JP2018051346A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which displays guide information of an ultrasonic probe and changes display contents when a probe position reaches a desired position.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes: a position detection part 15 detecting a probe position of an ultrasonic probe 11; an ultrasonic image generation part 22 generating an ultrasonic image; a storage part 29 storing volume data and a designation position designated by an operator in association with each other; a slice image generation part 27 generating a scanning slice image corresponding to the designation position based on the volume data and the designation position; a display part 19 displaying at least one of first display displaying the scanning slice image and the ultrasonic image and second display displaying display contents different from display contents in the first display; and a control part 33 controlling switching from the first display to the second display in response to movement of the probe position detected by the position detection part 15 into a range corresponding to the designation position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an output from a position sensor such as a magnetic sensor, an X-ray computed tomography (hereinafter referred to as CT) apparatus, and a magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter referred to as MRI). Using the three-dimensional image data collected by the modality of the apparatus or the like, it has a function of displaying a tomographic image corresponding to a scanning section by ultrasonic waves together with a B-mode image (hereinafter referred to as dual display). FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of dual display. By dual display, for example, differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors by ultrasonically guided puncture, dynamic tumor observation using a contrast agent, and the like are efficiently and accurately executed. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a dual display function designates a specific position through an operation by an operator using position information from a position sensor. Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a guide function for executing a guide from the cross section during scanning to the specific position in accordance with the distance between the cross section during scanning and the specific position and the direction perpendicular to the scan cross section.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a guide function can be guided to a position related to a scanning section including a specific position. However, there are an infinite number of scanning sections having specific positions. Therefore, the operator needs to confirm in advance candidates for a plurality of scanning sections related to, for example, puncture treatment among the plurality of scanning sections having a specific position. A plurality of scanning cross-section candidates are, for example, a cross-section capable of grasping the travel position of a lumen such as a blood vessel or a bile duct located around the treatment target region, It is a cross section which can grasp | ascertain the position of the area | region of the other structure | tissue adjacent to an area | region. In addition, the operator is required to have a high technique for reproducing the same scanning section again among the plurality of confirmed scanning sections.

  In addition, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a dual display function has an image processing function such as surface rendering using three-dimensional image data relating to a number of modalities, and position information as support for recognizing the position of an ultrasonic scanning section in a three-dimensional space. In real time to display a three-dimensional body mark indicating the current scanning section. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional three-dimensional body mark.

  The three-dimensional body mark can indicate to the operator the relative position of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the subject. However, there is a problem that the position where the ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with the subject cannot be efficiently guided to the position of the ultrasonic probe related to the scanning section desired by the operator only by displaying the three-dimensional body mark. That is, to display again the cross section desired by the operator depends on the memory of the operator and the skill of the operator. For this reason, the reproducibility of the cross section desired by the operator has a problem that takes time.

  The conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can display a B-mode image that is substantially the same as a B-mode image stored in the past by ultrasonic scanning. However, when displaying the substantially identical B-mode image (hereinafter, referred to as substantially identical image display), in order to display a plurality of cross-sectional images according to other modalities with respect to the displayed B-mode image including the specific position. The input operation for displaying a plurality of screens by other modalities must be performed while maintaining the probe position. For this reason, in addition to the cumbersome operation, a case where the display cross section is displaced occurs. Further, according to the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when substantially the same image display is executed, when generating another B-mode image including a specific position, such as a vertical section, or various software relating to ultrasonic diagnosis When an image is activated or when an annotation related to a cross-sectional image is displayed on the displayed B-mode image, an input operation such as an additional operation or a change in scanning conditions is required, and the probe position is changed as described above. There is a case where a desired cross section cannot be displayed while being held. That is, there is a problem that the operator is troublesome to perform the input operation while maintaining the cross section.

  From these things, according to the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when substantially the same image display is executed, the operator must perform the input operation by the input device again as necessary, There is a problem that the diagnostic efficiency decreases.

Japanese Patent No. 3793126

  The purpose is to display guide information for quickly moving the ultrasonic probe to a position corresponding to the ultrasonic image desired by the operator, and to change the scanning mode when the position of the ultrasonic probe reaches the above position. Is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of realizing the above. For example, an object is to efficiently guide an ultrasonic probe to an optimal treatment section after scanning (surveying) a subject immediately before treatment on the subject. It is another object of the present invention to continuously perform an action desired by an operator without losing the guided scanning section.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives a reflected wave from the subject, and a position detection unit that detects a probe position related to the ultrasonic probe. An ultrasonic image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the received reflected wave, an input unit that specifies a cross section of the subject, a position corresponding to the specified cross section, and volume data are associated with each other A storage unit for storing, a cross-sectional image generation unit for generating a thumbnail image corresponding to the specified cross-section based on the volume data or the ultrasonic image, and a display unit for displaying the thumbnail image. The input unit designates the thumbnail image, is displayed on the display unit, and is displayed on the designated section related to the thumbnail image designated by the input unit. Based on the corresponding position and the probe position detected by the position detection unit, probe guide information for guiding the ultrasonic probe from the probe position to a position corresponding to the designated cross section is generated. A guide information generating unit is further provided, and the display unit displays the probe guide information.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an outline related to generation of probe guide information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of display of probe guide information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen that displays an ultrasonic image and a corresponding cross-sectional image together with a three-dimensional body mark image according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when an ultrasonic image is bookmarked according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when the third ultrasonic image is bookmarked according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a thumbnail image is designated according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which probe guide information is superimposed on an ultrasound image in the first display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which probe guide information and a display frame of a scanning cross-sectional image are superimposed on an ultrasound image in the first display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing related to the probe guide information display function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 relates to the first modification of the first embodiment, and the display content is switched from the first display to the second display when the probe position moves to a predetermined range corresponding to the designated position. It is a figure which shows an example of a display screen. FIG. 12 relates to a first modification of the first embodiment, and the display content is changed from the first display to the display of the coincidence superimposed image when the probe position moves to a predetermined range corresponding to the designated position. It is a figure which shows an example of the switched display screen. FIG. 13 relates to a first modification of the first embodiment, and changes the display content from the first display to the display of the annotation superimposed image when the probe position moves to a predetermined range corresponding to the designated position. It is a figure which shows an example of the switched display screen. FIG. 14 relates to a first modification of the first embodiment, and the display content of the display screen is changed from the first display to the second display when the probe position moves to a predetermined range corresponding to the designated position. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart of the procedure switched to. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for changing the scanning mode when the probe position has moved to a predetermined range corresponding to the designated position, according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of an insertion path of a puncture needle on an ultrasound image when the probe position is moved to a predetermined range corresponding to the specified position according to the second embodiment. . FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a marker related to a predetermined measurement is displayed on an ultrasonic image when the probe position has moved to a predetermined range corresponding to the specified position according to the second embodiment. . FIG. 19 relates to the second embodiment, and an example of a display in which a predetermined tissue region in an ultrasonic image in the second display is extracted when the probe position moves to a predetermined range corresponding to the designated position. FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image display processing procedure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram relating to the display of two cross-sectional images with different modalities according to the related art. FIG. 22 is a diagram related to a conventional three-dimensional body mark.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is connected to an ultrasonic probe 11, a position sensor 13, a position detector 15, an apparatus main body 17, and an apparatus main body 17, and receives various instructions / commands / information from an operator. An input unit 18 and a display unit 19 for taking in the main body 17 are provided. In addition, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, a biological signal measurement unit and a network (not shown) represented by an electrocardiograph, a heart sound meter, a pulse wave meter, and a respiration sensor are referred to as an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F). ) 31 may be connected.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, a matching layer, and a backing material provided on the back side of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are acoustic / electric reversible conversion elements such as piezoelectric ceramics. The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in parallel and are provided at the tip of the ultrasonic probe 11. Hereinafter, description will be made assuming that one piezoelectric vibrator constitutes one channel. The piezoelectric vibrator generates an ultrasonic wave in response to a drive signal supplied from the scanning unit 20 described later. When an ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the subject P via the ultrasonic probe 11, the transmitted ultrasonic wave (hereinafter referred to as a transmitted ultrasonic wave) is reflected by a discontinuous surface of acoustic impedance in the living tissue in the subject. Is done. The piezoelectric vibrator receives the reflected ultrasonic wave (reflected wave) and generates an echo signal. The amplitude of the echo signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance with the discontinuous surface regarding the reflection of the ultrasonic wave as a boundary. The frequency of the echo signal when the transmitted ultrasonic wave is reflected by the moving blood flow and the surface of the heart wall, etc. is transmitted by the Doppler effect. It shifts depending on the velocity component of the direction.

  Hereinafter, the ultrasonic probe 11 will be described as a probe that performs two-dimensional scanning with a one-dimensional array. The ultrasonic probe 11 may be a mechanical four-dimensional probe that performs three-dimensional scanning by swinging a one-dimensional array in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of a plurality of transducers. Further, the ultrasonic probe 11 is not limited to a mechanical four-dimensional probe, and may be a two-dimensional array probe.

  The matching layer is provided on the ultrasonic radiation surface side of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in order to efficiently transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from the subject P. The backing material prevents the propagation of ultrasonic waves to the back of the piezoelectric vibrator.

  The position sensor 13 acquires position information of the ultrasonic probe 11 with a predetermined reference position as a reference. The position information includes coordinate information indicating the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 with respect to a predetermined reference position and angle information regarding the angle of the ultrasonic probe 11. The angle information is, for example, the inclination of the ultrasonic probe 11 with respect to a predetermined reference axis. The predetermined reference position is, for example, the position of the apparatus main body 17 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The reference position may be provided outside the apparatus main body 17. The predetermined reference axis is, for example, by two of three orthogonal axes set in advance and a straight line (hereinafter referred to as a probe axis) connecting the opening center of the ultrasonic probe 11 and the center of gravity of the ultrasonic probe 11. It is prescribed. The two axes are an x axis and ay axis among preset three orthogonal axes (x axis, y axis, z axis). The position sensor 13 is provided in the ultrasonic probe 11, for example. The position sensor 13 outputs the acquired position information to the position detection unit 15 described later.

  The position sensor 13 is, for example, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, an angle sensor (for example, a gyro sensor) or the like. For example, the magnetic sensor acquires coordinate information based on a predetermined reference position using magnetism transmitted from a magnetic transmitter (not shown) in the position detector 15. The infrared sensor acquires coordinate information with a predetermined reference position as a reference, using infrared rays transmitted from an infrared transmitter (not shown) in the position detector 15. A general electromagnetic wave may be used instead of infrared rays. When the position sensor 13 is a magnetic sensor, the reference position may be the position of the magnetic transmitter. When the position sensor 13 is an infrared sensor, the reference position may be the position of an infrared transmitter. Further, the reference position can be adjusted as appropriate according to an instruction from the operator via the input unit 18 described later. Note that the predetermined reference position may be a position that first contacts the body surface of the subject.

  The angle sensor acquires angle information of the ultrasonic probe 11 around a predetermined reference axis. The detected angle is based on the positions of two points output from two magnetic sensors, two infrared sensors, or a combination of a magnetic sensor and an infrared sensor provided on the side surface of the ultrasonic probe 11. May be acquired.

  The position detector 15 uses the position information output from the position sensor 13 to detect a three-dimensional coordinate indicating the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 with respect to a predetermined reference position and an angle around the predetermined reference axis. Hereinafter, the detected three-dimensional coordinates and angle are collectively referred to as a probe position. Specifically, the position detection unit 15 determines a three-dimensional coordinate indicating the position of the ultrasonic probe 11 and an angle around the reference axis on an absolute coordinate system based on a predetermined reference position. The position detection unit 15 outputs the probe position to a CPU 33 and a guide information generation unit 25 described later.

  The apparatus body 17 includes a scanning unit 20, an ultrasonic image generation unit 22, a guide information generation unit 25, a cross-sectional image generation unit 27, a storage unit 29, an I / F 31, a control processor (Central Processing Unit: hereinafter CPU). (Referred to as a “control unit”) 33.

  The scanning unit 20 generates a drive signal that drives each of the plurality of transducers in the ultrasonic probe 11. The scanning unit 20 supplies a drive signal to each of the plurality of vibrators. The scanning unit 20 generates a reception signal based on the reception echo signal generated by each of the plurality of transducers. Specifically, the scanning unit 20 includes an ultrasonic transmission unit 210 and an ultrasonic reception unit 220. The ultrasonic transmission unit 210 includes a trigger generation circuit 21A, a transmission delay circuit 21B, and a pulsar circuit 21C. The ultrasonic reception unit 220 includes a preamplifier circuit 22A, a reception delay circuit 22B, and an adder 22C.

  The trigger generation circuit 21A repeatedly generates a rate pulse for forming a transmission ultrasonic wave at a predetermined rate frequency frHz (cycle: 1 / fr second). The trigger generation circuit 21A repeatedly generates rate pulses at a predetermined rate frequency. This rate pulse is distributed to the channels and sent to the transmission delay circuit 21B.

  The transmission delay circuit 21B, for each of a plurality of channels, sets a delay time (hereinafter referred to as a transmission delay time) necessary for converging transmission ultrasonic waves in a beam shape and determining transmission directivity to each rate pulse. give. The transmission direction or transmission delay time of transmission ultrasonic waves (hereinafter referred to as a transmission delay pattern) is stored in the storage unit 29 described later. The transmission delay pattern stored in the storage unit 29 is referred to by the CPU 33 when transmitting an ultrasonic wave. The rate pulse to which the delay time is given is sent to the pulser circuit 21C described later.

  The pulser circuit 21C applies a voltage pulse (drive signal) to each of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators of the ultrasonic probe 11 at a timing based on this rate pulse. Thereby, an ultrasonic beam is transmitted to the subject.

  The echo signal reflected by the biological tissue of the subject is captured for each channel as a reception echo signal via the ultrasonic probe 11. The preamplifier circuit 22A amplifies the reception echo signal from the subject taken in via the ultrasonic probe 11 for each channel. An analog-digital converter (not shown) converts the amplified received echo signal into a digital signal.

  The reception delay circuit 22B gives a delay time (hereinafter referred to as reception delay time) necessary for determining reception directivity to the reception echo signal converted into the digital signal. The reception direction or reception delay time of the echo signal (hereinafter referred to as a reception delay pattern) is stored in the storage unit 29. The reception delay pattern stored in the storage unit 29 is referred to by the CPU 33.

  The adder 22C adds a plurality of echo signals given delay times. By this addition, the ultrasonic reception unit 220 generates a reception signal (also referred to as an RF (radiofrequency) signal) in which a reflection component from a direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized. The overall directivity of ultrasonic transmission / reception is determined by the transmission directivity and the reception directivity. This total directivity determines the ultrasonic beam (so-called “ultrasonic scanning line”).

