JPH0956717A - Ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a plurality of tomograms in order on a monitor and always display electrocardiographic(ECG) wave of the same phase as B mode regenerated image so as to display biological data corresponding to the length of displaying range of the monitor superimposing on the tomogram. SOLUTION: An image memory 5 stores a given number of A mode signals as a ultrasonic image transmitted from an electron scanning unit 2 on taking photograph. The ultrasonic image is read out in a digital scanning converter(DSC) 3 corresponding to a controlling signal from CPU 8. DSC 3 reads B mode image data from a frame memory 3a at TV synchronization according to the control from CPU 8 and out puts as TV scanning image signal on a TV monitor 4 thereby B mode tomographic image is displayed. DSC 3 stores ECG wave data transmitted from ECG wave displaying circuit 7 according to the control by CPU 8 and frame marker data superimposing on B mode signal in a frame memory.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for performing biological signal synchronous imaging, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying an electrocardiographic waveform in phase with a B-mode tomographic image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray or MRI apparatus or an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there is an imaging technique called biological signal synchronous imaging for detecting a signal generated from a living body and synchronizing with the biological signal. is there. This biomedical signal synchronous imaging is used when imaging an organ showing periodic movements such as the heart and lungs, and an electrocardiogram (electrocardio-
It is common to use gram; ECG).

Synchronous imaging with an electrocardiographic signal obtained from an electrocardiogram is now indispensable when examining the heart / macrovascular system.
In particular, recognizing the waveform of an electrocardiographic signal (ECG waveform) that is in phase with the currently captured image is very effective when examining an organ such as the heart.

Also in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, synchronous imaging with the electrocardiographic signal is frequently performed, and from the background described above,
By displaying the ECG waveform on the obtained B-mode tomographic image in a superimposed manner, the ECG waveform in phase with the captured B-mode tomographic image can be easily recognized.

For example, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when a B-mode tomographic image is reproduced on the monitor based on the ultrasonic image stored in the image memory (when the B-mode image memory is reproduced), as shown in FIG. , E in B mode playback image
The CG waveform is displayed in a superimposed manner, and, for example, an arrow-shaped frame marker indicating the ECG waveform is displayed on the (simultaneous phase) ECG waveform in which the currently reproduced B-mode tomographic image is synchronized.

At this time, the ECG waveform is fixedly displayed on the monitor screen, and every time the B-mode reproduced image is updated to the next frame image, the frame marker moves to the corresponding ECG waveform of the simultaneous phase. It was Therefore, the operator must check the B-mode image and the E-phase that is in phase with the B-mode image.
The CG waveform could be easily recognized by looking at the screen.

[0007]

In the above-mentioned superimposed display of the B mode reproduced image and the ECG waveform, the ECG waveform is fixedly displayed on the monitor, and the frame mark is displayed every time the B mode reproduced image is updated. By moving, the ECG waveform of the updated B-mode reproduced image and the phase of the same phase are displayed. Therefore, the ECG waveform of the B-mode reproduced image and the phase of the same phase can be shown only in the range displayed on the monitor. there were.

Therefore, for example, when the number of images recorded in the image memory is large, the frame mark sequentially moves to the left toward the display screen of the monitor in accordance with the update of the B-mode tomographic image, and the leftmost end (display range) is displayed. When the B-mode tomographic image was updated, the ECG waveform in phase with the B-mode tomographic image could not be displayed. That is, the ECG waveform that is in phase with the updated B-mode tomographic image exceeds the display range of the monitor and cannot be displayed.

When a color Doppler image is superimposed on a B-mode tomographic image and displayed, the frame rate is normally B.
Since it will be slower than in mode tomography / reproduction, each E
The display interval of the CG waveform also widened according to the frame rate. As a result, many ECG waveforms corresponding to B mode / color Doppler reproduced images exceed the display range, and ECs in phase with B mode / color Doppler reproduced images are displayed.
The G waveform could not be displayed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and contributes to the improvement of diagnostic accuracy by providing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of always displaying an ECG waveform in phase with a B-mode reproduced image. The purpose is to do.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, biological waveform data (ECG) based on the currently displayed biological signal (electrocardiographic signal) is used.
Waveform data) at least a part of E
By updating the CG waveform data, the ECG waveform of the same phase as the B-mode reproduced image is always displayed on the monitor.

That is, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect, an imaging storage means for imaging a plurality of ultrasonic images in synchronization with a biological signal detected from the subject and storing the image in an image memory; Tomographic image display means for displaying on a monitor while sequentially updating a plurality of tomographic images based on one ultrasonic image, and data of a length corresponding to the display range of the monitor of biological waveform data based on the biological signal. The biological waveform data display means for displaying the same on the monitor by superimposing the tomographic image on the monitor, and the biological waveform data displayed on the monitor, the marker indicating the biological waveform in phase with the tomographic image displayed on the monitor. Marker display means for superimposing the tomographic image on the monitor and displaying at least a part of the biological waveform data displayed on the monitor according to the update of the tomographic image. In and a waveform data updating means for updating the biometric waveform data that is not displayed on the monitor.

Particularly, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the marker display means displays the marker on the monitor while moving the marker according to the update of the tomographic image. Means and a marker fixing means for fixing the marker to the predetermined position when the marker reaches the predetermined position, and the waveform data updating means is the same as the tomographic image updated after the marker is fixed. A phase ECG waveform is not displayed on the monitor as indicated by the fixed marker.
Scroll display means for scroll-displaying the CG waveform data on the monitor is provided. With this configuration,
Even if the B-mode tomographic images are updated one after another, the ECG waveform data that is not displayed on the monitor is scroll-displayed according to the update, and as a result, the updated tomographic image is displayed at the position indicated by the fixed marker. There will be an ECG waveform of the same phase as.

Further, in particular, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the fifth aspect, the waveform data updating means erases all the ECG waveform data displayed on the monitor, and the tomographic image. Of the ECG waveform data not displayed on the monitor according to the update of the
Data display means for adjoining the G waveform data and having a length corresponding to the display range of the monitor is displayed on the monitor by superimposing the data on the tomographic image, and the marker display means is the ECG waveform data. Marker moving means for moving the marker displayed on the monitor before erasing to a position indicating the ECG waveform in phase with the tomographic image updated in the ECG waveform data newly displayed by the data display means is provided. . Because of this configuration, B
Even if the mode tomographic images are updated one after another, the ECG waveform data displayed on the monitor is erased at a predetermined timing, and the ECG waveform data not displayed on the monitor is displayed. Then, before the ECG waveform data is erased, the marker displayed on the monitor moves to a position indicating the ECG waveform in phase with the updated tomographic image in the newly displayed ECG waveform data.

Further, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of any of claims 6 to 7, the marker display means sets the marker at a predetermined position (for example, a substantially central portion of the monitor screen) at the start of displaying the tomographic image on the monitor. And a waveform fixing means for fixing the waveform data to the ECG in phase with the tomographic image sequentially updated after the marker is fixed.
A scroll display means is provided for scroll-displaying ECG waveform data not displayed on the monitor on the monitor so that the waveform is always pointed to by the fixed marker. With this configuration, even if the B-mode tomographic images are updated one after another, the ECG waveform data that is not displayed on the monitor is scroll-displayed on the monitor according to the update, and as a result, the position pointed to by the marker fixed in advance is indicated. , There is an ECG waveform in phase with the tomographic image to be updated.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. This ultrasonic diagnostic device
An ultrasonic probe 1 that transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal to and from a patient P, which is a subject, and is connected to the ultrasonic probe 1,
Electronic scanning unit (T / R) 2 that performs scanning control of ultrasonic signals
have. A DSC (digital scan converter) 3 having a frame memory (not shown) and a TV monitor 4 are connected to the output side of the electronic scanning unit 2.
Further, the electronic scanning unit 2 is connected to an image memory 5 capable of storing a plurality of image data.

On the other hand, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an electrocardiographic signal detection section 6 such as an electrode attached to the patient P for detecting an electrocardiogram (electrocardiographic signal) which is a biological signal from the patient P, and this heart. An EC for displaying the electrocardiographic signal detected by the electric signal detection unit 6 on the TV monitor 4 at the time of B-mode tomographic imaging (hereinafter, simply referred to as imaging) or at the time of image memory reproduction.
And a G waveform display circuit 7. The output of the ECG waveform display circuit 7 is connected to the DSC 3.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus also includes an electronic scanning unit 2,
DSC 3, image memory 5 and ECG waveform display circuit 7
And a CPU 8 for controlling the electronic scanning unit 2, the DSC 3, the image memory 5, and the ECG waveform display circuit 7.

The electronic scanning unit 2 is a transmission / reception circuit that linearly moves the transmission / reception direction of an ultrasonic signal by delay-controlling a vibrator built in the probe 1 under the control of the CPU 8.
A reception addition circuit that performs phasing addition of a predetermined number (the number of scanning lines forming one screen) of reception signals obtained by the transmission / reception circuit as signals in a predetermined direction and depth, and a plurality of echoes after phasing addition A detection circuit or the like for detecting the envelope of the signal is provided, and a predetermined number of envelope detection signals (A-mode signals) are detected by the DSC.
3 and the image memory 5.

The image memory 5 stores (records) a predetermined number of A-mode signals sent from the electronic scanning section 2 at the time of photographing as an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 5 is read by the DSC 3 according to the control signal C1 from the CPU 8.

The DSC 3 is provided with a frame memory 3a corresponding to one screen of the TV monitor 4, and under the control of the CPU 8, a predetermined number of A-mode signals sent from the electronic scanning unit 2 at the time of photographing and an image memory. The ultrasonic image signal sent from the image memory 5 during reproduction is stored in the frame memory 3a as B-mode image data. And D
The SC3 reads the B-mode image data from the same frame memory 3a in synchronization with the TV under the control of the CPU8,
A TV scanning type image signal is output to the TV monitor 4. As a result, a B-mode tomographic image is displayed on the TV monitor 4.

Further, the DSC 3 is adapted to store the ECG waveform data and the frame marker data sent from the ECG waveform display circuit 7 under the control of the CPU 8 in the frame memory so as to overlap the B mode image signal. .

As shown in FIG. 2, the ECG waveform display circuit 7 includes an ECG waveform storage circuit 10 and an ECG waveform conversion circuit 1.
1, a frame mark generation circuit 12, and a control circuit 13 having an MPU and the like.

The ECG waveform storage circuit 10 stores the waveform (ECG waveform) of the electrocardiographic signal detected by the electrocardiographic signal detecting section 5 during photographing.
All waveforms are stored.

The ECG waveform conversion circuit 11 is an EC based on an electrocardiographic signal detected by the electrocardiographic signal detecting section 5 at the time of photographing.
The G waveform, or the ECG waveform read from the ECG waveform storage circuit 10 during image memory reproduction is converted into digital ECG waveform data and stored in a buffer.

The frame mark generation circuit 12 generates marker data (frame mark data) in the form of, for example, an arrow (↓) for indicating an ECG waveform in phase with the B-mode tomographic image displayed on the TV monitor 4. Has become.

The control circuit 13 sends B from the CPU 8.
Control signal C including frame rate of modal tomography
The ECG waveform is read from the ECG waveform storage circuit 10 according to the value 2 and sent to the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11.

Further, the control circuit 13 outputs the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11 from the CPU 8 based on the control signal C2 from the CPU 8.
The EC stored in the buffer of the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11
EC having a length corresponding to a predetermined display area (that is, a storage area on the frame memory 3a) of the G waveform data
The G waveform data is read out and the frame memory 3 of the DSC 3 is read.
It is designed to write to a. Further, the control circuit 13
Is adapted to write the frame mark data generated from the frame mark generating circuit 12 based on the control signal C2 from the CPU 8 to a predetermined position of the frame memory 3a.

Next, the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the operation during image memory reproduction.

When diagnosing the patient P by performing B-mode tomographic imaging synchronized with the electrocardiographic signal on the patient P, CP
U8 sends an ultrasonic signal scanning command to the electronic scanning unit 2 in synchronization with the ECG waveform (for example, a certain R wave) of the electrocardiographic signal of the patient P detected by the electrocardiographic signal detecting unit 6.

The electronic scanning section 2 controls the electronic scanning section 2 in accordance with the transmitted ultrasonic signal scanning command to obtain a plurality of A-mode signals forming one ultrasonic image. The plurality of A mode signals are sent to the DSC 3 and the image memory 5.

The plurality of A-mode signals sent to the DSC 3 are stored in the frame memory 3a as B-mode tomographic image data under the control of the CPU 8. At this time, the ECG waveform display circuit 7 outputs the EC to the frame memory 3a.
The G waveform data and the frame mark data indicating the currently photographed tomographic image are sent, and are superposed and stored on the B mode tomographic image data. The B-mode tomographic image data including the ECG waveform data and the frame mark data stored in the frame memory 3a is output from the frame memory 3a to the TV monitor 4 as a TV scanning type image signal under the control of the CPU 8. As a result, the TV monitor 4 displays the B-mode tomographic image and the ECG waveform, and also displays the frame mark indicating the ECG waveform in phase with the B-mode tomographic image.

On the other hand, the plurality of A-mode signals sent to the image memory 5 are stored in the image memory 5 as one ultrasonic image.

Hereinafter, by repeating the above-mentioned electrocardiographic signal synchronized photographing at a predetermined frame rate, T
On the V monitor 4, a multi-cardiac time phase B-mode tomographic image of the patient P is displayed. Further, the image memory 5 stores (records) n ultrasonic images corresponding to the number (for example, n) of the multi-center time phase B-mode tomographic images. Further, the ECG waveform storage circuit 10 of the ECG waveform display circuit 7 stores the ECG based on the electrocardiographic signals detected at the time of capturing the n ultrasonic images.
The waveform is stored.

