JP3604111B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and particularly to adjustment of operating conditions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art and its problems]
In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there are many places that need to be adjusted at the time of manufacture (for example, knobs for adjusting the transmission level and receiving sensitivity of each vibrating element). In addition, even in the use thereof, there are also places (knobs for adjusting the reception amplification degree and the cutoff frequency of the filter, etc.) that need to be adjusted in order to obtain an ultrasonic image according to measurement conditions or personal preference. There are many. There are tens to hundreds of such adjustment points in the entire apparatus, and such adjustment points tend to increase more with the background of the recent sophistication of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[0003]
When setting appropriate values for a large number of adjustment points, i.e., a large number of parameters, which are present on the device as described above, conventionally, each knob and the like are checked while checking the ultrasonic image displayed on the display device. Adjustment work is performed. However, the task is extremely complicated because many of these parameters are interdependent. That is, even if one adjustment point is optimized, it changes the adjustment amount of the other adjustment points, and the labor required to obtain the optimum combination of all parameter values is very large. It may not always be possible to make optimal adjustments in the work.
[0004]
In particular, there is a problem that a user requires skill to obtain an optimal ultrasonic image according to measurement conditions and his or her own needs. On the manufacturer side, in order to reduce the user's labor as much as possible and form an image that meets the user's wishes, multiple parameter value sets that can obtain high-quality images are preset in advance, and the user is asked to use the There is also a service that allows you to select a set. However, even in this case, the number of presets is limited and may not match the user's preference, and such a measure is not sufficient in consideration of the aging of the apparatus.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily adjust the apparatus.
[0006]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of easily optimizing the operating conditions of the apparatus without requiring a user to be skilled.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which operating conditions are set by a plurality of parameter values, a plurality of parameter value sets, which are combinations of the plurality of parameter values, are stored. Means and a plurality of ultrasonic images formed by individually using each of the plurality of parameter value sets read from the storage means as operating conditions Set image with array Display means for displaying In the set image A high-quality image selecting means for allowing a user to select one or a plurality of high-quality images from a plurality of ultrasonic images, and a new parameter which partially inherits the property by using a parameter value set corresponding to the high-quality image A new set generating means for generating a value set and storing the value set in the storage means; In the set image And a best image designating means for allowing a user to designate a best image from among a plurality of ultrasound images, wherein ultrasonic diagnosis is performed on the subject using a parameter value set corresponding to the best image. It is characterized by.
[0008]
The present invention applies a known genetic algorithm to adjustment of operating conditions of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In the present invention, “gene” in the genetic algorithm corresponds to “parameter value”, and “chromosome” corresponds to “parameter value set”. Then, the best parameter value set can be specified without requiring complicated calculations and manual operations by allowing the adjuster to perform the quality determination of the chromosome in the form of the image quality determination. Of course, even if such an algorithm is used, there is no guarantee that the best parameter value set can always be searched, but at least a set close to the optimal parameter value set or a set equivalent thereto can be searched. The present invention does not use a known genetic algorithm as it is, but applies it under conditions specific to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[0009]
That is, according to the above configuration, an ultrasonic image is formed using the respective parameter value sets stored in the storage unit, and by allowing the user (adjuster) to select a good quality image from among the images, the storage unit A good quality set is selected from the plurality of stored parameter value sets. That is, instead of directly evaluating the parameter value set, evaluation is performed indirectly in the form of an ultrasonic image. The good set is used for creating a new set as a parent set. In this case, preferably, one or both of the crossover technique and the mutation technique are used to generate a new set. The generated new set (child set) is used for evaluation in the same manner as described above to form an ultrasonic image, and only the set corresponding to a high-quality image is selected. By repeatedly executing a series of algorithms including such a new set generation and evaluation, excellent properties are emphasized and left, and a parameter value set equal to the best can be obtained. The ultrasonic diagnosis of the subject is actually performed using the best parameter value set obtained in this way.
[0010]
It is desirable that the best parameter value set is determined according to each mode of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or according to a measurement site. Then, it is preferable that the optimum parameter value set corresponding to the measurement mode or the measurement site is automatically set when the measurement mode or the measurement site is specified.
