JP7052588B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic equipment, ultrasonic image display method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic method and a program, and more particularly to a technique useful for dynamic analysis using the color Doppler method.

Conventionally, as one of medical diagnostic imaging devices, ultrasonic waves are transmitted toward a subject, the reflected waves are received, and predetermined signal processing is performed on the received signal to perform predetermined signal processing on the received signal, thereby performing the shape, properties or dynamics of the inside of the subject. There is known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that visualizes an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is safe and the burden on the subject is small because the ultrasonic image can be acquired by a simple operation of applying the ultrasonic probe to the body surface or inserting it into the body.

When performing dynamic analysis such as blood flow in such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a color Doppler method (CFM: Color) is used to superimpose a color image showing motion information (for example, blood flow) in a living body on a B mode image. Flow Mapping) is useful (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the color Doppler method, for example, four pieces of information such as blood flow velocity, direction, power (flow rate) and dispersion (disturbance) can be obtained, and the position and range of abnormal blood flow can be grasped. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic image obtained by the color Doppler method is referred to as a “CFM image”.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, various image processes such as noise reduction processing are performed in order to clearly depict the outline of the living tissue. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses image processing by multi-resolution analysis in the time axis direction and the space axis direction.

International Publication No. 2011/036891 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-259658

However, although the method disclosed in Patent Document 2 is effective for stability of dynamic depiction (smoothness of movement) and noise suppression, it is necessary to perform multi-resolution analysis not only in the spatial axis direction but also in the time axis direction. There is a problem that the processing load is large.
Further, Patent Document 2 does not describe how to deal with the folding phenomenon in which the blood flow velocity data exceeds the flow velocity scale, and there arises a problem that appropriate display cannot be performed when the folding phenomenon occurs.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic image display method and a program capable of suppressing an increase in processing load and suppressing noise in the time axis direction to improve the stability of dynamic depiction in a CFM image. It is to be.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic image display method, and a program that can improve the expression and stability of dynamic depiction and can appropriately display even when the speed data is large. ..

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays
A frame data generation unit that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and a frame data generation unit.
A color Doppler image processing unit that generates a color Doppler image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data, and a color Doppler image processing unit.
A display processing unit for displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The color Doppler image processing unit
It has an inter-frame median filter processing unit that performs inter-frame median filter processing using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction .
The inter-frame median filter processing unit is characterized in that, when performing the inter-frame median filter processing, a larger weight is given to the dynamic data of a new frame .

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays
A frame data generation unit that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and a frame data generation unit.
A color Doppler image processing unit that generates a color Doppler image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data, and a color Doppler image processing unit.
A display processing unit for displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
When the color Doppler image processing unit generates the color Doppler image based on the speed data, the color Doppler image processing unit applies multi-resolution processing using multi-resolution analysis to the absolute value of the speed data, and the result obtained. On the other hand, it is characterized by having a multi-resolution processing unit that restores the code of the original speed data.

The ultrasonic image display method according to the present invention is
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic image display method to display,
The first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second step of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
A third step of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The second step includes a step of performing an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction, and is new in performing the inter -frame median filter process. It is characterized in that a larger weight is given to the dynamic data of the frame .

The ultrasonic image display method according to the present invention is
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic image display method to display,
The first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second step of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
A third step of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second step, when the color Doppler image is generated based on the speed data, the multiple resolution processing using the multiple resolution analysis is applied to the absolute value of the speed data, and the obtained result is obtained. It is characterized by including a step of restoring the code of the original velocity data.

The program according to the present invention
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. On the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to display,
The first process of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second process of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
It is a program for executing the third process of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit.
The second process includes an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction, and the dynamics of the new frame when the inter-frame median filter process is performed. The feature is that the larger the weight is given to the data .

The program according to the present invention
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. On the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to display,
The first process of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second process of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
It is a program for executing the third process of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second processing, when the color Doppler image is generated based on the speed data, the multiple resolution processing using the multiple resolution analysis is applied to the absolute value of the speed data, and the obtained result is obtained. It is characterized by including a process of restoring the code of the original velocity data.
Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays
A frame data generation unit that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and a frame data generation unit.
A color Doppler image processing unit that generates a color Doppler image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data, and a color Doppler image processing unit.
A display processing unit for displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The color Doppler image processing unit has an inter-frame median filter processing unit that performs inter-frame median filter processing using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
The color Doppler image processing unit generates the color Doppler image based on the speed data, and generates the color Doppler image.
The inter-frame median filter processing unit is characterized in that the inter-frame median filter processing is applied to the absolute value of the velocity data, and the code of the original velocity data is restored to the obtained result. ..
The ultrasonic image display method according to the present invention is
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic image display method to display,
The first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second step of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
A third step of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The second step includes a step of performing an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second step, the color Doppler image is generated based on the velocity data, and the interframe median filter processing is applied to the absolute value of the velocity data, and the original velocity is obtained with respect to the obtained result. It is characterized by restoring the code of the data.
The program according to the present invention
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. On the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to display,
The first process of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second process of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
It is a program for executing the third process of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit.
The second process includes a process of performing an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second process, the color Doppler image is generated based on the velocity data, and the interframe median filter process is applied to the absolute value of the velocity data, and the original velocity is obtained with respect to the obtained result. It is characterized by restoring the code of the data.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays
A frame data generation unit that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and a frame data generation unit.
A color Doppler image processing unit that generates a color Doppler image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data, and a color Doppler image processing unit.
A display processing unit for displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The color Doppler image processing unit
It has an inter-frame median filter processing unit that performs inter-frame median filter processing using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
The color Doppler image processing unit generates the color Doppler image based on the speed data, and generates the color Doppler image.
The inter-frame median filter processing unit determines whether or not the speed data has wrapping, and if there is wrapping, the speed value corresponding to the pulse repetition frequency PRF is added or subtracted from the speed data indicating the wrapping to correct it. However, the interframe median filter processing is applied to the corrected velocity data.
The ultrasonic image display method according to the present invention is
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic image display method to display,
The first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second step of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
A third step of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The second step includes a step of performing an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second step, the color Doppler image is generated based on the velocity data, the presence or absence of folding of the velocity data is determined, and if there is folding, the pulse repetition frequency PRF with respect to the velocity data indicating the folding. It is characterized in that the speed value corresponding to is corrected by adding or subtracting, and the inter-frame median filter processing is applied to the corrected speed data.
The program according to the present invention
The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. On the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to display,
The first process of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second process of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
It is a program for executing the third process of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit.
In the second process, an inter-frame median filter process is performed using the plurality of frame data corresponding to the plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
The second process generates the color Doppler image based on the velocity data, determines whether or not the velocity data has wrapping, and if there is wrapping, the pulse repetition frequency PRF with respect to the velocity data indicating the wrapping. It is characterized in that the speed value corresponding to is corrected by adding or subtracting, and the inter-frame median filter processing is applied to the corrected speed data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in processing load and suppress noise in the time axis direction to improve the stability of dynamic depiction in a CFM image.
In addition, the expression and stability of the dynamic depiction can be improved, and appropriate display can be performed even when the velocity data is large.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic probe. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part of the control system of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a CFM mode signal processing unit. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a CFM image processing unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the median filter processing between frames. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the multi-resolution processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of multi-resolution processing and inter-frame median filter processing that can be selected in the CFM mode. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of default settings of processing associated with the diagnostic site and the type of ultrasonic probe. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of ultrasonic diagnostic processing. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of CFM mode signal processing.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part of the control system of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 and an ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 and the ultrasonic probe 2 are connected via a cable 3. The ultrasonic probe 2 may be connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 via wireless communication.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A is used for visualizing the shape, properties or dynamics of a subject as an ultrasonic image and making an image diagnosis. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A has, as a display mode, a mode in which only a B mode image is displayed (hereinafter referred to as "B mode"), and a mode in which a CFM image obtained by the color Doppler method is superimposed and displayed on the B mode image. (Hereinafter referred to as "CFM mode"). In the following, an image in which a CFM image is superimposed on a B mode image is referred to as a “CFM mode image”. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A is characterized in that it can clearly depict dynamics (for example, blood flow) in a CFM mode image.

In the CFM mode, for example, V display (velocity display) that displays the flow velocity and direction of the dynamics in color, VT display (velocity-dispersion display) that displays the flow velocity and dispersion of the dynamics in color, and power of the dynamics are displayed in color. There is a P display (power display). The CFM mode may include T display (distributed display), dP display (directional power display), and the like.

In the V display and the VT display, the flow in the direction approaching the ultrasonic probe 2 is displayed in a reddish color, and the flow moving away is displayed in a blueish color. Also, the faster the speed of the moving object, the brighter it is displayed, and the slower the speed, the darker it is displayed. In the P display, the larger the power, the brighter the display, and the smaller the power, the darker the display. This allows the user to visually grasp the flow velocity, direction, power and dispersion of the moving object.

The ultrasonic probe 2 transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject, receives the ultrasonic echo reflected by the subject, converts it into a received signal, and transmits it to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1. Any electron scanning probe such as a convex probe, a linear probe, or a sector probe can be applied to the ultrasonic probe 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 2 has an acoustic lens 21, an acoustic matching layer 22, an oscillator array 23, and a backing material 24 in this order from the ultrasonic radiation side. A protective layer may be arranged on the surface (ultrasonic radiation surface) of the acoustic lens 21.

The acoustic lens 21 is a lens that converges ultrasonic waves in the slice direction, and has, for example, a semi-cylindrical shape in which the central portion in the slice direction is raised.
The acoustic matching layer 22 is an intermediate substance for efficiently allowing ultrasonic waves to enter the subject, and matches the acoustic impedance of the vibrator (not shown) with the subject.

The oscillator array 23 is composed of a plurality of strip-shaped oscillators (not shown) arranged in a single row or multiple rows in the scanning direction.
The backing material 24 attenuates unnecessary vibration generated in the oscillator array 23.

According to the ultrasonic probe 2, a beam profile of ultrasonic waves converging in the slice direction can be obtained. Further, by switching the driven oscillator, the ultrasonic wave can be converged in the scanning direction (so-called electronic scanning method).

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 visualizes the internal state of the subject as an ultrasonic image by using the received signal from the ultrasonic probe 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1 includes a transmission unit 11, a consultation unit 12, an ROI setting unit 13, a frame data storage unit 14, a reception data storage unit 15, a display processing unit 16, a display unit 17, and an operation. It includes an input unit 18, a B mode signal processing unit 20, a CFM mode signal processing unit 30, a control unit 40, and the like.

The transmission unit 11, the reception unit 12, the ROI setting unit 13, the B mode signal processing unit 20, the CFM mode signal processing unit 30, and the display processing unit 16 are, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like. It is composed of at least one dedicated hardware (electronic circuit) corresponding to each process such as PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

The control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 as a calculation / control device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 43 as a main storage device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 42, and the like. A basic program and basic setting data are stored in the ROM 43. The CPU 41 reads a program according to the processing content from the ROM 43, expands it in the RAM 42, and executes the expanded program to execute each functional block (transmitter 11, receiver 12, ROI setting unit) of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1. 13. Centrally control the operations of the frame data storage unit 14, the received data storage unit 15, the display processing unit 16, the display unit 17, the B mode signal processing unit 20, and the CFM mode signal processing unit 30).

In the present embodiment, the functions of each functional block are realized by the cooperation of each hardware constituting the functional block and the control unit 40. By executing the program by the control unit 40, some or all the functions of each functional block may be realized.

The transmission unit 11 generates a transmission signal (drive signal) according to the instruction of the control unit 40 and outputs it to the ultrasonic probe 2. Although not shown, the transmission unit 11 includes, for example, a clock generation circuit, a pulse generation circuit, a pulse width setting unit, and a delay circuit.

The clock generation circuit generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the pulse signal. The pulse generation circuit generates a bipolar type square wave pulse having a preset voltage amplitude at a predetermined period. The pulse width setting unit sets the pulse width of the rectangular wave pulse output from the pulse generation circuit. The square wave pulse generated by the pulse generation circuit is separated into different wiring paths for each oscillator of the ultrasonic probe 2 before or after input to the pulse width setting unit. The delay circuit delays the generated rectangular wave pulse according to the transmission timing of each oscillator and outputs it to the ultrasonic probe 2.

The receiving unit 12 receives the received signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 according to the instruction of the control unit 40, and outputs the received signal to the received data storage unit 15, the B mode signal processing unit 20, and the CFM mode signal processing unit 30. Although not shown, the receiving unit 12 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A / D conversion circuit, and a phasing addition circuit.

The amplifier amplifies the received signal corresponding to the ultrasonic wave received by each oscillator of the ultrasonic probe 2 at a predetermined amplification factor set in advance. The A / D conversion circuit converts the amplified received signal into digital data at a predetermined sampling frequency. The phase-adjusting addition circuit adjusts the time phase by giving a delay time to each wiring path corresponding to the oscillator to the A / D-converted received signal, and adds (phase-adjusting addition) these.

The ultrasonic wave transmission / reception processing by the transmitting unit 11 and the receiving unit 12 is performed for each of the generation of the B mode image and the generation of the CFM image. Specifically, the transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves for generating a B-mode image is performed for the entire scanning area, and the transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves for generating a CFM image is performed in a scanning area corresponding to a region of interest described later. Is done against. Generally, when a CFM image is generated, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received a plurality of times on the same acoustic line.

