JP7143589B2 - ultrasound diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Ultrasound diagnosis is a simple operation of applying an ultrasound probe from the body surface to obtain an ultrasound image of the heartbeat and movement of the fetus. can be done. 2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is used for ultrasonic diagnosis and generates and displays an ultrasonic image is known.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has many image parameters as setting information for generating ultrasonic image data. Good ultrasound image data can be obtained by setting image parameters according to the depth, site, and subject.

For example, there is known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that changes the driving frequency of ultrasonic waves to be transmitted according to the depth of field and obtains a diagnostic image with excellent resolution or an easy-to-view diagnostic image (see Patent Document 1).

Also, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system that combines a number of different viewing directions to form a spatially synthesized image, wherein the number of different viewing directions is variable in response to changes in image depth as an operating parameter. known (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3947647 Japanese Patent No. 4694692

However, in the above conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system, when the depth is changed, the parameters that can be changed are limited, and before and after changing the depth, some image parameters changed, There is a problem that the brightness balance, contrast, and followability change unintentionally, and in some cases, deteriorate due to inconsistency with image parameters that do not change. In order to correct these, the operator needs to change the image parameters, which is complicated.

An object of the present invention is to easily obtain good ultrasound image data according to a plurality of image parameters without complicated operations.

In order to solve the above problems, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention according to claim 1 is
a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from an image parameter set having a plurality of image parameters corresponding to a plurality of preset depths stored in a storage unit,
The image parameter set is associated with a type of diagnostic site.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention according to claim 2,
a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from an image parameter set having a plurality of image parameters corresponding to a plurality of preset depths stored in a storage unit,
The acquisition unit maintains the depth before the selection input when a selection input to change the image parameter set is performed by the operation unit, and the selected image parameter set corresponding to the depth before the selection input. Get multiple image parameters for .

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention according to claim 3,
a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
One of the plurality of image parameters is trapezoidal scanning, disabling trapezoidal scanning or decreasing angle when depth is shallow, and enabling trapezoidal scanning or increasing angle when depth is deep. settings are set .

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention according to claim 4,
a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
One of the plurality of image parameters is a time average, and a setting value is set so that the time average is strengthened when the depth is shallow and the time average is weakened when the depth is deep .

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention according to claim 5,
a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
one of the plurality of image parameters is an offset TGC;
The control unit causes the image processing unit to provide the added value of the input depth offset TGC gain and the normal TGC gain to the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the input depth .

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention according to claim 6,
The acquisition unit maintains the depth before the selection input when a selection input to change the image parameter set is performed by the operation unit, and the selected image parameter set corresponding to the depth before the selection input. Get multiple image parameters for .
a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of depth as the depth of field of the ultrasonic image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
one of the plurality of image parameters is offset gain;
The control unit causes the image processing unit to provide the added value of the offset gain of the input depth and the gain by normal operation to the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the input depth .

The invention according to claim 7 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from an image parameter set having a plurality of image parameters corresponding to a plurality of preset depths stored in a storage unit .

The invention according to claim 8 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 7 ,
The storage unit stores a plurality of types of image parameter sets,
The operation unit receives input of depth of ultrasound image data to be generated and input of selection of one image parameter set from the plurality of types of image parameter sets,
The obtaining unit obtains a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from the selected input image parameter set .

The invention according to claim 9 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 7 ,
The operation unit accepts selection of one image parameter set via keys or touch panel buttons to which a plurality of image parameter sets are assigned .

The invention according to claim 10 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 7 ,
The acquisition unit maintains the depth before the selection input when a selection input to change the image parameter set is performed by the operation unit, and the selected image parameter set corresponding to the depth before the selection input. Get multiple image parameters for .

The invention according to claim 11 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 7 to 10 ,
The operation unit receives input of setting values of a plurality of image parameters for each depth of the image parameter set,
A storage control unit that stores an image parameter set corresponding to the input set values of the plurality of image parameters for each depth in the storage unit .

The invention according to claim 12 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11 ,
controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the input plurality of image parameters for each depth to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth; A display control unit for generating and displaying on a display unit is provided .

The invention according to claim 13 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
One of the plurality of image parameters is the sound ray density, and the setting value is set so that the sound ray density is increased when the depth is shallow and the sound ray density is decreased when the depth is deep .

The invention according to claim 14 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
One of the plurality of image parameters is the dynamic range, and the setting value is set so that the dynamic range is increased when the depth is shallow and the dynamic range is decreased when the depth is deep .

The invention according to claim 15 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
One of the plurality of image parameters is a screen layout setting, and setting values are set such that when the depth is shallow, the screen layout is set vertically, and when the depth is deep, the screen layout is horizontally set .
The invention according to claim 16 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 6,
One of the plurality of image parameters is trapezoidal scanning, disabling trapezoidal scanning or decreasing angle when depth is shallow, and enabling trapezoidal scanning or increasing angle when depth is deep. settings are set.
The invention according to claim 17 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 5, and 6,
One of the plurality of image parameters is a time average, and a setting value is set so that the time average is strengthened when the depth is shallow and the time average is weakened when the depth is deep.
The invention according to claim 18 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 6,
one of the plurality of image parameters is an offset TGC;
The control unit causes the image processing unit to provide the added value of the input offset TGC gain of the depth and the normal TGC gain to the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the input depth.
The invention according to claim 19 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
one of the plurality of image parameters is offset gain;
The control unit causes the image processing unit to provide the added value of the offset gain of the input depth and the gain by normal operation to the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the input depth .
The invention according to claim 20 is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
The plurality of image parameters are image parameters corresponding to at least one image mode of B mode, M mode, color Doppler mode, power Doppler mode, CW mode and elastography mode.

According to the present invention, excellent ultrasound image data corresponding to a plurality of image parameters can be easily obtained without complicated operations.

