JP3325226B2 - 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 an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying an ultrasonic tomographic image by three-dimensionally scanning ultrasonic waves.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which displays an ultrasonic tomographic image of an object based on echo data obtained by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from the object has been widely used. As the prior art, the present applicant has filed a Japanese Patent Application No.
No. 064.

In Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064, a plurality of tomographic images are displayed on a monitor screen from three-dimensional data obtained by three-dimensional scanning, specifically, linear images corresponding to linear scanning and radial scanning. The index indicating the relationship between the radial image and the scanning position is displayed, and the information indicating the relationship between the tomographic image and the scanning position is displayed, so that the relationship between the plurality of tomographic images and the relationship with the scanning state are easily understood. .

[0004]

However, in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064, an index is used to show the relationship between a plurality of tomographic images, but it is necessary to understand the meaning of the index. In that sense, the display was not intuitive and difficult to understand.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is intended to make it easier to understand the ultrasonic wave 3 by making it possible to intuitively grasp the relationship between a plurality of tomographic images.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of displaying dimensional data.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Ultrasound diagnosis according to the present invention
The apparatus comprises : an ultrasonic probe for three-dimensionally scanning ultrasonic waves; tomographic data storage means for storing three-dimensional data of a subject based on an output signal of the ultrasonic probe; Means for generating a first tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane of the subject in a first direction based on the three-dimensional data stored in the tomographic data storage means; Means for generating a second tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane of the subject in a second direction different from the first direction, and a first tomographic image signal generated based on the first tomographic image signal. At the position where the other tomographic plane is specified on one tomographic image of the tomographic image and the second tomographic image generated based on the second tomographic image signal, the other is displayed on the display area of the one tomographic image. display control means for displaying by inserting a tomographic image, the Characterized in that Bei was.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a touch panel screen of the operation terminal, and FIG. 4 shows details of a monitor display screen of the ultrasonic tomographic image displayed on the monitor. 5 shows a state of an image selection switch of the operation terminal, and FIG. 6 shows a state of changing a display position of a radial image.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 21 according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes an ultrasonic observation unit 1 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and displaying a real-time echo image (ultrasonic tomographic image). An image processing unit 2 performs various image processing based on the echo data obtained by the ultrasonic observation unit 1.

The ultrasonic observation unit 1 has a flexible shaft 3b connected to an ultrasonic transducer 3a for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in an ultrasonic probe 3 having an ultrasonic transducer 3a for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The drive unit 4 that drives the portion to which the base end is attached to rotate and that linearly moves in the axial direction of the probe 3 is connected.

Then, a spiral ultrasonic wave is radiated (scanned) from the ultrasonic transducer 3a to the object side during the rotation drive and the linear movement, and the ultrasonic wave reflected at the object side at that time is received. By doing so, three-dimensional data of data corresponding to a radial tomographic image and data corresponding to a linear tomographic image can be obtained.

The ultrasonic observation unit 1 includes a transmission / reception unit 5 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducer 3a via the driving unit 4.
A frame memory 6 for storing echo data captured by the transmission / reception unit 5; and a digital scan converter for converting sound ray data for each scan stored in the frame memory 6 into image data of a desired television system. (Abbreviated as DSC) 7, a D / A conversion circuit 8 for converting a digital image signal of the DSC 7 into analog,
A monitor 9 that receives an output signal of the A-conversion circuit 8 and displays a real-time ultrasonic tomographic image, and a system controller 10 that controls the driving unit 4, the transmitting / receiving unit 5, and the frame memory 6 It is configured.

The image processing unit 2 includes a CPU 11 for controlling the entire image processing unit 2 and the like, a main storage device 12 for recording data of each image processing result, and a sound from the ultrasonic observation unit 1. Image data storage device 13 for storing line data
An arithmetic processor 14 for performing various image processing such as DSC processing and luminance value conversion processing for converting sound ray data into desired television data at high speed; and an external storage device 15 for recording information such as processing programs and backup data. When,
An operation terminal 16 such as a keyboard for inputting data such as commands, a track ball 17 which is an input instruction device used for setting an image area and the like, a frame buffer 18 for temporarily storing data after image processing, A D / A conversion circuit 19 for converting a digital image signal output from the frame buffer 18 into an analog signal, a monitor 20 for inputting an output image signal from the D / A conversion circuit 19 and displaying an image after image processing; And a recording device that records data stored in the image data storage device 13 on an exchangeable recording medium, for example, a magneto-optical disk device 22.

