JP5390081B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, ultrasonic image processing apparatus, and ultrasonic image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention can mainly support the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease or the like, or can support the diagnosis of tumor properties when the wall motion information analyzed three-dimensionally is output using surface rendering display or the like. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the like.

  Objective and quantitative evaluation of movements and functions related to biological tissues such as the myocardium is very important for diagnosis of the tissues. In image diagnosis using an ultrasonic image processing apparatus, various quantitative evaluation methods have been tried mainly using the heart as an example. For example, it has been found that normal myocardium thickens in the wall thickness direction (short axis) during contraction and shortens in the long axis direction. In general, thickening and shortening are said to have different directions of motion and perpendicular to each other. On the other hand, by observing these motions and evaluating myocardial wall motion, for example, heart disease such as myocardial infarction The possibility of diagnosis support is suggested.

  The three-dimensional surface rendering display is a generally known display method, and a technique for displaying, for example, the motion of the intimal surface of the heart is provided by this display method. There is also provided a technique for simultaneously displaying two different wall motion information on an arbitrary tomographic image.

In addition, as a well-known document relevant to this application, there exist the following, for example.
JP 2007-044499 A

  However, the conventional method for displaying wall motion information or the like has the following problems, for example.

  First, two different 3D surface rendering displays cannot be displayed and compared at the same time.

  In addition, for example, the display method using the technique described in Patent Document 1 is limited to an arbitrary tomographic image, and a three-dimensional distribution of a plurality of different wall motion information can be viewed in a single observation operation. I can't figure it out.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can compare two different three-dimensional surface rendering images at the same time, or observe a three-dimensional distribution of a plurality of different wall motion information at a time. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic image processing apparatus, and an ultrasonic image processing program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to an embodiment is a plurality of volume data collected over a first period with a first time as a reference for a tissue that moves periodically. Using the volume data group of 1, first tissue motion information relating to the first motion direction and second tissue motion information relating to a second motion direction different from the first motion direction are generated in time series. And a third volume data group, which is a plurality of volume data collected over a second period based on the second time, for the tissue, Motion information generating means for generating tissue motion information and fourth tissue motion information related to the second motion direction in time series, and the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion for each point of the region of interest. information A first image in time series is generated by mapping in a distinguishable manner, and the third tissue motion information and the fourth tissue motion information are mapped in a distinguishable manner at each point of the region of interest. Using the image generation means for generating the second image, the time-series first image, and the time-series second image, the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information. Display means for simultaneously displaying a combination and a combination of the third tissue motion information and the fourth tissue motion information in synchronization with each other in time series is provided.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to another embodiment is a plurality of volume data collected over a first period with a first time as a reference for a tissue that moves periodically. Using the first volume data group, the first tissue motion information related to the first motion direction and the second tissue motion information related to the second motion information different from the first motion direction are generated in time series. A motion information generating means for generating a time-series image by mapping each combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information so as to be identifiable; and And display means for simultaneously displaying a combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information in time series using a series of images.
An ultrasound image processing program according to an embodiment includes a first volume data that is collected by a computer over a first period with a first time as a reference for a periodically moving tissue. Using the volume data group, the first tissue motion information related to the first motion direction and the second tissue motion information related to the second motion direction different from the first motion direction are generated in time series, Using the second volume data group, which is a plurality of volume data collected over a second period with the second time as a reference for the tissue, a third tissue motion related to the first motion direction A motion information generation function for generating information and fourth tissue motion information related to the second motion direction in time series, and the first tissue motion information and the second tissue for each point of the region of interest. First, a time-series first image is generated by mapping the motion information in an identifiable manner, and the third tissue motion information and the fourth tissue motion information are mapped in a distinguishable manner for each point of the region of interest. The first tissue motion information and the second tissue using an image generation function for generating a time-series second image and the time-series first image and the time-series second image. A display function for simultaneously displaying a combination of exercise information and a combination of the third tissue exercise information and the fourth tissue exercise information in time series is realized.
An ultrasonic image processing program according to another embodiment is a first volume data that is collected by a computer over a first period with a first time as a reference for a tissue that moves periodically. Motion that generates first tissue motion information related to the first motion direction and second tissue motion information related to second motion information different from the first motion direction in time series using the volume data group of An information generation function, an image generation function for generating a time-series image by mapping each combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information in an identifiable manner, and the time series And a display function for simultaneously displaying a combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information in time series using a simple image.

