JP2014023680A - Subject information acquiring device, and control method and presentation method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To present the relationship between the information on the holding state of a subject and the measurement time in measuring the subject using an acoustic wave.SOLUTION: A subject information acquiring device for acquiring information on the interior of a subject based on an acoustic wave transmitted from the subject, includes: holding means for holding the subject; a probe for receiving the acoustic wave transmitted from the subject: and output means for outputting the information showing the relationship between the state of the subject held by the holding means and the time for acquiring the acoustic wave by the probe.

Description

  The present invention relates to a subject information acquisition apparatus, a control method for the subject information acquisition apparatus, a program for executing the control method, and a presentation method.

  In ultrasonic measurement, an ultrasonic beam is formed by a probe and transmitted to a subject, and information on tissue in the subject is obtained by receiving an ultrasonic echo reflected inside the subject. Further, by repeating the measurement while two-dimensionally scanning the subject with the ultrasonic beam, the morphological information of the tissue in the subject can be converted into a three-dimensional image.

  Ultrasound measurement is useful for detecting tumor specificity (eg, breast cancer, cysts, solids, etc.), detecting lobular cancer, and recognizing the position and shape of the tumor in the depth direction. Is widely used in diagnostic devices. Since ultrasonic measurement can measure tissue in a living body non-invasively, the burden on the patient is light, and it is active in breast cancer screening and early diagnosis.

  In general, in breast cancer diagnosis, benign / malignant diagnosis is comprehensively performed based on the results of palpation and image diagnosis with a plurality of modalities. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing image diagnosis using a plurality of modalities while maintaining the same state of a subject in order to improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis. In the technique of Patent Document 1, an ultrasonic image and a radiographic image are acquired by combining ultrasonic measurement and X-ray mammography while maintaining the same state of the subject. And it is going to perform the image diagnosis which combined each advantage.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for acquiring an ultrasound image and a photoacoustic image for visualizing active angiogenesis due to breast cancer while maintaining the same state of the subject.

  Note that the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 both perform measurement while holding a subject with a holding plate to obtain a diagnostic image. For this reason, it is inevitable that the pressure applied to the subject by the holding plate is borne by the subject.

  In addition, the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 both acquire data for generating a three-dimensional image by scanning a probe two-dimensionally. The specimen is held. As a result, a burden is imposed on the subject by multiplying the holding force and the time required for scanning.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for presenting a measurement time required for acquiring ultrasonic data necessary for image generation to a subject before starting data acquisition. According to this, by presenting the measurement time to the subject in advance, the anxiety of the subject facing the measurement can be alleviated. For example, when the subject needs to hold his / her breath during measurement, anxiety is alleviated by making it possible to recognize how long his / her breath will be held.

JP 2009-082449 A Japanese Patent No. 4448189 JP 2008-092970 A

  Consider an object information acquisition apparatus that acquires an ultrasonic signal or photoacoustic signal necessary for generating a three-dimensional image by holding an object by a holding mechanism such as a holding plate.

In such an apparatus, shortening the holding distance is preferable from the viewpoint of image diagnosis because a signal from the inside of the subject can be efficiently detected. Furthermore, shortening the holding distance is also effective in reducing the measurement time. For example, in an apparatus using ultrasonic echoes, for example, the number of focus stages can be reduced by shortening the holding distance, so that the measurement time can be shortened.
It is preferable that the measurement time is as short as possible considering that the subject is continuously pressed during the measurement and that the subject needs to maintain the posture. That is, shortening the measurement time is a factor that reduces the burden on the subject.

  However, on the other hand, the holding force with respect to the subject becomes stronger by shortening the holding distance. In this respect, shortening the holding distance can be said to be a factor that increases the burden on the subject.

  As described above, the holding distance affects both the holding force and the measurement time. That is, when the holding distance is shortened, the holding force becomes stronger, but the measuring time can be shortened. When the holding distance is made longer, the holding force can be reduced, but the measuring time becomes longer. Thus, the burden on the subject at the time of measurement is determined by multiplying the holding force and the measurement time.

Whether the burden due to holding force or the burden due to measurement time is acceptable differs depending on the subject, so in order to carry out measurement in consideration of the burden on the subject, the priority should be given to the examiner or the subject. It is preferable that the examiner can judge. One subject may want to finish the measurement as soon as the holding power becomes strong, and another subject may want the holding force to weaken as the measurement becomes longer. In order for the subject to select one, the holding force and the measurement time need to be presented in an easily understandable form.
It is also useful that such information is presented when the user (inspector) of the apparatus communicates with the subject in order to perform the holding operation.

  Conventionally, there has been a first problem that there is no method for presenting the relationship between the strength of holding force and the difference between measurement times, which is caused by such a difference in holding distance.

  Conventionally, there has been a second problem that the measurement may be performed with a holding setting slightly deviated from the holding setting optimum for the subject. For example, the measurement time can be shortened if the 0.1 mm holding distance is further set short as the apparatus, and the holding force can be allowed even if the 0.1 mm holding distance is shortened as the subject. It is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a relationship between information related to a holding state of a subject and measurement time in measurement of the subject using an acoustic wave. .

  The present invention employs the following configuration. That is, a subject information acquisition apparatus that acquires information in a subject based on an acoustic wave propagating from the subject, the holding means for holding the subject, and an acoustic wave propagating from the subject Object information acquisition comprising: a probe; and output means for outputting information representing a relationship between a holding state of the object by the holding means and an acquisition time of an acoustic wave by the probe Device.

The present invention also employs the following configuration. That is, a subject information acquisition apparatus that includes a holding unit that holds a subject and a probe that receives an acoustic wave propagating from the subject, and acquires information in the subject based on the acoustic wave And a step of acquiring a holding state of the subject by the holding unit, and outputting a relationship between the holding state and the acquisition time of the acoustic wave by the probe in the holding state. And a method for controlling the subject information acquiring apparatus.

  The present invention also employs the following configuration. That is, in an apparatus that receives an acoustic wave propagating from a subject held by a holding unit with a probe and acquires information in the subject, the holding state of the subject by the holding unit and the holding state in the holding state A presentation method comprising a step of presenting information representing a relationship with an acquisition time of an acoustic wave by the probe.

  According to the present invention, in measurement of an object using an acoustic wave, it is possible to present the relationship between information related to the holding state of the object and measurement time.

1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus configuration according to a first embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the ultrasonic acquisition in 1st Embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the ultrasonic acquisition in the short holding distance in 1st Embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the presentation method in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process in 1st Embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the ultrasonic acquisition in 2nd Embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the ultrasonic acquisition in the short holding distance in 2nd Embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the presentation method in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process in 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram of the device composition in a 3rd embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the photoacoustic wave acquisition in 3rd Embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the photoacoustic wave acquisition with the short holding distance in 3rd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below should be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. It is not intended to limit the following description.

  The subject information acquisition apparatus of the present invention receives an acoustic wave generated or reflected in a subject and propagated in the subject using a probe. The subject information acquisition apparatus of the present invention includes an apparatus using ultrasonic echo technology for acquiring subject information by transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the subject and receiving an echo wave reflected inside the subject. Further, the apparatus includes a device using a photoacoustic effect that receives acoustic waves (typically ultrasonic waves) generated in the subject by irradiating the subject with light (electromagnetic waves) and acquires subject information. .

  In the case of the former apparatus using the ultrasonic echo technology, the subject information is information reflecting a difference in acoustic impedance of tissues inside the subject. In the case of a device using the latter photoacoustic effect, the object information is the distribution of the source of acoustic waves generated by light irradiation, the initial sound pressure distribution in the object, or the optical energy derived from the initial sound pressure distribution. Absorption density distribution, absorption coefficient distribution, and concentration information distribution of substances constituting the tissue are shown. The substance concentration information distribution is, for example, an oxygen saturation distribution, an oxygenated / deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration distribution, or the like. Image data to be displayed on the display can be generated by performing appropriate processing on the subject information.

  The acoustic wave referred to in the present invention is typically an ultrasonic wave, and includes an elastic wave called a sound wave, an ultrasonic wave, or an acoustic wave. For example, an acoustic wave generated inside the subject when the subject is irradiated with light such as near infrared rays can be mentioned. An acoustic wave generated by the photoacoustic effect is referred to as an optical ultrasonic wave or a photoacoustic wave. The probe receives an acoustic wave generated or reflected in the subject.

  Thereafter, an analog electric signal output from a probe that has received ultrasonic waves (photoacoustic waves), and a digital electric signal obtained by subjecting the electric signals to amplification and digital conversion processing are converted into ultrasonic signals (photoacoustic signals). It describes. In addition, data obtained by performing various kinds of signal processing on the ultrasonic signal (photoacoustic signal) is referred to as ultrasonic data (photoacoustic data). Ultrasonic data (photoacoustic data) can be regarded as including data obtained at each stage of signal processing and image data to be displayed on a display.

<First Embodiment>
The subject information acquisition apparatus according to the first embodiment repeats ultrasonic scanning according to a constant signal acquisition pitch while scanning the probe two-dimensionally, thereby superimposing necessary for generating a three-dimensional ultrasonic image. Acquire a sound wave signal. The subject information acquisition apparatus according to the present embodiment uses ultrasonic echo technology and can be called an ultrasonic measurement apparatus.

  Here, the term “ultrasonic scanning” refers to a process of obtaining an ultrasonic signal for electronically scanning a subject with an ultrasonic beam generated by a probe to generate one B-mode tomographic image data. And The term “measurement” refers to a process from the completion of the two-dimensional scanning of the probe until the acquisition of ultrasonic data sufficient for generating a three-dimensional ultrasonic image. Such scanning of the probe is also referred to as mechanical scanning for comparison with electronic scanning.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus configuration of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to this embodiment.
The ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes a holding plate 102 that holds the subject 101 and a holding control unit 103 that controls the holding to a state suitable for measurement. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus also includes a probe 104 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, an ultrasonic transmission unit 105 that applies a drive signal to the probe 104, and a signal detected by the probe 104 that is amplified and converted into a digital signal. Including an ultrasonic receiving unit 106. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus also controls a signal processing unit 107 that performs reception focus processing from the detected ultrasonic signal, a moving mechanism 108 that changes the probe position, and two-dimensional scanning of the probe on the holding plate 102. A movement control unit 109 is included. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus also has various types of users (mainly inspectors such as medical workers) through the scanning control unit 110 and the operation unit 112 that control the shape of the ultrasonic beam and the scanning (electronic scanning) of the ultrasonic beam. A control unit 111 that receives an operation and generates control information necessary for the measurement operation is included. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus also includes an operation unit 112 for a user to input parameters necessary for an instruction and measurement to the apparatus, and an image configuration unit 113 that configures an ultrasonic image from ultrasonic data. The ultrasonic measurement apparatus also includes a measurement time calculation unit 114 that calculates the measurement time based on the measurement parameter calculated by the control unit 111, and a display unit 115 that displays measurement support information such as the measurement time in addition to the ultrasonic image. .

The subject 101 to be measured is a breast in breast cancer diagnosis in the mammary gland department.
The holding plate 102 is composed of a pair of two sheets, 102A and 102B, and is controlled by a holding control unit 103 to a holding distance that is a suitable interval for measurement. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the holding plates 102A and 102B, they are collectively referred to as the holding plate 102. By fixing the subject 101 with the holding plate 102, the measurement error due to the movement of the subject 101 can be reduced. The holding plate 102 </ b> B located in the ultrasonic wave propagation path is preferably a member having high acoustic matching with the probe 104. Further, by using an acoustic matching material such as a gel sheet for ultrasonic measurement, the acoustic coupling between the probe 104 and the holding plate 102B can be strengthened. The holding plate corresponds to the holding means of the present invention.

  The holding control unit 103 suitably adjusts the holding state of the subject 101 for ultrasonic measurement according to the burden on the subject and the target measurement depth. Further, the user can fix the holding state by turning on a lock mechanism (not shown). During the measurement, control is performed so that the holding state of the subject 101 is kept constant, except when there is a report from the subject or a holding release operation by the user. Further, the holding information (holding distance and holding force) of the subject 101 is output to the control unit 111. The holding state is set in consideration of the burden on the subject according to the state of the subject 101 such as the size and hardness of the cyst in the breast.

  The probe 104 has a plurality of acoustic elements arranged. The acoustic element transmits an ultrasonic beam to the subject 101, receives an ultrasonic echo reflected inside the subject, converts it to an electrical signal, and obtains an ultrasonic signal. Any type of probe may be used. A conversion element using piezoelectric ceramics (PZT) used in a general ultrasonic measurement apparatus can be used. Further, a capacitance type CMUT (Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer) can also be used. Furthermore, MMUT (Magnetic MUT) using a magnetic film, PMUT (Piezoelectric MUT) using a piezoelectric thin film, and the like can be used.

Further, when measurement is performed while two-dimensional scanning is performed by bringing the probe into contact with the two-dimensional planar holding plate 102B, a linear scanning probe that can generate a tomographic image with uniform image quality using parallel ultrasonic beams. Tentacles are preferred.
In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which ultrasonic scanning is performed using a one-dimensional probe in which acoustic elements are arranged in a straight line. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and an array type probe (including a 1.5D probe) arranged in a two-dimensional manner may be used.

