JP2019062996A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device, image processing device, and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device, an image processing device, and an image processing program capable of improving operability.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a control part. The control part causes an output part to output an image to be output in actual dimensions upon receipt of input of a trigger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program.

  Conventionally, when displaying an image, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays the image in accordance with the depth and the zoom factor. For example, when receiving a change in depth, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus displays an image so that the depth fits within the vertical width of the image display area. In addition, when receiving a change in the zoom factor, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus magnifies and displays the image so that the zoomed area falls within the image display area.

JP, 2015-006327, A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program capable of improving operability.

  The ultrasound diagnostic device of the embodiment includes a control unit. When the control unit receives an input of the trigger, the control unit causes the output unit to output the image to be output in the actual size.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the correspondence information DB according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the trigger type DB according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function according to the second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function according to the fourth embodiment.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an apparatus main body 100, an ultrasonic probe 101, an input device 102, and a display 103. The ultrasound probe 101, the input device 102, and the display 103 are connected to the device body 100, respectively.

  The ultrasonic probe 101 has a plurality of vibration elements (piezoelectric vibrators). The ultrasound probe 101 is in contact with the body surface of the subject P to transmit and receive ultrasound (ultrasound scanning). The plurality of vibration elements generate ultrasonic waves based on drive signals supplied from a transmission circuit 110 of the apparatus main body 100 described later. The generated ultrasonic waves are reflected by the mismatched surface of the acoustic impedance in the subject P, and are received by a plurality of vibration elements as reflected wave signals (reception echoes) including components scattered by scatterers in the tissue. Ru. The ultrasonic probe 101 sends the reflected wave signal received by the plurality of transducer elements to the transmission circuit 110.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the ultrasonic probe 101 is a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe (also referred to as a “2D array probe”) having a plurality of transducer elements arranged in a matrix (lattice form) will be described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the ultrasound probe 101 may be a one-dimensional ultrasound probe (also referred to as a “1D array probe”) having a plurality of transducer elements arranged in one dimension in a predetermined direction.

  The input device 102 has a mouse, a keyboard, buttons, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a track ball, a joystick, etc., and receives various setting requests from the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Transfers the various setting requests received.

  Also, for example, the input device 102 receives a request for displaying an image to be output enlarged or reduced. In other words, the input device 102 receives an instruction to adjust the zoom factor. Also, for example, the input device 102 receives a request for changing the depth. In other words, the input device 102 receives an instruction to change the depth.

  The display 103 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) for the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to input various setting requests using the input device 102, or ultrasonic image data generated in the apparatus main body 100, etc. Or display For example, the display 103 is configured of a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, or the like. In addition, the display 103 is appropriately referred to as a monitor. The display 103 is an example of an output unit.

  The device body 100 is a device that generates ultrasound image data based on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasound probe 101. As shown in FIG. 1, the device body 100 includes, for example, a transmission circuit 110, a reception circuit 120, a B mode processing circuit 130, a Doppler processing circuit 140, an image generation circuit 150, an image memory 160, and a storage circuit. 170 and a processing circuit 180. The transmission circuit 110, the reception circuit 120, the B mode processing circuit 130, the Doppler processing circuit 140, the image generation circuit 150, the image memory 160, the storage circuit 170, and the processing circuit 180 are communicably connected to each other.

  The transmission circuit 110 has a pulsar circuit and the like. The pulser circuit repeatedly generates a rate pulse for forming a transmission ultrasonic wave at a predetermined rate frequency (PRF: Pulse Repetition Frequency), and outputs the generated rate pulse to the ultrasonic probe 101.

  The transmission circuit 110 also receives the control of the processing circuit 180 and outputs the value of the amplitude of the drive signal output from the pulser circuit. Further, the transmission circuit 110 transmits the amount of delay with respect to the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 101 to the ultrasonic probe 101 under the control of the processing circuit 180.

  The receiving circuit 120 has an A / D converter and a receiving beamformer. When the receiving circuit 120 receives the reflected wave signal output from the ultrasonic probe 101, first, the A / D converter converts the reflected wave signal into digital data, and the receiving beam former receives the signals from these respective channels. Phasing addition processing is performed on digital data to generate reflected wave data, and the generated reflected wave data is transmitted to the B-mode processing circuit 130 and the Doppler processing circuit 140.

  The B mode processing circuit 130 receives the reflected wave data output from the receiving circuit 120, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc. on the received reflected wave data, and the signal strength is expressed by the brightness of luminance. Data to be generated (B-mode data).

  The Doppler processing circuit 140 receives the reflected wave data output from the receiving circuit 120, analyzes the frequency of the velocity information from the received reflected wave data, extracts the blood flow and tissue due to the Doppler effect, and the contrast agent echo component, and averages Data (Doppler data) is generated by extracting mobile object information such as velocity, variance, and power for multiple points.

  The image generation circuit 150 generates ultrasound image data from the data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 130 and the Doppler processing circuit 140. The image generation circuit 150 generates B-mode image data representing the intensity of the reflected wave as luminance from the B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 130. Further, the image generation circuit 150 generates Doppler image data representing mobile object information from the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 140. The Doppler image data is velocity image data, dispersed image data, power image data, or image data combining these.

  Here, the image generation circuit 150 generally converts (scan converts) a scanning line signal row of ultrasonic scanning into a scanning line signal row of a video format represented by a television etc., and uses the ultrasonic wave for display. Generate image data. Specifically, the image generation circuit 150 performs coordinate conversion in accordance with the scanning form of the ultrasonic wave by the ultrasonic probe 101 to generate ultrasonic image data for display. Further, the image generation circuit 150 performs image processing (smoothing processing) for regenerating an average value image of luminance using, for example, a plurality of image frames after scan conversion as various image processing other than scan conversion. Perform image processing (edge enhancement processing) using a differential filter in the image. Further, the image generation circuit 150 combines character information of various parameters, a scale, a body mark, and the like with ultrasonic image data.

  The image memory 160 is a memory for storing image data (B-mode image data, Doppler image data, etc.) generated by the image generation circuit 150. The image memory 160 can also store data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 130 and the Doppler processing circuit 140. The B mode data and the Doppler data stored in the image memory 160 can be called by the operator, for example, and become ultrasound image data for display via the image generation circuit 150.

  The storage circuit 170 stores various data such as control programs for performing ultrasound transmission / reception, image processing and display processing, diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocol, various body marks, etc. Do. The storage circuit 170 is also used, for example, for storage of image data stored in the image memory 160 as needed. Further, data stored in the memory circuit 170 can be transferred to an external device via a communication interface (not shown).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage circuit 170 includes a correspondence information DB (Data Base) 171 and a trigger type DB 172. The correspondence information DB 171 stores correspondence information in which the type of the output unit is associated with the output size. The trigger type DB 172 stores the type of operation that is a trigger.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the correspondence information DB 171 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, a case where the output unit is a display (monitor) such as the display 103 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the correspondence information DB 171 stores correspondence information in which “monitor ID” and “pixel size” are associated. Here, the "monitor ID" stored in the correspondence information DB 171 indicates information that uniquely identifies the type of display. For example, information such as "0001" and "0002" is stored in the "monitor ID".

  The “pixel size” stored in the correspondence information DB 171 indicates the size per pixel of the corresponding display. In other words, the “pixel size” stored in the correspondence information DB 171 indicates the output size of the corresponding display. For example, information such as "0.01 cm" or "0.005 cm" is stored in the "pixel size".

  As an example, in the correspondence information DB 171 shown in FIG. 2, the size per pixel of the display whose “monitor ID” is “0001” is “0.01 cm” and the “monitor ID” is “0002”. Indicates that the size per pixel of the display is "0.01 cm".

  In addition, although the case where it memorize | stored in corresponding | compatible information DB171 was demonstrated, embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the input of information on the pixel size may be received from the operator. Alternatively, when connected to the output unit, information on the pixel size may be obtained from the output unit.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the trigger type DB 172 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the trigger type DB 172 stores information in which “type ID” and “operation” are associated. Here, the “type ID” stored in the trigger type DB 172 indicates information that uniquely identifies the type of trigger. For example, information such as “T1” and “T2” is stored in the “type ID”.

  The “operation” stored in the trigger type DB 172 indicates the type of the operation serving as a trigger. For example, in the “operation”, information such as “selection of puncture application” and “connection of puncture probe” is stored.

  As an example, in the trigger type DB 172 shown in FIG. 3, the trigger whose “type ID” is “T1” is an operation to select the puncturing application, and the trigger whose “type ID” is “T2” is It indicates that the operation is to connect the puncturing probe.

  The processing circuit 180 controls the entire processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, the processing circuit 180 transmits the transmission circuit 110, the reception circuit 120, and the like based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input device 102, and various control programs and various data read from the storage circuit 170. The processing of the B mode processing circuit 130, the Doppler processing circuit 140, the image generation circuit 150, etc. is controlled. The processing circuit 180 also causes the display 103 to display ultrasound image data stored in the image memory 160.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing circuit 180 has a control function 181. When the control function 181 receives an input of a trigger, the control function 181 causes the output unit to output the image to be output in the actual size. The processing of the control function 181 will be described later.

  The transmission circuit 110, the reception circuit 120, the B-mode processing circuit 130, the Doppler processing circuit 140, the image generation circuit 150, and the processing circuit 180 built in the apparatus main body 100 are processors (CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU ( It consists of hardware of Micro-Processing Unit), integrated circuit etc.

  Also, each processing function executed by each processor is recorded in the storage circuit 170 in the form of a program executable by a computer, for example. That is, each processor reads out each program from the storage circuit 170 and executes it to realize the function corresponding to each program. For example, the control function 181 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a function that is realized by the processing circuit 180 reading out a program corresponding to the control function 181 from the storage circuit 170 and executing the program. In other words, the processing circuit 180 in the state where the program corresponding to the control function 181 is read out has the control function 181 shown in the processing circuit 180 of FIG.

  In FIG. 1, although it is described that the processing function performed by the control function 181 is realized by a single processing circuit 180, a plurality of independent processors are combined to form a processing circuit. The control function 181 may be realized by the processor executing a program.

  The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 configured as described above displays an ultrasound image generated in real time by ultrasound scanning and an ultrasound image generated by past ultrasound scanning. Here, when displaying an ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may consider, for example, a method of displaying an ultrasonic image of a size corresponding to the resolution of the monitor and the enlargement ratio (zoom ratio) of the image.

  However, in this method, the size of the image displayed on the monitor may be different from the size of the actual object. Since the sense of size is different as described above, the operator may feel discomfort when performing the procedure while referring to the monitor. For example, when the operator performs puncture while referring to an ultrasound image, the sense of distance in the ultrasound image is different from the actual distance in the living body. For this reason, there is a possibility that the method of displaying an ultrasound image of a size corresponding to the resolution of the monitor and the enlargement factor of the image can not sufficiently support the procedure by the operator.

  In addition, since the display size is determined by a plurality of parameters such as a zoom factor, the operator has to perform a plurality of operations when displaying an image in actual size. Furthermore, the operator needs to measure the length on the screen with a scale such as a ruler to confirm that the actual size is obtained. That is, in order to display an image in actual size, a complicated operation is required for the operator.

  Therefore, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment receives an input of a trigger, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 supports the operator etc. by executing an image process that causes the output unit to output the image to be output in full size. Do. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 displays the image displayed on the display 103 in actual size. Such image processing is realized by the processing circuit 180 executing the control function 181.

  For example, when the control function 181 according to the first embodiment receives an input of an operation of a type serving as a trigger, the control function 181 causes the output unit to output an image to be output in full size. More specifically, the control function 181 according to the first embodiment uses the mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning as a trigger, and causes the display 103 to display the image to be output in full size.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the image processing by the control function 181 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 are diagrams for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control function 181. Steps S1 to S6 are steps implemented by the control function 181. In step S1, the control function 181 determines whether or not an input of a trigger has been received. Here, the control function 181 refers to the trigger type DB 172 storing the type of the operation serving as the trigger described in FIG. 3 to determine whether or not the operation having the type serving as the trigger has been received.

  More specifically, the control function 181 uses the connection of an ultrasonic probe that can be attached with a puncture needle as a trigger for mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning. Alternatively, the control function 181 uses the selection of the puncturing application as a trigger as a mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning.