1 is an external view of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image parameter set group; 4 is a flowchart showing image parameter set creation processing; It is a figure which shows an image parameter set creation screen. FIG. 11 shows an image parameter copy window; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image parameter set with full shallow copy and full depth copy; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing image parameter sets with one-level shallow copy and one-level deep copy; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a save dialog; 4 is a flowchart showing image parameter set use processing. 9 is a flowchart showing image parameter set change processing; (a) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 2 [cm] of the first image parameter set. (b) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 4 [cm] of the first image parameter set; (c) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 7 [cm] of the first image parameter set; (a) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 3 [cm] of the first image parameter set. (b) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 3 [cm] in which the observation region of the first image parameter set is changed. (c) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 3 [cm] of the second image parameter set.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device configuration of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 1a and an ultrasonic probe 1b. The ultrasonic probe 1b transmits ultrasonic waves (transmitted ultrasonic waves) to a subject such as a living body (not shown) and receives reflected waves (reflected ultrasonic waves) of the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1a is connected to an ultrasonic probe 1b via a cable 1c, and transmits an electric signal drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1b, thereby transmitting a subject signal to the ultrasonic probe 1b. Based on the received signal which is an electric signal generated by the ultrasonic probe 1b in response to the reflected ultrasonic wave from the inside of the subject received by the ultrasonic probe 1b while transmitting the transmitted ultrasonic waves to to image the internal state of the subject as an ultrasound image.

The ultrasonic probe 1b includes transducers made of piezoelectric elements, and a plurality of transducers are arranged in a one-dimensional array in the azimuth direction, for example. In this embodiment, for example, an ultrasonic probe 1b having 192 transducers is used. Note that the vibrators may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. Also, the number of vibrators can be set arbitrarily. Further, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic probe 1b employs a linear scanning electronic scanning probe, but either an electronic scanning method or a mechanical scanning method may be employed. Either the sector scanning method or the convex scanning method can be adopted, and the ultrasonic probe 1b can be replaced with a different type.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 1a includes, for example, an operation input unit 101 as an operation unit, a transmission unit 102, a reception unit 103, an image generation unit 104, an image processing unit 105, and a DSC. (Digital Scan Converter) 106 , display unit 107 , control unit 108 , and storage unit 109 .

The operation input unit 101 includes, for example, various switches, buttons, dials, trackballs, etc. for inputting data such as a command to start diagnosis from an operator (doctor, technician, etc.) and personal information of a subject. Equipped with a mouse, keyboard, etc., it outputs operation signals to the control unit 108 . Furthermore, the operation input unit 101 is configured to include a touch panel provided on the display screen of the display unit 107 .

The transmission unit 102 is a circuit that supplies a drive signal, which is an electric signal, to the ultrasound probe 1b via the cable 1c according to the control of the control unit 108 to cause the ultrasound probe 1b to generate transmission ultrasound waves. . Also, the transmission unit 102 includes, for example, a clock generation circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse generation circuit. The clock generation circuit is a circuit that generates a clock signal that determines the transmission timing and transmission frequency of the drive signal. The delay circuit sets the transmission timing of the drive signal for each individual path corresponding to each transducer, and delays the transmission of the drive signal by the set delay time to generate a transmission beam composed of transmitted ultrasonic waves. This is a circuit for focusing. A pulse generation circuit is a circuit for generating a pulse signal as a drive signal at a predetermined cycle. The transmission unit 102 configured as described above drives, for example, a continuous part (eg, 64) of a plurality of (eg, 192) transducers arranged in the ultrasound probe 1b. to generate a transmitted ultrasonic wave. Then, the transmission unit 102 performs scanning by shifting the transducer to be driven in the azimuth direction each time the transmission ultrasonic wave is generated.

The receiving unit 103 is a circuit that receives a reception signal, which is an electrical signal, from the ultrasonic probe 1b via the cable 1c under the control of the control unit 108. FIG. The receiving unit 103 includes, for example, an amplifier, an A/D conversion circuit, and a phasing addition circuit. The amplifier is a circuit for amplifying a received signal with a preset amplification factor for each individual path corresponding to each transducer. The A/D conversion circuit is a circuit for A/D converting the amplified received signal. The phasing addition circuit gives a delay time to each individual path corresponding to each transducer to adjust the time phase to the A/D converted received signal, and adds them (phasing addition) to obtain a sound ray. A circuit for generating data.

Under the control of the control unit 108, the image generation unit 104 performs envelope detection processing, log compression, and the like on the sound ray data from the reception unit 103, adjusts the dynamic range and gain, and performs luminance conversion. , to generate B-mode image data. In other words, the B-mode image data represents the strength of the received signal by luminance. The image generation unit 104 is configured to be capable of generating ultrasound image data in an image mode other than the B mode. The image generator 104 can generate ultrasound image data in at least one of, for example, B mode, A mode, M mode, color Doppler mode, power Doppler mode, CW (Continuous Wave) mode, and elastography mode. shall be

The image processing unit 105 includes an image memory unit 105a configured by a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Under the control of the control unit 108, the image processing unit 105 can apply various image processing to the B-mode image data output from the image generation unit 104, and the image processing has been performed or has been performed. B-mode image data that does not exist is stored in the image memory unit 105a on a frame-by-frame basis. In particular, the image processing unit 105 applies gain values based on normal operation TGC (Time Gain Compensation), offset TGC, normal operation gain, and offset gain to the B-mode image data output from the image generation unit 104. process. TGC is a function of correcting and adjusting the amplification degree (gain, gain) of received ultrasonic waves with respect to time corresponding to distance at certain intervals. Image data in units of frames is sometimes referred to as ultrasound image data or frame image data. Also, the image processing unit 105 transmits the frame image data stored in the image memory unit 105 a to the DSC 106 under the control of the control unit 108 .

DSC 106 converts the frame image data received from image processing unit 105 into an image signal for display unit 107 and outputs the image signal to display unit 107 under the control of control unit 108 .

The display unit 107 can be a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display, an organic EL (Electronic Luminescence) display, an inorganic EL display, a plasma display, or the like. The display unit 107 displays an image on the display screen according to the image signal output from the DSC 106 under the control of the control unit 108 .

