JP3274623B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmitting means for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an object via an ultrasonic probe, and an image to be subjected to image processing after receiving and amplifying an echo signal from the object. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that includes a processing unit, converts a signal subjected to image processing into a television signal, and displays a diagnostic image on a monitor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus irradiates an object with an ultrasonic pulse from an ultrasonic probe in accordance with a transmission signal transmitted from a transmission / reception unit, amplifies and detects an echo signal from the object, and then images the image. This is a device that performs processing, converts the signal into a television signal, and displays a diagnostic image on a monitor. Hereinafter, this type of conventional ultrasonic diagnostic device will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A console 1, a control unit 2, an ultrasonic probe 3, a transmitting / receiving unit 4, and a digital scan converter (hereinafter, referred to as DSC) 5 , Cathode ray tube (CRT)
) Or an external recording medium 10.

[0004] In FIG. 13, first, the transmitting / receiving unit 4 drives the ultrasonic probe 3. The ultrasonic probe 3 receives an echo signal from the subject and sends it out to the transmission / reception unit 4. The transmission / reception unit 4 detects and amplifies the received echo signal and sends it to the DSC 5, which is a television signal generation unit. The DSC 5 subjects the A / D-converted echo signal to image processing to add a television synchronization signal, and D / A-converts the resulting signal into a TV signal.
T or to the external recording medium 10.

[0005]

Conventionally, the above-mentioned apparatus has been generally used. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for a smaller and lighter ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this kind. When the unit is a CRT, there is a limit in reducing the size and weight of the device. In particular, in order to realize a highly portable notebook-type device, the size and weight of the display unit must be reduced. The liquid crystal display device satisfies the demand for a smaller and lighter display unit, but is not compatible with a CRT in gradation characteristics. Gamma correction suitable for the display device is required.

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a post-process is performed as a tone correction means for a specific tone in order to make the diagnostic image easier to see, and the tone correction mode can be changed. In many cases, the gradation correction mode in which the diagnosis is most easily performed in the CRT display does not always match the gradation correction mode in which the diagnosis is most easily performed in the liquid crystal display. It is conceivable that the gradation correction mode when the image is considered to be most easily diagnosed is different.

Therefore, when a liquid crystal display device is used, the gradation characteristic for a liquid crystal display device has two functions of a gamma correction suitable for the gradation characteristics of the liquid crystal display device and a post process suitable for a diagnostic image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display. And a means for changing the gradation correction mode of the gradation characteristic for the liquid crystal display device.

Furthermore, while digital image data of monochrome gradation for generating a television signal is n-bit data, the R, G, and B signals for liquid crystal display each have less m than n bits. In the case where there is only one bit at a time, a monochrome gradation display in which the same correction mode is applied to the R signal, the G signal, and the B signal is performed, and the signal for the liquid crystal display device is (nm) bits higher than the television signal. The tone display ability is inferior.

Means for solving this problem include a means for individually correcting the R signal, the G signal, and the B signal. It is required that the lightness of the color changes from low to high in correspondence with black → gray → white and that the hue is not unsightly in the diagnostic display.

However, in such a situation,
The above-mentioned conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is not in a form that can cope with this, and it has a major problem in this point. The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has a CR
To provide an output signal for a liquid crystal display device to a liquid crystal display device while supplying a television signal to a device that requires a television signal for T, thereby realizing a multi-gradation display of a diagnostic image. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of performing the above.

[0011]

According to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic waves to a subject via an ultrasonic probe.
Communication means and received and amplified echo signals from the subject
Image signal processing means for performing image processing later;
The processed signal is converted into a television signal and an R signal, a G signal, and a B signal.
Digital scan converter to convert
Ultrasound diagnosis for displaying the television signal as a diagnostic image
In the apparatus, the digital scan converter
Pseudo color table based on output R, G, and B signals
The gradation of the liquid crystal display device signal
Tone correcting means, and a plurality of tone correcting means based on the tone correcting means.
Means for setting each gradation correction mode, and a plurality of set
Means for selecting each of the gradation correction modes.
TV signal for CRT and liquid crystal display device from received echo signal
And generating both of the output signals. Ma
In addition, the present invention transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject through an ultrasonic probe.
Transmitting means for receiving an echo signal from the subject
Image signal processing means for performing image processing after amplification, and
The n-bit digital image signal subjected to the image processing
A video signal to be converted into a Levi signal and R, G, and B signals.
And a digital scan converter.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying as a diagnostic image,
LCD device output from digital scan converter
R signal, G signal of m bits smaller than n bits
By performing pseudo color display using the B signal, the liquid crystal display
A gradation correction means for correcting the gradation of the display device signal,
It is necessary to have a liquid crystal display device perform multi-tone display of m bits or more.
And features.

According to the present invention, a television signal for a CRT is supplied to a device that requires the television signal.
A liquid crystal display device can display a diagnostic image that has been subjected to gamma correction and post-process gradation correction for the liquid crystal display device. The diagnostic image can be displayed by multi-gradation display that is equal to or greater than the monochrome gradation display capability of the display device. Further, the size and weight of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be reduced by employing the liquid crystal display device.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the above-described conventional apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a console, 2 denotes a control unit, 3 denotes an ultrasonic probe, and 4 denotes an ultrasonic probe. Transmitter / receiver unit, 5 is a digital scan converter ( DSC ) , 10
Is a CRT or an external recording medium. The configuration up to this point is the same as that of the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. 13, and the operation thereof is also substantially the same. Reference numeral 6 denotes a liquid crystal display device driving unit that generates an output signal for liquid crystal display, and includes a gradation correction unit 7 and an output generation unit 8 for a liquid crystal display device. Reference numeral 9 denotes a liquid crystal display device, 11 denotes a correction unit, and 12 denotes a switching unit.
7, a G signal gradation correction unit 18 and a B signal gradation correction unit 19 are configured. 13 is a rewrite control signal applied from the control unit 2 to the gradation correction unit 7, 14 is a digital R signal or digital B / W signal applied from the DSC 5 to the R signal gradation correction unit 17, and 15 is a G signal gradation. The digital G signal or digital B / W signal applied to the correction unit 18, the digital B signal applied to the B signal gradation correction unit 19, or
3 shows a digital B / W signal.

The operation will be described below. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the contents of image processing performed by the DSC in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. 7, and outputs gamma correction, post-process, trace and graphic addition, TV synchronization signal addition, D / A conversion, and outputs to a CRT or an external recording medium. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing image processing contents of a gradation correction unit and an output generation unit for a liquid crystal display device when the liquid crystal display device has an analog interface in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing image processing contents of a gradation correction unit and an output generation unit for a liquid crystal display device when the liquid crystal display device in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention has a digital interface; The display device driver 6 performs the following processing on the image signal extracted from the DSC 5.

In the case of the analog type shown in FIG. 3, the image signal taken out of the DSC 5 is subjected to γ correction and gradation processing for the liquid crystal display device 9 by the gradation correction section 7 and then to the liquid crystal display device. The output generation unit 8 performs trace and graphic addition, television synchronization signal addition, and D / A conversion, and outputs the result to the liquid crystal display device 9 in FIG.

In the case of the digital type shown in FIG. 4, the image signal extracted from the DSC 5 is subjected to gamma correction and post-processing for the liquid crystal display device 9 by the gradation correction unit 7 and then to the liquid crystal display device. Trace output and graphic addition are performed by the output generation unit 8. Since the image signal extracted from the DSC 5 is an interlace signal, the output generation unit 8 for a liquid crystal display device further performs non-interlace conversion and then outputs it to the liquid crystal display device 9. As described above, when the liquid crystal display device 9 has a digital interface, the liquid crystal display device output generation unit 8 also generates signals such as a dot clock, a television synchronization signal, and an enable signal in addition to the digital image signal, and outputs the signals to the liquid crystal display device 9. I do.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an entire configuration of a liquid crystal display device driving section in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal display driver 6 generates a clock necessary for liquid crystal display by using a horizontal synchronizing signal 21 input from the DSC 5 in addition to the gradation corrector 7 and the output generator 8 for the liquid crystal display. A liquid crystal display clock generation unit 23 to be generated, a vertical synchronization signal 20 and a horizontal synchronization signal 21 input from the DSC 5, a control signal from the control unit 2, and a liquid crystal for controlling the liquid crystal display device driving unit 6 using the above-described clock. It comprises a display control unit 22. In FIG. 5, portions not shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 are shown in FIGS.
The description in FIGS. 3 and 4 is omitted, and the same configuration is possible in FIGS.

Here, the tone correcting section 7 in FIG. 1 is composed of two correcting sections storing two kinds of tone correcting modes one by one.
11 and a switching unit 12 for switching between the two,
There is provided changing means for changing the correction mode according to the rewrite control signal 13 from the control unit. FIG. 6 is a curve diagram showing a tone correction curve of a tone correction unit in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. For example, a tone correction curve showing a relationship between image data values before and after tone correction. Are prepared by using two types of gradation correction curve A and gradation correction curve B, and applying different curves for A-mode display and B-mode display to generate image data for liquid crystal display, Data can be generated by applying different gradation correction curves to different types of liquid crystal display devices. In FIG. 1, the R signal, the G signal,
A configuration is provided in which two types of gradation correction mode switching means are provided for each of the B signals.
A configuration including switching means for any type of gradation correction mode for each of the B signals can be similarly implemented. The change of the correction mode can be realized by rewriting from the control unit.

As a specific method of realizing the tone correction unit,
It can be configured using a memory in which the value before correction is an address and the value after correction is data. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a RAM (Random Acce
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a gradation correction unit using an ss memory (Ss Memory).
Each of the 8 and B signal tone correction units 19 has the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 7, and XDin (0, n-1) (X is R, G or B) is data before correction, and XDout (0, m- 1) (X is R or G
Or B) is the corrected data. In the example shown in FIG. 7, while the curve shape is being changed, that is, while the CPU is calculating a new correction value corresponding to each Din, the calculated values are sequentially stored in the RAM B, and all the changes are completed. At this point, a new correction value is transferred from RAM B to RAM A at one time. Thereby, the rewriting time of the RAM A can be saved.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map when different gradation correction modes are stored at different addresses of a gradation correction unit using a RAM in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. , by storing different tone correction mode in different banks performed divided into banks of memory, it is possible to select either by using the control signal switching part of the memory address. By using the graphic and trace control signals for some of the memory addresses as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to add graphics and trace simultaneously with the gradation correction in the aforementioned memory.

As an example of a specific means for changing the gradation correction, a gradation correction value setting mode for displaying a gradation correction curve on a screen in response to a command input from the console 1 is provided. A signal, a G signal, and a B signal are prepared.
FIG. 9 is a curve diagram showing a gradation correction curve in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. The user enters a gradation correction value setting mode of any of the R signal, the G signal, and the B signal by inputting a command. The operator enters the console 1 to change the shape of the curve displayed on the screen. Accordingly, the control unit 2 calculates the memory address and data of the gradation correction unit 7 corresponding to the changed curve, and rewrites the data of the calculated memory address. Note that if different tone correction modes are used for each of the R signal, the G signal, and the B signal, the color tone and the tone are corrected, and if the same tone correction mode is used, only the tone is corrected.

When gradation correction is performed for the liquid crystal display device in this manner, a CRT television signal and a signal for a liquid crystal display device capable of multi-gradation display can be generated from the same received echo signal. By replacing the display unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a liquid crystal display instead of a CRT, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be reduced in size and weight, and an output can be supplied to an external device requiring a CRT television signal as before.

Further, since the gradation correction and the color tone correction in the liquid crystal display can be arbitrarily set in this way, the correction in accordance with the gradation characteristics of each liquid crystal display device can be performed.
The correction mode can be changed for each diagnostic image that is being displayed, a specific gradation of the diagnostic image that is being displayed can be corrected, and pseudo-color display is applied to the echo data to display the monochrome image of the liquid crystal display device. This makes it possible to display a diagnostic image in a liquid crystal display in multi-gradation display having a tone display capability or higher, and these points will be described below.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the echo data input to the gradation correction unit 7 is n-bit monochrome data,
The output R, G, and B signals for the liquid crystal display device are each m
In the case of bits (m <n), when the monochrome gradation display in which the same gradation correction mode is applied to the R signal, the G signal, and the B signal is used, the signal for the liquid crystal display device is different from the signal before the gradation correction. As a result, the (nm) bit gradation display ability is inferior. However, by performing display using different correction modes for the R signal, G signal, and B signal, that is, performing correction using pseudo color display, a gray scale display with more than m bits is used in the liquid crystal display device. A diagnostic image display can be realized. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gradation correction curve of a liquid crystal display device which receives m-bit R, G, and B signals according to an embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. 1 out of R curve, G curve and B curve shown in
One curve is set differently from the other two curves. In the figure, XDin indicates input data of each of the R curve, G curve, and B curve, and XDout indicates output data of each of the R curve, G curve, and B curve. In the example of FIG. 10, the curve a is an R curve and a B curve, and the curve b is a G curve, and the output signal for the liquid crystal display device is black → red purple → The gradation changes like white. In addition to the example in FIG. 10, different gradation changes can be realized by arbitrarily applying the curve a and the curve b to the R curve, the G curve, and the B curve.

XDin with respect to XDout

[0027]

[Outside 1]

The curve shape shown in the enlarged view of the curve in FIG. 10 can be realized, and the maximum gradation can be realized. Actually, the gradation correction curve does not always change linearly as shown in FIG. 10 by performing the post-process or the γ correction for the liquid crystal display, but in the case of FIG. 10, (RDout, GDout, BDo)
ut)

[0029]

[Outside 2]

As a result, a multi-tone display almost twice as large as a monochrome display can be realized.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing another example of a gradation correction curve of a liquid crystal display device to which m-bit R, G, and B signals are input in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. This is one in which each of the R, G, and B curves shown in FIG. 9 is set differently.
In FIG. 11, the curve a is used for the R curve, the curves b and B are used for the G curve.
In this case, the curve c is applied to the curve. In this case, the output signal for the liquid crystal display device has a gradation such as black → red → yellow → white in response to a black-gray → white monochrome gradation change of the input signal. Changes. In the curve shape of FIG. 11, (RDout, GDou
t, BDout)

[0032]

[Outside 3]

Thus, the maximum gradation can be expressed.

Here, from the viewpoint of the purpose of use of the diagnostic image display, from the viewpoint of the actual use of the diagnostic image display, the brightness is low even in the gradation display using the pseudo color of the output corresponding to the input monochrome gradation. That high continuity is maintained,
2 that the hue is not unsightly in actual use of diagnosis
The point is essential. However, in the curve of FIG. 11, the gradation of the output signal changes in the order of black → red → yellow → white with respect to the change of the gradation of the input signal from black → gray → white, and the hue changes on the way. Curve a, curve b, curve c other than the example of FIG.
When the color is applied to the R curve, the G curve, and the B curve one by one arbitrarily, the hue similarly changes in the middle.
The strength of the echo signal cannot be visually judged because the difference in the brightness of the intermediate color is small or the level of the brightness is reversed halfway. Therefore, when the curve of FIG. 11 is applied, although the gradation is multi-gradation, it is not practical for displaying a diagnostic image.

FIG. 12 is a view showing still another example of a gradation correction curve of a liquid crystal display device which receives m-bit R, G, and B signals in an embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. In the case of this correction curve, it is almost the same as the curve of FIG.

[0036]

[Outside 4]

In addition, by applying the curve a to the R curve, the curve b to the G curve, and the curve c to the B curve, the gray scale change of the input signal from black to gray to white can be achieved. The gradation of the output signal changes in the order of black → brown → white, and the gradation of the echo signal can be visually discriminated. In addition to the example in FIG.
Different gradation changes can be realized by arbitrarily applying the curves b and c to the R curve, G curve and B curve. However, by using the curve of FIG. 12, the signal for liquid crystal display performs monochrome gradation display. In this case, it is possible to display a diagnostic image with a multi-tone display almost three times as large as that in the case of the above, and it is possible to realize a diagnostic image display with the most multi-tone in practical use.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, the R signal,
By performing pseudo color display using G and B signals,
Tone correction for a liquid crystal display device, and a CRT television signal and a signal for a liquid crystal display device capable of multi-gradation display can be generated from the same received echo signal. By replacing the CRT with a liquid crystal display device, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
An advantageous effect is obtained that an output can be supplied to an external device that requires a television signal for use as before without changing the gradation characteristics of the television signal.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention, gradation correction is performed for a liquid crystal display device, and C
A TV signal for RT and a signal for a liquid crystal display device capable of multi-gradation display can be generated, whereby the display unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic device can be replaced with a liquid crystal display device from a CRT to reduce the size and weight of the ultrasonic diagnostic device. This can provide an advantageous effect that an output can be supplied to an external device requiring a CRT television signal without changing the gradation characteristics of the television signal as before.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating image processing performed by a DSC in the embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing image processing contents of a gradation correction unit and a liquid crystal display device output generation unit when the liquid crystal display device has an analog interface in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating image processing contents of a gradation correction unit and a liquid crystal display output generation unit when the liquid crystal display device has a digital interface in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an entire configuration of a liquid crystal display device driving unit in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a curve diagram showing a tone correction curve of a tone correction unit in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a gradation correction unit using a RAM for gradation correction in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map when different gradation correction modes are stored at different addresses of a gradation correction unit using a RAM in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a curve diagram showing a gradation correction curve in one embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a gradation correction curve of a liquid crystal display device that receives m-bit R, G, and B signals according to an embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a gradation correction curve of a liquid crystal display device that receives m-bit R, G, and B signals according to an embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. .

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing still another example of a gradation correction curve of a liquid crystal display device that receives m-bit R, G, and B signals according to an embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. is there.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation console, 2 ... Control part, 3 ... Ultrasonic probe, 4
... Transceiver unit 5 Digital scan converter (D
SC) , 6: liquid crystal display device drive unit, 7: gradation correction unit, 8: output generation unit for liquid crystal display device, 9: liquid crystal display device, 10: CRT or external recording medium, 11: correction unit, 12: switching Section, 17 ... R signal tone correction section,
18 ... G signal tone correction section, 19 ... B signal tone correction section,
22: liquid crystal display controller, 23: clock generator for liquid crystal display.

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 8/00-8/15 G09G 3/36 G09G 5/00 G06T 1/00 290

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A transmitting means for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a subject via the ultrasonic probe, an image signal processing means for performing image processing to then amplified by receiving an echo signal from the subject,
The signal subjected to the image processing is converted into a television signal and an R signal,
Digital scan converter that converts to G and B signals
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying the television signal as a diagnostic image, the digital scan converter
R signal outputted from the over data, G signals, pseudo by B signal
By performing color display, the signal floor for liquid crystal display
Tone correction means for correcting the tone, means for setting a plurality of tone correction modes based on the tone correction means, and means for selecting the set tone correction modes. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which generates both a CRT television signal and a liquid crystal display output signal from a received echo signal. 2. A transmission means for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a subject via the ultrasonic probe, an image signal processing means for performing image processing to then amplified by receiving an echo signal from the subject,
Digital image signal television signal and R signal n bits subjected to the image processing, G signal, de to convert the B signal
A digital scan converter;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays a diagnostic image of the
Liquid crystal display output from digital scan converter
By performing pseudo-color display using R, G, and B signals of m bits smaller than n bits for a device,
Comprising a gradation correction means for correcting the gradation of crystal display device signal, line Align the multi-gradation display in more than m bits to the liquid crystal display device
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by that. 3. An interlaced signal having undergone gradation correction.
Converting the image signal into a non-interlaced signal
A non-interlace conversion means;
Displaying the image signal converted to the image signal on the liquid crystal display device.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: