JP3461403B2 - How to save 3D images - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a medical device such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
Of three-dimensional images that store three-dimensional images obtained from medical devices
Regarding how to save. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, ultrasonic waves capable of three-dimensionally grasping an affected part have been developed.
There is a growing need for three-dimensional diagnostic devices. Three-dimensionally
When collecting data, the amount of data reaches several tens of MB,
In order to record a wide range of three-dimensional data, a large capacity
Memory and storage media are required, which increases costs.
It is the cause. On the other hand, the three-dimensional data
Not all data is useful for diagnosis;
Diagnosis is possible if there is only partial data. Conventionally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-166143 discloses
Data stored in image memory as shown
Set the recording range from the data and record only the necessary data
To save recording media (recording paper)
It has been done. [0005] Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-3118 discloses
Only the parts necessary for 3D display
Attempts to conserve memory by recording
You. [0006] However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
The method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
Because it is based on M-mode images that capture changes,
Obtain three-dimensional data using B-mode image as in the invention
When applied to equipment, it supports spatial recording range setting, etc.
There is a problem that can not be. [0007] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-3118 discloses this.
In this way, the memory stored in tertiary
Only a part of the original data can be recorded
The recorded data will be
Can not be called from another perspective
There is a problem that the advantage of the dimensional data is lost. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
Excellent operability and should be saved in one data set
By limiting the data, efficient 3D image data
Method of storing three-dimensional image that can be stored in recording medium
It is intended to provide. Means for Solving the Problems and Functions of the Present Invention
The method for storing the image is as follows.
Original image acquisition steps to acquire multiple images along
And the tomographic image acquired in the original image acquiring step
A display step of displaying an image in a predetermined style,
Finger to specify a partial area of the image displayed in the display step
Setting step and the original image obtaining step
The plurality of tomographic images are designated in the designation step.
A partial area corresponding to the partial area of the image
And a storing step of storing the data in the specifying step.
Specify the partial area of the image displayed in the display step
And the partial area of the image specified in the storing step
By saving the partial area corresponding to
Highly scalable, limited data to be stored in one data set
To efficiently store three-dimensional image data on a recording medium.
And enable. An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
I will talk about it. FIGS. 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
FIG. 2 shows how to store image data by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the method, and FIG.
Explaining display and storage of image data by chart
FIG. FIG. 1 shows an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment.
Like transmitting and receiving ultrasound and real-time echo images
(Ultrasonic tomographic image) and an ultrasonic observation unit 1 for displaying the
Various images based on the echo data obtained by the ultrasonic observation unit 1
An image processing unit 2 for performing processing is provided. Also, the ultrasonic view
The measuring section 1 has an ultrasonic transducer 3a for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic probe and driving the ultrasonic probe 3
Drive unit 4 is connected. The ultrasonic observation unit 1 is provided with a driving unit 4
A transmitting and receiving unit 5 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;
Frame memory 6 for storing the inserted echo data
And the sound ray for each scan stored in the frame memory 6.
Converts data into desired television format image data
Digital scan converter (DSC) 7 and this D
D for converting the digital image signal of SC7 into an analog signal
/ A conversion circuit 8 and an output signal of the D / A conversion circuit 8
Monitor to display real-time echo image by input
9, the driving unit 4, the transmitting / receiving unit 5, and the frame memory 6
And a system controller 10 for controlling the sections.
Has been established. Further, the image processing unit 2 performs image processing and the like.
CPU 11 for controlling, and data and the like of each image processing result
The main storage device 12 that stores the information and the ecological information from the ultrasonic observation unit 1
Image data storage device 13 for storing data and sound ray data.
Data conversion to desired television data
And high-speed image processing such as brightness value conversion processing
Processor 14 and processing programs and backup
External storage device 15 for recording information such as
Operation terminal 1 such as a keyboard for inputting data such as commands
6 and an input instruction device used for setting an image area and the like.