The control unit 108 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). , centrally controls the operation of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the expanded program. The ROM is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor, and stores a system program corresponding to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, various processing programs executable on the system program, various data such as a gamma table, and the like. In particular, the various programs execute, for example, an image parameter set creation program for executing an image parameter set creation process, an image parameter set use program for executing an image parameter set use process, and an image parameter set change process, which will be described later. It shall include an image parameter set change program for These programs are stored in the form of computer-readable program codes, and the CPU sequentially executes operations according to the program codes. The RAM forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the CPU and data related to these programs.

The storage unit 109 includes, for example, a large-capacity recording medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and includes ultrasound image data stored in association with patient information, an image parameter set group 200 described later, and various setting information. etc. to remember.

Next, the configuration of the image parameter set group 200 stored in the storage unit 109 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image parameter set group 200. As shown in FIG.

The image parameter set group 200 has a plurality of image parameter sets as tables that store setting values of a plurality of image parameters corresponding to a plurality of depths. As shown in FIG. 3, the image parameter set group 200 has image parameter sets 210, 220, .

The image parameter set 210 has an image parameter set name, tag 1, tag 2, tag 3, and maintenance information. The name, tag 1, tag 2, and tag 3 function as identification information for the image parameter set 210. FIG. Therefore, for example, it is possible to assign the same name to a plurality of image parameter sets and assign different tags to each image parameter set. Up to three tags can be registered here, but the number is not limited to this. Also, the image parameter set may have an identification number.

The name is the name of the image parameter set, and can be, for example, observation site. The tag can be freely set by the operator, for example, the type of ultrasonic probe 1b in ultrasonic diagnosis using an image parameter set, the field of ultrasonic diagnosis, and the like. Names and tags are also used for keyword searches and tag searches for image parameter sets.

The maintenance information indicates whether or not to maintain (change) the previous depth when an image parameter set to be changed is selected while the image parameter set is not selected or another image parameter set is selected. This is the depth information after the change of the case. The maintenance information is, for example, "On (if maintained)", "x ([cm], x: arbitrary depth value (if not maintained))".

The image parameter set 210 corresponds to a plurality of depths (for example, 1 to 7 [cm] (1 [cm] interval)), and the (transmission) frequency, trapezoidal scanning, acoustic line density, It stores setting values such as dynamic range, time average, screen layout, offset TGC1-8, and offset gain. Although illustration is omitted, the image parameter set 210 has set values of image parameters corresponding to multiple depths (for example, 1 to 7 [cm]) for other modes such as the M mode. and

The (transmission) frequency is the frequency [MHz] of the transmission ultrasonic wave. Trapezoidal scanning is information indicating whether to perform trapezoidal scanning for generating trapezoidal B-mode image data by changing the sound ray angle of each transducer using the linear ultrasonic probe 1b. The sound ray density is information indicating the density of sound rays of transmitted ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic probe 1b.

The dynamic range is information indicating the amount of dB assigned to the luminance gradation of image data to be generated, out of the luminance of sound ray data exceeding 100 dB. The temporal average is an amount indicating how many temporally continuous B-mode images (each pixel value) of live B-mode images to take an arithmetic average or a weighted average. shall be represented by The screen layout is information indicating whether to display vertically or horizontally in the case of two-screen display.

Offset TGC1-8 divides the B-mode image into eight regions in the depth direction, and indicates the gain value (luminance value) [dB] added to each region as an offset that is a correction value for time corresponding to the distance of each region. Information. Here, for example, it is assumed that the TGC for normal operation and the offset TGC have the same area. However, the number of offset TGC and normal TGC regions is not limited to eight. If the offset TGC is effective when the TGC of the normal operation for increasing or decreasing the luminance value of each area of the displayed B-mode image is performed by the operator's input, the luminance value of the normal TGC + the offset TGC is the B-mode image. It is added to each pixel value in each corresponding region of the image.

The offset gain is information indicating a gain value (luminance value) [dB] to be added as an offset to the entire area of the B-mode image. When normal operation gain adjustment for increasing or decreasing the luminance value of each region of the displayed B-mode image is performed by the operator inputting the normal gain, and if the offset gain is effective, the normal gain adjustment value + offset The brightness value of the gain is added to each pixel value in the entire area of the B-mode image.

In the image parameter set 210, the trapezoidal scanning setting value of the image parameter is disabled (Off) when the depth is shallow, and enabled (On) when the depth is deep. The trapezoidal scanning setting value of the image parameter may be set to a setting value that decreases the angle of the sound ray when the depth is shallow, and a setting value that increases the angle of the sound ray when the depth is deep. .

Also, in the image parameter set 210, the setting value of the sound ray density of the image parameter is increased when the depth is shallow, and decreased when the depth is deep. Also, in the image parameter set 210, the setting value of the time average of the image parameters is strengthened when the depth is shallow, and weakened when the depth is deep.

Also, in the image parameter set 210, the set value of the dynamic range of the image parameter is increased when the depth is shallow, and decreased when the depth is deep. In the image parameter set 210, the setting values of the screen layout of the image parameters are set vertically when the depth is shallow, and horizontally when the depth is deep.

In the image parameter set 210, trapezoidal scanning is enabled for increased depth. When trapezoidal scanning is enabled, the sound ray spacing widens in deep areas, resulting in poor image quality. In order to compensate for this, the sound ray density is increased in the deep part. However, if the sound ray density is increased, the frame rate will decrease and the followability will decrease, so the time average is weakened in the deep part. By deepening the depth and weakening the time average, the SNR (Signal-Noise Ratio) is lowered, so the dynamic range is lowered, and the gain (offset TGC, offset gain) is changed accordingly. is doing. In this way, in the image parameter set 210, setting information of a plurality of image parameters are set so as to obtain good ultrasound image data by mutually linking the setting information.

The B-mode image parameters of the image parameter set 210 are not limited to these, and may be other image parameters such as transmit waveform, transmit aperture, transmit focus, receive frequency, image processing, and signal processing. The transmission waveform is, for example, a driving signal waveform. The transmission aperture is the number of transducer channels of the transmission aperture of the ultrasonic probe 1b. The transmission focus is the focal length of the ultrasonic probe 1b. The received frequency is the frequency [MHz] of received ultrasonic waves (reflected ultrasonic waves, echoes). The image processing is, for example, image processing information regarding strength of edge enhancement and smoothing. The signal processing is, for example, signal processing information such as characteristic coefficients of a dynamic filter.

The image parameter sets 220, like the image parameter set 210, have multiple image parameter setting values corresponding to multiple depths for each of multiple image modes such as B mode and M mode.

In particular, "sound ray density" and "time average" are used as image parameters not only in B mode, but also in color Doppler mode, power Doppler mode, and elastography mode. Therefore, in the color Doppler mode, power Doppler mode, and elastography mode, setting information such as "sound ray density" and "time average" is set and stored in the image parameter set of the image mode. Image parameters such as "sound ray density" and "time average" have the same actions and effects in color Doppler mode, power Doppler mode, and elastography mode as in B mode.

As an image parameter for image modes other than B mode, "number of repeated transmissions" is used in color Doppler mode. For this reason, in the color Doppler mode, the setting information of the "number of repeated transmissions" is set and stored in the image parameter set for the color Doppler mode. Specifically, when the depth is shallow, the sensitivity is improved by increasing the setting value of "repeated transmission number", and when the depth is deep, the frame is reduced by decreasing the setting value of "repeated transmission number". Secure your rate.

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13. FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing image parameter set creation processing. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image parameter set creation screen 300. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image parameter copy window 400. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image parameter set 210 with full shallow copy and full depth copy. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image parameter set 210 with a shallow copy and a deep copy. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a save dialog 500. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing image parameter set use processing. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image parameter set change processing. FIG. 12( a ) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 2 [cm] of the image parameter set 210 . FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing a B-mode image of the image parameter set 210 at a depth of 4 [cm]. FIG. 12(c) is a diagram showing a B-mode image of the image parameter set 210 at a depth of 7 [cm]. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 3 [cm] of the image parameter set 210. FIG. FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a B-mode image at a depth of 3 [cm] in which the observation site of the image parameter set 210 is changed. FIG. 13(c) is a diagram showing a B-mode image of the image parameter set 220 at a depth of 3 [cm].

First, referring to FIG. 4, the image parameter set creation processing executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described. The image parameter set creation process is a process in which an operator such as a doctor checks the display contents of the image parameter set on a live ultrasound image (live image) while creating or changing the image parameter set and saving the image parameter set. Assume that a technician or the like as a subject is lying on a bed in an examination room in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is installed in advance.

Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, in response to a live image display instruction input from the operator via the operation input unit 101, for example, to display a live ultrasonic image (live image) in an arbitrary image mode (for example, B mode) , the control unit 108 causes the transmission unit 102 to output a driving signal for displaying a live image to the ultrasonic probe 1b applied to the subject to emit transmission ultrasonic waves, and respond to reflected ultrasonic waves (echoes). The reception signal is received from the ultrasonic probe 1b by the receiving unit 103, ultrasonic image data is generated by the image generating unit 104, image processing is performed by the image processing unit 105, and the data is displayed on the display unit 107 via the DSC 106. It is assumed that a live ultrasound image of a specimen is being displayed. At this time, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the operator selects and inputs an image parameter set of a desired image mode out of the image parameter set group 200 by executing an image parameter set use process or an image parameter set change process, which will be described later. , a live image may be displayed according to the selected set of image parameters.

Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, for example, the operator inputs a desired image mode (for example, B mode) via the operation input unit 101 and an execution instruction for image parameter set creation processing as a trigger, and the control unit 108 executes an image parameter set creation process according to an image parameter set creation program stored in the ROM.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the control unit 108 causes the display unit 107 to display an image parameter set creation screen of the desired image mode for which the instruction is input (step S11). In step S11, for example, a B-mode image parameter set creation screen 300 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. The image parameter set creation screen 300 has a live image display area 310 and an image parameter input area 320 . The live image display area 310 is a display area for live images. The image parameter input area 320 is an input area for setting values of a plurality of image parameters. The image parameter input area 320 has, for example, an image parameter value display area 321 that displays setting values for each of a plurality of image parameters, and a value input button 322 that accepts input of setting values.

Then, the control unit 108 determines whether or not the image parameter set is being selected by the operator's input before the image parameter set creating process (step S12). If the image parameter set is not being selected (step S12; NO), the control unit 108 creates a new image parameter set via the operation input unit 101 by entering a new depth and a desired image mode corresponding to the depth. Inputs of set values of a plurality of image parameters are received, and the input information (depth, image parameter set values of the image mode) are reflected in the live image being displayed (step S13). For example, on the image parameter set creation screen 300, every time the depth is changed by dial input of the operation input unit 101 and the value input button 322 is touch-input, the control unit 108 performs , the transmitting unit 102 , the receiving unit 103 , the image generating unit 104 , the image processing unit 105 , etc. are appropriately controlled to display a live image corresponding to the input depth and image parameters in the live image display area 310 .

Then, the control unit 108 holds the depth and the plurality of image parameters input in step S13 in response to holding input from the operator via the operation input unit 101 (step S14). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an input of another depth image parameter from the operator via the operation input unit 101 (step S15). If there is another depth image parameter input (step S15; YES), the process proceeds to step S13.

If the image parameter set is being selected (step S12; YES), the control unit 108 stores the image parameter set of the desired image mode being selected via the operation input unit 101 as the image parameter set change in the storage unit 109. , accepts inputs of the depth to be changed in the selected image parameter set and the set values of a plurality of image parameters in the desired image mode according to the depth, and inputs the input information (depth, image parameter of the image mode set value) is reflected in the live image being displayed (step S16). For example, on the image parameter set creation screen 300, the depth is changed by dial input of the operation input unit 101, the setting value of each image parameter of the currently selected image parameter set is displayed in the image parameter value display area 321, and the value input button is pressed. Each time 322 is touch-inputted, the control unit 108 causes the live image display area 310 to display a live image corresponding to the input depth and image parameters, as in step S13.