Each section of the image processing section 2 and the ultrasonic observation section 1 are connected via a data transfer bus 23 to exchange processed image data. Then, the ultrasonic transducer 3a is rotated and moved via the flexible shaft 3b to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to the living body, thereby capturing three-dimensional tomographic echo data in the living body, performing image processing, and processing the image. Is displayed on the monitor display screen 20A of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, a monitor display screen 20A has a character display area 24 for displaying patient information and the like,
Radial tomographic image display area 2 for displaying radial tomographic images
5 and a linear tomographic image display area 2 for displaying a linear tomographic image
6. The operation terminal 16 is specifically configured by a touch panel, and FIG. 3 shows a touch panel screen 27 of the touch panel.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the touch panel screen 27, an image quality switch 28 for using a high image quality mode in three-dimensional scanning, and for example, 15, 20, 30, 40 mm as a scanning stroke in a linear direction are switched. Switch 29, pitch switch 30 for determining the interval of data acquisition in the linear direction, image rotation switch 3 for rotating radial images
1. An image selection switch 36 for selecting and displaying a required image from a plurality of radial images, a range switch 32 for switching a display range of a radial image, and a display switch 3 for switching a display format of a plurality of images.
3. Switching between an examination mode for actually acquiring data and a review mode for reproducing and displaying stored data, a review switch 34, a switching tag 35 for moving to other functions such as a patient ID input, etc. Auto stop to switch between auto stop and continuous scanning
A Stop switch 37, an R-Dir switch 38 for switching the direction of the radial image, an H-Dir switch 39 for switching the direction of the linear image, and the like are provided.

FIG. 4 shows details of a monitor display screen 20A of an ultrasonic tomographic image displayed on the monitor 20. A distance scale 40 indicating a distance on the display screen is displayed on the monitor display screen 20A so as to surround the radial tomographic image display area 25 and the linear tomographic image display area 26.

The character display area 24 includes a hospital name, date, time, patient ID, name, age, date of birth, sex, GAIN of the ultrasonic observation unit 1, CONTRAS.
T adjustment value, Gain, Contrast of image processing unit 2
R-Dir representing the value, frequency, and orientation of the radial image
Information, H-Dir information indicating the direction of the linear image, and whether the current inspection mode is the high image quality mode. Q
quality ON / OFF display, range information of radial image, data capture interval in linear direction, data amount in linear direction, data capture range in linear direction, remaining capacity of recording medium, information for identifying observation site (B. Mar
k), comments, etc. are displayed.

A gray scale 4 is provided above the radial tomographic image display area 25 and the linear tomographic image display area 26.
2 is displayed. In addition, BackGround which indicates whether or not a program being processed in parallel is running
There is a Task Window 43.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, a radial tomographic image is displayed in the radial tomographic image display area 25 on the monitor display screen 20A and designated by the radial line cursor 41 of the radial tomographic image. The linear tomographic image at the cross-sectional position is displayed in the linear tomographic image display area 26 (for example, in an initial display form), but the position is moved by operating the image selection switch 36 shown in FIG. (The switch bar of the image selection switch 36 to be turned on the left end) divides the linear tomographic image display area 26 at the sectional position so that the radial tomographic image is displayed at the moved sectional position in the linear scanning direction as shown in FIG. It is characterized by adopting a display form in which the radial tomographic image display area 25 is inserted.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When performing ultrasonic observation, the ultrasonic probe 3 is inserted into a test site such as a body cavity, and the transmitting and receiving unit 5 and the driving unit 4 control the ultrasonic transducer 3 a under the control of the system controller 10.
By transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the living body while rotating and moving the, the echo data of the tomographic image in the living body is captured.

The echo data thus obtained is stored in the frame memory 6 and displayed on the monitor 9 via the DSC 7 and the D / A conversion circuit 8 as a real-time ultrasonic tomographic image.

At the same time, echo data is sent to the image processing unit 2 in the form of sound ray data from the preceding stage of the DSC 7 as a digital signal. The sound ray data sent to the image processing unit 2 is stored in the image data storage device 13 for each image data forming one ultrasonic tomographic image.

The image data stored in the image data storage device 13 is subjected to image processing such as DSC processing and luminance value conversion processing by the arithmetic processor 14. The result of the image processing is sent to the frame buffer 18 to be temporarily stored, sent to the monitor 20 via the D / A conversion circuit 19, subjected to image processing, and an ultrasonic tomographic image is displayed as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the radial tomographic image displayed on the radial tomographic image display area 25 of the monitor display screen 20A is based on the sound ray data transmitted from the ultrasonic observation unit 1 to the image processing unit 2. This is a sound tomographic image, and is updated in accordance with the input of the sound ray data, that is, in synchronization with the radial scanning of the ultrasonic probe 3.

The linear tomographic image displayed in the linear tomographic image display area 26 is reconstructed by the CPU 11 based on a plurality of radial scan sound ray data sent from the ultrasonic observation unit 1 to the image processing unit 2. It is an obtained ultrasonic tomographic image.