[0011]
Of all the adjustment points that exist in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is not always necessary to apply the above adjustment method to all the adjustment points, and in particular, apply the above adjustment method only to the adjustment items that require user adjustment. Is also good. The adjustment at the factory can be performed by using the same adjustment method as that of the related art, and the above-described adjustment method can be applied to the adjustment by the general user. The general user has little knowledge of the apparatus, but the present invention has the advantage that the optimum adjustment of the apparatus can be realized without much knowledge, and the adjustment can be performed to obtain an ultrasonic image that matches the user's preference. Further, according to the present invention, there is an advantage that it is possible to cope with machine differences between devices and aging of the devices.
[0012]
(2) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the new set generation means generates a new parameter value set by executing crossover for exchanging one or more parameter values between the two parameter value sets. Crossover executing means and mutation executing means for generating a new parameter value set by executing a mutation for replacing one or more parameter values in the parameter value set with a new value. While the above-mentioned crossover has the convergence of the solution, while the above-mentioned mutation has the divergence of the solution, it is desirable to use a combination of both.
[0013]
(3) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes means for randomly selecting a parent set for generating a new set from a plurality of parameter value sets stored in the storage means. By randomly selecting a parent set, diversity of the new set can be secured.
[0014]
(4) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, an occurrence probability control means for controlling the occurrence probability of the crossover and the mutation is included. Either of them may be applied to a parent set, or both may be applied successively.
[0015]
(5) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the crossover execution means includes means for stochastically controlling an exchange position of the parameter value in the parameter set, and the mutation execution means includes: And means for stochastically controlling the replacement position of the parameter value in. The replacement position and the replacement position may be fixedly set, but if set at random, it is possible to prevent a drop in the local solution and secure the diversity of the new set.
[0016]
(6) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the crossover execution means includes means for stochastically controlling the number of exchanges of the parameter value in the parameter value set, and the mutation execution means includes: And means for stochastically controlling the number of replacements of the parameter value in the data. Such a method can also ensure the diversity of the new set.
[0017]
(7) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes means for supplying a plurality of parameter value sets as an initial set to the storage means. In order to reduce the search time for the best set and to match the user's various preferences, it is desirable to prepare a plurality of various initial sets as high quality as possible.
[0018]
(8) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a plurality of ultrasonic images formed using each of the parameter value sets individually Are two-dimensionally arrayed It is characterized by including a collective image forming means for forming a collective image. According to such an aggregated image, it is possible to determine whether the images are good or not by comparing the images relatively, so that there is an advantage that selection is easy.
[0019]
(9) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a simulated body is used when transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves using the respective parameter value sets. Although the adjustment of the apparatus may be performed using an actual subject, the use of a simulated object eliminates the need to restrain the subject for a certain period of time. In addition, there is an advantage that the measurement conditions can always be kept constant.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, an ultrasonic probe 10 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. In the present embodiment, an ultrasonic probe used in contact with a body surface is used. In the present embodiment, the phantom 12 is used for evaluating a parameter value set described later. The phantom 12 functions as, for example, a simulated body that simulates a living body, and may have a uniform internal material or a constant structure. By using such a phantom 12, it is possible to avoid a problem such as constraint on a subject when evaluating a parameter value set. Therefore, when the evaluation of the parameter value set is completed in a short time, the adjustment of the apparatus may be performed using an actual living body.
[0022]
The transmission beam forming unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 supplies a transmission signal to the ultrasonic probe 10 and executes control for forming a transmission beam. The transmission control unit 16 functions as a control unit of the transmission beam forming unit 14, and the value of each parameter used in controlling the transmission beam is set by a parameter management unit 50 described later.
[0023]
The reception beam forming unit 18 performs predetermined processing on a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 10 and executes control of reception beam formation. The reception control unit 20 functions as a control unit that controls the reception beam forming unit 18, and the values of a plurality of parameters used in the control are set by a parameter management unit 50 described later.
[0024]
The band limiting unit 22 is a unit that limits the band of the received signal output from the receiving beam forming unit 18, and the band limiting unit 22 is controlled by a band limiting control unit 24. The values of a plurality of parameters used in the control are set by a parameter management unit 50 described later.
[0025]
The amplification unit 26 is a circuit that amplifies the received signal, and the amplification unit 26 is controlled by the amplification control unit 28. Parameters such as the amplification degree at the time of the control are set by the parameter management unit 50.
[0026]
The detection unit 30 is a circuit that detects the received signal output from the amplification unit 26. The logarithmic compression section 32 is means for performing so-called LOG compression. The logarithmic compression section 32 is controlled by a logarithmic compression control section 34. At this time, the values of the parameters such as the compression ratio are set by the parameter management unit 50.
