JPH11113902A - Ultrasonograph and ultrasonography - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonograph which can repeatedly make different three-dimensional images without rescanning by an ultrasonic probe. SOLUTION: This ultrasonograph displays a three-dimensional image of a diagnosing site using an echo information of the diagnosing site which is obtained from an ultrasonic probe moving at a fixed speed. In this case, a means 5 which records the echo information, means 3 and 4 which display a two-dimensional image of the echo information, an input means 10 which designates a range and conditions for the forming of a three-dimensional image from the displayed two-dimensional image, a means 6 which reads the echo information of the designated range from the recording means, a means 7 which makes the three-dimensional image information under the designated conditions, using the read echo information, an means 8 which records the three-dimensional image information in an area which is separate from the echo information of the recording means, are provided, and the three-dimensional image is displayed. By using the recorded echo information, three-dimensional images of different ranges and conditions can be repeatedly made.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image and an ultrasonic image displaying method implemented by the apparatus, and more particularly to generating various three-dimensional images from detected echo information. It is made possible.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a method of generating a three-dimensional image from a tomographic image obtained by CT or MRI. In this method, after obtaining slide data of a plurality of tomographic images, conversion to volume data is performed using all the slide data, and further, according to a projection direction (viewing direction) specified by an operator, An operation of rotating data is performed.

However, this method does not provide real-time properties. Therefore, this method is not suitable for an apparatus such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which is often used by a doctor while operating in real time.

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus which improves this point and can display a three-dimensional image in real time is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-163558.

As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe 11 for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal, a reception signal processing unit 12 for performing processing such as amplification and detection on the reception signal, IP (Intensity Projection) on the projection plane
An IP processing unit 13 for generating data, a buffer memory 14 for storing IP data in the process of generation, a cine memory 17 for storing finally generated IP data for display, and a smooth image can be obtained. An interpolation processing section 18 for interpolating the IP data stored in the cine memory 17, a DSC (digital scan converter) 16 for reading the IP data from the cine memory 17 and imaging the same, and a CR for displaying a three-dimensional image
T19 and an input device 15 for the operator to input the conditions for generating a three-dimensional image.

In this apparatus, tomographic image data is acquired at predetermined intervals while moving the ultrasonic probe 11 in parallel with the body surface. The IP processing unit 13 to which the frame data is input executes an IP process for obtaining a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value or a maximum value + a minimum value as the IP data every time the frame data is input. When data is input, a projection image composed of IP data is completed.

At this time, the IP processing unit 13 first stores the first frame data obtained from the ultrasonic probe 11 in the buffer memory 14 as IP data. Next, when frame data is input from the ultrasound probe 11 moved at a predetermined interval, the IP data stored in the buffer memory 14 is read out, and the data in the frame data and the buffer memory 14 are read.
The IP processing is performed with the data at the corresponding position read out from the, and the processing result is written into the buffer memory. By repeating this procedure every time frame data is input, a projected image of IP data is obtained when a predetermined number of frame data have been input. The obtained projection image is stored in the cine memory 17.

The DSC 16 images the latest projection image obtained by the IP processing unit 13 and displays it on the CRT 19 until the final projection image is obtained. When the final projection image is generated, the cine memory 17 And reads the projected image from the CRT 19 and displays it on the CRT 19.

When the input device 15 instructs to display an image of the IP data when the projection direction is gradually changed, the IP processing unit 13 outputs a plurality of images having different projection directions. A projection image is generated and stored in the cine memory 17. At this time, the interpolation processing unit 18 creates a projection image to be interpolated based on the plurality of projection images and stores the projection image in the cine memory 7. D
The SC 16 reads the projection images from the cine memory 7 in the order in which the projection direction changes, converts them into images, and displays them on the CRT 19. As a result, a three-dimensional image that changes smoothly while changing the projection direction is displayed.

As described above, this apparatus can display a three-dimensional ultrasonic image in real time.

[0011]

However, in this conventional ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus, a three-dimensional image meeting a condition specified in advance is created in real time, but the created three-dimensional image is satisfactory. If not, it is necessary to set the conditions for creating a three-dimensional image again and scan again with the ultrasonic probe. For this reason, there are problems that it takes time to obtain a desired three-dimensional image and that a burden is imposed on a patient.

The present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, and it is possible to create different three-dimensional images any number of times without re-scanning with an ultrasonic probe. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of obtaining a two-dimensional image in a short time, and to provide an ultrasonic image display method.