  The ultrasonic reception unit 220 outputs a reception signal for each depth in each scanning line in the scanned region to the B-mode data generation unit 21 or the Doppler data generation unit 23 described later. Note that the ultrasonic receiving unit 220 may have a parallel receiving function of simultaneously receiving echo signals generated on a plurality of scanning lines by one ultrasonic transmission.

  The ultrasonic image generation unit 22 includes a B-mode data generation unit 21, a Doppler data generation unit 23, a digital scan converter (Digital Scan Converter: hereinafter referred to as DSC), an image memory, and an image synthesis device. Have.

  The B-mode data generation unit 21 includes an envelope detector, a logarithmic converter, and the like not shown. The envelope detector performs envelope detection on the reception signal output from the scanning unit 20. The envelope detector outputs the envelope-detected signal to a logarithmic converter described later. The logarithmic converter relatively emphasizes a weak signal by logarithmically converting the envelope-detected signal. The B mode data generation unit 21 generates a signal value (B mode data) for each depth in each scanning line based on the signal emphasized by the logarithmic converter.

  The B-mode data generation unit 21 includes an envelope detector, a logarithmic converter, and the like not shown. The envelope detector performs envelope detection on the reception signal output from the scanning unit 20. The envelope detector outputs the envelope-detected signal to a logarithmic converter. The logarithmic converter relatively emphasizes a weak signal by logarithmically converting the envelope-detected signal. The B mode data generation unit 21 generates a signal value (B mode data) for each depth in each scanning line and each ultrasonic wave transmission / reception based on the signal emphasized by the logarithmic converter.

  In addition, when the ultrasonic probe 11 is a mechanical four-dimensional probe or a two-dimensional array probe, the B-mode data generation unit 21 performs an azimuth (Azimuth) direction, an elevation (Elevation) direction, and a depth in a scanned region. Three-dimensional B-mode data composed of a plurality of signal values arranged in association with each direction (hereinafter referred to as a range direction) may be generated. The range direction is the depth direction on the scanning line. The azimuth direction is, for example, an electronic scanning direction along the arrangement direction of the one-dimensional ultrasonic transducers. The elevation direction is the mechanical oscillation direction of the one-dimensional ultrasonic transducer. The three-dimensional B-mode data may be data in which a plurality of pixel values or a plurality of luminance values are arranged in association with the azimuth direction, the elevation direction, and the range direction along the scanning line. .

  The three-dimensional B-mode data may be data relating to ROI set in advance in the scanned region. Further, the B mode data generation unit 21 may generate ultrasonic volume data instead of the three-dimensional B mode data. Hereinafter, the data generated by the B-mode data generation unit 21 are collectively referred to as B-mode data.

  The B mode data generation unit 21 uses the probe position detected by the position detection unit 15 to associate the B mode data with the absolute coordinate system. The B-mode data generation unit 21 may associate the probe position with the three-dimensional B-mode data.

The Doppler data generation unit 23 includes a mixer, a low-pass filter (hereinafter referred to as LPF), a speed / dispersion / Power arithmetic device, etc., not shown. The mixer multiplies the reception signal output from the scanning unit 20 by a reference signal having the same frequency f ₀ as the transmission frequency. By this multiplication, a signal having a component of Doppler shift frequency f _d and a signal having a frequency component of (2f ₀ + f _d ) are obtained. The LPF removes a signal having a high frequency component (2f ₀ + f _d ) from signals having two types of frequency components from the mixer. The Doppler data generation unit 23 generates a Doppler signal having a Doppler shift frequency f _d component by removing a signal having a high frequency component (2f ₀ + f _d ).

  The Doppler data generation unit 23 may use a quadrature detection method in order to generate a Doppler signal. At this time, the received signal (RF signal) is quadrature detected and converted to an IQ signal. The Doppler data generation unit 23 generates a Doppler signal having a component of the Doppler shift frequency fd by performing a complex Fourier transform on the IQ signal. The Doppler signal is, for example, a Doppler component due to blood flow, tissue, or contrast medium.

  The speed / dispersion / Power calculation device includes an MTI (Moving Target Indicator) filter, an LPF filter, an autocorrelation calculator, and the like (not shown). A cross-correlation calculator may be provided instead of the autocorrelation calculator. The MTI filter removes Doppler components (clutter components) caused by respiratory movement or pulsatile movement of the organ from the generated Doppler signal. The MTI filter is used to extract a Doppler component related to blood flow (hereinafter referred to as a blood flow Doppler component) from the Doppler signal. The LPF is used to extract a Doppler component related to tissue movement (hereinafter referred to as a tissue Doppler component) from the Doppler signal.

  The autocorrelation calculator calculates autocorrelation values for the blood flow Doppler component and the tissue Doppler component. Based on the calculated autocorrelation value, the autocorrelation calculator calculates an average velocity value, a dispersion value, a Doppler signal reflection intensity (power), and the like of the blood flow and the tissue. The velocity / dispersion / power calculation device generates color Doppler data at each position in a predetermined region based on blood flow and tissue average velocity values based on a plurality of Doppler signals, dispersion values, reflection intensity of Doppler signals, and the like. Hereinafter, Doppler signals and color Doppler data are collectively referred to as Doppler data. The Doppler data may be three-dimensional data (hereinafter referred to as three-dimensional Doppler data). Hereinafter, the three-dimensional Doppler data and the three-dimensional B-mode data are collectively referred to as three-dimensional ultrasonic data.

  The ultrasonic image generator 22 generates a B-mode image based on the B-mode data generated by the B-mode data generator 21. The ultrasonic image generation unit 22 generates a Doppler image based on the Doppler data generated by the Doppler data generation unit 23. Hereinafter, the B-mode image and the Doppler image are collectively referred to as an ultrasonic image. That is, the ultrasonic image generation unit 22 generates an ultrasonic image based on the data output from the scanning unit 20.

  Specifically, the ultrasound image generation unit 22 performs coordinate conversion processing (resampling) on the DSC. The coordinate conversion process is, for example, a process of converting an ultrasonic scan scanning line signal sequence including B-mode data and Doppler data into a scanning line signal sequence of a general video format represented by a television or the like. The ultrasonic image generation unit 22 generates an ultrasonic image as a display image by coordinate conversion processing. Specifically, the ultrasonic image generator 22 generates a B-mode image based on the B-mode data. The ultrasonic image generation unit 22 generates a Doppler image such as an average velocity image, a dispersion image, or a power image based on the Doppler data.

  The image memory stores data (hereinafter referred to as image data) corresponding to the generated ultrasonic image (B-mode image, average velocity image, dispersion image, power image). The image data stored in the image memory is read out according to an operator instruction via the input unit 18. The image memory is, for example, a memory that stores ultrasonic images corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before freezing. It is also possible to display the ultrasonic moving image on the display unit 19 by continuously displaying the images stored in the cine memory (cine display).

  The image synthesizing device synthesizes character information, scales, and the like of various parameters with an ultrasonic image and a scanning cross-sectional image described later. The image composition device outputs the synthesized image to the display unit 19.

