having different cross-sectional positions from the echo signals acquired by the ultrasonic scanning means;
c) 3D data construction means for constructing 3D data of the imaging region from the 2D image set;
d) three-dimensional image display means for generating a three-dimensional ultrasonic image representing the imaging region from the three-dimensional data and displaying it on a display device;
e) For a plurality of the two-dimensional image sets acquired before and after in time, by comparing the two-dimensional ultrasound images at the corresponding cross-sectional positions, the two-dimensional image sets in the imaging region at the time of acquisition Movement determination means for determining presence or absence of movement;
It is characterized by having.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention preferably further includes a measuring unit that performs predetermined measurement based on the three-dimensional data.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention preferably further includes notification means for notifying an operator of the result of determination by the motion determination means.

  Alternatively, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention further includes a three-dimensional image based on a two-dimensional image set determined to have no movement by the movement determination unit when displaying a three-dimensional ultrasonic image on a display device. It is desirable to provide display restriction means for displaying only the ultrasonic image.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configuration, a plurality of two-dimensional image sets acquired at different times are compared by the motion determination unit, so that the object moves at the time of acquisition of the two-dimensional image set. In addition, the notification means notifies the operator of the result of the determination, or the display restriction means limits the display of the three-dimensional ultrasound image based on the determination result. As a result, the operator can easily select a three-dimensional ultrasonic image suitable for measurement (strictly speaking, the corresponding three-dimensional data is a measurement target).

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention further includes a determination target region specifying unit that allows an operator to specify a region for motion determination on a two-dimensional ultrasonic image or a three-dimensional ultrasonic image, and the motion The determination unit may compare only the areas specified by the determination target area specifying unit when comparing the two-dimensional ultrasonic images of the corresponding cross-sectional positions. By doing so, it is possible to perform motion determination by excluding a part that is constantly moving, such as the heart, and it is possible to reduce the calculation load for motion determination.

  The motion determination means detects, for example, a contour line included in each two-dimensional ultrasound image, and compares the position of the contour line between two-dimensional ultrasound images at corresponding cross-sectional positions. The presence or absence can be determined. Here, the contour line means a boundary line between a tissue or organ included in the imaging region and its surroundings, and includes, for example, a boundary line between a fetus and amniotic fluid.

  Alternatively, the motion determination unit divides each two-dimensional ultrasound image into a plurality of partial areas and obtains an average of luminance values of pixels included in each partial area, and calculates the two-dimensional ultrasonic images at corresponding cross-sectional positions. The presence or absence of motion can also be determined by comparing the average value for each partial area.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the operator can easily grasp the state where the imaging target such as the fetus is stationary, and using the three-dimensional data acquired in the state. By performing measurement, it becomes possible to perform accurate measurement.

1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The conceptual diagram explaining the three-dimensional ultrasonic scan in the ultrasonic diagnosing device of the Example. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the imaging and measurement of a three-dimensional ultrasonic image in the ultrasonic diagnosing device of the Example. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the determination method in a motion determination part. The figure which shows the state which superimposed and displayed a part of outline on the two-dimensional ultrasonic image. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating another example of the determination method in a motion determination part. The figure which shows an example of the screen display showing the result of the motion determination. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for capturing and measuring a three-dimensional ultrasound image in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the same embodiment. is there.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 is a so-called mechanical scanning type three-dimensional that includes a transducer array composed of a large number of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a row and a drive mechanism for mechanically scanning the transducer array. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe scans an ultrasonic beam by electronic scanning of an ultrasonic transducer to form a two-dimensional scanning surface 100, and scans the surface 100 by mechanical scanning by the drive mechanism. Are sequentially collected to collect echo signals relating to an arbitrary three-dimensional region (hereinafter referred to as “imaging region”) in the body of the subject. In FIG. 2, an example in which a linear type ultrasonic probe is used is shown, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a case in which another scanning type ultrasonic probe such as a convex type or a sector type is used. is there.

