JP7188954B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic equipment and control program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a control program.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generally acquires a B-mode image that expresses the intensity of echoes from an object to be imaged by luminance. Usually, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus acquires B-mode images when an imaging mode (B-mode) for acquiring B-mode images is selected.

By the way, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has imaging modes for acquiring images other than B-mode images, such as Doppler images indicating movement of blood and tissue, and tissue characterization images indicating tissue characterization. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus sometimes acquires a B-mode image as a reference image for grasping the echo data acquisition position within the subject even when an imaging mode different from the B-mode is being executed. However, B-mode image acquisition may be compromised to ensure the quality of non-B-mode images, such as when imaging a fast-moving object or when it takes a long time to acquire a single frame of image. sometimes you have to. By compromising the acquisition of B-mode images, the update frequency of B-mode images decreases, so that it is sometimes difficult for the operator to grasp the acquisition position of the echo data.

JP-A-10-151131

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to assist in grasping the acquisition position of echo data when no B-mode image is acquired.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an input unit, a transmission/reception unit, an image generation unit, a volume data processing unit, and a display control unit. The input unit accepts mode switching from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode. The transmitting/receiving unit collects first echo data by causing the ultrasonic probe to perform an ultrasonic scan of a first scan method in a first imaging mode, and performs an ultrasonic scan of a second scan method in a second imaging mode. Acquire second echo data by running the ultrasound probe. The image generator sequentially generates a first image including a B-mode image based on the first echo data in the first imaging mode, and sequentially generates a B-mode image based on the second echo data in the second imaging mode. A second image is generated sequentially. The volume data processing unit sequentially generates third images from previously acquired volume data based on position information collected by a position sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe. The display control section causes the display section to sequentially display the first image and the third image in the first imaging mode, and causes the display section to sequentially display the second image and the third image in the second imaging mode.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit of FIG. 1 when generating Doppler spectrum image data. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to generation of fusion image data and display of a fusion image in the control circuit of FIG. FIG. 4 is an example of a fusion image displayed on the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit of FIG. 5 when generating Doppler spectrum image data. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to generation of fusion image data and display of a fusion image in the control circuit of FIG. FIG. 8 is an example of a fusion image displayed on the display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an example of a fusion image displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is an example of a fusion image displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is an example of a fusion image displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 12 is an example of a fusion image displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is an example of a fusion image displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 14 is an example of a fusion image displayed on a display device according to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a control program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 10, an ultrasonic probe 70, a display device 50, and an input device 60. As shown in FIG. The device body 10 is connected to the external device 40 via the network 500 . The device body 10 is also connected to the position sensor system 30 , the display device 50 and the input device 60 .

The position sensor system 30 is a system for acquiring three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 and ultrasonic images. The position sensor system 30 includes a position sensor 31 and a position detection device 32 .

The position sensor system 30 acquires three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 by attaching a position sensor 31 such as a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a target for an infrared camera to the ultrasonic probe 70 . The position sensor system 30 may incorporate a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor) in the ultrasonic probe 70 and acquire three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 by means of this gyro sensor. Further, the position sensor system 30 may acquire three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 by photographing the ultrasonic probe 70 with a camera and subjecting the photographed image to image recognition processing. Further, the position sensor system 30 may hold the ultrasonic probe 70 with a robot arm and acquire the position of the robot arm in a three-dimensional space as the three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 .

A case where the position sensor system 30 acquires the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 using a magnetic sensor will be described below as an example. Specifically, position sensor system 30 further includes a magnetic generator (not shown) having, for example, a magnetic generating coil. The magnetic generator forms a magnetic field around itself and outwards. A magnetic field space in which positional accuracy is guaranteed is defined in the formed magnetic field. Therefore, the magnetic generator should be arranged so that the living body to be examined is included in the magnetic field space in which the positional accuracy is guaranteed. A position sensor 31 attached to the ultrasonic probe 70 detects the intensity and gradient of the three-dimensional magnetic field generated by the magnetic generator. Thereby, the position sensor 31 can acquire the position and direction of the ultrasonic probe 70 . The position sensor 31 outputs the strength and gradient of the detected magnetic field to the position detection device 32 .

The position detection device 32 calculates the position of the ultrasonic probe 70 in a three-dimensional space with a predetermined position as the origin, for example, based on the intensity and gradient of the magnetic field detected by the position sensor 31 . At this time, the predetermined position is, for example, the position where the magnetic generator is arranged. The position of the ultrasonic probe is, for example, the scan plane position (x, y, z) and the rotation angle (θx, θy, θz). The position detection device 32 transmits position information regarding the calculated position (x, y, z, θx, θy, θz) to the device body 10 .

Position information is added to the ultrasonic image data by associating the position information acquired as described above with the ultrasonic image data of the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received from the ultrasonic probe 70 by time synchronization or the like.

The ultrasonic probe 70 includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers, a matching layer provided on the piezoelectric transducers, a backing material for preventing backward propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric transducers, and the like. The ultrasonic probe 70 is detachably connected to the device body 10 . The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on drive signals supplied from an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 of the device main body 10 . Also, the ultrasonic probe 70 may be provided with a button that is pressed during offset processing, freezing, or the like, which will be described later. Freeze indicates, for example, a state in which ultrasound images are not acquired.

When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 70 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected at discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P one after another. The ultrasonic waves reflected by internal tissues are received as reflected wave signals (echo signals) by a plurality of piezoelectric transducers of the ultrasonic probe 70 . The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuity from which the ultrasonic waves are reflected. When the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the surface of the moving blood flow, heart wall, etc., the reflected wave signal depends on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. Subject to frequency shifts. The ultrasonic probe 70 receives a reflected wave signal from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal. The ultrasonic probe 70 is, for example, a 1D array probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric transducers are arranged along a predetermined direction, a 2D array probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric transducers are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, or an array of piezoelectric transducers. is a mechanical 4D probe or the like capable of performing ultrasonic scanning while mechanically tilting in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction.

The device main body 10 is a device that generates an ultrasonic image based on reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 70 . The apparatus main body 10 includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, a B-mode processing circuit 13, a Doppler processing circuit 14, an image generation circuit 15, an internal storage circuit 17, a first memory 18-1 (first cine memory ), second memory 18 - 2 (second cine memory), image database 19 , input interface 20 , communication interface 21 and control circuit 22 .

The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 is a processor that supplies drive signals to the ultrasonic probe 70 . The ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 is implemented by, for example, a trigger generation circuit, a delay circuit, a pulser circuit, and the like. Under the control of the control circuit 22, the trigger generation circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The delay circuit provides a delay time for each piezoelectric transducer required to focus the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 70 into a beam and determine the transmission directivity for each rate pulse generated by the trigger generation circuit. give to Under the control of the control circuit 22, the pulsar circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 70 at a timing based on the rate pulse. By changing the delay time given to each rate pulse by the delay circuit, the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface can be arbitrarily adjusted.

The ultrasonic wave receiving circuit 12 is a processor that performs various processing on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 70 and generates a received signal. The ultrasonic wave receiving circuit 12 is implemented by, for example, an amplifier circuit, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, a reception delay circuit, an adder, and the like. The amplifier circuit amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A/D converter converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signal into a digital signal. The reception delay circuit gives the digital signal a delay time necessary to determine the reception directivity. The adder adds a plurality of digital signals given delay times. The addition processing of the adder generates a received signal in which the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized.

The B-mode processing circuit 13 is a processor that generates B-mode data based on the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 12 . The B-mode processing circuit 13 performs envelope detection processing, logarithmic amplification processing, etc. on the received signal received from the ultrasonic wave receiving circuit 12, and produces data (B-mode data) in which the signal strength is represented by brightness. to generate The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B-mode RAW data on two-dimensional ultrasound scanning lines.

The Doppler processing circuit 14 is a processor that generates Doppler spectrum image data and Doppler data based on the received signal received from the ultrasound receiving circuit 12 . The Doppler processing circuit 14 extracts a blood flow signal from the received signal, generates Doppler spectrum image data corresponding to a Doppler spectrum image showing a Doppler waveform from the extracted blood flow signal, and average velocity, variance, and and data (Doppler data) obtained by extracting information such as power for multiple points. A Doppler waveform is, for example, a waveform obtained by plotting blood flow velocities in a range set as an observation site along a time series. That is, the Doppler waveform indicates temporal changes in blood flow velocity. The generated Doppler data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data on two-dimensional ultrasound scanning lines.

The image generation circuit 15 is a processor capable of generating various ultrasonic image data based on the data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 13 and Doppler processing circuit 14 .

The image generation circuit 15 generates B-mode image data based on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The B-mode image data has pixel values (brightness values) that reflect characteristics of the ultrasonic probe such as sound wave convergence, sound field characteristics of ultrasonic beams (for example, transmission/reception beams), and the like. For example, in the B-mode image data, the vicinity of the focus of the ultrasonic wave in the region to be scanned is relatively brighter than the non-focused portion. A B-mode image based on the B-mode image data indicates the morphology of structures within the subject P, for example. The image generation circuit 15 generates B-mode image data in units of frames, for example, according to a preset frame rate.

Also, the image generating circuit 15 generates Doppler image data relating to an average velocity image, a variance image, a power image, etc. based on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory. The image generation circuit 15 generates Doppler image data frame by frame, for example, according to a preset frame rate.

In addition, the image generation circuit 15 performs RAW-voxel conversion including interpolation processing considering spatial position information on the B-mode data stored in the RAW data memory, thereby obtaining a B-mode volume representing morphological information. Generate data. B-mode volume data consists of a desired range of voxels. A predetermined pixel value (voxel value) is assigned to each voxel of the B-mode volume data according to the signal intensity of the reflected wave signal.

In addition, the image generation circuit 15 performs RAW-voxel transformation including interpolation processing considering spatial position information on the Doppler data stored in the RAW data memory to obtain a blood flow volume indicating blood flow information. Generate data. Blood flow volume data consists of a desired range of voxels. Each voxel of the blood flow volume data is assigned a predetermined pixel value according to, for example, the direction of blood flow and the magnitude of blood flow velocity.

The image generation circuit 15 also performs rendering processing on various volume data, for example, to generate rendering image data. The image generation circuit 15 also performs MPR (Multi Planar Reconstruction) processing on various volume data to generate MPR image data corresponding to a predetermined cross-sectional image (MPR image) in the volume data. In addition, the image generation circuit 15 performs curved MPR processing on the generated various volume data to generate curved cross-sectional image data corresponding to a predetermined curved cross-sectional image in the volume data.

Further, the image generating circuit 15 performs various processes such as dynamic range, luminance (brightness), contrast, γ-curve correction, and RGB conversion on the generated ultrasonic image data. The image generating circuit 15 generates ultrasonic image data for display corresponding to an ultrasonic image to be displayed on the display device 50 based on preset resolution and display frame rate. The display frame rate is, for example, the number of display frames of ultrasonic images generated by the image generation circuit 15 per second. Note that the display frame rate is basically the same as the acoustic frame rate determined by the scanning period of the subject P using the ultrasonic probe 70 . The display frame rate may be set to a fixed value such as 30 frames per second.

Note that the image generation circuit 15 generates a user interface (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for an operator (for example, an operator) to input various instructions through the input interface 20, and causes the display device 50 to display the GUI. good too. As the display device 50, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or any other display known in the art can be used as appropriate. The display device 50 has, for example, a function of a notification unit.

The internal storage circuit 17 has, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a processor-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. The internal storage circuit 17 stores a control program for realizing ultrasonic wave transmission/reception, a control program for performing image processing, a control program for performing display processing, and the like. The internal storage circuit 17 also stores control programs for realizing various functions according to the present embodiment. The internal storage circuit 17 also stores data groups such as diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), a diagnostic protocol, a body mark generation program, and a conversion table. In the conversion table, for example, color data used for imaging are associated with each diagnostic region. In addition, the internal memory circuit 17 may store a so-called atlas, which is an anatomical diagram relating to the structure of internal organs.

The internal storage circuit 17 also stores various ultrasonic image data, volume data, and rendering image data generated by the image generation circuit 15 in accordance with operations input via the input interface 20 . Note that the internal storage circuit 17 stores various ultrasonic image data, volume data, and rendering image data generated by the image generation circuit 15 in accordance with operations input via the input interface 20, including operation order and operation time. can be stored. The internal storage circuit 17 can also transfer stored data to an external device via the communication interface 21 .

The first memory 18-1 has, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a processor-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. Display image data corresponding to an image (display image) displayed on the display device 50 is stored in the first memory 18-1. When the amount of data stored in the first memory 18-1 exceeds the storage capacity of the first memory 18-1, the oldest data is deleted and updated with new data.

For example, the first memory 18-1 stores image data corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before the freeze operation input via the input interface 20. FIG. A freeze operation is to suspend the acquisition of ultrasound images. The image data stored in the first memory 18-1 is used, for example, when continuous display (cine display) is performed. The images include images based on ultrasound image data acquired by ultrasound scanning, and medical images acquired by other modalities such as CT image data, MRI image data, X-ray image data, and nuclear medicine image data. May contain images based on image data.

The second memory 18-2 has, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a processor-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. Part of the display image data is stored in the second memory 18-2. Specifically, the image data stored in the second memory 18-2 is, for example, a part of the display image data stored in the first memory 18-1 (for example, MPR image data described later). ). The image data stored in the second memory 18-2 is used, for example, for continuous display (cine display).

The image database 19 stores image data transferred from the external device 40 . For example, the image database 19 acquires, from the external device 40, past image data relating to the same patient acquired in past medical examinations and stores them. Past image data includes ultrasound image data, CT (Computed Tomography) image data, MR (Magnetic Resonance) image data, PET (Positron Emission Tomography)-CT image data, PET-MR image data and X-ray image data. be Also, past image data is stored as, for example, volume data and rendered image data.

The image database 19 may store desired image data by reading image data recorded on a recording medium (media) such as MO, CD-R, and DVD.

The input interface 20 receives various instructions from the operator via the input device 60 . The input device 60 includes, for example, a mouse, keyboard, panel switch, slider switch, dial switch, trackball, rotary encoder, operation panel and touch command screen (TCS). The input device 60 also includes a switch group 61 for switching between various imaging modes including an ultrasonic transmission/reception method, a reception signal processing method, and the like. The switch group 61 includes not only mechanical devices such as dial switches and/or trackballs, but also an operation panel image displayed on the TCS, an operation panel image displayed on the second console of the external device 40, and the like. may be either.

The input interface 20 is connected to the control circuit 22 via, for example, a bus, converts an operation instruction input by an operator into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 22 . In this specification, the input interface 20 is not limited to being connected to physical operation components such as a mouse and keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing for receiving an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 as a wireless signal and outputting the electrical signal to the control circuit 22 Circuitry is also included as an example of input interface 20 .

