JP5525899B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that images and diagnoses the inside of a subject with ultrasonic waves.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus scans ultrasonic waves in a subject using an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and generates image data generated based on reflected waves generated by a difference in acoustic impedance of a tissue in a scanning region. It is displayed on the monitor. In this diagnostic method using ultrasound, the image data can be displayed in real time with a simple operation by simply bringing the ultrasound probe into contact with the body surface, so that the heart, blood vessels, abdomen, urology, gynecology in vivo It is widely used for inspection.

  And, when the region of interest in the subject is wider than the ultrasound scanning region, collecting image data for a plurality of frames while moving the ultrasound probe little by little along the body surface in the ultrasound scanning direction, A panoramic technique called “Panoramic Imaging” that can obtain a wide range of still image data by connecting overlapping portions of image data of each frame is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this technique, while moving the ultrasonic probe, the image data of the region from the position where the movement is started to the moved position is displayed, and it is confirmed whether the data of the entire region of interest is included in the image data. be able to. However, when the ultrasonic probe is moved along the body surface, if it is difficult to move the ultrasonic wave in the scanning direction, overlapping portions of each frame cannot be joined together. There are things you can't get.

  In such a case, there is a dual technique that collects still image data at two positions, a predetermined position of the ultrasonic probe and a position moved from this position, and displays a wide range of image data by arranging the collected two still image data. Used.

JP 2007-330764 A

  However, in the case of the dual technique, since the amount of movement of the ultrasonic probe is small, there are many overlapping portions of the two still image data, the region of interest is insufficient, or the amount of movement of the ultrasonic probe is large, so that two still images In some cases, there is a gap in data and a gap is formed in the region of interest, and the region of interest cannot be displayed over the entire area. In this case, since it is necessary to collect still image data again, there is a problem that labor is required for inspection.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of reducing the labor involved in collecting still image data for obtaining a wide range of still image data. And

In order to solve the above problem, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject, and the subject by driving the ultrasonic probe. A transmission / reception unit that scans ultrasonic waves, an image data generation unit that generates image data based on a reception signal from the transmission / reception unit, and a still image from the image data generated at the first position of the ultrasonic probe. The still image of the virtual image data that is generated so as to be able to be combined with the collected still image data at the second position where the ultrasonic probe is moved from the first position. table that displays the position data generating means for generating position data indicating a position with respect to data, the still image data, the position data is superimposed on the still image data, and the image data Characterized by comprising a means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, wherein an ultrasonic probe for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves to / from a subject, and driving the ultrasonic probe to scan the subject with ultrasonic waves. Transmitting / receiving means, image data generating means for generating image data based on a received signal from the transmitting / receiving means, collecting still image data from the image data generated at the first position of the ultrasonic probe, and A position indicating the position of the virtual image data generated so as to be able to be combined with the collected still image data at the second position where the ultrasonic probe is moved from the first position with respect to the still image data. position data generating means for generating data, the still the image data and the image data and the superposed on position on ultrasound said image data probe corresponding to the direction to be moved Characterized by comprising a display means for displaying data indicative of the area included in the location data of the image data.

  According to the present invention, based on the collected still image data, position data indicating the position of virtual image data generated so as to be able to be combined with the still image data is generated, and superposition is performed based on the generated position data. The acoustic probe can be moved. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor involved in collecting still image data for obtaining a wide range of still image data.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic diagnosing device based on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the position of the ultrasonic probe when the screen of the B mode image data displayed on the display part which concerns on the Example of this invention, and this screen is displayed. The figure which shows an example of the position of the ultrasonic probe when the screen of B mode image data and arrow data displayed on the display part which concerns on the Example of this invention, and this screen is displayed. Screens of still image data collected for the first time, first position data, arrow data, and B-mode image data displayed on the display unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, and ultrasonic waves when this screen is displayed The figure which shows an example of the position of a probe. Still image data collected first time, first position data, arrow data, and B-mode image displayed on the display unit at the position where the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention is moved from the position shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the position of an ultrasonic probe when the screen of data and this screen are displayed. The composite image data synthesized at the first time displayed on the display unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, the screen of the second position data, the arrow data, and the B-mode image data, and the ultrasonic wave when this screen is displayed The figure which shows an example of the position of a probe. First synthesized image data, second position data, arrow data, and B-mode image displayed on the display unit at the position where the ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment of the present invention is moved from the position shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the position of an ultrasonic probe when the screen of data and this screen are displayed. The composite image data synthesized the second time displayed on the display unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, the screen of the third position data, the arrow data, and the B-mode image data, and the ultrasonic wave when this screen is displayed The figure which shows an example of the position of a probe. The figure which shows the screen of the synthesized image data combined on the 2nd time displayed on the display part which concerns on the Example of this invention. Examples of still image data, B-mode image data, and transmission data screens collected for the first time displayed on the display unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, and an example of the position of the ultrasound probe when this screen is displayed FIG. The figure which shows an example of the position of the ultrasonic probe when the screen of 3D image data and arrow data displayed on the display part which concerns on the Example of this invention, and this screen is displayed.