This linear tomographic image is an image at a section designated by the radial line cursor 41 on the radial tomographic image display area 25. Here, by changing the position of the radial line cursor 41, a linear tomographic image at an arbitrary position can be obtained.

In the linear tomographic image, an old image is updated with a new image each time one linear scan is completed by performing a radial scan with the ultrasonic probe 3 and moving the probe in the axial direction at the same time. Data is captured only when the ultrasonic transducer 3a is retracted.
When a advances, the linear tomographic image is updated.

When the image selection switch 36 is moved on the touch panel screen 27 shown in FIG. 3, the information is transmitted to each section via the CPU 11, and the radial tomographic image display area 25 is moved to a position corresponding to the information.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the image selection switch 36 of the operation terminal 16 has been moved, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the radial tomographic image display area 25 has been moved to a position corresponding to the moved image selection switch 36. I have.

Conventionally, a linear line cursor 44 indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 2 is displayed in the linear image display area 26. However, in the present embodiment, a radial image is displayed directly at this position instead of the linear line cursor 44. I try to make it.

That is, the image selection switch 3
6 is moved in the linear scanning direction to divide the linear image display area 26 at the set position and insert and display the radial tomographic image display area 25 to display the linear image and any cross-sectional position on the linear image. Is used to display the radial image in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

The image selection switch 36 can be roughly changed by directly moving the bar. Use the arrow keys to switch the image when you want to switch finely.

When the image rotation switch 31 is rotated, the radial image rotates correspondingly, and the positional relationship between the radial line cursor 41 and the image changes, so that the linear image is updated correspondingly. Similarly to the image selection switch 36, the image rotation switch 31 is roughly changed by a dial and finely rotated by an arrow key.

Image capture in the linear direction is determined by a combination of a plurality of strokes and a plurality of image capture intervals (pitches), and the combination can be arbitrarily changed on the operation terminal 16. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the change is made using a stroke switch 29 and a pitch switch 30. Although the combinations that can be displayed on the operation terminal 16 are limited, the combinations that can be displayed on the operation terminal 16 can be changed by system settings.

The left end and the right end of the linear image can be switched by using the H-Dir switch 39 for switching the linear display direction. When switched by the H-Dir switch 39, the current direction is displayed on the screen. Further, the detected direction of the probe 3 may be displayed on the screen in combination with the direction detecting means of the probe 3.

Further, whether the current examination is an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract or an examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract may be set from the operation terminal 16, and the Dir direction may be automatically switched according to the setting. .

When the scanning of the probe 3 is started or stopped by pressing a freeze key (not shown) from the operating terminal 16,
At that time, the data of the ultrasonic probe 3 is acquired from the ultrasonic observation unit 1 and displayed on the monitor 20. When the mode is switched by the review switch 34 to enter the review mode, if data has been acquired in the inspection mode immediately before, the data can be used in the review mode as it is. Trackball 1 as an input device in each mode
7 can be used, and which mode to use can be set in the system settings.

This embodiment has the following effects. According to the above configuration, by directly moving and displaying the radial image instead of displaying the line cursor indicating the position of the radial image on the linear image, the relationship between the two images can be displayed more intuitively and easily.

In the present embodiment, the radial image is displayed at the cross-sectional position indicating the display position of the radial image on the linear image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in FIG. Radial line cursor 4
Instead of displaying 1, a linear image may be displayed by inserting the linear image display area 26 on the right side of FIG. 2 at this position (corresponding to this, the image selection switch 36 of FIG. May be provided with a function of setting not only the display position of the radial image but also the display position of the linear image.)

To summarize these display forms, one tomographic image is divided at a position where the other tomographic plane on one tomographic image in the linear image and the radial image is designated, and the other tomographic image is divided. The display control may be performed such that the image is inserted and displayed.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description is omitted. The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The operation of the present embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 7 is a display image in a radial 4 cm range and a linear scanning range of 40 mm. FIG. 8 shows a display screen in a radial 1 cm range and a linear scanning range of 40 mm.

The size of the image is adjusted by the display screen adjusting means in the CPU 11 so that the entire image is displayed, while the scale of the radial image and the linear image are adjusted by the scale matching means in the CPU 11. The data is written to the buffer 18 and displayed on the monitor 20.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, the entirety of the plurality of images can always be seen,
The image becomes easy to understand. Further, the size of the lesion can be correctly grasped.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is the first
Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
In the present embodiment, a plurality of linear images are displayed in response to a case where a plurality of radial line cursors are set on a radial image. Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9A shows a plurality of radial line cursors 41a, 41b and 41c on a radial image.
An example in which a plurality of linear images La, Lb, Lc are displayed is shown. According to the information input from the operation terminal 16, C
The radial line cursor 41 is moved by the line cursor setting means in the PU 11, and the plurality of linear tomographic images La, Lb, Lc corresponding to the plurality of line cursors 41a, 41b, 41c are simultaneously displayed by the image display means.

