JP6571547B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  For example, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used for elastic imaging.

  Ultrasound diagnosis is a simple operation by simply touching the ultrasound probe from the body surface, and the heart beats and fetal movements can be obtained in real-time display. Is small compared to other diagnostic equipment such as X-ray, CT, MRI, etc., and it is easy to perform inspection while moving to the bedside. Ultrasonic diagnosis is not affected by exposure unlike X-rays and can be used in obstetrics and home medical care.

  As an application field of ultrasonic diagnosis, there is a technique of quantifying tissue properties. Ultrasonic tissue elasticity imaging (ultrasonic elastography) is one of them, and it measures non-invasively the whole or local hardness of an organ that can be detected by ultrasound. There are several methods of ultrasonic elastography. For example, the contact pressure of the ultrasound probe is actively changed by the excitation of the ultrasound probe, and the contact pressure of the ultrasound probe is measured by measuring the change in the patient's body in response to the change. Elastography that measures changes in the patient's body caused by biological functions such as respiratory motion and heartbeat without changing significantly, and elastography that measures changes in the patient's body caused by acoustic radiation pressure and so on.

  By such ultrasonic elastography, for example, physical quantities such as displacement and velocity at each position in a region of interest (ROI) are colored as index values (motion information) according to the values, and the B mode An overlay is displayed on a tissue structure image such as an image. An observer such as a doctor can observe in real time motion information generated in each site by the tissue structure of the diagnostic site displayed in the overlay and manual vibration.

  By the way, when performing elastography by manual vibration, for example, in the state where the ultrasonic probe is left in the air without exciting the diagnostic region (hereinafter simply referred to as “air left state”), the speed In theory, motion information should be colored and not overlaid on the tissue structure image.

  However, in reality, even in the aerial state, speed information based on a noise signal or the like is detected and colored, and for example, an overlay display may be performed as shown in FIG. In addition, if the ultrasonic probe is left in the air with jelly applied, minute vibrations such as the device are transmitted to the ultrasonic probe through the jelly, and the vibration is not applied by humans. The vibration is detected and colored, and an overlay display may be performed as shown in FIG.

  In this way, when information that is not related to manual excitation due to the device etc. is colored and displayed as an overlay, the user or patient may be anxious about image diagnosis using ultrasonic elastography There is a possibility. For this reason, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, even if the ultrasonic probe is left in the air, for example, the following measures are taken in order to prevent information that is not related to manual excitation from being displayed in color. Has been. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the average speed V0 in the ROI set in the current frame and the maximum speed (the value of the currently set speed range) that can be detected in the currently set speed range (scale). ) The ratio Vr = V0 / Vmax is calculated from Vmax, and when the value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (Tresh), it is determined that the air is left in the air, and color display relating to the ROI is not performed.

JP-A-2-206442

  However, the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has the following problems. That is, the threshold value used for the above determination as to whether or not the ultrasonic probe is left in the air is a fixed value regardless of the ultrasonic probe and the speed range. On the other hand, the noise level and the speed offset are generally different depending on the ultrasonic probe and the speed range (for example, not proportional to the speed range). For this reason, it is not always possible to accurately determine whether or not the ultrasonic probe is left in the air with a fixed threshold. Even if the ultrasonic probe is left in the air, noise signals, vibrations, etc. are displayed on the tissue structure image. May cause colors to be displayed. As a result, there is still a possibility that the user and the patient are anxious about the image diagnosis using the ultrasonic elastography.

  Further, in actual ultrasonic image diagnosis, the ultrasonic probe may be left in the air in a state where the freeze operation is forgotten. In such a case, if the same electric power as that under normal imaging conditions is continuously supplied to the ultrasonic probe, as a result, the deterioration of the ultrasonic probe is accelerated.

  In view of the above circumstances, for example, in ultrasonic elastography, etc., it is possible to more accurately determine a state in which there is no human vibration such as a state of being left in the air or a state of being in a jelly coating state, and appropriate control is performed based on the result An object of the present invention is to provide an executable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a detection unit and a processing unit. The detection unit detects leaving of the active ultrasonic probe. The processing unit generates a first image based on an output from the ultrasonic probe, displays a second image different from the first image, and displays the first image on the second image. When the detection unit detects that the ultrasonic probe is left unattended during the activation of the control mode for displaying the image with a predetermined opacity, the control is performed to display the second image without generating the first image. Control to display the second image without generating the first image while generating the first image, or generating the first image and displaying the second image And controlling the first image to be displayed with an opacity lower than the predetermined opacity on the second image.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in typical tissue elasticity imaging. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control using this probe state detection function. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating each ROI set in the index value image acquired in time series and the average speed in each ROI. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining all combinations using average velocities V0, V1, V2, V3, and V4 corresponding to five frames. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the details of the determination process of the probe state detection unit 37 in step S15. 7A and 7B, it is determined in step S15 that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air”, and a color image is displayed in the ROI of the index value image corresponding to the current frame in step S17. It is a figure for demonstrating the elastography display-controlled so that it may not be performed. FIG. 8 shows the local regions a and b set in the ROI of the index value image corresponding to the current frame, and the ROI of the index value image corresponding to each of the previous three frames from the current frame. It is the figure which showed the set local area | regions a and b. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining the details of the determination process of the probe state detection unit 37 according to the modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of elastography displayed in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining elastography displayed by display control using the probe state detection function according to the present modification. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control using the probe state detection function according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining conventional elastography. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining conventional elastography. FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control using the probe state detection function according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a block configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control using the probe state detection function according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control using the probe state detection function according to the fifth embodiment.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11, an ultrasonic probe 12, an input device 13, and a monitor 14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11 includes an ultrasonic transmission unit 21, an ultrasonic reception unit 22, a B-mode processing unit 23, a Doppler processing unit 24, a RAW data memory 25, a volume data generation unit 26, an image processing unit 28, and display processing. A unit 30, a control processor (CPU) 31, a storage unit 32, an interface unit 33, an index value image generation unit 35, and a probe state detection unit 37 are provided.