[0013]

Therefore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present invention, a recording means for recording echo information,
Display means for displaying a plurality of two-dimensional images representing cross sections of the part to be diagnosed based on the echo information; input means for designating a range and conditions for creating a three-dimensional image from the displayed two-dimensional image; Reading means for reading out from the recording means echo information corresponding to the range specified by the input means, and three-dimensional image generation for creating three-dimensional image information under the conditions specified by the input means, using the read echo information Means, and writing means for recording the created three-dimensional image information in an area other than the portion of the recording means where the echo information is recorded, wherein the display means displays the three-dimensional image written in the recording means. I am trying to do it.

Further, according to the ultrasonic image display method of the present invention,
A range for recording echo information, generating and displaying a plurality of two-dimensional images representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed based on the echo information, and creating a three-dimensional image based on the displayed two-dimensional image. And set conditions, read information in a set range from the recorded echo information, create a three-dimensional image of the set conditions, and record and display the three-dimensional image separately from the echo information. ing.

Therefore, it is possible to display a two-dimensional image representing a cross section of the part to be diagnosed in real time, and to set a range and conditions for creating a three-dimensional image while viewing the two-dimensional image. it can. Therefore, it is possible to accurately create a three-dimensional image necessary for diagnosis, and even when re-creating a three-dimensional image by changing the range and conditions, since the echo information is recorded, the ultrasonic probe is used. There is no need to redo the procedure from scanning. for that reason,
As a result, a desired three-dimensional image can be obtained in a short time.

[0016]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a three-dimensional image of a part to be diagnosed is created using echo information of the part to be diagnosed obtained from an ultrasonic probe moving at a constant speed. Recording means for recording echo information, display means for displaying a plurality of two-dimensional images representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed based on the echo information, and Using input means for specifying a range and a condition for creating a three-dimensional image, reading means for reading echo information corresponding to the range specified by the input means from the recording means, and using the read echo information, Three-dimensional image generating means for generating three-dimensional image information under conditions specified by the input means, and writing for recording the generated three-dimensional image information in an area of the recording means other than the portion where the echo information is recorded Means, and the display means displays the three-dimensional image written in the recording means, and repeatedly creates three-dimensional images of different ranges and conditions using the recorded echo information. can do.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a converting means for converting echo information obtained from the ultrasonic probe into two-dimensional image information representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed, and the recording means converts the echo information. The two-dimensional image information is recorded as echo information, and even if the ultrasonic probe provides echo information of a non-rectangular image,
Data processing in a rectangular coordinate system is enabled.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the input means includes:
A plurality of places in the displayed two-dimensional image can be designated as data processing start positions for creating a three-dimensional image. A plurality of three-dimensional image information is created using the echo information from the position, and the display means sequentially displays the created plurality of three-dimensional images. For example, the display means moves away along the line of sight. A three-dimensional image can be displayed continuously.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising:
As a data processing start position for creating a three-dimensional image in a line-of-sight direction parallel to the ultrasonic wave launching direction, a line or a plane having an arbitrary angle with respect to the ultrasonic wave launching direction can be designated. For example, it is possible to clearly display the entire non-parallel part to be diagnosed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic image display for creating and displaying a three-dimensional image of a part to be diagnosed using echo information of the part to be diagnosed obtained from an ultrasonic probe moving at a constant speed. A method for recording echo information, generating and displaying a plurality of two-dimensional images representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed based on the echo information, and creating a three-dimensional image based on the displayed two-dimensional image. The range and conditions are set, the information of the set range is read out from the recorded echo information, and a three-dimensional image of the set conditions is created,
The three-dimensional image is recorded and displayed separately from the echo information, and the range and conditions for creating the three-dimensional image can be set while viewing the two-dimensional image. Can be accurately obtained.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when a three-dimensional image is re-created by changing a range or condition for creating a three-dimensional image, a plurality of cross-sections representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed are obtained from the recorded echo information. A two-dimensional image is generated and displayed, and a range and conditions for creating a three-dimensional image are set again based on the displayed two-dimensional image, without having to scan the ultrasonic probe again. Can also display different three-dimensional images.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of two-dimensional image information representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed is generated and recorded based on the echo information, and the two-dimensional image is displayed and displayed. Based on the image, a range and conditions for creating a three-dimensional image are set, information of the set range is read out from the recorded two-dimensional image information, and a three-dimensional image with the set conditions is created. The two-dimensional image is recorded and displayed separately from the two-dimensional image information. Even when an ultrasonic probe that gives a fan-shaped image or the like is used, data processing in the orthogonal coordinate system can be performed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, when recreating a three-dimensional image by changing a range or condition for creating a three-dimensional image, the recorded two-dimensional image information is displayed and the displayed two-dimensional image information is displayed. The range and condition for creating a three-dimensional image are reset based on the image, and a different three-dimensional image can be displayed without re-scanning the ultrasonic probe.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of locations of the displayed two-dimensional image are set as data processing start positions for creating a three-dimensional image, and a plurality of three-dimensional images created under the set conditions are set. Are sequentially displayed. For example, a three-dimensional image moving away in the direction of the line of sight can be continuously displayed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when a three-dimensional image in a line-of-sight direction parallel to the ultrasonic wave launch direction is created, a line having an arbitrary angle with respect to the ultrasonic launch direction or a line having an arbitrary angle with respect to the ultrasonic wave launch direction is set as the data processing start position. Even if the part to be diagnosed is not parallel to the body surface, by setting the data processing start position to be parallel to the surface of the part to be diagnosed, the whole part to be diagnosed can be sharpened. Can be displayed. Also, by setting the data processing start position in parallel with the surface of the portion of interest of the part to be diagnosed,
The image of that portion can be displayed in an easily understandable manner.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

