JP4537300B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a local matching process between frames for tracking moving tissue.

  For example, in an ultrasound diagnosis for the heart, in order to diagnose a disease, it is required to analyze how a specific region of interest (for example, a specific heart wall region) in the heart moves according to the heartbeat. A tracking process is known as a technique for that purpose. In this process, generally, pattern matching or the like is executed between two temporally adjacent frames (corresponding to images).

  Specifically, a reference area that includes a region of interest is set on the first frame serving as a reference, and is larger than the reference area on the basis of the reference area position (for example, center coordinates) on the second frame to be compared with the reference area. A search range is set. On the second frame, a reference area is sequentially set at each position in the search range, and matching processing (for example, cross-correlation calculation, centroid position comparison calculation) is performed between the reference area and the reference area at each position. By determining the position of the reference area at the time when the result of the matching process is the best, it is possible to analyze how much the region of interest (tissue in the reference area) has moved in which direction between frames. The reference area at the time when the result of the matching process becomes the best is regarded as a new reference area (updated reference area) in the matching process between the next frames, and the same process as described above is repeated. As a result, the motion trajectory of the region of interest is finally obtained from the moving image configured as a frame sequence.

  Patent Document 1 discloses that the size of a reference area (template area) is optimized in pattern matching of ultrasonic images. However, it is described that the size can be changed according to the position of the reference area. It has not been. Patent Documents 2 and 3 also show tracking of a region of interest, but do not describe changing the size of the reference area.

JP 2004-313291 A JP 2004-313535 A US Pat. No. 6,863,655

  Conventionally, the standard area (and the reference area) generally has a rectangular shape, and its shape and size are not dynamically changed. However, for example, in sector scanning and convex scanning, as viewed from the display coordinate system, the beam interval increases according to the depth position, and each part of the image flows along the beam scanning direction, that is, image distortion tends to occur. It is in. Alternatively, focusing on the ultrasonic beam profile (the beam shape that changes in the depth direction), the beam width tends to increase as the depth position increases, especially on the deeper side than the focus point. Image blur tends to occur along the beam scanning direction. Even in general, the transmission / reception environment on the beam scanning plane is not uniform, and even objects of the same shape and the same size appear according to the object position (especially the depth position) on the beam scanning plane. In addition, the shape and size of the image to be imaged vary.

  Therefore, if the matching process is performed with the size of each area always constant between frames, or if the matching process is performed between a reference area and a reference area having exactly the same shape and size, the processing is not necessarily good. The result may not be obtained. On the contrary, in view of the purpose of matching processing, it may be better to positively match the form of each area.

  An object of the present invention is to enable appropriate matching processing when performing matching processing between frames for tracking a region of interest.

  Another object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of the matching process in consideration of the unique circumstances on the beam scanning plane.

(1) The present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a tracking processing unit for tracking a region of interest between two frames obtained by repeated scanning of an ultrasonic beam, wherein the tracking processing unit is on the first frame. A reference area setting means for setting a reference area including a region of interest in the second frame, a reference area setting means for sequentially setting a reference area while shifting the area position in stages on the second frame, the reference area and the sequential area Matching processing means for sequentially executing matching processing with a set reference area, and motion information analysis means for obtaining motion information about the region of interest between frames based on results of sequentially executing the matching processing; A form in which the form of the reference area is changed according to the position of the reference area Characterized in that it comprises a control means.

  According to the above configuration, the matching process is executed between temporally adjacent or different frames, specifically, between the reference area (image data) and the reference area (image data) at each position. As above, motion information of the region of interest can be obtained. Each frame corresponds to a luminance image or a Doppler image. As will be described later, matching processing may be performed using data after coordinate conversion, or matching processing may be performed using data before coordinate conversion. It may be. Each frame preferably corresponds to a scanning surface formed by electronic sector scanning, electronic convex scanning, or the like, but may correspond to a scanning surface formed by electronic linear scanning or the like. In the matching process, the degree of matching between two local images is obtained, and the positional relationship in which an optimum matching state is obtained is determined. As the method, correlation calculation between images can be given, and other than that, comparison of image centroid positions (evaluation of distance between centroids) can be given. The degree of coincidence of some image feature amount is evaluated.