Next, it is assumed that so-called image memory reproduction is performed in which the B-mode tomographic image is reproduced based on the ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 5 by performing the above-mentioned synchronous photographing. At this time, the CPU 8 selects, for example, k (k <n) from the n ultrasonic images stored in the image memory 5.
The control signal C is a command for starting reproduction from the th ultrasonic image.
It is sent to the image memory 5 as 1. In the image memory 5, the kth ultrasonic image is read according to the sent control signal C1, and this ultrasonic image is stored in the frame memory 3a of the DSC 3 as B-mode tomographic image data.

On the other hand, the CPU 8 sends to the control circuit 13 a control signal C2 including a command for starting reproduction from the kth ultrasonic image. The control circuit 13 sends the control signal C
E stored in the ECG waveform storage circuit 10 based on 2
The CG waveform is read and sent to the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11.
The sent ECG waveform is converted into ECG waveform data by the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11 and then stored in the buffer.

The control circuit 13 uses the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11
ECG waveform (Ek) corresponding to the kth ultrasonic image in the ECG waveform data (ED) stored in the buffer
From the buffer, the ECG waveform data (ED1) having a length corresponding to the display area of the TV monitor 4 (that is, the storage area R1 on the frame memory 3a) is read from the buffer, and the ECG waveform corresponding to the kth ultrasonic image ( ECk waveform data (ED1) so that Ek) comes to the right end of the storage area R1.
Is written in the frame memory 3a (see FIG. 3). on the other hand,
At the same time as controlling the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11, the control circuit 1
3 controls the frame mark generation circuit 12 based on the control signal C2 sent to generate frame mark data, and at the same time, outputs the frame mark data (FM1)
Writing is performed above the position where the ECG waveform (Ek) is written in the frame memory 3a (see FIG. 3).

That is, the frame memory 3a of the DSC 3
In this area, ECG waveform data (ED1) and frame mark data (FM1) are written in superimposition with the B-mode image data read from the image memory 5. This ECG
Waveform data (ED1) and frame mark data (FM1)
The B-mode tomographic image data in which is superimposed and stored is read out under the control of the CPU 8 and sent to the TV monitor 4. As a result, the TV monitor 4 is synchronized with the B-mode tomographic image (reproduced image) I (k), the ECG waveform (ED1), and the currently displayed B-mode tomographic image I (k) as shown in FIG. did,
That is, a frame mark (FM1) (an arrow indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4) showing an ECG waveform indicating a cardiac phase at the time of photographing is displayed.

Thereafter, the CPU 8 issues a command for reproducing ultrasonic images in the order k + 1, k + 2, ...
As described above, the above-described processing is performed by sending the image data to the image memory 5, and the B-mode tomographic images are sequentially updated. On the other hand, the frame mark data is moved by the processing of the frame mark generation circuit 12 and the control circuit 13 to a position showing an ECG waveform in phase with the updated B-mode tomographic image along the ECG waveform and stored in the frame memory 3a. Since it is written, the frame mark moves on the screen of the monitor 4 every time the B-mode tomographic image is updated (to the left of the monitor screen; see FIG. 4), and simultaneously with the currently displayed B-mode tomographic image. The position where the ECG waveform of the phase is indicated is reached (see, for example, the frame mark FM2 indicated by the chain double-dashed line in the figure).

In this way, the ultrasonic images are sequentially read from the image memory 5 in response to the ultrasonic image reproduction command from the CPU 8, and the corresponding B-mode tomographic images are sequentially updated and displayed. And the frame mark is also B
It sequentially moves according to the update of the mode tomographic image, and reaches the leftmost end of the monitor screen (the limit position of the frame mark display range) (see the frame mark FM3 shown by the solid line in FIG. 4).

With the frame mark reaching the leftmost end of the monitor screen, the next ultrasonic image {(k +
When the (m) th; (k + m) <n} playback command is issued, the control circuit 13 responds to this command by writing the frame mark data to the frame memory 3a at the current position (in the display area of the monitor screen). It is fixed to the pixel position in the frame memory 3a corresponding to the leftmost end (step S1 in FIG. 5). Then, the control circuit 13 reads the ECG previously read so that the ECG waveform (E (k + m)) corresponding to the (k + m) th ultrasonic image comes to the left end of the storage area R1.
The reading position is moved (scrolled) to the left from the waveform data (ED1) by a predetermined length (step S2).
Then, the ECG waveform data (E
D2) is read from the buffer of the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11 and written in the frame memory 3a of the DSC 3 (see FIG. 6) (step S3).

On the other hand, the (k + m) th ultrasonic image is read from the image memory 5 in response to the ultrasonic image reproduction command sent from the CPU 8, and the frame memory 3 of the DSC 3 is read.
stored in a.

In the frame memory 3a, the (k + m) th B-mode tomographic image data read from the image memory 5 and stored, the newly scrolled ECG waveform data ED2, and the (k + m) th B-mode. The tomographic image data and the frame mark data FM3 indicating the ECG waveform data of the same phase are superposed and stored. The B-mode tomographic image data in which the ECG waveform data ED2 and the frame mark data FM3 are superposed and stored is read out under the control of the CPU 8 and sent to the TV monitor 4 (step S4).
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the B-mode reproduced image I (k + m) is displayed on the TV monitor 4, and the ECG waveform data (ED1) is moved to the right toward the monitor for a predetermined length. New (scrolled) ECG waveform data (ED2) is displayed. Then, the B-mode reproduced image I
On the ECG waveform (E (k + m)) in phase with (k + m),
A frame mark FM3 indicating the ECG waveform (E (k + m)) is displayed.

Hereinafter, every time a reproduction command for the next ultrasonic image is sent from the CPU 8 to the image memory 5, the processes of steps S1 to S4 described above are repeated, so that the TV monitor 4 displays the B mode reproduced image, ECG waveform data (including an ECG waveform in phase with the B-mode reproduced image to be updated) scrolled according to the update of the B-mode reproduced image, and a frame mark indicating the ECG waveform in phase with the reproduced image are displayed. It

That is, in this embodiment, the first ECG
Even if the B-mode replay image is updated beyond the waveform display range,
The ECG waveform data is scrolled according to the updated B-mode reproduced image. By indicating the ECG waveform of the same B-mode reproduced image and the same phase as the frame mark from the scrolled ECG waveform data, the B-mode reproduced image and the ECG waveform of the same phase as the B-mode reproduced image are constantly monitored. You can see it on the screen.
Therefore, when diagnosing an organ such as the heart or a heart / macrovascular system with a B-mode tomographic image, the ECG waveform in the same phase as the B-mode tomographic image can be easily referred to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

In this embodiment, control is performed when the next ultrasonic image (B-mode tomographic image) reproduction command is sent with the frame mark reaching the leftmost end (the limit position of the display range) of the monitor screen. Although the circuit 13 performs the above processing, the present invention is not limited to this, and the next ultrasonic image (B-mode tomographic image) is obtained with the frame mark reaching a predetermined position (for example, the center of the monitor screen). ) The control circuit 13 may be configured to perform the above processing when a reproduction command is sent.

(Second Embodiment) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the operation during image memory reproduction.

The B-mode tomographic image is displayed while being sequentially updated in response to the ultrasonic image reproduction command from the CPU 8 in the image memory reproduction, and the frame mark is sequentially moved according to the update of the B-mode tomographic image, and the monitor screen is displayed. Until reaching the leftmost end (the limit position of the display range) (see FIG. 4), the same operation as that of the first embodiment is performed, and the description thereof is omitted.

With the frame mark reaching the leftmost end of the monitor screen, the next ultrasonic image {(k + m
When an instruction for reproducing the (th) ultrasonic image} is issued, the control circuit 13 responds to the instruction to reproduce the ECG waveform data (E) written in the frame memory 3a via the CPU 8.
D1) are all erased (see step S10 and FIG. 9 in FIG. 8), the ECG waveform data (ED) stored in the buffer of the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11 is adjacent to the ECG waveform data (ED1) and The ECG waveform data (ED3) having a length corresponding to the storage area R1 on the frame memory 3a is read from the buffer and written in the frame memory 3a (step S11). Simultaneously with the read / write processing of the ECG waveform data (ED3), the control circuit 13 sets the writing position of the frame mark data FM3 to (k + mth) of the ECG waveform data (ED3) stored in the frame memory 3a. ECG waveform (E
(k + m)) is moved above the displayed position (step S12). The frame mark data whose writing position has moved is FM4.

On the other hand, the (k + m) th ultrasonic image is read from the image memory 5 in response to the ultrasonic image reproduction command sent from the CPU 8, and the frame memory 3 of the DSC 3 is read.
stored in a.