(First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment comprises: an ultrasonic probe 1 for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal;
A reception signal processing unit 2 for performing processing such as detection, and a reception signal information and a 3D image generated by a three-dimensional image processing unit 7 described later.
Cine memory 5 for storing two-dimensional image information, cine memory 5
And a cine memory read control unit 6 for controlling data read from the cine memory 5.
A three-dimensional image processing unit 7 for generating three-dimensional image information; a cine memory writing control unit 8 for writing the generated three-dimensional image information to the cine memory 5; A DSC 3 for converting to a format, a display monitor 4 for displaying a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image, and an input device 10 for an operator to select a display image or to set conditions for generating a three-dimensional image.
And a system control unit 9 that receives an instruction input from the input device 10 and controls the operation of the entire device.

The operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the diagnostic site of interest viewed from above (from a direction perpendicular to the body surface). The ultrasonic probe 1 has a number of ultrasonic vibrating elements arranged in a straight line. The ultrasonic probe 1 moves from the probe movement start point (a) to the probe movement end point (b). Move at a constant speed. After being transmitted by the ultrasonic probe 1, the received ultrasonic signal is subjected to signal processing such as amplification and detection in the received signal processing unit 2, and as shown in FIG.
, N pieces of cross-sectional image information of frame 1, frame 2,..., Frame N arranged in the probe moving direction
Recorded as continuous echo information.

First, the operator instructs the input means 10 to display a two-dimensional image. In response, the system control unit 9
Instructs the digital scan converter 3 to display a two-dimensional image. The digital scan converter 3 converts echo information sequentially recorded in the cine memory 5 into a two-dimensional image and displays it on the display monitor 4.

The operator displays 2 on the display monitor 4.
While viewing the three-dimensional images in order, a generation range of the three-dimensional image is selected. At this time, the operator specifies a frame c corresponding to the three-dimensional image start point (c) and a frame d corresponding to the three-dimensional image end point (d) shown in FIG.
Further, the size and position of a three-dimensional ROI (Region of Interest) representing a range of interest for creating a three-dimensional image shown in FIG.

From the echo information stored in the cine memory 5, the cine memory read control unit 6 determines a portion of the continuous frame from the frame c to the frame d specified by the input means 10 specified by the three-dimensional ROI. Is read out and output to the three-dimensional image processing unit 7, and the three-dimensional image processing unit 7 creates three-dimensional image information from the two-dimensional echo information.

At this time, the three-dimensional image processing unit 7 converts the image data of each frame into a transparent display by volume rendering so that the contour lines appearing in each frame are superimposed to display a three-dimensional shape. In the conversion, the user specifies the transparency, sets a value for cutting noise in front of the surface to be detected, sets a filter for making the surface look smooth, etc., and obtains a three-dimensional image viewed from the line of sight in FIG. Create

The three-dimensional image information created by the three-dimensional image processing unit 7 is recorded by the cine memory writing control unit 8 in an area of the cine memory 5 other than the area where the echo information is recorded.

When only the data of a continuous frame from frame c to frame d is to be left in the cine memory 5 as echo information, the created three-dimensional image information is recorded in the frame 1 outside the range. The location on the cine memory 5 may be overwritten.