The communication interface 21 is connected to the position sensor system 30 , for example, wirelessly, and receives position information transmitted from the position detection device 32 . The communication interface 21 is also connected to the external device 40 via the network 500 or the like, and performs data communication with the external device 40 . The external device 40 is, for example, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) database, which is a system for managing data of various medical images, or a database of an electronic medical chart system for managing electronic medical charts attached with medical images. In addition, the external device 40 includes, for example, an X-ray CT device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a nuclear medicine diagnostic device, an X-ray diagnostic device, and various other medical images other than the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the present embodiment. diagnostic equipment. The standard for communication with the external device 40 may be any standard, for example, DICOM.

The control circuit 22 is, for example, a processor that functions as the core of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 . The control circuit 22 implements functions corresponding to the control program by executing the control program stored in the internal storage circuit 17 . Specifically, the control circuit 22 has a volume data processing function 221 , a display control function 223 and a system control function 225 .

The volume data processing function 221 is a function of generating cross-sectional image data of a cross-sectional image corresponding to a scanning cross-section of an ultrasonic scan from volume data, based on the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 . When the volume data processing function 221 is executed, the control circuit 22 acquires position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 supplied from the position sensor system 30 . The control circuit 22 calculates the scanning cross section of the ultrasonic probe 70 from the acquired position information. The control circuit 22 performs MPR processing on the volume data stored in the image database 19, for example, based on the calculated scanning cross section to generate MPR image data. It is assumed that the coordinate system related to the positional information supplied from the position sensor system 30 and the coordinate system related to the volume data stored in the image database 19 are aligned in advance by a predetermined registration method. .

The display control function 223 is a function for displaying images based on various image data on the display device 50 . When the display control function 223 is executed, the control circuit 22 performs, for example, an ultrasonic image based on various ultrasonic image data generated by ultrasonic scanning and MPR image data generated by the volume data processing function 221. The MPR image based on this is displayed on the display device 50 . Specifically, the control circuit 22 generates fusion image data based on various ultrasonic image data generated by ultrasonic scanning and MPR image data generated by the volume data processing function 221 . A fusion image based on fusion image data includes an ultrasound image as a live image obtained by ultrasound scanning in real time, and an MPR image corresponding to a scanning section of the ultrasound image. The control circuit 22 stores the generated fusion image data in the first memory 18-1. The display image and the fusion image (or the display image data and the fusion image data) described above may be read interchangeably.

Also, the control circuit 22 generates MPR image data based on the fusion image data stored in the first memory 18-1. The control circuit 22 stores the generated MPR image data in the second memory 18-2.

Further, the control circuit 22 may use the display control function 223 to superimpose information on ultrasonic images according to various imaging modes on the MPR image. Information related to ultrasound images includes, for example, a straight line (or a dotted line) indicating the direction of ultrasound transmission, a cursor indicating the direction and focus of Doppler measurement, a cursor indicating the direction and gate of Doppler measurement, and the direction of Doppler measurement. a straight line (or dotted line), a circle marker relating to the focal point in CW mode scanning, a sample marker indicating a sample position in PW mode scanning, and a ROI (Region Of Interest) marker.

The system control function 225 is a function for controlling basic operations such as input/output of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 . When the system control function 225 is executed, the control circuit 22 receives start instructions for starting various imaging modes via the input interface 20 . Various imaging modes include, for example, B mode, color Doppler mode, CW (Continuous Wave) mode, PW (Pulsed Wave) mode, M (Motion) mode, and SWE (Shear Wave Elastography) mode.

B mode is an imaging mode for generating B mode image data by B mode scanning. The color Doppler mode is an imaging mode that generates color Doppler image data in which colors are assigned to blood flow information acquired using pulse waves, for example, by color Doppler mode scanning. Color Doppler mode scanning includes B-mode scanning. In color Doppler mode, for example, both B-mode image data and color Doppler image data are generated. Then, a color Doppler image based on the color Doppler image data is superimposed on the B-mode image based on the B-mode image data.

The CW mode is an imaging mode in which Doppler spectrum image data on one scanning line is generated by CW mode scanning (CW scanning) in which reflected waves are received while transmitting continuous waves. The CW mode cannot be used together with the B-mode scan because it is necessary to continuously apply continuous waves to the target.

The PW mode is an imaging mode in which Doppler spectrum image data relating to a specific measurement site is generated by PW mode scanning (PW scan) in which pulse waves are transmitted to scanning lines and reflected waves are received. In PW mode, it is common for an ultrasound probe to perform PW mode scanning on one scan line, but it is also possible to perform PW mode scanning on multiple scan lines. In that case, the ultrasonic probe sequentially transmits pulse waves to a plurality of scanning lines and receives reflected waves. In the PW mode, only Doppler spectrum image data may be updated in order to observe blood flow with good image quality. In this case, B-mode scanning cannot be used together.

The M mode is an imaging mode in which a scanning line is focused on by M mode scanning, and M mode image data is generated by arranging linear luminance images generated from echo data from the scanning line in time series. Even in the M mode, there are cases where the B mode scan cannot be used together due to the nature of the scan.

The SWE mode is an imaging mode that utilizes the fact that the propagation speed of a shear wave (shear wave) within a scanning region depends on the hardness of tissue. In the SWE mode, a push pulse is first transmitted to the subject to deform a part of the tissue and generate a shear wave. Then, how the generated shear wave propagates through the tissue is observed with a tracking pulse that is transmitted following the push pulse, and SWE image data (image data indicating the shear wave velocity, or image data showing the hardness of the material). In the SWE mode, since it takes a relatively long time to generate SWE image data for one frame, there are cases where B-mode scanning cannot be used together.

B mode and color Doppler mode are examples of the first imaging mode described in the claims. Also, the CW mode, PW mode, M mode, and SWE mode are examples of the second imaging mode described in the claims. Also, the B-mode scan and the color Doppler mode scan are examples of the ultrasonic scan of the first scan method described in the claims. Also, CW mode scan, PW mode scan, M mode scan, and ultrasonic scan in SWE mode are examples of ultrasonic scans of the second scan method described in the claims.

Also, the control circuit 22 receives a switching instruction for switching the imaging mode via the input interface 20 . For example, the control circuit 22 receives a switching instruction via the input interface 20 to switch from, for example, the color Doppler mode or the B mode to the CW mode. The control circuit 22 also receives a switching instruction via the input interface 20 to switch from, for example, the color Doppler mode or the B mode to the PW mode. Also, the control circuit 22 receives a switching instruction to switch from, for example, the color Doppler mode or the B mode to the M mode via the input interface 20 . The control circuit 22 also receives a switching instruction via the input interface 20 to switch from, for example, the B mode to the SWE mode. Incidentally, in the switching instruction, the modes before and after switching may be interchanged. For example, the control circuit 22 may accept a switching instruction to switch from the CW mode to the color Doppler mode or the B mode.

The volume data processing function 221, the display control function 223, and the system control function 225 may be incorporated as a control program, or may be incorporated in the control circuit 22 itself or in the apparatus main body 10 as circuits that the control circuit 22 can refer to. may incorporate a dedicated hardware circuit capable of executing

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit of FIG. 1 when generating Doppler spectrum image data. The operations of the flowchart are implemented by the system control function 225 . FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to generation of fusion image data and display of a fusion image in the control circuit of FIG. The operations of the flowchart are realized by the volume data processing function 221 and the display control function 223. FIG. Further, it is assumed that the coordinate system that defines the position of the ultrasonic probe 70 and the coordinate system that defines the cross-sectional position of volume data acquired in advance are aligned in advance.

First, with reference to FIG. 2, the flow of CW mode scanning performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that CW mode scanning is performed after color Doppler mode scanning. Note that PW mode scanning, M mode scanning, or the like may be performed after color Doppler mode scanning is performed. Alternatively, B mode scanning may be performed instead of color Doppler mode scanning, and then PW mode scanning, M mode scanning, or the like may be performed.