For example, the trackball 17 and the data after the image processing are
The temporarily stored frame buffer 18 and this frame
The digital image output from the buffer 18 is converted into an analog signal.
Conversion D / A conversion circuit 19 and the D / A conversion circuit 19
Input image signal and display the image after image processing.
Monitor 20 and the image data stored in the image data storage device 13.
Recording device that records existing data on an exchangeable medium
For example, it comprises a magneto-optical disk 21.
Further, each part of the image processing unit 2 and the magneto-optical disk 21
Connected via a data transfer bus 22 to process image data
Etc. are to be delivered. Next, the embodiment of the present invention constructed as described above will be described.
The operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described. When performing ultrasonic observation, an ultrasonic probe
3 into the body cavity, and
Ultrasonic vibration by the transmitting / receiving unit 5 and the driving unit 4 based on control
Transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the living body while rotating the child 3a
Captures echo data of tomographic images in the body cavity
It has become so. The echo data obtained in this way is
Stored in the frame memory 6, the DSC 7, the D / A conversion
A real-time ultrasonic tomographic image on the monitor 9 via the road 8
Is displayed. At the same time, the digital
Image processing unit in which echo data is in the form of sound ray data as a signal
2. The sound ray data sent to the image processing unit 2 is
Image data recording for each image data forming one ultrasonic tomographic image
It is stored in the storage device 13. Write to image data storage device 13
The stored image data is processed by the arithmetic processor 14.
Image processing such as DSC processing and luminance value conversion processing
You. The result of the image processing is sent to the frame buffer 18.
And temporarily stored and monitored via the D / A conversion circuit 19.
The ultrasonic wave tomographic image is displayed on the display unit 20. Here, the tomographic image in the image processing unit 2 is
The storage method will be described with reference to FIGS. Drive
The vibrator is moved in the axial direction while being rotated by the moving part 4,
By repeating the above process, the steps shown in FIG.
In step S1, the image data storage device 13
Data for multiple layer images is stored, and three-dimensional data
It is stored and an original tomographic image is obtained. Next, step S
In step 2, the data of the tomographic original image is, for example, 40 sheets (axial
(Corresponding to the movement of 40mm in the direction)
As shown in FIG.
A three-dimensional image is constructed on the monitor 20 as an ultrasonic image.
Will be displayed. 3D image 31 which is the ultrasonic image of FIG.
Represents the radial images 32 arranged in the axial direction and interpolated.
Is shown. Normally, a magneto-optical disk
21. In the present embodiment, the method described below is used.
Thus, a tomographic image can be designated and saved. That is, the magneto-optical disk of this embodiment is
The method of storing data in the step 21 is the third order in step S3.
A range designation cursor 3 on the axial side surface 33 of the original image 31
4 is displayed, and the position of the range designation cursor 34 is
Specify and change with the end 16 and the trackball 17,
At step S4, the designated point 34 of the range designation cursor 34
a and 34b (a hatched area in FIG. 3)
) Is stored in the magneto-optical disk 21. One of these
A series of processing is executed under the control of the CPU 11 by an arithmetic processing processor.
In step S14. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment,
According to the storage method of image data, the data range necessary for diagnosis
Can be stored on a magneto-optical disk.
Saves money. Specify the storage range on the 3D image
Yes, good operability. Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG.
5 and FIG. 5 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of specifying a data storage range, and FIG.
A modified example of the method of designating the storage range of image data of No. 4 will be described.
FIG. The second embodiment specifies the data storage range
Since the method is different from that of the first embodiment,
I will explain only. In this embodiment, image data is processed by an arithmetic processing program.
The radial image is processed by the processor 14 as shown in FIG.
A half image 41 and a linear image 42 showing an axial section are defined as
Is displayed. Here, the range designation card is displayed on the linear image 42.
Cursor 34 is displayed. Position of range specification cursor 34
Is an input device such as a trackball 17 and an operation terminal 16
Can be changed from Select the affected area 43 with the range designation cursor 34
Set between the designated points 34a and 34b
Only the set area (the shaded area in FIG. 4) is set as the storage range.