  Examples of the present invention will be described.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 10 that transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject P, a transmission / reception unit 20 that drives the ultrasonic probe 10 to scan ultrasonic waves in the subject P, A signal processing unit 30 that generates data such as B-mode data based on a reception signal from the transmission / reception unit 20 and an image data generation unit 31 that generates image data based on the data generated by the signal processing unit 30 are provided. ing.

  Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 collects still image data from the image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 and indicates a movable direction and position of the ultrasonic probe 10 in order to obtain a wide range of still image data. An image data processing unit 40 that generates position data and synthesizes collected still image data, and a display unit that displays image data generated by the image data generation unit 31, position data generated by the image data processing unit 40, and the like 50.

  Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 inputs the start and end of a synthesis mode that causes the image data processing unit 40 to generate position data and synthesize still image data, and input and position to specify the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe 10. The operation unit 60 for inputting data to be displayed on the display unit 50, the transmission / reception unit 20, the signal processing unit 30, the image data generation unit 31, the image data processing unit 40, and the display unit 50 are collectively controlled. And a system control unit 70.

  The ultrasonic probe 10 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in a state where the tip surface of the subject P is in contact with the body surface of the subject P. For example, a plurality of transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally are arranged at the tip. Have in part. This vibrator converts an electric pulse, which is a drive signal output from the transmission / reception unit 20, into an ultrasonic pulse (transmission ultrasonic wave) and transmits the ultrasonic pulse to the subject P. Moreover, the ultrasonic wave (received ultrasonic wave) reflected in the subject P is converted into an electric signal. Then, the reception signal converted into the electric signal is output to the transmission / reception unit 20.

  The transmission / reception unit 20 performs phasing addition on a transmission unit 21 that generates a drive signal for generating transmission ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 10 and a plurality of channels of reception signals obtained from the transducer of the ultrasonic probe 10. And a receiving unit 22 for performing.

  The transmission unit 21 includes a rate pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, a pulser, and the like. The rate pulse generator then outputs a rate pulse that determines the repetition period (Tr) of the ultrasonic pulse radiated to the subject P to the transmission delay circuit. Further, the transmission delay circuit scans the ultrasonic wave by the delay time for focusing for focusing the ultrasonic beam at a predetermined depth in the depth direction in the subject P and the transmission in the depth direction. The deflection delay time is given to the rate pulse and output to the pulser. Further, the pulser generates a drive pulse from the rate pulse output by the transmission delay circuit.

  The receiving unit 22 includes a preamplifier, a reception delay circuit, an adder, and the like. The preamplifier amplifies a minute reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 10 to ensure a sufficient S / N. Further, the reception delay circuit sets a delay time for focusing for focusing received ultrasonic waves from a predetermined depth in each depth direction in the subject P and a reception directivity of the ultrasonic beam in the depth direction. Is applied to the amplified received signal from the preamplifier. Further, the adder adds the reception signals from the reception delay circuit, and outputs the signals to the signal processing unit 30 as one.

  The signal processing unit 30 performs, for example, envelope detection on the reception signal output from the reception unit 22 of the transmission / reception unit 20 and then performs logarithmic conversion, converts the logarithmically converted signal into a digital signal, and converts B-mode data. Generate. Then, the generated data such as B-mode data is output to the image data generation unit 31.

  The image data generation unit 31 scan-converts data such as B-mode data generated by the signal processing unit 30 and generates two-dimensional image data such as B-mode image data at a preset frame rate. Further, three-dimensional image data is generated at a preset frame rate from the generated B-mode image data of a plurality of frames. Then, the generated image data such as 2D image data and 3D image data is output to the image data processing unit 40 for each frame.

  In addition, when generating two-dimensional image data, it has a plurality of vibrators arranged in one or two dimensions, and in generating three-dimensional image data, a plurality of elements arranged in two dimensions. An ultrasonic probe 10 having the above-described vibrator is used. When generating three-dimensional image data, an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of one-dimensionally arranged vibrators and a rocking mechanism that rocks the vibrators in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction is used. You may do it.

  The image data processing unit 40 collects still image data from the image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 to indicate and guide the movable position of the ultrasonic probe 10 in order to obtain a wide range of still image data. The position data generation unit 41 that generates the position data of the image data, and the image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 at a plurality of positions where the ultrasonic probe 10 has been moved based on the position data generated by the position data generation unit 41 A combination processing unit 42 that collects and combines a plurality of still image data from the image, and displays the image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 and the combination image data in which the plurality of still image data is combined by the combination processing unit 42 And a display data generation unit 43 arranged for use.

  The position data generation unit 41 generates a plurality of pieces of arrow data indicating a moving direction in which the ultrasonic probe 10 can be moved in response to an input of a synthesis mode start for starting a synthesis mode from the operation unit 60. In addition, after an input designating one arrow data from among a plurality of arrow data is performed, the nth (an integer of 1 or more) from the operation unit 60, for example, by pressing a position guidance button for displaying position data. In response to the position guidance input, for example, one frame of image data (still image data) is collected from the image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 when the position guidance is input for the nth time. Then, n-th position data is generated based on the n-th collected still image data, and the generated position data and designated arrow data are output to the synthesis processing unit 42.