  As described above, according to the present invention, two different three-dimensional surface rendering images or the like can be simultaneously compared, or an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of observing a three-dimensional distribution of a plurality of different wall motion information at a time. An ultrasonic image processing apparatus and an ultrasonic image processing program can be realized.

  Hereinafter, first to fifth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

  In the following embodiments, a case where the technical idea of the present invention is applied to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described as an example. However, without being bound by this, the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to an ultrasonic image processing apparatus such as a workstation or a personal computer.

  In addition, for each component according to each embodiment, in particular, a movement vector processing unit 19, a tracking processing unit 27, and a motion information calculation unit 37 (see FIG. 1) described later, software that executes the same processing as each component It can also be realized by installing the program in a computer such as a workstation, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a computer function, etc., and developing these on a memory. At this time, a program capable of causing the computer to execute the technique is stored in a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. It can also be distributed.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an ultrasonic probe 11, a transmission unit 13, a reception unit 15, a B-mode processing unit 17, a movement vector processing unit 19, an image generation unit 21, a display unit 23, a control unit (CPU) 31, and tracking. A processing unit 33, a volume data generation unit 35, an exercise information calculation unit 37, a storage unit 39, an operation unit 41, and a transmission / reception unit 43 are provided. When the present invention is applied to an ultrasonic image processing apparatus, the inside of the dotted line in FIG.

  The ultrasonic probe 11 generates ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal from the transmission unit 13 and converts a reflected wave from the subject into an electrical signal, a matching layer provided in the piezoelectric vibrator, It has a backing material that prevents the propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear. When an ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 11 to the subject, various harmonic components are generated along with the propagation of the ultrasonic wave due to nonlinearity of the biological tissue. The fundamental wave and the harmonic component constituting the transmission ultrasonic wave are back-scattered by the boundary of acoustic impedance of the body tissue, minute scattering, and the like, and are received by the ultrasonic probe 11 as a reflected wave (echo).

  The transmission unit 13 has a delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, etc. (not shown). In the pulsar circuit, a rate pulse for forming a transmission ultrasonic wave is repeatedly generated at a predetermined rate frequency fr Hz (period: 1 / fr second). Further, in the delay circuit, a delay time necessary for focusing the ultrasonic wave into a beam shape for each channel and determining the transmission directivity is given to each rate pulse. The transmission unit 13 applies a drive pulse to each transducer so that an ultrasonic beam is formed toward a predetermined scan line at a timing based on the rate pulse.

  The receiving unit 15 has an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder and the like not shown. The amplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal captured via the probe 11 for each channel. In the A / D converter, a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity is given to the amplified echo signal, and thereafter, an addition process is performed in the adder. By this addition, an ultrasonic echo signal corresponding to a predetermined scan line is generated.

  The B mode processing unit 17 performs an envelope detection process on the ultrasonic echo signal received from the receiving unit 15, thereby generating a B mode signal corresponding to the amplitude intensity of the ultrasonic echo.

  The movement vector processing unit 19 detects the movement position of the tissue using pattern matching processing between two volume data having different time phases, and obtains the movement amount (or speed) of each tissue based on the movement position. Specifically, for the region of interest in one volume data, the corresponding region in the other volume data with the highest similarity is obtained. By obtaining the distance between the region of interest and the corresponding region, the amount of movement of the tissue can be obtained. Further, the moving speed of the tissue can be obtained by dividing this moving amount by the time difference between the volumes. By performing this processing volume-by-volume at each position on the volume, it is possible to acquire temporal and temporal distribution data relating to displacement (movement vector) of each tissue or tissue displacement. Here, the volume data is defined as a set of received signals having three-dimensional position information (that is, a set of received signals having spatial information).

