JP2017213345A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and medical image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve diagnosability with a three dimensional image displayed on the basis of a plurality of pieces of two dimensional image data in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processor.SOLUTION: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: transmission and reception means for making ultrasonic waves transmitted to an ultrasonic probe and receiving a signal based on the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic probe; creation means for creating a plurality of pieces of two dimensional data in time series on the basis of the signal; collection means for collecting a plurality of pieces of position information on the ultrasonic probe in the three dimensions; a memory; processing means for executing processing of almost accommodating in a memory space of the memory the plurality of pieces of two dimensional data which are to be arranged in the memory according to the plurality of pieces of position information; and volume creation means for creating volume data in the memory space on the basis of the plurality of pieces of two dimensional image data processed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus.

  In the medical field, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that uses ultrasound generated by a plurality of transducers (piezoelectric transducers) of an ultrasound probe to image the inside of a subject is used. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves into the subject from an ultrasonic probe connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, generates a reception signal based on the reflected wave, and obtains a desired ultrasonic image by image processing.

  In some cases, the operator collects a plurality of pieces of two-dimensional image data in time series while moving the ultrasonic probe, and also collects a plurality of pieces of positional information of the ultrasonic probe. In that case, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus generates and displays three-dimensional image data by arranging a plurality of two-dimensional image data based on a plurality of pieces of position information and performing three-dimensional reconstruction.

JP-A-8-332187

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus capable of improving the diagnostic ability of a three-dimensional image displayed based on a plurality of two-dimensional image data.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave to an ultrasonic probe, and receives and transmits a signal based on the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe, based on the signal, A generating unit that generates a plurality of two-dimensional image data in time series, a collecting unit that collects a plurality of three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe, a memory, and a memory arranged in accordance with the plurality of position information Processing means for performing processing such that the plurality of two-dimensional image data are substantially contained in the memory space of the memory; and volume generation for generating volume data in the memory space based on the plurality of two-dimensional image data after the processing Means.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the scanning surface of an ultrasonic probe. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the example of the selection method of arbitrary some two-dimensional image data. The figure which shows the relationship between three-dimensional memory space and volume data. (A)-(E) is a figure which shows the kind of sweep format by an ultrasonic probe. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the reduction process by a processing circuit. (A), (B) is a figure for demonstrating the reduction rate of a two-dimensional image data set. The figure for demonstrating the reduction process of the Z-axis direction of three-dimensional memory space. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the direction change process by a processing circuit. (A)-(C) are the figures which show the outline | summary of the combination process of the direction change process and reduction process by a processing circuit. (A)-(D) are the figures for demonstrating the setting method of the direction of the two-dimensional image data set in a combination process. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows the some two-dimensional image data spaced apart among two-dimensional image data sets. Schematic which shows the structure of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the function of the medical image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 11, a magnetic field transmitter 12, a sensor 13, and an apparatus main body 14. Note that only the apparatus main body 14 may be referred to as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this case, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is connected to an ultrasonic probe, a magnetic field transmitter, and a sensor that are provided outside the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject (for example, a patient). The ultrasonic probe 11 is for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by bringing its front surface into contact with the surface of the subject, and a plurality of minute vibrations arranged in one dimension (1D) or two dimensions (2D). It has a child (piezoelectric element) at its tip. This vibrator is an electroacoustic transducer, and has a function of converting an electric pulse into an ultrasonic pulse at the time of transmission and converting a reflected wave into an electric signal (received signal) at the time of reception.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 is configured to be small and light, and is connected to the apparatus main body 14 via a cable. Examples of the ultrasonic probe 11 include a 1D array probe, a mechanical 4D probe, and a 2D array probe. The 1D array probe has a configuration in which a plurality of transducers are arranged one-dimensionally. Here, the 1D array probe includes a configuration in which a small number of transducers are arranged in the elevation direction.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the scanning plane of the ultrasonic probe 11.

  FIG. 2 shows the movement of the scanning plane P when the operator moves the 1D array probe as the ultrasonic probe 11. In this case, since the positions of both the sensor 13 and the scanning plane P are fixed with respect to the 1D array probe 11, if the geometric positional relationship from the sensor 13 to the scanning plane P is converted, scanning is performed from the positional information of the sensor 13. The position information of the surface P can be obtained. When the operator moves the 1D array probe 11 in a direction intersecting the scanning plane P, so-called three-dimensional scanning is performed. The movement (moving) of the 1D array probe 11 includes translation, turning, rotation, and so on.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the magnetic field transmitter 12 is disposed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic probe 11 so that the sensor 13 falls within the effective range of the magnetic field generated from the magnetic field transmitter 12. The magnetic field transmitter 12 generates a magnetic field under the control of the apparatus main body 14.

  The sensor 13 detects a plurality of pieces of position information of the ultrasonic probe 11 in time series and outputs it to the apparatus main body 14. As the sensor 13, there are a type of sensor attached to the ultrasonic probe 11 and a type of sensor provided separately from the ultrasonic probe 11. The latter sensor is an optical sensor, which captures feature points of the ultrasonic probe 11 that is a measurement target from a plurality of positions, and detects each position of the ultrasonic probe 11 based on the principle of triangulation. Hereinafter, a case where the sensor 13 is the former sensor will be described.

  The sensor 13 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 11, detects its own position information, and outputs it to the apparatus main body 14. The position information of the sensor 13 can also be regarded as the position information of the ultrasonic probe 11. The position information of the ultrasonic probe 11 includes the position and posture (tilt angle) of the ultrasonic probe 11. For example, the attitude of the ultrasonic probe 11 can be detected by the magnetic field transmitter 12 sequentially transmitting three-axis magnetic fields and sequentially receiving the magnetic fields by the sensor 13. The sensor 13 is a three-axis gyro sensor that detects a three-axis angular velocity in a three-dimensional space, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects a three-axis acceleration in a three-dimensional space, and a three-axis geomagnetism in a three-dimensional space. A so-called 9-axis sensor including at least one of the axial geomagnetic sensors may be used.