The ROI setting unit 13 sets a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasonic image according to the instruction of the control unit 40. The ROI setting unit 13 sets, for example, a region set on the B mode image by the operation of the operation input unit 18 as a region of interest. The region of interest is set to include the diagnostic target (eg, blood flow) and is displayed as an ROI frame on the B-mode image. The CFM image is superimposed and displayed in this ROI frame.

The frame data storage unit 14 is composed of, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory capable of high-speed rewriting. The frame data storage unit 14 stores the frame data generated by the B mode signal processing unit 20 and the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 in frame units. The frame data for the CFM image is composed of dynamic data before the image processing is performed by the CFM mode signal processing unit 30. The dynamic data includes velocity data V indicating the velocity of the dynamic, power data P indicating the flow rate, and dispersion data T indicating the degree of turbulence. The frame data stored in the frame data storage unit 14 is read out according to the control of the control unit 40, and predetermined image processing is performed by the B mode signal processing unit 20 and the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 (CFM image processing unit 32). Will be done.

Like the frame data storage unit 14, the reception data storage unit 15 is composed of, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory capable of high-speed rewriting. The reception data storage unit 15 stores reception data (RF data) based on the reception signal from the reception unit 12. The frame data storage unit 14 and the received data storage unit 15 may be configured by the same storage device.

The B-mode signal processing unit 20 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression processing, etc. on the received data for the B-mode image from the receiving unit 12 or the received data storage unit 15 in accordance with the instruction of the control unit 40 to perform dynamic range. B-mode image data is generated by adjusting the gain and brightness to convert the brightness. The B-mode signal processing unit 20 includes a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) that performs coordinate conversion and pixel interpolation according to the type of the ultrasonic probe 2.

The CFM mode signal processing unit 30 generates CFM image data based on the received data for the CFM image from the receiving unit 12 or the received data storage unit 15 according to the instruction of the control unit 40. The CFM image data includes luminance information and color information. Details of the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 will be described later.

The display processing unit 16 converts the image data generated by the B mode signal processing unit 20 and the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 into display signals corresponding to the display unit 17 and outputs and displays them according to the instructions of the control unit 40. The B mode image or the CFM mode image is displayed on the unit 17. For example, when the B mode is selected, the display processing unit 16 converts the B mode image data from the B mode signal processing unit 20 into a display signal and outputs it to the display unit 17. Further, when the CFM mode is selected, the display processing unit 16 synthesizes the B mode image data from the B mode signal processing unit 20 and the CFM image data from the CFM mode signal processing unit 30, and the combined CFM mode image data. Is converted into a display signal and output to the display unit 17. Further, the display processing unit 16 superimposes the ROI frame on the B mode image or the CFM mode image according to the setting of the region of interest by the ROI setting unit 13.

The display unit 17 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a CRT display, or the like. The display unit 17 displays an image based on the display signal from the display processing unit 16 according to the instruction of the control unit 40.

The operation input unit 18 receives, for example, input of information related to diagnosis. The operation input unit 18 has, for example, an operation panel having a plurality of input switches, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The operation input unit 18 may be configured by a touch panel provided integrally with the display unit 17. Through the operation input unit 18, the user can use the region of interest, the diagnostic site, the type of the ultrasonic probe 2, the image processing method in the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 (combination of interframe median filter processing and multiple resolution processing), and the like. Can be set.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a CFM mode signal processing unit 30. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a CFM image processing unit 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 includes a frame data generation unit 31, a CFM image processing unit 32, and a CFM image conversion unit 33.

The frame data generation unit 31 is a frame composed of one frame of dynamic data including speed data V, power data P, and distributed data T, based on the received data for the CFM image from the receiving unit 12 or the received data storage unit 15. Generate data. In the present embodiment, the frame data generation unit 31 includes an orthogonal detection processing unit 311, a corner turn processing unit 312, an MTI (Moving Target Indicator) filter processing unit 313, a correlation calculation unit 314, and a data conversion unit 315. ..

The orthogonal detection processing unit 311 acquires the complex Doppler signals I (real part) and Q (imaginary part) by performing orthogonal detection of the received data for the CFM image according to the instruction of the control unit 40.
The corner turn processing unit 312 follows the instruction of the control unit 40 and performs corner turn processing (depth direction / ensemble direction conversion processing) for each of the same acoustic lines for the complex Doppler signals I and Q from the orthogonal detection processing unit 311. I do.
The MTI filter processing unit 313 filters the complex Doppler signals I and Q from the corner turn processing unit 312 according to the instructions of the control unit 40 to remove clutter components indicating unnecessary blood vessel walls and tissues.
The correlation calculation unit 314 follows the instruction of the control unit 40, and shows the average value (mean value of the phase difference vector) of the autocorrelation calculation of the Doppler signal based on the complex Doppler signals I and Q from the MTI filter processing unit 313. Correlation signals D (real part) and N (imaginary part) are calculated.
The data conversion unit 315 calculates the speed data V, the power data P, and the dispersion data T based on the autocorrelation signals D and N from the correlation calculation unit 314 according to the instruction of the control unit 40. The calculated speed data V, power data P, and distributed data T are output as frame data to the CFM image processing unit 32 and stored in the frame data storage unit 14.
The configuration of the frame data generation unit 31 shown in the present embodiment is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The CFM image processing unit 32 generates CFM image data based on the frame data from the frame data generation unit 31 (data conversion unit 315) or the frame data storage unit 14. As shown in FIG. 5, the CFM image processing unit 32 includes a noise reduction filter processing unit 321, an interframe median filter processing unit 322, a spatial filter processing unit 323, a multi-resolution processing unit 324, and a persistence processing unit 325.

The noise reduction filter processing unit 321 is composed of a so-called keyhole filter, filters frame data of a CFM image, and removes low-speed, low-power signals as noise. The noise reduction filtering process is applied only to the speed data V in the V display and the VT display, and is applied only to the power data P in the P display, for example. The noise reduction filtering process may be applied to all of the velocity data V, the power data P, and the distributed data T when the noise is detected.

The inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 performs inter-frame median filter processing between a plurality of consecutive frames. That is, the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 uses the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction, and the dynamic data (speed data V, power data, or distributed data T) for each same coordinate value (pixel). ) Is acquired, and the dynamic data of the latest frame is converted to the acquired median. It is preferable that the inter-frame median filtering process is applied only to the velocity data V in the V display and the VT display, and is applied only to the power data P in the P display. As a result, the processing load of the CPU 41 can be reduced. Details of the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 will be described later.

The spatial filter processing unit 323 is composed of a so-called two-dimensional weighted average filter, and smoothes the velocity data V, the power data P, and the dispersion data T. The spatial filtering process is applied, for example, to the velocity data V and the distributed data T in the V display and the VT display, and to the power data P in the P display.

The multi-resolution processing unit 324 performs multi-resolution processing using multi-resolution analysis on the frame data. Multi-resolution processing includes multi-resolution decomposition from the original image, image processing at each scale, and reconstruction into the original image. For example, wavelet transform, curvelet transform, or pyramid transform can be applied to the multi-resolution decomposition. It is preferable that the multi-resolution processing is applied only to the speed data V in the V display and the VT display, and is applied only to the power data P in the P display. As a result, the processing load of the CPU 41 can be reduced. The details of the multi-resolution processing unit 324 will be described later.

The persistence processing unit 325 is composed of a so-called IIR filter, and processes frame data so that an afterimage effect appears between frames.

The CFM image conversion unit 33 is composed of, for example, a DSC, and among the speed data V, the power data P, or the distributed data T constituting the frame data, the moving body data used in the CFM mode is converted into a luminance value, and the ultrasonic wave is used. Coordinate conversion and pixel interpolation are performed according to the type of probe 2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the median filter processing between frames. As shown in FIG. 6, the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 temporarily stores the frame data F5 of the latest frame and the frame data F1 to F4 of the past frame, and the same frame data F1 to F5. Interframe median filter processing is applied to the pixel dynamic data P1 to P5. That is, the dynamic data P5 of the latest frame is converted into the median value of the dynamic data P1 to P5. This interframe median filtering process is performed on the dynamic data of all pixels. The dynamic data P1 to P4 of the frame data F1 to F4 of the past frame store the values before applying the inter-frame median filter processing to the past frames.

In this way, by performing the inter-frame median filtering process between frames, noise that appears locally in only one frame is eliminated, and the dynamic state change is smoothly visualized, so that the stability of dynamic rendering is improved. ..
Since the B-mode image is generated based on the received signal with good S / N characteristics reflected by the living tissue instead of the dynamics, there is no instability like the CFM image, and the inter-frame median filter processing is performed between frames. The effect is small. On the other hand, since the CFM image is generated based on the received signal having poor S / N characteristics reflected by the dynamics such as blood flow, it is effective to perform the inter-frame median filter processing between frames.

Here, it is preferable that the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 is configured as a weighted median filter that gives a larger weight to the dynamic data of a new frame when performing the inter-frame median filter processing. Weighted median filtering is a known technique, and median filtering is applied assuming that individual data to be filtered are repeated by the number of weights. This makes it possible to suppress the drawback of the interframe median filter processing, which is that the response to dynamic changes is delayed.

Further, in the V display or VT display using the velocity data V, when the frequency corresponding to the average flow velocity of the dynamics exceeds 1/2 of the pulse repetition frequency PRF, a folding phenomenon occurs and the flow of the dynamics is colored in the opposite direction. It is depicted in. When the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 performs the inter-frame median filter processing on the velocity data V, it is preferable to perform the inter-frame median filter processing as follows so that even when such a folding phenomenon occurs, it can be handled appropriately.

That is, the interframe median filter processing is applied to the absolute value of the velocity data V, and the code of the original velocity data V is restored to the obtained result. As a result, even when the CFM image may be wrapped as in the velocity data V, appropriate results can be obtained in the interframe median filtering process.
"Restoring the code of the original velocity data V for the result obtained by the inter-frame median filtering process" means to output the original velocity data V corresponding to the velocity data V selected as the median. Including that.

For example, when the velocity data V in the specific pixels of the three frames targeted for the inter-frame median filtering is -120, 0, 125, if the inter-frame median filtering is applied as it is, the median becomes 0 and the CFM. Blackout occurs in the image. On the other hand, according to the above-mentioned method, the median value is 120 (absolute value of -120), and the velocity data V in the pixel is converted by -120 in which the sign of the original velocity data V is restored. No blackout occurs.

Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the speed data V has wrapping, and if there is wrapping, the speed value corresponding to the pulse repetition frequency PRF is added or subtracted from the speed data V indicating the wrapping, and the corrected speed is corrected. Interframe median filtering may be applied to the data V. As a result, even when the CFM image may be wrapped as in the velocity data V, appropriate results can be obtained in the interframe median filtering process.

The presence or absence of wrapping is determined, for example, by the number of data V that exceeds the velocity value corresponding to PRF / 2 in the positive direction or the negative direction among the velocity data V in the specific pixels of a plurality of frames that are the targets of the interframe median filter processing. Can be done. For example, when the velocity data V of more than half exceeds the velocity value corresponding to PRF / 2, it is determined that there is a turnaround. A known technique as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5652395 can be applied to determine the presence or absence of folding back.
If the velocity data V indicating folding is a negative value, that is, if the velocity data V exceeds the velocity value corresponding to + PRF / 2 and the folding occurs, the velocity value corresponding to the folding frequency PRF is added. Then, the interframe median filter processing is applied to the corrected velocity data V.
On the other hand, when the velocity data V indicating folding is a positive value, that is, when the velocity data V exceeds the velocity value corresponding to -PRF / 2 and the folding occurs, the velocity value corresponding to the folding frequency PRF. Is subtracted and corrected, and the interframe median filter processing is applied to the corrected velocity data V.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the multi-resolution processing. In FIG. 7, the original image LL (0) corresponds to the frame data. As shown in FIG. 7, when the two-dimensional wavelet transform is applied to the original image LL (0), the low frequency component LL (1) of the scale 1 and the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal high frequency components HL (1), LH ( 1) is decomposed into HH (1). Next, when the two-dimensional wavelet transform is applied to the low frequency component LL (1) of the scale 1, the low frequency component LL (2) of the scale 2 and the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal high frequency components HL (2), LH ( 2) is decomposed into HH (2).
Similarly, when the two-dimensional wavelet transform is applied to the low frequency component LL (2) of the scale 2, the low frequency component LL (3) of the scale 3 and the high frequency components HL (3) and LH in the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions are applied. (3) is decomposed into HH (3).
The low-frequency components LL (1), LL (2), and LL (3) of the scales 1, 2, and 3 reduce the resolution of the original image LL (0) to 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8, respectively. Corresponds to the image.

That is, by applying n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) multiple resolution decompositions to the original image LL (0), the low frequency component LL (n) of the scale n and the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions are applied. The high frequency components HL (n), LH (n), and HH (n) are obtained, and the resolution of the original image LL (0) is reduced to 1/2 ⁿ .