  The n-th position data is collected at the second position S2n where the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the direction of the designated arrow data from the first position S1n when the position guidance is input at the n-th time. This is data indicating the position of the virtual image data generated so as to be able to be combined with the still image data, with respect to the still image data.

  The composition processing unit 42 collects still image data from the image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 when the position guidance is input for the nth time in response to the nth position guidance input from the operation unit 60. Synthesis is performed based on the still image data collected for the nth time. Then, in response to the first position guidance input, the first position data is superimposed on the still image data collected for the first time.

  Further, based on the first position data, the first position S11 and the first position S11 moved in the direction from the first position S11 to the second position S21 when the ultrasonic probe 10 is input for position guidance for the first time. The still image data collected at the first time is synthesized with the still image data collected at the second time in response to the position guidance input at the middle position between the two positions S21 or the second position S21. Image data is generated, and the second position data is superimposed on the first combined image data.

  Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the direction from the first position S1n to the second position S2n when the position guidance is input for the nth time based on the nth position data (n is an integer of 2 or more). In response to the (n + 1) th position guidance input performed at the middle position between the first position S1n and the second position S2n or at the second position S2n, the synthesized image data synthesized at the (n−1) th time is obtained. The combined image data is generated by combining with the still image data collected at the (n + 1) th time, and the (n + 1) th position data is superimposed on the combined image data combined at the nth time.

  Here, an example of processing for combining the collected still image data and the combined image data with the collected still image data will be described. A region where the still image data collected first and the still image data collected after this still image data overlap and a region where they do not overlap are determined by, for example, pattern matching processing. Then, the still image data collected earlier is combined with the data of the area that does not overlap the still image data collected earlier of the still image data collected later. In addition, an overlapping area and a non-overlapping area between the composite image data and the still image data collected after the composite image data are determined by pattern matching processing. Then, the synthesized image data is synthesized by joining data in a region that does not overlap with the synthesized image data of the collected still image data. Note that data having high luminance in the overlapping region may be employed. Thereby, clear data can be obtained.

  The still image data collected at the first time, the position data at the first time, and the designated arrow data are output to the display data generation unit 43. Further, the synthesized image data synthesized at the first time, the position data at the second time, and the arrow data are outputted to the display data generating unit 43. Further, the synthesized image data synthesized at the nth time, the (n + 1) th position data, and the arrow data are output to the display data generating unit 43.

  The display data generation unit 43 outputs the 2D image data and 3D image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 to the display unit 50. Further, the still image data collected at the first time, the position data at the first time, the designated arrow data, and the image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 are arranged and output to the display unit 50. Also, the synthesized image data synthesized at the first time, the position data at the second time, the arrow data, and the image data generated by the image data generating unit 31 are arranged and output to the display unit 50. Further, the synthesized image data synthesized at the nth time, the (n + 1) th position data, the arrow data, and the image data generated by the image data generating unit 31 are arranged and output to the display unit 50.

  The display unit 50 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays image data output from the display data generation unit 43 of the image data processing unit 40.

  The operation unit 60 includes input devices such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a trackball, a mouse, and a touch panel for performing a composition processing operation. Using these input devices, imaging conditions (gain, transmission / reception frequency, pulse repetition frequency, Depth of field of view, frame rate, B mode image generation mode, 3D image generation mode generation mode, etc.), input for setting position data generation mode, inspection start and inspection end input, composition mode Various inputs such as input of start and end, display of position data and position guidance input for synthesizing still image data are performed.

  The system control unit 70 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, and based on input information input from the operation unit 60, the transmission / reception unit 20, the signal processing unit 30, the image data generation unit 31, the image data processing unit 40, and the display unit 50. Control of each unit and overall system control.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. In order to inspect the subject P, the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 inputs from the operation unit 60, for example, setting identification information of the subject P, imaging conditions including the B-mode image generation mode, and the like. Then, when an input for starting examination is performed, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 starts operation (step S1).

  Based on input information from the operation unit 60, the system control unit 70 instructs the transmission / reception unit 20, the signal processing unit 30, the image data generation unit 31, the image data processing unit 40, and the display unit 50 to perform inspection. Then, when the operator touches the ultrasonic probe 10 against the body surface of the subject P, ultrasonic waves are transmitted to and received from the subject P, and the transmission / reception unit 20 transmits the subject P via the ultrasonic probe 10. Scan with ultrasound inside.

