JP5998250B1 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of forming two scanning planes (biplanes), the spatial relationship between the two scanning planes is displayed in an easily understandable manner. A guidance image 58 is displayed between two tomographic images. The guidance image 58 has a first scanning plane simulation figure 60 and a second scanning plane simulation figure 62. Regardless of the actual rotation angle of the first scan plane, the first scan plane simulated figure 60 is displayed as a figure that does not move in the rotation direction. The display rotation angle of the second scanning surface simulation figure 62 is determined according to the relative rotation angle of the second scanning surface with respect to the first scanning surface. The guidance image 58 includes a first sphere 66 and a second sphere 67 that indicate the electronic scanning start end. The second sphere 67 rotates with the second scanning plane simulation figure. Different coloring is applied to the front surface and the back surface of the second scanning surface simulation figure 62. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of forming two scanning planes (biplanes).

  In the ultrasound diagnosis of the heart, a probe (transesophageal probe) that transmits and receives ultrasound within the esophagus is used as necessary. A 2D array transducer is preferably provided in the head of the transesophageal probe. The 2D array transducer is composed of, for example, thousands of vibrating elements arranged vertically and horizontally. Volume data can be acquired using a 2D array transducer, and a biplane described below can be formed.

  The biplane is composed of a first scanning plane and a second scanning plane. A system in which the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane are alternately formed in units of scanning planes, and a system in which the beam constituting the first scanning plane and the beams constituting the second scanning plane are alternately formed in units of beams. , Etc. are known. In the ultrasonic diagnosis of the heart using a transesophageal probe, for example, the 1B mode (normal B mode) is first selected and the position and posture of the first scanning plane are manually adjusted (typically (By rotating the first scan plane about the central axis of the 2D array transducer), the first scan plane is aligned with the main cross section of the heart. Next, the 2B mode (biplane display mode) is selected, and the position and orientation of the second scan plane are manually adjusted while maintaining the position and orientation of the first scan plane (typically the second scan mode). By rotating the scan plane about the central axis of the 2D array transducer), the second scan plane is aligned with the sub-section of the heart that is to be supplementarily observed. In the 2B mode, the first tomographic image corresponding to the first scanning plane and the second tomographic image corresponding to the second scanning plane are displayed side by side at the same time, and the heart is diagnosed by observing them.

Japanese Patent No. 4541146 Japanese Patent No. 5314833

  In the ultrasonic diagnosis as described above, it is desired that the spatial relationship between the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane can be accurately and easily recognized. In particular, it is required to correctly set the second scanning plane relative to the set first scanning plane. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D of Patent Document 1 show images (icons) that represent the positional relationship between two scanning planes. In the image, since the two scanning planes are simply represented by two lines, it is difficult to intuitively understand the spatial relationship between the two scanning planes. In particular, in such a display mode, it is difficult to express the rotation state, the tilt state (the tilt state in the direction crossing the scan surface), and the deflection state (the tilt state in the electronic scanning direction) of each scanning surface. . FIG. 7 of Patent Document 2 shows a three-dimensional representation of the scanning plane. However, it does not display a biplane.

  In order to meet the above requirements, it is conceivable to display a three-dimensional guidance image including a three-dimensional image showing the first scanning plane and a three-dimensional image showing the second scanning plane. However, depending on the actual rotation angle of the first scanning plane, if the three-dimensional image showing the first scanning plane in the guidance image becomes a simple straight line or a form close thereto, the shape of the first scanning plane is recognized. It becomes impossible or difficult. Since the first scanning plane is a plane that matches the main cross section in the ultrasonic diagnosis, it is necessary to maintain a state that can be clearly recognized by the examiner.

  Note that the second scanning plane is usually a plane that is set as an auxiliary after the setting of the first scanning plane is completed. Therefore, even if the three-dimensional image representing the second scanning plane becomes a simple straight line or a form close thereto depending on the rotation angle of the second scanning plane, it can be said that the problem due to this is relatively small. In adjusting the position and orientation of the second scanning plane, it is more important to be able to think about what position and orientation the second scanning plane is viewed relative to the first scanning plane.

  An object of the present invention is to make it easy to recognize the spatial relationship between the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to provide information for correctly setting the second scanning plane relative to the first scanning plane. Alternatively, in the case where ultrasonic diagnosis is performed using a transesophageal probe, the setting of two scanning planes is supported.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a two-dimensional array transducer that forms a first scanning surface and a second scanning surface that can rotate independently around a central axis, the first scanning surface, and the second scanning surface. A guidance image forming unit that forms a guidance image that three-dimensionally expresses a spatial relationship between surfaces, the guidance image including a first scanning surface simulated figure representing the first scanning surface, and the second A display surface rotation angle of the first scanning surface simulation figure is fixed in the guidance image regardless of the actual rotation angle of the first scanning surface, A relative display rotation angle of the second scanning plane simulated figure with respect to the first scanning plane simulated figure is determined in the guidance image according to a relative actual rotation angle of the second scanning plane with respect to the first scanning plane. It is characterized by It is intended to.

  According to the above configuration, by observing the position and orientation of the second scanning plane simulated figure with respect to the first scanning plane simulated figure in the guidance image, the space between the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane in the in-vivo three-dimensional space. It is possible to intuitively recognize a specific relationship. For example, the second scanning plane is rotated so that a predetermined spatial relationship is established with the first scanning plane while observing the contents of the guidance image after correctly positioning the first scanning plane on the target cross section. An angle is defined.

  In the guidance image expressed three-dimensionally, it is possible to change the display rotation angle of the first scanning surface simulated figure in accordance with the actual rotation angle of the first scanning surface. However, in this case, the display form of the first scanning plane simulated figure becomes a simple line or a form close to it depending on the display rotation angle of the first scanning plane simulated figure. In such a case, it is difficult to recognize the spread of the first scanning plane. There is also a problem when spatially recognizing the relative relationship of the second scanning surface simulated figure with respect to the first scanning surface simulated figure. It can also be pointed out that if both the first scanning plane simulated figure and the second scanning plane figure are freely rotated, confusion is likely to occur due to spatial recognition. Therefore, in the above configuration, regardless of the actual rotation angle of the first scan plane, the display rotation angle of the first scan plane simulated figure (the rotation angle of the first scan plane simulated figure around the virtual central axis in the guidance image). Is a fixed value. As the first scanning plane simulation figure, for example, a figure as if a fan-like figure spreading downward is viewed obliquely from above is displayed. If it is necessary to recognize the actual rotation angle of the first scanning plane, the actual rotation angle may be displayed numerically or may be displayed by a rotor representing the rotation angle. In the guidance image, the first scanning plane simulated figure is stationary in the rotation direction, but the first scanning plane simulated figure is in another direction (inclination direction, deflection, so that the actual state of the first scanning plane appears). Direction). Further, the width of the first scanning surface simulated figure in the electronic scanning direction may change.

  In the guidance image, the display rotation angle of the second scanning surface simulated figure represents a relative actual rotation angle of the second scanning surface with respect to the first scanning surface. Therefore, by referring to the guidance image, it is possible to determine the actual rotation angle of the second scanning surface while recognizing the relative rotation angle of the second scanning surface with respect to the first scanning surface. Even if the actual display mode of the second scanning plane simulated figure happens to be a simple line or a form close to it, the relative angle of the second scanning plane with respect to the first scanning plane can be correctly recognized. If the basic form of each scanning plane simulated figure is a fan-shaped figure spreading downward, and a guidance image is formed as if two fan-shaped figures are viewed obliquely from above, the first scanning plane simulated figure and the first It is possible to visually recognize the two-scanning surface simulated figures with a stereoscopic effect. Note that the viewpoint may be arbitrarily changed in the three-dimensional representation, but it is desirable to fix the viewpoint for simple calculation.

  Preferably, one side of the first scanning plane simulated figure always appears in the guidance image, and the guidance image generation unit performs a first identification process on one side of the first scanning plane simulated figure. When one surface of the second scanning surface simulation figure appears in the guidance image, the second identification processing is applied to the one surface, and the second scanning surface simulation is performed in the guidance image. When the other side of the figure appears, the third identification process is applied to the other direction, and the first identification process, the second identification process, and the third identification process are different from each other. According to this configuration, it is possible to distinguish and recognize each surface. In particular, it is possible to easily identify whether the front surface or the back surface of the second scanning surface simulated figure is visible. The identification process is preferably a coloring process, but other processes may be used.

  Preferably, the first identification process is a process of expressing one side of the first scanning plane simulated figure with a first color, and the second identification process is a process of expressing one side of the second scanning plane simulated figure as the first side. The third identification process is a process of expressing the other side of the second scanning surface simulated figure with a third color different from the first color and the second color. It is. According to this configuration, each surface can be easily identified by hue.