  The scan control unit 110 generates a drive signal to be applied to each acoustic element constituting the probe 104 and controls the frequency and sound pressure of the transmitted ultrasonic wave. Also, the transmission control function that sets the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam and selects the transmission delay pattern corresponding to the transmission direction, and the reception that sets the reception direction of the ultrasonic echo and selects the reception delay pattern corresponding to the reception direction Control function.

  The transmission delay pattern is a pattern of a delay time given to a drive signal for each acoustic element in order to form an ultrasonic beam in a predetermined direction by ultrasonic waves transmitted from a plurality of acoustic elements. The reception delay pattern is a pattern of delay times given to the ultrasonic signals obtained by the respective acoustic elements in order to extract ultrasonic echoes in an arbitrary direction from the ultrasonic signals detected by the plurality of acoustic elements. is there. These transmission delay pattern and reception delay pattern are stored in a storage medium (not shown).

The ultrasonic transmission unit 105 applies the drive signal generated by the scanning control unit 110 to the individual acoustic elements constituting the probe 104.
The ultrasonic receiving unit 106 includes a signal amplification unit that amplifies analog signals detected by a plurality of acoustic elements, and an A / D conversion unit that converts the analog signals into digital signals, and converts the analog signals into digital signals.

  The signal processing unit 107 determines a delay time corresponding to each ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic receiving unit 106 based on the reception delay pattern selected by the scanning control unit 110, and receives the signals by adding the signals. Perform focus processing. Ultrasonic data with a focused focus is generated by this process.

Further, the signal processing unit 107 performs TGC (TimeGainControl) control for increasing or decreasing the amplification gain according to the depth of the reflection position of the ultrasonic wave in order to generate a tomographic image having a uniform contrast regardless of the measurement depth. The ultrasonic data may be in a format that can finally generate a B-mode tomographic image. For example, envelope data obtained by performing envelope detection processing with a low-pass filter or the like, data obtained by performing processing such as logarithmic compression or gain adjustment on the envelope data, and the like can be used.

  The moving mechanism 108 includes a driving unit such as a motor and mechanical parts that transmit the driving force, and moves the probe 104 on the holding plate 102B in response to an instruction from the movement control unit 109. The position information of the probe 104 is detected and output to the movement control unit 109.

  The movement control unit 109 controls the movement mechanism 108 to scan the probe 104 two-dimensionally on the holding plate. When the probe 104 reaches a predetermined position, it instructs the scanning control unit 110 to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves. The measurement area is expanded by two-dimensionally scanning the probe 104 with respect to the subject 101. For example, in breast cancer diagnosis, ultrasound data can be acquired in full breast.

  The control unit 111 receives various requests such as an ultrasonic measurement start instruction or interruption from the operation unit 112, and manages and controls the entire ultrasonic measurement apparatus. In addition, the control unit 111 generates various control information based on measurement parameters such as a measurement region and an acquisition pitch of ultrasonic signals, and holding information from the holding control unit 103. Then, the control unit 111 outputs the measurement control information to the movement control unit 109 and the holding adjustment operation control information to the holding control unit 103 according to the measurement position, measurement region, signal acquisition pitch, and the like input from the operation unit 112. .

The control unit 111 further outputs control information such as the ultrasonic beam focus setting and the number of transmission / reception to the scanning control unit 110. The control unit 111 further outputs information necessary for calculation of the measurement time, such as control information in the measurement depth direction adapted to the holding distance, to the time calculation unit 114.
The control unit 111 further performs a measurement start / interruption instruction and holding distance information transmission to the movement control unit 109.

  Along with the ultrasonic measurement start instruction from the operation unit 112, information related to the configuration of the ultrasonic image such as the acquisition pitch of the ultrasonic signal is specified from the control unit 111. It may be specified in response to an input from the user, or may be determined from the voxel pitch of the target three-dimensional ultrasound image.

  The image construction unit 113 constructs a three-dimensional ultrasound image indicating tissue information in the subject based on the ultrasound data. Here, the ultrasonic image includes image data for displaying an image on the display unit. In addition, various correction processes such as brightness adjustment, distortion correction, and clipping of a region of interest may be applied to the image data. In addition, image configuration parameters and image quality are adjusted according to the operation of the operation unit 112 by the user. Note that if the acquisition pitch of the ultrasonic signals is matched with the voxel pitch (resolution) of the ultrasonic image, the extraneous interpolation processing can be omitted and the detected ultrasonic signals can be used effectively.

The measurement time calculation unit 114 calculates the measurement time based on information from the control unit 111. Information used for calculating the measurement time includes information on the control of the two-dimensional scanning such as the measurement area, the moving speed of the probe 104, the number of main scans and sub-scans, and the measurement depth direction such as the focus setting of the ultrasonic beam. Information about control. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and any information can be used as long as it can calculate the time required for two-dimensional scanning and the time required for ultrasonic scanning.
Then, the measurement time calculation unit 114 calculates the difference in measurement time that occurs as a result of the user changing the holding state of the subject 101. Details will be described later.

The display unit 115 displays the three-dimensional ultrasonic image configured by the image configuration unit 113 and the difference in measurement time calculated by the measurement time calculation unit 114. Details will be described later.

  The operation unit 112 is an input device that allows a user to specify a measurement position and measurement region, specify information related to the resolution of an ultrasonic image such as an acquisition pitch, operate the apparatus such as holding adjustment, and perform image processing operations on the ultrasonic image. It is.

  In the ultrasonic measurement apparatus having the above-described configuration, it is possible to present a difference in measurement time caused by the operation when holding and adjusting the subject. The difference in measurement time refers to an increase or decrease in measurement time when the holding state is changed with reference to the measurement time in the current holding state. However, it is also possible to obtain the measurement times in a plurality of holding states different from the current holding state, or to obtain the measurement times in a plurality of holding states when the subject is not held.

  In the present embodiment, an apparatus that integrates functions from transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves to image configuration has been described. However, the functions until acquisition of ultrasonic waves, the operation functions, and the display functions may be provided as separate hardware. I do not care. In that case, the present invention can be realized as a presentation device or a presentation method for presenting a difference in measurement time to a user.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an ultrasonic data acquisition method according to this embodiment. 2A is a front view of the held object 101 as viewed from the side of the holding plate 102B with which the probe 104 is in contact, and FIG. 2B is a side view thereof.

  Reference numerals 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D indicate the movement trajectory (main scanning) of the probe 104 at each y-axis position (probe sub-scanning position). As a result of the two-dimensional scanning, ultrasonic data 201 is acquired. That is, reference numeral 201 schematically shows the obtained ultrasonic data. The ultrasonic data 201 is derived from ultrasonic signals acquired from a region facing the subject 101 and a region outside the subject 101. The acquisition area of the ultrasonic signal 201, that is, the measurement area can be arbitrarily set by the user via the operation unit 112.

Reference numerals 203A, 203B, 203C, and 203D denote partial data constituting the ultrasonic signal 201, and are an ultrasonic signal group acquired by one main scanning.
Reference numeral 204 indicates an electronic scanning width of the ultrasonic beam for acquiring the partial data 203A to 203D.

  The probe 104 is constituted by a plurality of acoustic elements arranged in a straight line, and an ultrasonic beam is used as shown in FIG. 211, 212 and 213 are formed. Then, electronic scanning is performed so that the acoustic element group is moved element by element along the electronic scanning direction 214 while sequentially transmitting the ultrasonic beams 211, 212, and 213. An ultrasonic signal necessary to generate one B-mode tomographic image having the same width as the probe 104 can be acquired by one ultrasonic scan.

In this embodiment, when acquiring an ultrasonic signal at a position on the xy plane, three ultrasonic beams (211, 212, 213) having different focus settings are transmitted / received. This is to increase the resolution of the image when the measurement depth 205 (the sum of the holding distance of the subject 101 and the thickness of the holding plate 102B) is long. Reference numeral 211 denotes an ultrasonic beam suitable for measuring a maximum of about 15 mm before and after the focus is set at a shallow position (for example, about 20 mm from the probe surface), for example. Reference numeral 212 denotes an ultrasonic beam suitable for measuring a maximum of about 20 mm before and after the focus is set at an intermediate position (for example, about 40 mm from the probe surface). Reference numeral 213 represents, for example, a deep position (
For example, when the focus is set to about 70 mm from the probe surface), this is an ultrasonic beam suitable for measuring a maximum of about 25 mm before and after that.

  In FIG. 2B, the focus is set at three stages, but in order to obtain a clear diagnostic image with higher resolution, it may be further subdivided. Further, the number of steps may be directly designated by the user, or the number of steps may be determined according to the image quality of the ultrasonic image designated by the user. Note that an image is constructed from a plurality of ultrasonic signals obtained at each focus setting using an advantageous area of each signal accuracy.

  Acquisition of the ultrasonic data 201 is performed by repeating main scanning and sub-scanning. The main scanning is to acquire an ultrasonic signal according to a predetermined acquisition pitch while moving the probe 104 in the x-axis direction along the movement trajectories 202A to 202D. Sub-scanning is to move the probe by a certain distance in the positive y-axis direction. Such movement of the probe is also referred to as mechanical scanning.

  The two-dimensional scanning is controlled so that the ultrasonic data 201 is aligned at a pitch suitable for image diagnosis. The data pitch of each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis is, for example, the pitch in the x-axis direction is the ultrasonic signal acquisition interval, the pitch in the y-axis direction is the electronic scanning interval of the ultrasonic beam of the probe 104, and The data pitch in the z-axis direction is controlled based on the ultrasonic echo sampling frequency.

  It is assumed that the moving speed of the probe 104 in the main scanning is controlled to be constant with respect to the acquisition pitch of fine and regular ultrasonic signals. However, a method of controlling the acceleration / deceleration of the probe 104 for acquiring ultrasonic signals at a fine pitch or a method of stopping the probe 104 when acquiring ultrasonic signals may be used.

  In order to repeat the acquisition of the ultrasonic signal according to the signal acquisition pitch while the probe 104 is continuously moving at a constant speed, the probe 104 is moved once during the movement of the signal acquisition pitch. Ultrasound signal acquisition must be completed. In other words, the moving speed of the probe 104 is limited by the signal acquisition pitch and the time required for acquiring the ultrasonic signal.

  In addition, when the holding distance is long, the measurement is performed using a plurality of ultrasonic beams having different focus depths, so that the time required for acquiring the ultrasonic signal becomes longer. For this reason, the moving speed of the probe 104 is slowed down, and the entire measurement time is prolonged, so that the burden on the subject 101 increases.

  Next, an ultrasonic data acquisition method adapted to a shallow holding distance will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A shows a front view of the held subject 101 as viewed from the side of the holding plate 102 </ b> B with which the probe 104 contacts, and FIG. 3B shows a side view thereof.

  The measurement depth 305 in this figure is shorter than the measurement depth 205 in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the holding distance is set to about 45 mm in consideration of the burden on the subject. If the thickness of the holding plate 102B is about 5 mm, the measurement depth 305 is about 50 mm. With this measurement depth, ultrasonic data with sufficient accuracy can be acquired with two stages of focus.

  When the measurement is performed with the two-stage focus as in 311, the number of ultrasonic beams is halved compared to FIG. 2, so that the acquisition time of the ultrasonic signal can be greatly shortened. In addition, the moving speed of the probe 104 can be increased from the relationship between the signal acquisition pitch and the ultrasonic signal acquisition time, and as a result, the overall measurement time, that is, the time during which the subject 101 is burdened is also shortened. can do.

  As described above, by controlling the focus setting and the moving speed of the probe 104, the measurement time can be shortened according to the holding distance.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for presenting a difference in measurement time caused by holding adjustment. FIG. 4A shows an example of the relationship between the measurement depth and the measurement time. FIG. 4B shows an example of presentation of the difference in measurement time caused by the holding distance.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the holding distance of the subject, that is, the measurement depth is adjusted, the measurement time changes discontinuously with a certain value as a boundary. The parameters other than the holding distance (measurement area, signal acquisition pitch, etc.) are the same. For example, the measurement time is approximately 12 minutes at a measurement depth of 60.5 mm, whereas it is approximately 7 minutes at a measurement depth holding distance of 59.5 mm. By presenting this difference, it is possible to provide a material that takes into account the burden on the subject. As a result, the user or the subject himself / herself can determine whether to give priority to the relaxation of the holding force or the reduction of the measurement time.

FIG. 4B shows a display example on the display unit 115. The display unit includes a measurement information area 401 indicating information related to measurement, and an observation image area 402 of an observation camera that captures the holding state of the subject 101.
The measurement information area 401 includes a subject information area 401A indicating information on the subject such as a subject ID, a measurement parameter area 401B indicating numerical information such as a currently set measurement area and a holding distance, an apparatus state, A device information area 401C indicating difference information is provided.

  Note that the user can input information regarding the subject and measurement and can specify the measurement region 411 on the observation image region 402 via the operation unit 112.