  The apparatus main body 14 includes a transmission / reception circuit 21, a two-dimensional image generation circuit 22, a two-dimensional memory 23, a position information collection circuit 24, a position information association circuit 25, a processing circuit 26, a volume generation circuit 27, a three-dimensional memory 28, and a three-dimensional memory. An image generation circuit 29, a control circuit 30, a storage circuit 31, an input circuit 32, and a display 33 are provided. The transmission / reception circuit 21, the two-dimensional image generation circuit 22, the position information collection circuit 24, the position information association circuit 25, the processing circuit 26, the volume generation circuit 27, and the three-dimensional image generation circuit 29 are a field programmable gate array (FPGA). gate array).

  The transmission / reception circuit 21 transmits an ultrasonic wave to the ultrasonic probe 11 according to a control signal from the control circuit 30 and receives a signal (reception signal) based on the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe. The transmission / reception circuit 21 includes a transmission circuit that generates a drive signal for radiating a transmission wave from the ultrasonic probe 11 and a reception circuit that performs phasing addition on the reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 11.

  The transmission circuit includes a rate pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, and a pulser. The rate pulse generator generates a rate pulse that determines the repetition period of the transmission wave by dividing the continuous wave or rectangular wave supplied from the reference signal generation circuit, and supplies the rate pulse to the transmission delay circuit. . The transmission delay circuit is composed of the same number of independent delay circuits as the number of transducers used for transmission. The transmission delay circuit has a delay time for converging the transmission wave at a predetermined depth and a predetermined length in order to obtain a narrow beam width in transmission. A delay time for radiating a transmission wave in the direction is given to the rate pulse, and the rate pulse is supplied to the pulser. The pulsar has an independent drive circuit, and generates a drive pulse for driving the vibrator built in the ultrasonic probe 11 based on the rate pulse.

  The reception circuit of the transmission / reception circuit 21 includes a preamplifier, an A / D (analog to digital) conversion circuit, a reception delay circuit, and an addition circuit. The preamplifier amplifies a minute signal converted into an electrical reception signal by the vibrator to ensure sufficient S / N. The reception signal amplified to a predetermined size by the preamplifier is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit and sent to the reception delay circuit. The reception delay circuit outputs a focusing delay time for focusing a reflected wave from a predetermined depth and a deflection delay time for setting a reception directivity with respect to a predetermined direction from the A / D conversion circuit. To the received signal. The adder circuit performs phasing addition on the reception signal from the reception delay circuit (adding the phase of the reception signal obtained from a predetermined direction).

  The two-dimensional image generation circuit 22 is chronologically based on a reception signal input from the reception circuit of the transmission / reception circuit 21 in accordance with a control signal from the control circuit 30, and a plurality of two-dimensional image data, that is, two frames related to a plurality of frames. Generate dimensional image data. Examples of the two-dimensional image data include B mode image data, color mode image data, application mode image data such as elastography, and the like.

  As the form of the two-dimensional image data, raw data (Raw Data) composed of a plurality of raster data in a scanning plane P (shown in FIG. 2) related to a certain time phase, or raw data is scan conversion (SC: Scan Conversion). SC data after being processed can be mentioned. Hereinafter, a case where the two-dimensional image data is SC data after the raw data is subjected to the scan conversion process will be described.

  The two-dimensional memory 23 is a storage circuit that includes a plurality of memory cells in two axial directions per frame and includes a plurality of frames. The two-dimensional memory 23 stores a plurality of two-dimensional image data in time series generated by the two-dimensional image generation circuit 22. Since the ultrasonic probe 11 is moved and operated by the operator, a plurality of two-dimensional image data in time series, that is, data at a plurality of positions. When each two-dimensional image data is raw data, time data related to raster data collection is attached to each raster data constituting each raw data using a system timer.

  The position information collection circuit 24 controls the magnetic field transmitter 12 to transmit a magnetic field from the magnetic field transmitter 12 and collects a plurality of position information from the sensor 13 in time series of the ultrasonic probe 11. The position information collecting circuit 24 collects each position information as position information of the two-dimensional image data, that is, position information of the scanning plane related to the two-dimensional image data. The scanning plane position information includes the scanning plane position and orientation.

  The position information collecting circuit 24 converts the position information of the sensor 13 into the position information of the scanning plane related to the two-dimensional image data based on the geometric positional relationship to each point of the scanning plane related to the two-dimensional image data. Can do.

  The position information association circuit 25 associates the position information collected by the position information collection circuit 24 with each of the plurality of two-dimensional image data generated by the two-dimensional image generation circuit 22. The position information associating circuit 25 compares the time data attached to each of the plurality of two-dimensional image data with the time data attached to each of the plurality of position information, and nearests the time of each two-dimensional image data. The position information having the time immediately before or immediately after is associated with the two-dimensional image data. Here, when each two-dimensional image data is raw data, the time of each raw data may be a time attached to the first raster data among a plurality of raster data constituting each raw data, It may be a time attached to the central raster data, or an average time of a plurality of raster data.

  In addition, the method to match | combine the time of several 2D image data and several positional information is not limited to said case. For example, the position information may be associated with the corresponding two-dimensional image data by synchronizing the collection of the position information by the sensor 13 and the position information collecting circuit 24 with the collection of the two-dimensional image data.

  The position information association circuit 25 can attach position information to each of the plurality of two-dimensional image data in order to associate the position information with each of the plurality of two-dimensional image data. For example, the position information association circuit 25 writes the position information in the header and footer of each two-dimensional image data. A plurality of two-dimensional image data attached with position information is stored in the two-dimensional memory 23.

  Alternatively, the position information association circuit 25 may write the two-dimensional image data and the position information in the correspondence table in order to associate the position information with each of the plurality of two-dimensional image data. Hereinafter, in order to associate position information with each of a plurality of two-dimensional image data, a case where position information is attached to each of the plurality of two-dimensional image data will be described as an example.

  The processing circuit 26 performs a process such that a plurality of two-dimensional image data arranged in the three-dimensional memory 28 according to the plurality of pieces of position information almost fits in the memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28. Here, the processing is either (1) processing in which all of the plurality of two-dimensional image data stored in the two-dimensional memory 23 fits in the memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28, or (2) two-dimensional In this process, all of the plurality of two-dimensional image data selected from the plurality of two-dimensional image data stored in the memory 23 fits in the memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28.

  In the case of (2) above, the plurality of two-dimensional image data stored in the two-dimensional memory 23 includes a plurality of two-dimensional image data to be selected and one or a plurality of non-selected one or more two-dimensional image data (see FIG. 3 (B)). In the case of (2) above, the non-selected 2D image data may not fit in the memory space of the 3D memory 28 by this processing. In the case of (2), the processing circuit 26 displays a plurality of two-dimensional image data stored in the two-dimensional memory 23 on the display 33 as a plurality of two-dimensional images, and an operation signal from the input circuit 32 described later. Accordingly, a plurality of arbitrary two-dimensional image data are selected from the plurality of displayed two-dimensional images.

  3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for selecting an arbitrary plurality of two-dimensional image data.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of stored two-dimensional image data are displayed on the display 33 as a plurality of two-dimensional images (tomographic images) in a state where they are superimposed in the depth direction. The plurality of two-dimensional images to be displayed are based on SC data after the raw data is subjected to scan conversion processing. In addition, a scroll bar including a bar indicating the position (frame) of the foreground two-dimensional image data among the plurality of stored two-dimensional image data is displayed on the display 33.

  The operator uses the trackball and hardware buttons as the input circuit 32 (shown in FIG. 1) to determine the start point (start point frame) and end point (end point frame) of the selected width.

  Specifically, the operator changes the foreground two-dimensional image by operating the trackball to scroll a plurality of two-dimensional images in the depth direction. When the operator determines that the two-dimensional image displayed on the foreground of the display 33 is appropriate as the start point, the operator presses the hardware button to determine the start point. Thereafter, the operator changes the foreground two-dimensional image by operating the trackball to scroll the plurality of two-dimensional images in the depth direction. When the operator determines that the two-dimensional image newly displayed on the foreground of the display 33 after scrolling is appropriate as the end point, the operator presses the hardware button to determine the end point. FIG. 3B shows the concept of a plurality of two-dimensional image data selected based on the start point and the end point thus determined.

  The selection method is not limited to the selection direction described above. For example, the operator may use the mouse as the input circuit 32 and the scroll bar and button displayed on the display 33 to determine the start point and end point of the selection width. In this case, the operator uses the mouse to slide the scroll bar on the display 33 to scroll the plurality of two-dimensional images in the depth direction, thereby changing the foremost two-dimensional image. When the operator determines that the two-dimensional image displayed on the foreground of the display 33 is appropriate as the start point, the operator clicks the “start point” button on the display 33 using the mouse to determine the start point. Thereafter, the operator uses the mouse to slide the scroll bar on the display 33 to scroll the plurality of two-dimensional images in the depth direction, thereby changing the foremost two-dimensional image. When the operator determines that the two-dimensional image newly displayed on the foreground of the display 33 after scrolling is appropriate as the end point, the end point is determined by clicking the “end point” button on the display 33 using the mouse. Let The concept of a plurality of two-dimensional image data selected based on the determined start point and end point is shown in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, as a first example of processing, the processing circuit 26 calculates a magnification such that a plurality of two-dimensional image data to be processed fits in a three-dimensional memory space, and the processing target is processed at that magnification. The plurality of two-dimensional image data is processed. Specifically, as a first example of processing, the processing circuit 26 calculates an enlargement ratio or reduction ratio so that a plurality of two-dimensional image data to be processed fits in a three-dimensional memory space, and the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio is calculated. The enlargement process or the reduction process of a plurality of two-dimensional image data to be processed is performed at a rate. Hereinafter, since the description will be made using the case of the reduction process, the terms reduction ratio and reduction process are used, but the case of the enlargement ratio and the enlargement process is not excluded. Here, a plurality of two-dimensional image data to be processed is a plurality of two-dimensional image data (shown in FIG. 3B) stored in the two-dimensional memory 23 or a plurality of two-dimensional image data stored in the two-dimensional memory 23. A plurality of two-dimensional image data selected from the two-dimensional image data (shown in FIG. 3B), and hereinafter referred to as “two-dimensional image data set”.

  Note that the processing circuit 26 preferably employs a reduction ratio when the 2D image data set fits in the 3D memory space and the size (size) of the 2D image data set is maximized. The reduction processing in the processing circuit 26 will be described later with reference mainly to FIGS.

  As a second example of processing, the processing circuit 26 calculates the orientation of the two-dimensional image data set such that the two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space, and changes the orientation of the two-dimensional image data set according to the orientation. I do. Note that the processing circuit 26 expands the two-dimensional image data set so that the size of the two-dimensional image data set after the direction changing process is maximized when the two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space by the direction changing process. May be. That is, the processing circuit 26 may prioritize the size of the two-dimensional image data set and calculate the direction that maximizes the size. The orientation changing process in the processing circuit 26 will be described later mainly using FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B).

  As a third example of processing, the processing circuit 26 performs processing that combines a direction change process and a reduction process on a two-dimensional image data set. The processing circuit 26 calculates an appropriate direction of the two-dimensional image data set, and performs a direction changing process of the two-dimensional image data set according to the direction. Subsequently, the processing circuit 26 calculates a reduction ratio so that the two-dimensional image data set after the orientation change process fits in the memory space, and reduces the two-dimensional image data set after the orientation change process at the reduction ratio. Process. The processing circuit 26 preferably employs a set including a reduction ratio that maximizes the size of the two-dimensional image data set. The combination processing of the direction change processing and the reduction processing in the processing circuit 26 will be described later mainly with reference to FIGS.