  Preferably, the guidance image generation unit performs a translucent process on a portion of the first scanning plane simulated figure that hides the second scanning plane simulated figure. According to this configuration, a portion existing on the near side of the second scanning surface simulation figure can be expressed translucently, and the back portion can be observed through the portion. That is, it becomes easy to recognize the second scanning plane simulated figure. In addition to the translucent process for the portion present on the front side, the translucent process may be performed on the rear side part.

  Preferably, the guidance image includes a basal plane simulation figure representing a virtual basal plane of the in-vivo three-dimensional space including the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane. Preferably, the first scanning plane simulation figure is stationary on the basal plane simulation figure, and the second scanning plane simulation figure is rotated according to the actual rotation angle of the second scanning plane. The basal plane is a plane representing a coordinate system, and a figure simulating it is a basal plane simulated figure. The display makes it easy to intuitively recognize the three-dimensional space.

  Preferably, the basal plane simulated figure includes a frame figure and a cross figure expressed therein. According to this configuration, it is easy to recognize the rotation angle of the second scanning surface simulated figure. Desirably, a frame figure is a figure which looked at the rectangle from diagonally upward, and a cross figure is a figure which looked at the cross figure from diagonally upward. Of the basal plane simulated figure, the part hidden behind any of the scanning plane simulated figures may be hidden or may be expressed translucently.

  Preferably, the guidance image further includes a first reference end figure as a stationary figure indicating a reference end in beam scanning for forming the first scanning plane, and a beam scanning for forming the second scanning plane. A second reference end figure as a motion figure indicating a reference end in the guidance image, and when the second scanning plane simulation figure rotates around a virtual center axis corresponding to the center axis in the guidance image, Accordingly, the second reference end figure also rotates. Each reference end is preferably an electronic scanning start end. The reference end graphic is a graphic indicating which side the reference end is on.

  Preferably, the color of the first reference end figure is the same as the color applied to the first scanning plane simulation figure, and the color of the second reference end figure is the same as that of the second scanning plane simulation figure. It is the same color that is applied. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent misreading the correspondence between figures. Preferably, the first reference end graphic and the second reference end graphic are each expressed as a sphere. If it is a sphere, that is, if it is three-dimensionally expressed, it is always displayed in the same size and form even if it is rotated in the guidance image, so that visibility can be improved. It is desirable to perform shading processing when expressing the sphere.

  Preferably, at least one of the first scanning surface and the second scanning surface is movable in an inclination direction intersecting with the one scanning surface, and the first scanning surface and the second scanning surface are in accordance with an inclination angle of the one scanning surface. The inclination angle of the corresponding scanning plane simulation figure is determined. Preferably, at least one of the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane is movable in a deflection direction as an electronic scanning direction of the one scanning plane, and a deflection angle of the one scanning plane Accordingly, the deflection angle of the corresponding scanning plane simulation figure is determined. In this way, in the guidance image, in addition to the relative rotation of the second scanning plane, an inclined state or a deflection state for one or both scanning planes may be expressed.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a transesophageal probe having a two-dimensional array transducer that forms a first scanning surface and a second scanning surface that can rotate independently around a central axis, and the first scanning. A tomographic image forming unit for forming a first tomographic image corresponding to a plane and a second tomographic image corresponding to the second scanning plane, and a spatial relationship between the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane in three dimensions. A guidance image forming unit for forming the expressed guidance image; and displaying the first tomographic image and the second tomographic image side by side in a horizontal direction on the display screen, and the first tomographic image and the first tomographic image on the display screen. A display unit that displays the guidance image in an intermediate area between the two tomographic images, the guidance image including a first scanning plane simulation figure representing the first scanning plane, and the second scanning plane. Second scan plane simulation diagram Regardless of the actual rotation angle of the first scan plane, the display rotation angle of the first scan plane simulated figure is fixed in the guidance image, and the second scan plane relative to the first scan plane is fixed. A relative display rotation angle of the second scanning surface simulated figure with respect to the first scanning surface simulated figure is determined in the guidance image in accordance with a relative actual rotation angle.

  Preferably, a first reference end marker indicating a first reference end in the first beam scanning for forming the first scanning plane is displayed in the vicinity of the first tomographic image, and in the vicinity of the second tomographic image. , A second reference end marker indicating a second reference end in the second beam scanning for forming the second scanning plane is displayed, and the guidance image is further displayed as a still figure indicating the first reference end. A first reference end graphic and a second reference end graphic as a motion graphic indicating the second reference end.

  According to the present invention, it becomes easy to recognize the spatial relationship between the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane. Alternatively, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide information for correctly setting the second scanning plane relative to the first scanning plane. Alternatively, setting of two scanning planes can be supported when performing an ultrasonic diagnosis using a transesophageal probe.

1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows a biplane display. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of a guidance image. It is a flowchart which shows operation and operation | movement at the time of diagnosis. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a guidance image. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of a guidance image. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of a guidance image.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus that is installed in a medical institution such as a hospital and forms an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a subject. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment includes a transesophageal probe as described in detail below. An intra-body ultrasound diagnosis is performed on the heart using a transesophageal probe.

  In FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a transesophageal probe 10 and an apparatus main body 12. The transesophageal probe 10 includes an insertion tube, an operation unit, a cable, a connector, and the like, and FIG. 1 shows a head 14 as a distal end portion of the insertion tube. The head 14 is inserted into the esophagus from the subject's mouth. A joint portion (not shown) is provided on the proximal end side of the head 14. By operating one or more knobs in the operation unit, the head 14 can be directed in an arbitrary direction.

  A laminated body 16 is disposed in the head 14. The laminate 16 has a vibrator 18 and an electronic circuit 20. The vibrator 18 includes a plurality of vibration elements aligned in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. For example, it is composed of several thousand vibration elements. The vibrator 18 is a so-called 2D array vibrator, whereby the first scanning surface 24 and the second scanning surface 26 are electronically formed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second scanning surface 26 is formed with an orthogonal relationship to the first scanning surface 24. The scanning surfaces 24 and 26 individually rotate with the central axis 22 of the vibrator 18 as a rotation axis. The rotation angle of the individual scanning planes 24 and 26 can be arbitrarily determined by an inspector or user. It is also possible to acquire so-called volume data by two-dimensional scanning with an ultrasonic beam.

The first scanning surface 24 is formed by electronic scanning of an ultrasonic beam. The second scanning surface 26 is also formed by electronic scanning with an ultrasonic beam. In this embodiment, since a 2D array transducer is provided as the transducer 18, an ultrasonic beam can be formed in any direction, that is, the position and posture of each scanning plane 24, 26 can be freely set. It is possible to determine. In general, in the ultrasonic diagnosis of the heart, the first scanning plane 24 is aligned with the main cross section to be observed in the heart, and then the auxiliary cross section (sub cross section) in the heart is maintained while maintaining the state. On the other hand, the second scanning plane is aligned. By observing two real-time tomographic images corresponding to the two scanning planes, the function of the heart or the like is diagnosed. In addition to the rotation angle of the two scanning surfaces 24 and 26, the scanning range of the two scanning surfaces 24 and 26 can be freely changed. It is desirable that the tilt angle and the deflection angle of one or both of the two scanning planes 24 and 26 can be arbitrarily changed.

  The electronic circuit 20 functions as a channel reduction circuit. That is, the electronic circuit 20 constitutes a plurality of transmission sub-beamformers and a plurality of reception sub-beamformers. Since the electronic circuit 20 is disposed in the head 14, the number of signal lines passing through the insertion tube or the like can be greatly reduced. Incidentally, in FIG. 1, the first scanning surface 24 and the second scanning surface 26 are drawn on the upper side of the transducer 18. In such an embodiment, the angle θ when viewed from above is defined as a counterclockwise direction.

  Next, the apparatus main body 12 will be described. The transmission / reception unit 28 functions as a transmission main beamformer and a reception main beamformer. At the time of transmission, the transmission / reception unit 28 supplies a plurality of transmission signals toward the transducer 18. At the time of reception, a plurality of reception signals output from the transducer 18 are input to the transmission / reception unit 28 and phased and added by the transmission / reception unit 28. Thereby, beam data is obtained for each ultrasonic beam.

For example, when a two-dimensional scan of an ultrasonic beam is executed in a three-dimensional space, volume data composed of a plurality of beam data is acquired and sent to the three-dimensional image forming unit 30. The three-dimensional image forming unit 30 forms a three-dimensional image that three-dimensionally represents a three-dimensional region in the living body based on the volume data. The image data is sent to the display processing unit 34.

When the 1B mode (normal B mode) is selected, one scanning plane is formed, and a plurality of beam data, that is, frame data corresponding to the scanning plane is sent to the tomographic image forming unit 32. The tomographic image forming unit 32 forms a B-mode image based on the frame data. The image data is sent to the display processing unit 34. When the 2B mode (biplane display mode) is selected, two frame data corresponding to the first scanning plane 24 and the second scanning plane 26 are sequentially sent to the tomographic image forming unit. The tomographic image forming unit 32 sequentially forms a first scanned image corresponding to the first scanning surface 24 and a second scanned image corresponding to the second scanning surface 26, and sends the image data to the display processing unit 34.