Then, the control unit 108 holds the depth and the plurality of image parameters input in step S13 in response to holding input from the operator via the operation input unit 101 (step S17). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an input of an image parameter of another depth of the currently selected image parameter set from the operator via the operation input unit 101 (step S18). If there is another depth image parameter input (step S18; YES), the process proceeds to step S16.

Steps S16 to S18 are for inputting the set values of a plurality of image parameters for each depth, but there are cases where the same set values are set for a plurality of image parameters at different depths. For this reason, in step S16, the image parameter copy window 400 shown in FIG.

The image parameter copy window 400 has a full shallow copy button 410 , a full deep copy button 420 , a single shallow copy button 430 , a single deep copy button 440 , a save button 450 , an end button 460 , and a setting confirmation button 470 .

The all shallow copy button 410 is a button for accepting an execution input to copy multiple image parameter setting values for the selected depth to multiple image parameter setting values for all depths shallower than the selected depth. . For example, in the image parameter set 210 of FIG. 3, when the depth of 3 [cm] is selected and the full shallow copy button 410 is touch-input, a plurality of image parameters of the depth of 3 [cm] are displayed as shown in FIG. is held so as to be copied to the setting values of a plurality of image parameters at shallower depths of 1 and 2 [cm].

The full depth copy button 420 is a button that accepts an execution input to copy multiple image parameter setting values for the selected depth to multiple image parameter setting values for all depths deeper than the selected depth. . For example, in the image parameter set 210 of FIG. 3, when the depth of 4 [cm] is selected and the full shallow copy button 410 is touch-input, as shown in FIG. is held so as to be copied to the setting values of a plurality of image parameters at deeper depths of 5, 6, and 7 [cm].

The one-step shallow copy button 430 is a button for accepting an execution input to copy the setting values of a plurality of image parameters with a depth one step shallower than the selected depth to the setting values of the plurality of image parameters with the selected depth. For example, in the image parameter set 210 of FIG. 3, when the one step shallow copy button 430 is touch-input while the depth of 3 [cm] is selected, as shown in FIG. A plurality of image parameter setting values of 2 [cm] are held so as to be copied to a plurality of image parameter setting values of depth 3 [cm].

The one-step-deep copy button 440 is a button that accepts an execution input to copy the setting values of a plurality of image parameters at a depth one step deeper than the depth being selected to the setting values of the plurality of image parameters at the depth being selected. For example, in the image parameter set 210 of FIG. 3, when the one step deep copy button 440 is touch-input while the depth of 4 [cm] is selected, as shown in FIG. A plurality of image parameter setting values of 5 [cm] are held so as to be copied to a plurality of image parameter setting values of depth 4 [cm].

The save button 450 is a button for accepting an input to save the input image parameter set. The end button 460 is a button for accepting an execution input to end the image parameter set creation process. The setting confirmation button 470 is a button for accepting an input to execute display on the display unit 107 in order to confirm the image parameters held in step S17.

Further, in step S16, the control unit 108 displays the table of the currently selected image parameter set on the display unit 107, and accepts input to change the setting values of the image parameters in the displayed table of the image parameter set. may be configured. Similarly, in step S13, the operator may input the setting values of the image parameters into the table of the image parameter set displayed on the display unit 107 via the operation input unit 101. FIG.

Returning to FIG. 4, if there is no other depth image parameter input (step S15; NO) or (step S18; NO), the control unit 108 receives an instruction to execute storage from the operator via the operation input unit 101. It is determined whether or not (step S19). In step S19 after step S18, for example, it is determined whether or not the save button 450 is touch-inputted. If the execution of saving has not been input (step S19; NO), the image parameter set creating process ends.

When execution of saving is input (step S19; YES), the control unit 108 receives the input of the name of the image parameter set to be newly created or changed, the tag, and the maintenance information from the operator via the operation input unit 101 ( step S20). In step S20, for example, a save dialog 500 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, and an input is made through the save dialog 500. The save dialog 500 has a name input field 510 , tag input fields 530 , 540 , 550 , maintenance information input field 560 , an OK button 570 and a cancel button 580 .

A name input field 510 is an input field for the name of an image parameter set to be newly created or changed. Tag input fields 530, 540, and 550 are input fields for tag 1, tag 2, and tag 3 of an image parameter set to be newly created or changed. The maintenance information input field 560 is a radio that receives input of whether or not to maintain the previous depth and, if not maintained (changed), the depth after change when newly selecting an image parameter set to be newly created or changed. An input field containing a button. When step S16 is passed, the name input field 510, the tag input fields 530, 540, 550, and the maintenance information input field 560 are filled with the name of the selected image parameter set read out in step S16, tag 1, It is assumed that tag 2, tag 3, and maintenance information are displayed by default so that changes can be entered.

The OK button 570 is a button for accepting an execution input for saving and overwriting the input information in the name input field 510, the tag input fields 530, 540, 550, and the maintenance information input field 560. FIG. The cancel button 580 is a button for receiving an input to cancel the input (save) of the name input field 510 , the tag input fields 530 , 540 , 550 and the maintenance information input field 560 .

Then, the control unit 108 converts the image parameter set, which is a plurality of image parameters at a plurality of depths held in step S14 or S17, to the name, tag 1, tag 2, tag 3, and maintenance information input in step S20. They are stored in the storage unit 109 in association with each other (step S21), and the image parameter set creating process ends. In step S<b>21 , the image parameter set to be saved may be displayed on the display unit 107 .

In steps S16 to S18 of the image parameter set creation process, the operator specifies image parameters to be changed and image parameters to be maintained (not changed) from the currently selected image parameter set (via the operation input unit 101). specified input), and the configuration may be such that only the setting information of the image parameter to be changed is input and changed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, image parameter set use processing executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described. The image parameter set use process is a process of selecting an image parameter set from the image parameter set group 200 and reflecting it in the live image. Assume that a patient as a subject is lying on a bed in an examination room in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is installed in advance.