[0027]
The image filter unit 36 is a unit that performs filtering on image information to remove noise. The image filter unit 36 is controlled by an image filter control unit 38. The values of the plurality of parameters used in that case are set by the parameter management unit 50.
[0028]
The DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 40 has a frame memory and has a coordinate conversion function, a pixel interpolation function, and the like. The control signal 100 is output from the parameter management unit 50 to the DSC 40. As will be described later, when displaying a plurality of ultrasound images using each parameter value set, the DSC 40 has a function of editing the plurality of ultrasound images into one aggregate image.
[0029]
The post-gamma section 42 is a means for performing so-called gamma correction, and the post-gamma section 42 is controlled by a post-gamma control section 44. A plurality of parameter values used for the control are set by the parameter management unit 50.
[0030]
The CRT 46 is a display, and an ultrasonic image is displayed on the CRT 46. In adjusting the operating conditions of the apparatus, the above-described set image is displayed on the CRT 46.
[0031]
As will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 2, the parameter management unit 50 is a unit that manages the values of the parameters that determine the operating conditions of the apparatus. The parameter management unit 50 has a function of determining an optimal set of parameter values using a so-called genetic algorithm.
[0032]
An input device 52 is connected to the parameter management unit 50. The input device 52 includes a high quality image selection device 54 and a best image designation device 56 in the configuration example shown in FIG. The high-quality image selection device 54 is used to determine the quality of each image when the above-described group image is displayed on the CRT 46. The best image designating device 56 is used for designating the best image when the image considered to be the best is displayed on the CRT 46 by executing the genetic algorithm in a plurality of cycles.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 200 is roughly divided into an apparatus main body 202 and a CRT 46 as a display. The device main body 202 includes a keyboard 204 and a trackball 206 functioning as the input device 52. The keyboard 204 and the trackball 206 function as the high-quality image selecting device 54 and the best image specifying device 56 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example of the group image 208. In this example, for example, 12 ultrasonic images are two-dimensionally arranged and displayed in one screen. The user moves the cursor 210 by using, for example, the trackball 206, and selects an arbitrary number or a predetermined number of ultrasonic images from the plurality of displayed ultrasonic images as high quality images. In addition, by performing a predetermined input to the keyboard 204 or the like as needed, the best image is designated from among the plurality of displayed ultrasonic images. This will be described later in detail.
[0034]
FIG. 2 schematically shows a specific configuration of the parameter management unit 50 shown in FIG. The parameter management unit 50 is configured by hardware or software.
[0035]
The parameter management unit 50 is roughly divided into a storage unit 60, a generation unit 62, and a parameter value setting unit 64. The storage unit 60 is divided into three storage areas for the sake of convenience, and is specifically divided into a parent set storage area 66, a child set storage area 68, and a best set storage area 70. Here, one or a plurality of parameter value sets are stored in each storage area. The parameter value set is a combination of a plurality of parameter values that determine the operating conditions of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a specific example is shown in FIG. The parameter value set 300 is configured by connecting the parameters 302 in a predetermined permutation. Each parameter value 302 is composed of a predetermined number of bits, but the number of bits may be the same or different. For example, the first parameter value indicates the number of transmission beams, and the second parameter value indicates the size of the aperture at the time of transmission. Such an assignment can be appropriately changed according to the configuration of each ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[0036]
Returning to FIG. 2, each of the storage areas 66, 68, and 70 in the storage unit 60 stores a parameter value set as shown in FIG. More specifically, the parent set storage area 66 stores a plurality of parameter value sets as a parent set 82 temporarily stored for generating a new set, and the child set storage area 68 generates the parameter value sets generated by the generation unit 62. A plurality of parameter value sets as child sets 74 are stored, and one or a plurality of parameter value sets extracted as the best set 94 from the child set storage area 68 are stored in the best set storage area 70.
[0037]
The generation unit 62 includes a mutation execution unit 84 and a crossover execution unit 86. The mutation executing unit 84 executes a process of replacing any one or a plurality of parameter values in one parameter value set randomly selected from the parent set storage area 66 with, for example, a randomly generated new value. is there. The crossover execution unit 86 executes a process of exchanging one or a plurality of parameter values between two parameter value sets randomly selected from the parent set storage area 66. Mutation produces one new set, and crossover produces two new sets simultaneously. The exchange of the parameter values at the crossover is performed between the same ranks.