  The signal processing unit 30 generates B mode data based on the reception signal output from the reception unit 22 of the transmission / reception unit 20, and outputs the generated B mode data to the image data generation unit 31. The image data generation unit 31 generates B mode image data from the B mode data output from the signal processing unit 30. Then, the generated B-mode image data is output to the image data processing unit 40. The display data generation unit 43 outputs the B mode image data output from the image data generation unit 31 to the display unit 50. The display unit 50 displays the B-mode image data output from the display data generation unit 43 in real time.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the B-mode image data displayed on the display unit 50 and the position of the ultrasonic probe 10 when this screen is displayed. On this screen 51, B-mode image data 80 showing a cross section of a scanning region in which the ultrasonic wave in the subject P is scanned by the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave in the direction of each scanning line θ1 to θK of the ultrasonic probe 10. It is displayed in real time. Then, it is assumed that the ultrasound scanning region when the B-mode image data 80 is displayed is away from the affected part P1 that is the region of interest of the subject P.

  Next, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the ultrasonic scanning direction with the ultrasonic probe 10 being in contact with the body surface of the subject P, and B-mode image data including data indicating, for example, one end of the affected part P1 of the subject P is displayed. When it is displayed on the screen of the unit 50 and the start of the synthesis mode is input from the operation unit 60, the position data generation unit 41 outputs the arrow data for two-dimensional image data to the display data generation unit 43. The display data generation unit 43 outputs the B-mode image data output from the image data generation unit 31 and the arrow data output from the position data generation unit 41 to the display unit 50. The display unit 50 displays the B-mode image data and the arrow data output from the display data generation unit 43 (Step S2 in FIG. 2).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of B-mode image data and arrow data displayed on the display unit 50, and the position of the ultrasonic probe 10 when this screen is displayed. On this screen 51a, B-mode image data 80a is displayed in real time. The B-mode image data 80a includes affected part data 801a indicating one end part of the affected part P1 of the subject P on the right side.

  Arrow data 52 indicating the direction in which the ultrasonic probe 10 can move is displayed on the right side of the B-mode image data 80a, and the direction of the arrow data 52 indicates the direction of the arrow L1, which is the ultrasonic scanning direction. In addition, arrow data 53 indicating the direction in which the ultrasonic probe 10 can move is displayed on the left side of the B-mode image data 80a, and the direction of the arrow data 53 indicates the direction of the arrow L2 opposite to the L1 direction.

  In this manner, the arrow data 52 and 53 indicating the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe 10 that can collect still image data that can be synthesized can be displayed on the display unit 50. Thereby, the operator can be informed of the direction in which the ultrasonic probe 10 can move.

  Here, since the B-mode image data 80a displayed on the screen 51a of FIG. 4 includes the affected area data 801a, it is necessary to collect still image data from the B-mode image data 80a. In addition, in order to collect still image data including diseased part data connected to the diseased part data 801a, it is necessary to move the ultrasonic probe 10 in the L1 direction. For this reason, an input for designating the arrow data 52 is performed from the operation unit 60. If the B-mode image data 80a includes, for example, affected area data indicating the other end of the affected area P1 of the subject P on the left side, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the L2 direction.

  As described above, the ultrasonic probe 10 can be moved in two directions of the L1 direction and the L2 direction in order to collect still image data. Thereby, the operation | work which operates the ultrasonic probe 10 can be reduced rather than the case where the panoramic technique in which the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe 10 is limited only to the scanning direction of an ultrasonic wave is utilized.

  For example, after input specifying the arrow data 52 is performed from the operation unit 60, still image data is collected from the B-mode image data 80a displayed on the screen 51a of FIG. 4, and position data of the collected still image data is also obtained. When the first position guidance input is performed for display, the position data generation unit 41 uses the still image data from the B-mode image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 when the first position guidance input is performed. To collect. Then, the first position data is generated based on the still image data collected for the first time and the designated arrow data 52, and the generated first position data and the designated arrow data 52 are combined. Output to.

  In response to the first position guidance input from the operation unit 60, the composition processing unit 42 superimposes the first position data on the still image data collected for the first time. Then, the still image data collected for the first time, the position data for the first time, and the designated arrow data 52 are output to the display data generation unit 43. The display data generation unit 43 receives the first-time still image data collected from the synthesis processing unit 42, the first position data, the arrow data 52, and the B-mode image data output from the image data generation unit 31. It arranges and outputs to the display part 50. The display unit 50 displays the first-time still image data collected from the display data generation unit 43, the first-time position data, and the arrow data 52, and also displays the B-mode image data in real time (FIG. 2). Step S3).

  FIG. 5 shows a screen of still image data collected for the first time, first position data, arrow data 52, and B-mode image data displayed on the display unit 50, and an ultrasonic probe when this screen is displayed. It is the figure which showed an example of the position of 10. The screen 51b is composed of first and second display areas 54 and 55.

  In the first display area 54, the still image data 82 collected at the first time, the first position data 83 superimposed on the still image data 82, and the arrow data indicating the direction in which the ultrasonic probe 10 can be moved. 52 is displayed. In the second display area 55, the B-mode image data 80b generated at the first position S11, which is the position when the position of the ultrasonic probe 10 is input for the first time, is displayed in real time. .

  The still image data 82 is still image data collected from the B-mode image data 80a displayed on the screen 51a of FIG. 4, and the affected area data 801a included in the B-mode image data 80a includes the affected area data 821 that is stationary. It is out.

  The position data 83 can be combined with the still image data 82 at the second position S21 in which the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved by a predetermined movement amount in the L1 direction, which is the designated direction from the first position S11. For example, the position of the contour of the generated virtual B-mode image data (virtual image data) is shown. The area data 822 included in the position data 83 of the still image data 82 is an area that overlaps the virtual image data, and indicates the area data of the still image data that can be combined with the still image data 82.

  Here, an example of how to obtain the position of the virtual image data will be described. Assume that the still image data 82 and the virtual image data can be combined when the area of the overlapping region is, for example, 50% or more of the area of the still image data 82 and the virtual image data. Then, the position where the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the L1 direction from the first position S11 and the virtual image data in which the area of the overlapping area with the still image data 82 is 50% is generated is the second position S21. A moving amount D of the ultrasonic probe 10 moving from the first position S11 to the second position S21 is obtained. Based on the obtained movement amount D, position data indicating the position of the virtual image data with respect to the still image data 82 is obtained.

  Note that when the entire region of the still image data 82 and the position data 83 displayed on the screen 51b in FIG. 5 is not displayed, the still image data 82 that is out of the first display area 54 by scrolling from the operation unit 60 is displayed. And the area of the position data 83 can be displayed. In addition, the still image data 82 and the position data 83 can be reduced so that the entire area is within the first display area 54 by performing a reduction operation from the operation unit 60.

  As described above, by displaying the still image data 82 and the position data 83 on the screen 51b of the display unit 50, it is possible to confirm the data of the region of the still image data that can be combined with the still image data 82. Further, by displaying the B mode image data 80 b together with the still image data 82 and the position data 83 on the display unit 50, the B mode image data 80 b can be collated with the area data 822 of the still image data 82. Thereby, the position of the ultrasonic probe 10 capable of collecting still image data that can be combined with the still image data 82 can be confirmed.

  5, the still image data 82 displayed on the screen 51 b in FIG. 5 is determined not to include the entire data of the affected area P <b> 1 of the subject P, and the still image includes data connected to the affected area data 821 included in the still image data 82. When the operator moves the ultrasonic probe 10 in the L1 direction from the first position S11 in order to collect data, the ultrasonic scanning region in the subject P moves in the L1 direction. Data that is substantially the same as the area data 822 of the image data moves in the opposite direction to the arrow data 52 within the area of the B-mode image data displayed on the screen of the display unit 50.

  When the B-mode image data displayed on the screen of the display unit 50 includes, for example, substantially the same data as the region data 822 in the vicinity of the center, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the L1 direction at the first position S11. And the second position S21. In addition, when the B-mode image data displayed on the screen of the display unit 50 does not include the data that is substantially the same as the area data 822 or only a part of the data, for example, it is difficult to move in the L1 direction. It can be seen that the ultrasonic probe 10 is located out of the designated direction due to the movement of the subject P along the body surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the B-mode image data 80c displayed in the second display area 55 of the screen 51c includes the affected area data 801c, and the B-mode image data 80c is substantially the same as the area data 822 at the left end. When the data is included, it can be seen that the ultrasonic probe 10 is located at the second position S21.

  In this way, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the designated direction to check whether or not the B-mode image data displayed in real time on the display unit 50 includes the affected area data, and the region of the still image data 82 By collating with the data 822, it is possible to avoid collecting the still image data at a position where it cannot be combined with the still image data 82, and to obtain a position where the still image data including the affected part data that can be combined can be collected. The probe 10 can be moved.

  After step S3 shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved to, for example, the second position S21. When the second position guidance input is performed from the operation unit 60, the position data generation unit 41 generates a still image from the B-mode image data generated by the image data generation unit 31 when the second position guidance input is performed. Collect data. Then, second position data is generated based on the still image data collected for the second time and the specified arrow data 52, and the generated second position data and arrow data 52 are output to the synthesis processing unit 42.

  In response to the second position guidance input from the operation unit 60, the composition processing unit 42 combines the still image data collected at the second time with the still image data collected at the first time to generate composite image data. The second position data is superimposed on the synthesized image data synthesized at the first time. Then, the synthesized image data synthesized at the first time, the position data at the second time, and the arrow data 52 designated in response to the input of the synthesis mode start are output to the display data generating unit 43.

  The display data generation unit 43 receives the first combined image data output from the combining processing unit 42, the second position data, the arrow data 52, and the B mode image data output from the image data generation unit 31. It arranges and outputs to the display part 50. The display unit 50 displays the composite image data synthesized at the first time output from the display data generation unit 43, the second position data, and the arrow data 52, and also displays the B-mode image data in real time (FIG. 2). Step S4).

  FIG. 7 shows a screen of composite image data synthesized at the first time displayed on the display unit 50, second position data, arrow data 52, and B-mode image data, and an ultrasonic probe when this screen is displayed. It is the figure which showed an example of the position of 10. In the first display area 54 of the screen 51d, the synthesized image data 82a synthesized for the first time, the second position data 83a superimposed on the synthesized image data 82a, and the direction in which the ultrasonic probe 10 can move. Is displayed. Further, the second display area 55 is generated at the first position S12 which is substantially the same position as the second position S21 shown in FIG. 5 when the position of the ultrasonic probe 10 is input for the second time. The B-mode image data 80d is displayed in real time.

  The composite image data 82a is wider than the still image data 82 obtained by combining the still image data collected from the B-mode image data 80c displayed on the screen 51c of FIG. 6 and the still image data 82 displayed in the first area 54. Still image data. Then, affected part data 821a obtained by combining the affected part data 821 of the still image data 82 and the still image data of the affected part data 801c included in the B-mode image data 80c connected to the affected part data 821 is included.

  The position data 83a is generated so as to be able to be combined with the still image data collected at the second time at the second position S22 where the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved by the movement amount D in the L1 direction from the first position S12. The position of the contour of the virtual image data is shown. The area data 822a included in the position data 83a of the composite image data 82a is an area overlapping with the virtual image data, and indicates data of a still image data area that can be combined with the composite image data 82a.

  In this way, by combining the still image data 82 collected at the first time with the still image data collected at the second time, a wider range of synthesized image data 82a than the still image data 82 can be obtained. Then, by using the composite image data 82a as the display unit 50, it is possible to confirm whether or not the composite image data 82a includes data of the entire area of the affected part P1 of the subject P. Further, by displaying the composite image data 82a and the position data 83 on the display unit 50, it is possible to confirm the data of the still image data area that can be combined with the composite image data 82a.

  It is determined that the composite image data 82a displayed on the screen 51d in FIG. 7 does not include the entire data of the affected area P1 of the subject P, and the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved from the first position S12 in the L1 direction. As shown in FIG. 8, when the left end portion in the B mode image data 80e area displayed in the second display area 55 of the screen 51e contains substantially the same data as the area data 822a, the operation unit 60 The third position guidance input is performed.

  In this way, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved to check whether or not the affected area data is included in the B-mode image data displayed in real time on the display unit 50, and is collated with the area data 822a of the composite image data 82a. Thus, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved to a position where still image data including affected part data that can be synthesized can be collected, avoiding collection of still image data that cannot be synthesized with the synthesized image data 82a. Can do.

  When the third position guidance input is performed from the operation unit 60 after step S4 illustrated in FIG. 2, the position data generation unit 41 performs the third time based on the still image data and the arrow data 52 collected for the third time. Generate position data. Then, the generated position data and arrow data 52 are output to the composition processing unit 42. The synthesis processing unit 42 generates synthesized image data by combining the synthesized image data 82a synthesized at the first time with the still image data collected at the third time, and generates the synthesized image data on the synthesized image data synthesized at the second time. Superimpose position data. Then, the synthesized image data synthesized for the second time, the position data for the third time, and the arrow data 52 are output to the display data generating unit 43. The display data generation unit 43 receives the second combined image data output from the combination processing unit 42, the third position data, the arrow data 52, and the B-mode image data output from the image data generation unit 31. It arranges and outputs to the display part 50. The display unit 50 displays the composite image data synthesized at the second time output from the display data generation unit 43, the third position data, and the arrow data 52, and also displays the B-mode image data in real time (FIG. 2). Step S5).

  FIG. 9 shows the composite image data synthesized on the second time displayed on the display unit 50, the third position data, the arrow data 52, and the B-mode image data screen, and the ultrasonic probe when this screen is displayed. It is the figure which showed an example of the position of 10. In the first display area 54 of the screen 51f, the synthesized image data 82b synthesized for the second time, the third position data 83b superimposed on the synthesized image data 82b, and the direction in which the ultrasonic probe 10 is movable. Is displayed. Further, the second display area 55 is generated at the first position S13 which is substantially the same position as the second position S22 shown in FIG. 7 when the position of the ultrasonic probe 10 is input for the third time. The B-mode image data 80f is displayed in real time.

  The composite image data 82b is wider than the composite image data 82a obtained by combining the still image data collected from the B-mode image data 80e displayed on the screen 51e in FIG. 8 and the composite image data 82a displayed in the first area 54. Still image data. Then, it includes affected part data 821b obtained by combining the affected part data 821a of the composite image data 82a and the still image data of the affected part data 801e included in the B-mode image data 80e connected to the affected part data 821a.

  The position data 83b is the still image data collected at the third time at the second position S23 moved by the movement amount D in the L1 direction from the first position S13 when the position guidance input of the ultrasonic probe 10 is performed at the third time. The positions of the contours of the virtual image data generated so as to be able to be combined with each other are shown. The area data 822b included in the position data 83b of the composite image data 82b is an area that overlaps with the virtual image data, and indicates data of a still image data area that can be combined with the composite image data 82b.

  In this way, by combining the synthesized image data 82a with the still image data collected for the third time, the synthesized image data 82b having a wider range than the synthesized image data 82a can be obtained. Then, by using the composite image data 82b as the display unit 50, it is possible to confirm whether or not the composite image data 82b includes data of the entire area of the affected part P1 of the subject P.

  Here, it is determined that the composite image data 82b displayed on the screen 51f of FIG. 9 includes the entire data of the affected area P1 of the subject P, and in order to confirm the range over the entire area of the composite image data 82b. When the entire display operation for displaying the entire area of the composite image data 82b is performed from the operation section 60, the display data generation section 43 outputs only the composite image data 82b to the display section 50 for the second time. The display unit 50 displays the composite image data 82b synthesized for the second time output from the display data generation unit 43.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of the composite image data 82b synthesized on the second time displayed on the display unit 50. As shown in FIG. The screen 51g is composed of a third display area 56 having the first and second display areas 54 and 55 as one area. Then, the entire area of the composite image data 82b is displayed in the third display area 56.

  In this way, by displaying the entire region of the composite image data 82b on the display unit 50, it is possible to confirm whether or not the data of the entire region of the affected part P1 of the subject P is included in the composite image data 82b.

  When it is determined that the composite image data 82b displayed on the screen 51f of FIG. 9 does not include the entire data of the affected area P1 of the subject P, the affected area connected to the affected area data 821b included in the synthesized image data 82b. In order to collect still image data including data, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the L1 direction from the first position S1n based on n-th (n is an integer of 3 or more) position data. Then, (n + 1) -th position guidance input is performed at a position halfway between the first position S1n and the second position S2n where the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved or the second position S2n. In accordance with the nth position guidance input, the synthesized image data synthesized at the (n−1) th time is synthesized with the still image data collected at the (n + 1) th time to generate synthesized image data. Then, by confirming whether or not the composite image data synthesized for the nth time includes data for the entire area of the affected area P1 of the subject P, it is possible to obtain composite image data including data for the entire area of the affected area P1. it can.

  After the step S5 shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 60 is confirmed by the operator who has confirmed that the composite image data 82b displayed on the screen 51g in FIG. 10 includes the entire data of the affected part P1 of the subject P. When the end of the compositing mode is input, the composite image data 82b is stored in a storage circuit (not shown), and only the B-mode image data is displayed on the display unit 50 as before the input of the compositing mode is performed. . Next, when an operation for ending the inspection is performed from the operation unit 60, the system control unit 70 instructs the transmission / reception unit 20, the signal processing unit 30, the image data generation unit 31, the image data processing unit 40, and the display unit 50 to end the inspection. By doing so, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 ends the operation (step S6 in FIG. 2).

  Note that, based on the position data generated by the position data generation unit 41, data indicating the area included in the position data of the collected still image data or the synthesized image data that has been combined is displayed on the second screen of the display unit 50. You may implement so that it may be superimposed on the image data displayed on the display area 55, and displayed. For example, the screen 51b shown in FIG. 5 is replaced with a screen 51h and displayed as shown in FIG. Still image data 82 is displayed in the first display area 54 of the screen 51h. Further, the B mode image data 80b is displayed in the second display area 55 in real time. Further, the transmission data 823 obtained by transmitting the region data 822 included in the position data 83 of the still image data 82 with a predetermined transmittance, for example, is in the direction opposite to the arrow data 52 in the region where the B-mode image data 80b is displayed. It is displayed superimposed on the edge of the.

  Then, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved in the L1 direction to check whether the B-mode image data displayed in real time on the display unit 50 includes the affected area data, and the B-mode image data is transmitted to the transmission data. 823, and when substantially the same data as the transmission data 823 is displayed in a region that overlaps the transmission data 823 of the B-mode image data, for example, it is understood that the ultrasonic probe 10 is located at the second position S21. . In this way, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved to a position where still image data including affected part data that can be combined can be collected, avoiding collection of still image data at a position where it cannot be combined with the still image data 82. Can be made.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the still image data 82 collected first time and the position data 83 generated based on the still image data 82 can be displayed on the screen 51b of the display unit 50. Then, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved to check whether or not the affected area data is included in the B-mode image data displayed in real time on the screen of the display unit 50, and the B-mode image data is converted into the still image data 82. By collating with the region data 822, the ultrasonic wave is moved to a position where still image data including affected part data that can be combined can be collected while collecting still image data that cannot be combined with the still image data 82 can be collected. The probe 10 can be moved.

  Further, it is generated based on a wider range of synthesized image data 82a and still image data collected the second time than still image data 82 obtained by synthesizing the still image data 82 and the second collected still image data on the screen 51d of the display unit 50. The position data 83a thus displayed can be displayed. Then, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved to check whether or not the affected area data is included in the B-mode image data displayed in real time on the screen of the display unit 50, and the B-mode image data is converted into the synthesized image data 82a. By collating with the region data 822a, the collection of still image data that cannot be combined with the combined image data 82a and avoiding the collection of the still image data including the affected part data that can be combined is obtained. The probe 10 can be moved.

  Further, the image is generated based on the synthetic image data 82b having a wider range than the synthetic image data 82a obtained by synthesizing the synthetic image data 82a and the still image data collected for the third time on the screen 51f of the display unit 50 and the still image data collected for the third time. The position data 83b thus displayed can be displayed. Then, the ultrasonic probe 10 is moved to check whether or not the affected area data is included in the B-mode image data displayed in real time on the screen of the display unit 50, and the B-mode image data is combined with the synthesized image data 82b. By collating with the region data 822b, the collection of the still image data including the affected part data that can be synthesized is avoided while avoiding the collection of the still image data that cannot be synthesized with the synthesized image data 82b. The probe 10 can be moved.

  As described above, the ultrasonic probe 10 can be easily moved to a position where still image data including a region of interest that can be combined can be collected. As a result, it is possible to reduce the labor involved in collecting still image data for obtaining a wide range of still image data.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and by setting the three-dimensional image generation mode, steps S1 to S8 shown in FIG. 2 are executed as in the case of the B-mode image generation mode. Thus, still image data is collected from the three-dimensional image data generated by the image data generation unit 31, and position data in the three-dimensional space is generated based on the collected still image data. Then, based on the generated position data, a plurality of still image data collected at a plurality of positions of the ultrasonic probe 10 is synthesized. In this case, differences from the B mode image generation mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the three-dimensional image data and the arrow data displayed on the display unit 50 in step S4 of FIG. 2, and the position of the ultrasonic probe 10 when this screen is displayed. . This screen 51j displays in real time the three-dimensional image data 85 of the ultrasound scanning area scanned in the subject P by the ultrasound transmission / reception of the ultrasound probe 10 in the directions of the scanning lines θa1 to θmK. Is done. In addition, four arrow data 571 to 574 indicating directions in which the ultrasonic probe 10 can be moved are displayed in the vicinity of the three-dimensional image data 85. The direction of the arrow data 571 indicates the direction of the arrow L3 of the ultrasonic probe 10. The direction of the arrow data 572 indicates the direction of the arrow L4 that is the opposite direction to the L3 direction. The direction of the arrow data 573 indicates the L5 direction that is perpendicular to the L3 direction and the L4 direction. The direction of the arrow data 574 indicates an arrow L6 direction that is the opposite direction to the L5 direction. In this way, the point in which the movable direction of the ultrasonic probe 10 is designated from the four arrow data 571 to 574 is different from the case of B-mode image data.

  Thereby, the ultrasonic probe 10 is easily moved to a position where three-dimensional still image data including affected part data that can be synthesized can be collected while avoiding collection of three-dimensional still image data that cannot be synthesized. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the trouble of collecting still image data for obtaining a wide range of still image data.

P Subject 10 Ultrasonic probe 20 Transmission / reception unit 30 Signal processing unit 31 Image data generation unit 40 Image data processing unit 41 Position data generation unit 42 Synthesis processing unit 43 Display data generation unit 50 Display unit 60 Operation unit 70 System control unit 100 Sonic diagnostic equipment

Claims (8)

An ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject;
Transmitting / receiving means for driving the ultrasonic probe to scan the subject with ultrasonic waves;
Image data generating means for generating image data based on a received signal from the transmitting / receiving means;
The still image data is collected from the image data generated at the first position of the ultrasonic probe, and the still image data collected at the second position where the ultrasonic probe is moved from the first position. Position data generating means for generating position data indicating the position of the virtual image data generated so as to be capable of being combined with the still image data,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: the still image data; the position data superimposed on the still image data; and display means for displaying the image data . Still image data is collected from the image data generated at the intermediate position between the first position and the second position where the ultrasonic probe is moved or at the second position, and the collected still image the still image data collected by the data first position synthesized and have a synthesis processing means for generating a composite image data,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the composite image data, the position data superimposed on the composite image data, and the image data .   The synthesis processing means collects still image data from the image data generated at a position where the ultrasonic probe is further moved in the direction opposite to the first position from the intermediate position or the second position. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the collected still image data and the synthesized image data are synthesized. Operation means for performing an input designating a moving direction of the ultrasonic probe;
The moving direction of the ultrasonic probe designated by the input from the operation means is a direction in which ultrasonic waves are scanned by the transmission / reception means or a direction opposite to this direction when the still image data is two-dimensional image data. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is any one of claims 1 to 3. Moving direction of the ultrasonic probe designated by the input from the previous SL operating means is in either direction of the four directions represented the first position as two directions of straight lines perpendicular to each other as the intersection The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position data is data indicating a position of a contour of a region of the virtual image data. An ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a subject;
Transmitting / receiving means for driving the ultrasonic probe to scan the subject with ultrasonic waves;
Image data generating means for generating image data based on a received signal from the transmitting / receiving means;
The still image data is collected from the image data generated at the first position of the ultrasonic probe, and the still image data collected at the second position where the ultrasonic probe is moved from the first position. Position data generating means for generating position data indicating the position of the virtual image data generated so as to be capable of being combined with the still image data,
Display means for displaying data indicating a region included in the position data of the still image data superimposed on a position on the image data according to the moving direction of the image data and the ultrasonic probe . An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.   The display means transmits transmission data transmitted through a region included in the position data of the still image data with a predetermined transmittance, opposite to a direction in which the ultrasonic probe in the region displaying the image data is moved. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein display is performed on an end portion in a direction corresponding to the direction.

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