Control circuit 22 executes system control function 225 and receives a start instruction to start the color Doppler mode via input interface 20 (step SA1). At this time, the ultrasonic probe 70 is in contact with the subject P toward the measurement site.

Upon receiving a start instruction to start the color Doppler mode, the control circuit 22 controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, the ultrasonic reception circuit 12, the B-mode processing circuit 13, and the image generation circuit 15 to perform color Doppler mode scanning. (step SA2). Thereby, B-mode image data corresponding to the B-mode image around the measurement site and color Doppler image data corresponding to the color Doppler image are generated. The control circuit 22 combines the generated B-mode image data and color Doppler image data to generate combined image data. A composite image based on composite image data is, for example, an image in which a color Doppler image is superimposed on a B-mode image. The control circuit 22 displays a synthesized image based on the synthesized image data on the display device 50 as a live image. At this time, the operator confirms, for example, whether or not the measurement region of the Doppler spectrum image is correctly included in the ultrasound scan range, using the B-mode image. Note that the control circuit 22 may perform B-mode scanning instead of color Doppler mode scanning. At this time, the control circuit 22 may generate B-mode image data and display a B-mode image based on the B-mode image data on the display device 50 as a live image.

When the B-mode image and the color Doppler image are displayed on the display device 50, the control circuit 22 receives the setting of the position on the B-mode image where the marker (cursor) for specifying the focal point in the CW mode scan is placed (step SA3 ). When the position of the marker specifying the focal point is determined, the operator inputs a start instruction to start the CW mode via the input interface 20 . Note that the operator may align the B-mode image with respect to the position of the fixed marker.

Control circuit 22 accepts a start instruction to start the CW mode (step SA4).
When the start instruction to start the CW mode is accepted, the control circuit 22 stops the color Doppler mode scan, and then controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, the ultrasonic reception circuit 12, the Doppler processing circuit 14, and the image generation circuit 15. Then, CW mode scanning is performed (step SA5). As a result, Doppler spectrum image data on one scanning line including the position of the marker specifying the set focal point is obtained.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the flow of generating fusion image data by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment and displaying a fusion image based on the generated fusion image data on the display device 50 will be described. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the fusion image data shown in FIG. 3 is generated in parallel with the ultrasonic scanning shown in FIG. Specifically, the processes from step SB2 to step SB8 are executed in parallel while the processes from step SA1 to step SA3 shown in FIG. 2 are executed. Further, while the processes of steps SA4 and SA5 shown in FIG. 2 are executed, the processes of steps SB2 to SB5 and steps SB9 to SB11 shown in FIG. 3 are executed in parallel.

It is also assumed that the volume data stored in advance in the image database 19 is three-dimensional CT image data. The volume data may be ultrasound image data acquired in the past, MR image data acquired by other modalities, PET-CT image data, PET-MR image data, X-ray image data, or the like. good too.

The control circuit 22 executes the volume data processing function 221 and receives a display instruction to display a fusion image via the input interface 20 (step SB1). When receiving the display instruction to display the fusion image, the control circuit 22 acquires the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 supplied from the position sensor system 30 (step SB2).

The control circuit 22 calculates the scanning cross section of the ultrasonic probe 70 from the acquired position information (step SB3). Based on the calculated scanning cross section, the control circuit 22 performs MPR processing on previously acquired volume data stored in the image database 19, for example, to generate MPR image data (step SB4).

The control circuit 22 determines whether or not the imaging mode is the CW mode (step SB5). If the imaging mode is not the CW mode (No in step SB5), that is, if the imaging mode is the color Doppler mode, the control circuit 22 executes the display control function 223 (step SB6).

By executing the display control function 223, the control circuit 22 obtains B-mode image data acquired by color Doppler mode scanning, and a scanning section of a B-mode image based on the B-mode image data (that is, the Fusion image data (first fusion image data) is generated based on the MPR image data corresponding to the MPR image showing the scanning cross section. The first fusion image includes at least a B-mode image and an MPR image corresponding to the B-mode image.

The control circuit 22 stores the generated first fusion image data in the first memory 18-1 (step SB7). The control circuit 22 displays the first fusion image based on the generated first fusion image data on the display device 50 (step SB8).

The control circuit 22 determines whether or not the ultrasonic scan has ended (step SB12). If the ultrasonic scan has not ended (No in step SB12), the control circuit 22 repeats the processing from step SB2 to step SB5. If the imaging mode has not been switched to the CW mode (No in step SB5), the control circuit 22 repeats the processing from step SB6 to step SB8. Thus, in the color Doppler mode, the control circuit 22 repeatedly executes the processing from step SB2 to step SB8 to keep updating the first fusion image displayed on the display device 50. FIG. Note that "continue updating the image" may be read as "sequentially generating the image".

Thereafter, by performing a predetermined operation on the switch group 61 included in the input device 60, a start instruction to start the CW mode is input via the input interface 20, and the imaging mode is changed from the color Doppler mode to the CW mode. A case of switching will be described.

At step SB5 shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 22 determines that the imaging mode is the CW mode (Yes at step SB5), and executes the display control function 223. FIG.

By executing the display control function 223, the control circuit 22 displays the Doppler spectrum image data acquired by the CW mode scanning and the scanning cross section indicated by the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 at the time of acquisition of the Doppler spectrum image data (that is, step SB3 (step SB9). The second fusion image includes at least a Doppler spectrum image and an MPR image corresponding to the Doppler spectrum image. When switching from color Doppler mode or B mode to M mode, the second fusion image includes at least an M mode image based on the M mode image generated by M mode scanning and an MPR corresponding to the M mode image. Contains images.

The control circuit 22 stores the generated second fusion image data in the first memory 18-1 (step SB10). Also, the control circuit 22 stores the MPR image data used in the second fusion image data in the second memory 18-2. Specifically, the control circuit 22, for example, cuts out MPR image data from the second fusion image data, and stores the cut out MPR image data in the second memory 18-2.

The control circuit 22 displays the second fusion image based on the generated second fusion image data on the display device 50 (step SB11).

The control circuit 22 determines whether or not the ultrasonic scan has ended (step SB12). If the ultrasonic scan has not ended (No in step SB12), the control circuit 22 repeats the processing from step SB2 to step SB5 and the processing from step SB9 to step SB11. Thus, in the CW mode, the control circuit 22 repeatedly executes the processing from step SB2 to step SB5 and the processing from step SB9 to step SB11 to update the second fusion image displayed on the display device 50. keep doing

When the control circuit 22 determines that the ultrasound scan has ended (Yes in step SB12), it ends updating the second fusion image (or the first fusion image).

FIG. 4 is an example of a fusion image (display image) displayed on the display device 50 according to the first embodiment. The display image in FIG. 4 corresponds to, for example, an image immediately after CW mode scanning is started after color Doppler mode scanning is performed. The display image in FIG. 4 is divided into, for example, an image area R1, an image area R2, and an image area R3. Note that the display image may be divided into four or more image areas. Also, the images displayed in the respective image areas may be replaced with each other. This also applies to the following embodiments.

An MPR image based on the MPR image data generated in step SB4 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed in the image area R1 of FIG. By visually recognizing this MPR image, the operator can grasp the acquisition position of the echo data when the B-mode image is not acquired.

A scan range 100 and a cursor 101 are superimposed on the MRP image. A scan range 100 indicates a drawing range of a B-mode image based on the position of the ultrasonic probe 70 . Cursors 101 indicate the direction and focus of Doppler measurements in CW mode scans. Specifically, the cursor 101 is indicated by, for example, a straight line 102 indicating the direction of Doppler measurement and a circular marker 103 positioned on the straight line 102 . The center of the circular marker 103 indicates the focal point in CW mode scanning, for example. The position of the cursor 101 is calculated based on position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 acquired during CW mode scanning.

A B-mode image 200 is displayed in the image region R2 in FIG. A color Doppler image 201 and a cursor 202 are superimposed on the B-mode image 200 . Cursor 202 is similar to cursor 101 . A B-mode image 200 corresponds to, for example, a B-mode image based on B-mode image data acquired immediately before color Doppler mode scanning is stopped.

A Doppler spectrum image 300 and an ECG (Electro Cardio Graph) waveform 301 are displayed in the image region R3 in FIG. A Doppler spectrum image 300 is acquired, for example, by CW mode scanning. The ECG waveform is generated based on the ECG waveform data obtained by matching the Doppler spectrum image 300 with the time axis. The ECG waveform data is acquired, for example, by an electrocardiograph (not shown) included in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 . An electrocardiograph is a measurement device that detects electrical signals emitted in synchronization with a heartbeat from electrodes attached to a subject P to be scanned in a CW mode, for example. The ECG waveform is an example of a biological waveform obtained by graphing biological information, and instead of the ECG waveform, a waveform based on another biological signal having periodicity of the subject P, such as a respiratory waveform, may be used. good. Further, an MPR image corresponding to the specified time phase may be read out from the second memory 18-2 in response to an operation to specify the time phase on the ECG waveform.

The MPR image data stored in the second memory 18-2 is referred to when the image quality is changed and when the Doppler spectrum images are checked individually in chronological order after the CW mode scan is stopped. For example, an MPR image corresponding to the designated time phase is read from the second memory 18-2 in response to an operation for designating a time phase on the Doppler spectrum image. When switching from the color Doppler mode or the B mode to the M mode, the second memory 18 is operated according to the operation of designating the time phase on the M mode image based on the M mode image data generated by the M mode scan. The MPR images corresponding to the specified phases from -2 may be read out.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 22 accepts mode switching from the color Doppler mode to the CW mode via the input interface 20 . The control circuit 22 controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, the ultrasonic reception circuit 12, and the B-mode processing circuit 13 in the color Doppler mode, and generates reception signals by color Doppler mode scanning. In addition, the control circuit 22 controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 in the CW mode, and generates reception signals by CW mode scanning. The control circuit 22 sequentially generates B-mode image data based on the received signal generated in the color Doppler mode. Also, in the CW mode, the control circuit 22 sequentially generates Doppler spectrum image data based on the generated received signal. The control circuit 22 executes a volume data processing function 221, and based on the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 supplied from the position sensor system 30, volume data (for example, CT image data) stored in the image database 19 in advance. , the MPR image data is generated sequentially. In the color Doppler mode, the control circuit 22 causes the display device 50 to sequentially display a B-mode image and a first fusion image including an MPR image corresponding to the B-mode image. In the CW mode, the control circuit 22 causes the display device 50 to sequentially display the Doppler spectrum image and the second fusion image including the MPR image corresponding to the Doppler spectrum image.

As a result, the operator can view MPR images that are sequentially updated, even if B-mode scanning cannot be used in combination with CW-mode scanning, for example. Since the MPR image is an image that morphologically shows the tissue similarly to the B-mode image, it is possible to grasp the position of the ultrasonic probe 70 based on the morphological structure included in the displayed MPR image. Become.

Therefore, it is possible to assist in grasping the acquisition position of the echo data when the B-mode image is not acquired.

[(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the control circuit 22 continues to display the MPR image corresponding to the position of the ultrasonic probe 70 in real time, thereby grasping the echo data acquisition position when, for example, the B-mode image is not acquired. was made possible. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the MPR image corresponding to the position of the ultrasonic probe 70 is continuously displayed in real time, and in addition, the displacement of the ultrasonic probe 70 is reported after mode switching.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A includes an apparatus main body 10A, an ultrasonic probe 70, a position sensor system 30, a display device 50, and an input device 60. The device main body 10A is connected to the external device 40 via the network 500. FIG. Further, the device body 10A is connected to the position sensor system 30, the display device 50, and the input device 60. FIG.

The device main body 10A is a device that generates an ultrasonic image based on reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 70 . The apparatus main body 10A includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, an ultrasonic reception circuit 12, a B-mode processing circuit 13, a Doppler processing circuit 14, an image generation circuit 15, an internal storage circuit 17, a first memory 18-1 (first cine memory). ), second memory 18-2 (second cine memory), image database 19, input interface 20, communication interface 21 and control circuit 22A.

The control circuit 22A is, for example, a processor that functions as the core of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A. The control circuit 22A implements functions corresponding to the control program by executing the control program stored in the internal storage circuit 17 . Specifically, the control circuit 22A has a volume data processing function 221, a display control function 223A, a system control function 225, and a positional deviation detection function 227. FIG.

The positional deviation detection function 227 detects the positional deviation of the ultrasonic probe 70 based on the positional information at the time of mode switching and the positional information after the mode switching collected by the position sensor 31 provided in the ultrasonic probe 70. It is a function to detect. The positional deviation is, for example, a deviation of the focus position of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 70 caused by the positional deviation of the ultrasonic probe 70 after mode switching. The ultrasound focus position is, for example, the center position of the sample gate set before the PW mode scan is performed. A sample gate is a marker for designating a region for measuring a Doppler spectrum image.

Specifically, when the positional deviation detection function 227 is executed, the control circuit 22A acquires, for example, the ultrasonic focus position set before the PW mode scan is executed. Also, the control circuit 22A calculates the focus position of the ultrasonic wave based on the positional information of the ultrasonic probe 70 acquired during the PW mode scan. The control circuit 22A calculates the difference between the ultrasonic focus position immediately before the B-mode scan is stopped and the calculated ultrasonic focus position, for example, the distance in Euclidean space. Thereby, the positional deviation is detected.

The display control function 223A has, in addition to the functions provided by the display control function 223 according to the first embodiment, a function of notifying the displacement of the ultrasonic probe 70 from the time of stopping the B-mode scan during the PW mode scan. . When the display control function 223A is executed, the control circuit 22A generates guide image data indicating the degree of positional deviation based on the positional deviation detected by the positional deviation detection function 227, for example. A guide image based on the guide image data includes, for example, the distance in Euclidean space calculated by the positional deviation detection function 227 . In addition, the control circuit 22A generates fusion image data (third fusion image data).

The third fusion image based on the third fusion image data includes a Doppler spectrum image acquired in real time by PW mode scanning, an MPR image corresponding to the scanning cross section when acquiring the Doppler spectrum image, and a guide image. . The control circuit 22A stores the generated third fusion image data in the first memory 18-1. The control circuit 22A also stores the MPR image data and the guide image data used to generate the third fusion image data in the second memory 18-2. Information of the guide image data may be superimposed on the MPR image data stored in the second memory 18-2.

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit of FIG. 5 when generating Doppler spectrum image data. The operations of the flowchart are implemented by the system control function 225 . FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to generation of fusion image data and display of a fusion image in the control circuit of FIG. The operations of the flowchart are implemented by the volume data processing function 221, the display control function 223A, and the positional deviation detection function 227. FIG.

First, with reference to FIG. 6, the flow of PW mode scanning performed by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the PW mode scan is performed after the color Doppler mode scan is performed. At this time, it is assumed that the number of measurement positions for PW mode scanning is one. Note that CW mode scanning, M mode scanning, or the like may be performed after color Doppler mode scanning is performed. Also, instead of color Doppler mode scanning, B mode scanning may be performed, and then CW mode scanning, M mode scanning, or the like may be performed.

Since the processes of steps SC1 and SC2 are the same as those of steps SA1 and SA2 shown in FIG. 2, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

When the B-mode image and the color Doppler image are displayed on the display device 50, the control circuit 22A accepts setting of a position on the B-mode image where a marker (cursor) called a sample gate is placed (step SC3). After the position of the sample gate is determined, the operator inputs a start instruction to start the PW mode via the input interface 20 .

Control circuit 22A accepts a start instruction to start the PW mode (step SC4). When the start instruction to start the PW mode is accepted, the control circuit 22A stops the color Doppler mode scan, and then controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11, the ultrasonic reception circuit 12, the Doppler processing circuit 14, and the image generation circuit 15. Then, PW mode scanning is performed (step SC5). Doppler spectrum image data at the position of the set sample gate is thereby obtained.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the flow of generating fusion image data by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment and displaying a fusion image based on the generated fusion image data on the display device 50 will be described. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the fusion image data shown in FIG. 7 is generated in parallel with the ultrasonic scan shown in FIG. Specifically, while steps SC1 to SC3 shown in FIG. 6 are being executed, steps SD2 to SD8 shown in FIG. 7 are executed in parallel. Further, while the processes of steps SC4 and SC5 shown in FIG. 6 are executed, the processes of steps SD2 to SD5 and steps SD9 to SD13 shown in FIG. 7 are executed in parallel.

Since the processing from step SD1 to step SD4 is the same as the processing from step SB1 to step SB4 shown in FIG. 3, description thereof is omitted.

The control circuit 22A determines whether or not the imaging mode is the PW mode (step SD5). If the imaging mode is not the PW mode (No in step SD5), that is, if the imaging mode is the color Doppler mode, the control circuit 22A executes the display control function 223A (step SD6).

Since the processing of steps SD7 and SD8 shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the processing of steps SB7 and SB8 shown in FIG. 3, description thereof is omitted.

A case where a start instruction to start the PW mode is input via the input interface 20 and the imaging mode is switched from the color Doppler mode to the PW mode will be described below.

At step SD5 shown in FIG. 7, the control circuit 22A determines that the imaging mode is the PW mode (Yes at step SD5), and executes the positional deviation detection function 227 (step SD9).

By executing the positional deviation detection function 227, the control circuit 22A acquires the ultrasonic focus position set before the PW mode scan is executed. Also, the control circuit 22A calculates the focus position of the ultrasonic wave based on the positional information of the ultrasonic probe 70 acquired during the PW mode scan. The control circuit 22A calculates the difference between the ultrasonic focus position immediately before the color Doppler mode scan is stopped and the calculated ultrasonic focus position, for example, the distance in Euclidean space (step SD9). Thereby, the positional deviation is detected.

When detecting the positional deviation, the control circuit 22A executes the display control function 223A and generates guide image data based on the calculated distance in the Euclidean space (step SD10).

The control circuit 22A generates third fusion image data based on the Doppler spectrum image data generated during PW mode scanning, the MPR image data generated in step SD4 shown in FIG. 7, and the generated guide image data. Generate (step SD11). The fusion image based on the third fusion image data includes at least the Doppler spectrum image, the MPR image corresponding to the Doppler spectrum image, and the guide image based on the guide image data generated in step SD10.

The control circuit 22A stores the generated third fusion image data in the first memory 18-1 (step SD12). Also, the control circuit 22A stores the MPR image data and guide image data used in the third fusion image data in the second memory 18-2. Specifically, the control circuit 22A cuts out the MPR image data superimposed with the guide image data from the third fusion image data, and stores the cut out MPR image data in the second memory 18-2.

The control circuit 22A displays the third fusion image based on the generated third fusion image data on the display device 50 (step SD13).

The control circuit 22A determines whether or not the ultrasonic scan has ended (step SD14). If the ultrasonic scan has not ended (No in step SD14), the control circuit 22A repeats the processing from step SD2 to step SD5 and the processing from step SD9 to step SD13. Thus, in the PW mode, the control circuit 22A repeatedly executes the processing from steps SD2 to SD5 and the processing from steps SD9 to SD11 to update the third fusion image displayed on the display device 50. keep doing

When the control circuit 22 determines that the ultrasound scan has ended (Yes in step SD14), it ends updating the third fusion image (or the first fusion image).

FIG. 8 is an example of a fusion image (display image) displayed on the display device 50 according to the second embodiment. The display image in FIG. 8 corresponds to, for example, an image immediately after PW mode scanning is started after color Doppler mode scanning is performed. The display image in FIG. 8 is divided into, for example, an image area R1, an image area R2, and an image area R3.

An MPR image based on the MPR image data generated in step SD4 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in the image region R1 in FIG. By visually recognizing this MPR image, the operator can grasp the acquisition position of the echo data when the B-mode image is not acquired.

A scan range 100 and a cursor 104 (Doppler cursor) are superimposed on the MPR image. Cursors 104 indicate the direction and gate of Doppler measurements in PW mode scans. Specifically, the cursor 104 is indicated by, for example, a straight line 105 indicating the direction of pulsed Doppler measurement and a gate 106 indicated by a short straight line pair (double line) designating the measurement site. The position of the cursor 104 is calculated based on positional information of the ultrasonic probe 70 acquired during PW mode scanning.

Also, for example, a character string “Distance: 3.5 mm” is superimposed on the MPR image. The character string “Distance: 3.5 mm” is displayed to notify the operator who visually recognizes the display device 50 that the ultrasonic probe 70 is displaced. "3.5 mm" indicates the distance in Euclidean space calculated by the control circuit 22A in step SD9 shown in FIG. "3.5 mm" is the distance from the center O of the gate 106, for example. A predetermined display color is assigned to the character string "Distance: 3.5 mm" and the gate 106 shown in FIG. 8 according to the calculated distance in the Euclidean space. The display color is yellow, for example. This allows the operator to grasp the degree of positional deviation according to the display color.

Note that the control circuit 22A uses the first sample gate set before the start of the PW mode scan and the position calculated based on the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 acquired during the PW mode scan. The second sample gate may be displayed in parallel. At this time, the control circuit 22A, for example, assigns a predetermined display color to the first sample gate. Further, the control circuit 22A assigns a display color different from the display color assigned to the first sample gate to the second sample gate according to the calculated distance in the Euclidean space.

A B-mode image 200 is displayed in the image area R2 in FIG. A color Doppler image 201 and a cursor 203 are superimposed on the B-mode image 200 . Cursor 203 is similar to cursor 104 . A B-mode image 200 corresponds to, for example, a B-mode image based on B-mode image data acquired immediately before color Doppler mode scanning is stopped.

A Doppler spectrum image 300 and an ECG waveform 301 are displayed in the image region R3 of FIG. A Doppler spectrum image 300 is acquired, for example, by PW mode scanning.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the control circuit 22A accepts mode switching from the color Doppler mode to the PW mode via the input interface 20. FIG. The control circuit 22A controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 in the color Doppler mode, and generates reception signals by color Doppler mode scanning. In addition, the control circuit 22A controls the ultrasonic transmission circuit 11 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 12 in the PW mode, and generates reception signals by PW mode scanning. The control circuit 22A sequentially generates B-mode image data based on the B-mode data generated in the color Doppler mode. Also, in the PW mode, the control circuit 22A sequentially generates Doppler spectrum image data based on the generated Doppler data. The control circuit 22A executes the positional deviation detection function 227 during the PW mode scan, and detects the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 immediately before the color Doppler mode scan is stopped and the position of the ultrasonic probe 70 during the PW mode scan. Positional deviation of the ultrasonic probe 70 is detected based on the information. The control circuit 22A executes the display control function 223A and displays the detected positional deviation on the display device 50 as a distance in Euclidean space.

As a result, the operator can clearly recognize that the ultrasonic probe 70 is displaced when the B-mode image is not acquired.

(Other embodiments)
In the first embodiment, the control circuit 22 stores the MPR image data generated during CW mode scanning in the second memory 18-2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when receiving a start instruction to start the CW mode, the control circuit 22 generates MPR image data based on the first fusion image data stored in the first memory 18-1 during color Doppler mode scanning. may be generated and the MPR image data may be stored in the second memory 18-2. This makes it possible to refer to the MPR image data generated before switching the imaging mode when only the MPR image is desired to be viewed.

Moreover, in the second embodiment, the control circuit 22A generates MPR image data based on the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control circuit 22A does not generate MPR image data, for example, and reports the positional deviation only by the guide image. Specifically, the control circuit 22A displays the character string "Distance: 3.5 mm" and the sample gate 211 in such a manner as to be superimposed on the B-mode image 200 displayed in the image region R2 shown in FIG. 9, for example. FIG. 9 is an example of a fusion image displayed on the display device 50 according to another embodiment. At this time, the control circuit 22A does not display anything in the image area R1, as shown in FIG. This makes it possible to reduce the load of generating MPR image data.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the control circuit 22A displays only the distance in the Euclidean space as a character string for the positional deviation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the control circuit 22A may display an image showing the amount of displacement in the depth direction in the image area R2 shown in a plane. FIG. 10 is an example of a fusion image displayed on the display device 50 according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the control circuit 22A displays, for example, a circle 212 which is a set of points separated from the center O of the sample gate 211 by a predetermined distance d. This allows the operator to recognize that the position is shifted by a predetermined distance d in the depth direction (Z direction) shown in FIG. 10, for example.

Further, in the second embodiment, in PW mode scanning, for example, the control circuit 22A transmits a pulse wave to one scanning line and receives a reflected wave to generate Doppler spectrum image data. is not limited to For example, in PW mode scanning, the control circuit 22A may sequentially transmit pulse waves to a plurality of scanning lines and receive reflected waves to generate Doppler spectrum image data. For example, the control circuit 22A alternately transmits pulse waves to a first measurement position and a second measurement position located on different scanning lines, and receives the reflected waves. Thereby, the control circuit 22A can generate Doppler spectrum image data at two measurement positions and simultaneously display Doppler spectrum images based on the generated two Doppler spectrum image data.

Further, in the above embodiment, for example, in step SB4 shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 22 generates MPR image data by performing MPR processing on the volume data on the assumption that the volume data corresponds to one time phase. was However, it is not limited to this. For example, the control circuit 22 may generate MPR image data by performing MPR processing on volume data corresponding to each of a plurality of time phases. At this time, the control circuit 22 switches the volume data on which the MPR image data is based in synchronization with the biological waveform. Specifically, the control circuit 22 controls not only the position information of the ultrasonic probe 70, but also ECG waveform data acquired in time series when volume data is acquired, and ECG waveform data acquired in PW mode scanning. Based on the waveform data, MPR image data synchronized with the electrocardiographic time phase during PW mode scanning is generated, and the display of the MPR image is switched.

Further, in the above embodiment, for example, the control circuit 22 displays one MPR image related to CT image data on the screen of the display device 50 shown in FIG. 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control circuit 22 may display, on the display device 50, a plurality of MPR images respectively generated from a plurality of volume data acquired by different modalities, for example.

Further, in the above embodiment, the received signal generated in the ultrasonic wave receiving circuit 12 by B-mode scanning and color Doppler mode scanning is an example of the first echo data described in the claims. Also, the received signal generated in the ultrasonic receiving circuit 12 by CW mode scanning, PW mode scanning, M mode scanning, and PWE mode scanning is an example of second echo data described in the claims. A B-mode image and a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing a B-mode image and a color Doppler image are examples of the first image described in the claims. A Doppler spectrum image, an M-mode image, and an elasticity image based on elasticity image data are examples of the second image described in the claims of the second image. Also, the MPR image is an example of the third image described in the claims.

(Display example)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a fusion image (display image) displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. The display image in FIG. 11 corresponds to, for example, an image immediately after CW mode scanning is started after B mode scanning is performed. The display image in FIG. 11 is divided into, for example, an image area R1, an image area R2 and an image area R3. The display image of FIG. 11 differs from the display image of FIG. 4 in that the circle marker is not displayed.

A B-mode image 200 is displayed in the image region R2. A cursor 204 is superimposed on the B-mode image 200 . A cursor 204 indicates the direction in which ultrasonic waves are emitted in the CW mode. Note that a composite image including a color Doppler display in the B-mode image may be displayed in the image region R2.

An MPR image is displayed in the image area R1. A scan range 100 and a cursor 107 are superimposed on the MPR image. Cursor 107 is similar to cursor 204 . The position of the cursor 107 is calculated, for example, based on position information of the ultrasonic probe 70 acquired during CW mode scanning.

A Doppler spectrum image 300 and an ECG waveform 301 are displayed in the image region R3. A Doppler spectrum image 300 is acquired, for example, by CW mode scanning.

Generally speaking, the displayed images in FIG. 11 include a fusion image that simultaneously displays at least an MPR image and a B-mode image, and a fusion image that simultaneously displays at least an MPR image and a Doppler spectrum image. Also, a cursor 107 is always displayed in the MPR image. Therefore, the cursor 107 is always displayed on the MPR image, so that the operator can always grasp the acquisition position of the echo data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a fusion image (display image) displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. The display image in FIG. 12 corresponds to, for example, an image in which M-mode scanning is performed after B-mode scanning is performed. The display image in FIG. 12 is divided into, for example, an image area R1, an image area R2 and an image area R3.

A B-mode image 200 is displayed in the image region R2. A cursor 205 is superimposed on the B-mode image 200 . A cursor 205 indicates the direction of ultrasonic wave transmission in the M mode.

An MPR image is displayed in the image area R1. A scan range 100 and a cursor 108 are superimposed on the MPR image. Cursor 108 is similar to cursor 205 . The position of the cursor 108 is calculated, for example, based on positional information of the ultrasonic probe 70 acquired during M-mode scanning.

An M-mode image 310 is displayed in the image area R3. M-mode image 310 is acquired, for example, by M-mode scanning.

Generally speaking, the display images in FIG. 12 include a fusion image that simultaneously displays at least an MPR image and a B-mode image, and a fusion image that simultaneously displays at least an MPR image and an M-mode image. Also, a cursor 108 is always displayed in the MPR image. Therefore, the cursor 108 is always displayed on the MPR image, so that the operator can always grasp the acquisition position of the echo data.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a fusion image (display image) displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. The display image in FIG. 13 corresponds to, for example, an image in which SWE mode scanning is performed after B mode scanning has been performed. The display image in FIG. 13 is divided into, for example, an image area R1, an image area R2 and an image area R3.

An MPR image is displayed in the image area R1. A scan range 100 and ROI markers 109 are superimposed on the MPR image. ROI markers 109 indicate the extent of, for example, shear wave propagation velocity display, elastic modulus display and propagation display in SWE mode.

A B-mode image 200 is displayed in the image region R2. An ROI marker corresponding to the ROI marker 109 may be superimposed on the B-mode image 200 .

A SWE image 320 is displayed in the image region R3. A propagation display image 330 is superimposed on the SWE image 320 . SWE image 320 is obtained, for example, by SWE mode scanning. The image superimposed on the SWE image 320 may be, for example, a shear wave propagation velocity display image or an elastic modulus display image.

Generally speaking, the display images in FIG. 13 include a fusion image that simultaneously displays at least an MPR image and a B-mode image, and a fusion image that simultaneously displays at least an MPR image and a SWE image. Also, the ROI marker 109 is always displayed in the MPR image. Therefore, since the ROI marker 109 is always displayed on the MPR image, the operator can always grasp the acquisition position of the echo data.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a fusion image (display image) displayed on a display device according to another embodiment. The display image in FIG. 14 corresponds to, for example, an image in which SWE mode scanning is performed after B mode scanning has been performed. The display image in FIG. 14 is divided into, for example, an image area R1, an image area R2, an image area R3 and an image area R4.

An MPR image is displayed in the image area R1. A scan range 100 and ROI markers 109 are superimposed on the MPR image. A B-mode image 200 is displayed in the image region R2. A SWE image 320 is displayed in the image region R3. A propagation display image 330 is superimposed on the SWE image 320 .

An SWE image 400 is displayed in the image area R4. An elastic modulus display image 410 is superimposed on the SWE image 400 . The SWE image 400 is acquired, for example, by SWE mode scanning. The image superimposed on the SWE image 400 may be a shear wave propagation velocity display image.

Generally speaking, the display images in FIG. 14 include a fusion image that simultaneously displays at least an MPR image and a B-mode image, and a fusion image that simultaneously displays at least an MPR image and a plurality of SWE images. Also, the ROI marker 109 is always displayed in the MPR image. Therefore, since the ROI marker 109 is always displayed on the MPR image, the operator can always grasp the acquisition position of the echo data.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to assist in grasping the acquisition position of the echo data when the B-mode image is not acquired.

The term "processor" used in the above description includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device (e.g. , Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory circuit. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize its function. good. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIGS. 1 and 5 may be integrated into one processor to realize its functions.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 11 Ultrasound transmission circuit 12 Ultrasound reception circuit 13 B-mode processing circuit 14 Doppler processing circuit 15 Image generation circuit 17 Internal storage circuit 18-1 First memory 18 -2 Second memory 19 Image database 20 Input interface 21 Communication interface 22, 22A Control circuit 30 Position sensor system 40 External device 50 Display device 60 Input device 70 Ultrasonic probe 221 Volume Data processing function 223, 223A Display control function 225 System control function 227 Position deviation detection function

Claims (15)

an input unit that receives mode switching from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode;
In the first imaging mode, the ultrasonic scan of the first scanning method is performed by the ultrasonic probe to collect the first echo data, and in the second imaging mode, the ultrasonic scanning of the second scanning method is performed by the ultrasonic scan. a transmitting/receiving unit that collects the second echo data by causing the acoustic probe to perform;
In the first imaging mode, a first image including a B-mode image is sequentially generated based on the first echo data, and in the second imaging mode, a B-mode image is not included based on the second echo data. an image generator that sequentially generates second images;
a volume data processing unit that sequentially generates a third image from previously acquired volume data based on position information collected by a position sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe;
A display control unit that sequentially displays the first image and the third image on a display unit in the first imaging mode, and sequentially displays the second image and the third image on the display unit in the second imaging mode. and
a detection unit that detects the positional deviation of the ultrasonic probe based on the position information at the time of the mode switching and the position information after the mode switching, which are collected by a position sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe;
with
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus , wherein the display control unit superimposes the detected positional deviation information on the third image with the mode switching as a trigger . wherein the first image is a B-mode image or a composite image of a B-mode image and a color Doppler image;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second image is a Doppler spectrum image, an M-mode image, or an SWE image. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second scanning method is a CW scanning method in which reflected waves are received while transmitting continuous waves. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second scanning method is a PW method of scanning in which pulse waves are sequentially transmitted to a plurality of scanning lines and reflected waves are received. further comprising a memory for sequentially storing the third image generated during the second imaging mode;
The display control unit reads the third image corresponding to the specified time phase from the memory in response to an operation to specify the time phase on the Doppler spectrum image, the biological waveform, or the M-mode image.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. A notification unit that notifies the detected positional deviation
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third image is one of an X-ray image, an MRI image, an ultrasonic image, and a nuclear medicine image. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a switching unit that switches volume data on which the third image is based in synchronization with a biological waveform. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display control unit superimposes information on ultrasonic images according to various imaging modes on said third image and causes said display unit to display the information. an input unit that receives mode switching from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode;
In the first imaging mode, the ultrasonic scan of the first scanning method is performed by the ultrasonic probe to collect the first echo data, and in the second imaging mode, the ultrasonic scanning of the second scanning method is performed by the ultrasonic scan. a transmitting/receiving unit that collects the second echo data by causing the acoustic probe to perform;
In the first imaging mode, a first image including a B-mode image is sequentially generated based on the first echo data, and in the second imaging mode, a B-mode image is not included based on the second echo data. an image generator that sequentially generates second images;
a detection unit that detects a positional deviation of the ultrasonic probe based on the position information at the time of the mode switching and the position information after the mode switching, which are collected by a position sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe;
a display control unit that superimposes the detected positional deviation information on the first image and displays it on a display unit when the mode switching is triggered;
Ultrasound diagnostic equipment with. 11. The display control unit causes the display unit to sequentially display at least the first image in the first imaging mode, and causes the display unit to sequentially display at least the second image in the second imaging mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1. wherein the first image is a B-mode image or a composite image of a B-mode image and a color Doppler image;
12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said second image is a Doppler spectrum image, an M-mode image, or an SWE image. A notification unit that notifies the detected positional deviation
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: to the computer,
Receiving mode switching from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode,
In the first imaging mode, the ultrasonic scan of the first scanning method is performed by the ultrasonic probe to collect the first echo data, and in the second imaging mode, the ultrasonic scanning of the second scanning method is performed by the ultrasonic scan. Acquire second echo data by causing the acoustic probe to perform
In the first imaging mode, a first image including a B-mode image is sequentially generated based on the first echo data, and in the second imaging mode, a B-mode image is not included based on the second echo data. sequentially generating a second image;
sequentially generating a third image from previously acquired volume data based on position information collected by a position sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe;
sequentially displaying the first image and the third image on a display unit in the first imaging mode; sequentially displaying the second image and the third image on the display unit in the second imaging mode ;
detecting a positional deviation of the ultrasonic probe based on the position information at the time of the mode switching and the position information after the mode switching, which are collected by a position sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe;
Triggered by the mode switching, superimposing information on the detected positional deviation on the third image;
A control program that runs to the computer,
Receiving mode switching from the first imaging mode to the second imaging mode,
In the first imaging mode, the ultrasonic scan of the first scan method is performed by the ultrasonic probe to collect the first echo data, and in the second imaging mode, the ultrasonic scan of the second scan method is performed by the ultrasonic scan. Acquire second echo data by causing the acoustic probe to perform
In the first imaging mode, a first image including a B-mode image is sequentially generated based on the first echo data, and in the second imaging mode, a B-mode image is not included based on the second echo data. sequentially generating a second image;
Detecting a positional deviation of the ultrasonic probe based on the position information at the time of the mode switching and the position information after the mode switching, which are collected by a position sensor provided in the ultrasonic probe;
Triggered by the mode switching, superimposing the detected positional deviation information on the first image and displaying it on a display unit;
A control program that runs

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