  The volume generation circuit 27 performs three-dimensional reconstruction in which interpolation processing is performed on the two-dimensional image data set processed by the processing circuit 26 and arranged in the three-dimensional memory 28, so that the three-dimensional memory 28 Generate volume data. A known technique is used as the interpolation processing method. As a known technique, for example, described in non-patent literature (Trobaugh, JW, Trobaugh, DJ, Richard WD "Three-Dimensional Imaging with Stereotactic Ultrasonography", Computerized Medical Imaging and Graphics, 18: 5, 315-323, 1994.) Technology.

  The technique of non-patent literature arranges two-dimensional image data for two adjacent frames on a space using position information, and calculates a pixel value on a plane between them from the value of a proximity point (pixel). It is obtained by interpolation such as nearest neighbor, bilinear interpolation, bicubic interpolation, and the like. The volume generation circuit 27 corrects each of the collected plurality of position information according to the processing by the processing circuit 26, and based on the plurality of two-dimensional image data arranged according to the corrected plurality of position information, the technology of the non-patent document To generate volume data.

  The three-dimensional memory 28 is a storage circuit including a plurality of memory cells in the three-axis directions (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions). The three-dimensional memory 28 stores the volume data generated by the volume generation circuit 27.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the three-dimensional memory space and the volume data.

  A case where the scanning method of the ultrasonic probe 11 is convex will be described as an example. Since the two-dimensional image data shown on the left side of FIG. 4 is raw data, it is not fan-shaped. The raw data includes a plurality of raster data, for example, 300 raster data.

  Also, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4, the volume data is in a raw data format and has a plurality of frames in the depth direction. Each frame of the volume data has a sector-like shape such as SC data. That is, in the case of convex, the volume data has convex-shaped data in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28 in the form like raw data of a linear probe.

  For example, a value of “0” is set in a memory cell having no data outside the convex shape in the three-dimensional memory space. Since the existing renderer reads raw data as input, by having the volume data in raw data format, the existing renderer can be applied as it is, and the shape of the data area is made square with the display area. As a result, it is possible to secure a useless data area.

  Hereinafter, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, an area where volume data having actual data in a convex shape is generated is referred to as a “two-dimensional image data set” before three-dimensional reconstruction, and “ A rectangular parallelepiped region including up to “0” memory cells is called a “three-dimensional memory space” to be distinguished. In this case, the number of samples, the number of rasters, and the number of frames are generally different between the two-dimensional image data set and the three-dimensional memory space. For example, in FIG. 4, the number of samples in the two-dimensional image data set is 1024 and the number of rasters is 300, the number of samples in the three-dimensional memory space is 1024, the number of rasters is 1024, and the number of frames is 300. If the data length of one pixel is 1 byte (1B), the capacity of the three-dimensional memory space is 300 MB (1B * 1024sample * 1024raster * 300fr).

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the three-dimensional image generation circuit 29 converts the volume data stored in the three-dimensional memory 28 into MPR (Multi-Planar Reconstruction) processing, volume rendering processing, surface rendering processing, and MIP (Maximum Intensity). 3D image processing such as (Projection) processing is performed. The three-dimensional image generation circuit 29 generates three-dimensional image data such as MPR image data, volume rendering image data, surface rendering image data, and MIP image data by performing three-dimensional image processing on the volume data. The three-dimensional image generation circuit 29 displays the three-dimensional image data on the display 33 as a three-dimensional image.

  The control circuit 30 includes a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (central processing unit), MPU (micro processor unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and programmable. Means a logical device. Examples of the programmable logic device include a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Can be mentioned. The control circuit 30 comprehensively controls the processing operations of the units 21 to 29 and 31 to 33 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit 31 or directly incorporated in the control circuit 30.

  The control circuit 30 may be configured by a single circuit or a combination of a plurality of independent circuit elements. In the latter case, the storage circuit 31 for storing the program may be provided for each circuit element, or the single storage circuit 31 may store a program corresponding to the functions of a plurality of circuit elements. Good.

  The storage circuit 31 includes a semiconductor memory device such as a random access memory (RAM) and a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, and the like. The storage circuit 31 may be configured by a portable medium such as a USB (universal serial bus) memory and a DVD (digital video disk). The storage circuit 31 stores various processing programs used in the control circuit 30 (including application programs as well as an OS (operating system)) and data necessary for executing the programs. The OS can also include a GUI (graphical user interface) that can use graphics for displaying information on the display 33 for the operator and perform basic operations by the input circuit 32.

  The input circuit 32 is a circuit that inputs a signal from an input device that can be operated by an operator. Here, the input device itself is also included in the input circuit 32. The input device includes a pointing device (for example, a mouse), a keyboard, a trackball, and various buttons. When the input device is operated by the operator, the input circuit 32 generates an input signal corresponding to the operation and outputs it to the control circuit 30. The apparatus main body 14 may include a touch panel in which an input device is integrated with the display 33.

  The input circuit 32 outputs the transmission conditions set by the operator to the control circuit 30. The transmission condition is, for example, the center frequency of the ultrasonic wave transmitted via the ultrasonic probe 11. Center frequency is sweep method (linear, convex, sector, etc.), subject diagnosis target part, ultrasonic diagnosis mode (B mode, Doppler mode, color Doppler mode, etc.), from subject surface to diagnosis target part It depends on the distance of each.

  The input circuit 32 includes a data collection start button that can be operated by the operator, a data collection end button, a switch for switching whether or not processing by the processing circuit 26 is performed, and the like.

  The display 33 is configured by a general display output device such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display. The display 33 displays the 3D image data generated by the 3D image generation circuit 29 or the like as a 3D image under the control of the control circuit 30.

  Processing performed by the processing circuit 26 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIGS. 5A to 5E are diagrams showing types of sweep formats by the ultrasonic probe 11.

  5A to 5E show five types of sweep formats. Regardless of which of these sweeps is performed, the two-dimensional image data set is three-dimensionally reduced so that the two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28.