  The display processing unit 34 has an image composition function, a color processing function, and the like. A signal output from the display processing unit 34 is sent to the display unit 42. A three-dimensional image, two tomographic images (biplane images), and the like are displayed on the display screen of the display unit 42. The control unit 36 includes a CPU and a program. A graphic image forming unit 38 is illustrated as the function. The graphic image forming unit 38 is a module that forms a graphic image combined with an ultrasonic image. In the present embodiment, the graphic image forming unit 38 includes a guidance image forming unit 40. The guidance image forming unit 40 is a module that forms a guidance image displayed between two tomographic images in the 2B mode, that is, the biplane mode. The guidance image will be described in detail later. When the 2B mode is selected, the display processing unit 34 performs an image composition process so that the guidance image is included between the two guidance images.

  The input unit 44 is an operation panel including a keyboard and a trackball. Using the input unit 44, the inspector can perform mode selection and the like. The transmission / reception unit 28 is configured as an electronic circuit, and the tomographic image forming unit 32 and the three-dimensional image forming unit 30 are configured as dedicated hardware. The display processing unit 34 is also configured as hardware. The graphic image forming unit 38 is substantially realized as a software function, but it may be configured by dedicated hardware. The same applies to the guidance image forming unit 40.

FIG. 2 shows a display screen 46 in the display unit. There is a vibration display. That is, the first tomographic image 48 and the second tomographic image 50 are displayed on the display screen 46. All of them are real-time B-mode tomographic images. The first tomographic image 48 is an image corresponding to the first scanning plane, and the second tomographic image 50 is an image corresponding to the second scanning plane. A start end marker 52 is displayed on the upper right side of the first tomographic image 48. It shows the start side of electronic scanning in ultrasonic beam scanning when forming the first scanning plane. Similarly, a start end marker 54 is shown on the upper right side of the second tomographic image 50. It indicates the start end of electronic scanning in ultrasonic beam scanning when forming the second scanning plane. With such markers 52 and 54, it is possible to easily identify whether each displayed tomographic image is the front surface or the back surface. A marker 56 is shown in the tomographic image 48. The marker 56 indicates the position of the second scanning plane that crosses the first scanning plane.

  A gap having an inverted triangular shape is generated between the first tomographic image 48 and the second tomographic image 50. A three-dimensional guidance image 58 is displayed in the gap in the present embodiment. The guidance image 58 is a schematic diagram showing a relative spatial relationship of the second scanning plane with respect to the first scanning plane. As will be described later, the guidance image 58 includes a numerical value indicating the absolute rotation angle of the first scanning surface and a numerical value indicating the absolute rotation angle of the second scanning surface. Since the guidance image 58 is displayed in the gap, an advantage that the dead space can be effectively used can be obtained. Alternatively, the problem that any tomographic image is partially hidden by the display of the guidance image 58 can be avoided. The guidance image 58 may be displayed at another position.

FIG. 3 shows a first example of the guidance image. The guidance image is an image simulating a three-dimensional space including the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane, and has a three-dimensional representation mode in which the three-dimensional space is observed obliquely from above. In this first example, the guidance image 58 has a first scanning plane simulation figure 60 and a second scanning plane simulation figure 62. The first scanning surface simulated figure 60 is expressed in gray as the first hue. It has a fan-like form. In forming each scanning plane, a so-called electronic sector method is applied, and the scanning plane formed thereby has a fan shape. Therefore, the first scanning plane simulation figure 60 also has a fan shape. The second scanning surface simulation figure 62 also has a fan shape. Incidentally, the upper side in FIG. 3 is the vibrator side, and the lower side is the heart side. The second scanning surface simulation figure 62 shows a so-called front surface in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and is colored red. The first scanning plane simulated figure 60 is divided into one side portion 60A and the other side portion 60B with a virtual central axis 68, that is, the Z axis as a boundary. Similarly, the second scanning plane simulation figure 62 is divided into one side portion 62A and the other side portion 62B with the central axis 68 as a boundary. Of the one side portion 60 </ b> A in the first scanning surface simulated graphic 60, a part 76 covers a part of the one side portion 62 </ b> A in the second scanning surface simulated graphic 62. In the present embodiment, a translucent process is performed on the part 76 (that is, the front side part). The portion is expressed with, for example, an intermediate color between gray and red. According to this configuration, it is possible to observe all of the second scanning plane simulation figure 62 on the back side through the part 76.