Then, image processing is applied to each scale image decomposed by multiple resolution, and wavelet transform (reverse wavelet transform) in the opposite direction to the multiple resolution decomposition is applied to the scale image after image processing. Specifically, image processing is applied to the low frequency component LL (3) of the scale 3 and the high frequency components HL (3), LH (3), and HH (3) in the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions to obtain an image. When the inverse wavelet transform is applied to the scale 3 after processing, the low frequency component LL (2) of the scale 2 is reconstructed. Image processing includes, for example, smoothing of low frequency components, edge enhancement, and gain increase / decrease of high frequency components.
Similarly, image processing is applied to the low frequency component LL (2) of the scale 2 and the high frequency components HL (2), LH (2), and HH (2) in the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions, and the image processing is performed. When the inverse wavelet transform is applied to the later scale 2, the low frequency component LL (1) of the scale 1 is reconstructed. Finally, the original image LL (0) to which the image processing is applied is reconstructed.

In this way, by applying multi-resolution processing to the frame data in the spatial axis direction and performing image processing such as smoothing, edge enhancement, and gain increase / decrease for each low-resolution scale image, the CFM image becomes clearer. It is possible to depict the dynamics. Specifically, the effects of clarifying the core of dynamics such as blood flow, smoothing the edges, and stabilizing dynamic visualization can be obtained.

In the multi-resolution processing as well, it is preferable to consider the folding phenomenon in the V display or the VT display using the speed data V as in the interframe median filter processing.
That is, the multi-resolution processing is applied to the absolute value of the velocity data V, and the code of the original velocity data is restored to the obtained result.
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the speed data V has wrapping, and if there is wrapping, the speed value corresponding to the pulse repetition frequency PRF is added or subtracted from the speed data V indicating the wrapping, and the corrected speed is corrected. Interframe median filtering may be applied to the data V. As a result, even when wrapping may occur in the CFM image as in the speed data V, appropriate results can be obtained in the multi-resolution processing.

As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the CFM image processing unit 32 can execute the interframe median filter processing and the multi-resolution processing, but the requirements for the CFM mode image differ depending on the diagnostic site.
For example, when the diagnostic site is orthopedic (inflammatory blood flow) or thyroid gland, high stability is required in both the spatial axis direction and the time axis direction, so interframe median filter processing and multiple resolution processing are required. It is preferable to perform both.
On the other hand, when the diagnostic site is the heart or carotid artery, high stability is required in the spatial axis direction, so it is better to perform multiple resolution processing, but blood flow in the time axis direction. It is not preferable to execute the interframe median filter processing because the followability to the change is required. In particular, when the diagnostic site is the heart, it may be desirable not to strongly process the dynamic data in the spatial axis direction, that is, to perform multi-resolution processing or to apply it with a weak effect in order to capture a small regurgitation.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the user can select the image processing method (combination of interframe median filter processing and multi-resolution processing) in the CFM mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of multi-resolution processing and inter-frame median filter processing that can be selected in the CFM mode. In the combination table shown in FIG. 8, the processing No. Seven combinations of 0 to 6 are registered. The combination table is stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 43 of the control unit 40.

As shown in FIG. 8, the multi-resolution processing can be selected from three stages of OFF, ON (setting 1), and ON (setting 2). "OFF" is a flag indicating that the multi-resolution processing is not executed, and "ON (setting 1)" and "ON (setting 2)" are flags indicating that the multi-resolution processing is executed. "ON (setting 1)" and "ON (setting 2)" have different levels of image processing (for example, gain increase / decrease) for each scale image in the multi-resolution processing.

Similarly, the inter-frame median filter processing can be selected from three stages of OFF, ON (setting 1), and ON (setting 2). "OFF" is a flag indicating that the interframe median filter processing is not executed, and "ON (setting 1)" and "ON (setting 2)" are flags indicating that the interframe median filter processing is executed. be. “ON (setting 1)” and “ON (setting 2)” differ in the number of frames to be processed by the median filter processing between frames and the weight.

For example, the user operates the operation input unit 18 to set the processing number. When 1 is selected, the multi-resolution processing of setting 1 is executed, and the median filter processing between frames is not executed. Further, for example, the user operates the operation input unit 18 to set the processing No. When 2 is selected, the multi-resolution processing of setting 1 is executed and the interframe median filter processing of setting 1 is executed.

By operating the operation input unit 18, the user can perform the process No. 1 shown in FIG. The desired process can be easily selected from 0 to 6. As a result, the user can receive the CFM mode image that is most suitable for diagnosis.

Further, the requirements for the CFM mode image also differ depending on the type of the ultrasonic probe 2. For example, convex probes generally have a lower frequency band than linear probes and are used to depict deep areas, so the frame rate tends to be slower. In this case, it is preferable not to execute the inter-frame median filter processing because the disadvantage of the reduced followability due to the inter-frame median filter processing becomes strong.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image processing method (combination of interframe median filter processing and multi-resolution processing) in the CFM mode is associated with the type of the ultrasonic probe 2.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of default settings of processing associated with the diagnostic site and the type of ultrasonic probe 2. FIG. 9 shows the processing No. for the diagnostic site and the type of ultrasonic probe 2. It shows that (combination of image processing) is associated. A combination of image processing may be associated with either the diagnostic site or the type of ultrasonic probe 2.
For example, when the diagnosis site is "blood vessel" and the type of ultrasonic probe 2 is "linear probe", the processing No. Based on 1, the multi-resolution processing and the inter-frame median filtering processing are executed.

As described above, the combination of the multi-resolution processing and the inter-frame median filter processing is preferably set in advance according to the diagnostic site and the type of the ultrasonic probe 2. As a result, the user does not have to select a desired combination from the combination table as shown in FIG. 8, but only sets the diagnostic site and the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 which are essential setting items in the diagnostic mode. Since the optimum combination is automatically selected, convenience is improved.

Further, the combination of image processing preset according to the diagnosis site and the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 may be changed by the user via the operation input unit 18. Thereby, the user can set the combination of image processing so as to obtain a more preferable dynamic image while confirming the CFM mode image actually obtained. In this case, the changed setting may be stored as a user setting.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of ultrasonic diagnostic processing. This process is realized, for example, by executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM 43 by the CPU 41 as the CFM mode is selected in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A. The CFM mode is selected, for example, by selecting the diagnostic mode in the operation input unit 18.

Here, the case where the V display that displays the flow velocity and the direction of the dynamics in color is selected as the CFM mode will be described. Further, it is assumed that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A has a real-time reproduction function for displaying a CFM mode image in real time and a freeze reproduction function for reading and displaying a recorded CFM mode image.

In step S1 of FIG. 10, the control unit 40 acquires setting information regarding image processing executed in the CFM mode (processing as the setting unit). The setting information related to the image processing is, for example, information registered in the processing selected from the combination table as shown in FIG. 8 (combination of the multi-resolution processing and the inter-frame median filter processing).

In step S2, the control unit 40 controls the transmission unit 11 and the reception unit 12 to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves via the ultrasonic probe 2. The ultrasonic wave transmission / reception processing is performed for each of the generation of the B mode image and the generation of the CFM image.

In step S3, the control unit 40 controls the B mode signal processing unit 20 to perform B mode signal processing. By this processing, B mode image data is generated and output to the display processing unit 16. In the B-mode signal processing, frame data for the B-mode image is intermediately generated and stored in the frame data storage unit 14. The frame data stored in the frame data storage unit 14 is used during freeze reproduction.

In step S4, the control unit 40 controls the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 to perform CFM mode signal processing. By this processing, CFM image data is generated and output to the display processing unit 16. In the CFM mode signal processing, frame data for the CFM image is intermediately generated and stored in the frame data storage unit 14. The frame data stored in the frame data storage unit 14 is used during freeze reproduction.

Specifically, CFM mode signal processing is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, in step S41 of FIG. 11, the control unit 40 controls the frame data generation unit 31 to generate frame data including dynamic data including velocity data V, power data P, and dispersion data T.
In step S42, the control unit 40 controls the noise reduction filter processing unit 321 to filter the frame data and remove the low-speed, low-power signal as noise.

In step S43, the control unit 40 determines whether or not to apply the interframe median filter processing based on the setting information acquired in step S1 of FIG. When applying the inter-frame median filter processing (“YES” in step S43), the process proceeds to step S44. When the inter-frame median filter processing is not applied (“NO” in step S43), the process proceeds to step S45.
In step S44, the control unit 40 controls the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 to perform inter-frame median filter processing between a plurality of consecutive frames.

In step S45, the control unit 40 controls the spatial filter processing unit 323 to smooth the frame data.

In step S46, the control unit 40 determines whether or not to apply the multi-resolution processing based on the setting information acquired in step S1 of FIG. When applying the multi-resolution processing (“YES” in step S46), the process proceeds to step S47. When the multi-resolution processing is not applied (“NO” in step S46), the process proceeds to step S48.
In step S47, the control unit 40 controls the multi-resolution processing unit 324 to perform multi-resolution processing.

In step S48, the control unit 40 controls the persistence processing unit 325 to process frame data so that an afterimage effect appears between frames. As a result, the image processing for the frame data for the CFM image is completed.

Returning to FIG. 10, in step S5, the control unit 40 controls the display processing unit 16 to synthesize the B mode image data and the CFM image data, and display the CFM mode image on the display unit 17 (real-time reproduction). .. In the CFM mode image, the CFM image is displayed in the ROI frame. In the V display, the flow in the direction approaching the ultrasonic probe 2 is displayed in a red color, and the flow moving away is displayed in a blue color. In addition, the faster the dynamic speed, the brighter the display, and the slower the dynamic speed, the darker the display.

In step S6, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the freeze operation has been input via the operation input unit 18. When the freeze operation is performed, the ultrasonic transmission / reception processing is interrupted, and the CFM mode image is frozen and reproduced using the frame data stored in the frame data storage unit 14. When the freeze operation is input (“YES” in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If the freeze operation is not input (“NO” in step S6), the process proceeds to step S2, and real-time playback is continued.

In step S7, the control unit 40 controls the B mode signal processing unit 20, the CFM mode signal processing unit 30, and the frame data storage unit 14 to perform freeze reproduction. Specifically, the frame data for the B mode image and the frame data for the CFM image are read from the frame data storage unit 14, and the processes corresponding to steps S3 to S5 are performed.

In step S8, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the reproduction frame change operation has been input via the operation input unit 18. For example, by operating the operation input unit 18, it is possible to specify a frame for starting freeze reproduction on the timeline showing the reproduction status of the CFM mode image. When the operation for changing the reproduction frame is input (“YES” in step S8), the process proceeds to the process of step S7, and freeze reproduction is started from the designated frame. If the operation for changing the reproduction frame has not been input (“NO” in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the control unit 40 determines whether or not a setting change operation for changing the CFM mode has been input via the operation input unit 18. This setting change operation includes an operation of changing the combination of image processing and an operation of changing the CFM mode display (V display / VT display / P display). When the setting change operation is performed (“YES” in step S9), the process proceeds to step S7, and CFM image processing and CFM mode image display are performed based on the changed setting. If the setting change operation has not been performed (“NO” in step S9), the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the control unit 40 determines whether or not an end operation instructing the end of the ultrasonic diagnosis has been input via the operation input unit 18. When the end operation is performed (“YES” in step S10), the ultrasonic diagnostic process is terminated. If the end operation has not been performed (“NO” in step S10), the process proceeds to step S8. When the operation for canceling the freeze playback is input, the process proceeds to step S2, and real-time playback is performed.

As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A according to the embodiment drives the ultrasonic probe 2 so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and also receives a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject. Is received from the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate and display an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A includes a frame data generation unit 31 that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from a received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe 2, and a CFM image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data. The CFM image processing unit 32 for generating the CFM image and the display processing unit 16 for displaying the CFM image on the display unit 17 are provided. The CFM image processing unit 32 has an inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 that performs inter-frame median filter processing using frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
Specifically, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 acquires the median dynamic data for each of the same coordinate values among a plurality of frame data, and obtains the median dynamic data of the latest frame. Convert to.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic method according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and the received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is superposed. A method of receiving from the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate and display an ultrasonic image, the first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe 2 (1st step). Step S41 in FIG. 11, a second step of generating a CFM image showing a dynamic state based on frame data (steps S42 to S48 in FIG. 11), and a third step of displaying the CFM image on the display unit 17 (steps S42 to S48 in FIG. 11). Step S5) of FIG. 10 is provided. The second step includes a step of performing an inter-frame median filter process (step S44 in FIG. 11) using frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.