In the frame memory 3a, the (k + m) th B-mode tomographic image data read from the image memory 5 and stored, the newly stored ECG waveform data (ED3), and the (k + m) th are stored. The B-mode tomographic image data and the frame mark data FM4 indicating the ECG waveform data (E (k + m)) of the same phase are stored in an overlapping manner. This E
CG waveform data (ED3) and frame mark data FM4
The B-mode tomographic image data in which is superimposed and stored is read under the control of the CPU 8 and sent to the TV monitor 4 (step S13). As a result, the TV monitor 4 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the B-mode tomographic image (reconstructed image) I (k + m)
Is displayed, and the ECG waveform data (ED1) is updated to new ECG waveform data (ED3). And
EC of the same phase as the displayed B-mode tomographic image I (k + m)
On the G waveform (E (k + m)), the ECG waveform (E (k + m))
The frame mark FM4 pointing to () is displayed.

That is, in the present embodiment, even if the B-mode reproduced image is updated beyond the display range of the first ECG waveform, the ECG waveform data that is fixedly displayed is changed according to the updated B-mode reproduced image. The ECG waveform data is updated. By indicating the ECG waveform of the same B-mode reproduced image and the same phase as the frame mark from the newly updated ECG waveform data, the B-mode reproduced image and the ECG waveform of the same phase as the B-mode reproduced image are always displayed. You can see it on the monitor screen. Therefore, when diagnosing organs such as the heart and the heart / macrovascular system with B-mode tomographic images,
The ECG waveform at the same phase as the B-mode tomographic image can be easily referred to, and the diagnostic accuracy is improved.

(Third Embodiment) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the operation during image memory reproduction.

The procedure until the synchronous imaging is performed and n ultrasonic images are stored in the image memory 5 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

When the image memory is reproduced in the present embodiment, the CPU 8 starts reproduction from the k (k <n) -th ultrasonic image among the n ultrasonic images stored in the image memory 5. The command is sent to the image memory 5 as the control signal C1. In the image memory 5, the kth ultrasonic image is read according to the sent control signal C1, and this ultrasonic image is stored in the frame memory of the DSC 3 as B-mode tomographic image data.

On the other hand, the CPU 8 also sends to the control circuit 13 a control signal C2 including a command for starting reproduction from the kth ultrasonic image. The control circuit 13 sends the control signal C
E stored in the ECG waveform storage circuit 10 based on 2
The CG waveform is read and sent to the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11.
The sent ECG waveform is converted into ECG waveform data by the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11 and then stored in the buffer.

The control circuit 13 controls the frame mark generation circuit 12 on the basis of the sent control signal C2 to generate the frame mark data, and also outputs the frame mark data FM5 to a predetermined position (for example, ECG) on the frame memory 3a. It is approximately the center of the waveform data storage area R1,
(Above the area) is written (see step S20 in FIGS. 11 and 12).

Simultaneously with the control of the frame mark generation circuit 12, the control circuit 13 outputs E corresponding to the kth ultrasonic image in the ECG waveform data (ED) stored in the buffer.
The CG waveform (Ek) is located below the frame mark data FM5, and the entire length is in the range corresponding to the storage area R1 on the frame memory 3a.
D4) is read from the buffer and written in the frame memory 3a (step S21).

In the frame memory 3a, the ECG waveform data (ED4) and the frame mark data FM5 are written so as to be superimposed on the kth B-mode image data read from the image memory 5. This ECG waveform data (ED
4) and the frame mark data FM5 are superposed and stored in B
The mode tomographic image data is read out under the control of the CPU 8 and sent to the TV monitor 4 (step S22). As a result, on the TV monitor 4, as shown in FIG. 13, the kth B-mode tomographic image (reproduced image) I (k), the ECG waveform (ED4), and the displayed kth B-mode tomographic image I are displayed.
Frame mark FM5 showing ECG waveform in phase with (k)
Is displayed.

Then, the next ultrasonic image (k
When the +1) th reproduction command is issued, the control circuit 13 causes the ECG waveform (E (k + 1)) corresponding to the (k + 1) th ultrasonic image to fall below the frame mark data FM5 in response to this command. ECG previously read so that it is located at
The reading position is moved (scrolled) to the left from the waveform data (ED4) by a predetermined length (step S2).
3). Then, the ECG waveform data (ED5) at the read position is read from the buffer of the ECG waveform conversion circuit 11 and written in the frame memory 3a of the DSC 3 (see FIG. 14) (step S24).

On the other hand, the (k + 1) th ultrasonic image is read from the image memory 5 in response to the ultrasonic image reproduction command sent from the CPU 8, and the frame memory 3 of the DSC 3 is read.
stored in a.

In the frame memory 3a, the (k + 1) th B-mode tomographic image data read from the image memory 5 and stored, the newly scrolled ECG waveform data (ED5), and the (k + 1) th image data. The B-mode tomographic image data and the frame mark data FM5 indicating the ECG waveform data (E (k + 1)) of the same phase are stored in an overlapping manner.
The B-mode tomographic image data in which the ECG waveform data (ED5) and the frame mark data FM5 are superposed and stored is CP.
It is read out under the control of U8 and sent to the TV monitor 4 (step S25). As a result, on the TV monitor 4,
As shown in FIG. 15, the (k + 1) th B-mode tomographic image (reconstructed image) I (k + 1) is displayed and the ECG is displayed.
New ECG waveform data (ED5) in which the waveform data (ED4) has moved (scrolled) to the right toward the monitor for a specified length.
Is displayed. Then, at the position indicated by the frame mark FM5 fixedly displayed, the displayed B-mode tomographic image I
The ECG waveform (E (k + 1)) of the same phase as (k + 1) is displayed.

From the CPU 8 (k + 2, k + 3,
Each time the reproduction command for the ...) th ultrasonic image is sent to the image memory 5, the processing in steps S23 to S25 is repeated, so that the TV monitor 4 displays the B-mode reproduced image and the B-mode reproduced image. ECG waveform data scrolled according to the update (including the ECG waveform of the B-mode reproduced image to be updated and the same phase), and E of the reproduced image and the same phase
A frame mark showing the CG waveform is displayed.

That is, in this embodiment, the frame mark is fixed in advance, and the ECG waveform data corresponding to the update of the B-mode reproduced image is the ECG waveform of the same phase as the B-mode reproduced image in the ECG waveform data. Since the scroll processing is performed so as to reach the position indicated by the fixed frame mark, the ECG waveform in the same phase as the B-mode reproduced image can always be grasped on the monitor screen. Therefore, when diagnosing an organ such as the heart or a heart / macrovascular system with a B-mode tomographic image, the ECG waveform in the same phase as the B-mode tomographic image can be easily referred to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

In the present embodiment, the position where the frame mark is fixed is the center of the monitor screen, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any position such as the right end of the monitor screen.

In the first to third embodiments, the reproduction direction of the B-mode tomographic image is in the forward direction (first B-mode tomographic image → second B-mode tomographic image → ..., Kth B-mode). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained even in reverse reproduction. In this case, in the first and third embodiments, the ECG waveforms are scrolled in opposite directions.

Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses of the first to third embodiments are provided with a color Doppler arithmetic circuit having a phase detection circuit, an MTI arithmetic unit, etc., and display the color Doppler image superimposed on the B-mode tomographic image. You may allow it. In this case, conventionally, the B mode /
Although it was difficult to display the ECG waveform in the same phase as the color Doppler reproduced image, the operations of the first to third embodiments described above make it possible to perform simultaneous B-mode / color Doppler reproduced image regardless of the frame rate delay. The ECG waveform of the phase can be displayed, and an effect substantially the same as the effect in the first to third embodiments can be obtained.

[0071]

As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the biological waveform data (E
At least a part of (CG waveform data) can be updated to ECG waveform data which is not displayed on the monitor. That is, the ECG waveform data is not fixedly displayed, but at least part of it is updated according to the update of the tomographic image.

Therefore, even if the ECG waveform of the same phase as the tomographic image to be updated next is in the ECG waveform data which is not displayed on the monitor, the ECG waveform is monitored so as to come to the position indicated by the fixed marker. By scrolling the ECG waveform data that is not displayed on the screen, the ECG waveform that is in phase with the updated tomographic image can be indicated by the fixed marker.

Similarly, even when the ECG waveform of the same phase as the tomographic image to be updated next is in the ECG waveform data not displayed on the monitor, the EC displayed on the monitor is displayed.
All the G waveform data is erased, data adjacent to the erased ECG waveform data and having a length corresponding to the display range of the monitor is superimposed on the tomographic image and displayed on the same monitor, and before the ECG waveform data is erased. The marker displayed on the monitor is moved to a position indicating the ECG waveform of the tomographic image to be updated in the newly displayed ECG waveform data, and the ECG of the tomographic image and the simultaneous phase to be updated by the moving marker. Waveforms can be pointed.

As a result, when diagnosing an organ such as the heart or the heart / macrovascular system with an ultrasonic tomographic image, the ECG waveform in phase with the tomographic image can be easily referred to improve the diagnostic accuracy. To do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ECG waveform display circuit in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing how ECG waveform data is written in a frame memory in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a k-th B-mode tomographic image in the first embodiment, an ECG waveform, and E of the same phase as the k-th B-mode tomographic image.
The figure which shows the monitor screen which displayed the frame mark which shows a CG waveform, and the frame mark which moves according to the update of a B-mode tomographic image.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart for explaining the processing of the control circuit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a scrolled EC in the first embodiment.
The figure which shows notionally a mode that G waveform data is written in a frame memory.

FIG. 7 is a monitor screen on which a frame mark indicating the (k + m) th B-mode tomographic image, the ECG waveform, and the (k + m) th B-mode tomographic image and the ECG waveform of the same phase in the first embodiment is superimposed and displayed. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart for explaining processing of a control circuit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a monitor screen when ECG waveform data is erased in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a monitor screen on which a frame mark indicating the (k + m) th B-mode tomographic image, the ECG waveform, and the (k + m) th B-mode tomographic image and the ECG waveform of the same phase in the second embodiment is superimposed and displayed. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing how ECG waveform data is written in a frame memory in the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart for explaining processing of a control circuit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a monitor screen on which a frame mark indicating the (k) th B-mode tomographic image, the ECG waveform, and the ECG waveform in phase with the k-th B-mode tomographic image in the third embodiment is superimposed and displayed. .

FIG. 14 shows a scrolled E in the third embodiment.
The figure which shows notionally the mode that CG waveform data is written in a frame memory.

FIG. 15 is a monitor screen in which frame marks indicating the (k + 1) th B-mode tomographic image, the ECG waveform, and the ECG waveform of the same phase as the (k + 1) th B-mode tomographic image in the third embodiment are superimposed and displayed. FIG.

FIG. 16 is a conventional B-mode tomographic image, ECG waveform,
9A and 9B are diagrams showing a monitor screen on which a frame mark showing an ECG waveform of the same phase as that of the B-mode tomographic image is superimposed and displayed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Ultrasonic Probe 2 Electronic Scanning Section 3 DSC 3a Frame Memory 4 TV Monitor 5 Image Memory 6 ECG Signal Detection Section 7 ECG Waveform Display Circuit 8 CPU 10 ECG Waveform Storage Circuit 11 ECG Waveform Conversion Circuit 12 Frame Mark Generation Circuit 13 Control Circuit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An imaging storage unit for imaging a plurality of ultrasonic images in synchronization with a biological signal detected from a subject and storing the ultrasonic images in an image memory, and a plurality of tomographic images based on the plurality of ultrasonic images. A tomographic image display means for displaying on the monitor while sequentially updating the image, and data of a length corresponding to the display range of the monitor in the biological waveform data based on the biological signal is superimposed on the tomographic image and displayed on the monitor. The biological waveform data display means for displaying, and from the biological waveform data displayed on the monitor, a marker indicating a biological waveform of the same phase as the tomographic image displayed on the monitor is displayed on the monitor while being superimposed on the tomographic image. Marker display means and at least a part of the biological waveform data displayed on the monitor are not displayed on the monitor at a timing corresponding to the update of the tomographic image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a waveform data updating unit that updates the data. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biological signal is an electrocardiographic signal, and the biological waveform is an ECG waveform. 3. The marker display means displays the marker movement display means for displaying the marker on the monitor while moving the marker according to the update of the tomographic image, and the marker movement display means when the marker reaches a predetermined position. Marker fixing means for fixing at a predetermined position, the waveform data updating means, so that the ECG waveform of the simultaneous phase with the tomographic image updated after the marker is fixed is pointed to by the fixed marker, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising scroll display means for scroll-displaying ECG waveform data which is not displayed on the monitor on the monitor. 4. The superposition according to claim 3, wherein the fixed position of the marker is a left end portion of the monitor screen, and the scroll direction of the scroll display means is a direction from left to right of the monitor screen. Sound wave diagnostic equipment. 5. The waveform data updating means erases all the ECG waveform data displayed on the monitor, and the ECG waveform data not displayed on the monitor according to the update of the tomographic image. ECG erased
Data display means that is adjacent to the waveform data and that has a length corresponding to the display range of the monitor and that is superimposed on the tomographic image and displayed on the monitor, wherein the marker display means erases the ECG waveform data A marker moving means for moving the marker previously displayed on the monitor to a position indicating the ECG waveform in phase with the tomographic image updated in the ECG waveform data newly displayed by the data display means, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, which is characterized in that. 6. The marker display means includes a marker fixing means for fixing the marker at a predetermined position when the display of the tomographic image on the monitor is started, and the waveform data updating means is provided after the marker is fixed. A scroll display means for scroll-displaying ECG waveform data which is not displayed on the monitor on the monitor so that the ECG waveforms of the same phase as the sequentially updated tomographic images are always pointed to by the fixed marker. Item 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Item 2. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fixed position of the marker is a substantially central portion of the monitor screen.