Then, the data is stored in the magneto-optical disk 21. Therefore, the method of storing image data according to the present embodiment
According to the first embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment,
Set data storage range while confirming affected area 43
Since it is possible, operability is improved. It is used for designating a data storage range.
In this embodiment, the image is, as shown in FIG.
A half image 41 and a linear image 43 showing an axial section are used.
However, the image used is not limited to this. For example, FIG.
As shown, the full screen 41a of the radial image and the linear image
An image composed of 42 may be used. Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG.
Is the finger of the storage range of the image data according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a setting method. The third embodiment uses data
Only the method of specifying the storage range is different from that of the first embodiment.
Now, only different points will be described. In this embodiment, the image data is processed by an arithmetic processing program.
It is processed by the sessa 14, and as shown in FIG.
Display a list of images (for convenience of explanation,
The description will be made with reference to twelve sheets 51a to 51l. ). Here, the image number is entered from the operation terminal 16.
To specify the range of images to save, and
Save only the range. For example, select images 51d and 51j.
7 images 51d to 51j between the images are stored.
Become an elephant. Therefore, the method of storing image data according to the present embodiment
According to the first embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, one of the radial images
You can set the data storage range while checking the list
Therefore, the operability is improved with less mistakes in data range setting.
You. Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG.
Is the finger of the image data storage range according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a setting method. The fourth embodiment uses data
Only the method of specifying the storage range is different from that of the first embodiment.
Now, only different points will be described. In this embodiment, image data is processed by an arithmetic processing program.
The sound ray data processed by the processor 14 is as shown in FIG.
To form a radial image. Theories here
For the sake of clarity, each sound ray is numbered as shown in FIG. For operation
Save by entering the number of the sound ray from the terminal 16 etc.
Specify the image range and save only the specified range. An example
For example, by selecting 90 and 256, the shaded area in FIG.
Be eligible. Therefore, the method of storing image data according to the present embodiment
According to the above, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the sound ray data before DSC
Data can be specified directly,
I'm sorry. Also, extending the scan width in the axial direction with limited memory
For example, you can save the original radial image
Assuming that it is half of the image, the scanning width in the axial direction is doubled. Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG.
9 and FIG. 9 relate to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 1 is a first explanatory view for explaining a method of specifying a data storage range
9 describes a method of designating the storage range of the image data in FIG.
It is a 2nd explanatory view. In the fifth embodiment, the data storage range
Since the designation method is different from that of the first embodiment,
Only points will be described. In this embodiment, image data is processed by an arithmetic processing program.
The sound ray data processed by the processor 14 is the same as in the fourth embodiment.
Coordinate transformation to form a radial image (see FIG. 7).
See). Here, the sample points of each sound ray are numbered as shown in FIG.
Number it. Specify the image range to be saved at this sample point.
And save only the specified range. For example, 100
If you specify 300, the shaded area in FIG.
Become. Accordingly, the method of storing image data according to the present embodiment
According to the above, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the sound ray data before DSC
Data can be specified directly,
I'm sorry. Also, extending the scan width in the axial direction with limited memory
Can be For example, save the radius
If it is half of the image, the scanning width in the axial direction is doubled. Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. FIG.
0 is the storage range of the image data according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a designation method. In the sixth embodiment,
Only the method of specifying the data storage range is different from that of the first embodiment.
Therefore, only different points will be described. In this embodiment, image data is processed by an arithmetic processing program.
The sound ray data processed by the processor 14 is shown in FIG.
The coordinate conversion is performed to form a radial image 55. La
Position or size on the dial image 55 with the trackball 17 or the like
ROI designation BOX5 that designates a region of interest that can vary
6 is displayed, and the affected area 57 is surrounded by the ROI designation box 56.