  The reduction process performed by the processing circuit 26 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  6A and 6B are diagrams showing an outline of the reduction processing by the processing circuit 26. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the two-dimensional image data set is illustrated in the SC data format for easy understanding. When a part of the two-dimensional image data array arranged according to a plurality of position information does not fit in the three-dimensional memory space because of the relationship between the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28 and the size of the two-dimensional image data set. (FIG. 6A). In such a case, volume data based on a two-dimensional image data set lacking some data is generated. Thereby, the diagnostic ability by the three-dimensional image based on volume data will fall.

  Therefore, when a part of the two-dimensional image data set does not fit in the three-dimensional memory space, a reduction ratio is calculated so that the whole two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28. A three-dimensional reduction process is performed on the image data set at the reduction rate (FIG. 6B). As a result, the two-dimensional image data set does not protrude from the three-dimensional memory space. That is, since the three-dimensional image based on the volume data based on the entire two-dimensional image data set can be displayed, the diagnostic ability is improved.

  Here, the reduction ratio in the reduction process of the two-dimensional image data set will be described.

  7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the reduction rate of the two-dimensional image data set.

  FIG. 7A shows a two-dimensional image data set as viewed from the front, that is, a diagram showing an XY plane of a three-dimensional memory space. FIG. 7B shows a view of the two-dimensional image data set as viewed from the side, that is, a view showing the ZY plane of the three-dimensional memory space. 7A and 7B, the spread of the two-dimensional image data set in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions of the three-dimensional memory space is defined as Dx, Dy, and Dz, respectively.

  In FIG. 7A, a reduction process in the XY plane of the three-dimensional memory space will be described. The sample pitch on the XY plane (frame plane) in the three-dimensional memory space is the same as the raster pitch. For example, if Dx> Dy, the two-dimensional image data set is reduced at the same magnification in the X-axis and Y-axis directions so that the size of Dx is full at both ends of the raster. In this case, since Dy is smaller than the length of the three-dimensional memory space in the Y-axis direction, a space is formed above and below. Note that the position of each point on the scanning plane of each two-dimensional image data is converted from the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe 11 as described above.

  In general, the sample pitch and the raster pitch may be different, and the reduction processing of Dx and Dy may not be equal. In this case, the size of Dx can be made full of both ends of the raster, and the size of Dy can be made to be the length in the Y-axis direction of the three-dimensional memory space.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a reduction process in the Z-axis direction of the three-dimensional memory space.

  The frame size (number) of volume data three-dimensionally reconstructed from a plurality of processing target two-dimensional image data constituting the two-dimensional image data set is the frame size in the Z-axis direction in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28. When it exceeds (the upper part of FIG. 8), the frame pitch is roughened. Reduction processing is performed so that Dz (FIG. 7B) of the two-dimensional image data set does not exceed the frame size in the Z-axis direction of the three-dimensional memory space. For example, in the upper part of FIG. 8, when the sample pitch is 0.146 [mm], the depth is 15 [cm], and the number of samples is 1024 [pieces], the frame pitch is generally larger than the sample pitch in view of the spatial resolution of the ultrasonic waves. Therefore, the frame pitch need not be smaller than 0.146 [mm].

  In the default setting, if the volume data length is 12 [cm], the frame pitch is 0.146 [mm], and the number of frames is 821 [fr (12 cm / 0.146 mm)], the volume data size is 821 [MB (1B * 1024sample * 1024raster * 821fr)]. In this case, since the volume data size 821 [MB] exceeds the memory size 300 [MB] of the three-dimensional memory space, a reduction process of the two-dimensional image data set is required. Therefore, when the reduction rate is 300 [MB] / 821 [MB] (= 0.365) and the 2D image data set is reduced, the length of the volume data obtained by 3D reconstruction of the 2D image data set after the reduction processing Is 12 [cm], frame pitch is 0.400 [mm (0.146 [mm] /0.365)], the number of frames is 300 [fr (821fr * 0.365)], and the volume data size is 300 [MB (1B * 1024sample * 1024raster * 300fr)]. That is, the volume data size 300 [MB] obtained by three-dimensionally reconstructing the two-dimensional image data set after the reduction processing does not exceed the memory size 300 [MB] of the three-dimensional memory space.

  Thus, the reduction process in the Z-axis direction can be performed independently of the reduction process in the XY plane. In general, the frame pitch in the Z-axis direction is different from the sample pitch and raster pitch in the XY plane, but these three pitches may be the same. In this case, the coarsest pitch among the three pitches is adopted.

  As described above, the processing circuit 26 reduces the two-dimensional image data set so that the two-dimensional image data set can be accommodated in the three-dimensional memory space. Can be provided.

  Next, the orientation changing process by the processing circuit 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

  9A and 9B are diagrams showing an outline of the direction changing process by the processing circuit 26. FIG.

  When a part of the two-dimensional image data array arranged according to a plurality of position information does not fit in the three-dimensional memory space because of the relationship between the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28 and the size of the two-dimensional image data set. (FIG. 9A). In such a case, volume data based on a two-dimensional image data set lacking some data is generated. Thereby, the diagnostic ability by the three-dimensional image based on volume data will fall.

  Therefore, when a part of the 2D image data set does not fit in the 3D memory space, the orientation of the 2D image data set is calculated such that the 2D image data set fits in the 3D memory space of the 3D memory 28. Then, a three-dimensional direction changing process is performed on the two-dimensional image data set in the direction (FIG. 9B). That is, the direction of the two-dimensional image data set is changed by changing the direction G1 of the two-dimensional image data related to the first frame included in the two-dimensional image data set to the direction G2. Note that the position H1 of the two-dimensional image data related to the first frame before the direction change in the three-dimensional memory 28 is changed to the direction G2 so that the two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28. By processing, the position is shifted to the position H2. As a result, the two-dimensional image data set does not protrude from the three-dimensional memory space. That is, since the three-dimensional image based on the volume data based on the entire two-dimensional image data set can be displayed, the diagnostic ability is improved.

  Further, the processing circuit 26 can further perform a reduction process on the two-dimensional image data set after the direction changing process after performing the above-described direction changing process.

  Next, a combination process of the direction change process and the reduction process performed by the processing circuit 26 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  10A to 10C are diagrams showing an outline of the combination processing of the direction change processing and the reduction processing by the processing circuit 26. FIG.

