WO2010109514A1 - Ultrasonograph - Google Patents

Ultrasonograph Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010109514A1
WO2010109514A1 PCT/JP2009/001268 JP2009001268W WO2010109514A1 WO 2010109514 A1 WO2010109514 A1 WO 2010109514A1 JP 2009001268 W JP2009001268 W JP 2009001268W WO 2010109514 A1 WO2010109514 A1 WO 2010109514A1
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Prior art keywords
viewpoint
image
projection
dimensional
fetus
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PCT/JP2009/001268
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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清水豊
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株式会社島津製作所
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Priority to PCT/JP2009/001268 priority Critical patent/WO2010109514A1/en
Publication of WO2010109514A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010109514A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/08—Detecting organic movements or changes, e.g. tumours, cysts, swellings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of generating and displaying a three-dimensional ultrasonic image.
  • an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of displaying information inside a subject as a three-dimensional image is known and used for various diagnoses.
  • a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images tomographic images or Doppler images
  • Volume data three-dimensional data
  • the three-dimensional data is projected onto a two-dimensional projection surface by a technique such as volume rendering or surface rendering, and the projection image is displayed on the monitor screen as a three-dimensional image showing a predetermined region in the subject.
  • Such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an imaging function of a three-dimensional image or a three-dimensional moving image is used, for example, for obstetric growth diagnosis in the obstetrics, as well as photographing a fetal face and providing it to a pregnant woman. Used for services.
  • an operator can appropriately change the viewpoint position in the display of a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image. It has become. For example, when an operator performs an operation such as rotating a trackball while pressing a predetermined key on the console while capturing a 3D still image or a 3D moving image, the above operation is performed according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount. The viewpoint position at the time of generating the projection image changes, and thereby the fetus displayed on the monitor is rotated three-dimensionally.
  • the operator can change the viewpoint as described above to depict the fetal face. It is necessary to set the viewpoint at an appropriate position.
  • the posture of the fetus is not always constant, and because it takes various postures, the fetus moves during face-to-face capture of a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image, or the face changes direction or the face is hidden by the fetal hand. It was difficult to maintain an appropriate perspective at all times.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image suitable for fetal observation without an operator performing a change operation of the viewpoint position. Is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of rendering
  • An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which has been made to solve the above problems, a) an echo signal collecting means for collecting an echo signal by performing a three-dimensional ultrasonic scan on an arbitrary region in a subject including a fetus; b) three-dimensional data construction means for constructing three-dimensional data of a region in the subject including the fetus from the echo signal; c) a projection image generation means for generating a projection image obtained by projecting the three-dimensional data from a predetermined viewpoint onto a projection plane; d) display means for displaying the projected image;
  • e) detection means for detecting the orientation of the fetal face from the projected image;
  • viewpoint setting means for updating and setting the viewpoint and projection plane in the projection image generation means so that the face of the fetus is depicted in a predetermined orientation based on the detection result by the detection means; It is characterized by having
  • updating and setting the viewpoint and the projection plane means moving the viewpoint position and the position of the projection plane when generating the projection image, changing the angle of the projection plane, and the like. According to such a configuration, even when the posture of the fetus changes during imaging of a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image, the viewpoint position or the like is automatically changed so as to track the face of the fetus. Therefore, it is possible to always maintain a viewpoint position suitable for rendering the fetal face.
  • a virtual light source is set to shade the projection image in order to make the generated image appear three-dimensional.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a light source at the time of generating the projection image so as to illuminate the fetal face from a predetermined direction according to the update setting of the viewpoint and the projection plane. It is desirable to have light source setting means for updating the position.
  • An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which has been made to solve the above problems, a) an echo signal collecting means for collecting an echo signal by performing a three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning on an arbitrary region in the subject; b) three-dimensional data construction means for constructing three-dimensional data of the region in the subject from the echo signal; c) a projection image generation means for generating a projection image obtained by projecting the three-dimensional data from a predetermined viewpoint position onto a projection plane; d) display means for displaying the projected image;
  • viewpoint setting means for updating and setting the viewpoint and projection plane so that the viewpoint and projection plane in the projection image generation means move at predetermined time intervals; It is characterized by having.
  • the position of the viewpoint and the projection plane in the projection image generation means can be changed at predetermined time intervals when a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image is captured.
  • the projected images of the fetus viewed from different directions are sequentially displayed on the monitor, and the operator and the subject (pregnant woman) perceive that the fetus is rotating three-dimensionally in the image.
  • the operator and the subject can easily recognize the form of the fetus three-dimensionally. For example, even when the hand of the fetus is located in front of the face of the fetus, It will be easier to check the face.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes condition setting means for the operator to set the movement range and / or movement cycle of the viewpoint and projection plane by the viewpoint setting means. It is desirable to do. It is more desirable to have an instruction means for the operator to instruct the start and / or end of the viewpoint and projection plane update setting by the viewpoint setting means.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may further include a display angle setting unit that updates and sets the display angle of the projection image on the display unit at a predetermined time interval.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the conceptual diagram which shows the acquisition method of the three-dimensional data in the ultrasonic diagnosing device of the Example.