  Alternatively, the control function 181 uses the selection of the measurement application as a trigger as a mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning. For example, the control function 181 uses, as a trigger, selection of an application that performs measurement such as IMT (Intima-Media Thickness) measurement. Also, for example, the control function 181 is triggered by selection of an application of an examination site that may involve measurement of obstetrics department, heart, etc.

  As described above, the control function 181 according to the first embodiment determines that the input of the trigger is received when the mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning is received. Then, when the control function 181 receives an input of a trigger, the control function 181 executes image processing to cause the display 103 to display an acoustic wave image generated by ultrasonic scanning in full size, as described below.

  When the control function 181 does not determine that the input of the trigger has been received (No in step S1), the determination process of step S1 is repeated. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the input of the trigger has been received (Yes in step S1), the control function 181 acquires an ultrasound image generated in real time by ultrasound scanning (step S2).

For example, the control function 181 acquires an ultrasound image generated in real time as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 illustrates an ultrasound image depicting the liver. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the size of the living body per pixel according to the magnification of the image is held as data. Here, it is assumed that the enlargement ratio is equal and the size of a living body per one pixel (a value equivalent to the length of a living body) is 0.008 cm. In addition, the value of length (x) from the ultrasonic probe is determined by calculating v and t as follows based on the length equivalent value (distance (x) = speed (v) × time (t)). Be Here, v assumes that the ultrasonic velocity in the living body is 1500 (m / s), and let t be (time from transmission of ultrasonic waves to reception) / 2. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the case where the actual size of the liver depicted as the output target in the ultrasound image is 15 cm will be described. In such a case, a 15 cm liver image is displayed on the display 103 at 1875 (15 _cm ÷ 0.008 _{cm / pixel} ) pixels.

  Return to FIG. In step S3, the control function 181 acquires a pixel size corresponding to the display type. For example, the control function 181 acquires the correspondence information illustrated in FIG. 2 from the correspondence information DB 171 of the storage circuit 170, and acquires the pixel size of the display 103. Here, for example, the acquired pixel size is assumed to be 0.01 cm.

  In step S4, the control function 181 calculates the number of pixels at the time of actual size display from the acquired pixel size and the biometric length conversion value. In other words, in response to the trigger, the control function 181 calculates the number of pixels when outputting the image to be output in the actual size from the output size of the output unit. In other words, the control function 181 determines the range of images that can be displayed in the display area of the display 103.

Here, for example, since the control function 181 has the acquired pixel size of 0.01 cm and the size of the liver depicted as the output target in the image is 15 cm, the number of pixels for displaying the image in full size is , 1500 (15 _cm 0.01 _{cm / pixel} ) pixels. That is, the control function 181 refers to the correspondence information to calculate the number of pixels when the image to be output is output to the output unit in the actual size.

  In step S5, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display the ultrasound image acquired with the calculated number of pixels. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display an ultrasound image in full size. As described above, the control function 181 causes the output unit to output the image to be output with the calculated number of pixels.

  The control function 181 may further display information indicating that the actual size display is performed when the actual size display is performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control function 181 further causes the display 103 to display “actually displayed” at the upper left end of the screen. That is, the control function 181 further outputs information indicating that the image to be output is being output to the output unit in the actual size.

  Return to FIG. In step S6, the control function 181 determines whether or not cancellation of the actual size display has been received. Here, an operation for releasing the trigger will be described. For example, when the control function 181 receives the selection of the instruction to adjust the zoom factor, or the change of the depth, the control function 181 determines that the operation for releasing the trigger is received, and the actual size display is ended.

  The instruction to adjust the zoom factor referred to here is an instruction to display an image by enlarging or reducing it. That is, it is an instruction to enlarge and display a part of the image being displayed in full size in order to grasp in detail, or to reduce and display it in order to grasp the entire image of the image being displayed in full size. Therefore, when the control function 181 receives the selection of the instruction to adjust the zoom factor during the display of the actual size, the control function 181 ends the display of the actual size.

  Moreover, the change of the depth said here is changing the imaging region in the transmission / reception direction of an ultrasonic wave. In other words, it is indicated that imaging is performed to a shallower position in the depth direction with respect to the ultrasound probe 101, or imaging is performed to a deeper position. For example, the left drawing of FIG. 8 shows the case of imaging to a depth of 10 cm, and the right drawing of FIG. 8 shows the case of imaging to a depth of 24 cm.

  When the state shown in the right of FIG. 8 is changed to the state shown in the left of FIG. 8 as an example of imaging to a shallow position, the ultrasonic image shown in the left of FIG. 8 is shown in the right of FIG. Only the broken line is imaged. On the other hand, when changing from the state shown in the left view of FIG. 8 to the state shown in the right view of FIG. 8 as an example of imaging to a deep position, the ultrasonic image shown in the right view of FIG. It is imaged to a wider range including the imaging area shown in FIG. That is, by changing the depth, the ultrasonic image is enlarged or reduced in the depth direction starting from the transmission / reception position of the ultrasonic wave. Therefore, for example, even if the actual size display is performed, it is determined that the operation for releasing the trigger is received by changing the depth, and the actual size display is ended.

  Return to FIG. When it is not determined that the cancellation of the actual size display has been received (No at Step S6), the control function 181 proceeds to Step S2, and displays an ultrasound image generated in real time by ultrasound scanning. As a result, an ultrasound image newly generated by ultrasound scanning is displayed in full size. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the release of the actual size display has been received (Yes in step S6), the process ends. That is, when the control function 181 receives the selection of the instruction to adjust the zoom factor or the selection of the instruction to change the depth while outputting the image to be output to the output unit in the actual size, the zoom factor or the changed depth is changed from the actual size. Change the dimensions according to and output the image to be output to the output unit.

  As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the control function 181 uses the mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasound scanning in real time as a trigger and receives an input of the trigger, the image of the output target Output to the output unit in actual size.