  In this embodiment, as described above, an example in which a mechanical scanning type three-dimensional ultrasonic probe is used will be described. However, a two-dimensional transducer array formed by two-dimensionally arranging a plurality of ultrasonic transducers is provided. The present invention is also applicable to the case where a so-called electronic scanning type three-dimensional ultrasonic probe is used.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 is connected to the transmission / reception unit 12 and the mechanical scanning control unit 13 via a connector (not shown) provided in the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The transmission / reception unit 12 applies a predetermined drive pulse to each of the ultrasonic transducers, amplifies the echo signals output from the ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic probe 11, and performs phasing addition. A beam signal corresponding to one beam is generated. At this time, the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned in the arrangement direction of the ultrasonic transducers by appropriately adjusting the timing of ultrasonic transmission / reception by each ultrasonic transducer. On the other hand, the mechanical scanning control unit 13 controls the operation of a drive mechanism built in the ultrasonic probe 11, and moves the transducer array at a predetermined interval by the drive mechanism, so that an ultrasonic beam is simply transmitted. Mechanical scanning is performed in the axial direction (slice direction).

  The signal processing unit 14 generates an image signal by performing predetermined processing such as logarithmic compression and envelope detection on the beam signal output from the transmission / reception unit 12. A digital scan converter (hereinafter referred to as DSC) 15 generates a two-dimensional ultrasonic image corresponding to each scanning plane 100 based on image signals sequentially output from the signal processing unit 14. The DSC 15 also performs processing for causing the monitor 17 to display a three-dimensional ultrasonic image generated by the projection processing unit 20 described later.

  The image memory 18 temporarily stores the two-dimensional ultrasonic image generated by the DSC 15. During the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning, a two-dimensional ultrasonic image is input to the image memory 18 from the DSC 15 at regular intervals. As a result, a set of continuous images (referred to as “two-dimensional image set”) over the entire imaging region is stored in the image memory 18.

  The three-dimensional data construction unit 19 has a volume memory (not shown), arranges the images of the two-dimensional image set stored in the image memory 18 in a predetermined positional relationship, and complements the gaps between the images. By storing in the volume memory, three-dimensional data (volume data) of the imaging area is constructed.

  The projection processing unit 20 projects the three-dimensional data onto a virtual plane by volume rendering processing or surface rendering processing based on the three-dimensional data (hereinafter referred to as “three-dimensional ultrasound image”). Is generated. The projection processing unit 20 can also generate a tomographic image at an arbitrary cross section based on the three-dimensional data.

  The graphic unit 21 generates a graphic composed of characters such as diagnostic information and a graphic such as a cursor for measurement or a caliper. The ultrasonic image (two-dimensional ultrasonic image or three-dimensional ultrasonic image) output from the DSC 15 and the graphic output from the graphic unit 21 are combined in the display processing unit 16, so that the ultrasonic image and the graphic are displayed on the monitor 17. Can be displayed superimposed (or side by side).

  The measurement unit 22 measures the length, angle, area, volume, or the like of a predetermined part in the imaging region based on the three-dimensional data constructed by the three-dimensional data construction unit 19. The three-dimensional data sequentially generated by the original data construction unit 19 is temporarily held for the past several.

  The motion determination unit 24 determines the presence or absence of motion of an imaging target (for example, a fetus) at the time of acquiring each two-dimensional image set by comparing two-dimensional image sets acquired before and after temporally ( Details will be described later).

  The operation of each unit is controlled by a central control unit 25 including a CPU, a RAM, and the like. The central control unit 25 receives instructions from an operator through an operation unit 26 including a keyboard, various operation buttons, a trackball, and the like. Entered. The functions of the above-described units centered on the central control unit 25 are configured in a so-called software manner by causing the CPU to execute a predetermined program except for the input / output devices such as the ultrasonic probe 11, the operation unit 26, and the monitor 17. Alternatively, it may be realized in hardware by a circuit or the like. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which combined both.

  In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 11, the three-dimensional data construction unit 19, the measurement unit 22, and the motion determination unit 24 are respectively an ultrasonic scanning unit, a three-dimensional data construction unit, a measurement unit, and a motion according to the present invention. It corresponds to the determination means. In the present embodiment, the DSC 15 and the image memory 18 cooperate to function as a two-dimensional image set generation unit in the present invention, and the projection processing unit 20 and the central control unit 25 cooperate to serve as a three-dimensional image display unit. Function. Further, the graphic unit 21, the display processing unit 16, and the monitor 17 cooperate to function as notification means in the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a procedure for capturing and measuring a three-dimensional ultrasonic image using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a case where a fetus in the body of the subject is an imaging target will be described as an example.

