JP2010167044A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and image display program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate an image including the region of interest easily from three-dimensional ultrasonic images. <P>SOLUTION: When orthogonal 3 axes are set by an operator who has referred to three-dimensional ultrasonic waves, an image generation part 12a generates slice cross sections (Y-Z cross section image, X-Z cross section image and X-Y cross section image) for each of an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis, and a system control part 14 executes control so as to display the slice cross section for each coordinate axis generated by the image generation part 12a in parallel on a monitor 3. When the slice cross sections to be a start point and an end point are specified in all the coordinate axes from the operator who has referred to the slice cross sections, a region-of-interest image generation part 12b segments a region surrounded by the specified slice cross sections from the three-dimensional ultrasonic images and generates a region-of-interest image, and the system control part 14 executes control so as to display the region-of-interest image generated by the region-of-interest image generation part 12b on the monitor 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an image display program.

  Conventionally, a mechanical scan probe that swings a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a row, or a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a grid pattern, provides a three-dimensional ultrasonic image in real time. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates (volume data) in time series has been put into practical use (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Such an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is provided with an arbitrary cropping function of a three-dimensional ultrasound image in order to extract a region of interest in which the operator wants to perform image diagnosis in three dimensions. In such an arbitrary cut-out function, MPR (Multi Plane Reformat) images are respectively displayed by cut lines manually set sequentially by an operator referring to a three-dimensional ultrasonic image, and an operation referring to the displayed MPR image. The cut line is determined by designating an MPR image in the vicinity of the region of interest from the person. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cuts out the region of interest from which the operator wants to perform image diagnosis from the three-dimensional ultrasonic image and displays it on the monitor.

JP 2000-132664 A

  By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional arbitrary cutting function, since an arbitrary cutting line can be set manually, the versatility is high. However, the operator sets the cutting line many times in order to display the target region of interest. Must be done. Further, since the operator finally designates the cut line while referring to the MPR image, it is difficult to intuitively understand which part of the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is cut out. Therefore, since the target region of interest is not displayed, the cutting operation may be performed again.

  Thus, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that it is not possible to easily generate an image including a region of interest from a three-dimensional ultrasonic image.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an image that can easily generate an image including a region of interest from a three-dimensional ultrasonic image. An object is to provide a display program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention as set forth in claim 1 provides a predetermined display unit with a three-dimensional ultrasonic image generated based on an ultrasonic reflected wave transmitted to a subject. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional ultrasonic wave in a region surrounded by a cross section and / or a curved surface designated by an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the predetermined display unit A region-of-interest image generation unit that generates an image as a region-of-interest image including a region of interest, and display control that controls the region-of-interest image generated by the region-of-interest image generation unit to be displayed on the predetermined display unit Means.

  The present invention according to claim 8 is an image displayed on a predetermined display unit by performing image processing on a three-dimensional ultrasonic image generated based on an ultrasonic reflected wave transmitted to a subject. An image display program for causing a computer to execute a display method, which is in an area surrounded by a cross section and / or a curved surface designated by an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the predetermined display unit A region-of-interest image generation procedure for generating a three-dimensional ultrasound image as a region-of-interest image including a region of interest, and the region-of-interest image generated by the region-of-interest image generation means are displayed on the predetermined display unit. A display control procedure to be controlled is executed by a computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily generate an image including a region of interest from a three-dimensional ultrasonic image.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the setting of coordinate axes in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining setting of a region of interest in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram (1) for explaining the region-of-interest image generation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram (2) for explaining the region-of-interest image generation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram (3) for explaining the region-of-interest image generation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram (4) for explaining the region-of-interest image generation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram (1) for explaining a case where there are a plurality of regions of interest in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram (2) for explaining a case where there are a plurality of regions of interest in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the coordinate axes and the region of interest in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a region-of-interest image in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram (1) for explaining the region-of-interest image in the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram (2) for explaining the region-of-interest image in the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a region-of-interest image in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a region-of-interest image in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an image display program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that executes an image display program according to the present invention will be described as an example.

  First, the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 1, an input device 2, a monitor 3, and an apparatus main body 10.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. Each ultrasonic transducer transmits an ultrasonic beam into the subject and receives a reflected wave from the internal tissue of the subject.

  Here, the ultrasonic probe 1 in the present embodiment can scan the inside of the subject three-dimensionally with an ultrasonic beam. For example, as the ultrasonic probe 1 in this embodiment, a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a matrix (lattice), or a plurality of ultrasonic transducers in which ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a row. For example, a mechanical scan probe that oscillates is used.

  The input device 2 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a trackball, etc., receives various setting requests from an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and receives various settings received from the apparatus main body 10. Transfer configuration request.

  The monitor 3 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to input various setting requests using the input device 2 or displays an ultrasonic image generated in the apparatus main body 10. Or

  The apparatus main body 10 is an apparatus that generates an ultrasonic image based on a reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe 1, and as shown in FIG. 1, a transmission / reception unit 11, an image processing unit 12, an image memory 13, And a system control unit 14.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 1 and generates a high voltage pulse for each predetermined delay time under the control of a system control unit 14 described later. The high voltage pulse generated by the transmission / reception unit 11 is sequentially applied to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers built in the ultrasonic probe 1, whereby an ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 into the subject.

  Further, the transmission / reception unit 14 performs a gain correction process, an A / D conversion process, and a phasing addition process on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1 to generate reflected wave data. Specifically, the transmission / reception unit 11 generates three-dimensional reflected wave data obtained by three-dimensionally scanning the subject.

  The image processing unit 12 is a processing unit that generates an ultrasonic image from the reflected wave data generated by the transmission / reception unit 14 and performs various image processing on the generated ultrasonic image. As shown in FIG. A generation unit 12a and a region-of-interest image generation unit 12b are included.

  The image generation unit 12a generates a three-dimensional ultrasonic image (a three-dimensional B-mode image and a three-dimensional Doppler image) from the three-dimensional reflected wave data generated by the transmission / reception unit 14. In addition, the image generation unit 12a generates a cross-sectional image from the generated three-dimensional ultrasonic image.

  The region-of-interest image generation unit 12b cuts out a three-dimensional image including a three-dimensional region of interest that a doctor as an operator wants to perform image diagnosis from the three-dimensional ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 12a as a region-of-interest image. Although it produces | generates, this is explained in full detail later with the cross-section image generation process of the image generation part 12a.

  The image memory 13 stores various images generated by the image processing unit 12.

  The system control unit 14 controls the entire processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Specifically, the system control unit 14 controls the generation of high voltage pulses in the transmission / reception unit 14 based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input device 2, and the three-dimensional in the image processing unit 12. The generation processing of the ultrasonic image, the cross-sectional image, and the region-of-interest image is controlled, and various images stored in the image memory 13 are controlled to be displayed on the monitor 3.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment generates a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave of the ultrasonic beam transmitted to the subject. The image generating unit 12a and the image generating unit 12a described in detail below and The main feature is that it is possible to easily generate an image including a region of interest from a three-dimensional ultrasonic image by the processing of the region of interest image generation unit 12b.

  This main feature will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the coordinate axes in the first embodiment, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the region of interest in the first embodiment, and FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a region-of-interest image generation unit according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining a case where there are a plurality of regions of interest in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a region-of-interest image from the three-dimensional ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 12a. Specifically, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b is designated via the input device 2 by an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 3 after being generated by the image generation unit 12a. A three-dimensional ultrasound image in a region surrounded by a cross section is generated as a region of interest image including a region of interest.

  First, the operator sets a plurality of coordinate axes in the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the monitor 3. Specifically, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, three orthogonal axes (X axis, Y axis, Z axis) are set by the operator. In this embodiment, the case where the three orthogonal axes are set by the operator has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image generation unit 12a and the system control unit 14 automatically It may be a case where three orthogonal axes are set in the three-dimensional ultrasonic image.

  When the three orthogonal axes are set, the image generation unit 12a generates a plurality of cross-sectional images along the coordinate axes from the three-dimensional ultrasonic image for each of the set X axis, Y axis, and Z axis. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the image generation unit 12a generates a YZ cross-sectional image obtained by slicing a three-dimensional ultrasonic image at a cross section orthogonal to the X axis.

  Note that, similarly to the X axis, the image generation unit 12a generates an XZ sectional image sliced by a section orthogonal to the Y axis and an XY sectional image sliced by a section orthogonal to the Z axis. The slice interval and the number of slices can be arbitrarily set by the operator.