  The guide information generating unit 25 generates probe guide information based on the probe position and a designated position described later. The probe guide information is information displayed on the display unit 19 as a guide when the operator moves the ultrasonic probe 11 to a specified position, for example. The guide information generating unit 25 updates the probe guide information with the movement of the probe position. For example, the guide information generating unit 25 stores a program for generating probe guide information (hereinafter referred to as a guide information generating program) in a memory (not shown). At this time, when a later-described thumbnail image displayed on the display unit 19 is designated through an operation on the input unit 18 (hereinafter referred to as a thumbnail designation operation), the guide information generation unit 25 Expands to its own memory. Next, the guide information generation unit 25 generates probe guide information by operating the guide information generation program with the probe position and the designated position as inputs.

  The guide information generation unit 25 is a probe based on the position corresponding to the specified cross section related to the thumbnail image specified by the input unit 18 and displayed on the display unit 19 and the probe position detected by the position detection unit 15. Generate guide information. The position corresponding to the designated cross section is, for example, a position that defines the cross section in the absolute coordinate system and a probe position related to acquisition of an ultrasonic image corresponding to the cross section.

  The guide information generation unit 25 may store a correspondence table of probe guide information with respect to probe positions and designated positions in a memory (not shown). At this time, when a thumbnail designation operation is executed, the guide information generation unit 25 may generate probe guide information based on the probe position, the specified position, and the correspondence table.

  Specifically, when a thumbnail image displayed on the display unit 19 is designated through an operation in the input unit 18 (hereinafter referred to as a thumbnail designation operation), the guide information generation unit 25 sets the designated thumbnail image. The probe position (designated position) related to the corresponding ultrasonic image (at the time of acquisition) is read from the storage unit 29. The guide information generation unit 25 reads the probe position related to the ultrasonic probe 11 being scanned from the position detection unit 15 in response to the thumbnail designation operation.

  Based on the designated position read from the storage unit 29 and the probe position read from the position detection unit 15, the guide information generating unit 25 uses the reference position as a reference to determine the distance between the designated position and the probe position (hereinafter referred to as guide). Called the distance). The guide information generation unit 25 determines a direction from the probe position to the specified position (hereinafter referred to as a guide direction) based on the designated position read from the storage unit 29 and the probe position read from the position detection unit 15. Specifically, the guide information generating unit 25 calculates the guide distance and the guide direction using the three-dimensional coordinates at the designated position with respect to the reference position and the three-dimensional coordinates at the probe position.

  The guide information generation unit 25 determines the rotation angle of the ultrasonic probe 11 based on the designated position read from the storage unit 29 and the probe position read from the position detection unit 15. Specifically, the guide information generating unit 25 determines the rotation angle of the ultrasonic probe 11 (hereinafter referred to as the guide rotation angle) based on the angle around the reference axis at the designated position and the angle around the reference axis at the probe position. Called). Specifically, the guide information generation unit 25 calculates the absolute value of the angle difference between the angle at the designated position and the angle at the probe position as the guide rotation angle for each of the plurality of reference axes. The probe guide information is a guide distance, a guide direction, and a guide rotation angle.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overview regarding generation of probe guide information. As shown in FIG. 2, the probe position is, for example, the coordinates (x0, y0, z0) of the opening center with respect to the reference position and the angle (φ0, θ0, ω0) in the reference axis (x axis, y axis, probe axis). And have. On the other hand, the designated position has, for example, coordinates (x0, y0, z0) of the opening center with respect to the reference position and angles (φ0, θ0, ω0) on the reference axis (x axis, y axis, probe axis).

  In FIG. 2, for example, the guide distance is calculated by ((x1-x0) ^ 2 + (y1-y0) ^ 2 + (z1-z0) ^ 2) ^ (1/2). As shown in FIG. 2, the guide direction is determined by calculating a direction vector from the probe position to the designated position, for example. In FIG. 2, the guide rotation angle around the Z-axis among the guide rotation angles is determined by calculating | φ1−φ0 |. In FIG. 2, the guide rotation angle around the x axis among the guide rotation angles is determined by calculating | θ1−θ0 |. In FIG. 2, the guide rotation angle around the probe axis among the guide rotation angles is determined by calculating | ω1−ω0 |.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of display of probe guide information. As shown in FIG. 3, the probe guide information is displayed on the display unit 19 together with a schematic diagram (probe mark) regarding the ultrasonic probe 11. The calculation formula of the probe guide information shown in FIG. 3 is stored in a memory (not shown) of the guide information generating unit 25 as, for example, a guide information generating program or a correspondence table.

  The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 performs an operation (hereinafter referred to as a dual display operation) for displaying a cross-sectional image corresponding to an ultrasonic image (hereinafter referred to as a corresponding cross-sectional image) and an ultrasonic image in parallel via the input unit 18. When input, a corresponding cross-sectional image is generated based on the volume data stored in the storage unit 29 and the probe position. The corresponding cross-sectional image includes a scanned region related to the ultrasonic image. After the input of the dual display operation, the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 generates a corresponding cross-sectional image corresponding to the ultrasonic image updated according to the movement of the ultrasonic probe 11. That is, the cross-sectional position of the corresponding cross-sectional image and the ultrasonic image substantially coincide.

  The cross-sectional image generator 27 generates a three-dimensional body mark image indicating the probe mark and the scanned region based on the probe position. The scanned region is superimposed on the body mark in a translucent or opaque state. Note that the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 may generate a three-dimensional body mark image based on the volume data and the probe position, for example, by surface rendering processing or volume rendering processing. The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 outputs data related to the ultrasonic image, the corresponding cross-sectional image, and the three-dimensional body mark image to the display unit 19.

  When a bookmark instruction (hereinafter referred to as a bookmark instruction) is input via the input unit 18, the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 performs a bookmark image based on an ultrasound image (hereinafter referred to as a bookmark image) relating to the bookmark instruction. A thumbnail image of the corresponding cross-sectional image corresponding to is generated. The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 outputs the generated thumbnail image to the display unit 19. The input unit 18 may input a cross section designated by the operator in the volume data. At this time, the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the input cross-section. For example, the thumbnail image is a thumbnail image of the corresponding cross-sectional image, for example, an image obtained by reducing the corresponding cross-sectional image. The thumbnail image may be an image obtained by resizing the corresponding cross-sectional image to the size of the thumbnail and correcting the resolution to the same level as the corresponding cross-sectional image.

  When the thumbnail specifying operation is executed, the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 superimposes the probe guide information generated by the guide information generation unit 25 on the three-dimensional body mark image (hereinafter referred to as a 3DBM superimposed image). Occur. The scanned area related to the designated position in the 3DBM superimposed image may be superimposed on the three-dimensional body mark in a translucent or opaque state. The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 outputs the 3DBM superimposed image to the display unit 19. Note that the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 updates the 3DBM superimposed image in accordance with the movement of the probe position.

  The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 generates a thumbnail image related to the position corresponding to the cross-section designated via the input unit 18 based on the volume data or the ultrasonic image. Specifically, the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 uses a position that defines a specified cross-section based on volume data or an ultrasonic image, or a probe position at the time of acquisition of an ultrasonic image including the specified cross-section. Then, a thumbnail image relating to the position corresponding to the designated cross section is generated. The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 outputs the generated thumbnail image to the display unit 19.

  The storage unit 29 includes a plurality of reception delay patterns having different focus depths, a plurality of transmission delay patterns, various data groups such as a device control program, diagnostic protocol, and transmission / reception conditions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, diagnostic information (patient ID, doctor Observation), received signal generated by the scanning unit 20, B-mode data generated by the B-mode data generating unit 21, Doppler data generated by the Doppler data generating unit 23, ultrasound image (B-mode image, average) Speed image, dispersion image, power image) and the like are stored.

  The storage unit 29 stores volume data of the subject acquired in the past by other modalities. For example, the volume data is obtained from another modality (for example, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, etc.) capable of generating volume data or a medical image storage apparatus (not shown) via the I / F 31 and the network. The data is transferred to the storage unit 29 of the apparatus main body 17. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the volume data is data generated by an X-ray computed tomography apparatus. When a dual display operation is input via the input unit 18, the storage unit 29 outputs volume data to the cross-sectional image generation unit 27. Note that the volume data may be data generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  When a bookmark instruction is input via the input unit 18, the storage unit 29 stores the corresponding cross-sectional image and the ultrasonic image (bookmark image) displayed on the monitor in association with the probe position. The probe position related to the ultrasonic image to which the bookmark instruction is input corresponds to the above-described designated position. The corresponding cross-sectional image to be stored includes a scanned region related to the designated position. Hereinafter, the corresponding cross-sectional image stored by the bookmark instruction is referred to as a scanning cross-sectional image. That is, the thumbnail image is a thumbnail of the scanning slice image. Note that the storage unit 29 may store the volume data and the position corresponding to the cross section designated via the input unit 18 in association with each other.

  The storage unit 29 stores a three-dimensional body mark, a probe mark, a marker indicating a scanned region, and the like. When the thumbnail designation operation is executed, the storage unit 29 outputs a three-dimensional body mark, a probe mark, a marker indicating the scanned region, and the like to the cross-sectional image generation unit 27. The storage unit 29 may store a guide information generation program. At this time, the storage unit 29 outputs a guide information generation program to the guide information generation unit 25 in response to an input of a thumbnail designation operation. In addition, the storage unit 29 outputs the scanning slice image to the display unit 19 in response to the thumbnail designation operation.

  The storage unit 29 stores a predetermined range. The predetermined range is used by the CPU 33 in order to determine that the designated position and the probe position substantially coincide. The predetermined range is, for example, a range within a predetermined distance from the specified position. Specifically, the predetermined range is a range including the designated position and the guide distance being substantially zero. Further, the predetermined range is, for example, a range where the guide rotation angle is substantially zero. That is, the predetermined range is a range for defining a range where the designated position and the probe position substantially coincide. Note that the storage unit 29 may store a predetermined threshold instead of the predetermined range. At this time, the predetermined threshold is a value at which the guide distance and the guide rotation angle are substantially zero.

  The I / F 31 is an interface related to a network, an external storage device (not shown), and a biological signal measurement unit. Data such as ultrasonic images obtained by the apparatus main body 17 and analysis results can be transferred to other apparatuses via the I / F 31 and the network.

  The CPU 33 determines the transmission delay pattern stored in the storage unit 29 based on the selection for the B mode and the Doppler mode, the frame rate, the scanned depth, the transmission start / end, and the like input by the operator via the input unit 18. The reception delay pattern and the device control program are read out, and the device main body 17 is controlled according to these.

  When a dual display operation is input via the input unit 18, the CPU 33 controls the storage unit 29 and the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 in order to generate a corresponding cross-sectional image. In addition, the CPU 33 controls the display unit 19 to display the ultrasonic image and the corresponding cross-sectional image in parallel.

  When the bookmark instruction is input to the ultrasonic images displayed in parallel via the input unit 18, the CPU 33 stores the bookmark image and the corresponding cross-sectional image in association with the probe position in order to store them. To control. At this time, the CPU 33 controls the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 in order to generate a thumbnail image of the scanning cross-sectional image corresponding to the bookmark image.

  When a thumbnail designation operation is input via the input unit 18, the CPU 33 controls the guide information generation unit 25 and the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 in order to generate a 3DBM superimposed image. Further, the CPU 33 causes the scanning unit image to be output from the storage unit 29 to the display unit 19 in response to the thumbnail specifying operation. In addition, the CPU 33 controls the display unit 19 to display the ultrasonic image and the scanning cross-sectional image generated in real time in parallel with the thumbnail designation operation. The CPU 33 controls the display unit 19 to display the 3DBM superimposed image together with the ultrasonic image and the scanning cross-sectional image generated in real time in response to the thumbnail designation operation. Hereinafter, the display of the scanning cross-sectional image, the ultrasonic image generated in real time, and the 3DBM superimposed image with the thumbnail designation operation as an opportunity is referred to as a first display.

  The CPU 33 reads a predetermined range from the storage unit 29 in response to the thumbnail designation operation. When the probe position is moved in accordance with the movement of the ultrasonic probe 11 within a predetermined range including the designated position (hereinafter referred to as movement matching), the CPU 33 displays a predetermined display for transmitting the movement matching to the operator. The display unit 19 is controlled to display (hereinafter, referred to as movement matching display) on the display screen of the monitor of the display unit 19. The movement matching display is, for example, a character or icon for making the operator recognize movement matching. Note that the CPU 33 may change at least one of the hue, lightness, and saturation of the probe mark in the 3DBM superimposed image to make it easy for the operator to recognize the movement match in response to the movement match. Further, the CPU 33 may output a predetermined voice or the like via an output unit (not shown) triggered by movement matching. The predetermined voice is a voice for causing the operator to recognize the movement match. Note that the CPU 33 may control the display unit 19 in order to cancel the display of the 3DBM superimposed image in the first display in response to the movement match.

  The input unit 18 is connected to the apparatus main body 17 and takes in various instructions, commands, information, selections, and settings from the operator into the apparatus main body 17. The input unit 18 includes input devices such as a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, and a keyboard (not shown). The input device detects the coordinates of the cursor displayed on the display screen, and outputs the detected coordinates to the CPU 33. The input device may be a touch panel provided to cover the display screen. In this case, the input unit 18 detects coordinates instructed by a touch reading principle such as an electromagnetic induction type, an electromagnetic distortion type, and a pressure sensitive type, and outputs the detected coordinates to the CPU 33. Further, when the operator operates the end button or the freeze button of the input unit 18, the transmission / reception of the ultrasonic waves is ended, and the apparatus main body 17 is temporarily stopped.

  The input unit 18 may specify a cross section of the subject according to an instruction from the operator. Specifically, the input unit 18 designates a cross section for volume data or an ultrasonic image. The input unit 18 outputs a position corresponding to the designated cross section to the storage unit 29. The input unit 18 designates a thumbnail image displayed on the display unit 19 according to an instruction from the operator.

  Specifically, the input unit 18 includes a dual display button for executing dual display, a bookmark button for inputting a bookmark instruction, a dial for selecting a plurality of thumbnail images displayed on the display unit 19, a trackball, and a display screen Has a cursor displayed above. Further, the input unit 18 may have a determination button for designating the selected thumbnail image. The bookmark button may be provided as a touch panel that covers the display screen of the display unit 19.

  The input unit 18 moves the cursor displayed on the monitor of the display unit 19 by operating a trackball or a mouse, for example, on one thumbnail image among a plurality of thumbnail images displayed on the display screen of the display unit 19. Move. The input unit 18 specifies a thumbnail image located behind the cursor by pressing the enter button. When the input unit 18 is provided with a dial having a push switch, one thumbnail image is selected from the plurality of thumbnail images by rotating the dial. At this time, when a push switch provided on the dial is pressed, the selected thumbnail image is designated.

