JP7008590B2 - Ultrasonic image processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic image processing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for displaying tissue motion.

Ultrasound image processing equipment is used in the medical field. The ultrasonic image processing device is a device that processes an ultrasonic image, and is composed of an ultrasonic diagnostic device, an information processing device, and the like. Recently, ultrasonic diagnosis is becoming widespread and utilized in the field of orthopedics, for example.

Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic image processing apparatus that tracks a predetermined point with respect to the myocardium and displays the motion locus of the point. Specifically, the displacement of points (two-dimensional movement vector) is sequentially calculated in units between frames by the inter-frame tracking technology, and the displacements are displayed by a plurality of arrows. Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technique for displaying a difference in motion mode between a plurality of adjacent tissues.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-130063

It is desired to express the difference in motion of a plurality of adjacent tissues in an easy-to-understand manner. For example, in the field of orthopedics, it is desired to realize a display in which the adhesion between subcutaneous fat and motor tissue (muscle, tendon, etc.) can be easily visually identified.

An object of the present invention is to express in an easy-to-understand manner the difference in motion of a plurality of adjacent tissues in ultrasonic image processing. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to realize a display that can support a diagnosis such as adhesion between adjacent tissues.

The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present invention tracks the first attention point set in the first tissue and the second one based on the ultrasonic image showing the first tissue and the second structure adjacent thereto. A tracking means for tracking the second attention point set in the organization and a first figure reflecting the movement of the first attention point are generated based on the tracking result of the first attention point, and the second attention point is generated. A figure generating means for generating a second figure reflecting the motion of the second point of interest based on the tracking result of the point, a display means for displaying the first figure and the second figure together with the ultrasonic image, and a display means. It is characterized by including.

The above-mentioned tracking means and graphic generation means may be realized as a function of a program executed by a processor. Such a program may be installed in an ultrasonic image processing device as an information processing device via a network or via a portable storage medium.

According to the present invention, it is possible to express the difference in motion of a plurality of adjacent tissues in an easy-to-understand manner during ultrasonic image processing. Alternatively, according to the present invention, it is possible to support the diagnosis of adhesions and the like between adjacent tissues.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as the ultrasonic image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of a graphic image. It is a figure which shows the growth process of a graphic image. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a graphic image. It is a figure for demonstrating the start condition and the end condition. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of a graphic image. It is a figure which shows the 1st image processing method. It is a figure which shows the 2nd image processing method. It is a figure for demonstrating an analysis method. It is a figure which shows the 1st display example of the analysis result. It is a figure which shows the 2nd display example of the analysis result. It is a figure which shows the 3rd display example of the analysis result. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of a graphic image and the 4th display example of the analysis result.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Outline of the Embodiment The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a tracking means, a figure generation means, and a display means. The tracking means tracks the first attention point set in the first tissue and the second set in the second tissue based on the ultrasonic image showing the first tissue and the second tissue adjacent thereto. Track the point of interest. The figure generation means generates a first figure in which the movement of the first attention point is reflected based on the tracking result of the first attention point, and the movement of the second attention point is reflected based on the tracking result of the second attention point. The second figure is generated. The display means displays the first figure and the second figure together with the ultrasonic image.

According to the above configuration, the first and second points of interest are tracked along with the movement of the first and second tissues, and the first and second figures reflecting those movements are displayed. .. By observing the first figure and the second figure in comparison, it is possible to visually identify the difference between the movement of the first tissue and the movement of the second tissue. For example, the first tissue is a subcutaneous tissue (subcutaneous fat, etc.), and the second tissue is a motor tissue (muscle, tendon, etc.). In that case, if the first tissue and the second tissue are adhered to each other, for example, the movement of the second tissue becomes relatively slow, or the first tissue moves along with the second tissue. It is possible to evaluate and diagnose the relationship between such two tissues through the observation of the first figure and the second figure.

In the embodiment, the first figure is a figure showing the locus of movement of the first point of interest, and the second figure is a figure showing the locus of movement of the second point of interest. According to this configuration, it becomes easy to specifically evaluate the movement process of each point of interest.