  First, the operator brings the ultrasonic probe 11 into contact with a predetermined position on the abdomen of the subject (maternal body), and instructs the start of ultrasonic scanning by performing a predetermined operation with the operation unit 26. Thereby, the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning by the ultrasonic probe 11 is executed (step S11), the accumulation of the two-dimensional image set in the image memory 18, the construction of the three-dimensional data in the three-dimensional data construction unit 19, and the projection processing unit 20 The projection process is performed, and a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is displayed on the monitor 17. Since a series of processes from the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning to the display of the three-dimensional ultrasonic image are repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle, the three-dimensional ultrasonic image on the monitor 17 is sequentially updated and visually recognized as a moving image.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, when generating three-dimensional data from the two-dimensional image set, the motion determination unit 24 determines the presence or absence of fetal movement at the time of acquiring the two-dimensional image set (step) S12).

  Here, the detail of the motion determination in the motion determination part 24 is demonstrated. The motion determination unit 24 performs motion determination by comparing the latest two-dimensional image set stored in the image memory 18 with the two-dimensional image set acquired immediately before. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the latest two-dimensional image set is an image set a, the two-dimensional image set acquired immediately before is an image set b, and each two-dimensional ultrasonic image constituting the image set a is F0a, F1a, F2a ... Fna and the two-dimensional ultrasonic images constituting the image set b are F0b, F1b, F2b ... Fnb (see FIG. 4). Here, Fma and Fmb (b = 0 to n) are images obtained by scanning the same position with the ultrasonic probe 11 as a reference, and can be regarded as images relating to the same cross section in the imaging region.

  The motion determination unit 24 first detects the difference between the images F0a and F0b by comparing the images F0a and F0b. At this time, the motion determination unit 24 first confirms the luminance values of one vertical column of pixels on the left and right ends of the image F0a in order from a shallow region to a deep region, and the luminance value decreases from a low value to a high value. Detect all points that suddenly change. Then, the detection of such a sudden change in luminance is sequentially performed in the left-right direction of the image F0a. In the two-dimensional ultrasonic image, the location where the luminance changes suddenly is considered as the boundary position of the tissue or organ in the subject, so that all the contour lines existing in the image F0a are detected. Similarly, for the image F0b, the contour line in the image is detected, and the positions of the contour lines in the images F0a and F0b are compared. If the displacement amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, “changed”; Judged “None”.

  Similarly, the image Fna and the image Fnb are repeatedly compared, and when there is no change, these image sets are determined to be “no motion”, and otherwise they are determined to be “motion present”.

  In the above description, it is assumed that all brightness sudden change points are detected from a shallow region to a deep region in the two-dimensional ultrasonic image. However, some brightness sudden change points, for example, brightness sudden change points existing in the shallowest region. May be detected only. As a result, only the body surface of the fetus near the ultrasonic probe 11 can be detected as a contour line, and motion determination can be performed excluding the fetal heart and the like. In this way, when motion determination is performed by detecting only a part of the contour line, a two-dimensional ultrasonic image in which the position of the detected contour line is displayed with a high luminance line (trace display) is appropriately displayed on the monitor 17. It may be possible to display. An example of such a screen display is shown in FIG. In the drawing, a two-dimensional ultrasonic image 200 is shown with the face of the fetus 30 facing upward, and the face side of the boundary line between the fetus 30 and its peripheral region 40 (ie, the fetal contour line) is shown. Only the contour line is traced by the high luminance line 50. In this way, the operator can easily grasp which part of the imaging region is being determined.

  Further, the motion determination unit 24 may compare only the determination target region 60 specified in advance, instead of comparing the entire areas of the images Fma and Fmb as described above (see FIG. 6). . Such a determination target region 60 can be specified in advance by setting an ROI (Region Of Interest) or the like on the two-dimensional ultrasonic image or the three-dimensional ultrasonic image by the operator. As a result, it is possible to perform motion determination excluding the fetal heart and the like, and it is possible to reduce the calculation load related to motion determination.