  The image generation unit 21 generates a B-mode ultrasonic image representing a two-dimensional distribution related to a predetermined slice of the B-mode signal. The image generation unit 21 generates a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image in which the motion information is mapped based on the calculated tissue motion information using a technique such as wire frame / surface rendering / volume rendering.

  Based on the video signal from the image generation unit 21, the display unit 23 displays tissue motion information and the like as an image in a predetermined form as will be described later. Further, the display unit 23 displays a marker for supporting the association of positions between images when displaying a plurality of images.

  The control unit (CPU) 31 has a function as an information processing apparatus (computer) and statically or dynamically controls the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. In particular, the control unit 31 implements a tissue exercise information display function to be described later by developing a dedicated program stored in the storage unit 39 in a memory (not shown).

  The motion information calculation unit 37 generates tissue motion information for each time phase based on the spatiotemporal distribution data output from the movement vector processing unit 19. Here, the tissue motion information is physical information that can be acquired regarding displacement, displacement rate, strain, strain rate, moving distance, speed, velocity gradient, and other tissue motions in a predetermined direction of a predetermined tissue.

  The storage unit 39 is a device that reads a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), semiconductor memory, etc., and information recorded on these media. . In this storage unit 37, transmission / reception conditions, a predetermined scan sequence, raw data corresponding to each time phase and ultrasonic image data (for example, tissue image data photographed in tissue Doppler mode, B mode, etc.) are generated in advance. Volume data for each time phase, spatio-temporal distribution data related to movement vectors, programs for realizing the tissue motion information display function described later, diagnostic information (patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), diagnostic protocol, body mark generation program, etc. Remember.

  The operation unit 41 is connected to the apparatus main body, and includes various instructions from the operator, a region of interest (ROI) setting instruction, various image quality condition setting instructions, a mouse and a trackball for selecting arbitrary tissue motion information, It has a mode switch, a keyboard, etc.

  The transmission / reception unit 43 is a device that transmits / receives information to / from other devices via a network. Data such as ultrasound images and analysis results obtained by the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 can be transferred by the transmission / reception unit 43 to other apparatuses via a network.

(Organization information display function)
Next, the tissue information display function provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described. This function makes the display scale the same for two different 3D surface rendering displays including arbitrary tissue information analyzed in 3D, keeps the expected position of each other, and synchronizes the time phase. Are displayed side by side. At this time, a marker display that supports orientation grasp with an anatomical segment is added. Or, two different tissue motions (eg, wall thickness change information and rotation / twist information, etc.) that are analyzed three-dimensionally are mapped onto a three-dimensional surface rendering image and displayed simultaneously. Is also possible.

  In the following description, an example is given in which tissue information regarding a heart wall that moves periodically is acquired and mapped to a three-dimensional image to be visualized. However, these are only examples, and the organization to be imaged is not tied to the heart wall. In addition, as the tissue information, exercise information related to the periodic motion of the heart wall (that is, heartbeat motion) is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt, for example, organization form information (eg, B mode information) as organization information.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (tissue motion information display processing) according to the tissue motion information display function. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

[Step S1: Data collection]
First, for a desired observation site of the heart related to a patient, time series volume data (hereinafter referred to as a “time series volume data group”) over a period of at least one heartbeat and a reference collection time is set. Collect at least two different items (step S1).

  That is, volume data of a time series (at least for one heartbeat) is collected from a desired apex observation site of a patient using a two-dimensional array probe from the apex approach with reference to a certain time ti. Also, for the same patient's heart, using a two-dimensional array probe from the apex approach, using a time tj different from the time ti, a time-series (at least one heartbeat) three-dimensional received signal (ie, at least one heartbeat) Collect volume data for one heartbeat or more.