The recorded three-dimensional image information is converted by the digital scan converter 3 into a format for display on the display monitor 4 and displayed on the display monitor 4.

When the operator is not satisfied with the displayed three-dimensional image, the operator stores the two-dimensional image stored in the cine memory 5.
The two-dimensional image information is displayed again on the display monitor 4, and the input means 10 specifies the size of the three-dimensional ROI, the designation of the frame, the designation of the transparency, the setting of the value for cutting noise in front of the surface to be detected, and the setting of the surface. Re-specify the filter settings etc. to make the look smoother.

Based on this designation, a new three-dimensional image is created and displayed by the procedure described above.

As described above, the operator can display a two-dimensional image obtained from the reception signal of the ultrasonic probe in real time using the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of this embodiment. The conditions for creating a three-dimensional image can be designated using the two-dimensional image. Therefore, it is possible to accurately specify a desired three-dimensional image.

If the displayed three-dimensional image is unsatisfactory, the previous two-dimensional image is displayed again, the designation of the creation conditions is changed, and various three-dimensional image information is created many times. be able to.

(Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment,
A process of creating a three-dimensional image when using an ultrasonic probe in which ultrasonic vibration elements are arranged in a curved line like a convex probe or a mechanical sector type probe will be described.

When a convex probe or a mechanical sector type probe is used, a square two-dimensional image cannot be obtained.
As shown in FIG. If an attempt is made to designate a three-dimensional ROI based on this echo information, the shape of the three-dimensional ROI also becomes a fan shape as shown in FIG.

When a square image cannot be obtained due to the difference between the probes as described above, the processing procedure in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is changed.

When the operator designates the switching of the processing procedure of the reception signal from the input means 10, the signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1 is transmitted to the reception signal processing unit 2 and the digital scan under the control of the system control unit 9. Via converter 3
It is recorded in the cine memory 5. At this time, the digital scan converter 3 converts the input image information into a format to be displayed on the display monitor 4. Therefore, the image data converted by the digital scan converter 3 can be handled in the same manner as data in a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system.

The two-dimensional image data converted by the digital scan converter 3 is stored in the cine memory 5 and displayed on the display monitor 4.

The operator displays 2 on the display monitor 4.
While viewing the three-dimensional images in order, as in the first embodiment,
The input means 10 designates a frame c corresponding to the three-dimensional image start point (c) and a frame d corresponding to the three-dimensional image end point (d), and the size of the three-dimensional ROI shown in FIG. And position.

The cine memory read control unit 6 reads data in the range specified by the input means 10 from the two-dimensional image data stored in the cine memory 5 and outputs the data to the three-dimensional image processing unit 7. 7 creates three-dimensional image information by using this. The created 3D image information is
The data is stored in the cine memory 5 by the cine memory writing control unit 8 and displayed on the display monitor 4 through the digital scan converter 3.

If the operator is not satisfied with the displayed three-dimensional image, the operator stores the 2D image stored in the cine memory 5.
The three-dimensional image information is displayed on the display monitor 4 again, and the conditions for creating the three-dimensional image are specified again from the input unit 10. The operations of the cine memory 5, the cine memory read control unit 6, the three-dimensional image processing unit 7, and the cine memory write control unit 8 are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

As described above, in this apparatus, even when a probe whose image shape is not rectangular is used, it can always be handled as an orthogonal coordinate system by changing the flow of the received signal processing.

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment,
By the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of FIG.
A method for displaying a two-dimensional image will be described.

The probe 1 is moved in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The two-dimensional image information obtained by this operation is recorded in the cine memory 5, and is displayed on the display monitor 4 via the digital scan converter 3.

At this time, the operator uses the input means 10 to
The conditions for creating a three-dimensional image are specified as follows.

As shown in FIG. 5, the positions of a plurality of lines perpendicular to the ultrasonic wave launch direction of the probe 1 are designated as the three-dimensional image start positions. Here, three-dimensional image start position 1, three-dimensional image start position 2, three-dimensional image start position 3,
And a three-dimensional image start position 4.

The cine memory read control unit 6 takes out image information from the designated three-dimensional image start position 1 of each two-dimensional image stored in the cine memory 5 and passes it to the three-dimensional image processing unit 7 for three-dimensional image processing. The unit 7 uses the two-dimensional image information to create three-dimensional image information by volume rendering from the viewing direction in FIG. The cine memory writing control unit 8 records the created three-dimensional image information in the cine memory 5. Further, similarly, a three-dimensional image is created by using the image information from the three-dimensional image start position 2, the three-dimensional image start position 3, and the three-dimensional image start position 4, and the three-dimensional images are sequentially recorded in the cine memory 5.