For example, the radial line cursors 41a, 41b and 41c shown in FIG.
b, Lc. Also, as shown in FIG.
The radial line cursor may be a free curve. In this case, the radial line cursors 41a ', 41b', 41
c 'corresponds to the linear tomographic images La', Lb ', Lc'.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, a plurality of tomographic images can be simultaneously grasped, so that the images are easy to understand. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, a plurality of radial images are displayed in response to a case where a plurality of linear line cursors are set on a linear image.

FIG. 10A shows an example in which a plurality of linear line cursors 44 are displayed on a linear image and a plurality of radial tomographic images are displayed, but is different from the third embodiment.

That is, the linear line cursors 44a, 44b and 44c shown in FIG.
a, Rb, and Rc. As shown in FIG. 10B, a free curve may be used. In this case, the linear line cursors 44a ', 44b', and 44c 'correspond to radial tomographic images Ra', Rb ', and Rc'.

In addition, instead of the linear line cursor in FIG. 10, linear plate cursors 45a, 45b, and 45c on the schematic stereoscopic image shown in FIG. 11 are displayed, and corresponding to the radial tomographic images Ra, Rb, R
c may be displayed.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, a plurality of tomographic images can be simultaneously grasped, so that the images are easy to understand. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the same components and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
2 is a linear image priority display in which the linear tomographic image display area 26 is displayed larger than the radial tomographic image display area 25. FIG. 13 shows a radial image priority display in which the radial tomographic image display area 25 is displayed larger than the linear tomographic image display area 26.

FIG. 14 shows a combi display (combi display) in which the radial tomographic image display area 25 is halved and the linear tomographic image display area 26 is correspondingly enlarged. 12 to 1
The display method shown in FIG. 4 is switched according to the input from the operation terminal 16. Specifically, the display is switched by the display switch 33 on the touch panel screen 27 of the operation terminal 16 in FIG.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, the part you want to focus on is displayed large,
The image becomes easier to understand. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given, and detailed description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 14, the radial image is formed into a semicircle, and the linear image is enlarged correspondingly to make it easier to see, and the connection between the radial image and the linear image is displayed so as to be more easily displayed. At the left end of the linear image in FIG. 14, there is a linear line cursor 44 for determining the position of a radial tomographic image.

In this embodiment, when the radial image is switched by moving the linear line cursor 44 based on the input from the operation terminal 16, the CPU 11 changes the linear image so that the line cursor 44 is always at the left end in FIG. The portion on the left side of the line cursor 44 indicated by the section is cut out and displayed as shown in FIG. 15, and the linear image is displayed close to the radial image.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, the connection between the radial image and the linear image is always displayed in an easy-to-understand manner, which is useful for diagnosis.

(Seventh Embodiment) A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 17 shows a state in which the monitor display surface 9 A of the monitor 9 is used as a radial tomographic image display area 25 and the monitor 20 is used as a linear tomographic image display area 26. The radial image generated by the ultrasonic observation unit is displayed on the monitor 9, and the linear image generated by the image processing unit 2 is displayed on the monitor 20.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, a plurality of tomographic images can be simultaneously observed in a large image, so that the image is easy to understand and useful for diagnosis. Further, there is no need to display a radial image on the monitor 20, the load on the image processing unit 2 is reduced, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 21 can be configured at low cost.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIGS. 18, 19 and 20
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. However, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 21 according to the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is different from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 21 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The only difference is that an external signal input means 46 for inputting a signal is provided.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
External signal input means 4 provided in the image processing unit 2 shown in FIG.
The TV signal (for example, the TV signal corresponding to the endoscope image 47 shown in FIG. 19) input from the monitor 6 is superimposed on the tomographic image of the ultrasonic wave, and as shown in FIG.
Display at 0A.

As shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 48 showing the insertion direction of the probe may be shown as a superimposed screen 49 which is superimposed and displayed instead of the TV signal.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, the endoscope image 47 and a plurality of tomographic images can be simultaneously grasped, so that the image is easy to understand.

(Ninth Embodiment) A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the same components and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
Numeral 1 shows an image rotation mark 50 displayed above the linear image. In accordance with the input from the operation terminal 16, the radial image is rotated, and the linear image is updated accordingly. then,
The mark on the linear image is also updated at the same time, and it is possible to know whether rotation has been applied based on the direction of → in the mark. More preferably, the image rotation mark 50 is displayed only when the rotation is applied.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, it is possible to determine at a glance whether or not the image is rotated.