  The ultrasonic probe 12 is a device (probe) that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject whose typical example is a living body, and receives reflected waves from the subject based on the transmitted ultrasonic waves. A plurality of piezoelectric vibrators (ultrasonic transducers), a matching layer, a backing material, and the like. The piezoelectric vibrator transmits an ultrasonic wave in a desired direction in the scan region based on a drive signal from the ultrasonic transmission unit 21, and converts a reflected wave from the subject into an electric signal. The matching layer is an intermediate layer provided in the piezoelectric vibrator for efficiently propagating ultrasonic energy. The backing material prevents ultrasonic waves from propagating backward from the piezoelectric vibrator. When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 12 to the subject, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are successively reflected by the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance of the body tissue and received by the ultrasonic probe 12 as an echo signal. The amplitude of this echo signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface that is to be reflected. Further, the echo when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving bloodstream undergoes a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect depending on the velocity component in the ultrasonic transmission / reception direction of the moving body. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 12 is a one-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged along a predetermined direction. However, without being limited to this example, the ultrasonic probe 12 can acquire volume data as a two-dimensional array probe (a probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix), or mechanical 4D. A probe (a probe capable of performing ultrasonic scanning while mechanically rolling an ultrasonic transducer array in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction thereof) may be used.

  The input device 13 is connected to the device main body 11, and various switches, buttons, and tracks for incorporating various instructions, conditions, region of interest (ROI) setting instructions, various image quality condition setting instructions, etc. from the operator into the device main body 11. It has a ball, mouse, keyboard, etc.

  The monitor 14 displays in vivo morphological information and blood flow information as an image based on the video signal from the display processing unit 30. In the tissue elasticity imaging, the monitor 14 displays elastography in which the presence or absence of color display is controlled depending on whether or not the ultrasound probe is left in the air.

  The ultrasonic transmission unit 21 includes a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, and the like (not shown). The trigger generation circuit repeatedly generates a trigger pulse for forming a transmission ultrasonic wave at a predetermined rate frequency fr Hz (period: 1 / fr second). Further, in the delay circuit, a delay time required for focusing the ultrasonic wave into a beam shape for each channel and determining the transmission directivity is given to each trigger pulse. The pulsar circuit applies a drive pulse having a predetermined frequency to the probe 12 at a predetermined voltage at a timing based on the trigger pulse.

  The ultrasonic receiving unit 22 includes an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, a delay circuit, an adder and the like not shown. The amplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal captured via the probe 12 for each channel. The A / D converter converts the amplified analog echo signal into a digital echo signal. The delay circuit determines the reception directivity for the digitally converted echo signal, gives a delay time necessary for performing the reception dynamic focus, and then performs an addition process in the adder. By this addition, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the echo signal is emphasized, and a comprehensive beam for ultrasonic transmission / reception is formed by the reception directivity and the transmission directivity.

  The B-mode processing unit 23 receives the echo signal from the receiving unit 22, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like, and generates data in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness.

  The blood flow detection unit 24 extracts a blood flow signal from the echo signal received from the reception unit 22 and generates blood flow data. Extraction of blood flow is usually performed by CFM (Color Flow Mapping). In this case, the blood flow signal is analyzed, and blood flow information such as average velocity, dispersion, power, etc. is obtained for multiple points as blood flow data.

  The RAW data memory 25 uses the plurality of B mode data received from the B mode processing unit 23 to generate B mode RAW data that is B mode data on a three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning line. The RAW data memory 25 generates blood flow RAW data, which is blood flow data on a three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning line, using a plurality of blood flow data received from the blood flow detection unit 24. For the purpose of reducing noise and improving the connection of images, a spatial smoothing may be performed by inserting a three-dimensional filter after the RAW data memory 25.

  The volume data generation unit 26 generates B-mode volume data and blood flow volume data by executing RAW-voxel conversion including interpolation processing that takes into account spatial position information.

  The image processing unit 28 performs predetermined image processing such as volume data received from the volume data generation unit 26, volume rendering, multi-planar reconstruction display (MPR: Multi Planar Reconstruction), maximum value projection display (MIP: Maximum Intensity Projection), and the like. . For the purpose of reducing noise and improving image connection, a two-dimensional filter may be inserted after the image processing unit 28 to perform spatial smoothing.

  The display processing unit 30 executes various types such as dynamic range, brightness (brightness), contrast, γ curve correction, and RGB conversion on various image data generated and processed by the image processing unit 28. Further, the display processing unit 30 uses an index value image for each frame generated by the index value image generation unit 35 in tissue elasticity imaging, and arbitrarily sets an ROI (hereinafter referred to as “elast ROI” or simply “ROI”). The display control for mapping the index value at each position in the image to the corresponding position on the tissue structure image such as the B mode and performing color display (overlay display) according to the value is executed. Further, the display processing unit 30 performs control related to the presence / absence of color display in display control using a probe state detection function which will be described later, depending on whether or not the ultrasonic probe is left in the air. The presence / absence of this color display can be realized, for example, by controlling the opacity (opacity) of each pixel in the color-mapped ROI, or controlling the presence / absence of color mapping of the index value at each position in the ROI. .

  The control processor 31 has a function as an information processing apparatus (computer) and controls the operation of each component. In addition, the control processor 31 executes display control using a probe state detection function, which will be described later, or control related to transmission of an ultrasonic probe using the probe state detection function.

  The storage unit 32 stores a program, a diagnostic protocol, transmission / reception conditions, and other data groups for realizing display control using a probe state detection function, which will be described later, or control related to transmission of an ultrasonic probe using the probe state detection function. It is stored. Further, it is also used for storing images in an image memory (not shown) as required. Data in the storage unit 32 can be transferred to an external peripheral device via the interface unit 33.

  The interface unit 33 is an interface related to the input device 13, a network, and a new external storage device (not shown). It is also possible to connect another device to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11 via the interface unit 33. Further, data such as an ultrasonic image obtained by the apparatus, analysis results, and the like can be transferred by the interface unit 33 to another apparatus via a network.

  The index value image generation unit 35 executes tracking processing using, for example, a time-series B-mode image, and uses the result to indicate an index value (for example, speed, displacement, strain, strain rate, etc.). An index value image indicating a two-dimensional distribution) is generated. In addition, the index value image generation unit 35 calculates an index value by performing frequency analysis on a Doppler signal obtained by, for example, the tissue Doppler mode, and generates an index value image using the index value. Furthermore, the index value image generation unit 35 can also calculate an index value indicating the motion of the tissue by correlation processing using an echo signal (RF signal, I / Q signal). In this embodiment, for the sake of specific explanation, a tracking process using a plurality of B-mode images is executed, and an index value image indicating a two-dimensional distribution of index values is generated using the results. For example.

  The probe state detection unit 37 calculates a time-series tissue index value, calculates a change in the time-series index value, and determines whether the ultrasonic probe 12 is left in the air and in the non-air-free state according to the result. Are detected and distinguished. The operation of the probe state detection unit 37 will be described in detail later.

(Display control using probe status detection function)
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in typical tissue elasticity imaging. As shown in the figure, in tissue elasticity imaging, input of patient information / selection of sequence for executing tissue elasticity imaging / input of transmission / reception conditions / input reception of imaging start instruction (step S1), ultrasonic scanning Steps of determination of a cross section (step S2), imaging / generation of a tissue structure image / index value image accompanying compression / release (step S3), and display of an ultrasonic image (step S4) are executed.

  In addition, in tissue elasticity imaging according to these series of processing, the ultrasound probe is left in the air without manual excitation to the diagnostic site as necessary (hereinafter simply referred to as “air left in the state”). May be called).

  The display control using this probe state detection function is the state of leaving in the air and the state of taking an ultrasonic image using an ultrasonic probe while manually applying vibration to the diagnostic part (non-air left State), and in the case of detecting a state of being left in the air, in the ultrasonic image displayed as elastography, display control is performed to set the color display of the index value image to “None”. is there.

  The display control using this probe state detection function is repeatedly executed in parallel with the processing of steps S2 and S3, triggered by the imaging start input of step S1, and controls the display of the ultrasonic image of step S4. It is.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control using this probe state detection function. The process in each step will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Time series index value images are sequentially acquired according to a predetermined frame rate by ultrasonic transmission / reception executed using the imaging start input in step S1 of FIG. 2 as a trigger (in the present embodiment, images of time series acquired). Each temporal division (one unit) is called a “frame”). The probe state detection unit 37 acquires a plurality of index value images corresponding to n frames (where n is an integer satisfying n ≧ 3) over a predetermined period among index value images acquired in time series. (Step S11). The n frames are preferably continuous in time, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when it is desired to observe over a long span but not to increase the amount of processing data, a discontinuous extraction method such as picking up a total of 5 frames every 3 frames can be applied. Further, in the present embodiment, in order to make the description concrete, index value images for a total of 5 frames (that is, n = 5) of the current frame and 4 frames going back from the current frame are acquired. Shall.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the probe state detection unit 37 sets an ROI for each of a plurality of index value images corresponding to the acquired five frames, and calculates a statistic (here, average speed) in each ROI ( Step S12). In the example shown in the figure, the average speed in the ROI of the current frame is V0, and the average speed in the ROI of each frame is V1, V2, V3, and V4 as the frame goes back one by one from the present. . Note that the statistic in the ROI calculated by the probe state detection unit 37 is not limited to the average value of physical quantities such as speed, and may be a value such as a median value, a variance value, a maximum value, or a minimum value.

  Next, the probe state detection unit 37 has a desired number m of two combinations of V0, V1, V2, V3, and V4 corresponding to 5 frames (where m is an integer that satisfies 1 ≦ m ≦ 5C2). The absolute value of the difference value of the average speed is calculated for each combination (pair) extracted (steps S22 and S23). For example, if m = 5C2 = 10, the probe state detection unit 37 extracts all combinations shown in FIG. 5 using V0, V1, V2, V3, and V4 corresponding to 5 frames, and supports all combinations. The absolute value of the average speed difference value (hereinafter simply referred to as “difference value”) is calculated. For example, the difference value | V0−V3 | is calculated for the combination corresponding to the hatched portion in FIG. 5, and the difference value | V2−V4 | is calculated for the combination corresponding to the dot area.

  Next, the probe state detection unit 37 compares the magnitude relationship between each difference value corresponding to each combination obtained in step S14 and the predetermined threshold T, and based on the result, is larger than the predetermined threshold T. It is determined whether there are one or more difference values (step S15). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, when all the difference values corresponding to all combinations are below a predetermined threshold value T, the probe state detection unit 37 determines that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air. It is determined that the state has been detected, and a signal indicating that is sent to the control processor 31 (No in step S24 = (the ultrasonic probe is stationary)). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, if at least one of the difference values corresponding to all combinations is equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold value (in the example of FIG. 6, | V 1 −V 4 |> For the threshold value T), the probe state detection unit 37 determines that “the ultrasonic probe is not left in the air” and sends a signal to that effect to the control processor 31 (Yes = (super) in step S24) There is movement in the sonic probe).

  When the control processor 31 receives a signal from the probe state detection unit 37 that “the ultrasonic probe is not left in the air”, the control processor 31 includes the ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that a color image is displayed on the screen (step S16). On the other hand, when the signal indicating that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air” has been received from the probe state detection unit 37, the control processor 31 performs ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that a color image is not displayed in the display (step S17).