  Here, the reference time ti and time tj are time information for identifying the data collection time. Further, the time ti and the time tj are not particularly limited as long as they are different times. As a typical example, when one is set at a certain time before treatment and the other is set at a certain time after treatment, when different time phases (for example, before stress and after stress) in stress echo are compared, etc. be able to.

  For convenience of explanation, in the following description, a volume data group of one heartbeat or more collected with reference to time ti is referred to as a “first time-series volume data group”, and 1 collected with reference to time tj. A volume data group equal to or greater than the heart rate is referred to as a “second time-series volume data group”.

[Step S2: Generation of Tissue Movement Information]
Next, each tissue motion information is generated (step S2). That is, the movement vector processing unit 19 gives an instruction from the user in the volume data in a predetermined time phase among the volume data corresponding to each time phase of one heartbeat or more constituting the collected first time-series volume data group. Based on the above, the myocardial region is extracted, and the extracted local myocardial region is temporally tracked by the three-dimensional pattern matching process to calculate spatio-temporal movement vector information (step S2a). The motion information calculation unit 37 calculates the heart wall motion information three-dimensionally using the calculated spatio-temporal movement vector information, and is a first tissue composed of three-dimensional motion information of one or more heartbeats. An exercise information group is generated (step S2b).

  There are various heart wall motion information to be generated, such as motion information about changes in the wall thickness direction (Radial-strain and Radial-strain rate), motion information about changes in the long axis direction (Longitudinal-strain, Longitudinal-strain rate), motion information about changes in the circumferential direction (Circumferential-strain and Circuit-strain rate), motion information about the area center of gravity in the short axis plane (Rotation and Rotation rate), between different short axis planes For example, motion information (Twist or Twist rate) which is a difference in rotation, motion information (Torsion or Torsion rate) obtained by standardizing Twist information with a distance between short axis surfaces, and the like can be given. The wall thickness direction, the major axis direction, and the circumferential direction are illustrated in FIG.

  Which of the above-described heart wall motion information is generated is determined by an initial setting or a selection operation from the operation unit 41. Moreover, you may make it produce | generate several tissue exercise | movement information as needed. In this embodiment, in order to make the description more specific, it is assumed that the radial-strain related to the change in the wall thickness direction is selected and the first tissue motion information group related to this is generated.

  Further, the same processing is executed using the second time-series volume data, and the same tissue motion information (Radial-strain) as the first is generated as the second tissue motion information group (step S2a, step Sb). .

[Step S3: Generation of 3D Surface Rendered Image]
Next, the image generation unit 21 uses the first tissue motion information group to color-code the generated radial-strain related to the change in the wall thickness direction and map it to the corresponding part of the myocardium, thereby A surface rendering image is created for each time phase. Similarly, the image generation unit 21 color-codes the generated radial-strain using the second tissue motion information group and maps it to the corresponding part of the myocardium, thereby obtaining the second surface rendering image at each time. Created for each phase (step S3).

  Note that the method for mapping tissue motion information is not limited to the surface rendering process. For example, wire frame processing or volume rendering processing can be used.

[Step S4: Same condition and marker display of two surface rendering images]
Next, the control unit 31 sets the first and second surface rendering images having different collection times under the same conditions (that is, the display scale is the same, the expected positions are always the same, and the cardiac time phase is also synchronized. The display unit 23 is controlled so as to be displayed side by side on the left and right.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of first and second surface rendering images displayed on the display unit 23. As shown in the figure, the first and second surface rendering images are temporally and spatially correlated by the same condition display. Therefore, for example, when the observation direction or image scale of one image is changed by a predetermined operation from the operation unit 41, the observation direction or image scale of the other image is automatically linked with these operations. Will be changed.

  In FIG. 4, support information for orientation of an anatomical segment related to the myocardial region of each image (that is, character information of Sept / Ant / Lat / Post / Inf) is the corresponding heart wall position. The marker is displayed.

  For the correspondence between the image for orientation and the anatomical segment, for example, a cross section (eg, apical four-chamber image or apical two-chamber image) defined in advance at the time of data collection is assigned as the display format, and the display format This can be realized by adjusting the probe position by the user. By performing such marker display, even if the display scale is changed or the prospective position is changed (corresponding to the rotation display of the display object), the left and right displays are always in the same condition and anatomically anywhere in the heart. It is possible to make a comparison while grasping whether or not you are watching.

  In the example of the tissue motion information display process described above, the real-time tissue motion information display process including collection of the first time-series volume data group and the second time-series volume data group has been described. However, without being limited to this, for example, the first time-series volume data group and the second time-series volume data group are stored in the storage unit 39 in advance, and this is used to display the tissue motion information later. Processing may be performed. Further, for example, the present tissue motion information display processing is performed in real time using the first time-series volume data group stored in advance in the storage unit 39 and the second time-series volume data group currently collected. It may be. The fact that the time-series volume data group stored in advance in the storage unit 39 can be used in this way is the same in the embodiments described later.

  According to the configuration described above, a plurality of three-dimensional images in which tissue motion information is color-coded can be observed under the same conditions. For this reason, the temporal change of the heart wall motion information can be recognized quickly and easily, and the state can be grasped three-dimensionally. Therefore, the observer, for example, in the early stage of myocardial ischemia and in the heart of a patient whose wall thickness change is maintained, evaluates the part where the wall thickness change is reduced after stress. You will be able to grasp the location and extent of injury at once. That is, the present ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can support diagnosis related to myocardial wall motion represented by ischemic heart disease.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a combination of different tissue motion information generated from one (same) time-series volume data group (for example, the first volume data group) (preferably, radial-strain and longitudinal-strain Or a combination of Rotation and twist) is mapped to different three-dimensional images, and these are displayed under the same condition display / marker display. In the following, for the sake of concrete explanation, a case where a combination of Rotation and Longitudinal-strain is used as a combination of different tissue motion information is taken as an example.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tissue exercise information display process according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

[Step S21: Data Collection]
First, a first time-series volume data group that is time-series volume data over a period of at least one heartbeat and is based on the time ti is collected for a desired observation site of the heart related to a certain patient (step S21). .

[Step S22: Generation of Wall Motion Information]
Next, each tissue motion information is generated (step S22). That is, the movement vector processing unit 19 calculates spatio-temporal movement vector information using the collected first time-series volume data group by the method described above. The motion information calculation unit 37 uses a spatio-temporal movement vector information to calculate, for example, a rotation as wall motion information in a three-dimensional manner, and a first tissue composed of a three-dimensional rotation with one or more heartbeats. A group of exercise information is generated. Also, the motion information calculation unit 37 uses, for example, the spatial vector information to calculate, for example, a longitudinal-strain as wall motion information in a three-dimensional manner, and is composed of a three-dimensional longitudinal-strain of one heartbeat or more A second tissue motion information group to be generated is generated.

[Step S23: Generation of 3D Surface Rendered Image]
Next, the image generation unit 21 uses the first tissue motion information group to color-code the generated rotation about the change in the wall thickness direction and map it to the corresponding part of the myocardium, thereby performing the first surface rendering. Images are created for each time phase. Similarly, the image generation unit 21 color-codes the generated Longitudinal-strain related to the change in the long axis direction using the first tissue motion information group, and maps it to the corresponding part of the myocardium, so that the second A surface rendering image is created for each time phase (step 23).

[Step S24: Display the same condition of two surface rendering images / marker display]
Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 23 so that the first and second surface rendering images having different collection times are displayed under the same conditions and as markers (step S24). ).

  According to the configuration described above, it is possible to quickly and easily visually recognize a plurality of different heart wall motion information, and it is possible to grasp the complex state three-dimensionally. Therefore, the observer is in the initial stage of myocardial ischemia, for example, by evaluating the part of the patient's heart in which the change in expansion and contraction in the long axis direction is maintained, such as the part where rotation and twist are reduced, etc. It becomes possible to grasp the location and degree of failure at once.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a combination of different heart wall motion information generated from one time-series volume data group (for example, the first volume data group) is mapped to one (ie, common) three-dimensional image. It is an example in the case of synchronous display / sign display. In the following, for the sake of specific explanation, a case where a combination of radial-strain and rotation is used as a combination of different wall motion information is taken as an example.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tissue motion information display process according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

[Step S31: Data Collection]
First, a first time-series volume data group that is time-series volume data over a period of at least one heart beat and is based on the time ti is collected for a desired observation site of the heart related to a patient (step S31). .