  For example, the control function 181 uses the connection of an ultrasound probe that can be attached with a puncture needle as a trigger, and causes the display 103 to display an ultrasound image generated by ultrasound scanning in full size. Alternatively, the control function 181 uses the selection of the puncturing application as a trigger, and causes the display 103 to display the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic scan in full size. Alternatively, the control function 181 uses the selection of the measurement application as a trigger, and causes the display 103 to display the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic scan in full size. As a result, the size of the image displayed on the display 103 matches the size of the actual object.

  Here, for example, in the related art, since the display size is determined by a plurality of parameters such as depth and zoom factor, it is necessary to perform a plurality of operations when displaying an image in the actual size. In addition, when it is necessary to confirm the actual size, it is necessary to measure the length on the screen with a scale such as a ruler, which is very troublesome. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, even when a plurality of operations are not performed when displaying an image at the actual size, the image of the object is displayed on the display 103 at the actual size triggered by the input of the trigger. Thereby, according to the first embodiment, the operability can be improved. Furthermore, when the operator performs the procedure while referring to the monitor, the size of the image displayed on the display 103 matches the size of the actual object, so the operator can perform the procedure without feeling discomfort. .

  The control function 181 may use, as a trigger for acceptance of an instruction to display an image to be output enlarged or reduced as a mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning. In other words, the control function 181 may use an acceptance of an instruction to adjust the zoom factor as a trigger. For example, the control function 181 uses, as a trigger, pressing of a button that receives an instruction to adjust the zoom factor of the input device 102. That is, in general, a button used to receive an instruction to adjust a zoom factor is used as a trigger for image processing that causes an output unit to output an image to be output in full size. Then, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic scan in the actual size. Note that when the control function 181 is displaying an ultrasound image in actual size with the reception of an instruction to adjust the zoom factor as a trigger, when the instruction to adjust the zoom factor is received again, an operation that releases the trigger. Is determined to have been received, and the actual size display is ended.

  In addition, the control function 181 receives pressing of a button for receiving an instruction to adjust the zoom factor of the input device 102, and the image becomes an actual size area while the image is enlarged or reduced. It may further output information indicating that the image of is being displayed in actual size. Then, when the control function 181 receives an instruction to adjust the zoom factor while displaying the image to be output at the actual size, the control function 181 determines that the operation to release the trigger is received, and the actual size display is ended.

  Further, when the input function 102 has a button for receiving an instruction for displaying the actual size, the control function 181 uses the button for accepting the instruction for displaying the actual size as a trigger to display the ultrasonic image on the display 103 in the actual size. Good.

First Modification of First Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, the control function 181 is triggered by a mode switching instruction at the time of real-time ultrasonic scanning, such as when the operator performs puncturing while referring to the ultrasonic image. In the following, as another example of the mode switching instruction at the time of real-time ultrasonic scanning, a case where an instruction to display a reference image referred to by the operator at the time of ultrasonic scanning is used as a trigger will be described.

  Ultrasonography is a procedure that requires the experience of the operator. For example, if the operator is skilled, it does not take time until the ultrasonic probe 101 abuts on a desired examination site and scans, but for an inexperienced operator, the ultrasonic probe 101 is placed on the desired examination site. It may be difficult to check if the contact is correct.

  For this reason, in order to confirm whether scanning can be performed at a desired angle, the operator may be assisted to perform ultrasonic scanning while referring to an image serving as a model for a tissue to be examined as a teaching material image. . Therefore, in the first modification of the first embodiment, when ultrasonic scanning is performed with reference to such a teaching material image, the actual size display of the teaching material image and the ultrasonic image generated in real time is performed. explain.

  The control function 181 according to the first modification of the first embodiment uses an instruction to display a reference image referred to by the operator at the time of ultrasonic scanning as a trigger, and generates an ultrasonic wave generated by the reference image and the ultrasonic scanning The image and the actual size are displayed on the display 103. For example, the control function 181 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment uses as a trigger an instruction to display the teaching material image as a reference image.

  FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function 181 according to the first modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 10 is for explaining the first modification of the first embodiment. Of the FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control function 181. Steps S11 to S17 are steps implemented by the control function 181. In step S11, the control function 181 determines whether or not an input of a trigger has been received. Here, the control function 181 refers to the trigger type DB 172 storing the type of the operation serving as the trigger described in FIG. 3 to determine whether or not the operation having the type serving as the trigger has been received.

  More specifically, the control function 181 uses an operation of acquiring a teaching material image as a trigger. In this case, it is assumed that acquisition of a teaching material image is stored in the trigger type DB 172 as an operation serving as a trigger.

  When the control function 181 does not determine that the input of the trigger has been received (No in step S11), the determination processing of step S11 is repeated. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the input of the trigger has been received (Yes in step S11), the control function 181 acquires a teaching material image (step S12). For example, the control function 181 acquires a teaching material image from the image memory 160. Note that, in the teaching material image, the biometric conversion is stored, for example, as incidental information.

  In step S13, the control function 181 acquires an ultrasound image generated in real time by ultrasound scanning, as in step S2 shown in FIG. In step S14, the control function 181 acquires a pixel size corresponding to the display type, as in step S3 shown in FIG. In step S15, the control function 181 calculates the number of pixels at the time of actual size display from the acquired pixel size and the equivalent biological length value, as in step S4 shown in FIG.

  In step S16, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display the learning material image and the ultrasonic image acquired with the calculated number of pixels. The image on the left side of FIG. 10 shows a teaching material image, and the image on the right side of FIG. 10 shows an ultrasound image generated in real time. For example, since the operator sees the teaching material image on the left side of FIG. 10 and the ultrasound image generated in real time on the right side of FIG. 10 in actual size, the operator can compare the teaching material image with the ultrasound image to display the desired image. It becomes possible to confirm whether scanning is possible at an angle.

  Return to FIG. In step S17, the control function 181 determines whether or not cancellation of the actual size display has been received, as in step S6 shown in FIG. When it is not determined that the cancellation of the actual size display has been received (No in step S17), the control function 181 proceeds to step S13, and displays an ultrasound image generated in real time by ultrasound scanning. As a result, an ultrasound image newly generated by ultrasound scanning is displayed in full size. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the release of the actual size display has been received (Yes in step S17), the process ends.