  10 (A) and 10 (B) are the same as FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B). When a part of the two-dimensional image data set does not fit in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28, the direction of the two-dimensional image data set is appropriately adjusted three-dimensionally, and then the two-dimensional image data set Is reduced in a three-dimensional manner so as to fit in the three-dimensional memory space (FIG. 10C). As a result, the two-dimensional image data set does not protrude from the three-dimensional memory space as compared with FIG. 10A, and the spatial resolution is set appropriately as compared with FIG. 10B. That is, since the three-dimensional image based on the volume data with an appropriate spatial resolution can be displayed based on the entire two-dimensional image data set, the diagnostic ability is further improved.

  Here, the direction change process of the two-dimensional image data set in the combination process of the direction change process and the reduction process will be described.

  FIGS. 11A to 11D are diagrams for explaining a method of setting the orientation of the two-dimensional image data set in the combination process.

  FIG. 11A shows a two-dimensional image data set arranged according to a plurality of pieces of position information. The two-dimensional image data Fc of the center frame is selected from the two-dimensional image data set. For example, when two-dimensional image data for 200 frames is collected, the center frame is the 100th frame. The direction of the two-dimensional image data Fc is the direction of the two-dimensional image data set. That is, the Xc, Yc, and Zc axes of the two-dimensional image data Fc shown in FIG. 11B are the X, Y, and Z axes of the two-dimensional image data set, and the three-dimensional memory space shown in FIG. The X, Y, and Z axes are used. Note that the origins do not have to match.

  Note that the orientation of the two-dimensional image data set after the orientation changing process may not be appropriate due to camera shake or the like in the two-dimensional image data Fc shown in FIG. This is the case when the two-dimensional image data Fc is obtained when the ultrasonic probe 11 is tilted unintentionally. Therefore, the orientations of the two-dimensional image data sets are calculated for several frames in the vicinity of the central frame, for example, seven frames of the two-dimensional image data Fcs (FIG. 11D), and the medians of those orientations are calculated as the two-dimensional image. The direction of the data set may be used.

  As described above, the processing circuit 26 appropriately adjusts the orientation of the two-dimensional image data set, and then reduces the two-dimensional image data set to reduce the free space in the three-dimensional memory space. Data can be enlarged, the spatial resolution of the three-dimensional image data can be set as high as possible, and the diagnostic ability is further improved.

  Subsequently, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 12.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the processing circuit 26 performs a reduction process on a two-dimensional image data set.

  When the data collection start button as the input circuit 32 is pressed by the operator, the transmission / reception circuit 21 controls the ultrasonic probe 11 to execute transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves and collects data related to a plurality of frames ( Step ST1). The two-dimensional image generation circuit 22 generates a plurality of two-dimensional image data in time series based on the data collected in step ST1 (step ST2).

  The position information collecting circuit 24 collects a plurality of pieces of position information of the ultrasonic probe 11 from the sensor 13 as position information of each two-dimensional image data (step ST3). The position information association circuit 25 attaches the position information collected in step ST3 to each two-dimensional image data generated in step ST2 (step ST4). A plurality of two-dimensional image data attached with position information in step ST4 is stored in the two-dimensional memory 23.

  The processing circuit 26 determines whether or not the two-dimensional image data set arranged in the three-dimensional memory 28 according to the plurality of pieces of position information attached by the position information associating circuit 25 fits in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28. Judgment is made (step ST5). In step ST5, the processing circuit 26 aligns the orientation of the 2D image data related to the first frame in the 2D image data set with the orientation in the 3D memory space, and appropriately arranges the 2D image data related to the subsequent frames. Then, the processing circuit 26 determines whether or not the two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space. As described above, the 2D image data set refers to a plurality of 2D image data to be processed, and a plurality of 2D image data stored in the 2D memory 23 (shown in FIG. 3B), or A plurality of two-dimensional image data selected from a plurality of two-dimensional image data stored in the two-dimensional memory 23 (shown in FIG. 3B).

  If YES in step ST5, that is, if it is determined that the two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28, the volume generation circuit 27 is arranged in the three-dimensional memory 28 according to the conventional technique. Volume data is generated in the three-dimensional memory 28 by performing three-dimensional reconstruction for performing interpolation processing on the two-dimensional image data set as necessary (step ST6).

  On the other hand, if the determination in step ST5 is NO, that is, if it is determined that a part of the two-dimensional image data set does not fit in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28, the processing circuit 26 determines that the two-dimensional image data set Is subjected to a reduction process (step ST7). The reduction process in step ST7 is as described with reference to FIGS.

  The volume generation circuit 27 performs volume reduction in the three-dimensional memory 28 by performing three-dimensional reconstruction on the two-dimensional image data set after the reduction processing arranged in the three-dimensional memory 28 as necessary. Data is generated (step ST8).

  The three-dimensional image generation circuit 29 performs three-dimensional image processing on the volume data generated in the three-dimensional memory 28 in step ST6 or ST8, thereby generating three-dimensional image data (step ST9). Then, the three-dimensional image generation circuit 29 displays the three-dimensional image data on the display 33 as a three-dimensional image (step ST10).

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the two-dimensional image data set is obtained by performing processing so that the two-dimensional image data array arranged in the three-dimensional memory 28 according to the plurality of pieces of position information fits in the memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28. The diagnostic ability by the three-dimensional image displayed based on can be improved. Furthermore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, since the spatial resolution is taken into consideration by adjusting the orientation of the two-dimensional image data set and then reducing the adjusted two-dimensional image data set, the two-dimensional image data set The diagnostic ability by the three-dimensional image displayed based on can be further improved.

2. First Modification As described with reference to FIG. 4, the frame in the three-dimensional memory space of the three-dimensional memory 28 is formatted as if it were raw data of a linear probe, but there is another method. That is, the number of samples and the number of rasters in the three-dimensional memory space are the same as the two-dimensional image data (raw data), and the frames in the three-dimensional memory space are handled in the same way as the two-dimensional image data. The advantage of this method is that the header and footer of the two-dimensional image data can be used as they are. However, in this method, when the frame of the three-dimensional memory space is read by the renderer, for example, it is expanded into a convex shape, so that the display range is limited to the expanded convex area.