  The display unit 19 has a monitor (not shown). The display unit 19 displays various images generated by the ultrasonic image generation unit 22 and the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 on the monitor. The display unit 19 may perform adjustments such as brightness, contrast, dynamic range, and γ correction, and color map assignment for various images. Specifically, when the dual display operation is executed, the display unit 19 displays the corresponding cross-sectional image and the ultrasonic image in parallel, and also displays the three-dimensional body mark image. The display unit 19 may display a thumbnail image related to the position corresponding to the designated cross section. When a thumbnail image is designated via the input unit 18, the display unit 19 displays probe guide information. The display unit 19 may display the probe guide information together with at least one of the thumbnail image and the ultrasonic image.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display screen on which the corresponding cross-sectional image and the ultrasonic image are displayed in parallel and the three-dimensional body mark image is displayed. The display unit 19 may display the corresponding cross-sectional image and the ultrasonic image in parallel, and may display a three-dimensional body mark image and a bookmark button.

  When the bookmark instruction is input, the display unit 19 further displays a thumbnail image of the scanning slice image corresponding to the bookmark image. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display screen in which an ultrasonic image and a corresponding cross-sectional image are displayed in parallel and a three-dimensional body mark image, a bookmark button, and a thumbnail image A are displayed. When a plurality of bookmark instructions are input via the input unit 18, the display unit 19 further displays a plurality of thumbnail images respectively corresponding to the plurality of bookmark instructions. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display screen in which an ultrasonic image and a corresponding cross-sectional image are displayed in parallel, and a three-dimensional body mark image, a bookmark button, and a plurality of thumbnail images (A, B, C) are displayed. is there.

  The display unit 19 replaces the corresponding cross-sectional image with the scanning cross-sectional image corresponding to the designated thumbnail image, and displays it, triggered by the thumbnail designation operation. In addition, the display unit 19 replaces the three-dimensional body mark image with a 3DBM superimposed image. The display unit 19 highlights the display frame of the designated thumbnail image. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of thumbnail images are displayed together with the first display. In the display of FIG. 7, the display unit 19 updates and displays the probe guide information in the 3DBM superimposed image according to the movement of the ultrasonic probe 11. If there is no room for displaying the probe guide information on the display screen, the display unit 19 may hide the probe guide information such as the numerical values of the angle and the distance in FIG.

  The display unit 19 displays a movement coincidence display triggered by movement coincidence. At the same time, the display unit 19 replaces the scanning cross-sectional image with the original corresponding cross-sectional image, and displays the movement cross-section. Note that the display unit 19 may cancel the display of the probe guide information in the displayed 3DBM image in response to the movement match. The display unit 19 may display the thumbnail image together with the ultrasonic image and the guide information.

  Note that the display unit 19 may display the probe guide information superimposed on the ultrasonic image when the thumbnail designation operation is performed. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in which probe guide information is superimposed on an ultrasound image in the first display. In addition, the display unit 19 may display a display frame of the scanning slice image corresponding to the thumbnail image so as to be superimposed on the ultrasonic image in the first display. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in which the probe guide information and the display frame of the scanning slice image are superimposed and displayed on the ultrasonic image in the first display. The shape of the display frame is determined based on the designated position and the probe position by the guide information generating unit 25, for example.

  The display unit 19 can also display a three-dimensional body mark image corresponding to a plurality of angles at the probe position. The display unit 19 can fix the probe position during scanning on the three-dimensional body mark image and display the three-dimensional body mark image by rotating it by a predetermined angle.

(Probe guide information display function)
The probe guide information display function is a function for displaying a 3DBM superimposed image indicating a probe position and a designated position together with a scanning cross-sectional image corresponding to a designated thumbnail image and an ultrasonic image being scanned. Hereinafter, processing related to the probe guide information display function (hereinafter referred to as probe guide information display processing) will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure of probe guide information display processing.
When the dual display operation is executed, a corresponding cross-sectional image is generated based on the probe position relating to the ultrasonic image being scanned and the volume data stored in the storage unit 29 (step Sa1). The generated corresponding cross-sectional image and the ultrasonic image being scanned are displayed in parallel (step Sa2). If no bookmark instruction is input via the input unit 18 (step Sa3), the processes of step Sa1 and step Sa2 are repeated. At this time, the ultrasonic image corresponding to the probe position and the corresponding cross-sectional image are repeatedly displayed on the display screen of the monitor in the display unit 19 according to the movement of the ultrasonic probe 11.

  When a bookmark instruction is input via the input unit 18 (bookmark button is pressed) (step Sa3), the bookmark image and the corresponding cross-sectional image (scanning cross-sectional image) corresponding to the bookmark image are stored together with the probe position (designated position). Stored in the unit 29 (step Sa4). At this time, a thumbnail image of the scanning slice image is generated and displayed on the display screen of the monitor in the display unit 19. Until a thumbnail image is designated via the input unit 18 (input of a thumbnail designation operation), the processing from step Sa1 to step Sa4 is repeated (step Sa5). At this time, a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to a plurality of depressions of the bookmark button are displayed.

  When a thumbnail image is designated via the input unit 18 (input of a thumbnail designation operation), a scanning slice image corresponding to the thumbnail image and a designated position are read from the storage unit 29. The read scanning sectional image is displayed together with the ultrasonic image being scanned (step Sa6). Probe guide information is generated based on the designated position and the probe position corresponding to the ultrasonic image being scanned. A 3DBM superimposed image in which the probe guide information is superimposed on the three-dimensional body mark image is generated and displayed (step Sa8). The ultrasonic probe 11 is moved (step Sa9).

  If there is no probe position within a predetermined range including the designated position (step Sa10), new probe guide information is generated based on the probe position and designated position relating to the moved ultrasonic probe 11 (step Sa11). ). Next, the probe guide information in the 3DBM superimposed image is updated (step Sa12).

  If the probe position is within a predetermined range including the designated position (step Sa10), a movement matching display is displayed (step Sa13). If another thumbnail image is selected after the process of step Sa13, the processes of step Sa6 to step Sa13 are repeated.

(First modification)
The difference from the first embodiment is that when the probe position is moved within a predetermined range including the designated position, a plurality of cross-sectional images related to the designated position are generated based on the designated position and the volume data. The purpose is to display a plurality of cross-sectional images together with the ultrasonic image being scanned. This modification has a plurality of processes following step Sa13 of the probe guide information display process in the first embodiment.

  The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 generates a plurality of cross-sectional images including a cross-section having a position different from the cross-section of the scanning cross-sectional image based on the designated position and the volume data in response to the movement coincidence. Specifically, the cross-sectional image generating unit 27 generates a plurality of MPR images obtained by performing cross-sectional transformation (hereinafter referred to as MPR) on the scanned cross-sectional image as a plurality of cross-sectional images. Further, the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 may generate a coincidence superimposed image obtained by superimposing the ultrasonic image being scanned on the scanning cross-sectional image in response to the movement coincidence. The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 may read an annotation related to the scanning cross-sectional image from the storage unit 29, and generate an annotation superimposed image in which the read annotation is superimposed on the ultrasonic image being scanned.

  The display unit 19 displays a plurality of MPR images together with the ultrasonic image being scanned, triggered by movement matching. Hereinafter, the display of a plurality of MPR images and the ultrasonic image being scanned is referred to as a second display. Note that the second display may further include a Doppler image. In addition, the display part 19 may display a coincidence superimposition image triggered by movement coincidence. Further, the display unit 19 may display the annotation superimposed image in response to the movement match. The display unit 19 may display at least one of the first display and the second display.