In the measurement parameter area 401B, the measurement time calculated based on the measurement parameters set up to the start of holding adjustment and the temporarily set holding distance 55.5 mm (measurement depth 60.5 mm) before adjusting the holding state. (12 minutes) is displayed.
In the device information area 401C, “holding adjustment in progress” is displayed. This indicates that the device is being operated by the user before the start of measurement. Further, the numerical value of the holding distance that varies due to the holding adjustment and the difference between the measurement times caused by the holding adjustment are displayed.

  In FIG. 4, as can be seen in the measurement parameter area 401B, the holding distance before holding adjustment is 50.5 mm. On the other hand, as can be seen in the apparatus information area 401C, the holding distance at a certain point during holding adjustment is 54.5 mm (measurement depth 59.5 mm), and the measurement time is reduced when the adjustment is confirmed in the current holding state. It can be shortened by about 5 minutes. Note that these displays are preferably updated in real time in conjunction with the holding adjustment operation by the user.

As described above, by presenting the difference in measurement time caused by the holding adjustment in conjunction with the user operation, it becomes easy to confirm the relationship between the holding distance (holding force) and the change in the measuring time due to the holding state change. As a result, the user or the subject himself / herself can confirm the burden on the subject determined by multiplying the holding force and the measurement time, and the optimum setting can be made.
Note that the difference in measurement time is not limited to display on the display unit, and any method such as voice notification, light emission (flashing interval or color), vibration, or the like may be used.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in the present embodiment described with reference to FIGS.
In step S501, the user performs a holding operation via the operation unit 112 prior to measurement, and temporarily fixes the subject 101.

In step S <b> 502, the user sets measurement parameters via the operation unit 112 on the measurement support screen (see FIG. 4) displayed on the display unit 115. The measurement parameters set here are a measurement position, a measurement region, a signal acquisition pitch (signal resolution), and the like. For the sake of explanation, the set value at this time, and the holding distance and holding force in the temporary fixed state in step S501 are expressed as temporary setting.

In step S503, the control unit 111 generates control information for performing ultrasonic measurement based on the temporarily set values determined in steps S501 and S502. And the measurement time calculation part 114 calculates the measurement time displayed on the measurement parameter area | region 401B based on the produced | generated control information.
In step S504, the display unit 115 displays the calculated measurement time in the measurement parameter area 401B.

  In step S505, the user inputs whether or not the holding adjustment of the subject 101 is confirmed. Specifically, the confirmation may be made by turning on the lock mechanism of the holding control unit 103, or a holding confirmation button may be arranged in the device information area 401C and the button may be pressed to confirm. If it is confirmed (S505 = Yes), the process proceeds to step S510. If it is not confirmed (S505 = No), the process proceeds to step S506.

In step S506, the user performs a holding operation via the operation unit 112 to adjust the holding state of the subject 101.
In step S507, the control unit 111 adjusts control information necessary for measurement in conjunction with the holding distance. In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the focus is set according to the depth of the holding distance.

In step S508, the measurement time calculation unit 114 receives the result of the control information adjustment in step S507, and calculates the difference in measurement time caused by the holding adjustment.
In step S509, the display unit 115 displays the calculated difference in measurement time in the apparatus information area 401C in real time.
Note that the determination in step S505 is performed periodically or in accordance with a user instruction or the like, and S506 to S509 are repeated until the holding adjustment is confirmed.

Subsequently, an operation after the holding distance is determined will be described.
In step S510, the control unit 111 generates measurement control information from the held information at the time when the holding adjustment is confirmed. Then, the measurement time calculation unit 114 calculates the measurement time from the generated control information, and updates the display of the measurement parameter area 401B. In addition, the holding distance displayed in the measurement parameter area 401B is also updated.

  In step S511, the user finally confirms the measurement parameter. If the measurement parameter is to be confirmed (S511 = Yes), the process proceeds to step S512. When the measurement parameter is changed (S511 = No), the process proceeds to step S502.

In step S512, the control unit 111 that has received a measurement start instruction from the user controls the movement control unit 109 and the scanning control unit 110 to acquire an ultrasonic signal.
In step S513, the acquired ultrasonic signal is subjected to various processes, and finally the image construction unit 113 generates a three-dimensional ultrasonic image.
In step S514, the display unit 115 displays an ultrasonic image.

  With the above processing, in the holding adjustment for measurement, the difference in measurement time in which the holding state occurs can be presented in real time in conjunction with the holding adjustment.

  According to the present embodiment, in an ultrasonic measurement apparatus that holds a subject with a holding plate, the relationship between the holding state of the subject, particularly the holding distance, and the holding force is presented, and the test determined by the measurement time and the holding force Can be set in consideration of the burden on the user. In calculating the measurement time, in particular, processing based on the measurement depth and the number of focus of the ultrasonic beam is performed.

  Furthermore, it is possible to present in real time how the relationship between the holding force and the measurement time changes by adjusting the holding distance. Therefore, it is possible to support an agreement between the user and the subject about whether to allow a stronger holding force to shorten the measurement time or to relax the holding force and allow a long measurement time.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The object information acquiring apparatus according to the present embodiment also uses the ultrasonic echo technique as in the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the difference in measurement time is calculated from the moving speed of the probe that changes based on the number of focus according to the holding distance. And it was shown to the user in real time in conjunction with the holding distance.
In the present embodiment, a difference in measurement time generated by controlling the electronic scanning range of ultrasound and the two-dimensional scanning of the probe according to the holding distance is calculated. A list is presented for each holding distance. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on the features characteristic of the present embodiment.
The apparatus configuration of the ultrasonic measurement apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for acquiring ultrasound data according to this embodiment. Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 6A is a front view of the held subject 101 viewed from the side of the holding plate 102 </ b> B with which the probe 104 is in contact, and FIG. 6B is a side view thereof. .

  Reference numerals 602A, 602B, 602C, 602D, and 602E indicate the movement trajectory (main scanning) of the probe 104 at each y-axis position (sub-scanning position of the probe). Sound wave data 601 is acquired. That is, reference numeral 601 schematically shows the obtained ultrasonic data. Reference numerals 603A, 603B, 603C, 603D, and 603E denote partial data constituting the ultrasonic data 601. In particular, when there is no need to distinguish the partial data 603A to E, they are simply expressed as partial data 603.

  The measurement depth 605 in this embodiment is longer than the measurement depth 205 in FIG. In the present embodiment, one ultrasonic beam 611 that is controlled so that the measurement depth 605 can be measured is formed. However, since the measurement depth 605 is long, it is necessary to take a long time for ultrasonic transmission / reception.

In addition, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), the moving speed of the probe 104 is controlled to be constant with respect to the acquisition pitch with a fine periodic ultrasonic signal.
In order to repeat the acquisition of the ultrasonic signal according to the signal acquisition pitch while the probe 104 is continuously moving at a constant speed, the ultrasonic beam is moved while the probe 104 moves the signal acquisition pitch. The number of times that transmission / reception can be completed is limited.

  Reference numeral 604 indicates an electronic scanning width of the ultrasonic beam for acquiring the partial data 603A to 603E. The electronic scanning width 604 is limited to a narrow range with respect to the long measurement depth 605 to limit the number of times the ultrasonic wave 611 is transmitted and received. Reference numeral 613 indicates the electronic scanning direction.

Since the ultrasonic electronic scanning width 604 matches the width of the partial data 603 in the y-axis direction, it is necessary to acquire the partial data 603A to E in order to acquire the ultrasonic data 601 with respect to the long measurement depth 605. is there. Therefore, the two-dimensional scanning of the probe 104 is controlled so that the acquisition of the partial data 603 is repeated five times.
In the example in FIG. 6, since the number of acquisitions of the partial data 603 is large for two-dimensional scanning, the measurement time becomes long with respect to the holding distance, that is, the measurement depth.

  Next, an ultrasonic data acquisition method adapted to the shallow holding distance in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As in FIG. 6, FIG. 7A shows a front view of the held subject 101 as viewed from the side of the holding plate 102B with which the probe 104 contacts, and FIG. 7B shows a side view thereof. The measurement depth 705 in this figure is shorter than the measurement depth 605 in FIG.

Reference numerals 702A, 702B, and 702C indicate the movement trajectory (main scanning) of the probe 104 at each y-axis position (sub-scanning position of the probe). Reference numerals 703A, 703B, and 703C denote partial data constituting the ultrasonic data 701.
Reference numeral 704 denotes the electronic scanning width of the ultrasonic beam 711 for acquiring the partial data 703A to 703C. The electronic scanning width 704 is widened by increasing the number of times of transmission / reception of the ultrasonic beam 711 with respect to the shallow measurement depth 705. Indicates that the range can be expanded.

  In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the measurement is performed only at a constant moving speed determined as the apparatus without changing the moving speed of the probe 104 in the main scanning direction for each measurement. That is, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, it moves at the same speed.

  Measurement is performed by an ultrasonic beam 711 controlled to have a shape suitable for measuring a short measurement depth 705. Here, at a shallow measurement depth, the time for each transmission / reception of the ultrasonic beam is shortened. Therefore, more ultrasonic beams 711 can be transmitted and received while the probe 104 moves through the signal acquisition pitch.

  Here, in order to acquire the ultrasonic data 701 with respect to the short measurement depth 705, the two-dimensional scanning of the probe 104 may be controlled so that the acquisition of the partial data 703 is repeated only three times. As a result, since the number of acquisitions of the partial data 703 can be reduced with respect to the two-dimensional scanning shown in FIG. 6, the measurement time can be shortened with respect to the measurement depth 705.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the electronic scanning range of the ultrasound with respect to the holding distance, that is, the width of the partial data in the y-axis direction, and the accompanying two-dimensional scanning of the probe 104 are controlled. Thus, the measurement time can be shortened when the holding distance is set short. 6 and 7, the measurement is described and described as using one ultrasonic beam 611 and 711. However, the measurement may be performed using a plurality of ultrasonic beams having different focus depths. .

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for presenting a difference in measurement time caused by holding adjustment in the second embodiment. In the measurement information area 801 of the present embodiment, the display of the apparatus information area 801C is a characteristic part.

  In the device information area 801C, as in FIG. 4, the characters “during holding adjustment” and the numerical value of the holding distance that fluctuates due to holding adjustment are displayed. In this embodiment, the difference in measurement time for each holding distance is displayed. Note that the displayed difference in measurement time is calculated based on the measurement parameters set before the start of holding adjustment.

In FIG. 8, the presentation method is a tabular list display on the premise that the difference in measurement time switches discontinuously according to the holding distance as described in FIG. 4A. However, when the difference of measurement time changes continuously, the form shown with the graph comprised by 2 axes | shafts of holding distance and measurement time may be sufficient.

  As described above, by displaying the difference in measurement time for each holding distance at the same time as the start of holding adjustment, a guideline for considering the burden on the patient can be obtained all at once. Person's will confirmation becomes easy.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing in the present embodiment described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the flowchart of FIG. 5 in the first embodiment is steps S901 and S902.

  In step S <b> 901, the control unit 111 generates control information for performing measurement based on the temporarily set values determined in the processes so far. And the measurement time calculation part 114 calculates the difference of the measurement time for every holding distance based on the produced | generated control information. When the measurement time is switched discontinuously according to the holding distance, the calculation method may be calculated by applying a temporarily set value to a table or the like. In addition, when the measurement time continuously changes, the holding distance may be calculated by changing any numerical value that is greater than the distance accuracy of the holding control unit.

In step S902, the display unit 115 displays the difference in measurement time calculated in step S901 in the apparatus information area 801C.
In this embodiment, since the difference in measurement time for each holding distance is displayed as a list, it is not necessary to update in real time according to the holding operation. Therefore, steps S901 and S902 need only be performed once in the repetition process of steps S505 to S506.

Through the above processing, the difference in measurement time caused by the holding adjustment can be presented as a list for each holding distance at the same time as the holding adjustment starts.
According to the present embodiment, in an ultrasonic measurement apparatus that holds a subject with a holding plate, the relationship between the holding distance and holding force of the subject is presented in a list format, and the subject's determined by the measurement time and holding force Settings can be made in consideration of the burden.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the difference information of the measurement time for each holding distance can be presented all at once at the start of holding adjustment. As a result, the user can perform the holding setting considering the degree of burden on the subject.

<Third Embodiment>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The subject information acquisition apparatus according to the present embodiment is a photoacoustic measurement apparatus that visualizes biological information using a photoacoustic effect. Description will be made centering on characteristic parts different from the above embodiments.

  In the present embodiment, the measurement refers to a process until a photoacoustic wave generated as a result of one measurement light irradiation is detected. This replaces the term measurement in each of the above embodiments to help understand the description. In addition, the measurement is repeated while the probe is scanned two-dimensionally with respect to the subject, and the process until the photoacoustic data sufficient for generating the three-dimensional photoacoustic wave image is acquired is referred to as imaging. .

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus configuration of the photoacoustic measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment. The photoacoustic measurement apparatus according to this embodiment has a part of the configuration changed from that in FIG. The photoacoustic measurement apparatus includes an irradiation unit 1001 that emits measurement light, a photoacoustic detection unit 1002 that detects photoacoustic waves, and a photoacoustic measurement unit 1006 that amplifies a signal detected by the photoacoustic detection unit 1002 and converts the signal into a digital signal. including. The photoacoustic measurement apparatus also constructs a photoacoustic image from a signal processing unit 1007 that performs integration processing and recording processing of the detected photoacoustic signal, a movement control unit 1009 that controls the measurement position two-dimensionally, and photoacoustic data. An image construction unit 1013 is included. Other components are the same as those in the above embodiment.

  The irradiation unit 1001 irradiates the subject 101 with measurement light. The irradiation unit 1001 includes an irradiation optical system that guides measurement light from a laser light source that emits pulsed light having a center wavelength in the near infrared region of 530 to 1300 nm (width of 100 nsec or less) to the subject, and light for the holding plate 102A. The moving mechanism moves the irradiation position.

As a light source (not shown), a solid-state laser (for example, a Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet laser or a Titan-Sapphire laser) capable of emitting a pulse having a center wavelength in the near infrared region is generally used. Note that the wavelength of the measurement light is selected between 530 nm and 1300 nm according to the light absorbing substance in the living body to be measured (for example, hemoglobin, glucose, cholesterol, etc.).
For example, when measuring hemoglobin in a new blood vessel of breast cancer, light of 600 to 1000 nm is generally absorbed. On the other hand, light absorption of water constituting the living body is minimized near 830 nm, so light is absorbed at 750 to 850 nm. Becomes relatively large. Moreover, since the light absorptance changes depending on the state of hemoglobin (oxygen saturation), the functional change of the living body can be measured by utilizing this wavelength dependency.

  The irradiation unit 1001 includes an optical mechanism (not shown) for detecting measurement light irradiation and controlling detection or recording of a photoacoustic signal in synchronization therewith. The measurement light is detected by dividing a part of the measurement light irradiated to the subject 101 by an optical system such as a half mirror and guiding the light to the optical sensor. When the measurement light is detected, a detection synchronization signal of the photoacoustic signal is transmitted to the photoacoustic detection unit 1002.

The photoacoustic detection unit 1002 detects the photoacoustic wave generated in the subject 101 according to the detection synchronization signal sent from the irradiation unit 1001 and converts it into an electrical signal. The photoacoustic detection unit 1002 includes a probe 1003 including a plurality of acoustic elements arranged two-dimensionally, and a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the probe position with respect to the holding plate 102B. . Also in this embodiment, the probe 1003 can be of any type.
Note that the shape of the measurement light is formed with a two-dimensional spread so as to substantially match the shape of the probe 1003.

  The photoacoustic measurement unit 1006 amplifies the weak photoacoustic wave signal generated by the photoacoustic detection unit 1002 and converts it into a digital signal. The photoacoustic measurement unit 1006 includes a signal amplification unit that amplifies the analog signal output from the photoacoustic detection unit 1002 and an A / D conversion unit that converts the analog signal into a digital signal. In the signal amplification unit, in order to obtain a photoacoustic image having a uniform contrast regardless of the measurement depth, control for increasing / decreasing the amplification gain according to the time that the photoacoustic wave reaches the probe 1003 from the irradiation of the measurement light is performed. Etc.

  The signal processing unit 1007 corrects the sensitivity variation of the acoustic detection element of the probe 1003 for the photoacoustic signal measured by the photoacoustic measurement unit 1006, complements the physically or electrically missing element, noise Perform integration processing for reduction. In addition, a photoacoustic signal is recorded on a recording medium (not shown). The integration process repeatedly measures the same position of the subject 101 and performs the averaging process, thereby reducing the system noise and improving the S / N ratio of the photoacoustic signal. Photoacoustic data necessary for generating a three-dimensional photoacoustic image is generated by the photoacoustic signal processing.

  A photoacoustic signal obtained by detecting a photoacoustic wave emitted from a light-absorbing substance inside a subject is generally a weak signal. Therefore, light that can generate a photoacoustic image suitable for image diagnosis by irradiating measurement light a plurality of times and accumulating a plurality of photoacoustic signals obtained by each irradiation to improve the S / N ratio. Acoustic data can be obtained.

  The movement control unit 1009 drives the irradiation unit 1001 and the photoacoustic detection unit 1002 at the same time to scan the measurement position two-dimensionally on the holding plate. At this time, the optical axis of the measurement light is made to coincide with the center of the probe. By two-dimensional scanning, a wide imaging range can be obtained even with a small probe. For example, in breast cancer diagnosis, a full breasted photoacoustic image can be captured. When a suitable measurement position is reached by movement control, the movement control unit 1009 instructs the irradiation unit 1001 to irradiate measurement light.

  Based on the photoacoustic data generated by the signal processing unit 1007, the image configuration unit 1013 images the optical characteristic distribution information of the subject 101 and configures a photoacoustic image to be displayed on the display unit 115. In addition, information that is more preferable for diagnosis is configured by applying various correction processes such as brightness adjustment, distortion correction, and extraction of a region of interest to the configured photoacoustic image. Further, parameters relating to the configuration of the photoacoustic image, adjustment of the display image, and the like are performed according to the operation of the operation unit 112 by the user.

  In the photoacoustic measurement apparatus having the above configuration, the photoacoustic data is acquired by adapting the imaging operation with respect to the holding distance, the three-dimensional photoacoustic image is displayed, and the difference in imaging time caused by the holding adjustment is presented. can do.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a photoacoustic data acquisition method according to this embodiment. 11A is a front view of the held subject 101 as viewed from the side of the holding plate 102B with which the probe 1003 is in contact, and FIG. 11B is a side view thereof.

  Reference numeral 1102 indicates the movement trajectory of the probe 1003 for two-dimensional scanning. When this two-dimensional scanning is completed in the designated imaging region, photoacoustic data 1101 is acquired. That is, reference numeral 1101 schematically shows photoacoustic data. Reference numeral 1103 schematically indicates the moving speed of the probe 1003 in the main scanning direction by the length of the arrow. In addition, the area | region shown with the oblique line has shown the area | region which has acquired photoacoustic wave signal data.

  By illuminating the object region facing the probe 1003 with the measurement light, it is possible to acquire photoacoustic wave signal data necessary for imaging the object region having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. At this time, by accumulating the photoacoustic data so as to overlap the data acquisition region while controlling the amount of movement of the probe 1003 on the movement trajectory 1102, the integration process can be performed on one voxel. it can.

  The probe 1003 is composed of a plurality of acoustic detection elements arranged two-dimensionally. Therefore, the integration process of the photoacoustic data 1101 can be controlled by controlling the method of overlapping the photoacoustic wave signal data acquisition regions in two axes, the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. Thereby, the number of integration required for image diagnosis can be satisfied.