3. Second Modification Example When the reduction ratio of a two-dimensional image data set is calculated in the direction of the two-dimensional image data set determined based on the two-dimensional image data Fc of the center frame with reference to FIG. Explained. Further, using FIG. 11D, the reduction ratio of the two-dimensional image data set is calculated in the direction of the two-dimensional image data set determined based on the two-dimensional image data Fcs of a plurality of frames including the center frame. Explained the case. However, it is not limited to those cases. The processing circuit 26 may perform the reduction process and the direction change process of the two-dimensional image data set based on the minimum reduction ratio (the least reduction is not performed) and the corresponding direction.

  Specifically, the processing circuit 26 determines a plurality of directions related to a plurality of two-dimensional image data that are separated from each other in the two-dimensional image data set. The processing circuit 26 calculates a plurality of reduction ratios when the orientation changing process of the two-dimensional image data set is performed according to the plurality of orientations. Here, each reduction ratio means a reduction ratio when the two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space. The processing circuit 26 adopts the minimum value among the plurality of reduction ratios as the reduction ratio, performs the direction changing process of the two-dimensional image data set in accordance with the direction corresponding to the minimum value, and 2 at the reduction ratio corresponding to the minimum value. Performs reduction processing of a dimensional image data set.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a plurality of two-dimensional image data spaced apart from each other in the two-dimensional image data set.

  As shown in FIG. 13, four pieces of two-dimensional image data Fc1 to Fc4 that are separated from each other and are included in the two-dimensional image data set are set. In the four orientations of the two-dimensional image data set determined based on the four pieces of two-dimensional image data Fc1 to Fc4, four reduction ratios are respectively calculated, and the minimum values thereof are reduced in the two-dimensional image data set. Adopted as a rate. In that case, the one corresponding to the minimum value is adopted as the direction of the two-dimensional image data set.

  As described above, since the spatial resolution is further taken into consideration, the diagnostic ability by the three-dimensional image displayed based on the two-dimensional image data set can be further improved.

  Note that the processing circuit 26 may perform the enlargement process and the orientation change process of the two-dimensional image data set based on the maximum enlargement ratio (most enlargement) and the corresponding direction. In this case, the processing circuit 26 determines a plurality of directions related to a plurality of two-dimensional image data that are separated from each other in the two-dimensional image data set. The processing circuit 26 calculates a plurality of enlargement ratios when the orientation changing process of the two-dimensional image data set is performed according to the plurality of orientations. Here, each enlargement ratio means an enlargement ratio when the two-dimensional image data set fits in the three-dimensional memory space. The processing circuit 26 adopts the maximum value among the plurality of enlargement factors as the enlargement factor, performs the direction changing process of the two-dimensional image data set according to the orientation corresponding to the maximum value, and 2 at the enlargement factor corresponding to the maximum value. Enlarge the dimensional image data set.

4). Third Modification The above has been described on the assumption that the reduction processing is performed after the collection of the two-dimensional image data, and the volume data is generated and displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, while collecting two-dimensional image data, reduction processing can be performed to generate volume data and display it in real time. In this case, the processing of the present invention is performed using two-dimensional image data collected at each time point during collection.

  One method is to update the processing of the present invention each time a frame of 2D image data is added. However, since the load on the apparatus increases, a simple method is to update the two-dimensional image data when the two-dimensional image data protrudes from the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis direction frames of the three-dimensional memory space in FIG. is there. As a simpler method, there is a method in which when the two-dimensional image data protrudes from the frame in the Z-axis direction, the reduction rate is increased without optimization and a state in which there is room in the memory in the Z-axis direction is continued.

5. Medical Image Processing Device According to the Present Embodiment FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the medical image processing device according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 14 shows a medical image processing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment. The medical image processing apparatus 50 is a medical image management apparatus (image server) (not shown), a workstation, an interpretation terminal (not shown), and the like, and is provided on a medical image system connected via a network. Further, the medical image processing apparatus 50 may be an offline apparatus.

  The medical image processing apparatus 50 includes a control circuit 51, a storage circuit 52, an input circuit 53, a display 54, a communication control circuit 55, a two-dimensional memory 56, and a three-dimensional memory 57.

  The control circuit 51 has the same configuration as the control circuit 30 shown in FIG. The control circuit 51 centrally controls the processing operations of the units 52 to 57 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit 52 or directly incorporated in the control circuit 51.

  The memory circuit 52 has a configuration equivalent to that of the memory circuit 31 shown in FIG. The storage circuit 52 stores various processing programs used in the control circuit 51 and data necessary for executing the programs. In addition, the OS may include a GUI that makes heavy use of graphics for displaying information on the display 54 for the operator and allows the input circuit 53 to perform basic operations.

  The input circuit 53 has the same configuration as the input circuit 32 shown in FIG. When the input device is operated by the operator, the input circuit 53 generates an input signal corresponding to the operation and outputs it to the control circuit 51. The medical image processing apparatus 50 may include a touch panel in which an input device is configured integrally with the display 54.

  The display 54 has the same configuration as the display 33 shown in FIG. The display 54 displays the three-dimensional image data generated according to the control of the control circuit 51 as a three-dimensional image.

  The communication control circuit 55 is configured by a connector that conforms to a parallel connection specification or a serial connection specification. The communication control circuit 55 has a function of performing communication control according to each standard and being able to connect to the network through a telephone line, thereby connecting the medical image processing apparatus 50 to the network.

  The two-dimensional memory 56 has the same configuration as the two-dimensional memory 23 shown in FIG. The two-dimensional memory 56 stores each two-dimensional image data attached with position information transmitted via the communication control circuit 55.

  The three-dimensional memory 57 has a configuration equivalent to that of the three-dimensional memory 28 shown in FIG. The volume data generated by the control circuit 51 is stored.

  Subsequently, functions of the medical image processing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the medical image processing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment.

  When the control circuit 51 executes the program, the medical image processing apparatus 50 functions as a processing function 61, a volume generation function 62, and a three-dimensional image generation function 63. The case where the functions 61 to 63 function as software will be described as an example. However, some or all of the functions 61 to 63 are provided in the medical image processing apparatus 50 as hardware. May be.

  The processing function 61 has a function equivalent to the function performed by the processing circuit 26 shown in FIG.

  The volume generation function 62 has a function equivalent to the function performed by the volume generation circuit 27 shown in FIG.

  The three-dimensional image generation function 65 has a function equivalent to the function performed by the three-dimensional image generation circuit 29 shown in FIG.

  According to the medical image processing apparatus 50, the 2D image data set arranged in the 3D memory 57 according to a plurality of pieces of position information is processed so as to be substantially contained in the memory space of the 3D memory 57. The diagnostic ability by the three-dimensional image displayed based on can be improved. Furthermore, according to the medical image processing apparatus 50, the spatial resolution is taken into consideration by adjusting the orientation of the two-dimensional image data set and then reducing the adjusted two-dimensional image data set. The diagnostic ability by the three-dimensional image displayed based on can be further improved.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the medical image processing apparatus of at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to improve the diagnostic ability by a three-dimensional image displayed based on a plurality of two-dimensional image data.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 21 ... Transmission / reception circuit 22 ... Two-dimensional image generation circuit 23 ... Two-dimensional memory 24 ... Position information collection circuit 25 ... Position information correlation circuit 26 ... Processing circuit 27 ... Volume generation circuit 28 ... Three-dimensional memory 29 ... 3D image generation circuit 33 ... Display 50 ... Medical image processing device 51 ... Control circuit 54 ... Display 56 ... 2D memory 57 ... 3D memory 61 ... Processing function 62 ... Volume generation function 63 ... 3D image generation function

Claims (15)

Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the ultrasonic probe and receiving a signal based on the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe;
Generating means for generating a plurality of two-dimensional image data in time series based on the signal;
Collecting means for collecting a plurality of position information in three dimensions of the ultrasonic probe;
Memory,
Processing means for performing processing such that the plurality of two-dimensional image data arranged in the memory according to the plurality of position information substantially fits in a memory space of the memory;
Volume generation means for generating volume data in the memory space based on the processed two-dimensional image data;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The processing means calculates an enlargement ratio or a reduction ratio of the plurality of two-dimensional image data so that the plurality of two-dimensional image data fits in the memory space, and the plurality of two-dimensional image data are calculated based on the enlargement ratio or the reduction ratio. Performs enlargement or reduction processing of 2D image data.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The processing means calculates a direction of the plurality of two-dimensional image data so that the plurality of two-dimensional image data almost fits in the memory space, and performs a direction changing process of the plurality of two-dimensional image data according to the direction. Do,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The processing means includes
Calculating a direction of the plurality of two-dimensional image data, and performing a direction changing process of the plurality of two-dimensional image data according to the direction;
An enlargement ratio or a reduction ratio is calculated such that the plurality of two-dimensional image data after the orientation changing process fits in the memory space, and the plurality of two-dimensional images after the orientation changing process are performed at the enlargement ratio or the reduction ratio. Perform data enlargement or reduction processing,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The processing means calculates the direction of the plurality of two-dimensional image data by matching the direction of one two-dimensional image data of the plurality of two-dimensional image data with the direction of the memory space.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. The processing means sets the two-dimensional image data relating to a central frame selected from the plurality of two-dimensional image data as the one two-dimensional image data.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5. The processing unit calculates an orientation of the plurality of two-dimensional image data by matching an average direction of the plurality of two-dimensional image data selected from the plurality of two-dimensional image data with the direction of the memory space. To
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. The processing means includes
Determining a plurality of orientations for the plurality of two-dimensional image data separated from each other based on the plurality of two-dimensional image data separated from each other among the plurality of two-dimensional image data;
Calculating a plurality of enlargement ratios when the orientation changing process of the plurality of two-dimensional image data is performed according to the plurality of orientations;
Adopting the maximum value among the plurality of enlargement factors as the enlargement factor, performing the direction changing process of the plurality of two-dimensional image data according to the orientation corresponding to the maximum value, and at the enlargement factor corresponding to the maximum value Performing enlargement processing of the plurality of two-dimensional image data;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The processing means includes
Determining a plurality of orientations for the plurality of two-dimensional image data separated from each other based on the plurality of two-dimensional image data separated from each other among the plurality of two-dimensional image data;
Respectively, calculating a plurality of reduction ratios when the orientation changing process of the plurality of two-dimensional image data is performed according to the plurality of orientations;
The minimum value among the plurality of reduction ratios is adopted as the reduction ratio, and the direction change processing of the plurality of two-dimensional image data is performed according to the direction corresponding to the minimum value, and the reduction ratio corresponding to the minimum value is used. Reducing the plurality of two-dimensional image data;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. 3D image generation means for generating 3D image data based on the volume data and displaying the 3D image data as a 3D image on a display unit;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9. The three-dimensional image generation means displays the generated three-dimensional image on the display unit while collecting the plurality of two-dimensional image data.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10. The collecting means collects the plurality of position information from a sensor attached to the ultrasonic probe;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The processing means performs processing such that all of the plurality of two-dimensional image data arranged in the memory according to the plurality of position information fits in the memory space.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The processing means selects a predetermined plurality of two-dimensional image data from the plurality of two-dimensional image data, and all of the predetermined plurality of two-dimensional image data arranged in the memory according to the plurality of position information Perform processing that fits in the memory space,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. A medical image processing apparatus for processing each two-dimensional image data associated with position information based on transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves,
Memory,
Processing means for performing processing such that the plurality of two-dimensional image data arranged in the memory according to the plurality of position information substantially fits in a memory space of the memory;
Volume generation means for generating volume data in the memory space based on the processed two-dimensional image data;
A medical image processing apparatus.

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