  In the above configuration, the form of the reference area is changed according to the position. That is, in the past, the form of the reference area was constant with the progress of the matching process, but according to the present invention, the form of the reference area can be dynamically changed. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the problems associated with uniformly maintaining the form of the reference area. There are various types of area change rules, and in any case, it is desirable to configure the reference area form so that more appropriate matching processing can be performed in consideration of image characteristics. .

  Examples of the form of the reference area include its size and shape. The size includes a beam scanning direction size and a beam depth direction size. For example, the size of the beam direction may be changed according to the position of the reference area, and area setting may be performed in consideration of image blur, flow, or distortion on the image. It is desirable that the adaptive setting of the form is performed when the reference area is initially set, and the adaptive setting of the form is also performed when the reference area is updated.

  As will be described later, the reference area and the reference area have a close relationship in that they are compared, and it is desirable that the reference area is changed when the reference area is changed. If the matching reference area that is in an optimal matching state between certain frames is used as a reference area between the next frames as it is, the change of the reference area simultaneously changes the reference area. It is desirable that the search range that defines the movement range of the reference area is also configured so that its form is dynamically changed.

(2) Preferably, the position of the reference area when the result of the matching process is the best is determined as the position of the updated reference area, and the form is updated when the reference area is updated. In this case, the matching reference area with the best matching processing result may be regarded as the updated reference area as it is, or only the position of the matching reference area may be taken over as the position of the updated reference area. May be. In the latter case, the form of the reference area is updated according to the position of the reference area.

  Preferably, the form control means changes the form of the reference area according to the position of the reference area. When the reference area is first set on the second frame, the form thereof is set to be the same as the form of the reference area or is set independently in consideration of the position of the reference area. When the reference area is moved within the search range, the initially set form may be maintained, or the form may be changed more finely according to the moving position.

  Preferably, the matching processing means includes form correcting means for aligning the form of the reference area and the form of the reference area during the matching process. When the form (that is, the shape and size) of the reference area and the reference area are different, it is difficult to perform the matching process as it is, so that the form difference is compensated. For example, magnification adjustment may be considered. In that case, the magnification adjustment may be performed only in one of the beam scanning direction and the depth direction. However, if the matching process can be performed as it is between the reference area and the reference area, the above adjustment is not necessary.

  Preferably, the scanning method of the ultrasonic beam is a scanning method of forming a fan-shaped beam scanning surface, and at least the reference area and the reference area have a fan shape or a trapezoidal shape as viewed from a display coordinate system, At least the beam scanning direction size for the reference area is changed according to the depth position of the reference area, and at least the beam scanning direction size for the reference area is changed according to the depth position of the reference area. . When this type of beam scanning surface is formed, the ultrasonic image inevitably tends to flow in the beam scanning direction particularly in the deep part. Even if objects of the same size are present, the appearance of the objects varies depending on the depth position where the objects exist. Therefore, according to the above configuration, since the beam direction size of each area is changed, it is possible to reduce the problem of poor matching caused by the above problem.

  Preferably, the size of the beam scanning direction in the reference area and the reference area is changed according to the spread of the ultrasonic beam interval on the fan-shaped beam scanning surface. Preferably, the beam scanning direction size in the reference area and the reference area is changed according to the ultrasonic beam profile.

  Preferably, including a search range setting means for setting a search range having a size larger than the reference area on the second frame, the reference areas are sequentially set within the search range, the form control means The form of the search range is changed according to the position of the reference area.

  Desirably, the said matching process is performed based on the data after coordinate conversion from a transmission / reception coordinate system to a display coordinate system was performed. Desirably, the said matching process is performed based on the data before coordinate conversion from a transmission / reception coordinate system to a display coordinate system is performed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, appropriate matching processing can be performed between frames. Alternatively, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the matching process in consideration of the unique circumstances on the beam scanning plane.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration thereof.

  The probe 10 is used in contact with the body surface or inserted into a body cavity. The probe 10 has an array transducer not shown in the present embodiment. The array vibrator is composed of a plurality of vibration elements. The plurality of vibration elements are arranged linearly or arranged in an arc shape. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the array transducer, and the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned. Examples of the electronic scanning method include electronic sector scanning, convex scanning, and electronic linear scanning. The probe 10 can be provided with a so-called 2D array transducer.