In the embodiment, when the first point of interest starts from the first initial coordinate and returns to the first initial coordinate or its vicinity, the first figure has a loop shape extending from the first initial coordinate as a base point. It becomes a form, and when the second point of interest starts from the second initial coordinates and returns to the second initial coordinates or its vicinity, the second figure has a loop-like form extending from the second initial coordinates as a base point. Become. For example, with the swelling of the muscle, the points of interest set in the muscle move in the left-right direction as well as in the up-down direction. The locus of motion of such a point of interest is represented as a loop-shaped figure. The start point and end point of each figure do not have to match. A figure similar to a closed curve other than such a closed curve is also a loop-shaped figure. When the point of interest reciprocates linearly, a linear or flattened figure is generated. Such a figure is also a loop-shaped figure.

In the embodiment, the figure generating means includes a magnification setting means for setting a magnification, a first figure generating means for generating a first figure according to the set magnification, and a second figure for generating a second figure according to the set magnification. Including means of generation. According to such a configuration, it is possible to set the enlargement ratio of each figure equally. In the embodiment, when a numerical value exceeding 1 is set as the magnification, the first figure in which the locus of movement of the first point of interest is exaggerated and the locus of movement of the second point of interest are exaggerated. 2 figures are displayed. This configuration makes it easier to compare the movements of two adjacent tissues.

The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to the embodiment further includes a start determination means for determining that the start condition is satisfied based on at least one of the coordinates of the first point of interest and the coordinates of the second point of interest, and the start. It includes a start control means that initiates the generation of the first and second figures when the conditions are met, and is also based on at least one of the coordinates of the first point of interest and the coordinates of the second point of interest. It includes an end determination means for determining that the end condition is satisfied, and an end control means for ending the generation of the first figure and the second figure when the end condition is satisfied. According to this configuration, the burden on the user (doctor, inspector, etc.) can be reduced.

The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes an analysis means for analyzing the first figure and the second figure, and the analysis result of the analysis means is displayed. With this configuration, it becomes easy to objectively or quantitatively evaluate the operation of the two points of interest. Each figure may be analyzed individually, or the relationship between the two figures may be analyzed.

The program according to the embodiment has a function of individually tracking a plurality of points of interest set in a plurality of tissues based on ultrasonic images showing a plurality of adjacent tissues, and a function of a plurality of points of interest. It includes a function of generating a plurality of figures expressing the loci of movements of a plurality of points of interest based on the tracking result, and a function of superimposing and displaying the plurality of figures on an ultrasonic image.

Each of the above points of interest is a concept that includes both pure points and expansive sites. A graphic image including a plurality of figures may be displayed in the still image display state, or a graphic image that dynamically changes in the moving image display state may be displayed.

(2) Details of the Embodiment In FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment is shown as a block diagram. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus functions as an ultrasonic image processing apparatus. An ultrasonic diagnostic device is generally installed in a medical institution such as a hospital and is a medical device that forms an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to a living body (subject). The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment has a function of supporting the diagnosis of tissues such as muscles and tendons in the field of orthopedics.

The ultrasonic probe 10 is an ultrasonic wave transmitter / receiver, which transmits ultrasonic waves to a living body and receives reflected waves from the living body. The ultrasonic probe is abutted on, for example, the wrist, forearm, upper arm, back muscle, thigh, calf and the like. For example, the wave front (acoustic lens surface) of the ultrasonic probe is brought into contact with the wrist, and the movement of the internal tissue when the wrist is flexed is ultrasonically diagnosed in real time.

In the embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 10 has a vibrating element array composed of a plurality of vibrating elements arranged in a linear or arc shape. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the vibrating element array, and the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned. As the electronic scanning method, an electronic linear scanning method, an electronic sector scanning method, and the like are known. For example, in the electronic linear scanning method, the ultrasonic beam 11 is linearly scanned as shown in FIG. As a result, a scanning surface, which is a two-dimensional echo data acquisition region, is formed. The ultrasonic probe 10 may be provided with a two-dimensional vibrating element array to acquire volume data from the living body.