[Step S32: Generation of Heart Wall Motion Information]
Next, for example, by the same method as in the second embodiment, each tissue motion information (that is, a first tissue motion information group composed of a three-dimensional radial-strain of one heartbeat or more, a tertiary of one heartbeat or more Second tissue motion information) composed of the original rotation is generated (step S32).

[Step S33: Generation of 3D Surface Rendered Image]
Next, the image generation unit 21 uses the first tissue motion information group and the second tissue motion information group to color-code the radial-strain and rotation with different colors and map them to the corresponding part of the myocardium. A surface rendering image is created for each time phase (step S33).

[Step S34: Synchronization of two surface rendering images / sign display]
Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 23 so that surface rendering images representing different tissue movement information radial-strain and rotation in different colors are displayed as markers ( Step S34).

  According to the configuration described above, it is possible to observe the state of a three-dimensional distribution related to a plurality of different heart wall motion information at a time even with one surface rendering image.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment relates to a combination of the first embodiment and the third embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tissue motion information display process according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

[Step S41: Data Collection]
At least two or more time-series volume data over a period of at least one heartbeat with different reference collection times are collected for a desired observation site of the heart relating to a patient (step S41). Here, it is assumed that the first time-series volume data group and the second time-series volume data group are collected.

[Step S42a: Generation of Heart Wall Motion Information]
Next, using the first and second time series volume data groups, two different types of tissue motion information are generated for each time series volume data (steps S42a and S42b). That is, the movement vector processing unit 19 calculates spatio-temporal movement vector information using the collected first time-series volume data group by the method described above. The motion information calculation unit 37 uses a spatio-temporal movement vector information to calculate, for example, a radial-strain as wall motion information in a three-dimensional manner, and is composed of a three-dimensional radial-strain of one heartbeat or more. A first tissue motion information group is generated. Further, the motion information calculation unit 37 uses a spatio-temporal movement vector information to calculate, for example, three-dimensional rotation as wall motion information, and is composed of a three-dimensional rotation of one heartbeat or more. A group of tissue movement information group is generated.

  Further, the movement vector processing unit 19 calculates spatio-temporal movement vector information using the collected second time-series volume data group by the method described above. The motion information calculation unit 37 uses the spatio-temporal movement vector information to three-dimensionally calculate the same radial-strain as one of the first time series as wall motion information, and to obtain a three-dimensional one or more heartbeats. A third tissue motion information group composed of radial-strain is generated. The motion information calculation unit 37 uses the spatio-temporal movement vector information to calculate the same Rotation as one of the first time series in a three-dimensional manner, and is composed of a three-dimensional rotation of one heartbeat or more. A fourth tissue motion information group is generated.

  In the present embodiment, the first tissue motion information group is a three-dimensional radial-strain with one or more heartbeats based on time ti, and the second tissue motion information group is one heartbeat based on time ti. The above three-dimensional rotation is used. Of course, these are examples, and the combination of exercise information is not limited to this example.

[Step S43: Generation of 3D Surface Rendered Image]
Next, the image generation unit 21 uses the first tissue motion information group and the second tissue motion information group to change the motion information related to radial-strain and the motion information related to Rotation with different colors from each other. The first surface-rendered image is created for each time phase by encoding using and mapping it to a three-dimensional image. Further, the image generation unit 21 uses the third motion information group and the fourth motion information group to code the motion information related to the radial-strain and the motion information related to the rotation using the different colors. By mapping this to a three-dimensional image, a second surface rendering image is created for each time phase (step S43).

[Step S44: Synchronization of two surface rendering images / sign display]
Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 23 so that the first and second surface rendering images having different collection times are displayed under the same conditions and as markers (step S44). ).

  Even in the configuration described above, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments.

  In the present embodiment, four different tissue motion information are generated using the first and second time-series volume data groups, and the same condition display / marker display is performed using the first and second surface rendering images. . On the other hand, for example, using the first and second time-series volume data groups, three different pieces of tissue motion information (for example, radial-strain and longitudinal-strain with time ti as a reference, radial-reference with time tj as a reference) strain), and the first surface rendering image displays radial-strain and longitudinal-strain with reference to time ti, and the second surface rendering image displays radial-strain with reference to time tj under the same condition. You may make it display.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Specific examples of modifications are as follows.

  (1) When displaying two surface-rendered images related to tissue motion information, not only the display conditions are the same, but also the conditions for performing image processing, etc. and the presence / absence of execution are the same. Good. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when image processing such as marking is performed on one surface rendering image as an example, the other surface rendering image is processed at the same position with the same content. Is automatically implemented.

  Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the cursor pointer display is matched with one surface rendering image, the cursor pointer automatically moved to the same position corresponding to the other surface rendering image is displayed. . Then, while moving the cursor on one of the surface rendering images, a region of interest that seems to be a lesion (eg, ischemic region) is marked, and the marked region is graphically displayed. At this time, the marked area is automatically displayed graphically at the same corresponding position in the other surface rendering image.

  (2) When two surface rendering images related to tissue motion information are displayed, the case where the two surface rendering images are displayed side by side is shown as a most preferable example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, a display example in which the images are arranged one above the other or a configuration in which three or more surface rendering images are displayed side by side can be employed.

  (3) In each of the above embodiments, the case where color coding is employed as a technique for mapping each tissue information to a three-dimensional image has been exemplified. Of course, the method of mapping the organization information to the three-dimensional image is not limited to this, and any method can be used as long as each organization information can be identified, such as displaying the numerical value for each organization information. Also good.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  As described above, according to the present invention, two different three-dimensional surface rendering images or the like can be simultaneously compared, or an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of observing a three-dimensional distribution of a plurality of different wall motion information at a time. An ultrasonic image processing apparatus and an ultrasonic image processing program can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tissue motion information display process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the wall thickness direction, the major axis direction, and the circumferential direction of the heart. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example according to the first embodiment of two surface rendering images to which wall motion information is mapped. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tissue movement information display process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display form of a surface rendering image according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tissue motion information display process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display form of a surface rendering image according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tissue motion information display process according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display form of a surface rendering image according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the marking applied to one image is interlocked with the other image in the tissue motion information display process. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the pointer display of the cursor of one image is interlocked with the other image in the tissue motion information display process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 11 ... Ultrasonic probe, 13 ... Transmission unit, 15 ... Reception unit, 17 ... B mode processing unit, 19 ... Movement vector processing unit, 21 ... Image generation unit, 23 ... Display unit, 31 ... Control unit (CPU), 37 ... motion information calculation unit, 39 ... storage unit, 41 ... operation unit, 43 ... transmission / reception unit

Claims (17)

For a tissue that moves periodically, a first volume data group, which is a plurality of volume data collected over a first period with a first time as a reference, is used for a first movement direction. And second tissue motion information related to a second motion direction different from the first motion direction are generated in time series, and the second time with respect to the second time is generated for the tissue. Using the second volume data group, which is a plurality of volume data collected over a period of time, third tissue motion information related to the first motion direction and fourth tissue motion information related to the second motion direction Motion information generating means for generating chronologically,
A first time-series image is generated by mapping the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information in a distinguishable manner for each point of the region of interest, and the first image is generated for each point of the region of interest. Image generating means for generating a time-series second image by mapping the tissue motion information of 3 and the fourth tissue motion information in an identifiable manner;
Using the time-series first image and the time-series second image, a combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information, the third tissue motion information, and the second Display means for simultaneously displaying the combination of the four tissue movement information in time series,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus. For a tissue that moves periodically, a first volume data group, which is a plurality of volume data collected over a first period with a first time as a reference, is used for a first movement direction. Motion information generating means for generating in time series second tissue motion information related to second motion information different from the first motion direction.
Image generating means for generating a time-series image by mapping the combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information so as to be distinguishable from each other;
Display means for simultaneously displaying the combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information in time series using the time-series image;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus. Wherein each tissue motion information, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the a motion information related to the periodic motion. The display means makes the first tissue motion information and the first image the same by setting at least one of the display scale, the expected position, and the synchronization of time phases related to the first image and the second image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein two pieces of tissue motion information are displayed under the same conditions. The display means displays, together with the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information, support information for grasping an association of anatomical segment orientations related to the tissue. Item 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Items 1 to 4 . Said image generating means, surface rendering processing, wire flame treatment, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or ultrasonic imaging of claims 1 to 5, wherein: performing the mapping using any of the techniques of volume rendering process apparatus. The motion information generating means extracts the region of interest in the predetermined time phase using the plurality of volume data, and executes a tracking process for tracking temporal changes in the region of interest, thereby while calculating a spatial motion vector when, based on the spatial motion vector when the region of interest, any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that to generate the respective tissue motion information Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or ultrasonic image processing apparatus. The first period based on the first time is related to the treatment before the tissue,
The second period based on the second time is related to after treatment for the tissue,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said a periodically moving tissue is heart. The periodically moving tissue is a heart, and the first period based on the first time and the second period based on the second time are different from each other in stress echo. ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the arbitrary period. The first image and the second image are surface rendering images;
When the marker specifying process is performed on one surface rendering image of the first image and the second image, the display unit synchronously displays the marker at the same position of the other surface rendering image. ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatically executing the marker designation process. The first image and the second image are surface rendering images;
The display means synchronously displays the marker at the same position of the other surface rendering image when the cursor is moved on the surface rendering image of one of the first image and the second image. ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving in conjunction with the cursor. Said image generating means, wherein the movement directions are different each tissue motion information, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or an ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mapping assigning a different color. The periodically moving tissue is the heart,
The combination of each tissue motion information is any combination of tissue motion information whose motion direction is the major axis direction, tissue motion information whose motion direction is the minor axis direction, and tissue motion information whose motion direction is the rotation direction. about,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 . An input unit for inputting at least one of an observation direction and an image scale relating to at least one of the first image and the second image;
The display means changes at least one of an observation direction and an image scale according to the input for one of the first image and the second image, and in conjunction with the change, the first image And changing at least one of an observation direction and an image scale for the other of the second images,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . On the computer,
For a tissue that moves periodically, a first volume data group, which is a plurality of volume data collected over a first period with a first time as a reference, is used for a first movement direction. Second tissue motion information related to a second motion direction different from the first motion direction is generated in time series, and the second time with respect to the second time is defined for the tissue. Using the second volume data group, which is a plurality of volume data collected over a period of time, third tissue motion information related to the first motion direction and fourth tissue motion information related to the second motion direction Motion information generation function to generate and in time series,
A first time-series image is generated by distinguishably mapping the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information for each point of the region of interest, and the first image is generated for each point of the region of interest. An image generation function for generating a time-series second image by identifiably mapping the tissue motion information 3 and the fourth tissue motion information;
Using the time-series first image and the time-series second image, a combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information, the third tissue motion information, and the second A display function for simultaneously displaying a combination of four tissue movement information in time series,
An ultrasonic image processing program characterized by realizing the above. On the computer,
For a tissue that moves periodically, a first volume data group, which is a plurality of volume data collected over a first period with a first time as a reference, is used for a first movement direction. A motion information generation function for generating in time series second tissue motion information related to second motion information different from the first motion direction.
An image generation function for generating a time-series image by mapping each combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information in an identifiable manner;
Using the time-series image, a display function for simultaneously displaying a combination of the first tissue motion information and the second tissue motion information in time series,
An ultrasonic image processing program characterized by realizing the above.

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