  The transmission / reception unit 12 functions as a transmission beamformer and a reception beamformer. The transmission / reception unit 12 supplies a plurality of transmission signals having a predetermined delay relationship to the plurality of vibration elements during transmission. As a result, a transmission beam is formed in the array transducer. At the time of reception, a plurality of reception signals output from the array transducer are input to the transmission / reception unit 12, and a phasing addition process is performed on these reception signals. As a result, a reception beam is electronically formed. The received signal after the phasing addition is output to the echo signal processing unit 14 and the Doppler signal processing unit 16 as shown in FIG.

  The echo signal processing unit 14 functions in a mode for forming a B-mode image, an M-mode image, and a color flow mapping (CFM) image, and executes various processes such as detection and logarithmic conversion on the received signal. That is, processing for converting the received signal into a luminance signal is executed. The beam data corresponding to each ultrasonic beam thus obtained is output to a digital scan converter (DSC) 20. Along with this, each beam data is stored in the cine memory 18.

  The cine memory 18 has a ring buffer structure and is a storage unit for reading and reproducing stored data in a state after freezing. The cine memory 18 can be used to display an image of a predetermined time phase or to display a moving image within a certain period. In addition to the beam data output from the echo signal processing unit 14, the cine memory 18 also stores Doppler information (speed information) output from the Doppler signal processing unit 16 described later. The information is stored in units of ultrasonic beams, and in that sense is beam data.

  The DSC 20 performs coordinate conversion, interpolation processing, and the like on the input data. In the coordinate conversion, conversion from the transmission / reception wave coordinate system to the display coordinate system is executed. That is, in electronic sector scanning and the like, each data is specified by a beam address and a depth address, and on the other hand, since orthogonal coordinates are adopted on the display screen, coordinate conversion is performed by the DSC 20. Yes. An ultrasonic image, in particular, a B-mode image is formed by the DSC 20, and the image data is output to the tracking processing unit 24 and output to the display processing unit 28.

  On the other hand, the above-described Doppler signal processing unit 16 performs quadrature detection, autocorrelation calculation, speed calculation, and the like on the received signal. That is, signal processing for forming a blood flow image or a tissue motion image is executed. The signal output from the Doppler signal processing unit 16 is output to the DSC 22 in addition to being stored in the cine memory 18 as described above. The DSC 22 has the same function as the DSC 20 described above, and a two-dimensional blood flow image or tissue image is constructed as a processing result of the DSC 22. The image data is output to the tracking processing unit 26 and also sent to the display processing unit 28.

  Although the tracking processing unit 24 and the tracking processing unit 26 are different in input data, the processing contents themselves are the same. The tracking processing units 24 and 26 have a function of tracking the movement of the tissue of interest between two temporally adjacent frames. This will be described later with reference to FIGS. The processing results of the tracking processing units 24 and 26 represent the motion information of the region of interest, and the information is sent to the control unit 32 and output to the display processing unit 28 as necessary. For example, when displaying the movement of the region of interest as some image information, the display processing unit 28 forms the image.

  As described above, luminance image data such as a B-mode image, blood flow image or tissue image data based on Doppler information is input to the display processing unit 28. The display processing unit 28 performs display processing on the input image. The display process follows the mode selected by the user. For example, when the CFM mode is selected, a color blood flow image is synthesized on the black and white B-mode image. The image data output from the display processing unit 28 is sent to the display 30 and an ultrasonic image is displayed on the screen of the display 30.

  The control unit 32 performs operation control of each component shown in FIG. In particular, the control unit 32 controls the tracking processing units 24 and 26. An operation panel 34 is connected to the control unit 32. The operation panel 34 includes a keyboard, a trackball, and the like, and the user can input conditions and values in tracking processing using the operation panel 34.

  Next, processing contents of the tracking processing units 24 and 26 will be described.

  FIG. 2 shows an initial frame 52, which is the first frame for starting the tracking process. The tracking process is performed on the data of each frame stored in the cine memory. Specifically, the tracking process is performed between the frames in the frame sequence arranged in time series order. It is also possible to apply tracking processing to a frame sequence acquired in real time. The initial frame 52 has a sector shape as shown. The initial frame 52 is formed by performing electronic sector scanning. The initial frame 52 can be selected by designating an arbitrary time phase by the user. When the user designates a site of interest to be tracked with respect to the initial frame 52, the first reference area is set around the designated position, that is, the coordinates. One region of interest may be set, or a plurality of regions of interest may be set simultaneously. The region of interest is set, for example, in a specific heart wall region in the heart. For example, if the region of interest is set in a region where myocardial infarction is suspected, the temporal movement of the region can be extracted by tracking processing. It is possible to evaluate the motion state of the part from the processing result.

  In the present embodiment, the size of the reference area is variably controlled in accordance with the position where the reference area is set, particularly the depth position. Specifically, in FIG. 2, P1, P2, and P3 represent regions of interest designated by the user, respectively, and reference areas S1, S2, and S3 are set around them, respectively. However, the form or size of each reference area is not the same, and the size of the reference area increases as the depth position of the reference area increases. That is, the size of the reference area is larger when the region of interest is set at a deep position on the frame than when the region of interest is set at a shallow position on the frame. In this case, various functions can be considered as the function for determining the size. For example, a function according to the beam profile of the ultrasonic beam (transmission / reception comprehensive beam) can be adopted. That is, since the beam spread becomes significant at a depth exceeding the transmission focus point, the size of the reference area in the beam scanning direction is increased according to the beam spread. In the depth range closer to the transmission focus point, the above-mentioned size may be maintained, or change control may be performed more finely. As is well known, the beam profile depends on the depth of the transmission focus point. Therefore, if variable control of the size based on the beam profile is complicated, the reference is more simply based on the spread of the beam interval on the scanning plane. It is also possible to increase the size of the area. FIG. 2 shows a plurality of reference areas S1, S2, S3 whose sizes are set according to such conditions.

  In the present embodiment, a simple rectangular reference area is not set as in the prior art, but reference areas S1, S2, and S3 having a fan-shaped or trapezoidal shape are set. The left and right sides of each reference area coincide with the beam direction, and the upper and lower sides of each reference area correspond to arcs forming the beam scanning direction. Such a configuration is advantageous particularly when matching processing is performed before coordinate conversion.

  When the reference area is set at any point on the initial frame, matching processing is executed with the next frame (subsequent frame) of the initial frame. Then, the matching process is repeatedly executed for each frame.

FIG. 3 shows the contents of the matching process as a conceptual diagram. (A) shows a partially enlarged view of the front frame, and (B) shows a partially enlarged view of the rear frame. A reference area S is set on the previous frame. If the previous frame is an initial frame, the reference area S is an initial reference area set with reference to the region of interest P set by the user. As will be described later, the updated reference area is automatically set, and the center position of the reference area corresponds to the region of interest being tracked. In the previous frame shown in (A), the reference area S has a fan-like or trapezoidal shape as described above, and the width in the r direction, that is, the depth direction is represented by Δr ₀ , and the width in the beam scanning direction. Is represented by Δθ ₀ .

  On the other hand, in the subsequent frame shown in (B), a search range U having a size larger than the size around the reference area S is set. Then, the reference areas R1 to Rn are sequentially set while sequentially shifting the area position within the search range U. Although the movement route of the reference area can be set arbitrarily, for example, the reference area may be set at each position on the route along the zigzag scan. In the figure, R1 indicates the first reference area, and Rn indicates the nth last reference area. In any case, an image matching operation is executed between each reference area and the standard area S. For example, correlation calculation is performed, or distance calculation between image centroids is performed. Various known methods can be cited as methods related to this.

  The results of matching processing between each reference area and the reference area are compared with each other, and the reference area (conforming reference area) at the time when the best matching is obtained is specified. By recognizing the position of the relevant reference area, the movement vector of the region of interest can be obtained. In (B), for example, if the reference area Rn is an adapted reference area, a vector V connecting the site of interest P that forms the center of the reference area and the center position Q of the reference area Rn is obtained as shown in the figure. This is a known technique. In the present embodiment, as described above, the form is adaptively set according to the position of the updated reference area in addition to the initial reference area. Along with this, the form, particularly the size, of the reference area is also set adaptively. In this case, the form of the reference area set at each position in the search range U can be exactly the same as the form of the reference area to be compared thereto, or each reference area can be set according to the position in the search area U. It is also possible to dynamically change the form. According to the former, the amount of calculation can be reduced, and according to the latter, a fine size adjustment suitable for the background image can be performed.