  After the motion determination as described above is performed, the three-dimensional data construction unit 19 constructs the three-dimensional data of the imaging region from the latest two-dimensional image set (step S13). To the cine memory 23. Further, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is generated from the three-dimensional data in the projection processing unit 20 (step S14). The flag area indicating the result of the motion determination is provided in the 3D data file and the 3D ultrasound image file generated above, and the result of the motion determination is “no motion”. The flag is turned ON, and if it is “with motion”, the flag is turned OFF. Thereafter, the three-dimensional ultrasonic image generated by the projection processing unit 20 is displayed on the screen of the monitor 17 via the DSC 15 and the display processing unit 16 (step S15).

  The operator confirms the three-dimensional ultrasonic images sequentially displayed on the monitor 17 by the above processing, and gives a freeze operation, that is, an instruction to stop the acquisition of the ultrasonic image at an appropriate time (Yes in step S16). Upon receiving this operation signal, the central control unit 25 stops the ultrasonic scanning by the ultrasonic probe 11, and further stops the construction and projection processing of the three-dimensional data. Accordingly, the update of the image is temporarily stopped in a state where the three-dimensional ultrasonic image generated immediately before the freeze operation is displayed on the screen of the monitor 17.

  In this state, when the operator performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 26 to instruct the start of the measurement mode (step S17), the current display is performed based on the flag given to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image file in step S14. It is determined whether or not the inside image has been captured in a stationary state (step S18).

  At this time, if the flag is ON (Yes in step S18), a graphic indicating that (that is, that the determination result is “no motion”) is generated by the graphic unit 21, and the monitor 17 The graphic is displayed side by side with the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed above or superimposed on the three-dimensional ultrasonic image (step S19). An example of the screen display at this time is shown in FIG. In this example, the fact that the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is acquired in a stationary state and is suitable for measurement is represented by the characters 70 “measurable”, and this is represented by the three-dimensional ultrasonic image 300 of the fetus 30. It is displayed in the vicinity. Of course, other characters and figures may be displayed.

  On the other hand, if the flag is OFF (No in step S18), the graphic generation and display as described above is not performed (or a graphic that can be distinguished from the case of “no motion” may be displayed. ).

  The operator confirms the screen display at this time and determines whether or not to use the currently displayed three-dimensional ultrasonic image for measurement. When the operator instructs to use the image (strictly speaking, the corresponding three-dimensional data) for measurement (Yes in step S20), a pointer, a caliper, etc. for designating a measurement part are generated by the graphic unit 21, It is displayed superimposed on the three-dimensional ultrasonic image. The operator uses the operation unit 26 to change the position or angle of the pointer or caliper, thereby designating a part to be measured (step S21). When the specification of the measurement part is completed, a predetermined calculation process is executed by the measurement unit 22 (step S22), and the length, angle, area, volume, or the like of the specified part is measured based on the three-dimensional data. The result is displayed on the screen of the monitor 17.

  The above-described measurement site designation (step S21) and measurement processing (step S22) can be performed by a conventionally known measurement program or the like. In this example, the case where the measurement target part is directly specified on the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is taken as an example. First, the operator specifies an arbitrary cross section on the three-dimensional ultrasonic image, and the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is specified. It is also possible to specify a measurement site on the cross-sectional image created based on the three-dimensional data corresponding to In addition, without specifying the measurement target part by the operator, the target part may be automatically extracted based on the luminance value of each voxel constituting the three-dimensional data, and the area, volume, and the like may be measured.

  Note that if the operator determines in step S20 that the currently displayed image is not used for measurement (No in step S20), the operation unit 26 is operated to restart ultrasonic scanning, and the three-dimensional moving image is again displayed. Perform the freeze operation again after displaying it. Further, when the operator operates a trackball or the like provided in the operation unit 26 while continuing the freeze state, the past several pieces of three-dimensional data stored in the cine memory 23 are imaged and sequentially displayed on the monitor 17. It is also possible to select an appropriate image from them. Even when the three-dimensional data is read out from the cine memory 23 and displayed in this way, the flag area of the file related to each three-dimensional data is referred to. A graphic indicating that there was “no movement” is displayed together with the three-dimensional ultrasonic image.

  As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the presence / absence of the movement of the imaging target is determined based on the two-dimensional image set, and the result is notified to the operator. For this reason, an operator can easily select an image acquired in a state where the imaging target is stationary, and the reliability of measurement using three-dimensional data can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the determination by the motion determination unit 24 is performed every time a two-dimensional image set is generated. However, the motion determination may be performed at any time according to an instruction from the operator. Hereinafter, a procedure for capturing and measuring a three-dimensional ultrasonic image in an embodiment of such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in FIG.

  First, an imaging region is obtained by bringing the ultrasonic probe 11 into contact with the body surface of the subject and performing three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning (step S31), construction of three-dimensional data (step S32), and projection processing (step S33). Is displayed on the monitor 17 (step S34). However, at this time, the determination by the motion determination unit 24 is not performed.

  The above steps S31 to S34 are repeatedly executed, and the operator performs a freeze operation at an arbitrary timing while watching the three-dimensional ultrasonic images sequentially updated on the monitor 17 (Yes in step S35). Subsequently, when the operator instructs the start of the measurement mode (step S36), motion determination by the motion determination unit 24 is executed (step S37), and whether the currently displayed 3D ultrasound image is captured in a stationary state. The operator is notified whether or not (steps S38 and S39). At this time, the motion determination unit 24 is based on the two-dimensional image set corresponding to the currently displayed three-dimensional ultrasound image stored in the image memory 18 and the two-dimensional image set acquired immediately before or after that. The presence or absence of motion is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Then, when the operator instructs to use the currently displayed 3D ultrasound image for measurement (Yes in step S40), the measurement part designation (step S41) and measurement are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Processing (step S42) is executed.

  As a result of the motion determination, when the operator determines that the currently displayed three-dimensional ultrasonic image is not used for measurement (No in step S40), the operation unit 26 is operated to restart ultrasonic scanning, Perform the freeze operation again after displaying the 3D video again. Alternatively, when the operator operates a trackball or the like provided in the operation unit 26 while the freeze state is continued, the past several pieces of three-dimensional data stored in the cine memory 23 are imaged and sequentially displayed on the screen. It is also possible to select an appropriate image from them. As described above, even when the three-dimensional data is read out from the cine memory 23 and displayed, the two-dimensional image set corresponding to the three-dimensional data and the two-dimensional image set acquired immediately before or after it are referred to from the image memory 18. The motion determination unit 24 performs motion determination, and presents the result together with the three-dimensional ultrasonic image to the operator.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications are allowed within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Is.

  For example, in the motion determination unit 24 in the above embodiment, the presence or absence of the motion of the imaging target is determined from the position of the contour line in the two-dimensional ultrasound image. In addition, any pixel of the two-dimensional ultrasound image It is also possible to detect a change in luminance value. Specifically, when comparing the two-dimensional ultrasonic image F0a of the image set a and the two-dimensional ultrasonic image F0b of the image set b, first, each of the images F0a and F0b is set to several pixels (for example, 3 pixels × 3), and the average of the luminance values of the pixels constituting each partial area is calculated. Subsequently, the average values are compared between the corresponding partial areas for the images F0a and F0b. At this time, if the difference is within the allowable range for all the partial areas in the image, it is determined that there is no change between F0a and F0b, and in other cases, there is a change between F0a and F0b. Judge that there is. Similarly, all the images in the image sets a and b are compared with each other, and when there is no change, it is determined that these image sets are “no motion”, and in other cases, “there is motion”. judge.

  In addition, in each partial region included in a certain range in the image, if the difference in the average value of luminance as described above is within the allowable range, it can be considered that there is no movement within the range. Therefore, this range is determined as a measurable range, and a graphic representing the measurable range is displayed superimposed on a three-dimensional ultrasound image, or a caliper or cursor for designating a measurement site is within the measurable range. In other words, the operator can easily grasp the measurable range by making the movement only possible.

  In the above embodiment, a predetermined graphic is displayed on the monitor 17 together with the three-dimensional ultrasonic image, thereby notifying the operator of the result of motion determination, that is, whether the image is suitable for measurement. In addition to this, it is determined whether or not the three-dimensional ultrasonic image currently displayed on the monitor 17 is suitable for measurement by using a display unit provided separately on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an LED, or the like. The operator may be notified.

  Further, instead of performing the notification as described above, only the image determined to be suitable for measurement by the motion determination may be displayed on the monitor 17. In this case, for example, when the operator performs a predetermined operation with the operation unit 26 during the execution of the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning and the three-dimensional moving image display, the latest three-dimensional ultrasonic wave determined as “no movement” thereafter. Only images can be sequentially displayed on the monitor. Alternatively, when the operator performs a predetermined operation (for example, an instruction to start the measurement mode) in the frozen state and then calls the three-dimensional data in the cine memory 23, “no motion” among the three-dimensional data stored in the cine memory 23. Only those determined to be imaged can be displayed on the monitor 17.

  Alternatively, in addition to the notification as described above or instead of performing the notification or display limitation as described above, when outputting a measurement report describing the result of the measurement process, the three-dimensional data ( Strictly speaking, the result of motion determination related to the corresponding two-dimensional image set) may be described on the report.

  In the present invention, the two-dimensional image set to be compared by the motion determination means is typically two two-dimensional image sets acquired adjacent in time (that is, a certain two-dimensional image set and the immediately preceding two-dimensional image set). Or a two-dimensional image set acquired immediately thereafter), but is not limited to this, and three or more two-dimensional ultrasound images may be compared. Further, two-dimensional image sets acquired at time intervals (that is, a certain two-dimensional image set and two or more two-dimensional image sets acquired before or after the two-dimensional image set) may be compared.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Ultrasonic probe 12 ... Transmission / reception part 14 ... Signal processing part 15 ... DSC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Display processing part 17 ... Monitor 18 ... Image memory 19 ... Three-dimensional data construction part 20 ... Projection processing part 21 ... Graphic part 22 ... Measurement part 23 ... Cine memory 24 ... Determination part 25 ... Central control part 26 ... Operation part

Claims (7)

a) an ultrasonic scanning means for repeatedly scanning an ultrasonic wave three-dimensionally for an arbitrary imaging region in the subject;
b) Two-dimensional image set generation means for generating a two-dimensional image set composed of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images having different cross-sectional positions from the echo signals acquired by the ultrasonic scanning means;
c) 3D data construction means for constructing 3D data of the imaging region from the 2D image set;
d) three-dimensional image display means for generating a three-dimensional ultrasonic image representing the imaging region from the three-dimensional data and displaying it on a display device;
e) For a plurality of the two-dimensional image sets acquired before and after in time, by comparing the two-dimensional ultrasound images at the corresponding cross-sectional positions, the two-dimensional image sets in the imaging region at the time of acquisition Movement determination means for determining presence or absence of movement;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a measurement unit that performs predetermined measurement based on the three-dimensional data.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying an operator of a result of the determination by the movement determination means.   Furthermore, when displaying a three-dimensional ultrasonic image on a display device, it has a display restricting means for displaying only a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the two-dimensional image set determined to have no motion by the motion determining means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Furthermore, a determination target region specifying means for allowing the operator to specify a region to be subjected to motion determination on a two-dimensional ultrasonic image or a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is provided,
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the motion determination unit compares only the regions specified by the determination target region specifying unit when comparing the two-dimensional ultrasonic images of the corresponding cross-sectional positions. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The motion determination means detects a contour line included in each two-dimensional ultrasound image, and determines the presence or absence of motion by comparing the position of the contour line between two-dimensional ultrasound images of corresponding cross-sectional positions. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The motion determination means divides each two-dimensional ultrasound image into a plurality of partial areas and obtains an average of luminance values of pixels included in each partial area, and calculates the average between the two-dimensional ultrasonic images at corresponding cross-sectional positions. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein presence or absence of movement is determined by comparing values for each partial region.

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