Then, in the same manner as in the image parameter set creation process, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, a live image in the input desired image mode (for example, B mode) is generated according to the input from the operator via the operation input unit 101. and is displayed on the display unit 107 .

Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, for example, the control unit 108 is triggered by input of an instruction to execute the processing using the desired image mode and image parameter set from the operator via the operation input unit 101. The image parameter set use process is executed according to the image parameter set use program stored in the .

As shown in FIG. 10, first, the control unit 108 receives a selection input of the image parameter set of the image mode instructed by the operator via the operation input unit 101, and determines whether the image parameter set has been selected and input. is determined (step S31). In step S<b>31 , for example, the control unit 108 displays an image parameter set search screen on the display unit 107 , and allows the operator to input an image mode, an image parameter set name keyword, and a tag through the operation input unit 101 . The image parameter set group 200 in the storage unit 109 is searched by the received and input image mode, keyword or tag, the image parameter set as the search result is displayed, and one image parameter set among the search results from the operator is displayed. receive the selection input of Further, in step S31, the operation input unit 101 receives selection of one image parameter set via physical keys or touch panel buttons (displayed buttons) to which a plurality of image parameter sets are assigned. good too.

If an image parameter set is selected and input (step S31; YES), the control unit 108 selects (sets) the image parameter set selected and input in step S31 (step S32). After step S32, or if no image parameter set has been selected and input (step S31; NO), the control unit 108 receives an input of depth from the operator via the operation input unit 101, and Then, the transmitting unit 102, the receiving unit 103, the image generating unit 104, the image processing unit 105, etc. are appropriately controlled, and the display unit 107 displays a live image corresponding to the input depth of the image mode for which the instruction is input. (Step S33).

Then, the control unit 108 determines whether or not the image parameter set is being selected (valid) in step S32 (step S34). If no image parameter set is being selected (step S34; NO), the image parameter set use process ends. If the image parameter set is being selected (step S34; YES), the control unit 108 controls the transmission unit 102 and the reception unit 103 according to the depth input in step S33 and the image parameter set selected in step S32. , the image generation unit 104, the image processing unit 105, etc., to display on the display unit 107 a live image corresponding to the input depth and image parameters of the image mode for which the instruction is input (step S35). End the parameter set usage process.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, the image parameter set changing process executed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described. The image parameter set change process is a process of changing an image parameter set selected from the image parameter set group 200 and reflecting it in a live image. It is assumed that image parameter set use processing (or image parameter set change processing) for a desired image mode has been executed in advance.

Then, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, for example, the control unit 108 is triggered by input of an instruction to execute image parameter set change processing of the desired image mode from the operator via the operation input unit 101, and the ROM The image parameter set change processing is executed according to the image parameter set change program stored in the .

As shown in FIG. 11, first, the control unit 108 accepts selection input of the image parameter set of the image mode for which the instruction is input from the operator via the operation input unit 101, as in step S31 of FIG. The selected image parameter set is selected (step S41). Then, the control unit 108 determines whether or not another image parameter set was being selected immediately before step S41 (step S42). If another image parameter set is being selected (step S42; YES), the control unit 108 invalidates the other image parameter set being selected (step S43).

If another image parameter set is not being selected (step S42; NO), or after step S43 is executed, the control unit 108 refers to the maintenance information of the image parameter set being selected in step S41 to maintain the depth. It is determined whether or not (step S44). If the depth is not maintained (step S44; NO), the control unit 108 controls the transmission unit 102, the reception unit 103, the image generation unit according to the depth of the maintenance information referred to in step S44 and the currently selected image parameter set. 104, appropriately controls the image processing unit 105 and the like to display a live image corresponding to the depth and image parameters of the image mode for which the instruction has been input (step S45), and ends the image parameter set change processing. do.

If the depth is to be maintained (step S44; YES), the control unit 108 controls the transmission unit 102, reception unit 103, By appropriately controlling the image generation unit 104, the image processing unit 105, etc., the display unit 107 displays a live image corresponding to the depth of the image mode instructed and input and the currently selected image parameter (step S46). End the parameter set change process.

Here, an example will be described in which a live image of a B-mode image is displayed, the image parameter set 210 is selected, and the image parameter set use process is repeatedly executed so as to change the depth while using the image parameter set 210. . In the first image parameter set use process, when the image parameter set 210 is selected in step S32 and the depth 2 [cm] is input in step S33, for example, depth 2 shown in FIG. A rectangular B-mode image of [cm] is displayed.

Then, in the second image parameter set use process, if the selection is not input in step S32 (the same image parameter set 210 is used) and the depth of 4 [cm] is input in step S33, for example, in step S35, the image A rectangular B-mode image with a depth of 4 [cm] shown in 12(b) is displayed.

Then, in the third image parameter set use process, if the selection is not input in step S32 (the same image parameter set 210 is used) and the depth of 7 [cm] is input in step S33, for example, in step S35, the image A trapezoidal B-mode image with a depth of 7 [cm] shown in 12(c) is displayed.

Also, an example will be described in which a live image of a B-mode image is displayed, the image parameter set 210 is changed to the image parameter set 220, and the image parameter set use process and the image parameter set change process are executed so as to maintain the depth. do. In the image parameter set use process, when the image parameter set 210 is selected in step S32 and the depth 3 [cm] is input in step S33, for example, in step S35, the depth 3 [cm] shown in FIG. A rectangular B-mode image is displayed.

Then, for example, when the ultrasound probe 1b is moved to change the observation site, a rectangular B-mode image with a depth of 3 [cm] shown in FIG. 13(b) is displayed. However, it is assumed that the B-mode image in FIG. 13(b) cannot be observed due to high attenuation. Therefore, when the image parameter set change process is executed, the image parameter set 220 is input in step S41, and the depth of 3 [cm] is maintained in step S44, for example, in step S46, as shown in FIG. A rectangular B-mode image with a depth of 3 [cm] is displayed, and the B-mode image is attenuated according to the observation site. However, it is assumed that the image parameter set 220 corresponds to the post-change observation site and the maintenance information is ON.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 acquires a reception signal from the transmission unit 102 that outputs a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1b that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic probe 1b. an image generating unit 104 that generates ultrasonic image data from a received signal; an image processing unit 105 that performs image processing on the generated ultrasonic image data; and receives input of the depth of the ultrasonic image to be displayed. The operation input unit 101 acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth, and according to the acquired plurality of image parameters, the transmission unit 102, the reception unit 103, the image generation unit 104, and the image and a control unit 108 that controls the processing unit 105 and generates ultrasonic image data corresponding to the input depth.

Therefore, it is possible to change a plurality of image parameters according to a change in depth, and to easily obtain good ultrasound image data corresponding to a plurality of image parameters without complicated operations.

Also, the plurality of image parameters are image parameters corresponding to at least one of B mode, M mode, color Doppler mode, power Doppler mode, CW mode and elastography mode. Therefore, multiple image parameters can be changed in response to changes in depth for various image modes.

Further, the control unit 108 selects a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from the image parameter sets 210, 220, . Get the image parameters of the . Therefore, the image parameter set facilitates the control of the image parameters, and improves the listability in confirming the setting values of each image parameter for each depth.

The storage unit 109 also stores a plurality of types of image parameter sets 210, 220, . . . (image parameter set group 200). The operation input unit 101 receives input of the depth of ultrasound image data to be generated and input of selection of one image parameter set from a plurality of types of image parameter sets. The control unit 108 acquires a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from the selected and input image parameter set. Therefore, it is possible to apply optimum image parameters to the ultrasonic image data according to conditions such as the type of ultrasonic probe 1b, the site, and the subject.

The operation input unit 101 also accepts selection of one image parameter set via physical keys or touch panel buttons (displayed buttons) to which a plurality of image parameter sets are assigned. Therefore, image parameter sets can be easily selected and switched.

Further, when a selection input to change the image parameter set is performed by the operation input unit 101, the control unit 108 maintains the depth before the selection input according to the maintenance information, and maintains the depth before the selection input. Get multiple image parameters in the specified image parameter set. Therefore, only the image parameters are changed, and resetting due to an unintended value of the depth can be eliminated.

The operation input unit 101 also receives input of setting values of a plurality of image parameters for each depth of the image parameter set. The control unit 108 stores in the storage unit 109 an image parameter set corresponding to the input set values of the plurality of image parameters for each depth. Therefore, the operator can freely customize the image parameter set, and can obtain ultrasound image data according to the operator's preference.

In addition, the control unit 108 controls the transmission unit 102, the reception unit 103, the image generation unit 104, and the image processing unit 105 according to the input setting values of the plurality of image parameters for the depth, thereby obtaining the input depth. Corresponding ultrasound image data is generated and displayed on the display unit 107 . Therefore, the image parameter set can be freely customized while visually confirming whether a desired ultrasound image is obtained.

Also, one of the plurality of image parameters is trapezoidal scanning, where trapezoidal scanning is disabled or angle is reduced when depth is shallow, and trapezoidal scanning is enabled or angle is large when depth is deep. A setting value is set in the image parameter set to If the depth is shallow, the trapezoidal scanning is outside the display area, and the effect of expanding the field of view cannot be obtained. can. On the other hand, when the depth is deep, the trapezoidal scanning is enabled or the angle is increased, and the enlarged visual field area by the trapezoidal scanning is contained in the display area, so that the visual field enlargement effect can be enhanced.

Also, one of the plurality of image parameters is the sound ray density, and the setting value is set in the image parameter set so that the sound ray density is increased when the depth is shallow and the sound ray density is decreased when the depth is deep. is set. The higher the sound ray density, the better the image quality, but the lower the frame rate. Reducing the sound ray density reduces the image quality, but increases the frame rate. Shallow depth increases framerate, deep decreases framerate. This provides a good resolution of these trade-off relationships.

Also, one of the plurality of image parameters is the time average, and the set value is set in the image parameter set so that the time average is strengthened when the depth is shallow and the time average is weakened when the depth is deep. there is A shallower depth improves the frame rate and improves tracking. If the depth is deep, the frame rate will drop and the followability will drop. If the time average is strengthened, the followability decreases, and if it is weakened, the followability improves. This provides a good resolution of these trade-off relationships.

Also, one of the plurality of image parameters is the dynamic range, and setting values are set in the image parameter set so that the dynamic range is increased when the depth is shallow and the dynamic range is decreased when the depth is deep. A superficial portion of the ultrasound image has a high SNR, and a deep portion of the ultrasound image has a low SNR. Therefore, when the SNR is high, the dynamic range can be increased to display strong to weak signals, and when the SNR is low, the dynamic range can be decreased to display weak signals with high brightness.

Also, one of the plurality of image parameters is a screen layout setting for dual screen display. set to set. When the depth is shallow, the ultrasonic image is horizontally long, and when the depth is deep, the ultrasonic image is vertically long. For this reason, when the depth is shallow, the top and bottom screen layout can be oriented to the horizontally long ultrasonic image, and when the depth is deep, the left and right screen layout can be oriented to the vertically long ultrasonic image.

Also, one of the multiple image parameters is the offset TGC. The control unit 108 causes the image processing unit 105 to give the added value of the input depth offset TGC gain and the normal TGC gain to the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the input depth. For this reason, while maintaining the conventional use of the TGC for normal operation, the offset TGC can correct the non-uniformity of image luminance that changes in the depth direction.

One of the plurality of image parameters is an offset gain, and the control unit 108 causes the image processing unit 105 to add the input depth offset gain and the normal operation gain to the input depth. given to the corresponding ultrasound image data. For this reason, it is possible to suppress luminance changes due to depth changes and image parameter sets while maintaining the conventional usage of the gain during normal operation.

It should be noted that the description in the above embodiment is an example of a suitable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the above embodiment, the image parameter set group 200 is stored in the storage unit 109 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may have a read/write unit for external media such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) card, and may be configured to store the image parameter set group 200 in the external media. The external medium storing the image parameter set group 200 is connected to another ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the image parameter set group 200 is copied to the storage unit of the other ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and used.

Further, when the image parameter set to be used is not selected from the image parameter set group 200, the preset setting values of the plurality of image parameters may be reflected in the ultrasound image. A preset is a group of information including image modes such as B mode, multiple image parameter (including depth in this case) set values for each common image mode, body mark information, and text information.

Further, it may be possible to set whether or not to validate a predetermined image parameter set at the same time when a predetermined preset is selected.

In addition, in the configuration for displaying the table of image parameter sets, the setting value of the image parameter of a depth adjacent to a certain depth (for example, one step shallower or deeper depth) and the setting value of the image parameter of the certain depth are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If there is a difference, it may be configured to emphasize the difference by coloring or the like.

Also, in the above embodiment, the image parameter set is in a table format, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image parameter set may be a function of the image parameter with the depth as an input, as long as the set value of the image parameter can be changed for each depth. Furthermore, there may be multiple functions for the same image parameter.

An image parameter set includes setting values of a plurality of image parameters for a plurality of image modes. A configuration may also be adopted in which setting values of a plurality of image parameters of a part of the image modes are copied to the other image parameter set.

In addition, in the above embodiments, creation, use, and modification of image parameter sets other than depth according to depth have been described. It is also possible to use

In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part that constitutes the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1a Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus main body 101 Operation input unit 102 Transmission unit 103 Reception unit 104 Image generation unit 105 Image processing unit 105a Image memory unit 106 DSC
107 display unit 108 control unit 109 storage unit 1b ultrasonic probe 1c cable

Claims (20)

a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from an image parameter set having a plurality of image parameters corresponding to a plurality of preset depths stored in a storage unit,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the image parameter set is associated with a type of diagnostic region. a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from an image parameter set having a plurality of image parameters corresponding to a plurality of preset depths stored in a storage unit,
The acquisition unit maintains the depth before the selection input when a selection input to change the image parameter set is performed by the operation unit, and the selected image parameter set corresponding to the depth before the selection input. An ultrasound system that acquires multiple image parameters of the . a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
One of the plurality of image parameters is trapezoidal scanning, disabling trapezoidal scanning or decreasing angle when depth is shallow, and enabling trapezoidal scanning or increasing angle when depth is deep. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment in which setting values are set. a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
One of the plurality of image parameters is a time average, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is set such that when the depth is shallow, the time average is strengthened, and when the depth is deep, the time average is weakened. . a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of the depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
one of the plurality of image parameters is an offset TGC;
The control unit causes the image processing unit to add the input gain of the offset TGC of the depth and the gain of the normal TGC to the ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus . a transmitter that outputs a drive signal to an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves;
a receiving unit that acquires a received signal from the ultrasonic probe;
an image generator that generates ultrasound image data from the received signal;
an image processing unit that processes the generated ultrasound image data;
an operation unit that receives an input of depth as the depth of field of the ultrasonic image to be displayed;
an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth;
Controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the acquired plurality of image parameters to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth and
one of the plurality of image parameters is offset gain;
The control unit is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the image processing unit gives the added value of the offset gain of the input depth and the gain by normal operation to the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the input depth. 4. from claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from an image parameter set having a plurality of image parameters corresponding to a plurality of preset depths stored in a storage unit. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 6. The storage unit stores a plurality of types of image parameter sets,
The operation unit receives input of depth of ultrasound image data to be generated and input of selection of one image parameter set from the plurality of types of image parameter sets,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of image parameters corresponding to the input depth from the selected input image parameter set. 8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 7, wherein the operation unit accepts selection of one image parameter set via a key or touch panel button to which a plurality of image parameter sets are assigned. The acquisition unit maintains the depth before the selection input when a selection input to change the image parameter set is performed by the operation unit, and the selected image parameter set corresponding to the depth before the selection input. 8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 or 7, which acquires a plurality of image parameters of . The operation unit receives input of setting values of a plurality of image parameters for each depth of the image parameter set,
11. The ultrasound system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 to 10, further comprising a storage control unit that stores an image parameter set corresponding to the input set values of the plurality of image parameters for each depth in the storage unit. sound wave diagnostic equipment. controlling the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the image generating unit, and the image processing unit according to the input plurality of image parameters for each depth to generate ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth; 12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a display control unit for generating and displaying on a display unit. One of the plurality of image parameters is a sound ray density, and a setting value is set so that the sound ray density is increased when the depth is shallow and the sound ray density is decreased when the depth is deep. Item 13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 12. 2. From claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of image parameters is a dynamic range, and a set value is set such that the dynamic range is high when the depth is shallow and the dynamic range is low when the depth is deep. 14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 13. One of the plurality of image parameters is a screen layout setting, and setting values are set such that when the depth is shallow, the screen layout is set vertically, and when the depth is deep, the screen layout is horizontally set. Item 15. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 14. One of the plurality of image parameters is trapezoidal scanning, disabling trapezoidal scanning or decreasing angle when depth is shallow, and enabling trapezoidal scanning or increasing angle when depth is deep. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 6, wherein the set value is set as follows. 1, wherein one of the plurality of image parameters is a time average, and a setting value is set so that the time average is strengthened when the depth is shallow and the time average is weakened when the depth is deep; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 5 and 6. one of the plurality of image parameters is an offset TGC;
2. The control unit provides, by the image processing unit, the added value of the input depth offset TGC gain and the normal TGC gain to the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the input depth. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 6. one of the plurality of image parameters is offset gain;
2. The ultrasound system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit provides, by the image processing unit, a sum of the input offset gain of the depth and the gain due to normal operation to the ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth. sound wave diagnostic equipment. 20. The plurality of image parameters according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the plurality of image parameters are image parameters corresponding to at least one image mode of B-mode, M-mode, color Doppler mode, power Doppler mode, CW mode and elastography mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1.

Images