The transmission unit 12 is an electronic circuit that functions as a transmission beam former. The receiving unit 14 is an electronic circuit that functions as a receiving beam former. At the time of transmission, the transmission unit 12 outputs a plurality of delay-processed transmission signals in parallel to the vibrating element array. This forms a transmitting beam. At the time of reception, the reflected wave from the living body is received by the vibrating element array. As a result, a plurality of received signals are output in parallel from the vibrating element array. The receiving unit 14 applies phasing addition (delayed addition) to a plurality of received signals, thereby generating beam data. One beam data is configured for one received beam. Note that one frame data is composed of a plurality of beam data arranged in the electron scanning direction, and each beam data is composed of a plurality of echo data arranged in the depth direction. The frame data is the data corresponding to the scanning surface.

The beam data processing unit 16 executes signal processing such as detection and logarithmic conversion. The beam data that has undergone the processing is input to the image forming unit 18. The image forming unit 18 is an electronic circuit that forms a tomographic image based on frame data. The image forming unit 18 is configured by a digital scan converter (DSC). The DSC executes a coordinate conversion function, an interpolation function, a frame rate conversion function, and the like. The data of the tomographic image formed in the image forming unit 18 is sent to the display processing unit and also sent to the tracking unit 22.

In the embodiment, the image processing module 21 is composed of a tracking unit 22, a figure generation unit 24, a determination unit 26, an analysis unit 28, and a display processing unit 20. The image processing module 21 may include an image forming unit 18. The image processing module 21 is composed of one or a plurality of processors that execute an image processing program. The image processing module 21 may be configured by a CPU or a GPU. The image processing module 21 may be incorporated in an information processing device such as a PC.

The tracking unit 22 functions as a tracking means, and tracks (tracks) attention points (first attention point, second attention point) between frames. In the embodiment, for example, a first point of interest is set in the subcutaneous tissue (correctly, a subcutaneous tissue image), a second point of interest is set in the motor tissue (more accurately, a motor tissue image), and their attention is set. Points are tracked individually. In tracking, a pattern matching method is used in the embodiment. That is, the two-dimensional movement vector of the point of interest is sequentially calculated by pattern matching between frames. Pattern matching may be performed between two temporally adjacent frames, or pattern matching may be performed between the reference frame and the frame of each time phase. A tracking technique other than the pattern matching method may be used.

In the embodiment, when k is a frame number, a template (area of interest as a partial area) is defined in the k-th frame. The central point is the point of interest. On the other hand, a search range is set in the k + 1 frame, and a region most similar to the template is specified within the search range. The center of the area is a new point of interest, and at the same time, the area is a new template. By repeating this, the first attention point is tracked and the second attention point is tracked. For each frame, information indicating the coordinates of each point of interest is sent to the figure generation unit 24 and the determination unit 26.

The figure generation unit 24 functions as a figure generation means (first figure generation means, second figure generation means). The generated graphic image is an image including a first graphic representing the motion locus of the first attention point and a second graphic representing the motion locus of the second attention point. As will be described later, the graphic image is superimposed and displayed on the tomographic image. When the muscle to be diagnosed in the subject is arbitrarily and periodically moved, the first and second points of interest move periodically. The first figure and the second figure are generated in each cycle. The graphic image may be generated only in one cycle, or the graphic image may be repeatedly generated over a plurality of cycles. In that case, the graphic image may be reset at each cycle, or the graphic image may be displayed in multiple layers.

In the embodiment, it is possible to specify the magnification α by the user when generating the figure. For example, when 2 is specified by the user as the magnification α, the figure generation unit 24 of the first attention point and the second attention point. Based on the actual motion locus, the first figure and the second figure having twice the size of them are generated.

The determination unit 26 functions as a start determination means, an end determination means, a start control means, and an end control means. Specifically, the determination unit 26 determines the start of graphic generation and the end of graphic generation based on at least one of the tracking results of the two points of interest. The determination unit 26 controls the operation of the figure generation unit 24 based on those determinations. It should be noted that the state in the middle of drawing the figure may not be displayed, and only the completed figure may be displayed. The data indicating the first graphic and the second graphic (graphic image data) are sent to the display processing unit 20 and the analysis unit 28.