  The CPU 33 controls the display unit 19 in order to switch the monitor display on the display unit 19 from the first display to the second display in response to the movement match. Note that the CPU 33 may control the display unit 19 in order to switch the display of the monitor from the first display to the display of the coincidence superimposed image in response to the movement coincidence. Further, the CPU 33 may control the display unit 19 in order to switch the monitor display from the first display to the coincidence superimposed image triggered by the movement coincidence.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in which the display content is switched from the first display to the second display in response to the movement match. As shown in FIG. 11, in the present modification, the display content on the display screen is switched from the first display to the second display, triggered by movement matching.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in which the display content is switched from the first display to the display of the coincidence superimposed image in response to the movement match.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in which the display content is switched from the first display to the display of the annotation superimposed image in response to the movement match.

(Display switching function)
The display switching function is a function that switches the display content of the display screen from the first display to the second display when the probe position enters a predetermined range including the designated position (movement match). Hereinafter, processing related to the display switching function (hereinafter referred to as display switching processing) will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure of display switching processing.
In the first display, with the movement of the ultrasonic probe 11, the probe position is moved within a predetermined range including the designated position (step Sb1). A plurality of cross-sectional images (MPR images) are generated based on the volume data and the designated position (step Sb2). The CPU 33 controls the switching of the display content on the display screen from the first display to the second display (step Sb3). A plurality of generated cross-sectional images (MPR images) are displayed together with the ultrasonic image being scanned (step Sb4).

(Second modification)
The difference from the first embodiment is that, when the probe position is moved within a predetermined range including a designated position or a position corresponding to a designated cross section, the ultrasound scanning mode for the subject is changed. . This modification has a plurality of processes following step Sa13 of the probe guide information display process in the first embodiment.

  In this modification, a mechanical four-dimensional probe or a two-dimensional array probe that performs three-dimensional scanning by swinging a one-dimensional array in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of a plurality of transducers is used as the ultrasonic probe 11. And

  The storage unit 29 stores a plurality of scanning modes. The plurality of scanning modes stores a two-dimensional scanning mode in which the subject is scanned in two dimensions and a three-dimensional scanning mode in which the subject is scanned in three dimensions. Specifically, the storage unit 29 stores a plurality of reception delay patterns, a plurality of transmission delay patterns, and a device control program with different focus depths regarding the two-dimensional scanning mode. The storage unit 29 stores a plurality of reception delay patterns having different focus depths, a plurality of transmission delay patterns, and an apparatus control program regarding the three-dimensional scanning mode.

  The CPU 33 controls the scanning unit 20 in order to change from the two-dimensional scanning mode to the three-dimensional scanning mode in response to the movement coincidence. Specifically, the CPU 33 controls the scanning unit 20 to execute the two-dimensional scanning mode until the probe position is moved within a predetermined range including the designated position. When the probe position is moved within a predetermined range including the designated position or the position corresponding to the designated cross section, the CPU 33 scans the scanning unit 20 to change the scanning mode from the two-dimensional scanning mode to the three-dimensional scanning mode. To control. That is, the CPU 33 controls the scanning unit 20 so as to execute the three-dimensional scanning mode after the probe position is moved into a predetermined range including the designated position.

  The CPU 33 controls the scanning unit 20 to generate three-dimensional ultrasonic data by three-dimensional scanning on the subject. The CPU 33 controls the cross-sectional image generation unit 27 to generate a plurality of ultrasound images respectively corresponding to the plurality of MPR images based on the three-dimensional ultrasound data and the plurality of MPR images based on the movement match. To do. The CPU 33 controls the display unit 19 to display a plurality of MPR images and a plurality of ultrasonic images, triggered by movement matching.

  The scanning unit 20 scans the subject according to the scanning mode set by the CPU 33. Specifically, when the two-dimensional scanning mode is set, the scanning unit 20 performs ultrasonic two-dimensional scanning on the subject. When the three-dimensional scanning mode is set, the scanning unit 20 performs ultrasonic three-dimensional scanning (volume scanning) on the subject. The scanning unit 20 generates three-dimensional ultrasound data by volume scanning on the subject.

  The cross-sectional image generation unit 27 generates a plurality of ultrasonic images respectively corresponding to the plurality of MPR images based on the three-dimensional volume data and the plurality of MPR images triggered by movement matching.

  The display unit 19 displays a plurality of ultrasonic images respectively corresponding to a plurality of MPR images, triggered by movement matching.

(Scanning mode change function)
The scanning mode changing function is a function for changing the ultrasound scanning mode for the subject when the probe position is moved within a predetermined range including a designated position or a position corresponding to a designated cross section. Hereinafter, processing related to the scanning mode changing function (hereinafter referred to as scanning mode changing processing) will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure of scanning mode switching processing.
The subject is scanned in the two-dimensional scanning mode (step Sc1). When the dual display operation is executed, a corresponding cross-sectional image is generated based on the probe position relating to the ultrasonic image being scanned and the volume data stored in the storage unit 29. The generated corresponding cross-sectional image and the ultrasonic image being scanned are displayed in parallel. When a bookmark instruction is input via the input unit 18 (the bookmark button is pressed), the bookmark image and the corresponding cross-sectional image (scanning cross-sectional image) corresponding to the bookmark image are stored in the storage unit 29 together with the probe position (designated position). Is done. At this time, a thumbnail image of the scanning slice image is generated and displayed on the display screen of the monitor in the display unit 19.

  When a thumbnail image is specified via the input unit 18 (input of a thumbnail specifying operation), a scanning cross-sectional image corresponding to the thumbnail image and a specified position (or a position corresponding to the specified cross-section) are read from the storage unit 29. It is. The read scanning sectional image is displayed together with the ultrasonic image being scanned (step Sc2). Probe guide information is generated based on the designated position (or the position corresponding to the designated cross section) and the probe position corresponding to the ultrasonic image being scanned. A 3DBM superimposed image in which probe guide information is superimposed on the three-dimensional body mark image is generated and displayed. The ultrasonic probe 11 is moved (step Sc3).

  If there is no probe position within a predetermined range including the designated position (or the position corresponding to the designated cross section) (step Sc4), the probe position and the designated position (or the designated cross section) relating to the moved ultrasonic probe 11 The probe guide information is newly generated on the basis of (the position corresponding to). Next, the probe guide information in the 3DBM superimposed image is updated. Subsequently, the processes of step Sc2 and step Sc3 are executed.

  If the probe position is within a predetermined range including the designated position (or the position corresponding to the designated cross section) (step Sc4), the ultrasound scanning mode for the subject is changed from the two-dimensional scanning mode to the three-dimensional scanning mode. (Step Sc5). The subject is scanned in the three-dimensional scanning mode (step Sc6). A plurality of slice images (MPR images) are generated based on the volume data and the designated position (or a position corresponding to the designated slice) (step Sc7).

  A plurality of ultrasound images respectively corresponding to the plurality of MPR images are generated based on the three-dimensional ultrasound data and the plurality of MPR images (step Sc8). A plurality of cross-sectional images are displayed together with a plurality of ultrasonic images (step Sc9).

According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.
According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it has a probe guide information display function for displaying again an ultrasonic image stored in advance by the operator. According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, based on difference information between a designated position of a stored ultrasonic image (a position (coordinate) in a three-dimensional space and a three-axis rotation direction) and a probe position during scanning in real time. Probe guide information can be generated and displayed. Thereby, according to this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, an operator can be directly guided to a designated position related to a desired scanning section. That is, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the position where the ultrasonic probe 11 is brought into contact with the subject can be efficiently guided to the position of the ultrasonic probe related to the scanning section desired by the operator.