When the form of the reference area is different from the form of the reference area, if it is difficult to perform the matching calculation as it is, it is desirable to perform form correction to match both forms. For example, the magnification changing process may be applied to one area image so that the sizes or forms of the two areas are matched. The magnification adjustment can be performed in both the depth direction and the beam scanning direction, but can be performed in only one of them. In FIG. 3, as is clear from the comparison between Δr ₁ and Δr ₂ and the comparison between Δθ ₁ and Δθ ₂ , the size is varied in both the depth direction and the beam scanning direction. In such a case, it is only necessary to adjust the scale individually in each direction so that each reference area and the reference area are aligned. As already described, in electronic sector scanning, an image tends to flow particularly in the beam scanning direction and the image appears to be displayed larger. Therefore, the size may be varied particularly in the beam scanning direction. desirable.

  FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the tracking processing units 24 and 26 illustrated in FIG. 1 as a flowchart. First, in S101, initial values of sizes for the standard area and the reference area are input by the user. This initial value is a standard for dynamically changing the size. In S102, an initial frame to be tracked by the user is selected while displaying an image read from the cine memory on the screen. In S103, the region of interest is designated by designating coordinates on the initial frame, that is, the initial image.

  In S104, a reference area is set on the initial frame. Specifically, the region of interest is set as the center position of the reference area. The size of the reference area is variably set according to the position of the reference area. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it is desirable that the larger the depth position is, the larger the size is set in the beam scanning direction.

  In S105, a search range is set on the subsequent frame compared with the previous frame (including the initial frame). In this case, the center position of the search range is determined as the position of the reference area set in S104, and the size of the search range is variably set according to the position of the reference area. That is, when the size of the reference area increases, the size of the search range also increases.

  In S106, reference areas are sequentially set on the subsequent frame. In this case, the position of the reference area is sequentially set along a predetermined route within the search range. The size of the reference area can be controlled by two methods. In this case, when the method A is adopted, the size of the reference area is finely adjusted according to the position of the reference area in the search range according to the same conditions as described above. . On the other hand, when the B method is adopted, the size of the reference area is adopted as the size of the reference area, and the size remains unchanged even when the reference area is moved. Which method is adopted is preferably determined in consideration of the configuration of the apparatus, or may be selected by the user.

  In S107, when the above-described A method is adopted, the magnification is adjusted between the image in the standard area and the image in the reference area. In other words, the matching operation can be performed by matching the two sizes. In S108, a matching operation is executed. In particular, in this embodiment, pattern matching calculation is performed, and the degree of coincidence of image contents is obtained as a correlation value or an evaluation value. In S109, it is determined whether or not reference areas have been set at all positions within the search range. If not set at all positions, the processes from S106 are repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S109 that the reference areas have been set for all positions, in S110, the matching result is the best based on the correlation value or evaluation value obtained for each reference area. A conforming reference area is determined. In S111, the motion vector of the region of interest is calculated as described above based on the position of the matching reference area. In S112, it is determined whether or not to continue the above processing, and if it is continued, S113 is executed.

  In S113, a reference area is set on the previous frame between new frames. That is, the reference area is updated. In this case, when the A method is selected, the conforming reference area is regarded as the standard area as it is. That is, in the above A method, the size of each reference area is already variably set. On the other hand, when the B method is selected, the position of the above-mentioned conforming reference area is adopted as the position of the reference area, while the size of the reference area is adaptively set according to the position of the reference area according to the above conditions. The As described above, the size in the beam scanning direction is variably set according to the depth position of the reference area. After S113 is executed, the above S105 is executed, and the subsequent steps are repeatedly executed.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the tracking process is performed after the coordinate conversion, but the tracking process may be performed before the coordinate conversion. That is, the DSCs 20 and 22 are provided after the tracking processing units 24 and 26. According to such a configuration, the tracking process is performed according to the transmission / reception coordinate system.

  Specifically, the beam data sequence 53 shown in FIG. 5 is composed of a plurality of beam data 54 before coordinate conversion. S10 indicates a reference area set on the previous frame, U10 indicates a search range set on the subsequent frame, and R10 indicates one reference area set in the search range. . As shown in the figure, when a fan-shaped or trapezoidal area is set on the display coordinate system, each area is conceptually a rectangular area on the transmission / reception coordinate system, that is, a beam address and a depth address. The data array is bidirectionally matched, and matching processing can be performed easily. In this case, as is clear from the comparison of S10, S11, and S12, even if an area (reference area) having the same shape is set on the transmission / reception coordinate system, the display coordinate system has a size corresponding to the position of each area. Will fluctuate. Therefore, when the setting method as shown in FIG. 5 causes the area size in the deep part to increase excessively, the size of each area should be reduced according to the depth direction on the transmission / reception coordinate system. It may be. Or you may make it enlarge more aggressively. It should be noted that the area size varies on the display coordinate system even if the area size is apparently constant on the transmission / reception coordinate system. Therefore, it is desirable to perform variable control so that an appropriate area corresponding to the problem specific to the ultrasound image as described above is set in any coordinate system.

  In the above embodiment, electronic sector scanning is performed. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where electronic linear scanning is performed as shown in FIG. (A) shows the previous frame, and (B) shows the rear frame. Some examples of reference areas on the previous frame are indicated by S4, S5 and S6. The widths in the x direction in these reference areas are represented by W4, W5, and W6, and the widths in the y direction are represented by D4, D5, and D6. Here, D4, D5, and D6 have the same size, but the width in the x direction has a relationship of W5 <W4 <W6. That is, the width in the beam scanning direction increases as the position of the reference area becomes deeper. When the reference area is set, the search range U1 is set around the reference area (for example, S4) set as shown in (B), and the reference area is set at each position within the range. Become. In the same manner as described above, matching processing is executed between each reference area and each reference area. Similarly to the above embodiment, the size of the reference area may be variably set according to the position of the reference area within the search range U1. Alternatively, when the reference area is set according to the position after the reference area is determined to be compatible, a size corresponding to the position may be given.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting of the reference area on an initial frame. It is a figure for demonstrating the matching process performed between a front frame and a back frame. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a tracking processing unit shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the matching process on a transmission / reception wave coordinate system. It is a figure for demonstrating the matching process in the case of electronic linear scanning.

Explanation of symbols

  10 probe, 12 transmission / reception unit, 18 cine memory, 24, 26 tracking processing unit, 28 display processing unit, 32 control unit.

Claims (7)

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a tracking processing unit for tracking a region of interest between two frames obtained by repeated scanning of an ultrasonic beam,
The tracking processing unit
Reference area setting means for setting a reference area including a region of interest on the first frame;
Reference area setting means for sequentially setting reference areas while shifting the area position in stages on the second frame;
Matching processing means for sequentially executing matching processing between the reference area and the sequentially set reference areas;
Based on the result of sequentially executing the matching process, motion information analysis means for obtaining motion information about the region of interest between frames;
Form control means for changing the form of the reference area according to the position of the reference area;
Only including,
The ultrasonic beam scanning method is a scanning method for forming a fan-shaped beam scanning surface,
At least the reference area and the reference area have a fan shape or a trapezoidal shape as viewed from the display coordinate system,
The form control means has a function of increasing at least the beam scanning direction size of the reference area as the depth position of the reference area becomes deeper,
The size of the beam scanning direction in the reference area can be increased in accordance with the spread of the ultrasonic beam interval on the fan-shaped beam scanning surface.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
The position of the reference area when the result of the matching process is the best is determined as the position of the updated standard area,
The form is updated when the reference area is updated.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The form control means has a function of increasing at least the beam scanning direction size of the reference area as the depth position of the reference area becomes deeper,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the size of the beam scanning direction in the reference area can be increased in accordance with the spread of the ultrasonic beam interval on the fan-shaped beam scanning surface . The device according to any one of claims 1-3 .
The matching processing means includes a form correcting means for aligning the form of the reference area and the form of the reference area during the matching process.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
Search range setting means for setting a search range having a size larger than the reference area on the second frame;
The reference areas are sequentially set within the search range,
The form control means changes the form of the search range according to the position of the reference area.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The device according to any one of claims 1-5 ,
The matching process is executed based on data after coordinate conversion from the transmission / reception coordinate system to the display coordinate system is performed.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The device according to any one of claims 1-6 ,
The matching process is executed based on data before coordinate conversion from the transmission / reception coordinate system to the display coordinate system is performed,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

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