  As described above, in the first modified example of the first embodiment, the teaching material image and the ultrasound image generated in real time are actually reduced in size, for example, without performing a plurality of operations such as adjustment of the zoom factor. Is displayed. As a result, the operator can observe the teaching material image displayed in the actual size and the ultrasonic image generated in real time without performing a complicated operation. As a result, the operator can check whether the scanning can be performed at a desired angle by comparing the teaching material image and the ultrasound image.

  In the first modification of the first embodiment described above, the case where the operation of acquiring the teaching material image is used as a trigger has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first modification of the first embodiment described above is also applicable to the case where ultrasonic scanning of a cross section corresponding to each teaching material image is performed in a predetermined order using a plurality of teaching material images. In such a case, selection of a scan protocol may be triggered. More specifically, in order to make the operator easy to operate, the teaching material image corresponding to the scan mode, conditions, scan order and scan is registered in advance as a scan protocol. Then, in this scan protocol, the scan mode, the conditions, and the teaching material image are automatically switched in the order of the registered scan. The control function 181 uses this selection of the scan protocol as a trigger, and causes the display 103 to display the teaching material image and the ultrasonic image in full scale.

Second Modification of First Embodiment
In the second modification of the first embodiment, as another example of the mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning, another example in which an instruction to display a reference image referred to by the operator at the time of ultrasonic scanning is used as a trigger Will be explained. For example, during ultrasound scanning, an image obtained by capturing an examination site identical to the examination site in ultrasound scan and generated in real time using an image generated by another medical diagnostic imaging apparatus as a reference image. It may be aligned with the acoustic image. Therefore, in the second modified example of the first embodiment, the case where the reference image and the ultrasonic image are displayed in full size will be described.

  First, the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second modification of the first embodiment, the same components as those of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Detailed explanation is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1a according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1a according to a second modification of the first embodiment includes an apparatus main body 100a, an ultrasonic probe 101, an input device 102, a display 103, and a position sensor 104. And the transmitter 105. The ultrasound probe 101, the input device 102, the display 103, and the transmitter 105 are communicably connected to the device body 100a.

  The position sensor 104 and the transmitter 105 are devices (position detection system) for acquiring position information of the ultrasonic probe 101. For example, the position sensor 104 is a magnetic sensor attached to the ultrasonic probe 101. Also, for example, the transmitter 105 is a device which is disposed at an arbitrary position and forms a magnetic field outward from the own device.

  Position sensor 104 detects the three-dimensional magnetic field generated by transmitter 105. Then, the position sensor 104 calculates the position (coordinates) and the direction (angle) of the own device in the space whose origin is the transmitter 105 based on the information of the detected magnetic field, and a processing circuit described later on the calculated position and direction. Send to 180 The three-dimensional position information (position and direction) of the position sensor 104 transmitted to the processing circuit 180 is appropriately converted into position information of the ultrasonic probe 101 or position information of a scanning range scanned by the ultrasonic probe 101. Used. For example, position information of the position sensor 104 is converted into position information of the ultrasonic probe 101 based on the positional relationship between the position sensor 104 and the ultrasonic probe 101. Further, the positional information of the ultrasonic probe 101 is converted into positional information of a scanning range according to the positional relationship between the ultrasonic probe 101 and the scanning range. The position information of the scanning range can be converted to each pixel position by the positional relationship between the scanning range and the sample point on the scanning line. That is, three-dimensional position information of the position sensor 104 can be converted to each pixel position of ultrasonic image data captured by the ultrasonic probe 101.

  The present embodiment is also applicable to the case where position information of the ultrasonic probe 101 is acquired by a system other than the above-described position detection system. For example, in the present embodiment, position information of the ultrasonic probe 101 may be acquired using a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the apparatus main body 100a includes a transmission circuit 110, a reception circuit 120, a B mode processing circuit 130, a Doppler processing circuit 140, an image generation circuit 150, an image memory 160, and a storage circuit 170. , Processing circuit 180, and communication interface 190. The transmission circuit 110, the reception circuit 120, the B mode processing circuit 130, the Doppler processing circuit 140, the image generation circuit 150, the image memory 160, the storage circuit 170, the processing circuit 180, and the communication interface 190 are communicably connected to each other. Also, the device body 100 a is connected to the network 5.

  The communication interface 190 is an interface for communicating with various devices in the hospital via the network 5. The processing circuit 180 communicates with an external device through the communication interface 190. For example, the processing circuit 180 transmits medical image data (X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) image data, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image data, etc.) imaged by medical image diagnostic devices other than the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via the network 5 Receive on Then, the processing circuit 180 causes the display 103 to display the received medical image data together with the ultrasonic image data captured by the own device. The medical image data to be displayed may be an image subjected to image processing (rendering processing) by the image generation circuit 150. In addition, medical image data displayed together with ultrasound image data may be acquired via a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, an MO, or a DVD.

  A control function 181 according to a second modification of the first embodiment uses an instruction to display a reference image referred to by the operator at the time of ultrasonic scanning as a trigger, and generates an ultrasonic wave generated by the reference image and the ultrasonic scanning The image and the actual size are displayed on the display 103. For example, the control function 181 according to the second modified example of the first embodiment uses an instruction to display an image generated by another medical image diagnostic apparatus as a reference image as a trigger. Here, the images generated by the other medical image diagnostic apparatus are three-dimensional images. Then, the control function 181 according to the second modified example of the first embodiment aligns the image generated by the ultrasonic scan and the three-dimensional image data and displays them in full size.

  Subsequently, a procedure of image processing by the control function 181 according to the second modified example of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function 181 according to the second modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 13 is for explaining the second modification of the first embodiment. Of the

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control function 181. Steps S21 to S29 are steps implemented by the control function 181. In step S21, the control function 181 determines whether or not an input of a trigger has been received. Here, the control function 181 refers to the trigger type DB 172 storing the type of the operation serving as the trigger described in FIG. 3 to determine whether or not the operation having the type serving as the trigger has been received.

  More specifically, the control function 181 uses an operation of acquiring a reference image as a trigger. In such a case, acquisition of a reference image is stored in the trigger type DB 172 as an operation serving as a trigger.

  When the control function 181 does not determine that the input of the trigger has been received (No in step S21), the determination processing of step S21 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input of the trigger has been received (Yes in step S21), the control function 181 acquires a reference image (step S22). For example, the control function 181 acquires three-dimensional medical image data generated by an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus from the image memory 160 as a reference image. Note that, in the reference image, the bio-length conversion is stored, for example, as incidental information.

  In step S23, the control function 181 acquires an ultrasound image generated in real time by ultrasound scanning, as in step S2 shown in FIG. In step S24, the control function 181 acquires position information of the ultrasonic probe 101. For example, the control function 181 acquires three-dimensional position information of the position sensor 104 from the position sensor 104. Then, the control function 181 acquires the position information of the ultrasonic probe 101 based on the three-dimensional position information of the position sensor 104 acquired from the position sensor 104 and the positional relationship between the position sensor 104 and the ultrasonic probe 101.

  In step S25, the control function 181 acquires a pixel size corresponding to the display type, as in step S3 shown in FIG. In step S26, the control function 181 calculates the number of pixels at the time of actual size display from the acquired pixel size and the equivalent biological length value, as in step S4 shown in FIG.

  In step S27, the control function 181 identifies the cross section of the reference image corresponding to the position information. For example, from the three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 101 acquired from the position sensor 104, the control function 181 specifies the same cross section as the scanning cross section of the ultrasonic probe 101 with X-ray CT volume data, and further specifies Within the cross section, coordinates corresponding to each coordinate of ultrasound image data generated by scanning of the ultrasound probe 101 are calculated.

  In step S28, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display the acquired ultrasound image and the identified cross section of the reference image with the calculated number of pixels. The image on the left side of FIG. 13 shows a reference image, and the image on the right side of FIG. 13 shows an ultrasound image generated in real time. For example, when the operator performs ultrasound scanning with reference to the reference image on the left side of FIG. 13, the ultrasonic image generated in real time on the right side of FIG. 13 and the reference image on the left side of FIG. Therefore, it is easy to grasp the moving distance of the probe to be moved on the body surface at the time of setting the position of the reference image and the ultrasonic image.

  It returns to FIG. In step S29, the control function 181 determines whether or not cancellation of the actual size display has been received, as in step S6 shown in FIG. When it is not determined that the cancellation of the actual size display has been received (No at Step S29), the control function 181 proceeds to Step S23, and displays an ultrasound image generated in real time by ultrasound scanning. As a result, an ultrasound image newly generated by ultrasound scanning is displayed in full size. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the release of the actual size display has been received (step S29, Yes), the process ends.

  As described above, in the second modification of the first embodiment, for example, the reference image and the ultrasound image generated in real time are actually reduced in size without performing a plurality of operations such as adjustment of the zoom factor. Is displayed. As a result, the operator can observe the reference image displayed in the actual size and the ultrasound image generated in real time without performing a complicated operation. As a result, the operator can easily grasp the movement distance of the probe to be moved on the body surface when setting the position.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, the case has been described in which switching of the mode is used as a trigger when displaying an ultrasound image generated in real time in full size. By the way, for example, by displaying an ultrasound image in full size also at the time of simulation before surgery, it becomes possible to make a more accurate judgment before surgery. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case where an ultrasound image generated in the past is displayed in full size will be described.

  The configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that a part of the control function 181 is different. . The control function 181 according to the second embodiment uses the display of the past image as a trigger, and causes the display 103 to display the past image in actual size.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function 181 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control function 181. Steps S31 to S36 are steps implemented by the control function 181.

  In step S31, the control function 181 determines whether an input of a trigger has been received. Here, the control function 181 refers to the trigger type DB 172 storing the type of the operation serving as the trigger described in FIG. 3 to determine whether or not the operation having the type serving as the trigger has been received.

  More specifically, the control function 181 uses an instruction to display a past image at the time of preoperative simulation as a trigger. In such a case, it is assumed that the trigger type DB 172 stores an instruction to display a past image at the time of preoperative simulation as an operation serving as a trigger.

  When the control function 181 does not determine that the input of the trigger has been received (No in step S31), the determination processing in step S31 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input of the trigger has been received (Yes in step S31), the control function 181 acquires a past ultrasonic image (step S32). For example, the control function 181 acquires a past image at the time of preoperative simulation from the image memory 160.

  In step S33, the control function 181 acquires a pixel size corresponding to the display type, as in step S3 shown in FIG. In step S34, the control function 181 calculates the number of pixels at the time of actual size display from the acquired pixel size and the equivalent biological length value, as in step S4 shown in FIG.

  In step S35, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display the acquired past ultrasonic image with the calculated number of pixels. In FIG. 15, an example of the past image displayed at the time of preoperative simulation of valve replacement which replaces an injured heart valve with an artificial valve is shown. The three images on the left side of FIG. 15 show short-axis tomographic images at different positions, the image in the middle of FIG. 15 shows an apical four-chamber view, and the image on the right side of FIG. . The short-axis tomogram, the apical four-chamber view and the long-axis tomogram shown in FIG. 15 are displayed in full size.

  Here, for example, the operator applies the real artificial valve to be replaced to the mitral valve of the short-axis tomographic image displayed on the screen in an actual size, so that the shape of the artificial valve to be used in surgery is appropriate It becomes possible to determine the

  It returns to FIG. In step S36, the control function 181 determines whether or not cancellation of the actual size display has been received, as in step S6 shown in FIG. When the control function 181 does not determine that the release of the actual size display has been received (No in step S36), the determination processing in step S36 is repeated. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the release of the actual size display has been received (step S36, Yes), the process ends.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display the past image in actual size, using the instruction to display the past image during the preoperative simulation as a trigger. That is, according to the second embodiment, the past image is displayed in the actual size without performing a plurality of operations such as adjustment of the zoom factor. As a result, the operator can observe the past image displayed in the actual size without performing a complicated operation. As a result, for example, the operator can easily determine whether the shape of the artificial valve to be used in surgery is appropriate. That is, according to the second embodiment, the operator can more easily perform simulation before surgery.

  In the second embodiment described above, it is assumed that the actual artificial valve is held by hand and applied to, for example, the mitral valve displayed on the screen. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the icon of the artificial valve may be displayed in full size on the screen. Then, the operator may move the icon of the artificial valve displayed in full size to the mitral valve to determine whether the shape of the artificial valve to be used in the operation is appropriate.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment described above, the case of displaying an ultrasound image in full scale at the time of simulation before surgery has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, ultrasound images of fetuses acquired up to now may be displayed side by side in actual size. That is, the control function 181 according to the modification of the second embodiment uses as a trigger an instruction to display image data of a fetus different in age as a past image. FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a modification of the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 16, the case of displaying four ultrasound images with different laps acquired so far will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the control function 181 divides the display area of the display 103 into four, and displays an ultrasound image of the 12th week at the upper left, an ultrasound image of the 14th week at the upper right, and an 18th image at the lower left. The ultrasound image of the week and the ultrasound image of the 20th week are displayed in the lower right. That is, the operator can observe the ultrasonic image of each week displayed in the actual size without performing a complicated operation. As a result, a user such as a mother of a fetus can easily grasp the growth degree of the fetus in each week.

Third Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the actual size display of an ultrasonic image generated in real time has been described, and in the second embodiment, the actual size display of an ultrasonic image generated in the past has been described. By the way, when the size of the actual ultrasound image is large, it becomes difficult to display the entire ultrasound image in full size. On the other hand, the operator may want to observe only a part of the region, not the entire ultrasound image. In such a case, only the region that the operator wants to observe may be extracted.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, a case where an operation of setting a region of interest in an ultrasound image is used as a trigger will be described. The configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that a part of the control function 181 is different. It is. The control function 181 according to the third embodiment uses the setting of the region of interest in the image of the output target being displayed on the display 103 as a trigger, and causes the display 103 to display the region of interest in full size.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function 181 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are diagrams for explaining the third embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control function 181. Steps S41 to S46 are steps implemented by the control function 181.

  At step S41, the control function 181 displays an ultrasound image. Here, the control function 181 may display an ultrasound image generated in real time on the display 103, or may display an ultrasound image generated in the past on the display 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the control function 181 displays an ultrasound image on the display 103. FIG. 18 shows an example of an ultrasound image generated in real time.

  It returns to FIG. In step S42, the control function 181 determines whether an input of a trigger has been received. Here, the control function 181 refers to the trigger type DB 172 storing the type of the operation serving as the trigger described in FIG. 3 to determine whether or not the operation having the type serving as the trigger has been received.

  More specifically, the control function 181 uses an operation of setting a region of interest as a trigger. In such a case, it is assumed that the setting of the region of interest is stored in the trigger type DB 172 as an operation serving as a trigger.

  When the control function 181 does not determine that the input of the trigger has been received (No in step S42), the determination processing of step S42 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input of the trigger has been received (Yes at Step S42), the control function 181 acquires a pixel size corresponding to the display type in the same manner as Step S3 shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 18 shows the case where the selection of the ROI shown in FIG. 18 is accepted as the region of interest.

  In step S44, the control function 181 calculates the number of pixels at the time of actual size display from the acquired pixel size and the equivalent biological length value, as in step S4 shown in FIG. In step S45, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display the acquired ultrasound image with the calculated number of pixels. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the control function 181 causes the display 103 to display an ultrasound image in full scale.

  It returns to FIG. In step S46, the control function 181 determines whether or not cancellation of the actual size display has been received, as in step S6 shown in FIG. If the control function 181 does not determine that the release of the actual size display has been received (No at Step S46), the determination processing at Step S46 is repeated. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the release of the actual size display has been received (step S46, Yes), the process ends.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the setting of the region of interest in the image of the output target being displayed on the display 103 is used as a trigger, and the region of interest is displayed on the display 103 in full size. Thereby, in the third embodiment, for example, even when the size of the entire ultrasonic image is large and the actual size display is difficult, only the portion to be observed is in the actual size without performing a plurality of operations such as adjustment of the zoom ratio. Extract and display. As a result, even when the size of the entire ultrasonic image is large, the operator can observe the portion to be observed which is displayed in the actual size without performing a complicated operation.

Fourth Embodiment
In the fourth embodiment, a case where an image is output to an output unit of an external device connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described. The configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that a part of the control function 181 is different. It is.

  The control function 181 according to the fourth embodiment is triggered by the connection of the output unit of the external apparatus to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. For example, when the output unit of the external apparatus is an external monitor connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the control function 181 according to the fourth embodiment is used when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is connected to the external monitor. Display the image to be output on the external monitor in full size. Further, the control function 181 according to the fourth embodiment causes the display 103 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to display the image to be output in full size.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing by the control function 181 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control function 181. Steps S51 to S56 are steps implemented by the control function 181.

  In step S51, the control function 181 displays an ultrasound image. Here, the control function 181 may display an ultrasound image generated in real time on the display 103, or may display an ultrasound image generated in the past on the display 103.

  In step S52, the control function 181 determines whether an input of a trigger has been received. Here, the control function 181 refers to the trigger type DB 172 storing the type of the operation serving as the trigger described in FIG. 3 to determine whether or not the operation having the type serving as the trigger has been received.

  More specifically, the control function 181 uses an operation of outputting an ultrasound image to the outside as a trigger. In such a case, it is assumed that an operation of outputting an ultrasound image to the outside is stored in the trigger type DB 172 as an operation serving as a trigger.

  If the control function 181 does not determine that the input of the trigger has been received (No in step S52), the determination processing in step S52 is repeated. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the input of the trigger has been received (Yes at step S52), the pixel size corresponding to the display type is acquired as at step S3 shown in FIG. 4 (step S53). In such a case, the correspondence information DB 171 stores information that uniquely identifies the output unit of the external device in association with information indicating the size per pixel of the output unit of the external device. In step S54, the control function 181 calculates the number of pixels at the time of actual size display from the acquired pixel size and the biometric length conversion value, as in step S4 shown in FIG.

  In step S55, the control function 181 causes the acquired ultrasound image to be output to the outside with the calculated number of pixels. For example, the control function 181 causes the external monitor connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to display the image of the output target in actual size.

  In step S56, the control function 181 determines whether or not cancellation of the actual size display has been received, as in step S6 shown in FIG. When the control function 181 does not determine that the release of the actual size display has been received (No in step S56), the determination process of step S56 is repeated. On the other hand, when the control function 181 determines that the cancellation of the actual size display has been received (step S56, Yes), the process ends.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the connection of the output unit of the external apparatus to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used as a trigger, and the output unit of the external apparatus is not required to perform a plurality of operations such as adjustment of the zoom factor. Outputs the image to be output in actual size. Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, for example, the operator can perform intuitively understandable explanation using the image displayed in the actual size at the time of explanation to the patient without performing complicated operations. Becomes possible. For example, when an ultrasound image is displayed in full size on an external monitor such as a second console, the operator can explain to the patient while applying to the site, and can correctly inform the patient of the size and position of the lesion.

  In the fourth embodiment described above, the output unit of the external apparatus is the external monitor connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control function 181 may print data in actual size.

  More specifically, when the output unit of the external apparatus is a printer connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, the control function 181 sends the image to be output to the printer when the printing instruction to the printer is received. Print on actual size. As a result, for example, the operator can obtain an image of an output object printed in full size without performing a complicated operation. As a result, even if there is no actual artificial valve, the operator obtains a print of the artificial valve image by printing the actual size of the artificial valve from accurate size information such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data of the artificial valve. It becomes possible. Then, the operator can simulate the operation with the ultrasonic image in which the mitral valve displayed in full size on the display 103 is drawn while viewing the printed matter of the image of the artificial valve.

  Further, by printing an ultrasound image of the fetus in full size, it is possible to print an image of a full size fetus to, for example, the mother of the fetus and provide it as a souvenir. As an example, when printing the face of the fetus in service to the mother of the fetus, printing the face of the fetus in full size makes it possible to increase the mother's satisfaction with the fetus.

(Other embodiments)
Embodiments are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  For example, the contents described in the above-described first to fourth embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, the control function 181 uses at least one of a mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasound scanning, acceptance of display of a past image, and setting of a region of interest in an image of an output target displayed on a monitor as a trigger. Display the image to be output on the monitor in full size.

  Here, for example, when the control function 181 uses a mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning as a trigger, at least a connection of an ultrasonic probe capable of mounting a puncture needle, selection of a puncture application, selection of a measurement application, A trigger is one of acceptance of an instruction to display an image to be output enlarged or reduced and display of a reference image referred to by an operator at the time of ultrasonic scanning. In addition, when the control function 181 uses an instruction to display a reference image referred to by the operator at the time of ultrasonic scanning as a trigger, at least an instruction to display a teaching material image as a reference image and another medical image diagnostic apparatus One of the instructions for displaying the generated image as a reference image is used as a trigger.

  Also, for example, when the control function 181 uses reception of display of a past image as a trigger, at least an instruction to display a past image at the time of preoperative simulation and image data of a fetus different in age as a past image Use one of the following instructions as a trigger.

  The word “processor” used in the above description is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, It means circuits such as Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The processor implements a function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Note that instead of storing the program in the memory circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor implements the function by reading and executing a program embedded in the circuit. Each processor according to the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize the function. Good. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize its function.

  In the above description of the embodiment, each component of each illustrated device is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the specific form of the dispersion and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically dispersed in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. It can be integrated and configured. Furthermore, all or any part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as wired logic hardware.

  Further, the image processing method described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared image processing program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This image processing program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The image processing program may also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, etc., and executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. .

  According to at least one embodiment described above, operability can be improved.

  While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof as well as included in the scope and the gist of the invention.

1 ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 apparatus main body 180 processing circuit 181 control function

Claims (17)

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a control unit that causes an output unit to output an image to be output in full size when receiving an input of a trigger.   The control unit calculates the number of pixels when outputting the image to be output in actual size from the output size of the output unit according to the trigger, and the output unit is calculated by the number of pixels for which the image to be output is calculated. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein It further comprises a storage unit for storing correspondence information in which the type of the output unit is associated with the output size,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates the number of pixels when the image to be output is output to the output unit in actual size with reference to the correspondence information.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit further outputs information indicating that the image to be output is being output to the output unit in actual size. It further comprises a storage unit for storing the type of the operation to be the trigger,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output the image of the output target in actual size when the input of the operation of the type is received. The output unit is a monitor,
The control unit sets at least one of a mode switching instruction at the time of ultrasonic scanning, reception of a display of a past image, and setting of a region of interest in the image of the output target displayed on the monitor as the trigger. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image of the output target is displayed on the monitor in actual size.   When the control unit uses the mode switching instruction at the time of the ultrasonic scan as the trigger, at least a connection of an ultrasonic probe capable of mounting a puncture needle, selection of a puncture application, selection of a measurement application, and an output target Receiving an instruction to display an enlarged or reduced image of the image, or an instruction to display a reference image to be referred to by the operator during the ultrasonic scan as the trigger, and generated by the ultrasonic scan The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the ultrasound image is displayed on the monitor in actual size.   When the control unit uses, as the trigger, an instruction to display a reference image referred to by the operator during the ultrasonic scan, at least an instruction to display a teaching material image as the reference image, and another medical image diagnostic apparatus The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the trigger is any one of instructions for displaying the image generated by the step as the reference image. The image generated by the other medical image diagnostic apparatus is a three-dimensional image,
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit aligns the image generated by ultrasound scanning with the three-dimensional image and displays the image in full size.   When the control unit uses the reception of the display of the past image as the trigger, the control unit displays at least an instruction to display the past image at the time of preoperative simulation and image data of a fetus different in age as the past image The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein any one of the instructions to perform is used as the trigger. The output unit is an output unit of an external device connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit uses a connection of an output unit of the external device to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as the trigger. The output unit of the external device is a monitor connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is connected to the monitor, the control unit causes the monitor to display the image of the output target in full size.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit further causes the monitor included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to display the image of the output target in actual size. The output unit of the external device is a printer connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit causes the printer to print the image to be output in full size when an instruction for printing to the printer is received.   When the input of the trigger is received while outputting the image of the output target to the output unit in the actual size, the control unit is changed to the size according to the trigger from the actual size and the image of the output target is output to the output unit And ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   An image processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that causes an output unit to output an image to be output in full size when an input of a trigger is received.   An image processing program that causes a computer to execute processing for causing an output unit to output an image to be output in full size when receiving an input of a trigger.