  According to the first modification of the present embodiment, when the probe position is moved within a predetermined range including the designated position, a plurality of cross-sectional images related to the designated position are generated based on the designated position and the volume data. A plurality of generated cross-sectional images can be displayed together with the ultrasonic image being scanned. That is, according to the first modification, the display content displayed on the display screen can be changed from the first display to the second display with the movement match as a trigger. Thereby, when the ultrasonic image substantially coincides with the scanning slice image, a plurality of slice images can be displayed.

  According to the second modification of the present embodiment, the ultrasound scanning mode for the subject can be changed in response to the movement match. Thereby, a plurality of ultrasonic images respectively corresponding to a plurality of cross-sectional images (MPR images) in the second display can be generated.

  From the above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the position where the ultrasonic probe 11 is brought into contact with the subject is set to the designated position (or the position corresponding to the designated cross section). Can be efficiently guided. Further, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the display content displayed on the display screen can be changed from the first display to the second display in response to the movement match. In addition, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, it is possible to change the scanning mode of the ultrasonic wave with respect to the subject, triggered by movement matching. For these reasons, according to the present ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the diagnostic efficiency of the operator for the subject is improved.

(Second Embodiment)
The difference from the first embodiment is that a program related to a predetermined image display processing function (hereinafter referred to as an image processing program) is started when the probe position is moved within a predetermined range including a designated position. The purpose is to execute predetermined image processing.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes an image display processing unit 35 in addition to the units in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The storage unit 29 stores a predetermined image processing program. The storage unit 29 outputs a predetermined image processing program to the image display processing unit 35 described later, triggered by the movement match.

  The image display processing unit 35 has an image display processing function for executing a predetermined image display process for a plurality of images in the second display, triggered by movement matching. Specifically, the image display processing unit 35 superimposes the insertion path of the puncture needle on the ultrasonic image in the second display triggered by movement matching. The insertion path of the puncture needle may be input via the input unit 18 in advance, for example.

  The image display processing unit 35 superimposes a predetermined measurement tool on the ultrasonic image in the second display, triggered by movement matching. Specifically, the image display processing unit 35 superimposes a marker related to a predetermined measurement (hereinafter referred to as a measurement marker) on a predetermined tissue region in the ultrasonic image of the second display. The measurement marker is, for example, a caliper for measuring the distance between two points on the ultrasonic image, a marker for measuring the area in the measurement marker, or the like. The image display processing unit 35 can also superimpose the measurement result related to the measurement marker displayed on the ultrasonic image on the second display.

  The image display processing unit 35 stores a predetermined extraction threshold value related to the region extraction processing in a memory (not shown). The image display processing unit 35 executes a region extraction process (segmentation process) on the ultrasonic image in the second display using a predetermined extraction threshold, triggered by movement matching. The image display processing unit 35 superimposes and displays the segmentation processing result on the ultrasonic image in the second display.

  The display unit 19 displays an image on which a predetermined image display process has been performed on a plurality of images in the second display, triggered by movement matching. Specifically, the display unit 19 displays an image in which the insertion path of the puncture needle is superimposed on the ultrasonic image in the second display, triggered by movement matching.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the insertion path of the puncture needle is displayed on the ultrasound image when the probe position has entered within a predetermined range including the designated position. As shown in FIG. 17, the insertion path of the puncture needle is displayed on the ultrasonic image in the second display, triggered by the movement position. The display unit 19 may superimpose and display the insertion path of the puncture needle on the MPR image corresponding to the ultrasonic image in the second display.

  The display unit 19 superimposes and displays the measurement marker on the ultrasonic image in the second display, triggered by the movement match. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a measurement tool is displayed on an ultrasound image when a probe position has entered a predetermined range including a designated position. As shown in FIG. 18, the display unit 19 displays a caliper and a measurement marker superimposed on the tissue region displayed in the ultrasonic image in the second display.

  The display unit 19 displays an ultrasonic image on which the segmentation process has been executed using a predetermined extraction threshold, triggered by movement matching. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second display by extracting a predetermined tissue region from the ultrasonic image of the second display, triggered by the probe position entering a predetermined range including the specified position. is there.

(Image display processing function)
The image display processing function is to read a predetermined image processing program triggered by movement matching, start the read program, and execute a predetermined image display process on the ultrasonic image in the second display. . The predetermined image display process includes, for example, a process for superimposing the insertion path entering the puncture site as described above, a display process for the measurement tool, a display process for the measurement result by the measurement tool, a segmentation process, and the like. Hereinafter, processing related to the image display processing function is referred to as image display processing.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the image display process.

  In response to the movement position, the image processing program is read from the storage unit 29 (step Sd1). In accordance with the read image processing program, image display processing is executed on the ultrasonic image in the second display (step Sd2). Note that the target of the image display process may be a plurality of cross-sectional images (MPR images) in the second display. In the second display, an image on which image display processing has been executed is displayed (step Sd3).

According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.
According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a predetermined image display process can be automatically executed when the probe position has entered a predetermined range including the specified position (movement matching). That is, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the image display processing program can be started and a predetermined image display process can be executed without the operator starting the image display processing program. From the above, according to this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment can be improved, and for example, the throughput of close examination can be improved.

  From the above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, for example, as preparation for ultrasonic guided treatment, it is possible to improve the reproducibility and efficiency of the optimal treatment cross-section display, and for the operator and the subject. The burden can be reduced.

  In addition, each function according to the embodiment can also be realized by installing a program for executing the processing in a computer such as a workstation and developing the program on a memory. At this time, a program capable of causing the computer to execute the technique can be stored and distributed in a storage medium such as a magnetic disk (such as a hard disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM or DVD), or a semiconductor memory. .

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example 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 1 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 11 ... Ultrasonic probe, 13 ... Position sensor, 15 ... Position detection part, 17 ... Apparatus main body, 18 ... Input part, 19 ... Display part, 20 ... Scanning part, 21 ... B mode data generation , 22 ... Ultrasound image generator, 23 ... Doppler data generator, 25 ... Guide information generator, 27 ... Cross-sectional image generator, 29 ... Storage unit, 31 ... Interface (I / F), 33 ... Control processor ( CPU), 35 ... Image display processing unit, 210 ... Ultrasonic transmission unit, 220 ... Ultrasonic reception unit

Claims (3)

An ultrasonic probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject and receives reflected waves from the subject;
A position detector for detecting a probe position with respect to the ultrasonic probe;
An ultrasonic image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the received reflected wave;
An input unit for designating a cross section of the subject;
A storage unit that associates and stores a position corresponding to the designated cross section and volume data;
A cross-sectional image generator that generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the designated cross-section based on the volume data or the ultrasonic image;
A display unit for displaying the thumbnail image;
Comprising
The input unit specifies the thumbnail image,
Based on the position corresponding to the specified cross-section related to the thumbnail image specified by the input unit and displayed on the display unit, and the probe position detected by the position detection unit, A guide information generator for generating probe guide information for guiding from the probe position to a position corresponding to the designated cross section;
The display unit is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays the probe guide information.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a position corresponding to the designated cross section corresponds to the probe position related to the thumbnail image. A scanning unit capable of scanning the subject in a plurality of scanning modes;
To change the scanning mode to be executed on the subject from the two-dimensional scanning mode to the three-dimensional scanning mode when the probe position has moved to a range corresponding to the position corresponding to the designated cross section. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the scanning unit.