(Tenth Embodiment) Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Embodiment 0 will be described. This embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First
A feature of the tenth embodiment is that the linear image is updated each time one scan is completed as compared with the tenth embodiment.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, the load on the image processing unit 2 can be reduced, and the scanning speed of a linear image can be increased.

(Eleventh Embodiment) An eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the same components and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
Reference numeral 2 denotes an operation terminal touch panel screen 27 in the stroke priority mode when the scanning time is minimized.
FIG. 23 shows the operation terminal touch panel screen 27 in the pitch priority mode when the scanning time is minimized.

When performing three-dimensional scanning, the system controller 10 moves the ultrasonic probe 3 for one radial rotation.
Since the control is performed to move by one pitch in the linear direction, under the condition that the scanning time is minimized, in the case where the stroke is prioritized, the stroke is selected to the 40 mm stroke selected in FIG. What is automatically selected accordingly is the maximum pitch value of 1.0 mm which is also shaded.

In the case of the pitch priority, the minimum pitch value of 10 mm is automatically selected in correspondence with the 0.375 mm pitch selected (hatched) in FIG.
It is a stroke.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, the most effective combination of stroke and pitch under a certain control can be quickly selected, and the ultrasonic observation device 21
Is easier to use. In the past, when an inappropriate combination of pitch and stroke was selected, a warning message was displayed, but this is no longer necessary.

(Twelfth Embodiment) A twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the same components and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
4 is a flow showing the operation content of the present embodiment. 3
When the dimensional scanning is started, a pulse in the linear direction is generated by a photo interrupter (not shown) provided in the driving unit 4 at each end of a stroke, and is input to the CPU 11.

This pulse is referred to as a one-stroke signal. After starting the image input in step S1, the CPU 11 determines whether one scan in step S2 is completed (one stroke is completed) based on the one-stroke signal. At the time of the determination, the usage amount of the image memory in step S3 is checked.

Then, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the actual usage is smaller than the expected usage. In this case, the CPU
Numeral 11 sets a value slightly smaller than the standard image memory usage when one stroke is normally scanned as the expected usage.

If it is determined that the actual usage amount is smaller than the planned usage amount, it is determined that the frame has been dropped in step S5, and a warning is displayed on the monitor 20 in step S6. If it is larger than the amount, the process is terminated, assuming that there is no dropping in step S6.

This embodiment has the following effects. With the above configuration, it is possible to grasp the presence or absence of a frame drop with a simple circuit,
Accurate three-dimensional scanning can be performed. Note that embodiments and the like configured by partially combining the above-described embodiments and the like also belong to the present invention.

(1) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body to perform three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing echo data of the three-dimensional area, tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the echo data of the three-dimensional area, and respective tomographic planes of the plurality of tomographic images An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: setting means for setting the position; and display position changing means for changing the plurality of image display positions in accordance with an instruction from the setting means.

(2) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the display position is changed by a radial tomographic image. (Background of Supplementary Notes 1 and 2) Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 9
-70064. The problem of this Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064 is that although an index is used to show the relationship between a plurality of tomographic images, the display is intuitive in the sense that the meaning of the index must be understood. No, it was hard to understand.

(Purpose of Supplementary Notes 1 and 2) By providing an intuitive understanding of the relationship between a plurality of tomographic images, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of displaying ultrasonic three-dimensional data more easily. (Operation of Supplementary Notes 1 and 2) When a tomographic plane is set, the radial image moves along with the image to the position conventionally displayed by the index according to the information. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 1 and 2) According to this configuration, the problem of the prior art that the display is not intuitive and difficult to understand is solved.

(3) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body to perform three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing three-dimensional area echo data; tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the three-dimensional area echo data; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a scale matching unit; and a display screen adjusting unit that adjusts a plurality of images to fit in a display screen.

(4) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of tomographic images are a radial image and a linear image. (Background of Appendices 3 and 4) Japanese Patent Application No.
-70064. The problem of this Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064 is that when a plurality of tomographic images are to be displayed at the same time, a part of the linear image does not fit within the display screen, and the entire radial image and the linear image are viewed. Could not.

(Purpose of Supplementary Notes 3 and 4) Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of overlooking a plurality of tomographic images as a whole, grasping the images with good visibility, and being more useful for diagnosis. (Functions of Supplementary Notes 3 and 4) The sizes of a plurality of tomographic images are automatically adjusted in a state where the scales are adjusted so as to fit within the display screen. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 3 and 4) According to this configuration, the problem that the visibility of image display is poor in the prior art is solved.

(5) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body to perform three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing echo data of the three-dimensional area, tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the echo data of the three-dimensional area, and respective tomographic planes of the plurality of tomographic images An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a plurality of setting means for setting a plurality of tomographic planes; and a plurality of set tomographic planes are simultaneously displayed.

(6) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to appendix 5, wherein the tomographic image setting means is a line cursor on each tomographic image. (7) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to appendix 6, wherein the tomographic image where the line cursor is located is a linear image. (8) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the tomographic image where the line cursor exists is a radial image.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 5 to 8) A related art is Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064. This patent application 9-700
The problem of 64 is that when it is desired to compare a plurality of tomographic images, the line cursor must be moved one by one to switch the images, and the operation is troublesome. (Purpose of Supplementary Notes 5 to 8) An object of the present invention is to make it possible to simultaneously compare and compare a plurality of tomographic images with a simple operation, and to display an image useful for diagnosis. (Functions of Supplementary Notes 5 to 8) A plurality of tomographic images are designated by a plurality of line cursors and displayed at the same time. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 5 to 8) According to this configuration, the problem that the visibility of an image is poor in the prior art is solved.

(9) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body to perform three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing echo data of the three-dimensional area, tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the echo data of the three-dimensional area, and respective tomographic planes of the plurality of tomographic images An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: setting means for setting a parameter; and switching means for switching a display format.

(10) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to appendix 9, wherein the display format is a combination of a radial tomographic image and a linear tomographic image. (11) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to supplementary note 10, wherein the combination has a larger radial image than a linear image. (12) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to supplementary note 10, wherein the combination has a larger linear image than a radial image. (13) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to attachment 10, wherein in the combination, the linear image is brought close to the radial semicircular image.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 9 to 13) A related art is Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064. This patent application 9-70
The problem with 064 is that the radial image and the linear image are the same size, so that when one of them is to be viewed with emphasis, the other is obstructive. (Purpose of Supplementary Notes 9 to 13) When only one of a plurality of tomographic images is focused on, it is an object to efficiently use a limited screen and to provide an easy-to-view display. (Operation of Supplementary Notes 9 to 13) One of a plurality of tomographic images is displayed in a large size so as to be noticeable. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 9 to 13) According to this configuration, the problem of the prior art that the image to be focused on is difficult to be small is solved.

(14) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body to perform three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing three-dimensional area echo data; tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the three-dimensional area echo data;
Setting means for setting each tomographic plane of the plurality of tomographic images, index display means for indicating the position of the tomographic image, and a size for displaying the image such that the index is always located at the extreme end of the image according to the position of the index An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that an image display deforming means for changing the height and a deformed image are always displayed close to the other image. (15) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to appendix 14, wherein the image to be deformed is a linear image.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 14 and 15) A related art is Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064. This patent application 9-7
The problem of 0064 is that the relationship between the radial image and the linear image is not clearly understood. (Purpose of Supplementary Notes 14 and 15) The purpose of the present invention is to clarify the relationship between a radial image and a linear image so as to be useful for diagnosis. (Operation of Supplementary Notes 14 and 15) The linear image expands and contracts in accordance with the movement of the line cursor on the linear image. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 14 to 15) According to this configuration, the problem that the relation between the radial image and the linear image is difficult to understand, which is present in the related art, is solved.

(16) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body to perform three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing three-dimensional area echo data; tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the three-dimensional area echo data;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: input means for inputting an external image signal; and an image signal obtained by the input means, which is superimposed on an ultrasonic tomographic image and displayed. (17) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to supplementary note 16, wherein the image to be superimposed and displayed is an endoscope image.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 16 to 17) A related art is Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064. This patent application 9-7
The problem of 0064 is that it is difficult to understand the relationship between a plurality of ultrasonic tomographic images and an endoscope image. (Purpose of Supplementary Notes 16 and 17) The purpose of the present invention is to make it easier to understand the relationship between a plurality of tomographic images and an endoscope image, and to make it more useful for diagnosis. (Operation of Supplementary Notes 16 to 17) The CPU 11 superimposes the external TV signal input from the external signal input means 46 on a plurality of tomographic images and displays the superimposed TV signal on the tomographic image 20. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 16 to 17) According to this configuration, the problem that the relationship between a plurality of tomographic images of ultrasonic waves and an endoscope image, which is difficult to understand, is solved.

(18) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body to perform three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing three-dimensional area echo data; tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the three-dimensional area echo data;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: an operation terminal; rotation means for rotating an image in accordance with an input from the operation terminal; and display means for displaying rotation. (Background of Appendix 18) Japanese Patent Application No.
7,064. The problem of this Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064 is that it is inconvenient when the image rotation is performed because it cannot be immediately determined whether or not the displayed image is actually the image rotation.

(Purpose of Supplementary Note 18) It is to judge whether or not the image is rotated at a glance, and to make the diagnosis by the image convenient. (Operation of Supplementary Note 18) By displaying the presence / absence of image rotation with a special mark, it is possible to determine whether or not the image is image-rotated just by looking at the displayed image at a glance. (Effect of Supplementary Note 18) According to this configuration, it is possible to solve the problem that it is difficult to distinguish whether or not the image rotation is performed, which is in the prior art.

(19) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body, performing three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing three-dimensional area echo data; tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the three-dimensional area echo data;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: updating a display of a linear image among tomographic images every time one scan is completed.

(Background of Supplementary Note 19) A related art is Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064. This patent application 9-7006
The fourth problem is that the linear scan speed is reduced because the linear image is sequentially updated in synchronization with the update of the radial image. (Purpose of Supplementary Note 19) An object of the present invention is to increase a linear scan speed so that an inspection time can be further reduced. (Operation of Supplementary Note 19) After one scan is completed, the linear image is updated. (Effect of Supplementary Note 19) According to this configuration, the problem that the linear scanning speed of the related art is low is solved.

(20) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body, performing three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing echo data of a three-dimensional area; stroke setting means for setting a range for acquiring three-dimensional data; pitch setting means for setting fineness for acquiring three-dimensional data; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising a priority setting means for determining which of the priorities is to be prioritized when determining a combination of setting and pitch setting.

(Background of Appendix 20) Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064 is related to the related art. This patent application 9-7006
Problem 4 is that there are many combinations of strokes and pitches, and the user is confused about which one to use, and the usability is poor. (Purpose of Supplementary Note 20) It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can be easily set and used. (Operation of Supplementary Note 20) By switching, a mode in which the pitch button is automatically set when the stroke button is pressed and a mode in which the stroke button is automatically set when the pitch button is pressed are set. (Effect of Supplementary Note 20) According to this configuration, the problem of setting the combination of the stroke and the pitch, which is difficult in the related art, is solved.

(21) In an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body to perform three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region, Three-dimensional data storage means for storing echo data of a three-dimensional area;
It has a stroke signal generating means and a memory usage detecting means for waiting for completion of one stroke and detecting whether or not a predetermined memory amount is consumed. Based on the detected memory amount, it is determined whether or not a frame has been dropped. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having means.

(Background of Appendix 21) Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064 is related to the related art. This patent application 9-70
The problem of No. 064 is that the three-dimensional data may be dropped while repeating the three-dimensional scanning, so that the image is disturbed and the image to be recorded is not optimal. (Purpose of Supplementary Note 21) It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can easily prevent three-dimensional scanning from falling off, obtain more accurate data, and is useful for diagnosis. (Operation of Supplementary Note 21) At the stage where one stroke is completed, the used amount of the memory is checked to determine whether or not a drop has occurred. (Effects of Supplementary Note 21) According to this configuration, the problem of three-dimensional data dropping in the prior art can be solved.

(22) An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body, performing three-dimensional scanning, and displaying an ultrasonic image of the inside of the living body using the obtained echo data of the three-dimensional region. Three-dimensional data storage means for storing three-dimensional area echo data; a plurality of tomographic image display means for forming and displaying a plurality of tomographic images from the three-dimensional area echo data; different tomographic images are displayed on different monitors An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising:

(Background of Supplementary Note 22) A related art is Japanese Patent Application No. 9-70064. This patent application 9-70
The problem of No. 064 is that when displaying a plurality of tomographic images, each tomographic image must be displayed small, and the image is small and difficult to see. (Purpose of Supplementary Note 22) By using a plurality of monitors, it is possible to display a larger tomographic image and provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus useful for diagnosis. (Operation of Appendix 22) Two monitors are used, one displays a radial tomographic image, and the other displays a linear tomographic image. (Effect of Supplementary Note 22) According to this configuration, the problem of the prior art that the ultrasonic tomographic image is small and difficult to see is solved.

(24) An ultrasonic probe for three-dimensionally scanning ultrasonic waves, tomographic data storage means for storing three-dimensional data of a subject based on an output signal of the ultrasonic probe, A means for generating a first tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane in a first direction of the subject based on the three-dimensional data stored in the data storage means; Means for generating a second tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane in a second direction different from the first direction of the subject based on the dimensional data; and generating the second tomographic image signal based on the first tomographic image signal. The first tomographic image and the second tomographic image are based on relative position information between a first tomographic image and a second tomographic image generated based on the second tomographic image signal.
And a display control means for controlling a display position of the tomographic image.

(25) An ultrasonic probe for three-dimensionally scanning ultrasonic waves, tomographic data storage means for storing three-dimensional data of a subject based on an output signal of the ultrasonic probe, Means for generating a first tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane in a first direction of the subject based on the three-dimensional data stored in data storage means; and a means for generating a first tomographic image signal based on the first tomographic image signal. Display means for displaying a first tomographic image, a tomographic plane designating means for designating a tomographic plane in a second direction different from the first direction on the first tomographic image,
A second tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane in the second direction of the subject is generated based on the three-dimensional data stored in the tomographic data storage according to the designation of the tomographic plane designating means. Means for displaying a second tomographic image generated based on the second tomographic image signal at a predetermined position on the display means in accordance with a relative position with respect to the first tomographic image And an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention, an ultrasonic probe for three-dimensionally scanning an ultrasonic wave and three-dimensional data of a subject based on an output signal of the ultrasonic probe are provided. Tomographic data storage means for storing, and means for generating a first tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane in a first direction of the subject based on the three-dimensional data stored in the tomographic data storage means, Means for generating a second tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane in a second direction different from the first direction of the subject based on the three-dimensional data stored in the tomographic data storage means; A first tomographic image generated based on one tomographic image signal and a second tomographic image generated based on the second tomographic image signal are designated as the other tomographic plane on one tomographic image. Display of one tomographic image at the position
Display control means for inserting and displaying the other tomographic image in the area, so that the other tomographic image is inserted and displayed at the position where the other tomographic plane is specified on one tomographic image. , The relationship with the first and second tomographic images can be easily grasped intuitively.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a monitor display screen of an ultrasonic tomographic image displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a touch panel screen of the operation terminal.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a monitor display screen of an ultrasonic tomographic image displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image selection switch portion of the operation terminal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a display position of a radial image is changed.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an image display in a radial image 4 cm range and a linear scanning range 40 mm.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image display in a radial image 1 cm range and a linear scanning range 40 mm.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image display in which a plurality of radial line cursors can be used simultaneously.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image display in which a plurality of linear line cursors can be used simultaneously.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a radial tomographic plane setting based on a schematic stereoscopic image.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a linear priority image display for displaying a linear image in a large size.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing radial image priority display for displaying a radial image in a large size.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a combi display that makes it easy to understand the connection between the radial image and the linear image.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display in which unnecessary portions of the linear image are deleted in the combi display so that the connection with the radial image is more easily understood.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a deleted part of a linear image in a combi display.

FIG. 17 is a diagram in which two monitors are prepared and a radial image and a linear image are displayed independently of each other.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having external signal input means.

FIG. 19 is an image display in which an endoscopic image is superimposed on a screen displaying a plurality of tomographic images of ultrasonic waves.

FIG. 20 is a diagram in which the insertion direction of the probe is superimposed and displayed.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an image rotation mark indicating whether or not image rotation has been performed.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a setting screen with a stroke priority on a touch panel screen for an operation terminal.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of a setting screen of a touch panel screen for an operation terminal with a priority given to pitch.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of frame drop determination.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic observation part 2 ... Image processing part 3 ... Ultrasonic probe 3a ... Ultrasonic transducer 4 ... Drive part 5 ... Transmission / reception part 6 ... Frame memory 7 ... Digital scan converter (DSC) 8 ... D / A conversion circuit 9 ... Monitor 10 ... System controller 11 ... CPU 12 ... Main storage device 13 ... Image data storage device 14 ... Operation processor 15 ... External storage device 16 ... Operation terminal 17 ... Track ball 18 ... Frame buffer 19 ... D / A conversion circuit 20 ... Monitor 20A ... Monitor display screen 23 ... Data transfer bus 24 ... Character display area 25 ... Radial tomographic image display area 26 ... Linear tomographic image display area 27 ... Touch panel screen 28 ... Image quality switch 29 ... Stroke switch 30 ... Pitch switch 31 ... Image rotation switch 32 ... Range switch 33 ... Display switch 34 ... Review switch 35 ... Switching tag 36 ... Image selection switch 37 ... Auto Stop switch 38 ... R-Dir switch 39 ... H-Dir switch 41 ... Radial line cursor

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An ultrasonic probe for three-dimensionally scanning an ultrasonic wave; tomographic data storage means for storing three-dimensional data of a subject based on an output signal of the ultrasonic probe; A first tomographic plane representing a tomographic plane in a first direction of the subject based on the three-dimensional data stored in the storage means;
Means for generating a tomographic image signal, and a second direction different from the first direction of the subject based on the three-dimensional data stored in the tomographic data storage means.
Means for generating a second tomographic image signal representing a tomographic plane in the direction of: a first tomographic image generated based on the first tomographic image signal, and a second tomographic image signal generated based on the second tomographic image signal Display control means for inserting and displaying the other tomographic image in the display area of the one tomographic image at a position where the other tomographic plane on the one tomographic image with the second tomographic image is specified. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.