Only the part enclosed by the ROI designation box 56 is saved
To do it. Therefore, the method of storing image data according to the present embodiment
According to the first embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, on the radial image
You can set the storage range while checking the image of the affected area directly
Therefore, operability is improved. Also, the axis direction with limited memory
The scanning width in the direction can be extended. For example, to save
When the area is half of the original radial image, the scanning width in the axial direction
Extends twice. Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. FIG.
1 shows a method for displaying image data according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. In the seventh embodiment, the image display screen is
Only the differences from the sixth embodiment will be described.
I do. In this embodiment, image data is processed by an arithmetic processing program.
The sound ray data is processed by the processor 14 and coordinate conversion is performed.
To form a radial image 55, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the monitor 20. The monitor 20 has a radial
In addition to the image 55, the remaining amount of paper of a printer (not shown) is indicated.
For example, a bar graph 61 and a remaining
Number display 62 and a digital recording medium such as magneto-optical
For example, a stick which is a medium remaining amount display indicating the remaining amount of the disk 21
A graph 63 and a magneto-optical disk remaining number display 64 are provided.
Have been. The movement of the printer and the magneto-optical disk 21
During operation, it is displayed that it is in operation
You. Then, the CPU 11 controls the printer paper and the optical
The remaining amount of the magnetic disk 21 is constantly monitored,
Control the system to update the display. Also, CP
U11 indicates that the printer is printing and digital recording is in progress.
Is detected and reflected on the display on the monitor 20. Accordingly, the method of storing image data according to the present embodiment
According to this, in addition to the effect of the sixth embodiment, the replacement medium is
Know before and after laboratory tests
You. In addition, data such as a printer or a magneto-optical disk 21 may be used.
Because you can see at a glance whether the digital recording means is operating,
Operability is further improved. Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. FIG.
2 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. The eighth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.
Since they are almost the same, only the differences will be described. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eighth embodiment.
Is connected to the data transfer bus 22 as shown in FIG.
A sub CPU 62 having a memory 61 is interposed between the storage devices 15.
Memory 61, sub CPU 62, and external storage device 15
The only difference from the first embodiment lies in the provision of a plurality. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eighth embodiment, the CPU
Reference numeral 11 denotes a screen 1 when an image is stored in the external storage device 15.
Divide the sheets, attach tags and place them on the data transfer bus 22
You. The sub CPU 62 receives the data with its own tag.
Once stored in the memory 61,
It is transferred to the external storage device 15. Again from external storage device 15
When reading an image, the CPU 11
62, and collects the divided data to reconstruct one image.
Constitute. By doing so, the effect of the first embodiment can be obtained.
In addition, when the writing speed of the external storage device 15 is low,
However, the image writing speed of the system is increased. It should be noted that one screen is divided and a tag is attached to
Although the data transfer bus 22 is used, it is not limited to this.
That is, the CPU 11 stores the image in the external storage device 15
At this time, the sub CPU 6 converts a plurality of images for each image.
Transfer to 2. Each sub CPU 62 receives the received image data.
One sheet is temporarily stored in the memory 61 and then controlled by the user.
The data is transferred to the external storage device 15. In this way, external storage
The transfer operation to the device 15 may be performed in parallel.
Then, when reading an image from the external storage device 15 again
CPU 11 collects data via each sub CPU.
First, an image for one set is obtained. By performing the parallel processing as described above, the external storage
Even when the writing speed of the device 15 is slow, the system
Writing speed of all images becomes faster,
Can be applied. Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. FIG.
3 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. The ninth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.
Since they are almost the same, only the differences will be described. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the ninth embodiment
Is converted into a signal by the D / A conversion circuit 19 as shown in FIG.
The signal conversion unit 65 is connected to the NTSC monitor 6.
6, different from the first embodiment in that the VTR 67 is connected
You. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the ninth embodiment, the D / A
The image signal D / A-converted by the conversion circuit 19 is converted into a signal
Is converted to an NTSC signal by NTSC monitor 66
Can be displayed and recorded on the VTR 67
You. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the ninth embodiment,
Then, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a general NTSC monitor
66 can also display the image resulting from image processing
You. In addition, the result of the image processing is stored in a general home VTR 67.
Can be recorded, and videos can be created without preparing a magneto-optical disk
Image recording can be performed. Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. Figure
Reference numeral 14 denotes a configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing composition. The tenth embodiment is the ninth embodiment
Since it is almost the same as the example, only different points will be described. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the tenth embodiment.
14, the A / D unit 7 in the image processing unit 2
1, the A / D unit 71 and each unit in the image processing unit 2
They are connected by a data transfer bus 22. A / D section 71
Is connected to the ultrasonic observation device 72.
You. Other configurations are the same as in the ninth embodiment. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the tenth embodiment, the ultrasonic
Image by NTSC signal generated by wave observation device 72
Is digitized by A / D conversion by the A / D unit 71,
It can be handled in the image processing unit 2. In this case,
Data processing in the image processing unit 2 is based on sound ray data
Handling of image data after DSC by processor 14
It will be the same. Also, as in the ninth embodiment, the D / A conversion circuit
The image signal that has been D / A-converted in the path 19 is
Converted to TSC signal and displayed on NTSC monitor 66
At the same time, it can be recorded by the VTR 67. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the ninth embodiment, the analog
Image processing by connecting an ultrasonic observation device with only
It can be performed. Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described. Figure
Reference numeral 15 denotes an image data storage range according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is explanatory drawing explaining the specification method of an enclosure. Eleventh embodiment
Is different from the first embodiment in the method of specifying the data storage range.
Therefore, only different points will be described. In the first embodiment, the magneto-optical disk 21
When storing an image, the CPU 11 operates as an image data storage device.
13 is read out from the storage device 13 and temporarily stored in the main storage device 12.
A data area is provided by providing a file area. This buffer
From the writing speed of the magneto-optical disk 21
At the same time, the data is read out and written to the magneto-optical disk 21.
Perform At this time, when saving images continuously,
In this case, since the writing speed of the magneto-optical disk 21 is slow,
Waiting for writing to magneto-optical disk 21 during buffering
Collects the data set. At this point, the saving of the queued data is stopped.
The method will be described. Save data from keyboard 16
Finger to enter mode to stop (hereinafter referred to as skip mode)
The CPU 11 receives the signal and displays the screen.
As shown in FIG. Here we have to wait for the image
The case where there are three sets of data
You. In FIG. 15, the data set name display section 8
1 is the data set of 3 sets waiting for a turn
First name is displayed. For example, data set name display section 81
Stop saving data set 3 to magneto-optical disk 21
Use the operation terminal 16, the trackball 17, etc.
The data set name display section 81
Select 3 and highlight the data set name on the screen.
SKI using post-operation terminal 16 and trackball 17
By selecting the P button 82, the magneto-optical
The storage in the storage disk 21 can be stopped. data
The same applies to sets 2 and 1. Dataset name
After making a selection on the screen,
If you decide to save, press CANCEL button 8
Select 3 to wait for the image to be saved again
be able to. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the first embodiment
In addition to the effect, the buffer memory
Better than waiting for new image to save
When new data is obtained, it can be saved immediately.
Unnecessary data can be stored on the magneto-optical disk 21.
And the magneto-optical disk 21 can be used efficiently.
Wear. [Supplementary notes] (Supplementary note 1) A tomographic image of a plane is included in the plane.
Original image acquisition step to acquire multiple images along different directions
And the tomographic image acquired in the original image acquiring step
A display step of displaying an image in a predetermined style,
Finger to specify a partial area of the image displayed in the display step
Setting step and the original image obtaining step
The plurality of tomographic images are designated in the designation step.
A partial area corresponding to the partial area of the image
And a storage step of storing the data in a storage device.
How to save 3D images. (Additional Item 2) In the original image acquiring step,
A direction in which the acquired plurality of tomographic images do not include the plane
3rd order to construct a 3D image by overlapping and processing along
Including an original image construction step, wherein the displaying step comprises:
The three-dimensional image constructed in the three-dimensional image construction step
3. The three-dimensional image according to claim 1, wherein
How to save the image. (Additional Item 3)
Select two points in different directions that do not include a plane,
The additional item 2 is characterized in that a partial region of the image is designated.
A method for storing the described three-dimensional image. (Additional Item 4)
The plurality of tomographic images acquired in the original image acquiring step
Displaying an image, and the specifying step includes:
Select and specify multiple tomographic images displayed as images
The method for storing a three-dimensional image according to claim 1, characterized in that:
Law. (Additional Item 5) Step of Obtaining Original Image
Scans the plane to form a set of scanning lines,
Acquiring an image and displaying the tomographic image
And the specifying step selects a scanning line of the tomographic image.
And specifying a partial area of the image.
Item 3. The method for storing a three-dimensional image according to Item 1. (Additional Item 6) The Step of Obtaining the Original Image
Scans the plane to form a set of scanning lines,
Acquiring an image and displaying the tomographic image
The specifying step is performed in a direction of a scanning line of the tomographic image.
Select two points and specify the partial area of the image.
The storage method of the three-dimensional image according to the additional item 1, characterized in that:
Law. (Additional Item 7)
Of the plurality of tomographic images acquired in the original image acquiring step
One image is displayed, and a deformable and movable closed curve is displayed.
Superimposed on the displayed tomographic image and displayed as specified
In the step, the displayed closed curve is deformed and moved.
Including an area setting step, surrounded by the closed curve
The common part of the region and the displayed tomographic image is represented by the image
In the additional item 1, which is designated as a partial area of
A method for storing the described three-dimensional image. (Additional Item 8) A tomographic image on the plane
Original images acquired multiple along the direction not including the plane
An original image storing means for storing the
Operation for image processing the stored tomographic image in a predetermined format
Means for displaying an image processed by the arithmetic means
Display means, and a partial area of an image displayed by the display means.
Input means for designating an area, and the image data stored in the original image storage means.
Of the original image obtained before the one specified by the input means.
The partial area corresponding to the partial area of the image
Storage of three-dimensional images, characterized by comprising storage means
apparatus. As described above, the three-dimensional image of the present invention
According to the method of saving, in the display step in the designated step
Specify a partial area of the displayed image, and specify
The partial area corresponding to the partial area of the specified image is stored in the storage medium.
Since the data is stored in a file, it is easy to operate and can be stored in one data set.
Limit the data to be stored and efficiently create 3D image data
There is an effect that data can be stored in a recording medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method of storing image data by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating display and storage of image data according to the flowchart of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of specifying a storage range of image data according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modification of the method of specifying the storage range of image data in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of specifying the storage range of image data according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for specifying a storage range of image data according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a first diagram for explaining a method for specifying a storage range for image data according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a finger in a storage range of image data in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for specifying a storage range of image data according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a method of specifying a storage range of image data according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Description of the symbols to be described [Description of reference numerals] 1 ... Ultrasonic observation unit 2 ... Image processing unit 3 ... Ultrasonic probe 3a ... Ultrasonic transducer 4 ... Drive unit 5 ... Transceiving unit 6 ... Frame memory 7 ... A conversion circuits 9 and 20 monitor 10 system controller 1 ... 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 21 ... Magneto-optical disk 22 ... Data Transfer bus

Claims (1)

(57) [Claim 1] An original image acquiring step of acquiring a plurality of tomographic images in a plane along a direction not including the plane, and the tomographic image acquired in the original image acquiring step. An image, a display step of displaying an image in a predetermined format, a designation step of designating a partial region of the image displayed in the display step, and a plurality of the tomographic images acquired in the original image acquisition step, Storing a partial area corresponding to the partial area of the image specified in the specifying step in a storage medium.