  A part of the other side portion 60 </ b> B in the first scanning plane simulated figure 60 is covered with a part 74 in the second scanning plane simulated figure 62. In the present embodiment, the translucent process is not performed on the portion 74, but the translucent process may be performed on a part 74 of the process. If at least the part on the front side is subjected to the translucent process, the situation in which the part on the back side is completely hidden can be avoided. According to the present embodiment, the advantage that the entire second scanning plane simulated figure 62 can be recognized more clearly and three-dimensionally can be obtained.

  The guidance image 58 includes a first sphere 66, a second sphere 67, a basal plane simulation figure 64, and the like in addition to the first scan plane simulation figure 60 and the second scan plane simulation figure 62. The first sphere 66 is a graphic element representing the electronic scanning start end for the first scanning plane, and the second sphere 67 is a graphic element representing the electronic scanning start end in the second beam scanning. The first sphere 66 rotates around the central axis 68 together with the first scanning plane simulation figure 60. Similarly, the second sphere 67 rotates around the central axis 68 together with the second scanning plane simulation figure 62. The first sphere 66 is displayed in the same color as the first scanning surface simulated figure 60, and is specifically expressed in gray. The second sphere 67 is colored by the color applied to the second scanning plane simulation figure 62, and is expressed in red in the illustrated example. The two spheres 66 and 67 are both subjected to an imprinting process, that is, expressed as a three-dimensional sphere. As a result, it is possible to clearly recognize the balls 66 and 67 at any rotational position. Incidentally, when two spheres overlap, the sphere on the near side is preferentially displayed.

  The basal plane simulated figure 64 is a graphic element that expresses the spread of a three-dimensional space. In the present embodiment, the basal plane simulated figure 64 includes a frame 64A and a cross 64B. The cross 64B is composed of an X-axis line 66x and a Y-axis line 66y. These axes 66x and 66y cross at the central axis 68. When a cubic three-dimensional space including two scanning planes is assumed, the basal plane simulated figure 64 corresponds to the bottom of the three-dimensional space. By drawing such a basal plane simulation figure 64 below the two scanning plane simulation figures 60 and 62, it becomes easy to intuitively recognize their rotation angles.

  The guidance image 58 has two indicators 70 and 72. The indicator 70 is an absolute angle indicator, which represents the absolute rotation angle of the first scanning plane, that is, the actual rotation angle. In FIG. 3, 0 degree is shown. That is, the actual rotation angle of the first scanning plane is 0 degree. The indicator 72 is also an absolute angle indicator, which indicates the absolute rotation angle of the second scanning plane. In FIG. 3, the indicator 72 indicates 45 degrees.

  In the present embodiment, in the guidance image 58, the display rotation angle of the first scanning surface simulated figure 60 is always fixed. That is, even if the actual rotation angle of the first scanning plane varies, the posture of the first scanning plane simulation figure 60 does not change in the rotation direction in the guidance image 58. The display rotation angle is a rotation angle of the graphic around the central axis 68. Even if the first scanning plane simulated figure 60 is fixedly displayed, it is possible to correctly recognize the absolute rotation angle of the first scanning plane by reading the value of the absolute angle indicator 70.

  The display rotation angle of the second scanning surface simulation figure 62 is determined according to the relative rotation angle of the second scanning surface with respect to the first scanning surface. For example, when the second scanning plane is rotated by 45 degrees relative to the first scanning plane, as shown in FIG. 3, the first scanning plane simulated figure 60 is rotated by 45 degrees in the θ direction (clockwise direction). The second scanning plane simulated figure 62 is expressed with the posture. At that time, the absolute rotation angle of the second scanning plane can be specifically recognized by referring to the indicator 72. In normal ultrasonic examination, when setting the second scan plane after setting the first scan plane, the doctor knows the angle to be determined as the absolute rotation angle of the second scan plane. In the embodiment, an absolute rotation angle is displayed as the indicator 72. However, the indicator 72 may display the relative rotation angle of the second scanning surface with respect to the first scanning surface. Alternatively, both the absolute rotation angle and the relative rotation angle may be displayed for the second scanning plane. Incidentally, when the second scanning plane simulation figure 62 rotates by a certain angle and the visible surface (display surface) is switched from the front surface to the back surface, the back surface is displayed in a hue different from red, for example, yellow. Therefore, by looking at the hue applied to the second scanning surface 62, it is possible to recognize without error whether the front surface or the back surface is currently displayed. Incidentally, since the display color of the second sphere 67 is the same as that of the second sphere 67, the correspondence between the second sphere 67 and the second scanning surface simulation figure 62 is not mistaken.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operations and operations. In S10, the insertion tube is inserted into the esophagus. In S12, the head position and posture are adjusted by the operation of the examiner. In S14, in this example, the 1B mode is first selected, and the rotation angle of the first scanning plane is adjusted while viewing the displayed tomographic image. In that case, a knob provided on the operation unit of the transesophageal probe or a knob on the operation panel is operated. After the rotation angle of the first scanning plane is appropriately set, switching to the 2B mode is performed in S16. As a result, two tomographic images are displayed in parallel as shown in FIG. A guidance image is displayed between the images. In S18, the rotation angle of the second scanning surface is adjusted in the 2B mode while referring to the display content in the guidance image. Even in this case, the knob on the operation unit or the operation panel is operated. For example, when setting the second scanning plane orthogonal to the first scanning plane, the rotation angle is adjusted so that the second scanning plane is correctly orthogonal while referring to the two indicators. In the guidance image, the second scanning plane simulated figure is displayed at a rotational position relative to the first scanning plane simulated figure, so that the second scanning plane is appropriately and in relation to the first scanning plane. It is possible to set quickly. In S20, if necessary, the rotation angle of the first scanning surface or the second scanning surface is readjusted.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the guidance image is displayed from the 2B mode, but the guidance image may be displayed from the beginning.

  FIG. 5 shows a second example of the guidance image. Similar to the first example shown in FIG. 3, the guidance image 82 includes a first scanning plane simulation figure 84 and a second scanning plane simulation figure 86, and further includes a first sphere 90 and a second sphere 92. ing. As shown by the indicator 88, the relative rotation angle of the second scanning surface is 225 degrees, that is, in FIG. 5, the back surface 86A appears in the second scanning surface simulated figure 86. This surface is expressed in yellow in this embodiment. Accordingly, the second sphere 92 is also expressed in yellow. Both the first scanning surface simulation figure 84 and the first sphere 90 are expressed in gray.

  FIG. 6 shows a third example of the guidance image. The guidance image 100 includes a first scanning plane simulation figure 102 and a second scanning plane simulation figure 104. In the second scanning plane simulation figure 104, the surface 104A appears and is represented in red. As shown by the guidance image 100, the second scanning plane simulation figure 104 is inclined in an inclination direction intersecting (orthogonal) with it. That is, the actual inclination angle of the second scanning plane is expressed as the inclination angle of the second scanning plane simulation figure 104. You may comprise so that the 2nd scanning surface simulation figure 104 in the inclination state may further rotate.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth example of the guidance image. The guidance image 106 includes a first scanning plane simulation figure 108 and a second scanning plane simulation figure 110. The first scanning surface simulated figure 108 has a posture deflected in the first beam scanning direction. That is, the center line of the first scanning plane simulation figure 108 is inclined in the first beam scanning direction, and the first scanning plane simulation figure 108 is asymmetric with respect to the rotation center axis. In FIG. 7, the first scanning plane simulated figure with an absolute rotation angle of 0 degrees intersects the second scanning plane simulated figure 110 with an absolute rotation angle of 45 degrees with an angle of 45 degrees. Yes. Each of the scanning surface simulated figures 108 and 110 is expressed with a spread angle corresponding to the actual scanning range of each scanning surface.

  In the above embodiment, a fan-shaped form is adopted as a basic form of each scanning plane simulation figure, but a triangular form may be adopted for convenience. In the present embodiment, the viewpoint is set obliquely above a three-dimensional space including two scanning planes, but the viewpoint may be freely changed. According to the viewpoint setting as in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain an advantage that the spatial relationship between two simulated figures can be easily recognized from a bird's-eye view. The guidance image shown in the present embodiment may be inverted. In that case, the basal plane simulated figure may be displayed on the upper side of the guidance image or may be displayed on the lower side thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Transesophageal probe, 12 apparatus main body, 14 heads, 18 vibrators, 20 electronic circuit, 32 tomographic image raw formation part, 38 graphic image generation part, 40 guidance image formation part, 60 1st scanning surface simulation figure, 62 2nd Scanning surface simulation figure, 64 basal plane simulation figure, 66 first sphere, 67 second sphere.