Further, in the program according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 2 is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and the received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is transmitted to the ultrasonic probe 2. Generates frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe 2 on the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device that receives from and displays the internal information of the subject as an ultrasonic image. 1 process (step S41 in FIG. 11), second process (steps S42 to S48 in FIG. 11) for generating a CFM image showing a dynamic state based on frame data, and a second process for displaying the CFM image on the display unit 17. 3 The process (step S5 in FIG. 10) and the process are executed. The second process includes an inter-frame median filter process (step S44 in FIG. 11) using frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The program is provided, for example, via a computer-readable portable storage medium (including optical discs, magneto-optical disks, and memory cards) in which the program is stored. Further, for example, this program can also be provided by downloading from a server that owns the program via a network.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the ultrasonic diagnostic method, and the program according to the embodiment, the noise in the time axis direction is suppressed while suppressing the increase in the processing load, and the stability of the dynamic depiction in the CFM image is improved. can do.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 gives a larger weight to the dynamic data of a new frame when performing the inter-frame median filter processing.
This makes it possible to suppress the drawback of the interframe median filter processing, which is that the response to dynamic changes is delayed.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the dynamic data includes at least one of the velocity data V indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic and the power data P indicating the flow rate, and the CFM image processing unit 32 includes at least one of the velocity data V and the power data P. Generate a CFM image based on one.
This makes it possible to improve the expression and stability of the dynamic depiction in the CFM image in the V display, the VT display, or the P display.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 applies the inter-frame median filter processing to the absolute value of the velocity data V when generating a CFM image based on the velocity data V. Restore the code of the original velocity data for the obtained result.
As a result, even when the CFM image may be wrapped as in the velocity data V, appropriate results can be obtained in the interframe median filtering process.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 determines whether or not the speed data V has wrapping when generating a CFM image based on the speed data V, and if there is wrapping, the wrapping is performed. The velocity data V indicating the above is corrected by adding or subtracting the velocity value corresponding to the pulse repetition frequency PRF, and the interframe median filter processing is applied to the corrected velocity data V.
As a result, even when the CFM image may be wrapped as in the velocity data V, appropriate results can be obtained in the interframe median filtering process.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 has a multi-resolution processing unit 324 that performs multi-resolution processing using multi-resolution analysis on frame data, and has inter-frame median filter processing and multi-resolution resolution. Either one of the treatments or both of the two treatments are performed.
As a result, the user can receive the CFM mode image that is most suitable for diagnosis.

Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A accepts the combination of the inter-frame median filter processing unit 322 and the multi-resolution processing unit 324 via the operation input unit 18 and the operation input unit 18 for receiving an operation of selecting an applicable combination. The control unit 40 (setting unit) for setting the combination corresponding to the operation as the combination to be applied is provided.
Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the operation input unit 18 can select a combination to be applied from the combination table in which the combination is registered in advance.
Thereby, the user can easily select the desired image processing by operating the operation input unit 18.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the combination of the interframe median filter processing and the multi-resolution processing is associated with the diagnostic site and / or the type of the ultrasonic probe 2.
As a result, the optimum combination is automatically selected only by setting the diagnostic site and / or the type of the ultrasonic probe 2, which are essential setting items in the diagnostic mode, so that the convenience is improved.

Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, it is possible to change the combination of the interframe median filter processing and the multiple resolution processing and the correspondence between the diagnostic site and / or the type of the ultrasonic probe 2 via the operation input unit 18.
Thereby, the user can set the combination of image processing so as to obtain a more preferable dynamic image while confirming the CFM mode image actually obtained.

Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A includes a frame data storage unit 14 that sequentially stores frame data, and the CFM image processing unit 32 reads frame data from the frame data storage unit 14 and performs processing in the frozen state.
As a result, the combination of image processing can be changed after the freeze, so that a CFM image suitable for diagnosis can be obtained without transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves again.

Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed without departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the embodiment, the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 is, in order from the previous stage, a noise reduction filter processing unit 321, an interframe median filter processing unit 322, a spatial filter processing unit 323, a multi-resolution processing unit 324, and a persistence processing unit. It has 325, but the order in which these functions are performed is not limited to this. Further, not all the elements are indispensable. For example, when smoothing is performed in the multi-resolution processing unit 324, the spatial filter processing unit 323 may not be necessary.

Further, for example, in the embodiment, the case where the frame data is read from the frame data storage unit 14 and the CFM image processing is performed in the frozen state has been described, but the CFM mode signal processing unit 30 has the received data storage unit 30 at the time of freezing. The received data may be read from 15 and processed.
As a result, the combination of image processing can be changed after the freeze, so that a CFM image suitable for diagnosis can be obtained without transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves again.

In the above embodiment, the following inventions are also disclosed.
That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A drives the ultrasonic probe 2 so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and receives a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject from the ultrasonic probe 2. Then, an ultrasonic image is generated and displayed. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A includes a frame data generation unit 31 that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from a received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe 2, and a CFM image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data. The CFM image processing unit 32 for generating the CFM image and the display processing unit 16 for displaying the CFM image on the display unit 17 are provided. The dynamic data includes velocity data V indicating the velocity of the dynamic, and the CFM image processing unit 32 uses multiple resolution analysis for the absolute value of the velocity data V when generating a CFM image based on the velocity data V. The multiple resolution processing is applied, and the code of the original velocity data is restored to the obtained result.
Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus A, the multi-resolution processing includes multi-resolution decomposition from the original image LL (0), image processing at each scale, and reconstruction to the original image LL (0), and the multi-resolution decomposition is performed. , Wavelet transform, curvelet transform, pyramid transform.
As a result, even when wrapping may occur in the CFM image as in the speed data V, appropriate results can be obtained in the multi-resolution processing. Therefore, a stable CFM image can be obtained in the spatial axis direction. That is, the expression and stability of the dynamic depiction can be improved, and an appropriate CFM display can be performed even when the velocity data is large.

The present invention is suitable for making a diagnosis using a CFM image using ultrasonic waves, but can also be applied to making a diagnosis using an elastographic image in which the hardness of a lump is imaged.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

A Ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic device main unit 2 Ultrasonic probe 11 Transmitter 12 Receiver 13 ROI setting unit 14 Frame data storage 15 Received data storage 16 Display processing 17 Display 18 Operation input 20 B mode signal Processing unit 30 CFM mode signal processing unit 31 Frame data generation unit 32 CFM image processing unit 33 CFM image conversion unit 40 Control unit 321 Noise reduction filter unit 322 Interframe median filter processing unit 323 Spatial filter processing unit 324 Multi-resolution processing unit 325 Persistence Stance processing department

Claims (26)