[0038]
The parent set selection unit 88 is a means for selecting from the parent set storage area 66 used by the generation unit 62, and the selection of the parent set is basically executed at random. Of course, if some weight is given to each parameter value set, a parent set may be selected at random according to the weight.
[0039]
The occurrence probability control unit 90 is means for controlling the mutation execution probability and the crossover execution probability in the generation unit 62. Normally, the crossover execution probability is set higher, and the mutation is executed with a certain probability in order to prevent a drop in the local solution due to the crossover. Incidentally, after performing the crossover, an operation may be performed such that the mutation is subsequently performed.
[0040]
The random control unit 84A is means for randomly controlling the replacement position and the replacement number of a new value in the mutation. The new value to be replaced is randomly generated by the mutation executing unit 84. In this case, since an upper limit and a lower limit are determined for each parameter value, a new value is generated in consideration of such a range. Of course, in that case, weighting or the like within the range may be considered.
[0041]
The random control unit 86B is means for randomly controlling the position and the number at which the crossover is executed in the crossover. In this case, weighting for the position and the number may be considered.
[0042]
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the position and the number of crossovers at the time of the execution of the crossover are controlled at random. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the parameter value set is divided into a first half and a second half. Alternatively, the crossover may be executed by alternately replacing FIG. 4 shows that one parameter value set is divided into two of A1 and A2, and the other parameter value set is divided into two of B1 and B2. A new set composed of A2 and B2 is generated. Various techniques can be applied to the crossover and mutation techniques.
[0043]
The new set generated as described above is stored in the child set storage area 68 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a new set is generated at a time for the images of the group image. The new sets generated in this way are individually used, and ultrasonic measurement is performed. The parameter value setting unit 64 manages this. That is, the parameter value setting unit 64 sequentially extracts one parameter value set from the child set storage area 68 and sends each parameter value constituting the parameter value set to each control unit as an operation condition of the apparatus. Output. Thus, transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are performed while the phantom 12 and the like are used as described above, and an ultrasonic image is formed. The ultrasonic image is temporarily stored in a frame memory in the DSC 40. By repeatedly performing such processing, the frame memory in the DSC 40 stores the ultrasound images of the number of new sets stored in the child set storage area 68, and the DSC 40 stores them in the frame memory. The images are combined to form a group image, and the image data of the group image is output to the CRT. In this case, the control signal 100 is output from the parameter value setting unit 64 to the DSC 40, and the DSC 40 stores and generates a set image based on the control signal 100.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the group image 208 is displayed on the CRT 46, the user uses the high-quality image selection device 54 shown in FIG. 1 to determine the quality of each image. Alternatively, a predetermined number of ultrasound images are selected from the displayed plurality of ultrasound images as good quality images. When such a selection is made, the good quality set selection unit 76 shown in FIG. 2 functions to select a parameter value corresponding to a good quality image from a plurality of parameter value set values stored in the child set storage area 68. The parameter value is transferred to the parent set storage area 66. Such control is performed based on the selection signal 78 output from the quality set selection section 76. Further, the good quality set selection unit 76 outputs an erasure signal 80 to the child set storage area 68 in order to erase the parameter value sets that have not been selected from the child set storage area 68. In storing the parameter value set in the parent set storage area 66, the parent set that has been stored may be deleted, or may be left as it is. Then, when a certain number of parameter value sets are stored in the parent set storage area 66, control may be performed so that oldest ones are sequentially deleted.
[0045]
In any case, by repeatedly executing the above-described cycle, a better parameter value set is left in the parent set storage area 66, and at the same time, the generation unit 62 A new set will be generated. Then, when the user who has confirmed the set image specifies the specific ultrasound image as the best image using the best image specifying device 56 shown in FIG. 1, the user sets the best set shown in FIG. The extraction unit 92 extracts a parameter value set corresponding to the best image from the child set storage area 68 as a best set, and stores the set in the best set storage area 70. Here, a plurality of best sets may be stored in the best set storage area 70 according to the measurement mode or the diagnosis site.
[0046]
Prior to the execution of the above cycle, a plurality of initial sets are stored in the child set storage area 68 or the parent set storage area 66. For this reason, an initial set output section 72 is provided. The initial set output unit 72 has a function of randomly generating a plurality of initial sets or outputting a previously stored initial set.
[0047]
Next, the process of searching for the best set will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0048]
In S 101, m initial sets randomly generated from the initial set output unit 72 shown in FIG. 2 are output to the child set storage area 68. Thereby, the parameter value setting unit 64 sequentially reads out each initial set from the child set storage area 68 and gives each parameter value to each control unit. As a result, as described above, the ultrasound images corresponding to each initial set are displayed on the CRT 46 as a group image. In S103, the user selects n high-quality images from the m ultrasonic images on the CRT 46. Alternatively, in S103, the best image is designated from among the m ultrasonic images displayed as the group image.
[0049]
In S104, it is determined whether or not to continue the search for the best set. Specifically, when the best image is not specified, the steps from S105 are executed. In S105, a plurality of parameter value sets corresponding to the good quality image selected in S103 are transferred to the parent set storage area 66, and the parent set is sequentially selected from among them to execute the crossover or mutation, thereby obtaining m New sets are generated. In S106, such m new sets are stored in the child set storage area 68, and the m ultrasonic images are displayed as a group image under the management of the parameter value setting unit 64 as described above. Then, each step from S103 is repeatedly executed. After execution of a plurality of cycles, if any of the ultrasonic images is designated as the best image in S103, the process proceeds from S104 to S107, and the best set corresponding to the best image is stored in the child set in S107. Extracted from area 68, it will be stored in best set storage area 70. Then, the operating conditions of the apparatus are set by the stored best set. Incidentally, when the best set is designated, each set stored in the parent set storage area 66 and the child set storage area 68 may be deleted, but those sets are left as they are in preparation for the next search for the best set. You may save it.
[0050]
In the above embodiment, a parameter value set is configured for all parameters of the apparatus, and an optimum parameter value set is searched. However, the above method is applied to only some parameters, not all parameters. You can also. For example, the above method may be applied only to a knob that can be operated by the user.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to configure an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily adjust the apparatus, and particularly to configure an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can easily optimize the operation conditions of the apparatus without requiring the user to have skill. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing specific contents of a parameter management unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of a parameter value set.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of crossover.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of adjustment of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 phantom, 50 parameter management unit, 52 input device, 54 good image selection device, 56 best image designation device, 60 storage unit, 62 generation unit, 64 parameter value setting unit, 66 parent set storage area, 68 child set storage area, 70 best set storage area, 76 good quality set selection section, 84 mutation execution section, 86 crossover execution section, 92 best set extraction section.

Claims (9)

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which operating conditions are set by a plurality of parameter values,
Storage means for storing a plurality of parameter value sets that are combinations of the plurality of parameter values,
Display means for displaying a group image in which a plurality of ultrasonic images formed by using each of the plurality of parameter value sets read from the storage means as an operating condition individually,
High-quality image selection means for allowing a user to select one or more high-quality images from among a plurality of ultrasonic images in the set image displayed on the display means,
A new set generation unit that uses a parameter value set corresponding to the high-quality image, generates a new parameter value set partially inheriting the property, and stores the new parameter value set in the storage unit;
Best image designation means for allowing the user to designate the best image from among the plurality of ultrasound images in the set image displayed on the display means,
Including
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein ultrasonic diagnosis is performed on a subject using a parameter value set corresponding to the best image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
The new set generation means includes:
A crossover execution means for generating a new parameter value set by performing a crossover for exchanging one or more parameter values between the two parameter value sets;
Mutation executing means for generating a new parameter value set by executing a mutation for replacing one or more parameter values in the parameter value set with a new value;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: means for randomly selecting a parent set for generating a new set from a plurality of parameter value sets stored in the storage means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising an occurrence probability control means for controlling the occurrence probability of the crossover and the mutation. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2,
The crossover executing means includes means for stochastically controlling an exchange position of the parameter value in the parameter set,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mutation executing means includes means for stochastically controlling a replacement position of the parameter value in the parameter value set. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2,
The crossover execution means includes means for stochastically controlling the number of exchanges of the parameter value in the parameter value set,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the mutation executing means includes means for stochastically controlling the number of replacements of the parameter value in the parameter value set. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: means for supplying a plurality of parameter value sets as an initial set to the storage means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a group image forming unit configured to form a group image by two-dimensionally arranging a plurality of ultrasonic images formed by individually using the respective parameter value sets. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that a simulated body is used when transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves using the respective parameter value sets.

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