Claims (14)

A two-dimensional array transducer forming a first scanning surface and a second scanning surface, each of which can rotate independently around a central axis;
A guidance image forming unit that forms a guidance image that three-dimensionally represents a spatial relationship between the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane;
Including
The guidance image includes a first scanning plane simulation figure representing the first scanning plane, and a second scanning plane simulation figure representing the second scanning plane,
Regardless of the actual rotation angle of the first scan plane, the display rotation angle of the first scan plane simulated figure is fixed in the guidance image,
According to the relative actual rotation angle of the second scanning surface with respect to the first scanning surface, a relative display rotation angle of the second scanning surface simulated graphic with respect to the first scanning surface simulated graphic in the guidance image is set. Determined,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
In the guidance image, one side of the first scanning surface simulated figure always appears,
The guidance image generation unit applies a first identification process to one side of the first scanning surface simulated figure, and when one side of the second scanning surface simulated figure appears in the guidance image Applying the second identification process to the one side, and applying the third identification process to the other side when the other side of the second scanning plane simulated figure appears in the guidance image;
The first identification process, the second identification process, and the third identification process are different from each other.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 2.
The first identification process is a process of expressing one side of the first scanning plane simulated figure in a first color, and the second identification process is a process of expressing one side of the second scanning plane simulated figure as the first color. It is a process of expressing with a different second color, and the third identification process is a process of expressing the other side of the second scanning plane simulated figure with a third color different from the first color and the second color.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
The guidance image generation unit performs a translucent process on a portion that hides the second scanning surface simulation figure in the first scanning surface simulation figure.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
The guidance image includes a basal plane simulated figure that represents a virtual basal plane of a three-dimensional in-vivo space including the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 5.
On the basal plane simulation figure, the first scanning plane simulation figure is stationary, and the second scanning plane simulation figure is rotated according to the actual rotation angle of the second scanning plane.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 5.
The basal plane simulated figure includes a frame figure and a cross figure expressed therein,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
The guidance image further includes:
A first reference end figure as a stationary figure showing a reference end in beam scanning for forming the first scanning plane;
A second reference end figure as a motion figure indicating a reference end in beam scanning for forming the second scanning plane;
Including
In the guidance image, when the second scanning plane simulation figure rotates around a virtual center axis corresponding to the center axis, the second reference end figure also rotates accordingly.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 8.
The color of the first reference end figure is the same as the color applied to the first scanning surface simulation figure,
The color of the second reference end figure is the same as the color applied to the second scanning surface simulation figure.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 8.
The first reference end figure and the second reference end figure are each expressed like a sphere,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
Of the first scanning surface and the second scanning surface, at least one scanning surface is movable in an inclined direction intersecting the one scanning surface,
In accordance with the inclination angle of the one scanning plane, the inclination angle of the corresponding scanning plane simulation figure is determined.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1.
At least one of the first scanning surface and the second scanning surface is movable in a deflection direction as an electronic scanning direction of the one scanning surface,
According to the deflection angle of the one scanning plane, the deflection angle of the corresponding scanning plane simulation figure is determined.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A transesophageal probe having a two-dimensional array transducer forming a first scanning surface and a second scanning surface that can rotate independently about a central axis;
A tomographic image forming unit for forming a first tomographic image corresponding to the first scanning plane and a second tomographic image corresponding to the second scanning plane;
A guidance image forming unit that forms a guidance image that three-dimensionally represents a spatial relationship between the first scanning plane and the second scanning plane;
The first tomographic image and the second tomographic image are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the guidance image is displayed in an intermediate region between the first tomographic image and the second tomographic image on the display screen. A display unit for displaying,
Including
The guidance image includes a first scanning plane simulation figure representing the first scanning plane, and a second scanning plane simulation figure representing the second scanning plane,
Regardless of the actual rotation angle of the first scan plane, the display rotation angle of the first scan plane simulated figure is fixed in the guidance image,
In accordance with the relative actual rotation angle of the second scanning plane with respect to the first scanning plane, a relative display rotation angle of the second scanning plane simulated figure with respect to the first scanning plane simulated figure in the guidance image is set. Determined,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 13.
In the vicinity of the first tomographic image, a first reference end marker indicating a first reference end in a first beam scan for forming the first scan plane is displayed.
In the vicinity of the second tomographic image, a second reference end marker indicating a second reference end in the second beam scanning for forming the second scanning plane is displayed,
The guidance image further includes:
A first reference end graphic as a stationary graphic indicating the first reference end;
A second reference end graphic as a motion graphic indicating the second reference end;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: