JP6359337B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for forming an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section.

  2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that obtains volume data (three-dimensional ultrasonic data) from within a three-dimensional region by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is known. Based on the volume data obtained from the three-dimensional region, for example, a three-dimensional ultrasonic image in the three-dimensional region can be formed, and an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section in the three-dimensional region ( A tomographic image) can be formed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for forming a three-section image (tri-plane image) in a three-dimensional region.

  However, it is not easy to set a desired arbitrary cross section in the three-dimensional region. In addition, when volume data is obtained from the entire three-dimensional region and an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section is formed, data unnecessary for forming an arbitrary cross section is also collected, and therefore waste in transmission and reception cannot be ignored.

JP 2003-325514 A

  In view of the above-described background art, the inventors of the present application have conducted research and development on a technique for forming an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section.

  The present invention has been made in the course of its research and development, and an object thereof is to provide an improved technique for forming an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus suitable for the above-described object includes a probe that transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave, a transmission / reception unit that controls the probe to obtain an ultrasonic reception signal, and at least a position and a direction of a cross section based on an ultrasonic tomographic image. A cross-section setting unit that sets an arbitrary cross-section by changing one side, a transmission / reception control unit that controls the transmission / reception unit so as to obtain a reception signal from the arbitrary cross-section by transmission / reception processing specialized for the arbitrary cross-section, and reception obtained from the arbitrary cross-section And an image forming unit that forms an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section based on signal data.

  In the above apparatus, the probe is a three-dimensional ultrasonic probe capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves three-dimensionally in a three-dimensional region, for example, a two-dimensional array in which a plurality of vibration elements that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves are two-dimensionally arranged. It is desirable to have an array. Furthermore, the probe can obtain a received signal of a tomographic image (for example, a B-mode image) by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves two-dimensionally within the scanning plane.

  In the above apparatus, the cross section based on the ultrasonic tomographic image is, for example, a cross section having a known arrangement relationship with the tomographic image, and specifically coincides with the tomographic image (on the same plane). It may be a cross section, a cross section intersecting (for example, orthogonal to) the tomographic image, or a cross section separated from the tomographic image by a known distance (for example, parallel).

  According to the above apparatus, it is possible to set an arbitrary cross section by changing at least one of the position and direction of the cross section based on the ultrasonic tomographic image. For example, the position of the cross section can be changed by moving the cross section, and the direction of the cross section can be changed by changing the inclination of the cross section. For example, a user such as a doctor adjusts the posture of the probe so that a tomographic image including a desired diagnostic object (for example, a fetus) or a tomographic image in the vicinity of the diagnostic object can be obtained, and while viewing the tomographic image, While maintaining the posture of the probe, the operation of moving the cross section using the operation panel or the like and the operation of changing the inclination of the cross section are performed relatively easily and appropriately with an intuitive operation feeling, for example, the fetal heart It is possible to set a desired arbitrary cross-section regarding etc.

  In addition, according to the above apparatus, since the reception signal is obtained from the arbitrary cross section by the transmission / reception processing specialized for the arbitrary cross section, for example, compared with the case where the reception signal is obtained from the entire area in the three-dimensional region where the arbitrary cross section is set. Thus, it is possible to efficiently obtain a reception signal from an arbitrary cross section with minimal waste in transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves. For this reason, for example, it is possible to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves intensively with respect to an arbitrary cross section to increase the resolution of an ultrasonic image of the arbitrary cross section and increase the frame rate.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section setting unit sets an arbitrary cross-section by translating the cross-section according to a user operation.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section setting unit sets an arbitrary cross-section by changing the normal direction of the cross-section according to a user operation.

  In a preferred embodiment, the transmission / reception control unit controls the transmission / reception unit so as to form a transmission beam with a transmission focus corresponding to the depth of an arbitrary cross section.

  In a preferred embodiment, the transmission / reception control unit controls the transmission / reception unit so as to form a reception beam at a pulse repetition period corresponding to a depth of an arbitrary cross section.

  In a preferred embodiment, the transmission / reception control unit controls the transmission / reception unit so as to form a transmission beam with transmission power corresponding to the depth of an arbitrary cross section.

  In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays an arbitrary cross-section cursor corresponding to the position and direction of an arbitrary cross section in an ultrasonic tomographic image, and displays the tomographic image cursor corresponding to the position and direction of the cross-section of the tomographic image. It displays in the ultrasonic image of arbitrary cross sections.

  In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays a cross-sectional model that three-dimensionally shows the positional relationship between a cross-section of a tomographic image and an arbitrary cross-section in a three-dimensional region.