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of elastography displayed in a state of being left in the air in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 7B shows that it is determined in step 15 that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air”, and a color image is not displayed in the ROI of the index value image corresponding to the current frame in step S17. It is a figure for demonstrating the controlled elastography. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the upper row shows the state where the ultrasonic probe is not coated with jelly, and the lower row shows the state where the ultrasonic probe is coated with jelly. Each state is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (b), as a result of the display control in step S17, whether the ultrasonic probe is not coated with jelly or the ultrasonic probe is coated with jelly, When the “aerial state” is detected, no color image is displayed in the ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. On the other hand, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is not possible to detect the “in-air left state” of the ultrasonic probe, and as shown in FIG. In the elastography corresponding to this frame, a color image is displayed in the ROI of the index value image.

(Modification)
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment calculates an average value of motion speed in the ROI, calculates a difference value of the average value for each combination between frames within a predetermined period, and based on the result. Thus, the presence or absence of color display of the index value image is controlled. On the other hand, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the modified example does not use the average velocity value in the entire ROI, but sets a plurality of local regions in the ROI, and calculates the average value of the motion velocity in each local region. Calculates and calculates the difference value of the average value of the corresponding local area for each combination between frames within a predetermined period, and controls the presence or absence of color display for the local area of the index value image based on the result It is.

  FIG. 8 shows the local regions a and b set in the ROI of the index value image corresponding to the current frame, and the ROI of the index value image corresponding to each of the previous three frames from the current frame. It is the figure which showed the set local area | regions a and b.

  The probe state detection unit 37 acquires index value images corresponding to four frames over a predetermined period among index value images acquired in time series (corresponding to step S11 in FIG. 3). The probe state detection unit 37 sets the ROI for each of the plurality of index value images corresponding to the acquired four frames, and calculates the average velocity for each local region in each ROI (corresponding to step S12 in FIG. 3). . In the example of the figure, the average speed in the local area a of the current frame is V0a, and the average speed in the local area a in each frame is V0a, V1a, V2a as the frame goes back one by one from the present. V3a. Similarly, the average speed in the local area b of the current frame is V0b, and the average speed in the local area b in each frame is V1b, V2b, and V3b as the frame goes back one by one from the current time.

  Next, the probe state detection unit 37 combines a desired number m of V0a, V1a, V2a, V3a (V0b, V1b, V2b, V3b) corresponding to the four frames (where m is 1 ≦ 1). An integer satisfying m ≦ 4C2) is extracted, and the absolute value of the difference value of the average speed is calculated for each extracted combination (pair) (corresponding to steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 3). For example, if m = 4C2 = 6, the probe state detection unit 37 extracts all combinations using V0a, V1a, V2a, and V3a (V0b, V1b, V2b, and V3b) corresponding to four frames. The difference value of the average speed corresponding to the combination is calculated for each of the local regions a and b.

  Next, the probe state detection unit 37 compares the magnitude relationship between each difference value corresponding to each combination and the predetermined threshold T for each of the local regions a and b, and based on the result, the predetermined threshold T It is determined whether or not there is at least one difference value that is larger (corresponding to step S15 in FIG. 3). In this determination, when all the difference values corresponding to all combinations are below the predetermined threshold T, the probe state detection unit 37 determines that the local region is “a living tissue that does not cause distortion”. Then, a signal indicating that is sent to the control processor 31 (corresponding to No = in step S15 in FIG. 3). On the other hand, if at least one of the difference values corresponding to all the combinations is equal to or exceeds the predetermined threshold, the probe state detection unit 37 determines that the local region is “a living tissue that produces distortion. Is determined, and a signal indicating that is sent to the control processor 31 (corresponding to Yes = in step S15 in FIG. 3).

  More specifically, with respect to the local region a, the magnitude relationship between each difference value corresponding to each combination and a predetermined threshold T is a difference value relating to all six combinations as shown in FIG. Among them, it is assumed that five difference values of | V0a−V1a |, | V0a−V3a |, | V1a−V2a |, | V1a−V3a |, | V2a−V3a | exceed a predetermined threshold T. In such a case, the probe state detection unit 37 determines that it is a biological tissue that produces distortion because one or more difference values greater than the predetermined threshold value T exist, and a signal indicating that is indicated by the control processor 31. To send.

  On the other hand, for the local region b, the magnitude relationship between each difference value corresponding to each combination and the predetermined threshold T is such that all the difference values relating to all six combinations are predetermined as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the threshold value T is below. In such a case, since there is no difference value larger than the predetermined threshold value T, the probe state detection unit 37 determines that it is “a living tissue that does not cause distortion”, and sends a signal indicating that to the control processor 31. To send.

  The control processor 31 uses the index in the elastography corresponding to the current frame for the local region a (or the region including the vicinity thereof) for which the signal indicating that the tissue is a strain generating biological tissue is received from the probe state detection unit 37. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that the color image is displayed in the local region a within the ROI of the value image (corresponding to step S16 in FIG. 3). On the other hand, for the local region b (or the region including the vicinity thereof) that has received a signal from the probe state detection unit 37 indicating that it is a biological tissue that does not generate distortion, the control processor 31 performs the elastomer corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that the color image is not displayed in the local region b in the ROI of the index value image in the graph (corresponding to step S17 in FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 11, according to the present modification, the local region b detected as “a living tissue that does not generate distortion” is included in the ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The local region “b” is not displayed in color.

  On the other hand, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, as shown in FIG. 10, a color image is displayed in the local region b in the ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame.

  Note that the local region b determined to be “a biological tissue that does not generate distortion” is considered to be a region inside the trachea, inside the blood vessel, or the like. Color display in elastography is a relative mapping of index values (for example, distortion values) in the ROI set in the index value image. According to this modified example, by calculating an index value excluding a region inside the trachea or inside a blood vessel such as the local region b, the distortion in the region where the movement of the tissue is detected can be calculated more accurately. It becomes possible to do.

  According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  According to this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic probe is left in the air and in the non-air left state where an ultrasonic image is taken using the ultrasonic probe while manually applying vibration to the diagnostic part. Are detected, and display control is performed to set the color display of the index value image to “none” in the ultrasonic image displayed as elastography. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation where the color display of the index value image is executed in spite of being left in the air. As a result, it is possible to perform image diagnosis using ultrasonic elastography for the user and the patient. The trouble of giving anxiety can be solved.

  Further, in this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, instead of using the average velocity value in the entire elastography ROI, a plurality of local regions are set in the ROI, and the average value of the index values in each local region is calculated. The difference value of the average value of the local area corresponding to each combination between the frames within a predetermined period is calculated, and based on the result, the presence / absence of color display of the index value image is locally controlled. Thereby, the presence or absence of color display of the index value image can be controlled with each local region as a reference.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment detects and distinguishes between an ultrasonic probe left in the air and a non-air left, and when the air left is detected, the power supplied to the ultrasonic probe (for example, driving) The control relating to the transmission of the ultrasonic probe, such as lowering the voltage, drive frequency, etc., is executed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control using the probe state detection function according to the second embodiment. The process in each step will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Time series index value images are sequentially acquired according to a predetermined frame rate by ultrasonic transmission / reception executed using the imaging start input in step S1 of FIG. 2 as a trigger. Of the received signals (or luminance information at the same position of the B-mode image) acquired in time series, the probe state detection unit 37 corresponds to the same position in the ultrasonic scanning cross section over the predetermined period (however, , N is an integer satisfying n ≧ 3) (step S21). Note that the n received signals are preferably continuous in time, but are not limited to this as described above.

  The probe state detection unit 37 extracts a desired number m of the two received signals from the n received signals (where m is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ m ≦ nC2), and extracts each combination (pair). The absolute value of the difference value of the received signal is calculated (steps S22 and S23). The probe state detection unit 37 compares the magnitude relationship between each difference value corresponding to each combination obtained in step S23 and the predetermined threshold T, and based on the result, a difference value larger than the predetermined threshold T is obtained. It is determined whether there is one or more (step S24). As a result, when all the difference values corresponding to all the combinations are below the predetermined threshold T, the probe state detection unit 37 determines that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air” and indicates that fact. A signal is sent to the control processor 31 (No in step S24 = (the ultrasonic probe) is stationary). On the other hand, if at least one of the difference values corresponding to all the combinations is equal to or exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the probe state detection unit 37 indicates that “the ultrasonic probe is not left in the air”. And sends a signal indicating that to the control processor 31 (Yes in step S24 (the ultrasonic probe is moving)).

  When the control processor 31 receives a signal from the probe state detection unit 37 that “the ultrasonic probe is not left in the air”, the control processor 31 transmits the ultrasonic probe 12 set in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic transmission unit 21 is controlled so as to maintain the power (step S25). On the other hand, when the signal indicating that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air” is received from the probe state detection unit 37, the control processor 31 transmits the ultrasonic probe 12 set in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic transmission unit 21 is controlled so as to weaken the power (step S26).

  Note that the probe state detection function according to the present embodiment is also repeatedly executed in parallel with the processing of steps S2 and S3 with the imaging start input of step S1 as a trigger, and executes control related to the transmission power of the ultrasonic probe 12. .

  Further, the control related to the transmission of the ultrasonic probe using the probe state detection function can be executed together with the display control using the probe state detection function described in the first embodiment.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described above, the ultrasonic probe is left in the air, and an ultrasonic image is taken using the ultrasonic probe while manually applying vibration to the diagnostic site. When it is detected by distinguishing it from the neglected state, and when it is left in the air, control relating to transmission of the ultrasound probe is executed, such as reducing the power supplied to the ultrasound probe. For example, if the user forgets the freeze operation and leaves the ultrasound probe in the air, leaving it in the air may cause deterioration of the probe, but according to this device, the transmission power of the ultrasound probe can be automatically reduced. it can. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the ultrasonic probe from being accelerated as compared with the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, the ultrasonic probe is kept in the air in the air based on the average velocity in each ROI set in the index value image acquired in time series. A case has been described in which the detection is performed separately from the state of being left in the air. A case will be described in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment detects the ultrasonic probe in an air-leaving state and a non-air-free state based on the position of the ultrasonic probe.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11, an ultrasonic probe 12, an input device 13, and a monitor 14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11 includes an ultrasonic transmission unit 21, an ultrasonic reception unit 22, a B-mode processing unit 23, a Doppler processing unit 24, a RAW data memory 25, a volume data generation unit 26, an image processing unit 28, and display processing. A unit 30, a control processor (CPU) 31, a storage unit 32, an interface unit 33, an index value image generation unit 35, and a probe state detection unit 37A are provided. A scanning sectional position sensor 41 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A. Hereinafter, the function of each component will be described.

  The magnetic field generator 39 is provided in the vicinity of the subject. The magnetic field generator 39 generates a magnetic field for the scanning cross-section position sensor 41 provided in the ultrasonic probe 12 to calculate the position of the operation cross section. The position of the magnetic field generator 39 is stored in the storage unit 32 in advance.

  The scanning cross-section position sensor 41 is provided at a predetermined position of the ultrasonic probe 12. The scanning cross-section position sensor 41 is a magnetic sensor, for example. The scanning cross-section position sensor 41 detects the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 39 and calculates the position of the scanning cross section based on the detected magnetic field. The calculated position of the scanning section is sent out into the apparatus main body 11 via the interface unit 33 in real time.

  The probe state detection unit 37 </ b> A distinguishes and detects whether the ultrasonic probe is left in the air or not in the air based on the position of the scanning cross section sent from the scanning cross section position sensor 41 in real time. The operation of the probe state detection unit 37A will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control using the probe state detection function according to the third embodiment. The process in each step will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Time series index value images are sequentially acquired according to a predetermined frame rate by ultrasonic transmission / reception executed using the imaging start input in step S1 of FIG. 2 as a trigger.

  Further, the magnetic field generation device 39 starts generating a magnetic field using the imaging start input in step S1 as a trigger. Further, the scanning section position sensor 41 starts the detection of the magnetic field and the calculation of the position of the scanning section by using the imaging start input in step S1 as a trigger.

  The probe state detection unit 37A acquires the position of the scanning section sent out in real time from the scanning section position sensor 41 (step 31).

  The probe state detection unit 37A calculates the distance between the magnetic field generator 39 and the ultrasonic probe 12 based on the acquired position of the scanning cross section and the position of the magnetic field generator 39 stored in the storage unit 32 ( Step 32).

  The probe state detection unit 37A determines whether or not the distance between the magnetic field generator 39 and the ultrasonic probe 12 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold D (step 33).

  When the probe state detection unit 37A determines that the distance between the magnetic field generator 39 and the ultrasonic probe 12 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold D, it determines that “the ultrasonic probe is not detected in the air”. Then, a signal indicating that is sent to the control processor 31 (Yes in step 33).

  When the probe state detection unit 37A determines that the distance between the magnetic field generator 39 and the ultrasonic probe 12 exceeds the predetermined threshold D, the probe state detection unit 37A determines that “the ultrasonic probe has been left in the air”. Is sent to the control processor 31 (No in step 33 = not being measured).

  When the control processor 31 receives from the probe state detection unit 37A a signal that “the ultrasonic probe is not detected in the air”, the control processor 31 includes the ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that a color image is displayed (step S34). On the other hand, when the signal indicating that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air” has been received from the probe state detection unit 37A, the control processor 31 performs ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that a color image is not displayed in the display (step S35).

  Moreover, it is of course possible to execute the display control using this probe state detection function together with the control related to the transmission of the ultrasonic probe described in the second embodiment.

  According to this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, based on the distance between the position of the magnetic field generator provided in the vicinity of the subject and the position of the scanning section of the ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe is left in the air and diagnosed. Elastography is detected when it is detected by distinguishing it from the non-airborne state where an ultrasonic image is taken using an ultrasonic probe while manually applying vibration to the part. In the ultrasonic image displayed as “”, display control is performed so that the color display of the index value image is “none”. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation where the color display of the index value image is executed in spite of being left in the air. As a result, it is possible to perform image diagnosis using ultrasonic elastography for the user and the patient. The trouble of giving anxiety can be solved.

  In the above description, the state in which the ultrasonic probe is left in the air is detected based on the comparison result between the distance between the magnetic field generator 39 and the ultrasonic probe 12 and the predetermined threshold value D, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the state in which the ultrasonic probe is left in the air may be detected based on the relative position of the ultrasonic probe 12 from a predetermined reference position.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment, the case has been described in which the ultrasonic probe is detected by distinguishing between the airborne state and the non-airborne state based on the position of the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment distinguishes and detects whether the ultrasonic probe is left in the air or not in the air based on an elapsed time during which the posture of the ultrasonic probe and the predetermined posture are maintained. The case where it does is demonstrated.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11, an ultrasonic probe 12, an input device 13, and a monitor 14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11 includes an ultrasonic transmission unit 21, an ultrasonic reception unit 22, a B-mode processing unit 23, a Doppler processing unit 24, a RAW data memory 25, a volume data generation unit 26, an image processing unit 28, and display processing. A unit 30, a control processor (CPU) 31, a storage unit 32, an interface unit 33, an index value image generation unit 35, and a probe state detection unit 37B are provided. A scanning section posture sensor 43 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B. Hereinafter, the function of each component will be described.

  The scanning section posture sensor 43 is provided at a predetermined position of the ultrasonic probe 12. The scanning section posture sensor 43 is, for example, a gyro sensor. The scanning section posture sensor 43 holds information on a preset reference posture. The scanning section posture sensor 43 detects an angular velocity generated by the movement of the ultrasonic probe 12. The scanning section posture sensor 43 calculates the posture of the scanning section of the ultrasonic probe 12 based on the reference posture information and the detected angular velocity. The calculated posture of the scanning section is sent out into the apparatus main body 11 via the interface unit 33 in real time.

  The probe state detection unit 37B distinguishes and detects whether the ultrasonic probe is left in the air or not in the air based on the posture of the scanning cross section sent from the scanning cross section posture sensor 43 in real time. The operation of the probe state detection unit 37B will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control using the probe state detection function according to the fourth embodiment. The process in each step will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Time series index value images are sequentially acquired according to a predetermined frame rate by ultrasonic transmission / reception executed using the imaging start input in step S1 of FIG. 2 as a trigger.

  Further, the scanning section posture sensor 43 starts the detection of the angular velocity and the calculation of the posture of the scanning section by using the imaging start input in step S1 as a trigger.

  The probe state detection unit 37B acquires the posture of the scanning section sent from the scanning section posture sensor 43 in real time (step 41).

  The probe state detection unit 37B determines whether or not the posture of the acquired scanning section is not upward (step 42). “Upward” is, for example, a state in which the angle formed by the axis of the ultrasonic probe 12 and the vertical direction is within a predetermined angle.

  When the probe state detection unit 37B determines that the posture of the scanning section is not upward, it determines that “the ultrasonic probe is not left in the air” and sends a signal indicating that to the control processor 31 (step S31). 42 Yes = being measured).

  When the probe state detection unit 37B determines that the posture of the scanning section is upward, the probe state detection unit 37B determines whether or not the state where the posture of the scanning section is upward continues for a predetermined time or more (step 43).

  The probe state detection unit 37B determines that “the ultrasonic probe has been left in the air” when the scanning section is kept in the upward state for a predetermined time or longer, and sends a signal indicating that to the control processor 31. Send out (Yes in step 43 = not measuring).

  The probe state detection unit 37B determines that “the ultrasonic probe is not left in the air is not detected” when the posture of the scanning cross section changes to another posture without continuing for a predetermined time, and accordingly Is sent to the control processor 31 (No in step 43 = during measurement).

  When the control processor 31 receives from the probe state detection unit 37B a signal that "the ultrasonic probe is not left in the air", the control processor 31 includes the ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that a color image is displayed (step S44). On the other hand, when the signal indicating that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air” has been received from the probe state detection unit 37B, the control processor 31 performs ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that the color image is not displayed in the inside (step S45).

  Further, the display control using the probe state detection function using the probe state detection function can be executed together with the control related to the transmission of the ultrasonic probe described in the second embodiment.

  According to this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, based on the elapsed time during which the posture of the ultrasonic probe and the state of the predetermined posture are maintained, the ultrasonic probe is discriminated between the air leaving state and the non-air leaving state, When the state of being left in the air is detected, display control is executed to set the color display of the index value image to “none” in the ultrasonic image displayed as elastography. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation where the color display of the index value image is executed in spite of being left in the air. As a result, it is possible to perform image diagnosis using ultrasonic elastography for the user and the patient. The trouble of giving anxiety can be solved.

(Fifth embodiment)
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment determines whether the ultrasonic probe is left in the air or not in the air based on the transmission / reception state of the ultrasonic probe and whether or not the ultrasonic probe is stored in the holder. A case where the detection is performed with distinction will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> C includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11, an ultrasonic probe 12, an input device 13, and a monitor 14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 11 includes an ultrasonic transmission unit 21, an ultrasonic reception unit 22, a B-mode processing unit 23, a Doppler processing unit 24, a RAW data memory 25, a volume data generation unit 26, an image processing unit 28, and display processing. A unit 30, a control processor (CPU) 31, a storage unit 32, an interface unit 33, an index value image generation unit 35, and a probe state detection unit 37C are provided. A probe holder 45 is provided in the vicinity of the apparatus main body 11. In addition, an IC card chip storing a probe ID is attached to the ultrasonic probe 12. In the following description, it is assumed that there are a plurality of ultrasonic probes 12. Hereinafter, the function of each component will be described.

  The storage unit 32 stores probe information of the plurality of ultrasonic probes 12. The probe information includes a probe ID corresponding to each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes 12.

  The probe holder 45 is provided in the vicinity of the apparatus main body 11. The probe holder 45 stores the ultrasonic probe 12 that is not used for imaging. The probe holder 45 temporarily stores the ultrasonic probe 12 during imaging. The probe holder 45 has a coil 451 for generating an induced electromotive force accompanying the movement of the ultrasonic probe 12 to the probe holder 45. Further, the probe holder 45 has a storage detection sensor 452.

  The storage detection sensor 452 detects the ultrasonic probe 12 based on the change in the induced electromotive force accompanying the movement of the ultrasonic probe 12 to the probe holder 45, triggered by the storage of the ultrasonic probe 12 in the probe holder 45. . The storage detection sensor 452 identifies the ultrasonic probe 12 by reading the probe ID stored in the IC card chip attached to the ultrasonic probe 12 using the coil 451.

  The fact that the ultrasonic probe 12 has been detected and the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe 12 are sent into the apparatus main body 11 in real time via the interface unit 33.

  The probe state detection unit 37C is sent from the storage detection sensor 452 in real time to the effect that the ultrasonic probe 12 has been detected and the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe 12, and whether the ultrasonic probe is left in the air or not in the air. Detected separately. The probe state detection unit 37C monitors the ultrasonic transmission unit 21 and the ultrasonic reception unit 22 and acquires the ultrasonic transmission / reception state. The operation of the probe state detection unit 37C will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control using the probe state detection function according to the fifth embodiment. The process in each step will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Time series index value images are sequentially acquired according to a predetermined frame rate by ultrasonic transmission / reception executed using the imaging start input in step S1 of FIG. 2 as a trigger.

  The probe state detection unit 37C monitors the ultrasonic transmission unit 21 and the ultrasonic reception unit 22 using the imaging start input in step S1 as a trigger (step 51).

  The probe state detection unit 37C determines whether or not the ultrasonic transmission / reception state is ultrasonic transmission / reception (step 52).

  If the ultrasonic transmission / reception state is during ultrasonic transmission / reception (Yes in step 52), the probe state detection unit 37C detects that the ultrasonic probe 12 sent in real time from the storage detection sensor 452 has been detected. It is determined whether or not the sonic probe 12 is stored in the probe holder 45 (step 53). At this time, the probe state detection unit 37 </ b> C reads from the storage unit 32 the probe ID corresponding to the ultrasonic probe 12 that is performing ultrasonic transmission / reception.

  When the probe state detection unit 37C determines that the ultrasonic probe 12 is stored in the probe holder 45 (Yes in step 53), the probe ID sent from the storage detection sensor 452 and the ultrasonic wave that is being transmitted / received ultrasonically By comparing the probe ID corresponding to the probe 12, it is determined whether or not the stored ultrasonic probe 12 is performing ultrasonic transmission / reception (step 54).

  When the stored ultrasonic probe 12 is not transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves, the probe state detection unit 37C determines that “the ultrasonic probe is not left in the air” and controls a signal indicating that fact. The data is sent to the processor 31 (Yes in step 54).

  When the stored ultrasonic probe 12 is performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, the probe state detection unit 37C determines that “the ultrasonic probe has been left in the air” and transmits a signal indicating that to the control processor. 31 (No in step 54 = not being measured).

  When the control processor 31 receives from the probe state detection unit 37C a signal that “the ultrasonic probe is not detected in the air”, the control processor 31 includes the ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that a color image is displayed on the screen (step S55). On the other hand, when the signal indicating that “the ultrasonic probe is left in the air” is received from the probe state detection unit 37C, the control processor 31 performs ROI of the index value image in the elastography corresponding to the current frame. The display processing unit 30 is controlled so that no color image is displayed in the display (step S56).

  Further, the display control using the probe state detection function using the probe state detection function can be executed together with the control related to the transmission of the ultrasonic probe described in the second embodiment.

  According to this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, based on whether the ultrasonic probe is transmitted and received and whether or not the ultrasonic probe is stored in the holder, the ultrasonic probe is discriminated from being left in the air and not being left in the air. When it is detected and the state of being left in the air is detected, display control is executed to set the color display of the index value image to “none” in the ultrasonic image displayed as elastography. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation where the color display of the index value image is executed in spite of being left in the air. As a result, it is possible to perform image diagnosis using ultrasonic elastography for the user and the patient. The trouble of giving anxiety can be solved.

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

  (1) Each function according to each of the above embodiments can also be realized by installing a program for executing the processing in a computer such as a workstation and developing the program on a memory. At this time, a program capable of causing the computer to execute the technique is stored in a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. It can also be distributed.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the region to be subjected to elastography is a two-dimensional region (two-dimensional cross section) has been described as an example, but a three-dimensional region can also be a target. In such a case, the three-dimensional region is volume-scanned, and the above-described probe state detection is executed using the three-dimensional ROI. Based on the result, control related to the color display of the index value image and transmission of the ultrasonic probe are performed. At least one of the controls may be executed.

  (3) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the probe state detection function is applied to the elastography based on the B-mode image as the tissue structure image and the index value image generated using the B-mode image is illustrated. However, without being limited to this example, for example, the tissue structure image and the index value image may be acquired by the tissue Doppler mode.

  (4) The predetermined threshold T used in the determination in step S15 of FIG. 3 and step S24 of FIG. 12 may be arbitrarily changed according to, for example, a speed range (scale) set in elastography. preferable. Thereby, the state detection of the probe according to the compression / release strength can be realized.

  (5) Generally, when the transmission condition of the ultrasonic probe changes, the offset component is also affected. For this reason, in order to determine the movement of the tissue between frames, the signal value (or pixel value) corresponding to the tissue is not used as a reference, but the change amount of the signal value (or pixel value) between the frames is used as a reference. It is necessary to. That is, in each of the above embodiments, all combinations using n frames over a predetermined period are collected, the difference for each combination is calculated, and compared with a predetermined threshold T. However, as long as the change amount of the signal value (or pixel value) between frames is used as a criterion for determination, the present invention is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. Therefore, for example, based on the magnitude relationship between the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value among the average velocities in the ROI for n frames over a predetermined period and the predetermined threshold value, the state in which the ultrasonic probe is left in the air is detected. You may make it do.

  (6) In the third embodiment, based on the distance between the position of the magnetic field generator provided in the vicinity of the subject and the position of the scanning section of the ultrasonic probe 12, the state in which the ultrasonic probe is left in the air Although it is detected by distinguishing it from a non-air standing state in which an ultrasonic image is taken using an ultrasonic probe while manually applying vibration to a diagnostic site, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the probe state detection unit 37 </ b> A acquires, via the input device 13, an image representing the state of image diagnosis including an ultrasonic probe and a subject taken by a camera or the like. The probe state detection unit 37A calculates the distance between the position of the scanning section of the ultrasonic probe and the position of the subject based on the captured image, and based on the distance between the position of the scanning section and the position of the subject. In addition, the detection is performed by distinguishing between the state in which the ultrasonic probe is left in the air and the state in which the ultrasonic probe is used to take an ultrasonic image while manually applying vibration to the diagnostic site. May be.

  (7) In each of the above embodiments, a B-mode image or the like is assumed as the tissue structure image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tissue structure image may be an image acquired by a modality other than the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, such as an X-ray CT image.

  (8) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the probe state detection function is applied to tissue elasticity imaging has been exemplified. However, the probe state detection function may be applied to other imaging methods such as color Doppler method, attenuation imaging, parametric imaging, imaging using shear wave, fusion imaging, and the like without being limited to this example.

  (9) About each said 3rd thru | or 5th embodiment, you may combine each embodiment arbitrarily. For example, when the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment are combined, the probe state detection unit detects whether the ultrasonic probe is left active based on the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 11 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, 12 ... Ultrasonic probe, 13 ... Input device, 14 ... Monitor, 21 ... Ultrasonic transmitting unit, 22 ... Ultrasonic receiving unit, 23 ... B-mode processing unit, 24 ... blood flow detection unit, 25 ... RAW data memory, 26 ... volume data generation unit, 28 ... image processing unit, 30 ... display processing unit, 31 ... control processor, 32 ... storage unit, 33 ... interface unit, 35 ... index value image generation unit, 37, 37A, 37B, 37C ... probe state detection unit

Claims (10)

A detection unit for detecting the leaving of the active ultrasound probe;
A first image is generated based on an output from the ultrasonic probe, a second image different from the first image is displayed, and the first image is displayed on the second image with a predetermined non-uniformity. When the detection unit detects that the ultrasonic probe is left while the control mode is displayed with transparency,
Control to display the second image without generating the first image;
Control to display the second image without generating the first image while generating the first image, or
Control for generating the first image, displaying the second image, and displaying the first image with an opacity lower than the predetermined opacity on the second image;
A processing unit for executing
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The first image is an image in which colors corresponding to physical quantities calculated by processing an output from the ultrasonic probe are spatially distributed.
The second image is an image in which luminance values calculated by processing an output from the ultrasonic probe are spatially distributed.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the physical quantity is one of speed, displacement, distortion, and distortion rate.   4. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects an abandonment of the ultrasound probe in an active state by processing an output corresponding to a plurality of frames including the latest frame from the ultrasound probe. 5. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The detection unit calculates a statistical value corresponding to each of the plurality of frames by processing an output from the ultrasonic probe, and a threshold value using a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value among the calculated statistical values The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a leave of the ultrasonic probe in an active state is detected by determination.   The detection unit calculates a statistical value corresponding to each of the plurality of frames by processing an output from the ultrasonic probe and compares the calculated statistical values with all combinations of the calculated statistical values. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects that the ultrasonic probe in an active state is left based on a position of the ultrasonic probe.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects whether the ultrasonic probe in an active state is left based on a posture of the ultrasonic probe.   The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects whether the ultrasonic probe in an active state is left based on whether the ultrasonic probe is stored in a holder. apparatus.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects whether the ultrasonic probe in an active state is left based on a position and a posture of the ultrasonic probe.