Then, the recorded four pieces of three-dimensional image information are continuously displayed on the display monitor 4 via the digital scan converter 3.

As described above, by sequentially displaying the three-dimensional images from the three-dimensional image start position 1, the three-dimensional image start position 2, the three-dimensional image start position 3, and the three-dimensional image start position 4, the ultrasonic wave launch direction Can be displayed continuously in a direction away from the ultrasonic probe 1.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment,
As in the third embodiment, when displaying a three-dimensional image in the line of sight parallel to the ultrasonic wave launching direction, even when the diagnostic site is not parallel to the body surface, a clear three-dimensional image of the diagnostic site is displayed. A method for displaying an image will be described.

Now, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the diagnosis site a to be focused on is not parallel to the body surface at the position b where the ultrasonic probe is pressed. At this time, as in the third embodiment, when the position of a line perpendicular to the ultrasonic wave launch direction (= line of sight) of the probe 1 is designated as the three-dimensional image start position, the three-dimensional image start position is diagnosed. When it does not intersect with the part a, the three-dimensional image of the part of the diagnosis part a that is far from the body surface b becomes unclear compared to the three-dimensional image of the part that is short from the body surface b. This is because many body tissues intervene from the start position of the three-dimensional image to the diagnosis site a in the portion of the diagnosis site a that is far from the body surface b, and this acts as noise in the three-dimensional image. is there.

In such a case, the operator looks at the two-dimensional image reflected on the display monitor 4 and, as shown in FIG.
The three-dimensional start position is set to have a predetermined angle with the ultrasonic wave launch direction so that the dimension start position is parallel to the diagnosis part a.

By setting the three-dimensional starting position in this way, a three-dimensional image is formed by transmissive display by removing information of the body tissue in front of the diagnostic site a, and is parallel to the ultrasonic wave launch direction. As a three-dimensional image in the line of sight,
A clear three-dimensional image can be obtained for each part.

As described above, according to the method of this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a clear three-dimensional image even when the diagnosis site to be focused on is not parallel to the body surface.

Further, by setting the three-dimensional starting position in parallel with the surface of the portion of interest of the diagnostic region, it is possible to display the image of that portion in an easy-to-understand and clear manner.

[0063]

As is apparent from the above description, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present invention stores two-dimensional image information representing a tomographic image and three-dimensional image information created based on the two-dimensional image information in the same cine memory. The recorded two-dimensional image can be used to create different types of three-dimensional images any number of times. Therefore, the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is not repeated, so that the burden on the patient can be reduced, and the conditions for generating a three-dimensional image can be accurately narrowed by observing the two-dimensional image. image,
In other words, an image in which the internal structure of the part to be diagnosed can be easily visually understood can be obtained easily and in a short time.

In an apparatus for converting echo information obtained from an ultrasonic probe into two-dimensional image information by a converting means and then recording the same in a recording means, even when a convex probe or a mechanical sector type probe is used. , Data processing in an orthogonal coordinate system can be performed.

Further, in the ultrasonic image display method of the present invention,
Because the echo information is recorded, a two-dimensional image of the part to be diagnosed obtained from the echo information is displayed, and a range and conditions for creating a three-dimensional image are set based on the displayed two-dimensional image. It is possible to display a tomographic image of a part to be diagnosed in real time, and by viewing this tomographic image, narrow down the conditions for generating a three-dimensional image, thereby displaying a desired three-dimensional image simply and in a short time. Can be. Also, a three-dimensional image with different generation conditions can be displayed many times using the recorded echo information.

Further, a plurality of places of the displayed two-dimensional image are
When the position is set as a data processing start position for creating a three-dimensional image, a three-dimensional image or the like that gradually moves away in the line of sight can be displayed. By looking at this display, it is possible to easily set the data processing start position for obtaining an appropriate three-dimensional image, and to easily grasp the positional relationship of the diagnostic site with respect to the ultrasonic wave launch direction.

When creating a three-dimensional image in a line-of-sight direction parallel to the ultrasonic wave launching direction, a line or surface having an arbitrary angle with respect to the ultrasonic wave launching direction is set as the data processing start position. Even when the part to be diagnosed is not parallel to the surface of the body, by setting the data processing start position to be parallel to the surface of the part to be diagnosed, the whole part to be diagnosed can be clearly displayed. In addition, by setting the data processing start position in parallel with the surface of the portion of interest of the portion to be diagnosed, the image of that portion can be displayed in an easily understandable manner.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a range designation for creating a three-dimensional image in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating frame designation for creating a three-dimensional image in the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a two-dimensional image shape in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a start point position for creating a three-dimensional image in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a start point position for creating a three-dimensional image in the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 11 Ultrasonic probe 2, 12 Received signal processing unit 3, 16 Digital scan converter 4 Display monitor 5, 17 Cine memory 6 Cine memory read control unit 7 3D image processing unit 8 Cine memory write control unit 9 System control unit 10, 15 input Device 13 IP processing unit 14 Buffer memory 18 Interpolation processing unit 19 CRT

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus for creating and displaying a three-dimensional image of a part to be diagnosed using echo information of the part to be diagnosed obtained from an ultrasonic probe moving at a constant speed, wherein the echo information is Recording means for recording; and a plurality of 2 which represent a cross section of a portion to be diagnosed based on the echo information.
Display means for displaying a three-dimensional image, input means for specifying a range and conditions for creating a three-dimensional image from the displayed two-dimensional image, and echo information corresponding to the range specified by the input means Reading means for reading from the recording means; three-dimensional image generating means for creating three-dimensional image information under the conditions specified by the input means using the read echo information; and the three-dimensional image created Writing means for recording information in an area other than a portion of the recording means where echo information is recorded, wherein the display means displays the three-dimensional image written in the recording means. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a conversion unit configured to convert echo information obtained from the ultrasonic probe into two-dimensional image information representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed, wherein the recording unit converts the two-dimensional image converted by the conversion unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information is recorded as the echo information. 3. The displayed 2nd position as a data processing start position for creating a three-dimensional image from the input means.
It is possible to specify a plurality of locations of the three-dimensional image, the three-dimensional image generation means, using the echo information from a plurality of data processing start positions specified by the input means,
The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of three-dimensional image information is created, and the display unit sequentially displays the created plurality of three-dimensional images. 4. A line or surface having an arbitrary angle with respect to the ultrasonic wave launching direction is designated from the input means as a data processing start position for creating a three-dimensional image in a line of sight parallel to the ultrasonic wave launching direction. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus can perform the processing. 5. An ultrasonic image display method for creating and displaying a three-dimensional image of a part to be diagnosed using echo information of a part to be diagnosed obtained from an ultrasonic probe moving at a constant speed, wherein: A range and condition for recording and generating and displaying a plurality of two-dimensional images representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed based on the echo information, and creating a three-dimensional image based on the displayed two-dimensional image. Is set, the information of the set range is read from the recorded echo information, and a three-dimensional image of the set condition is created,
While recording the dimensional image separately from the echo information,
An ultrasonic image display method characterized by displaying. 6. When recreating a three-dimensional image by changing the range or condition for creating the three-dimensional image, generating a plurality of two-dimensional images representing a cross section of a part to be diagnosed from the recorded echo information. The ultrasonic image display method according to claim 5, wherein a range and conditions for creating a three-dimensional image are reset based on the displayed two-dimensional image. 7. An ultrasonic image display method for creating and displaying a three-dimensional image of a part to be diagnosed using echo information of a part to be diagnosed obtained from an ultrasonic probe moving at a constant speed, wherein the echo information is Based on a plurality of 2
While generating and recording the two-dimensional image information, displaying the two-dimensional image, based on the displayed two-dimensional image,
A range and a condition for creating a three-dimensional image are set, the information of the set range is read out from the recorded two-dimensional image information, a three-dimensional image of the set condition is created, and the three-dimensional image is created. An ultrasonic image display method characterized by recording and displaying separately from the two-dimensional image information. 8. When re-creating a three-dimensional image by changing a range or condition for creating the three-dimensional image, displaying the recorded two-dimensional image information and based on the displayed two-dimensional image. The ultrasonic image display method according to claim 7, wherein a range and a condition for creating a three-dimensional image are reset. 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of positions of the displayed two-dimensional image are
9. The ultrasonic image display method according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of three-dimensional images created under the set conditions are sequentially displayed by setting the data processing start position for creating a three-dimensional image. . 10. When creating a three-dimensional image in a line-of-sight direction parallel to an ultrasonic launching direction, setting a line or surface having an arbitrary angle with respect to the ultrasonic launching direction as a data processing start position. The ultrasonic image display method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein: