JP2015058010A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which easily measures an acoustic wave at an appropriate position.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: a display part 6 for displaying a B mode image BI of a measurement object in a three-dimensional space, in which a propagation velocity of an acoustic wave generated by a mechanical vibration applied by a vibration applying instrument is calculated; and a display image control part for letting the B mode image BI display an indicator In indicating a position of a straight line extending in a propagation direction of the acoustic wave from the vibration applying instrument in the measurement object on the basis of position information in the three-dimensional space of the straight line and position information of an ultrasonic image in the three-dimensional space.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic system that display an ultrasonic image of a measurement target in which a propagation speed of an elastic wave generated by applying mechanical vibration is calculated.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an elasticity measuring device that calculates elasticity by applying mechanical vibration to a surface of an elasticity measurement target such as a human body to measure an elastic wave generated in the measurement target using ultrasonic waves. . In Patent Document 1, mechanical vibration is applied to a measurement object by an ultrasonic probe. In addition, transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves for measuring elastic waves generated by the mechanical vibration are performed by the ultrasonic probe.

Japanese Patent No. 4451309

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is not possible to confirm at which position the elasticity is measured in the measurement target. Accordingly, there is a case where the elasticity is not measured at an appropriate position. For example, there is a possibility that an elastic wave propagated to a region other than the liver is being measured even though the elasticity of the liver tissue is being measured. Even if an elastic wave propagates to the liver, it is possible that an elastic wave propagating through a blood vessel is measured instead of the liver tissue. Therefore, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic system that can easily measure an elastic wave at an appropriate position are desired.

  One aspect of the invention made in order to solve the above-described problem is a measurement object in a three-dimensional space, in which a propagation velocity of an elastic wave generated by applying mechanical vibration by a vibration applying tool is calculated. A display unit on which an ultrasonic image of the measurement target is displayed, position information of the straight line extending in the propagation direction of the elastic wave from the vibration applying tool in the measurement target, and the super information in the three-dimensional space. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a display image control unit that displays an indicator indicating the position of the straight line on the ultrasonic image based on position information of the ultrasonic image.

  According to another aspect of the invention, an ultrasonic wave for calculating a propagation velocity of an elastic wave generated by applying a mechanical vibration by a vibration applying tool in a measurement target in a three-dimensional space is transmitted to the measurement target. An ultrasonic probe, a display unit on which an ultrasonic image of one cross section of the measurement target is displayed, and a position in the measurement target of a straight line extending in the propagation direction of the elastic wave from the vibration applier in the measurement target Based on the information and the position information of the ultrasonic image in the three-dimensional space, if the straight line is included in the one section, the ultrasonic wave for calculating the propagation velocity of the elastic wave is transmitted. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls an acoustic probe.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, since the indicator indicating the position of the straight line extending in the propagation direction of the elastic wave from the vibration applicator is displayed in the ultrasonic image of the measurement object, the position where the elastic wave propagates Can be easily confirmed. Therefore, it is easy to measure the elastic wave at an appropriate position.

  According to another aspect of the invention, when a cross section of the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit includes a straight line extending from the vibration applying tool, an ultrasonic wave for calculating the propagation velocity of the elastic wave is transmitted. The ultrasonic probe is controlled such that Therefore, if an ultrasonic image of a cross section suitable for elastic wave measurement is displayed, it is easy to measure the elastic wave at an appropriate position. In addition, since the ultrasonic probe is controlled so that the ultrasonic wave is transmitted when a straight line is included in the cross section, the elastic wave can be automatically measured.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the state which the ultrasonic probe with a vibration provision function contact | abutted to the body surface of the measuring object. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an echo data processing part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a display control part. It is a figure which shows the display part by which the indicator was displayed on the B mode image. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the straight line extended from an ultrasonic probe with a vibration provision function. It is a figure which shows the display part on which the propagation speed and the elasticity value were displayed with the B mode image and the indicator. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the ultrasonic diagnosing device in the modification of 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the ultrasonic system in 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the echo data processing part in 2nd embodiment. In 2nd embodiment, it is a figure which shows the display part of the measuring device with which the propagation velocity and the elasticity value were displayed. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the ultrasonic system in the modification of 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the ultrasound diagnosing device in 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the ultrasonic system in 4th embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the ultrasonic system of 4th embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2, a transmission / reception processing unit 3, an echo data processing unit 4, a display control unit 5, a display unit 6, an operation unit 7, a control unit 8, a storage unit 9, and vibration application. A function-equipped ultrasonic probe 10 is provided.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 is configured to have a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown) arranged in an array, and transmits ultrasonic waves to the measurement target by the ultrasonic transducers. The echo signal is received. Based on this echo signal, an ultrasonic image is created as described later. The ultrasonic probe 2 is an example of an embodiment of the first ultrasonic probe in the present invention.

  The ultrasonic probe 2 is provided with the first magnetic sensor 11 configured by, for example, a Hall element. The first magnetic sensor 11 detects the magnetism generated from the magnetism generator 12 constituted by, for example, a magnetism generating coil. A detection signal in the first magnetic sensor 11 is input to the display control unit 5.

  A coordinate system in a three-dimensional space is formed by the magnetism generated from the magnetism generator 12. This coordinate system is an example of an embodiment of a coordinate system formed in a three-dimensional space in the present invention.

  The vibration-providing function-equipped ultrasonic probe 10 includes a cylindrical probe main body portion 10a and a convex portion 10b provided on the probe main body portion 10a. As shown in FIG. 2, the convex portion 10 b comes into contact with the surface S to be measured and imparts mechanical vibration to the surface S. The convex portion 10b reciprocates in the axial direction with respect to the probe main body portion 10a. Mechanical vibration is imparted by the protrusion 10b moving in the axial direction. The application of the mechanical vibration by the protrusion 10b is controlled by the control unit 8.

  An ultrasonic transducer (not shown) is provided in the convex portion 10b. The ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves to the measurement target and receives the echo signal. Based on this echo signal, as will be described later, an elastic wave generated in the measurement object due to mechanical vibration by the convex portion 10b is measured. The ultrasonic probe with vibration imparting function 10 is an example of an embodiment of a second ultrasonic probe in the present invention, and is an example of an embodiment of a vibration imparting tool in the present invention.

  The ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function is provided with a second magnetic sensor 13 made of, for example, a Hall element. The second magnetic sensor 13 detects magnetism generated from the magnetism generator 11. A detection signal in the second magnetic sensor 13 is input to the display control unit 5.

  The transmission / reception processing unit 3 transmits an electrical signal for transmitting an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic probe 2 and the ultrasonic probe 10 with a vibration applying function based on a control signal from the control unit 8. And supplied to the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function. The transmission / reception processing unit 3 performs signal processing such as A / D conversion and phasing addition processing on the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2, and the echo data after the signal processing is transmitted to the echo data processing unit 4. Output to. In addition, the transmission / reception processing unit 3 performs signal processing such as A / D conversion on the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function.

  The echo data processing unit 4 includes a B-mode data creation unit 41, a propagation velocity calculation unit 42, and an elastic value calculation unit 43, as shown in FIG. The B-mode data creation unit 41 performs B compression such as logarithmic compression processing and envelope detection processing on the echo data obtained by processing the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2 in the transmission / reception processing unit 3. Mode processing is performed to create B mode data.

  Further, the propagation velocity calculation unit 42 propagates the elastic wave based on the echo data obtained by processing the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function in the transmission / reception processing unit 3. Calculate the speed. The propagation velocity calculation unit 42 is an example of an embodiment of a propagation velocity calculation unit in the present invention. The elastic value calculation unit 43 calculates an elastic value based on the propagation speed of the elastic wave. Details will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit 5 includes a B-mode image data creation unit 51, a first position specifying unit 52, a second position specifying unit 53, and a display image control unit 54. The B-mode image data creation unit 51 scan-converts the B-mode data input from the echo data processing unit 4 using a scan converter to create B-mode image data.

  Based on the magnetic detection signal from the first magnetic sensor 11, the first position specifying unit 52 determines the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 2 in a coordinate system of a three-dimensional space with the magnetic generation unit 12 as an origin. Information (hereinafter referred to as “probe position information”) is calculated. Further, the first position specifying unit 52 is based on the probe position information, and the position information (coordinates) of the echo signal in the coordinate system of the three-dimensional space, that is, the ultrasonic scanning surface formed by the ultrasonic probe 2. The position and orientation in the coordinate system of the three-dimensional space are specified. Thereby, the position of the B-mode image in the coordinate system of the three-dimensional space is specified. Said 1st position specific part 52 is an example of embodiment of the 1st position specific part in this invention.

  Based on the magnetic detection signal from the second magnetic sensor 13, the second position specifying unit 53 determines the position of a straight line extending from the vibration applying function-equipped ultrasonic probe 10 in the propagation direction of the elastic wave as the three-dimensional Identifies in a coordinate system in space. Details will be described later. Said 2nd position specific part 53 is an example of embodiment of the 2nd position specific part in this invention.

  The display image control unit 54 causes the display unit 6 to display a B mode image based on the B mode image data. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the display image control unit 54 adds a straight line extending in the propagation direction of the elastic wave from the ultrasonic probe 10 with the vibration imparting function to the B mode image BI displayed on the display unit 6. An indicator In indicating the position of is displayed. The display image control unit 54 performs display processing of the indicator In based on the position information obtained by the first position specifying unit 52 and the position information obtained by the second position specifying unit 53. The display image control unit 54 is an example of an embodiment of a display image control unit in the present invention. The B-mode image BI is an example of an embodiment of an ultrasonic image in the present invention. The indicator In is an example of an embodiment of the indicator in the present invention.

  The display unit 6 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like. The display unit 6 is an example of an embodiment of a display unit in the present invention. The operation unit 7 includes a keyboard and a pointing device (not shown) for an operator to input instructions and information.

  The control unit 8 is constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 8 reads the control program stored in the storage unit 9 and executes functions in each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  The storage unit 9 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  Now, the operation in the case of measuring elasticity using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present example will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. For example, the measurement object of elasticity is a human body in the coordinate system of the three-dimensional space. First, in step S1, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received in the three-dimensional region with respect to the human body by the ultrasonic probe 2, and an echo signal is acquired. Based on this echo signal, the B-mode data creation unit 41 creates B-mode data. Further, based on the B-mode data, the B-mode image data creation unit 51 may create B-mode image data. Further, a B mode image based on the B mode image data may be displayed on the display unit 6.

  At least one of the B-mode data and the B-mode image data for the three-dimensional region is stored in the storage unit 9. Further, the position information of the B-mode data and the B-mode image data in the coordinate system of the three-dimensional space is specified by the first position specifying unit 52, and this position information is also stored in the storage unit 9.

  When the acquisition of the B-mode data or the B-mode image data that is volume data is completed in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2. In this step S <b> 2, the operator causes the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function to abut the human body instead of the ultrasonic probe 2. In addition, the display image control unit 54 uses the B mode data or the B mode image as a B mode image BI for a predetermined cross section including the straight line l extending in the propagation direction of the elastic wave from the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function. Display on the display unit 6 based on the data. The B-mode image BI is displayed, for example, when an operator inputs on the operation unit 7.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the straight line 1 is a virtual straight line extending in the propagation direction of the elastic wave from the convex portion 10b of the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function. Based on the position information of the straight line l specified by the second position specifying unit 53 and the position information of the volume data stored in the storage unit 9, the display image control unit 54 The position of the straight line l is specified, and a predetermined cross section including the straight line l is specified. The cross section including the straight line 1 may be a cross section in a predetermined direction such as a direction parallel to the ultrasonic scanning plane in the volume data.

  However, the positional relationship between the human body and the magnetic generation unit 12 when the volume data is acquired, and the positional relationship between the human body and the magnetic generation unit 12 when the B-mode image BI including the indicator In is displayed. It shall be the same. As a result, the indicator In displayed in the B-mode image BI based on the volume data acquired in advance indicates the actual position of the straight line l on the human body.

  In step S2, the display image control unit 54 displays the indicator In indicating the straight line l on the B-mode image BI as shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S <b> 3, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the operator has received an input to start measuring elasticity in the operation unit 7. When the operator looks at the indicator In and the background B-mode image BI displayed on the display unit 6 and determines that the indicator In is at a position suitable for elastic wave and elasticity measurement, Input to start measuring elasticity. For example, when measuring the elasticity of the liver tissue, if the indicator In is located in the liver displayed in the background B-mode image BI and passes through the liver tissue, the operator It is determined that the indicator In is a position suitable for measurement. On the other hand, for example, when the indicator In is not located in the liver, or when the indicator In is located in the liver and passes through a non-tissue part such as a blood vessel in the liver, the operator Is not a suitable position for measurement. However, the above criteria for determination are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

  If it is determined in step S3 that there is an input for starting the measurement of elasticity, the process proceeds to step S4, and the measurement of elasticity is started. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3 that there is no input for starting the elasticity measurement, the process returns to step S2 ("NO" in step S3). In this step S2, when the operator changes the direction and position of the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function, the display image control unit 54 displays a B-mode image of a new cross section based on the volume data. Let The processes in steps S2 and S3 are repeated until an image suitable for measurement is displayed.

  In step S4, the control unit 8 outputs a control signal for applying mechanical vibration to the human body to the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function. Thereby, the said convex part 10b presses a body surface, a vibration is transmitted to a human body, and an elastic wave propagates.

  The control unit 8 outputs a control signal for applying the mechanical vibration, and then transmits a control signal for transmitting the ultrasonic wave for measuring the elastic wave from the ultrasonic probe 10 with the vibration applying function. And output to the transmission / reception processing unit 3. Thereby, the ultrasonic wave for measuring elastic waves is transmitted to the human body by the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function, and the echo signal is received.

Next, in step S5, the propagation velocity calculation unit 42 calculates the propagation velocity V (m / sec) of the elastic wave based on the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function. The elastic value calculation unit 43 calculates an elastic value E (kPa) based on the propagation velocity V according to the following (Equation 1).
E = 3ρV ² (Formula 1)
In the above (Formula 1), ρ is the density of the measurement target T. The elastic value E is an elastic modulus.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the propagation velocity V and the elasticity value E are displayed in the display column C of the display unit 6. However, only the elastic value E or the propagation velocity V may be displayed on the display unit 6.

  Next, in step S <b> 6, among the images displayed on the display unit 6, an image of a part including the B-mode image BI, the indicator In, and the display field C is stored in the storage unit 9.

  According to this example, since the indicator In is displayed in the B-mode image BI, it is possible to easily confirm the position where the elastic wave propagates. Accordingly, since it is possible to easily specify a position suitable for measurement of the propagation velocity of elastic waves and measurement of elasticity, it is easy to measure at an appropriate position.

  In addition, since the image of the part including the B-mode image BI, the indicator In, and the display column C is stored in the storage unit 9, the B-mode image BI, the indicator In, and the display column are stored after the measurement is completed. The image of the part including C can be displayed again. Therefore, for example, when the propagation speed or elasticity value is displayed at a later date, it is possible to easily know which part the measurement value is.

  Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In this modification, processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is performed. This will be specifically described. First, step S11 is the same process as step S1 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, in step S12, the operator displays a B-mode image BI for a predetermined cross section based on the volume data acquired in step S11. The predetermined cross section is a cross section suitable for measuring elasticity.

  Next, in step S13, as in step S2 described above, the operator causes the vibration applying function-equipped ultrasonic probe 10 to come into contact with the human body.

  Next, in step S14, the display image control unit 54 indicates that a straight line l extending in the elastic wave propagation direction from the vibration applying function-equipped ultrasonic probe 10 is on the cross section of the B-mode image BI displayed in step S12. It is determined whether or not it is included. The display image control unit 54 performs the determination based on the position information of the straight line l specified by the second position specifying unit 53 and the position information of the cross section of the B-mode image BI. The position information of the cross section of the B-mode image BI is specified based on the position information of the volume data stored in the storage unit 9.

  If it is determined in step S14 that the straight line 1 is not included in the cross section of the B-mode image BI (“NO” in step S14), the process returns to step S13, and the operator moves on the cross-section of the B-mode image. The direction and position of the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function are adjusted so that the straight line l is included in the line.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the straight line 1 is included in the cross section of the B-mode image BI (“YES” in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the display image control unit 54 displays the indicator In indicating the straight line l on the B-mode image BI. Further, the display image control unit 54 outputs a signal indicating that the straight line 1 is included in the cross section of the B-mode image BI to the control unit 8.

  After the indicator In is displayed in step S15, for example, when the operator recognizes that the B-mode image BI includes a blood vessel and the indicator In passes through the blood vessel, the indicator In The position or orientation of the ultrasonic probe with vibration applying function 10 may be adjusted so as not to pass through the blood vessel.

  Next, in step S16, the control unit 8 to which the signal from the display image control unit 54 has been input is mechanically applied to the human body with respect to the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function in the same manner as in step S4 described above. A control signal for applying vibration is output. Thereby, the said convex part 10b provides a mechanical vibration to a human body. The control unit 8 outputs a control signal for applying the mechanical vibration, and then transmits a control signal for transmitting an ultrasonic wave for measuring an elastic wave from the ultrasonic probe 10 with the vibration applying function. Is output to the transmission / reception processing unit 3. Thereby, the ultrasonic wave for measuring elastic waves is transmitted to the human body by the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function, and the echo signal is received.

  The processes in steps S17 and S18 are the same as those in steps S5 and S6 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In this modification, a B-mode image BI of a cross section suitable for measuring elasticity is displayed, and when the cross-section of the B-mode image BI includes a straight line l extending from the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function, Since the indicator In is displayed, the position where the elastic wave propagates can be easily confirmed.

  In addition, since the cross section is a cross section suitable for measuring elasticity, the position suitable for measurement is adjusted by adjusting the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe with vibration applying function 10 so that the straight line is included in the cross section. Elastic waves can be generated. Therefore, measurement at an appropriate position is possible. If the straight line 1 is included in the cross section, a control signal from the control unit 8 is output to the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function and measurement is automatically started. In step 7, there is no need to input measurement start.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. However, the description of the same matters as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the ultrasonic system 500 shown in FIG. 10 realizes the operation of the first embodiment. The ultrasonic system 500 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 and a measurement apparatus 100.

  In this example, not the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 but the measurement apparatus 100 includes the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function. The ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function is connected to the measurement apparatus main body 101.

  The measurement apparatus main body 101 includes a transmission / reception processing unit 102, a vibration application control unit 103, a propagation velocity calculation unit 104, an elastic value calculation unit 105, an operation unit 106, and a display unit 107. The transmission / reception processing unit 102 transmits ultrasonic waves for measuring elastic waves from the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function. The vibration application control unit 103 controls application of mechanical vibration by the convex portion 10b of the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration application function.

  The propagation velocity calculation unit 104 calculates the propagation velocity of the elastic wave based on the data after the ultrasonic echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function is A / D converted. The elastic value calculation unit 105 calculates an elastic value based on the propagation speed of the elastic wave, similarly to the elastic value calculation unit 43 of the first embodiment.

  The operation unit 106 includes a keyboard and a pointing device (not shown) for an operator to input instructions and information. The display unit 107 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 has basically the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, except that the ultrasonic probe with vibration imparting function 10 is not provided. . However, as shown in FIG. 11, the echo data processing unit 4 has the B-mode data creation unit 41, but does not have the propagation velocity calculation unit 42 and the elastic value calculation unit 43.

  Also in the ultrasonic system 500 of this example, the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment is performed. However, in step S3 of FIG. 6, an operator who has viewed the B-mode image BI and the indicator In displayed on the display unit 6 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 uses the indicator In to measure elastic waves and elasticity. When it is determined that the position is appropriate, the operation unit 106 of the measurement apparatus 100 performs an input for starting the measurement of elasticity. Thereby, in the step S4, mechanical vibration is applied to the human body by the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function of the measuring device 100, and ultrasonic waves for measuring elastic waves are converted into the ultrasonic probe with vibration applying function. 10 is transmitted. And the process of said step S5 and said step S6 is performed by the said propagation velocity calculation part 104 and the said elasticity value calculation part 105 of the said measuring device 100. FIG. However, the propagation velocity V and the elasticity value E calculated in step S5 are displayed not on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 but on the display unit 107 of the measurement apparatus 100, for example, as shown in FIG. Further, since the propagation velocity V and the elastic value E are not displayed on the display unit 6 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20, what is stored in the storage unit 9 in the step S6 is B on which the indicator In is displayed. It is a mode image BI.

  Also by the ultrasonic system 500 of this example, the same effect as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. In this modification, processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is performed. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is basically the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, but the processing in steps S15 ′, S16 ′, S17 ′, and S18 ′ is the same as that in steps S15, S16, S17, and S18 in FIG. Is different. In step S15 ′, the indicator In is displayed, but the display image control unit 54 does not output a signal indicating that the straight line 1 is included in the cross section of the B-mode image BI to the control unit 8.

  In step S15 ′, when the indicator In is displayed on the B-mode image BI displayed on the display unit 6 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20, in step S16 ′, the operator In the operation unit 106, an input for starting measurement of elasticity is performed. In step S16 ′, unlike the step S16, the control unit 8 does not output a control signal to the ultrasonic probe 10 with a vibration applying function. When the input is performed at the operation unit 106, mechanical vibration is applied to the human body by the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function of the measuring device 100, and ultrasonic waves for elastic wave measurement are ultrasonic waves with vibration applying function. Sent from the probe 10.

  In step S <b> 17 ′, the propagation velocity calculation unit 104 calculates the propagation velocity V, and the elasticity value calculation unit 105 calculates the elasticity value. The propagation velocity V and the elasticity value E are displayed not on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 but on the display unit 107 of the measurement apparatus 100. Therefore, since the propagation velocity V and the elasticity value E are not displayed on the display unit 6 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20, the B-mode image in which the indicator In is displayed on the storage unit 9 in the step S18 ′. BI is stored.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. However, description of the same matters as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 of the present example is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the first embodiment except that a vibration applying tool 14 is provided instead of the vibration applying function-equipped ultrasonic probe 10. 1 is basically the same configuration. The configuration of the echo data processing unit 4 and the configuration of the display control unit 5 are also the configurations shown in FIGS. However, the transmission / reception processing unit 3 uses the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate an elastic wave in addition to the ultrasonic wave for creating a B-mode image based on the control signal of the control unit 8. Is supplied to the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic probe 2 is an example of an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe in the present invention.

  The vibration applicator 14 has a cylindrical main body portion 14a and a convex portion 14b provided on the main body portion 14a, like the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function. This convex part 14b gives a mechanical vibration with respect to the surface of a measuring object similarly to the said convex part 10b. The application of the mechanical vibration by the convex portion 14b is controlled by the control unit 8. The vibration applicator 14 is an example of an embodiment of a vibration applicator according to the present invention.

  The vibration applying tool 14 is provided with the second magnetic sensor 13. In this example, the second position specifying unit 53 is based on the magnetic detection signal from the second magnetic sensor 13 and the position of the straight line l extending from the vibration applying function-equipped ultrasonic probe 10 in the elastic wave propagation direction. Is specified in the coordinate system in the three-dimensional space. The straight line 1 is a straight line extending from the convex portion 14b of the vibration applying tool 14 in the elastic wave propagation direction.

  Now, the operation in the case of measuring elasticity using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 of this example will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S21, the operator starts transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 2 brought into contact with the human body. As a result, a real-time B-mode image BI is displayed on the display unit 6.

  The operator transmits and receives ultrasonic waves for a predetermined cross section. The predetermined cross section is a cross section suitable for measurement of elastic waves and elasticity. The operator displays the B-mode image having such a cross section while viewing the B-mode image BI.

  Next, in step S22, the operator brings the vibration applicator 14 into contact with the human body in a state where the ultrasonic probe 2 performing transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves is in contact with the human body.

  Next, in step S23, the display image control unit 54 determines whether or not the straight line l extending in the elastic wave propagation direction from the vibration applying tool 14 is included in the cross section of the B-mode image BI displayed in step S21. Determine whether. The display image control unit 54 performs the determination based on the position information of the straight line l and the position information of the cross section of the B-mode image BI. The position information of the straight line 1 is position information specified by the second position specifying unit 53. The position information of the cross section of the B-mode image BI is position information specified by the first position specifying unit 52.

  If it is determined in step S23 that the straight line 1 is not included in the cross section of the B-mode image BI (“NO” in step S23), the process returns to step S22, and the operator crosses the cross-section of the B-mode image. The direction and position of the vibration applicator 14 are adjusted so that the straight line l is included above.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S23 that the straight line 1 is included in the cross section of the B-mode image BI (“YES” in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, as in step S14 described above, the indicator In is displayed in the B-mode image BI and a signal is output from the display image control unit 54 to the control unit 8.

  Next, in step S25, the control unit 8 to which the signal from the display image control unit 54 is input applies mechanical vibration to the human body with respect to the vibration applicator 14, as in the above-described steps S4 and S16. A control signal for giving is output. Thereby, the said convex part 14b provides a mechanical vibration to a human body. Further, the control unit 8 outputs a control signal for applying the mechanical vibration, and then transmits a control signal for transmitting an ultrasonic wave for measuring an elastic wave from the ultrasonic probe 2. Output to the processing unit 3. Thereby, instead of the ultrasonic wave for creating the B-mode image, the ultrasonic wave for measuring the elastic wave is transmitted to the human body and the echo signal is received by the ultrasonic probe 2.

  Next, in step S26, based on the echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2, the propagation velocity calculation unit 42 calculates the propagation velocity V of the elastic wave. Further, based on the propagation velocity V, the elasticity calculation unit 43 calculates the elasticity value E in the same manner as in steps S5 and S17 described above.

  The processing in step S27 is the same as the processing in steps S6 and S18 described above, and a description thereof is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, similarly to the modification of the first embodiment, a B-mode image BI having a cross section suitable for measuring elasticity is displayed, and the cross section of the B-mode image BI extends from the vibration applying tool 14. Since the indicator In is displayed when the straight line l is included, the position where the elastic wave propagates can be easily confirmed.

  In addition, since the cross section of the real-time B-mode image is a cross section suitable for measuring elasticity, the first embodiment is adjusted by adjusting the position and orientation of the vibration applying tool 14 so that the straight line is included in the cross section. As in the modified example, an elastic wave can be generated at a position suitable for measurement. If the straight line 1 is included in the cross section, a control signal from the control unit 8 is output to the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration imparting function and measurement is automatically started. In step 7, there is no need to input measurement start.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. However, description of the same matters as those in the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, the operation of the third embodiment is realized by an ultrasonic system 500 ′ shown in FIG. The ultrasonic system 500 ′ includes the ultrasonic diagnostic device 60 and the vibration device 200.

  In this example, not the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 60 but the vibration apparatus 200 includes the vibration applying tool 14. The vibration applying tool 14 is connected to the vibration device main body 201.

  The vibration device main body 201 includes a vibration application control unit 202 and an operation unit 203. The vibration application control unit 202 controls application of mechanical vibration by the convex portion 14 b of the vibration application tool 14.

  Since the operation unit 203 is the same as the operation unit 106 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 60 has basically the same configuration as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 of the third embodiment, except that the vibration applying tool 14 is not provided. The configuration of the echo data processing unit 4 and the configuration of the display control unit 5 are also the configurations shown in FIGS.

  In the ultrasonic system 500 ′ of this example, processing is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 17 is basically the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, but the processes in steps S24 ′ and S25 ′ are different from those in steps S24 and S25 in FIG.

  The step S24 ′ will be described. In step S24 ′, as in step S24 described above, the indicator In is displayed in the B-mode image BI and a signal is output from the display image control unit 54 to the control unit 8. In step S24 ′, when the indicator In is displayed, the operator performs an input for starting measurement of elasticity in the operation unit 203 of the vibration device 200.

  In step S24 ′, when an input is made in the operation unit 203, in step S25 ′, a control signal is output from the vibration applying control unit 202, and mechanical vibration is applied to the human body by the vibration applying tool 14. . In addition, the control unit 8 to which the signal from the display image control unit 54 is input transmits a control signal for transmitting an ultrasonic wave for measuring an elastic wave from the ultrasonic probe 2 to the transmission / reception processing unit 3. Output for. Thereby, the ultrasonic probe 2 transmits an ultrasonic wave for measuring an elastic wave to the human body and receives an echo signal thereof.

  Also by the ultrasonic system 500 ′ of this example, the same effect as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 30 of the third embodiment can be obtained.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated by the said embodiment, of course, this invention can be variously implemented in the range which does not change the main point. For example, the measurement target is not limited to the human body. The measurement object may be an animal, for example.

  In addition, the position of the measurement target with respect to the magnetism generation unit 12 changes between when the volume data of the measurement target is acquired and when the B-mode image BI based on the volume data is displayed and the indicator In is displayed. Position correction may be performed. This will be specifically described. When the volume data of the measurement target is acquired and when the B-mode image BI based on the volume data is displayed and the indicator In is displayed, a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetism generating unit 12 is displayed on the measurement target. Provided. Then, position information detected by the magnetic sensor when the volume data is acquired is stored.

  When the indicator In is displayed, the position correction of the position information of the straight line l in the volume data is performed based on the position information detected by the magnetic sensor provided on the measurement target and the stored position information. Is done.

  Further, a vibration applying tool that applies mechanical vibration to the measurement target may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 2.

  Further, if the positional relationship between the ultrasonic probe 2 and the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function is fixed, the second magnetic sensor 13 is not provided in the ultrasonic probe 10 with vibration applying function. Also good. In this case, the second position specifying unit 53 specifies the position of the straight line extending from the ultrasonic probe with vibration applying function 10 based on the magnetic detection signal of the first magnetic sensor 11. Further, even when the positional relationship between the ultrasonic probe 2 and the vibration applying tool 14 is specified, the second magnetic sensor 13 may not be provided in the vibration applying tool 14. Also in this case, the second position specifying unit 53 specifies the position of the straight line extending from the vibration applying tool 14 based on the magnetic detection signal of the first magnetic sensor 11.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,20,30,60 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Ultrasonic probe 6 Display part 8 Control part 9 Memory | storage part 10 Ultrasonic probe with a vibration provision function 14 Vibration imparting tool 42 Propagation velocity calculation part 43 Elasticity value calculation part 52 1st position Identification unit 53 Second position identification unit 54 Display image control unit 100, 200 Measuring device 103 Vibration application control unit 104 Propagation velocity calculation unit 105 Elastic value calculation unit 500, 500 ′ Ultrasonic system

Claims (14)

A display unit for displaying an ultrasonic image of a measurement target in a three-dimensional space, in which a propagation speed of an elastic wave generated by applying mechanical vibration by a vibration applying tool is calculated;
Based on the position information in the three-dimensional space of the straight line extending in the propagation direction of the elastic wave from the vibration applicator in the measurement object, and the position information of the ultrasonic image in the three-dimensional space, the ultrasonic image A display image control unit for displaying an indicator indicating the position of the straight line;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: A first ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves for creating the ultrasonic image;
A second ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves for measuring the elastic wave;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second ultrasonic probe is the vibration applying tool.   An ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves for creating the ultrasonic image is provided for the measurement object, and the ultrasonic probe also transmits and receives ultrasonic waves for measuring the elastic waves. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising the vibration applying tool. A first position specifying unit for specifying a position of the ultrasonic image in a coordinate system formed in the three-dimensional space;
A second position specifying unit for specifying the position of the straight line in the coordinate system,
The display image control unit displays the indicator on the ultrasonic image based on the position information obtained by the first position specifying unit and the position information obtained by the second position specifying unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A storage unit for storing volume data acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the three-dimensional region to be measured;
The display image control unit includes a predetermined cross section including a straight line extending in a propagation direction of the elastic wave from the vibration applying tool in the measurement target, and positional information of the volume data in the three-dimensional space and the straight line in the three-dimensional space. The volume data is specified on the basis of the position information and the ultrasonic image of the predetermined cross section is displayed on the display unit on the basis of the volume data. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1. The display unit displays an ultrasound image of one cross section of the measurement target,
The ultrasonic display according to claim 1, wherein the display image control unit includes: displaying the indicator on the ultrasonic image when the straight line is included in the one cross section. Diagnostic device. An ultrasonic probe for transmitting an ultrasonic wave for calculating a propagation velocity of an elastic wave generated by applying a mechanical vibration by a vibration applying tool in a measurement object in a three-dimensional space to the measurement object;
A display unit for displaying an ultrasonic image of one cross section of the measurement object;
In the measurement object, based on position information in the three-dimensional space of a straight line extending in the propagation direction of the elastic wave from the vibration applicator and position information of the ultrasonic image in the three-dimensional space, When the straight line is included, a control unit that controls the ultrasonic probe so that an ultrasonic wave for calculating a propagation velocity of the elastic wave is transmitted;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   10. A propagation velocity calculation unit that calculates a propagation velocity of an elastic wave generated in the measurement object when mechanical vibration is applied to the measurement object by the vibration applying tool. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of the above.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an elasticity value calculation unit that calculates an elasticity value of the measurement target based on the propagation speed calculated by the propagation speed calculation unit. The display unit displays at least one image of the propagation velocity and the elasticity value together with the ultrasonic image,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the ultrasonic image displayed on the display unit and at least one of the propagation velocity and the elasticity value are stored in a storage unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1;
Applying mechanical vibration to the measurement object, and transmitting ultrasonic waves to the measurement object for calculating the propagation velocity of elastic waves generated in the measurement object by applying the mechanical vibration. An ultrasonic probe, and a propagation velocity calculation unit that calculates a propagation velocity of elastic waves generated in the measurement object by applying mechanical vibration to the measurement object;
An ultrasonic system comprising: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 9,
A measurement device having the vibration applicator and a vibration applicator control unit that controls the vibration applicator;
An ultrasonic system comprising:

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