The analysis unit 28 functions as an analysis means, and obtains an analysis result by analyzing the first figure and the second figure. The analysis result is displayed as a numerical value or a graph. Various methods can be mentioned as the analysis method. Each figure (that is, each tissue) may be evaluated individually, or two figures (that is, two tissues) may be evaluated while being compared. It is desirable to perform an analysis that can evaluate adhesions between tissues. The specific analysis method will be described later. Data representing the analysis result is sent to the display processing unit 20.

The display processing unit 20 functions as a display processing means or a display means, and has an image composition function, a color processing function, and the like. The display processing unit 20 according to the embodiment has a function of combining a tomographic image and a graphic image to generate a display image. The display image also includes an image (numerical information, graph, etc.) showing the analysis result, if necessary. The display 30 constitutes a display means together with the display processing unit 20, and is composed of an LCD, an organic EL display device, and the like. A display image is displayed on the screen of the display device 30.

The control unit 32 functions as a control means, and is configured by a CPU that executes an operation program. The control unit 32 may be configured by a plurality of processors. The control unit 32 controls the operation of each element in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. An operation panel is connected to the control unit 32. The operation panel 34 has a plurality of switches, a plurality of buttons, a trackball, a keyboard, and the like. Using the operation panel 34, the graphic image display mode is selected, and the analysis method and the magnification α are specified. Further, the first attention point and the second attention point are set on the tomographic image by using the operation panel 34. The start of figure generation and the end of figure generation may be instructed by the user via the operation panel 34.

FIG. 2 shows a first example of a graphic image. x indicates the horizontal direction, which corresponds to the electron scanning direction. y indicates the vertical direction, which corresponds to the depth direction.

The graphic image 56 according to the first example is superimposed and displayed on the tomographic image 36. The tomographic image 36 shows, for example, the forearm, and specifically, the tomographic image 36 includes a skin layer 38, a subcutaneous fat layer 40 as a subcutaneous tissue layer, and a muscle layer 42. A first ROI (first region of interest) 44 is set in the subcutaneous fat layer 40, and the center thereof is the first attention point 48. A second ROI (second region of interest) 46 is set in the muscle layer 42, and the center thereof is the second attention point 50. The motion of the first point of interest 48 is tracked, and the motion trajectory is represented as the first figure 52. Similarly, the motion of the second point of interest 50 is tracked, and the motion trajectory is represented as the second figure 54. The graphic image 56 includes the first graphic 52 and the second graphic 54. Each region of interest 44, 46 corresponds to the above template. The figures showing their outer edges may or may not be displayed.

The graphic image 56 is the one at the time when one graphic generation process is completed. That is, the graphic image 56 shows the movements of the first attention point 48 and the second attention point 50 in a series of processes from the muscle relaxation state to the muscle contraction state and then to the muscle relaxation state. The muscle contraction state is usually voluntarily formed by the subject. For example, in the case of the forearm, a muscle contraction state occurs due to the formation of a fist, the bending of the wrist, and the like.

The first figure 52 is composed of a plurality of line segments a to h corresponding to a plurality of two-dimensional vectors specified among a plurality of frames, and has a loop-like shape extending from a base point (drawing start coordinates, drawing end coordinates). Have. Similarly, the second figure 54 is also composed of a plurality of line segments a to h corresponding to a plurality of two-dimensional vectors specified among the plurality of frames, and has a loop-like shape extending from the base point (start coordinate, end coordinate). have. Even if the start and end coordinates do not match, it can be said to be a loop-like form. It should be noted that the first figure and the second figure shown are merely schematic views for explaining the invention.

In the illustrated example, a motion component in the y direction and a motion component in the x direction are recognized for both the first focus point 48 and the second focus point 50. When the muscle contracts, the muscle swells and a motor component is also generated in the direction orthogonal to the main axis direction of the muscle. The size and form of each of the figures 52 and 54 can be changed according to the set positions of the points of interest 48 and 50. Further, the rotation directions of the points of interest 48 and 50 can change. When reproducibility is required, it is desirable to objectively determine each measurement position. In the illustrated example, the initial coordinates of the first point of interest 48 in the x-direction and the initial coordinates of the second point of interest 50 in the x-direction match. Therefore, it is easy to compare and observe the two figures 52 and 54 especially in the x direction. It is also possible to make their initial coordinates different.