The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays
A frame data generation unit that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and a frame data generation unit.
A color Doppler image processing unit that generates a color Doppler image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data, and a color Doppler image processing unit.
A display processing unit for displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The color Doppler image processing unit
It has an inter-frame median filter processing unit that performs inter-frame median filter processing using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction .
The inter-frame median filter processing unit imparts a greater weight to the dynamic data of a new frame when performing the inter-frame median filter processing.
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The inter-frame median filter processing unit acquires the median value of the dynamic data for each of the same coordinate values among the plurality of frame data, and converts the dynamic data of the latest frame into the median value. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in. The dynamic data includes at least one of velocity data indicating a dynamic flow velocity and power data indicating a flow rate.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the color Doppler image processing unit generates the color Doppler image based on at least one of the speed data and the power data. When the inter-frame median filter processing unit generates the color Doppler image based on the speed data, the inter-frame median filter processing is applied to the absolute value of the speed data, and the result obtained is The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 , which restores the code of the original velocity data. The inter-frame median filter processing unit determines whether or not the speed data is wrapped when the color Doppler image is generated based on the speed data, and if there is a wrap, the speed data indicating the wrapping is obtained. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the speed value corresponding to the pulse repetition frequency PRF is added or subtracted to correct the speed value, and the inter-frame median filter processing is applied to the corrected speed data. The color Doppler image processing unit
It has a multi-resolution processing unit that performs multi-resolution processing using multi-resolution analysis on the frame data.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the inter-frame median filter processing and the multi-resolution processing are selectively performed. The color Doppler image processing unit
It has a multi-resolution processing unit that performs multi-resolution processing using multi-resolution analysis on the frame data.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein both the inter-frame median filter processing and the multi-resolution processing are performed. An operation input unit that accepts an operation of selecting an applicable combination from the combination of the inter-frame median filter processing unit and the multi-resolution processing unit.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , further comprising a setting unit for setting a combination corresponding to an operation received via the operation input unit as an applicable combination. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the operation input unit can select a combination to be applied from a combination table in which the combination is registered in advance. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the combination is associated with a diagnostic site and / or the type of the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the association between the combination and the type of the diagnostic site and / or the ultrasonic probe can be changed via the operation input unit. A frame data storage unit for sequentially storing the frame data is provided.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the color Doppler image processing unit reads the frame data from the frame data storage unit and performs processing in a frozen state. A received data storage unit for sequentially storing the data of the received signal is provided.
The superimposing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the frame data generation unit and the color Doppler image processing unit read data of the received signal from the received data storage unit and perform processing in a frozen state. Sound diagnostic equipment. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays
A frame data generation unit that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and a frame data generation unit.
A color Doppler image processing unit that generates a color Doppler image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data, and a color Doppler image processing unit.
A display processing unit for displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
When the color Doppler image processing unit generates the color Doppler image based on the speed data, the color Doppler image processing unit applies multi-resolution processing using multi-resolution analysis to the absolute value of the speed data, and the result obtained. In contrast, an ultrasonic diagnostic device having a multi-resolution processing unit that restores the code of the original speed data. The multi-resolution processing includes multi-resolution decomposition from the original image, image processing at each scale, and reconstruction into the original image.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11 and 14 , wherein the multi-resolution resolution is performed by any one of a wavelet transform, a curvelet transform, and a pyramid transform. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the display processing unit synthesizes a B-mode image and the color Doppler image and displays them on the display unit. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic image display method to display,
The first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second step of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
A third step of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The second step includes a step of performing an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction, and is new in performing the inter -frame median filter process. An ultrasonic image display method that gives a larger weight to the dynamic data of a frame . The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic image display method to display,
The first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second step of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
A third step of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second step, when the color Doppler image is generated based on the speed data, the multiple resolution processing using the multiple resolution analysis is applied to the absolute value of the speed data, and the obtained result is obtained. An ultrasonic image display method including a step of restoring the code of the original velocity data. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. On the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to display,
The first process of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second process of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
It is a program for executing the third process of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit.
The second process includes an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction, and the dynamics of the new frame when the inter-frame median filter process is performed. A program that gives greater weight to data . The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. On the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to display,
The first process of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second process of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
It is a program for executing the third process of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second processing, when the color Doppler image is generated based on the speed data, the multiple resolution processing using the multiple resolution analysis is applied to the absolute value of the speed data, and the obtained result is obtained. A program that includes the process of restoring the code of the original velocity data. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays
A frame data generation unit that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and a frame data generation unit.
A color Doppler image processing unit that generates a color Doppler image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data, and a color Doppler image processing unit.
A display processing unit for displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The color Doppler image processing unit has an inter-frame median filter processing unit that performs inter-frame median filter processing using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
The color Doppler image processing unit generates the color Doppler image based on the speed data, and generates the color Doppler image.
The inter-frame median filter processing unit applies the inter-frame median filter processing to the absolute value of the velocity data, and restores the code of the original velocity data to the obtained result.
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic image display method to display,
The first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second step of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
A third step of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The second step includes a step of performing an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second step, the color Doppler image is generated based on the velocity data, and the interframe median filter processing is applied to the absolute value of the velocity data, and the original velocity is obtained with respect to the obtained result. Restore the code of the data,
Ultrasound image display method. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. On the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to display,
The first process of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second process of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
It is a program for executing the third process of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit.
The second process includes a process of performing an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second process, the color Doppler image is generated based on the velocity data, and the interframe median filter process is applied to the absolute value of the velocity data, and the original velocity is obtained with respect to the obtained result. Restore the code of the data,
program. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that displays
A frame data generation unit that generates frame data consisting of dynamic data for one frame from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and a frame data generation unit.
A color Doppler image processing unit that generates a color Doppler image showing a dynamic state based on the frame data, and a color Doppler image processing unit.
A display processing unit for displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The color Doppler image processing unit
It has an inter-frame median filter processing unit that performs inter-frame median filter processing using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
The color Doppler image processing unit generates the color Doppler image based on the speed data, and generates the color Doppler image.
The inter-frame median filter processing unit determines whether or not the speed data has wrapping, and if there is wrapping, the speed value corresponding to the pulse repetition frequency PRF is added or subtracted from the speed data indicating the wrapping to correct it. Then, the interframe median filter processing is applied to the corrected velocity data.
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. It is an ultrasonic image display method to display,
The first step of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second step of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
A third step of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit is provided.
The second step includes a step of performing an inter-frame median filter process using a plurality of the frame data corresponding to a plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
In the second step, the color Doppler image is generated based on the velocity data, the presence or absence of folding of the velocity data is determined, and if there is folding, the pulse repetition frequency PRF with respect to the velocity data indicating the folding. The speed value corresponding to is added or subtracted to be corrected, and the interframe median filter processing is applied to the corrected speed data.
Ultrasound image display method. The ultrasonic probe is driven so as to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the subject, and a received signal based on the reflected wave reflected in the subject is received from the ultrasonic probe to generate an ultrasonic image. On the computer of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to display
The first process of generating frame data consisting of one frame of dynamic data from the received signal obtained by the ultrasonic probe, and
The second process of generating a color Doppler image showing the dynamic state based on the frame data, and
It is a program for executing the third process of displaying the color Doppler image on the display unit.
In the second process, an inter-frame median filter process is performed using the plurality of frame data corresponding to the plurality of consecutive frames in the time axis direction.
The dynamic data includes velocity data indicating the flow velocity of the dynamic.
The second process generates the color Doppler image based on the speed data, determines whether or not the speed data has wrapping, and if there is wrapping, the pulse repetition frequency PRF with respect to the speed data indicating the wrapping. The speed value corresponding to is added or subtracted to be corrected, and the interframe median filter processing is applied to the corrected speed data.
program.

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