  In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays an ultrasonic tomographic image, an arbitrary cross-sectional ultrasonic image, and the cross-sectional model, and includes an ultrasonic tomographic image and a cross-section of the tomographic image in the cross-sectional model. And a display process in which an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section and the arbitrary cross section in the cross section model are associated with each other.

  The present invention provides an improved technique for forming an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section. For example, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set a desired arbitrary cross section relatively easily and appropriately, and efficiently receive from an arbitrary cross section with minimal waste in transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves. A signal can be obtained.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is preferable in the practice of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the arbitrary cross section set in a three-dimensional area | region. It is a figure which shows the specific example regarding the movement and inclination change of a cross section. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the transmission / reception process specialized in the arbitrary cross sections. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a display image.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus suitable for implementing the present invention. The probe 10 is a three-dimensional ultrasonic probe capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves three-dimensionally in a three-dimensional region including a diagnosis target. The probe 10 preferably includes a two-dimensional array in which a plurality of vibration elements that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves are two-dimensionally arranged. Further, the probe 10 can obtain a reception signal of a tomographic image (for example, a B-mode image) by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves two-dimensionally within the scanning plane. The probe 10 is used, for example, by being held by a user (examiner) such as a doctor and abutting on the body surface of an examinee (for example, a mother body). The probe 10 may be used by being inserted into the body cavity of the subject.

  The transmission / reception unit 12 has functions as a transmission beam former and a reception beam former. That is, the transmission / reception unit 12 forms a transmission beam of ultrasonic waves by outputting a transmission signal to each of the plurality of vibration elements included in the probe 10, and further receives a plurality of reception signals obtained from the plurality of vibration elements. Is subjected to phasing addition processing to form an ultrasonic reception beam. Thereby, an ultrasonic beam (transmission beam and reception beam) is scanned, and a reception signal is obtained along the ultrasonic beam. Note that a technique such as transmission aperture synthesis may be used to obtain an ultrasonic reception signal.

  The reception signal processing unit 14 generates echo data by performing, for example, detection processing, filter processing, AD conversion processing, and the like on the ultrasonic reception signal obtained from the transmission / reception unit 12.

  The tomographic image forming unit 22 forms image data of a tomographic image based on echo data obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves two-dimensionally within the scanning plane. The tomographic image forming unit 22 forms frame data for B-mode images, for example, based on echo data obtained from the scanning plane. The tomographic image forming unit 22 forms image data in a scanning coordinate system corresponding to ultrasonic scanning, for example, an rθ coordinate system with an r direction corresponding to the beam depth direction and a θ direction corresponding to the beam scanning direction. Image data obtained in the scanning coordinate system (for example, rθ coordinate system) is subjected to coordinate conversion processing by a digital scan converter, for example, and converted to image data in a display coordinate system (for example, xy orthogonal coordinate system). The function of the digital scan converter may be provided in the tomographic image forming unit 22, or may be provided in the reception signal processing unit 14 or the display processing unit 30, for example.

  The arbitrary slice image forming unit 24 forms image data of an ultrasound image related to the arbitrary slice based on echo data obtained from the arbitrary slice set in the three-dimensional region including the diagnosis target. The arbitrary slice image forming unit 24 forms, for example, frame data for a tomographic image (B mode image) in an arbitrary slice based on the echo data obtained from the arbitrary slice. In addition, when forming an ultrasonic image in an arbitrary cross section, coordinate conversion processing or the like is appropriately performed.

  The three-dimensional image forming unit 26 three-dimensionally expresses the diagnosis target in the three-dimensional region based on the echo data obtained three-dimensionally from within the three-dimensional region including the diagnosis target, that is, the volume data of the three-dimensional region. The image data of the three-dimensional ultrasonic image is formed. The three-dimensional image forming unit 26 forms a three-dimensional ultrasonic image by image processing such as volume rendering. Of course, known image processing other than volume rendering may be used.

  The display processing unit 30 includes image data of a tomographic image formed by the tomographic image forming unit 22, image data of an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section formed by the arbitrary cross sectional image forming unit 24, and a three-dimensional image forming unit 26. A display image is formed based on the image data of the formed three-dimensional ultrasonic image. The display image formed in the display processing unit 30 is displayed on the display unit 32.

  The cross section setting unit 40 sets an arbitrary cross section in the three-dimensional region including the diagnosis target in accordance with a user operation received from the user via the operation device 42. Further, the transmission / reception control unit 50 controls the transmission / reception unit 12 so as to obtain a reception signal from an arbitrary cross-section by a transmission / reception process specialized for the arbitrary cross-section set by the cross-section setting unit 40. The processing for setting an arbitrary section by the section setting unit 40 and the control specialized for the arbitrary section by the transmission / reception control unit 50 will be described in detail later.

  The control unit 60 generally controls the inside of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. The overall control by the control unit 60 also reflects an instruction received from the user via the operation device 42.

  Among the configurations shown in FIG. 1 (respectively assigned parts), the transmission / reception unit 12, the reception signal processing unit 14, the tomographic image forming unit 22, the arbitrary slice image forming unit 24, the three-dimensional image forming unit 26, the display processing unit 30, Each unit of the cross-section setting unit 40 and the transmission / reception control unit 50 can be realized by using, for example, hardware such as an electric / electronic circuit or a processor, and a device such as a memory may be used as necessary for the realization. . In addition, functions corresponding to the above-described units may be realized by cooperation of hardware such as a CPU, a processor, or a memory, and software (program) that defines the operation of the CPU or the processor.

  A preferable specific example of the display unit 32 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and a preferable specific example of the operation device 42 is a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a touch panel, an operation panel including a slider, a dial, or other switches. . The control unit 60 can be realized by, for example, cooperation between hardware such as a CPU, a processor, and a memory, and software (program) that defines the operation of the CPU and the processor.

  The outline of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in FIG. 1 is as described above. Next, specific examples of functions realized by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 1 will be described in detail. In addition, about the structure (each part which attached | subjected the code | symbol) shown in FIG. 1, the code | symbol of FIG. 1 is utilized in the following description.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an arbitrary cross section set in a three-dimensional region. In FIG. 2, a three-dimensional region 100 in which the probe 10 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves three-dimensionally, an arbitrary cross-section 104 set in the three-dimensional region 100, and a tomographic image cross-section 102 used as a reference in setting the arbitrary cross-section 104 are shown. A specific example is shown.

  In FIG. 2, the three-dimensional region 100 is expressed by an rθφ coordinate system that is a scanning coordinate system of an ultrasonic beam. That is, the three-dimensional region 100 is expressed by a coordinate system specified by the depth direction (r direction) of the ultrasonic beam and the two scanning directions (θ direction and φ direction).

  In the specific example shown in FIG. 2, the tomographic image section 102 is a section of the tomographic image formed by the tomographic image forming unit 22, and in the three-dimensional region 100, for example, an rθ scanning plane (r Corresponding to the direction and the θ direction). For example, an ultrasonic beam having a depth direction in the r direction is formed by a plurality of vibration elements arranged in the center in the φ direction and arranged in the θ direction, and the ultrasonic beam is scanned in the θ direction. A scanning plane corresponding to the image cross section 102 is formed.

  Note that the tomographic image section 102 may be formed at a position shifted from the center in the φ direction, or may be tilted in the φ direction. Further, the tomographic image section 102 may be formed by an rφ scanning plane (a plane expressed by the r direction and the φ direction), or an ultrasonic beam is scanned in a direction obliquely intersecting the θ direction and the φ direction. Thus, the tomographic image cross section 102 may be formed.

  The arbitrary cross section 104 is set by changing at least one of the position and direction of the cross section based on the ultrasonic tomographic image. A specific example of a cross section based on an ultrasonic tomographic image is the tomographic image cross section 102 of FIG. That is, in FIG. 2, the same cross section as the tomographic image cross section 102 is set as the initial cross section, and the position and direction of the initial cross section are changed to set the arbitrary cross section 104.

  The cross section based on the ultrasonic tomographic image is not limited to the tomographic image cross section 102 in FIG. 2, and may be another cross section having a known arrangement relationship with the tomographic image (tomographic image cross section 102). . For example, the arbitrary cross section 104 may be set with the cross section intersecting (for example, orthogonal) with the tomographic image as an initial cross section, or with a cross section separated from the tomographic image, for example, parallel to the tomographic image, as an initial cross section. A cross section 104 may be set.

  The cross-section setting unit 40 sets an arbitrary cross-section 104 in the three-dimensional region 100 by moving the cross-section and changing the inclination of the cross-section according to a user operation received from the user via the operation device 42. .

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example related to cross-sectional movement and inclination change. FIG. 3 shows a specific example regarding the parallel movement (A) of the arbitrary cross section 104 and the change of the normal direction of the arbitrary cross section 104 (B).

  In the translation (A), the arbitrary cross section 104 is translated by a distance corresponding to the operation from the user input via the operation device 42. For example, the arbitrary cross section 104 is translated in the normal direction.

  Further, in the change of the normal direction (B), the normal direction of the arbitrary cross section 104 is changed in accordance with the operation from the user input via the operation device 42 so as to follow the change of the normal direction. The direction of the arbitrary cross section 104 is changed. For example, while the starting point of the normal vector N of the arbitrary cross section 104 is fixed (without moving the starting point), the direction of the normal vector N is changed and the direction of the arbitrary cross section 104 is changed.

  The normal direction change (B) may be performed after the parallel movement (A) is performed, or the parallel movement (A) is performed after the normal direction change (B) is performed. Also good.

  A user such as a doctor sets the arbitrary cross section 104 in a desired direction at a desired position by parallel movement (A) and normal direction change (B). For example, a user such as a doctor adjusts the posture of the probe 10 so that a tomographic image including a fetus that is a desired diagnosis target, for example, or a tomographic image in the vicinity of the fetus, and is displayed on the display unit 32. While viewing the image and an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section, while maintaining the posture of the probe 10, using the operation device 42 (for example, a dial or a slider), an operation of translating the cross section or an operation of changing the normal direction By performing the above, it is possible to set a desired arbitrary cross section relating to, for example, the fetal heart and the like relatively easily and appropriately with an intuitive operation feeling. Of course, it is possible to set a desired arbitrary section even in a diagnosis object other than the fetus.

  When an arbitrary cross section is set by the cross section setting unit 40 according to a user operation, the transmission / reception control unit 50 controls the transmission / reception unit 12 to obtain a reception signal from the arbitrary cross section by transmission / reception processing specialized for the set arbitrary cross section. To do.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of transmission / reception processing specialized for an arbitrary cross section. FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the tomographic image section 102, and also shows an arbitrary section 104 (intersection line between the tomographic image section 102 and the arbitrary section 104) in the tomographic image section 102.

  When an ultrasonic reception signal is obtained from the tomographic image section 102, an ultrasonic beam (transmission beam and reception beam) whose depth direction is the r direction is formed, and the ultrasonic beam is scanned in the θ direction. Thus, a scanning plane corresponding to the tomographic image cross section 102 is formed. In the scanning, for example, a transmission beam having a transmission focus in the vicinity of the center in the depth direction (r direction) is formed, and for example, a reception beam is formed at a constant pulse repetition period.

  On the other hand, when an ultrasonic reception signal is obtained from the arbitrary cross section 104, an ultrasonic beam (transmission beam and reception beam) whose depth direction is the r direction is formed so as to pass through the arbitrary cross section 104. The ultrasonic beam is scanned so as to pass through the entire area of the arbitrary cross section 104 (which may be partial). In the scanning, a transmission beam is formed with a transmission focus corresponding to the depth of the arbitrary cross section 104, and a reception beam is formed with a pulse repetition period corresponding to the depth of the arbitrary cross section 104.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the depth of the ultrasonic beam B, for example, the depth of the transmission focus of the ultrasonic beam B, and the period for obtaining the reception signal from the ultrasonic beam B according to the position passing through the arbitrary cross section 104. (Pulse repetition period) is controlled. A transmission beam may be formed with a transmission power corresponding to the depth of the arbitrary cross section 104.

  As described above, according to the transmission / reception processing specialized for the arbitrary cross section 104, for example, since the ultrasonic beam can be scanned with the arbitrary cross section 104 as the transmission focus, the transmission focus is deviated from the arbitrary cross section 104. As compared with the above, the resolution of the image in the ultrasonic image of the arbitrary cross section 104 is increased. Further, since the reception beam is formed with a pulse repetition period corresponding to the depth of the arbitrary cross section 104, for example, the pulse repetition period can be shortened in a portion where the arbitrary cross section 104 is shallow, and the scanning time is shortened to reduce the frame rate. Can be improved.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a display image. FIG. 5 shows a specific example of a display image formed in the display processing unit 30.

  In display example 1, a tomographic image obtained from tomographic image cross section 102 (see FIG. 2) and an arbitrary cross sectional image obtained from arbitrary cross section 104 (see FIG. 2) are displayed side by side. An arbitrary slice cursor 114 corresponding to the position and direction of the arbitrary slice 104 is displayed in the tomographic image, and a tomographic image cursor 112 corresponding to the position and direction of the tomographic image slice 102 is displayed in the arbitrary slice image. Is done. The arbitrary slice cursor 114 and the tomographic image cursor 112 correspond to the intersection of the tomographic image slice 102 and the arbitrary slice 104, respectively.

  According to the display example 1, the user can grasp the positional relationship between the tomographic image slice 102 and the arbitrary slice 104 from the positions and inclinations of the arbitrary slice cursor 114 and the tomographic image cursor 112. Note that it is desirable to change the positions and inclinations of the arbitrary slice cursor 114 and the tomographic image cursor 112 so as to follow the change in the position and direction of the arbitrary slice 104. In addition, the tomographic image and the arbitrary cross-sectional image may be displayed side by side in a vertical or other arrangement, or the tomographic image or the arbitrary cross-sectional image may be displayed individually.

  In the display example 2, the tomographic image obtained from the tomographic image cross section 102 and the arbitrary cross sectional image obtained from the arbitrary cross section 104 are displayed side by side, and the cross section model 120 is further displayed. The cross-section model 120 is a display mode (display mode in FIG. 2) that three-dimensionally shows the positional relationship between the tomographic image cross-section 102 and the arbitrary cross-section 104 in the three-dimensional region.

  Further, in the display example 2, the same display processing is performed on the tomographic image and the tomographic image cross section 102 in the cross section model 120, and the same display processing is performed on the arbitrary cross section image and the arbitrary cross section 104 in the cross section model 120. It is desirable. For example, the color of the arbitrary cross section 104 in the cross section model 120 and the color of the frame surrounding the arbitrary cross section image are made the same, and the color of the tomographic image cross section 102 in the cross section model 120 and the color of the frame surrounding the tomographic image are made the same. Instead of color, the correspondence may be clarified by display processing such as luminance (brightness and darkness) and patterns.

  According to the display example 2, it is possible for the user to visually and intuitively grasp the positional relationship between the tomographic image slice 102 and the arbitrary slice 104 from the slice model 120. Note that it is desirable to change the position and direction of the arbitrary cross section 104 in the cross section model 120 so as to follow the change in the position and direction of the arbitrary cross section 104. In addition, the tomographic image and the arbitrary cross-sectional image may be displayed side by side in a vertical or other arrangement, or the tomographic image or the arbitrary cross-sectional image may be displayed individually.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, embodiment mentioned above is only a mere illustration in all the points, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention includes various modifications without departing from the essence thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Probe, 12 Transmission / reception part, 14 Reception signal processing part, 22 Tomographic image formation part, 24 Arbitrary slice image formation part, 26 Three-dimensional image formation part, 30 Display processing part, 32 Display part, 40 Section setting part, 42 Operation device , 50 Transmission / reception control unit, 60 control unit.

Claims (9)

A probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasound,
A transmission / reception unit for controlling the probe to obtain an ultrasonic reception signal;
A cross-section setting unit that sets an arbitrary cross-section by changing at least one of the position and direction of the cross-section based on an ultrasonic tomographic image;
A transmission / reception control unit for controlling the transmission / reception unit so as to obtain a reception signal from the arbitrary cross section by a transmission / reception process specialized for the arbitrary cross section;
An image forming unit that forms an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section based on data of a received signal obtained from the arbitrary cross section;
An operation device that accepts user operations from the user;
Have
In accordance with a user operation input via the operation device, the direction of the normal vector is changed while the start point of the normal vector of the arbitrary cross section is fixed, and the normal direction of the arbitrary cross section is changed,
The cross-section setting unit sets the arbitrary cross section by changing the normal direction of the arbitrary cross section so as to follow the change of the normal direction.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
The cross-section setting unit sets an arbitrary cross-section by translating an arbitrary cross-section in the normal direction by a distance corresponding to a user operation input via the operation device.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2,
The cross section setting unit sets an arbitrary cross section by changing the normal direction of the arbitrary cross section after translating the arbitrary cross section in accordance with a user operation.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 ,
The cross-section setting unit sets an arbitrary cross-section by translating the arbitrary cross-section after changing the normal direction of the arbitrary cross-section according to a user operation.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The transmission / reception control unit controls the transmission / reception unit so as to form a reception beam at a pulse repetition period according to the depth of an arbitrary cross section.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The transmission / reception control unit controls the transmission / reception unit to form a transmission beam with transmission power according to the depth of an arbitrary cross section,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays an arbitrary cross-section cursor corresponding to the position and direction of an arbitrary cross section in an ultrasonic tomographic image, and the tomographic image cursor corresponding to the position and direction of the cross-section of the tomographic image Display in the image,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays a cross-sectional model that three-dimensionally shows the positional relationship between a cross-section of a tomographic image and an arbitrary cross-section in a three-dimensional region.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8,
When displaying the ultrasonic tomographic image, the ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section, and the cross-sectional model, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus associates the ultrasonic tomographic image with the cross-section of the tomographic image in the cross-sectional model. A display process is performed, and an ultrasonic image of an arbitrary cross section and a display process in which the arbitrary cross section in the cross section model is associated with each other are performed.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.