According to the graphic image, the motion of two tissues adjacent to each other in the depth direction can be easily grasped and evaluated by observing the two figures. In particular, it facilitates the diagnosis of adhesions and the like between two tissues.

FIG. 3 shows the first figure 56A and the second figure 54A that are in the process of being generated. The same elements as those shown in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. This also applies to other figures. As shown in FIG. 3, if the growth process of the first figure 56A and the second figure 54A is displayed, it becomes easy to evaluate the motion speed and the rotation direction of each of the points of interest 48 and 50.

FIG. 4 shows a second example of a graphic image. The figure image 56B is composed of a first figure 52B and a second figure 54B, and each of the figures 52B and 54B is configured as a connected body of a plurality of arrows. Such a display makes it easier to specifically recognize the direction of movement of each point of interest. It should be noted that each figure may not be configured as an arrow connecting body or a line segment connecting body, but each figure may be configured as a point sequence indicating a plurality of coordinates calculated for each point of interest.

FIG. 5 shows a start determination condition and an end determination condition. For example, when the vicinity region 72 is defined with respect to the initial coordinates of the second point of interest 50 and the current coordinates are located outside the vicinity region 72, it is determined that the condition for starting the figure generation is satisfied, that is, the start of the figure generation is determined. May be good. Similarly, when the current coordinates are located in the vicinity region 72, it may be determined that the condition for ending the figure generation is satisfied, that is, the end of the figure generation is completed. The size of the vicinity area used in the start determination and the size of the vicinity area used in the end determination may be different. The norm of the two-dimensional movement vector may be sequentially calculated, and the end (or start) of the figure generation may be determined when the norm becomes a certain value or less. The generation start and generation end may be determined based on the first attention point 48 instead of the second attention point 50. Generation start or generation end may be determined based on both the first attention point 48 and the second attention point 50. The user may give a generation start trigger and a generation end trigger. If the start and end of generation are automatically determined, the burden on the user can be reduced.

FIG. 6 shows a third example of a graphic image. An indicator 74 indicating the magnification α set by the user is displayed on the screen. The first figures 52C and 54C are generated according to the set magnification α. For example, when 3 is set as the magnification α, the exaggerated figures 52C and 54C having a size three times the actual motion loci 76 and 78 are displayed. According to this third example, it becomes possible to more clearly recognize the difference in the movement of each point of interest.

Subsequently, the operation of the image processing module will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 shows a first image processing method. FIG. 8 shows a second image processing method. These methods may be applied to a tomographic image sequence formed in real time, or may be applied to a stored tomographic image sequence.

In the first image processing method shown in FIG. 7, in S10, the coefficient k indicating the frame number is initially set. Specifically, 1 is substituted for the coefficient k. In S12, the first ROI and the second ROI are user-set in two adjacent tissues on the tomographic image. They serve as templates. ROI settings may be automated. The first attention point is defined as the center of the first ROI, and the second attention point is defined as the center of the second ROI. The first point of interest and the second point of interest may be directly specified.

In S14, pattern matching is executed between the k-th frame and the k + 1-th frame for each ROI, that is, for each point of interest. As a result, the first movement vector (first vector) is specified for the first attention point, and the second movement vector (second vector) is calculated for the second attention point. This calculation is executed by the tracking unit shown in FIG. In S16, the process of S14 is repeatedly executed while k is incremented in S18 until it is determined that the end condition is satisfied. Whether or not the end condition is satisfied is determined by the determination unit shown in FIG.

When the end condition is satisfied, the first figure and the second figure are generated in S20. That is, each figure is generated based on the coordinate sequence for each point of interest specified so far. The process is executed by the graphic generation unit shown in FIG. In this first image processing method, the figure is generated and displayed after the coordinate string is acquired, but as described above, the figure may be generated and displayed at the same time as the coordinate string acquisition. In S22, the two generated figures are analyzed. It is done by the analysis unit shown in FIG. The analysis results are displayed on the screen as numerical values, graphs, etc.

The second image processing method shown in FIG. 8 will be described. In FIG. 8, the same steps as those shown in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this second image processing method, in S30, the determination unit determines whether or not the start condition is satisfied. When the start condition is satisfied, the generation of two figures is started. In S14, a movement vector is calculated for each attention point by inter-frame pattern matching, and a figure is generated (or updated) for each attention point in S20A based on the calculation. In S16, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied, and in S32, it is determined whether or not to terminate this process. When displaying two figures repeatedly, each step after S30 is repeatedly executed. In that case, the previous graphic image is deleted when the display of the new graphic image is started. An analysis step may be provided between S20A and S16 or between S16 and S32. An image processing method other than the above-mentioned first image processing method and second image processing method may be executed.

FIG. 9 shows a method of analyzing two figures. The first figure 80 and the second figure 82 (or n1 first figure 80 and n2 second figures 82) are the targets of analysis 84 (n1 and n2 are integers of 2 or more). Based on the two figures 80 and 82, the inter-organizational evaluation value 86 is calculated in addition to the two individual evaluation values. The individual evaluation values are, for example, an area, a path length, a maximum distance, and the like. The maximum distance is the maximum value of the distance from the initial coordinates. The inter-organization evaluation value 86 is, for example, an area ratio, a path length ratio, a maximum distance difference, etc. for the two figures 80 and 82. The inter-tissue evaluation value 86 is for objectively evaluating the difference between the movements of the two tissues.

FIG. 10 shows a first display example of the analysis result. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis is the time axis. The upper row shows the time changes 96 and 98 of the two individual evaluation values calculated for the two figures, and the lower row shows the time change 100 of the inter-organizational evaluation values calculated based on the two figures. It is shown. If the analysis result is displayed as a graph in this way, it becomes easy to grasp the time change of the two figures. The analysis result may be displayed as a numerical value. For example, the individual evaluation value is the path length from the initial coordinates, and the inter-organization evaluation value is the difference in the path length.

FIG. 11 shows a second display example of the analysis result. In FIG. 11, the analysis result display 101 has the representative vectors 102 and 103. Each representative vector shows an average value (average direction) in the vector direction for each figure. Such a display makes it easy to identify the main motion directions of the two tissues.

FIG. 12 shows a third display example of the analysis result. The graphic image 106 is superimposed and displayed on the tomographic image 104. The graphic image 106 is composed of a first graphic 112 and a second graphic 114 that reflect the motion loci of the two points of interest. Reference numeral 108 indicates a first ROI, and reference numeral 110 indicates a second ROI. The maximum movement distance in the vertical direction and the maximum movement distance in the horizontal direction are individually analyzed for each of the figures 112 and 114, and the analysis results are displayed. The maximum moving distance is the maximum value of the distance from the initial coordinates.

Specifically, the vertical movement distance ratio β1 is displayed as the analysis result in the vertical direction (see reference numeral 116), and the graph 118 is displayed. Graph 118 consists of two bars 120, 122 showing the vertical movement distances for the two figures. The ratio of the two bars 120 and 122 corresponds to the above-mentioned vertical travel distance ratio β1. On the other hand, as the analysis result in the horizontal direction, the horizontal movement distance ratio β2 is displayed (see reference numeral 124), and the graph 126 is displayed. Graph 126 consists of two bars 128 and 129 showing the horizontal movement distance for the two figures. The ratio of the two bars 128 and 129 corresponds to the above-mentioned horizontal movement distance ratio β2. By analyzing the movement of each point of interest in each of the vertical and horizontal directions in this way, for example, it becomes possible to evaluate the stretching / contracting movement component and the swelling movement component of the muscle separately.

FIG. 13 shows a fourth example of the graphic image and a fourth display example of the analysis result. The tomographic image 130 shows the skin layer 132, the subcutaneous fat layer 134, the tendon (tendon layer) 136, and the deep tissue layer 138. In addition to the tendon 136 as an evaluation target, ROIs 140, 142, and 144 are set for the subcutaneous fat layer 134 and the deep tissue layer 138 adjacent thereto. Their centers constitute points of interest 146,148,150. By tracking the movements of points of interest 146,148,150, figures 152,154,156 are generated. For example, in diagnosing a tendon in the wrist, the flexion movement of the wrist is repeated, and the figures 152, 154, and 156 are repeatedly generated accordingly. The horizontal reciprocating motion of points of interest 146,148,150 produces linear or horizontally collapsed figures 152,154,156. Figures 152, 154, and 156 include a portion extending to the right and a portion extending to the left from the initial coordinates, and each portion has a loop-like shape in a broad sense. In this way, three or more points of interest may be set. The total movement amount may be displayed as a numerical value for each point of interest (see reference numerals 158, 160, 162).

According to the embodiment, it is possible to express the difference in movement of a plurality of adjacent tissues in an easy-to-understand manner, and in particular, it is possible to provide an image that can support a diagnosis such as adhesion of a plurality of adjacent tissues. It should be noted that a modified example in which a plurality of points of interest are defined in the same tissue can be considered. Among the plurality of technical matters described above, some technical matters (for example, figure generation based on magnification, analysis for each component) can function even when displaying a single figure. ..

20 Display processing unit, 21 Image processing module, 22 Tracking unit, 24 Graphic generation unit, 26 Judgment unit, 28 Analysis unit.

Claims (10)

Based on the ultrasonic image showing the first tissue and the second tissue adjacent thereto, the first attention point set in the first tissue is tracked and the second attention point set in the second tissue is tracked. Tracking means to track and
A first figure reflecting the movement of the first attention point is generated based on the tracking result of the first attention point, and the movement of the second attention point is reflected based on the tracking result of the second attention point. And the figure generation means to generate the second figure,
A display means for displaying the first figure and the second figure together with the ultrasonic image, and
An ultrasonic image processing apparatus characterized by containing. In the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The first figure is a figure showing the locus of movement of the first point of interest.
The second figure is a figure showing the locus of movement of the second point of interest.
An ultrasonic image processing device characterized by this. In the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
When the first point of interest starts from the first initial coordinates and returns to the first initial coordinates or its vicinity, the first figure becomes a loop-like form extending from the first initial coordinates as a base point. ,
When the second point of interest starts from the second initial coordinate and returns to the second initial coordinate or its vicinity, the second figure has a loop-like form extending from the second initial coordinate as a base point. Become,
An ultrasonic image processing device characterized by this. In the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The figure generating means is
Magnification setting means to set the magnification and
A first figure generating means for generating the first figure according to the set magnification, and a first figure generating means.
A second figure generation means for generating the second figure according to the set magnification, and
An ultrasonic image processing apparatus characterized by containing. In the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 4,
When a numerical value exceeding 1 is set as the magnification, the first figure in which the locus of movement of the first point of interest is exaggerated, and the locus of movement of the second point of interest are exaggerated. The second figure is displayed,
An ultrasonic image processing device characterized by this. In the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
A start determining means for determining that the start condition is satisfied based on at least one of the coordinates of the first point of interest and the coordinates of the second point of interest.
A start control means for starting the generation of the first figure and the second figure when the start condition is satisfied, and
An ultrasonic image processing apparatus characterized by containing. In the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
An end determination means for determining that the end condition is satisfied based on at least one of the coordinates of the first point of interest and the coordinates of the second point of interest.
An end control means for ending the generation of the first figure and the second figure when the end condition is satisfied, and
An ultrasonic image processing apparatus characterized by containing. In the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The analysis means for analyzing the first figure and the second figure is included.
The analysis result of the analysis means is displayed.
An ultrasonic image processing device characterized by this. In the ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The first tissue is a subcutaneous tissue and is
The second tissue is a motor tissue adjacent to the subcutaneous tissue.
An ultrasonic image processing device characterized by this. A program executed in an ultrasonic image processing device,
A function to individually track a plurality of points of interest set in the plurality of tissues based on ultrasonic images showing a plurality of adjacent tissues, and
A function to generate a plurality of figures expressing the motion trajectories of the plurality of points of interest based on the tracking results of the plurality of points of interest, and
A function of superimposing and displaying the plurality of figures on the ultrasonic image,
A program characterized by including.

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