  The system control unit 14 performs control so that the cross-sectional images for each coordinate axis generated by the image generation unit 12a are displayed in parallel (multi-view) on the monitor 3. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, all YZ cross-sectional images obtained by slicing the three-dimensional ultrasound image in the X-axis direction are displayed on the monitor 3, and the operator refers to the multi-view. Thus, the YZ cross-sectional images that are the start point and end point of the region of interest in the X-axis direction are designated.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, the system control unit 14 displays “X (S)” in the YZ cross-sectional image designated as the start point of the region of interest in the X-axis direction. Control is performed so that “X (E)” is displayed on the YZ cross-sectional image designated as the end point of the region of interest in the X-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the system control unit 14 may perform control such that the thickness of the slice line corresponding to the designated slice plane is changed and displayed. Note that the slice line may be controlled to change not only the thickness but also the color tone. Thereby, the operator can confirm the start point and end point of the region of interest designated by the operator.

  Similarly, the system control unit 14 also monitors the XZ sectional image obtained by slicing the three-dimensional ultrasound image in the Y-axis direction and the XY sectional image obtained by slicing the three-dimensional ultrasound image in the Z-axis direction. Control to display in parallel. Then, the operator refers to the multi-view, and an XZ cross-sectional image that is the start point and end point of the region of interest in the Y-axis direction, and an XY cross-sectional image that is the start point and end point of the region of interest in the Z-axis direction Is specified. Note that the slice cross-section display method may be a slide show that is a continuous display in addition to the multi-view described above.

  Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates, as the region-of-interest image, a three-dimensional ultrasound image in the region surrounded by the specified slice plane in each of the specified X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction. .

  That is, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b, as shown in FIG. 4, in the three-dimensional ultrasound image, an area outside the YZ cross-sectional image designated in the X-axis direction (see the arrow in the figure). Cut off. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b includes a region outside the XZ cross-sectional image designated in the Y-axis direction (see the arrow in the drawing) in the three-dimensional ultrasound image. Cut off. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b selects a region outside the XY cross-sectional image designated in the Z-axis direction (see the arrow in the drawing) in the three-dimensional ultrasound image. Cut off.

  As a result, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a region-of-interest image including the region of interest of the operator by cutting it out from the three-dimensional ultrasound image in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the region-of-interest image is cut out with the slice plane designated by the operator as a boundary has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the slice plane designated by the operator is used. Assuming that the region of interest is included, the region of interest image may be cut out using a slice plane that is separated from the designated slice plane by a predetermined distance as a boundary.

  Then, the system control unit 14 performs control so that the region-of-interest image generated by the region-of-interest image generation unit 12 b is displayed on the monitor 3. Further, the system control unit 14 may perform control so that the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is displayed in a translucent state after performing alignment with the region-of-interest image. Note that the transmittance of the three-dimensional ultrasonic image can be arbitrarily set by the operator.

  Here, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment performs processing as described below when there are a plurality of regions of interest. In the following, a case where two regions of interest (region of interest 1 and region of interest 2) are included in the three-dimensional ultrasound image will be described as shown in FIG.

  First, as described above, three orthogonal axes are set in the three-dimensional ultrasonic image, and the image generation unit 12a generates a slice plane for each coordinate axis. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the image generation unit 12 a generates a YZ cross-sectional image obtained by slicing a three-dimensional ultrasonic image at a cross section orthogonal to the X axis.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the system control unit 14 displays the YZ cross-sectional images in the X-axis direction in parallel (or continuously) on the monitor 3, and the operator moves in the X-axis direction. The YZ cross-sectional images to be the start point and the end point of are designated in the region of interest 1 and the region of interest 2, respectively.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8B, the system control unit 14 displays “X1 (S)” on the YZ cross-sectional image designated as the start point of the region of interest 1 in the X-axis direction. In the YZ cross-sectional image designated as the end point of the region of interest 1 in the X-axis direction, “X1 (E)” is displayed. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3B, the system control unit 14 displays “X2 (S)” on the YZ sectional image designated as the start point of the region of interest 2 in the X-axis direction. In the YZ cross-sectional image designated as the end point of the region of interest 2 in the X-axis direction, “X2 (E)” is displayed.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8A, the system control unit 14 places “X1 (S), X1 (on the slice line corresponding to each slice plane designated as the start point and the end point for each region of interest”. E), X2 (S), X2 (E) ”may be controlled to be displayed together with the three-dimensional ultrasonic image. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the system control unit 14 may perform control so that the thickness of the slice line corresponding to the designated slice plane is changed and displayed. Note that the slice line may be controlled to change not only the thickness but also the color tone.

  Then, similarly to the designation of the slice plane in the X-axis direction, the operator designates the slice plane for each region of interest in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. As a result, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b cuts out each region-of-interest image including the region of interest 1 and region of interest 2 of the operator from the three-dimensional ultrasound image in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in FIG. Generate.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 10, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is generated by the image generation unit 12 a, and further, the generated three-dimensional ultrasonic image is read from the image memory 13 and controlled by the control of the system control unit 14. The processing after being displayed will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the coordinate axes (three orthogonal axes) are set by the operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasound (Yes in step S101), the image generation unit 12a A slice cross section (YZ cross section image, XZ cross section image, and XY cross section image) is generated for each coordinate axis (for each of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) (step S102).

  Then, the system control unit 14 performs control so that slice sections for each coordinate axis generated by the image generation unit 12a are displayed in parallel on the monitor 3 (step S103).

  Here, when the slice slices that are the start point and the end point are designated in all coordinate axes (Yes in step S104), the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b cuts out the region surrounded by the designated slice slices from the three-dimensional ultrasound image. Then, a region of interest image is generated (step S105).

  After that, the system control unit 14 performs control so that the region of interest image generated by the region of interest image generation unit 12b is displayed on the monitor 3 (step S106), and ends the process.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the three orthogonal axes are set by the operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic wave, the image generation unit 12a performs slice slices (Y -Z cross-sectional image, XZ cross-sectional image and XY cross-sectional image), and the system control unit 14 displays the slice cross-sections for each coordinate axis generated by the image generation unit 12a on the monitor 3 in parallel. Control.

  Then, when the slice cross section that is the start point and the end point is designated in all coordinate axes from the operator who refers to the slice cross section, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b performs three-dimensional ultrasound on the region surrounded by the designated slice cross section. The region of interest image is generated by cutting out from the image, and the system control unit 14 performs control so that the region of interest image generated by the region of interest image generation unit 12 b is displayed on the monitor 3.

  Therefore, the operator can generate a region-of-interest image including a region of interest from a three-dimensional ultrasound image only by designating one of slice slices automatically displayed by setting coordinate axes. As described above, the image including the region of interest can be easily generated from the three-dimensional ultrasonic image.

  In addition, the operator can easily grasp which portion of the slice cross-section for setting the region of interest corresponds to in the three-dimensional ultrasound image, so that the region of interest can be recorded without re-extracting the region of interest. An image including a region of interest can be easily generated from a sound wave image.

  In addition, although the present Example demonstrated the case where three linear axes were orthogonal 3 axes, this invention is not limited to this, The case where three linear axes are not orthogonal may be sufficient.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the case where a linear coordinate axis is set has been described. In the second embodiment, a case where a curved coordinate axis is set will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. 11 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the coordinate axes and the region of interest in the second embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the region of interest image in the second embodiment.

  Note that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  For example, when the region of interest to be subjected to image diagnosis has a curved shape such as a blood vessel or the like, in the second embodiment, the operator referring to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is shown in FIG. Thus, a curve is set as a coordinate axis.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the image generation unit 12a in the second embodiment generates a slice cross section sliced by a cross section orthogonal to the curve set as the coordinate axis, and the system control unit 14 performs the implementation. As in Example 1, control is performed so that slice sections are displayed in parallel (or continuously) on the monitor 3. Then, as in the first embodiment, the operator designates slice slices to be the start point and the end point, as shown in FIG.

  Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b, as shown in FIG. 11C, in the three-dimensional ultrasonic image, an area outside the slice cross section designated in the coordinate axis direction of the curve (see the arrow in the figure) ).

  In addition, the operator sets two straight lines as coordinate axes in order to cut out the region of interest as shown in FIG. Similarly to the first embodiment, slice sections are generated and displayed for these two linear axes. Then, when the slice cross sections that are the start point and the end point are specified by the operator on the two linear axes, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b distorts the region-of-interest image including the region of interest as shown in FIG. It is generated by cutting out from a three-dimensional ultrasonic image in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the two linear axes to be set may not be orthogonal to each other.

  And the system control part 14 performs the display control process of a region-of-interest image similarly to Example 1. FIG.

  The processing flow of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the second embodiment is the same as the processing flow of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10 except that the coordinate axis includes a curve. Is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the case where only one of the three axes is a curve has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two of the three axes are curved or all three axes are used. May be a curved line.

  Also in the second embodiment, when there are a plurality of regions of interest, it is possible to generate and display a region-of-interest image for each region of interest by executing the process described above for each region of interest.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since a curve can be set as a coordinate axis, even if the region of interest has a curved shape like a blood vessel, the region of interest is simply included from the three-dimensional ultrasound image. An image can be generated.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the region of interest image is cut out by a plane has been described. In the third embodiment, the case where the region of interest image is cut out by a curved surface will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. 13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining a region-of-interest image in the third embodiment.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In Example 3, an operator who refers to a three-dimensional ultrasound image first sets a rotation axis via the input device 2 (see (1) in FIG. 13). Here, the system control unit 14 performs control so that a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is rotated and displayed around the set rotation axis automatically or based on an instruction from the operator.

  The operator then sets an arbitrary distance (radius) with reference to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image that rotates about the rotation axis (see (2) in FIG. 13). As a result, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a cut line (see (3) in FIG. 13), cuts off the three-dimensional ultrasonic image far from the cut line, and forms the region-of-interest image in a cylindrical shape. (See (4) of FIG. 13). That is, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a cylindrical range surrounded by a curved surface formed by the locus of the cut line rotated about the rotation axis as the region-of-interest image.

  The setting of the rotation axis can be corrected by an operator who refers to the rotating three-dimensional ultrasonic image. The radius distance setting can also be corrected by an operator who refers to the generated cut line. In addition, the radius distance is set by the operator moving the movable straight line displayed by the system control unit 14 via the input device 2 even when the operator inputs a numerical value and executes it. May be executed.

  Here, a plurality of different radii may be set along the rotation axis. In this case, first, as in FIG. 13, the rotation axis is set via the input device 2 from the operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image (see (1) in FIG. 14).

  Then, the operator refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image that rotates about the rotation axis, and sets a plurality of different radii along the rotation axis (see (2) in FIG. 14). For example, the operator sets a plurality of different radii by designating a plurality of points along the rotation axis in the three-dimensional ultrasonic image. Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a curve that smoothly connects a plurality of designated points as a cut line (see (3) in FIG. 14), and a three-dimensional ultrasound image located farther from the cut line. To generate a region-of-interest image (see (4) in FIG. 14). That is, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates, as the region-of-interest image, a range surrounded by a curved surface formed by the locus of the cut line rotated about the rotation axis.

  Thereby, in Example 3, the area | region enclosed by various curved surfaces, such as not only cylindrical shape but a cone shape and an ellipsoid, can be produced | generated as a region-of-interest image.

  And the system control part 14 performs the display control process of a region-of-interest image similarly to Example 1. FIG.

  Also in the third embodiment, when there are a plurality of regions of interest, it is possible to generate and display a region-of-interest image for each region of interest by executing the above-described processing for each region of interest.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  In FIG. 15, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is generated by the image generation unit 12 a, and further, the generated three-dimensional ultrasonic image is read from the image memory 13 and controlled by the control of the system control unit 14. The processing after being displayed will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the rotation axis and the radius are set by the operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasound (Yes in Step S201), the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b A cut line is generated (step S202).

  Specifically, first, a rotation axis is set, and then a radius distance is set by an operator who refers to a three-dimensional ultrasonic image that rotates around the set rotation axis. In addition, when a plurality of points are specified along the rotation axis, and a plurality of radii of different distances are set, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b cuts a curve that smoothly connects the specified points. Generate as a line. Note that the setting of the rotation axis and the radius can be corrected until final determination by the operator is performed.

  Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a region-of-interest image by cutting out the range surrounded by the curved surface formed by rotating the cut line generated around the rotation axis from the three-dimensional ultrasound image (step). S203).

  After that, the system control unit 14 performs control so that the region of interest image generated by the region of interest image generation unit 12b is displayed on the monitor 3 (step S204), and ends the process.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, by setting the rotation axis and radius, an image including a region of interest from a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is surrounded by various curved surfaces such as a cylinder, a cone, and an ellipsoid. As a result, it can be easily generated.

  In the fourth embodiment, a case where a region-of-interest image is cut out by a spherical surface will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a region-of-interest image in the fourth embodiment.

  Note that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In the fourth embodiment, an operator who refers to a three-dimensional ultrasonic image first sets a center point via the input device 2 (see (1) in FIG. 16). Here, the system control unit 14 rotates and displays a three-dimensional ultrasound image around a set center point in a predetermined direction automatically or based on an instruction from the operator. Control.

  The operator then sets an arbitrary distance (radius) with reference to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image that rotates about the center point (see (2) in FIG. 16). Thereby, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a cut line (see (3) in FIG. 16), cuts off a three-dimensional ultrasound image located farther from the cut line, and generates a region-of-interest image (FIG. 16). (Refer to (4)). That is, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates, as a region-of-interest image, a range surrounded by a sphere centered on the set center point and having a set distance as a radius.

  The setting of the center point can be corrected by an operator who refers to the rotating three-dimensional ultrasonic image. The radius distance setting can also be corrected by an operator who refers to the generated cut line. In addition, the radius distance is set by the operator moving the movable point displayed by the system control unit 14 via the input device 2 even when the operator inputs a numerical value and executes it. May be executed.

  And the system control part 14 performs the display control process of a region-of-interest image similarly to Example 1. FIG.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, when there are a plurality of regions of interest, it is possible to generate and display a region of interest image for each region of interest by executing the above-described processing for each region of interest.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

  In FIG. 17, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is generated by the image generation unit 12 a, and further, the generated three-dimensional ultrasonic image is read from the image memory 13 and controlled by the control of the system control unit 14. The processing after being displayed will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, when the center point and the radius are set by the operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasound (Yes in Step S301), the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b A cut line is generated (step S302).

  Specifically, first, a center point is set, and then a radius distance is set by an operator who refers to a three-dimensional ultrasonic image that rotates around the set center point. The setting of the center point and the radius can be corrected until final confirmation by the operator is performed.

  Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a region-of-interest image by cutting out a range surrounded by a spherical surface formed by rotating the generated cut line around the rotation axis from the three-dimensional ultrasound image ( Step S303).

  After that, the system control unit 14 performs control so that the region of interest image generated by the region of interest image generation unit 12b is displayed on the monitor 3 (step S304), and ends the process.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, by setting the center point and the radius, the region-of-interest image can be generated as a sphere. For example, even when a tumor portion close to a sphere is the region of interest, the three-dimensional An image including a region of interest can be easily generated from an ultrasonic image.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the region-of-interest image is cut out using a plane using the coordinate axis has been described. In the fifth embodiment, the case where the region-of-interest image is cut out using a plane without using the coordinate axis is illustrated in FIG. Will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a region-of-interest image in the fifth embodiment.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In the fifth embodiment, an operator who refers to a three-dimensional ultrasound image first sets a center point via the input device 2 (see (1) in FIG. 18). Here, the system control unit 14 rotates and displays a three-dimensional ultrasound image around a set center point in a predetermined direction automatically or based on an instruction from the operator. Control.

  Then, the operator refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image that rotates around the center point, and sets a cross-section set point different from the center point (see (2) in FIG. 18). At this time, the operator can set a plurality of cross-section set points.

  Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a plane that is orthogonal to the straight line connecting the cross-section set point and the center point and passes through the cross-section set point as a cut cross section (see (3) in FIG. 18). Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a cut section for each of a plurality of set cross-section set points, and generates a plurality of cut sections (see (4) in FIG. 18).

  Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b cuts off the three-dimensional ultrasound image located farther from the cut section and generates a region-of-interest image (see (5) in FIG. 18).

  The setting of the center point can be corrected by an operator who refers to the rotating three-dimensional ultrasonic image. The cross-section set point can also be corrected by an operator who refers to the generated cut cross-section. In addition, the shape of the cross-section set point can be arbitrarily set by the operator so that it can be easily distinguished from the center point. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the system control unit 14 performs control so that the center point is displayed with a black circle and the cross-section set point is displayed with a white circle based on the setting of the operator.

  And the system control part 14 performs the display control process of a region-of-interest image similarly to Example 1. FIG.

  Also in the fifth embodiment, when there are a plurality of regions of interest, it is possible to generate and display a region-of-interest image for each region of interest by executing the above-described processing for each region of interest.

  In this embodiment, the operator who refers to the region-of-interest image on the monitor 3 sets a new center point and cross-section set point, so that the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a cut cross-section and creates a new section. It is also possible to generate a region-of-interest image.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

  In FIG. 19, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is generated by the image generation unit 12 a, and further, the generated three-dimensional ultrasonic image is read from the image memory 13 and controlled by the control of the system control unit 14. The processing after being displayed will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, when the center point and the cross-section set point are set by the operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic wave (Yes in step S401), the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b Generates a plane that is orthogonal to the straight line connecting the cross-section set point and the center point and that passes through the cross-section set point as a cut cross section (step S402).

  Specifically, first, a center point is set, and thereafter, a plurality of cross-section set points are set by an operator who refers to a three-dimensional ultrasonic image that rotates around the set center point. The area image generation unit 12b generates a cut section for each of a plurality of section set points. The setting of the center point and the cross-section set point can be corrected until final determination by the operator is performed.

  Then, the region-of-interest image generation unit 12b generates a region-of-interest image by cutting out a range surrounded by the generated plurality of cut sections from the three-dimensional ultrasonic image (step S403).

  After that, the system control unit 14 performs control so that the region of interest image generated by the region of interest image generation unit 12b is displayed on the monitor 3 (step S404), and ends the process.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the region of interest image can be generated in the shape of a polygon surrounded by a plurality of planes by setting the center point and the cross-section set point. Even when the tumor portion becomes the region of interest, it is possible to easily generate an image including the region of interest from the three-dimensional ultrasonic image.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where three coordinate axes are set has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, when four coordinate axes are set. Also good.

  In addition, the region-of-interest image clipping method described in the first to fifth embodiments can be executed in any combination. For example, by using the region-of-interest image cut out in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with the three orthogonal axes described in the first embodiment, and further setting the rotation axis and radius described in the third embodiment, a new cut out by a curved surface A region-of-interest image may be generated.

  Each component of each illustrated device is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

  As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the image display program according to the present invention are useful when a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is displayed on a predetermined display unit. Suitable for generating an image including

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Input device 3 Monitor 10 Apparatus main body 11 Transmission / reception part 12 Image processing part 12a Image generation part 12b Region of interest image generation part 13 Image memory 14 System control part

Claims (8)

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays a three-dimensional ultrasonic image generated based on an ultrasonic reflected wave transmitted to a subject on a predetermined display unit,
A region-of-interest image including a region of interest including a three-dimensional ultrasound image in a region surrounded by a cross-section and / or curved surface designated by an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasound image displayed on the predetermined display unit A region-of-interest image generation means to generate as
Display control means for controlling the region-of-interest image generated by the region-of-interest image generation means to display on the predetermined display unit;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: For each of a plurality of coordinate axes composed of straight lines and / or curves set in the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the predetermined display unit, a plurality of cross-sectional images along the coordinate axis are obtained from the three-dimensional ultrasonic image. A cross-sectional image generating means for generating,
The display control means controls to display a plurality of cross-sectional images for each coordinate axis generated by the cross-sectional image generating means on the predetermined display unit,
The region-of-interest image generation means is an area surrounded by a designated cross-sectional image for each coordinate axis designated by an operator referring to a plurality of cross-sectional images for each coordinate axis displayed on the predetermined display unit by the display control means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a three-dimensional ultrasonic image is generated as the region-of-interest image.   The display control unit controls the plurality of cross-sectional images for each coordinate axis generated by the cross-sectional image generating unit to be displayed in parallel or continuously on the predetermined display unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described.   The plurality of coordinate axes are three orthogonal axes received from an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the predetermined display unit, or coordinate axes including arbitrary straight lines and / or curves. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized.   The region-of-interest image generation means is a three-dimensional super image located in a region surrounded by a curved surface set by a rotation axis and a distance received from an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the predetermined display unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sound wave image is generated as the region of interest image.   The region-of-interest image generation means is a three-dimensional super image in a region surrounded by a spherical surface set by a center point and a distance received from an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image displayed on the predetermined display unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sound wave image is generated as the region of interest image.   The region-of-interest image generation means is set by a center point received from an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasound image displayed on the predetermined display unit, and a plurality of cross-section set points different from the center point. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a three-dimensional ultrasonic image in a region surrounded by a plurality of cross sections is generated as the region of interest image. An image display program for causing a computer to execute an image display method for performing image processing on a three-dimensional ultrasonic image generated based on an ultrasonic reflected wave transmitted to a subject and displaying the image on a predetermined display unit There,
A region-of-interest image including a region of interest including a three-dimensional ultrasound image in a region surrounded by a cross-section and / or curved surface designated by an operator who refers to the three-dimensional ultrasound image displayed on the predetermined display unit Region of interest image generation procedure to generate as
A display control procedure for controlling the region-of-interest image generated by the region-of-interest image generation means to display the region-of-interest image on the predetermined display unit;
An image display program for causing a computer to execute.

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