Since the irradiated measurement light reaches the deep part of the subject 101 while diffusing and attenuating inside the subject, the light energy that reaches the light-absorbing substance located in the deep part becomes dilute, resulting in a weak photoacoustic wave signal. Become. Therefore, when the imaging depth 1105 is long as shown in FIG. 11B, it is necessary to increase the number of integrations. In order to increase the number of integrations, for example, in the x-axis direction, measurement is repeated while being moved by a distance corresponding to one element of the probe in accordance with the light emission cycle of the measurement light. Further, in the y-axis direction, the number of integration can be increased by performing movement control by 1/3 of the size of the probe in the y-axis direction.

  Next, a method for acquiring photoacoustic data when the holding distance is short will be described with reference to FIG. As in FIG. 11, FIG. 12A shows a front view of the held subject 101 as viewed from the side of the holding plate 102 </ b> B with which the probe 1003 contacts, and FIG. 12B shows a side view thereof.

  Reference numeral 1202 indicates the movement trajectory of the probe 1003 in two-dimensional scanning. As a result of the two-dimensional scanning, photoacoustic data 1201 is acquired. Reference numeral 1203 schematically indicates the moving speed of the probe 1003 in the main scanning direction by the length of the arrow. The arrow is longer and the moving speed is faster than the reference numeral 1103 in FIG. Is shown.

  When the imaging depth 1205 is short, since the measurement light reaches the deep part of the subject 101, the S / N ratio of the photoacoustic signal can be increased. As a result, the number of integrations can be thinned out. For example, in the x-axis direction, the measurement is repeated while being moved by a distance corresponding to the three elements of the probe in accordance with the light emission cycle of the measurement light. In addition, in the y-axis direction, by performing movement control by half the size of the probe in the y-axis direction, the number of integrations can be thinned out, leading to a reduction in measurement time.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the control unit 111 sets control information by adjusting the number of times of photoacoustic data integration with respect to the holding distance, and controls the imaging operation, thereby setting the holding distance short. In this case, the imaging time can be shortened.

  In addition, the measurement time calculation unit 114 can employ either a method of simply presenting the difference in measurement time based on the control information generated by the control unit 111 or a method of presenting in a list format.

  In order to perform automatic adjustment by calculating an appropriate number of integrations with respect to the holding distance, for example, measurement is performed once in advance of acquisition of photoacoustic data, and the S / N ratio is calculated from the detected photoacoustic wave signal. There is a method of calculating and adjusting the required number of integrations.

According to the present embodiment, in a photoacoustic measurement apparatus that holds a subject with a holding plate, the relationship between the holding state of the subject, particularly the holding distance, and the holding force is presented, and the test determined by the measurement time and the holding force Can be set in consideration of the burden on the user.
At this time, since the relationship between the difference in holding force and the difference in measurement time can be presented in an arbitrary manner, it is easy for the user or the subject to understand the burden during measurement.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention can be understood as both a subject information acquisition method using the subject information acquisition device of each of the above embodiments and a control method of the subject information acquisition device. Further, it can be understood as a program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute these methods, or as a storage medium storing such a program.

  The present invention also presents information representing the relationship between the state of holding the subject by the holding means and the acquisition time of the acoustic wave in the holding state of the probe that receives the acoustic wave propagating from the subject. It can also be understood as a presentation method as a feature.

  102: holding plate, 103: holding control unit, 104: probe, 107: signal processing unit, 111: control unit, 113: image construction unit, 114: measurement time calculation unit

Claims (18)

A subject information acquisition device that acquires information in a subject based on acoustic waves propagating from the subject,
Holding means for holding the subject;
A probe for receiving an acoustic wave propagating from the subject;
An output means for outputting information representing a relationship between a holding state of the subject by the holding means and an acquisition time of an acoustic wave by the probe;
A subject information acquisition apparatus characterized by comprising: The output means outputs information indicating a change in acquisition time of the acoustic wave when the holding state is changed when the holding means is already holding the subject. 2. The object information acquiring apparatus according to 1. The subject according to claim 2, wherein the output means updates information representing a change in the acquisition time of the acoustic wave in real time as the examiner adjusts the holding state of the subject. Sample information acquisition device. The subject information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding state is a holding distance of the subject. The output means displays a list of information representing a change in the acquisition time of the acoustic wave when the holding state of the subject changes according to a holding distance of the subject. The subject information acquisition apparatus described. The holding means is two holding plates that hold the object in between,
The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding state is a distance between the two holding plates. The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding state is a holding force applied to the subject. The subject according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising display means for displaying an image configured based on information output from the output means and information in the subject. Sample information acquisition device.   The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic wave is an acoustic wave transmitted from the probe reflected in the object. Mechanical scanning means for causing the probe to scan the subject along the holding means;
Electronic scanning means for controlling electronic scanning of acoustic waves transmitted and received from the probe in response to scanning of the probe by the mechanical scanning means;
The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 11. The electronic scanning unit performs focus setting in transmission / reception of the acoustic wave according to a holding state of the subject, and the mechanical scanning unit controls scanning of the probe. Subject information acquisition apparatus. Further comprising an irradiating means for irradiating the subject with measurement light,
The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic wave is a photoacoustic wave propagating from the subject irradiated with the measurement light. The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a signal processing unit that integrates signals based on the photoacoustic wave. The irradiation means irradiates the measurement light a plurality of times according to the holding state of the subject,
The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the signal processing unit integrates the photoacoustic waves received by a plurality of times of light irradiation. Mechanical scanning means for causing the probe to scan the subject along the holding means;
The mechanical scanning means controls the amount of scanning movement of the probe according to the holding state of the subject, and adjusts the overlap of the photoacoustic wave acquisition regions obtained by one light irradiation. The object information acquisition apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the number of times of integration in the signal processing unit is controlled by: Control of a subject information acquisition apparatus having a holding means for holding a subject and a probe for receiving an acoustic wave propagating from the subject, and acquiring information in the subject based on the acoustic wave A method,
Obtaining a holding state of the subject by the holding means;
Outputting the relationship between the holding state and the acquisition time of the acoustic wave by the probe in the holding state;
A method for controlling a subject information acquiring apparatus, comprising:   A program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute each step of the control method of the subject information acquiring apparatus according to claim 16. In an apparatus for acquiring information in the subject by receiving an acoustic wave propagating from the subject held by the holding means with a probe,
A presentation method comprising a step of presenting information representing a relationship between a holding state of a subject by the holding unit and an acquisition time of an acoustic wave by the probe in the holding state.

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