  • FIG. 1 It is a diagram showing an example of a display image in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, (a) is an image in which the face of the fetus is facing the front, (b) is an image in which the face of the fetus is directed diagonally to the left, (c) shows an image in which the face of the fetus faces obliquely downward, and (d) shows an image in which the face of the fetus is rotated around an axis perpendicular to the screen.
  • the block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a diagram showing an example of a display image in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, (a) shows a display image when the viewpoint position is changed, (b) is a display image when the display angle is changed Indicates.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic probe 11 performs an ultrasonic scan while moving a linearly arranged piezoelectric element array in a slice direction at a predetermined interval, whereby an arbitrary three-dimensional region (hereinafter referred to as an “imaging target region”) in a subject.
  • an imaging target region an arbitrary three-dimensional region
  • the ultrasonic probe 11 is pressed against the body of a subject (not shown), transmits ultrasonic waves into the body of the subject under the control of the transmission / reception unit 12, and reflects the reflected wave from the body. Is converted into an electric signal (hereinafter referred to as an echo signal).
  • the echo signal is phased and added by the transmission / reception unit 12 and then output to the signal processing unit 13 where image data is generated by performing predetermined arithmetic processing there.
  • a digital scan converter (hereinafter abbreviated as DSC) 14 is configured to display a two-dimensional ultrasonic image or a three-dimensional image on the monitor 16 based on the image data generated by the signal processing unit 13 or a three-dimensional image generation unit 17 described later. Processing for displaying an ultrasonic image is performed.
  • the image data sent from the DSC is stored in the display memory 15, read out in synchronization with the synchronization signal of the monitor 16, and output to the monitor 16. As a result, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound image representing information in the body of the subject is displayed on the monitor 16.
  • the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 constructs volume data (three-dimensional data) of an imaging target region from image data of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images generated in the DSC 14 based on the output of the signal processing unit 13, and A three-dimensional image (hereinafter referred to as a projection image) is generated by projecting the volume data onto a two-dimensional projection plane.
  • the face detection unit 18 detects the orientation of the fetal face included in the image based on the projection image generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17, and the projection processing parameter determination unit 19
  • the viewpoint and the position of the light source when generating the projection image from the volume data are determined based on the information on the face orientation of the face (details will be described later).
  • Information such as the determined viewpoint position and light source position is given to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17, and the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 performs the above-described projection image generation processing based on the viewpoint position and light source position.
  • each unit is controlled by a control unit 20 including a CPU and the like, and an instruction from an operator is input to the control unit 20 through an operation unit 21 including a keyboard, various operation buttons, a trackball, and the like.
  • the control unit 20 controls the operation of each unit in addition to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17, but the signal lines are omitted in order to avoid complexity in FIG.
  • control unit 20 The functions of the above-described units centering on the control unit 20 are realized by so-called software by causing the CPU to execute a predetermined program except for the input / output devices such as the ultrasonic probe 11, the operation unit 21, and the monitor 16. Alternatively, it may be configured by hardware by a circuit or the like. Moreover, the structure with which both were combined may be sufficient.
  • the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 corresponds to the three-dimensional data construction unit and the projection image generation unit in the present invention
  • the projection processing parameter determination unit 19 includes the viewpoint setting unit in the first aspect of the present invention and It corresponds to light source setting means.
  • FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for acquiring volume data of the fetus 30 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment.
  • ultrasonic wave transmission / reception is performed by moving the scanning surface 31 at a predetermined interval by automatic three-dimensional scanning by the ultrasonic probe 11.
  • a convex ultrasonic probe in which transducer arrays are arranged in a curved line is used for observing the fetus. Therefore, the shape of the scanning surface is a sector, but in FIG. 2 the scanning surface is rectangular for convenience.
  • the reflected ultrasound electrical signal (ie, echo signal) output from the ultrasound probe 11 is output to the signal processing unit 13, and the signal processing unit 13 and the DSC 14 perform two-dimensional imaging of the fetus 30 on each scanning plane 31 at regular intervals.
  • Image data is generated.
  • the generated two-dimensional image data is sent to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17.
  • the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 has a 3D memory (not shown), arranges a plurality of two-dimensional image data acquired by one three-dimensional scan in a predetermined positional relationship, and complements a gap between images.
  • the volume data 32 of the imaging target area is constructed.
  • the volume data 32 is composed of a set of small cubes (voxels 33) having luminance values.
  • the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 generates a three-dimensional image of the fetus 30 from the volume data 32 by volume rendering.
  • the volume rendering process is a process of projecting the volume data 32 from a predetermined viewpoint position onto a two-dimensional projection plane. As shown in FIG. 3, the volume data 32, the viewpoint 34, and the projection plane 36 are displayed on a virtual three-dimensional space. , And a light source 37 are arranged, and a predetermined calculation is performed using the luminance and opacity values of the voxels 33 existing on the line of sight 35 passing from the viewpoint 34 through each point (pixel) on the projection plane 36, and the calculation The value is given as the luminance value for each pixel.
  • the obtained projection image is shaded in consideration of the light rays from the light source 37. According to such processing, a translucent projection image representing not only the surface information of the fetus 30 but also the internal information can be obtained. In addition, by setting the opacity of each voxel 33 high, it is possible to depict only the body surface of the fetus 30.
  • the projection image generation method in the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 is not limited to the above-described volume rendering. For example, surface rendering that performs projection processing after extracting the body surface of the fetus 30 from the volume data 32 is performed. A technique such as the above may be used.
  • the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning of the imaging target region as described above is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle, and the projection images generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 are sequentially displayed on the screen of the monitor 16 via the DSC 14 and the display memory 15.
  • the projected image of the fetus 30 is displayed on the monitor 16 as a moving image in substantially real time.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that the apparatus automatically sets a viewpoint position suitable for rendering the face of the fetus 30 when capturing a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image. Yes.
  • the apparatus automatically sets a viewpoint position suitable for rendering the face of the fetus 30 when capturing a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image.
  • the operator brings the probe 11 into contact with a predetermined position on the abdomen of the subject (pregnant woman) and starts imaging an ultrasonic image.
  • three-dimensional scanning by the ultrasonic probe 11 is executed, two-dimensional image data for a plurality of frames over the entire imaging target region is imaged, and the fetus 30 is extracted from the set of the two-dimensional image data in the three-dimensional image generation unit 17. Projection images are generated.
  • the projection image generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 is transmitted to the DSC 14 and displayed on the monitor 16 and also to the face detection unit 18.
  • the face detection unit 18 stores in advance a plurality of template images created by cutting out facial regions from images of the fetus 30 in various orientations, and covers the entire projection image acquired from the three-dimensional image generation unit 17. Similarities are sequentially calculated while moving the template image. The movement of the template image and the calculation of the similarity are performed for each template image, the highest similarity values in the template images are compared with each other, and the template image having the highest value is determined in the projection image. It is determined as an image that matches the orientation of the face of the fetus 30.
  • the face detection unit 18 stores information related to the orientation of the fetal face in each template image (for example, an orientation rotated by 30 ° around the X axis and 20 ° around the Y axis from the front direction) in association with each template image.
  • the orientation of the face of the fetus 30 in the projection image is clarified as described above.
  • the projection processing parameter determination unit 19 uses the predetermined conversion formula, conversion table, or the like to face the face of the fetus 30 to the front (as shown in FIG. 4A, the face 30a faces the front.
  • the position of the viewpoint 34 and the position and angle of the projection plane 36 for drawing in a state where the top of the head is directly above are determined.
  • the position of the light source 37 is determined so that the face of the fetus 30 is illuminated from a predetermined direction (for example, the front of the upper head).
  • the viewpoint 34 is moved so as to wrap around the left side of the volume data 32, and the fetus 30 is moved as shown in FIG.
  • the viewpoint 34 is moved so as to wrap around the volume data 32.
  • the projection plane 36 also moves to a position facing the new viewpoint position with the volume data 32 interposed therebetween.
  • Parameters such as the viewpoint position determined by the projection processing parameter determination unit 19 are given to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17. Thereby, parameters such as a newly set viewpoint position are applied to the subsequent projection processing, and a projection image is generated in which the face of the fetus 30 faces the front and is illuminated from an appropriate direction.
  • the face of the fetus 30 can be tracked and a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image suitable for observation of the face of the fetus 30 can always be taken.
  • the position of the viewpoint 34 is set so that the face of the fetus 30 is drawn from the front, but the viewpoint position may be set so that the face of the fetus 30 is drawn from the side or diagonal direction. Good.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.
  • symbol is attached
  • the projection processing parameter generation unit 22 generates parameters such as the position of the viewpoint 34 and the position and angle of the projection plane 36 when performing projection processing in the 3D image generation unit 17 at predetermined time intervals. The parameters are changed so that the projection plane 36 turns around the volume data 32 at a predetermined angular interval. The parameters that are sequentially generated by the projection processing parameter generation unit 22 are given to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17, and the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 applies the parameters to the volume data 32 that is sequentially generated along with the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning. The projection processing according to the above is executed. As a result, the projected images sequentially generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 have slightly different viewpoint positions, as shown in FIG.
  • the operator and the subject can monitor the projected images. It is perceived that the fetus is rotating three-dimensionally in a three-dimensional moving image displayed in real time on 16. Note that the rotation range and rotation cycle at this time can be freely set by the operator using the operation unit 21, and further, when the operator presses a predetermined key provided on the operation unit 21, the rotation is performed. Can be instructed as appropriate.
  • a display processing parameter generation unit that generates display angle values at predetermined time intervals when the projection image generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 is displayed on the monitor 16. 23. Since the display angle values generated by the display processing parameter generation unit 23 sequentially change at predetermined angular intervals, the projection image is rotated in accordance with the display angle values in the DSC 14 and displayed on the monitor 16 in real time. As shown in FIG. 6B, the three-dimensional moving image is rotated two-dimensionally about an axis perpendicular to the screen. Note that the rotation range and rotation cycle at this time can also be freely set by the operator using the operation unit 21, and further, when the operator presses a predetermined key provided on the operation unit 21, the rotation is performed. Can be instructed as appropriate.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment is useful not only for observing the fetus but also for capturing a three-dimensional structure of a blood vessel by capturing a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image of a blood vessel, for example. is there.

Abstract

An ultrasonograph comprises a three-dimensional data creation means (17) for building three-dimensional data of an area in a subject including a fetus, a projection image creation means (17) for creating a projection image obtained by projecting three-dimensional data to a projection plane from a predetermined viewpoint, and a display means (16) for displaying the projection image. The ultrasonograph is further provided with a detection means (18) for detecting the orientation of the face of the fetus from the projection image, and a viewpoint setting means (19) for updating the setting of the viewpoint and the projection plane in the projection image creation means (17) such that the face of the fetus is drawn in a predetermined orientation based on the detection results from the detection means (18). Consequently, an operator can maintain a viewpoint position suitable for drawing the face of the fetus without performing an operation for changing the viewpoint position.

Description

超音波診断装置Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment
　本発明は、超音波診断装置に関し、特に三次元超音波画像を生成及び表示する機能を備えた超音波診断装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of generating and displaying a three-dimensional ultrasonic image.
　従来、被検体内部の情報を三次元画像として表示する機能を備えた超音波診断装置が知られており、種々の診断に用いられている。このような超音波診断装置では、超音波プローブによって、断面位置の異なる複数枚の二次元超音波画像（断層画像又はドプラ画像）が連続的に収集され、該二次元超音波画像データのセットから撮像対象のボリュームデータ（三次元データ）が構築される。その後、該三次元データは、ボリュームレンダリングやサーフェスレンダリング等の手法によって二次元の投影面に投影され、該投影画像が被検体内の所定の領域を示す三次元画像としてモニタの画面上に表示される。 Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of displaying information inside a subject as a three-dimensional image is known and used for various diagnoses. In such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images (tomographic images or Doppler images) having different cross-sectional positions are continuously collected by an ultrasonic probe, and the set of the two-dimensional ultrasonic image data is used. Volume data (three-dimensional data) to be imaged is constructed. Thereafter, the three-dimensional data is projected onto a two-dimensional projection surface by a technique such as volume rendering or surface rendering, and the projection image is displayed on the monitor screen as a three-dimensional image showing a predetermined region in the subject. The
　更に、近年では、このような超音波走査、三次元データの構築、及び三次元画像（投影画像）の生成・表示を短時間で繰り返し行うことにより、三次元画像を動画としてほぼリアルタイムに表示することのできる、いわゆるリアルタイム三次元画像表示機能を備えた超音波診断装置も広く用いられるようになっている。（例えば、非特許文献１を参照）。 Further, in recent years, such ultrasonic scanning, construction of three-dimensional data, and generation and display of a three-dimensional image (projection image) are repeatedly performed in a short time, thereby displaying the three-dimensional image as a moving image almost in real time. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a so-called real-time three-dimensional image display function is also widely used. (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1).
　このような三次元画像又は三次元動画像の撮像機能を備えた超音波診断装置は、例えば、産科において胎児の発育診断等に用いられるほか、胎児の顔を撮影して妊婦に提供する等のサービスに用いられている。 Such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an imaging function of a three-dimensional image or a three-dimensional moving image is used, for example, for obstetric growth diagnosis in the obstetrics, as well as photographing a fetal face and providing it to a pregnant woman. Used for services.
　上記のような三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像の表示機能を備えた超音波診断装置では、従来、三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像の表示における視点位置を操作者が適宜変更できるようになっている。例えば、三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像の撮像中に操作者が操作卓で所定のキーを押下しながらトラックボールを回転させる等の操作を行うと、その回転方向及び回転量に応じて上記投影画像の生成時における視点位置が変化し、これによりモニタ上に表示される胎児等が三次元的に回転する。 Conventionally, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a display function of a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image as described above, an operator can appropriately change the viewpoint position in the display of a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image. It has become. For example, when an operator performs an operation such as rotating a trackball while pressing a predetermined key on the console while capturing a 3D still image or a 3D moving image, the above operation is performed according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount. The viewpoint position at the time of generating the projection image changes, and thereby the fetus displayed on the monitor is rotated three-dimensionally.
　妊婦へのサービスとして胎児の三次元画像を撮像する際には、特に胎児の顔を描出することが重視されるため、操作者は上記のような視点変更操作を行って胎児の顔の描出に適した位置に視点を設定する必要がある。しかしながら、胎児の姿勢は常に一定ではなく、様々な姿勢を取るため、三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像の撮像中に胎児が動いて顔の向きが変わったり、胎児の手によって顔が隠れたりすることがあり、常に適切な視点を維持するのは困難であった。 When taking a three-dimensional image of the fetus as a service for pregnant women, it is particularly important to depict the fetal face, so the operator can change the viewpoint as described above to depict the fetal face. It is necessary to set the viewpoint at an appropriate position. However, the posture of the fetus is not always constant, and because it takes various postures, the fetus moves during face-to-face capture of a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image, or the face changes direction or the face is hidden by the fetal hand. It was difficult to maintain an appropriate perspective at all times.
　本発明はかかる課題に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、操作者が視点位置の変更操作を行うことなしに、胎児の観察に適した三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像を描出することのできる超音波診断装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image suitable for fetal observation without an operator performing a change operation of the viewpoint position. Is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of rendering
　上記課題を解決するために成された本発明の第１の態様に係る超音波診断装置は、
　a)胎児を含む被検体内の任意の領域に対して三次元的な超音波走査を行ってエコー信号を収集するエコー信号収集手段と、
　b)前記エコー信号から前記胎児を含む被検体内の領域の三次元データを構築する三次元データ構築手段と、
　c)前記三次元データを所定の視点から投影面に投影した投影画像を生成する投影画像生成手段と、
　d)前記投影画像を表示する表示手段と、
　を有し、前記投影画像を静止画像又は動画像として表示する超音波診断装置において、
　e)前記投影画像から胎児の顔の向きを検出する検出手段と、
　f)前記検出手段による検出結果に基づいて、前記胎児の顔が所定の向きで描出されるように前記投影画像生成手段における視点及び投影面を更新設定する視点設定手段と、
を有することを特徴としている。 An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems,
a) an echo signal collecting means for collecting an echo signal by performing a three-dimensional ultrasonic scan on an arbitrary region in a subject including a fetus;
b) three-dimensional data construction means for constructing three-dimensional data of a region in the subject including the fetus from the echo signal;
c) a projection image generation means for generating a projection image obtained by projecting the three-dimensional data from a predetermined viewpoint onto a projection plane;
d) display means for displaying the projected image;
In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays the projected image as a still image or a moving image,
e) detection means for detecting the orientation of the fetal face from the projected image;
f) viewpoint setting means for updating and setting the viewpoint and projection plane in the projection image generation means so that the face of the fetus is depicted in a predetermined orientation based on the detection result by the detection means;
It is characterized by having.
　なお、ここで視点及び投影面を更新設定するとは、投影画像の生成時における視点位置及び投影面の位置を移動させることや、投影面の角度を変更すること等を意味する。このような構成によれば、三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像の撮像中に胎児の姿勢が変化した場合にも、自動的に、該胎児の顔を追跡するように前記視点位置等を変化させることができるため、常に胎児の顔の描出に適した視点位置等を保つことができる。 Here, updating and setting the viewpoint and the projection plane means moving the viewpoint position and the position of the projection plane when generating the projection image, changing the angle of the projection plane, and the like. According to such a configuration, even when the posture of the fetus changes during imaging of a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image, the viewpoint position or the like is automatically changed so as to track the face of the fetus. Therefore, it is possible to always maintain a viewpoint position suitable for rendering the fetal face.
　なお、一般的に三次元データから投影画像を生成する際には、生成される画像を立体的に見せるために、仮想的な光源を設定して投影画像に陰影付けが施される。その際、胎児の顔と光源の位置関係によっては、頭部の下方や後方等の顔の観察に適さない方向から照明をあてたような画像となる場合がある。 In general, when a projection image is generated from three-dimensional data, a virtual light source is set to shade the projection image in order to make the generated image appear three-dimensional. At that time, depending on the positional relationship between the face of the fetus and the light source, there may be an image that is illuminated from a direction that is not suitable for observing the face, such as below or behind the head.
　そこで、本発明の第１の態様に係る超音波診断装置は、更に、上記視点及び投影面の更新設定に応じて、胎児の顔を所定の方向から照らすように上記投影画像生成時における光源の位置を更新設定する光源設定手段を備えたものとすることが望ましい。 Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention further includes a light source at the time of generating the projection image so as to illuminate the fetal face from a predetermined direction according to the update setting of the viewpoint and the projection plane. It is desirable to have light source setting means for updating the position.
　このような構成によれば、上記の視点設定手段によって新たな視点及び投影面が設定された際に、それに連動して投影画像の生成時における光源位置を変化させることができる。これにより、胎児の顔と光源との位置関係を常に適切に保つことができる。 According to such a configuration, when a new viewpoint and projection plane are set by the viewpoint setting unit, it is possible to change the light source position at the time of generating a projection image in conjunction therewith. Thereby, the positional relationship between the fetal face and the light source can always be kept appropriate.
　また、上記課題を解決するためになされた本発明の第２の態様に係る超音波診断装置は、
　a)被検体内の任意の領域に対して三次元的な超音波走査を行ってエコー信号を収集するエコー信号収集手段と、
　b)前記エコー信号から前記被検体内の領域の三次元データを構築する三次元データ構築手段と、
　c)前記三次元データを所定の視点位置から投影面に投影した投影画像を生成する投影画像生成手段と、
　d)前記投影画像を表示する表示手段と、
　を有し、前記投影画像を静止画像又は動画像として表示する超音波診断装置において、
　e)前記投影画像生成手段における視点及び投影面が所定の時間間隔で移動するように該視点及び投影面を更新設定する視点設定手段、
　を有することを特徴としている。 An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems,
a) an echo signal collecting means for collecting an echo signal by performing a three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning on an arbitrary region in the subject;
b) three-dimensional data construction means for constructing three-dimensional data of the region in the subject from the echo signal;
c) a projection image generation means for generating a projection image obtained by projecting the three-dimensional data from a predetermined viewpoint position onto a projection plane;
d) display means for displaying the projected image;
In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays the projected image as a still image or a moving image,
e) viewpoint setting means for updating and setting the viewpoint and projection plane so that the viewpoint and projection plane in the projection image generation means move at predetermined time intervals;
It is characterized by having.
　このような構成によれば、三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像の撮像時において、前記投影画像生成手段における視点及び投影面の位置を所定の時間間隔で変化させることができる。これにより、モニタ上には異なる方向から見た胎児の投影画像が順次表示され、操作者や被検者（妊婦）には、胎児が画像中で三次元的に回転しているように知覚される。その結果、操作者や被検者が胎児の形態を三次元的に認識しやすくなると共に、例えば、胎児の手等が胎児の顔の前に位置しているような場合であっても、胎児の顔を確認しやすくなる。 According to such a configuration, the position of the viewpoint and the projection plane in the projection image generation means can be changed at predetermined time intervals when a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image is captured. As a result, the projected images of the fetus viewed from different directions are sequentially displayed on the monitor, and the operator and the subject (pregnant woman) perceive that the fetus is rotating three-dimensionally in the image. The As a result, the operator and the subject can easily recognize the form of the fetus three-dimensionally. For example, even when the hand of the fetus is located in front of the face of the fetus, It will be easier to check the face.
　上記本発明の第２の態様に係る超音波診断装置は、更に、上記視点設定手段による視点及び投影面の移動範囲及び／又は移動周期を操作者が設定するための条件設定手段を有するものとすることが望ましい。また、上記視点設定手段による視点及び投影面の更新設定の開始及び／又は終了を操作者が指示するための指示手段を有するものとするとより望ましい。 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention further includes condition setting means for the operator to set the movement range and / or movement cycle of the viewpoint and projection plane by the viewpoint setting means. It is desirable to do. It is more desirable to have an instruction means for the operator to instruct the start and / or end of the viewpoint and projection plane update setting by the viewpoint setting means.
　また、上記本発明の第２の態様に係る超音波診断装置には、更に、前記表示手段における投影画像の表示角度を所定の時間間隔で更新設定する表示角度設定手段を設けてもよい。 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention may further include a display angle setting unit that updates and sets the display angle of the projection image on the display unit at a predetermined time interval.
　以上の通り、発明の第１の態様又は第２の態様に係る超音波診断装置によれば、操作者による視点位置の変更操作を行うことなしに、胎児の観察に適した三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像を描出することが可能となる。これにより、三次元超音波静止画像又は三次元超音波動画像の撮像における作業効率を向上することができると共に、妊婦等に対するサービスの質を向上させることができる。 As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the invention, a three-dimensional still image suitable for observation of the fetus without performing an operation of changing the viewpoint position by the operator or It is possible to render a three-dimensional moving image. As a result, it is possible to improve work efficiency in capturing a three-dimensional ultrasonic still image or a three-dimensional ultrasonic moving image, and it is possible to improve the quality of service for pregnant women and the like.
本発明の第１の実施例に係る超音波診断装置の要部構成を示すブロック図。1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 同実施例の超音波診断装置における三次元データの取得方法を示す概念図。The conceptual diagram which shows the acquisition method of the three-dimensional data in the ultrasonic diagnosing device of the Example. 同実施例の超音波診断装置における投影画像の生成方法を説明する概念図。The conceptual diagram explaining the production | generation method of the projection image in the ultrasonic diagnosing device of the Example. 同実施例の超音波診断装置における表示画像の例を示す図であり、(a)は胎児の顔が正面を向いた画像を、(b)は胎児の顔が斜め左を向いた画像を、(c)は胎児の顔が斜め下を向いた画像を、(d)は胎児の顔が画面に垂直な軸を中心に回転した画像を示している。It is a diagram showing an example of a display image in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, (a) is an image in which the face of the fetus is facing the front, (b) is an image in which the face of the fetus is directed diagonally to the left, (c) shows an image in which the face of the fetus faces obliquely downward, and (d) shows an image in which the face of the fetus is rotated around an axis perpendicular to the screen. 本発明の第２の実施例に係る超音波診断装置の要部構成を示すブロック図。The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. 同実施例の超音波診断装置における表示画像の例を示す図であり、(a)は視点位置を変更させた場合の表示画像を示し、(b)は表示角度を変更させた場合の表示画像を示す。It is a diagram showing an example of a display image in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the embodiment, (a) shows a display image when the viewpoint position is changed, (b) is a display image when the display angle is changed Indicates.
符号の説明Explanation of symbols
１１…超音波プローブ
１２…送受信部
１３…信号処理部
１４…ＤＳＣ
１５…表示メモリ
１６…モニタ
１７…三次元画像生成部
１８…顔検出部
１９…投影処理パラメータ決定部
２０…制御部
２１…操作部
２２…投影処理パラメータ発生部
２３…表示処理パラメータ発生部
３０…胎児
３０ａ…顔面
３１…走査面
３２…ボリュームデータ
３３…ボクセル
３４…視点
３５…視線
３６…投影面
３７…光源 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Ultrasonic probe 12 ... Transmission / reception part 13 ... Signal processing part 14 ... DSC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Display memory 16 ... Monitor 17 ... Three-dimensional image generation part 18 ... Face detection part 19 ... Projection process parameter determination part 20 ... Control part 21 ... Operation part 22 ... Projection process parameter generation part 23 ... Display process parameter generation part 30 ... Fetus 30a ... Face 31 ... Scanning plane 32 ... Volume data 33 ... Voxel 34 ... View point 35 ... Gaze 36 ... Projection plane 37 ... Light source
（実施例１）
　以下、本発明の一実施例による超音波診断装置について図面を用いて説明する。図１は、本実施例に係る超音波診断装置の要部構成を示すブロック図である。 Example 1
Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.
　超音波プローブ１１は、直線状に配置された圧電素子アレイを所定の間隔でスライス方向に移動させながら超音波走査を行うことにより、被検体内の任意の三次元領域（以下、「撮像対象領域」と呼ぶ）の情報を取得可能な自動三次元走査方式のものである。この超音波プローブ１１は被検者（図示しない）の身体に押し当てられ、送受信部１２の制御の下に、その被検者の体内に超音波を送波すると共に、該体内からの反射波を受波して電気信号（以下これをエコー信号と呼ぶ）に変換する。前記エコー信号は送受信部１２にて整相加算された後、信号処理部１３へと出力され、そこで所定の演算処理が行われることによって画像データが生成される。デジタルスキャンコンバータ（以下、ＤＳＣと略称する）１４は、前記の信号処理部１３や後述の三次元画像生成部１７で生成された画像データに基づき、モニタ１６上に二次元超音波画像や三次元超音波画像を表示させるための処理を行う。ＤＳＣから送出された画像データは表示メモリ１５に格納され、モニタ１６の同期信号に同期して読み出されてモニタ１６に出力される。これにより、モニタ１６上には被検者体内の情報を表す二次元又は三次元の超音波画像が表示される。 The ultrasonic probe 11 performs an ultrasonic scan while moving a linearly arranged piezoelectric element array in a slice direction at a predetermined interval, whereby an arbitrary three-dimensional region (hereinafter referred to as an “imaging target region”) in a subject. In the automatic three-dimensional scanning method capable of acquiring the information of “ The ultrasonic probe 11 is pressed against the body of a subject (not shown), transmits ultrasonic waves into the body of the subject under the control of the transmission / reception unit 12, and reflects the reflected wave from the body. Is converted into an electric signal (hereinafter referred to as an echo signal). The echo signal is phased and added by the transmission / reception unit 12 and then output to the signal processing unit 13 where image data is generated by performing predetermined arithmetic processing there. A digital scan converter (hereinafter abbreviated as DSC) 14 is configured to display a two-dimensional ultrasonic image or a three-dimensional image on the monitor 16 based on the image data generated by the signal processing unit 13 or a three-dimensional image generation unit 17 described later. Processing for displaying an ultrasonic image is performed. The image data sent from the DSC is stored in the display memory 15, read out in synchronization with the synchronization signal of the monitor 16, and output to the monitor 16. As a result, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound image representing information in the body of the subject is displayed on the monitor 16.
　三次元画像生成部１７は、信号処理部１３の出力を基にＤＳＣ１４において生成された複数の二次元超音波画像の画像データから、撮像対象領域のボリュームデータ（三次元データ）を構築すると共に、該ボリュームデータを二次元の投影面に投影した三次元画像（以下、投影画像と呼ぶ）を生成するものである。 The three-dimensional image generation unit 17 constructs volume data (three-dimensional data) of an imaging target region from image data of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic images generated in the DSC 14 based on the output of the signal processing unit 13, and A three-dimensional image (hereinafter referred to as a projection image) is generated by projecting the volume data onto a two-dimensional projection plane.
　顔検出部１８は、三次元画像生成部１７で生成された投影画像に基づいて、該画像中に含まれる胎児の顔の向きを検出するものであり、投影処理パラメータ決定部１９は、該胎児の顔の向きの情報を元に、ボリュームデータから投影画像を生成する際の視点や光源の位置等を決定するものである（詳細は後述する）。決定された視点位置及び光源位置等の情報は三次元画像生成部１７に与えられ、三次元画像生成部１７では該視点位置及び光源位置に基づいて上記の投影画像の生成処理が行われる。 The face detection unit 18 detects the orientation of the fetal face included in the image based on the projection image generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17, and the projection processing parameter determination unit 19 The viewpoint and the position of the light source when generating the projection image from the volume data are determined based on the information on the face orientation of the face (details will be described later). Information such as the determined viewpoint position and light source position is given to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17, and the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 performs the above-described projection image generation processing based on the viewpoint position and light source position.
　上記各部の動作はＣＰＵ等を含む制御部２０によって制御され、制御部２０にはキーボードや各種操作ボタン、トラックボール等を備えた操作部２１によって操作者からの指示が入力される。なお、制御部２０は三次元画像生成部１７のほか各部の動作を制御するが、図１中での煩雑さを避けるため信号線は省略している。 The operation of each unit is controlled by a control unit 20 including a CPU and the like, and an instruction from an operator is input to the control unit 20 through an operation unit 21 including a keyboard, various operation buttons, a trackball, and the like. The control unit 20 controls the operation of each unit in addition to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17, but the signal lines are omitted in order to avoid complexity in FIG.
　制御部２０を中心とする上記各部の機能は、超音波プローブ１１、操作部２１、モニタ１６などの入出力装置を除いて、ＣＰＵに所定のプログラムを実行させることにより、いわゆるソフトウェア的に実現してもよく、回路などによってハードウエア的に構成してもよい。また、両者が組み合わされた構成であってもよい。 The functions of the above-described units centering on the control unit 20 are realized by so-called software by causing the CPU to execute a predetermined program except for the input / output devices such as the ultrasonic probe 11, the operation unit 21, and the monitor 16. Alternatively, it may be configured by hardware by a circuit or the like. Moreover, the structure with which both were combined may be sufficient.
　なお、本実施例では、三次元画像生成部１７が本発明における三次元データ構築手段及び投影画像生成手段に相当し、投影処理パラメータ決定部１９が本発明の第１の態様における視点設定手段及び光源設定手段に相当する。 In the present embodiment, the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 corresponds to the three-dimensional data construction unit and the projection image generation unit in the present invention, and the projection processing parameter determination unit 19 includes the viewpoint setting unit in the first aspect of the present invention and It corresponds to light source setting means.
　図２は本実施例の超音波診断装置における胎児３０のボリュームデータの取得方法を示す概念図である。まず、超音波プローブ１１による自動三次元走査により、走査面３１を所定間隔で移動させながら超音波の送受波が行われる。なお、胎児の観察には一般に振動子アレイを曲線状に配列させたコンベックス型の超音波プローブが使用されるため、走査面の形状は扇形となるが、図２中では便宜上、走査面を長方形で表している。超音波プローブ１１が出力する反射超音波の電気信号（即ち、エコー信号）は、信号処理部１３に出力され、信号処理部１３及びＤＳＣ１４によって一定時間毎に各走査面３１における胎児３０の二次元画像データが生成される。生成された二次元画像データは三次元画像生成部１７に送出される。三次元画像生成部１７は図示しない３Ｄメモリを有しており、１回の三次元走査で取得される複数枚の二次元画像データを所定の位置関係で並べ、画像間の間隙を補完して該３Ｄメモリに格納することにより、撮像対象領域のボリュームデータ３２を構築する。該ボリュームデータ３２は輝度値を持った小さな立方体（ボクセル３３）の集合で構成される。 FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for acquiring volume data of the fetus 30 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment. First, ultrasonic wave transmission / reception is performed by moving the scanning surface 31 at a predetermined interval by automatic three-dimensional scanning by the ultrasonic probe 11. In general, a convex ultrasonic probe in which transducer arrays are arranged in a curved line is used for observing the fetus. Therefore, the shape of the scanning surface is a sector, but in FIG. 2 the scanning surface is rectangular for convenience. It is represented by The reflected ultrasound electrical signal (ie, echo signal) output from the ultrasound probe 11 is output to the signal processing unit 13, and the signal processing unit 13 and the DSC 14 perform two-dimensional imaging of the fetus 30 on each scanning plane 31 at regular intervals. Image data is generated. The generated two-dimensional image data is sent to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17. The three-dimensional image generation unit 17 has a 3D memory (not shown), arranges a plurality of two-dimensional image data acquired by one three-dimensional scan in a predetermined positional relationship, and complements a gap between images. By storing in the 3D memory, the volume data 32 of the imaging target area is constructed. The volume data 32 is composed of a set of small cubes (voxels 33) having luminance values.
　更に、三次元画像生成部１７は、前記ボリュームデータ３２からボリュームレンダリングによって胎児３０の三次元画像を生成する。ボリュームレンダリング処理は、前記ボリュームデータ３２を所定の視点位置から二次元の投影面に投影する処理であり、図３に示すように、仮想三次元空間上にボリュームデータ３２、視点３４、投影面３６、及び光源３７が配置され、視点３４から投影面３６上の各点（ピクセル）を通る視線３５上に存在する各ボクセル３３の輝度や不透明度の値を用いて所定の演算を行い、その演算値を各ピクセルの輝度値として与える。また、得られる投影画像には光源３７からの光線を考慮した陰影付けがなされる。このような処理によれば、胎児３０の表面情報のみならず内部の情報を表した半透明な投影画像を得ることができる。また、各ボクセル３３の不透明度を高く設定することにより、胎児３０の体表面のみを描出することも可能である。なお、三次元画像生成部１７における投影画像の生成手法としては、上記ボリュームレンダリングに限らず、他の手法、例えば、ボリュームデータ３２から胎児３０の体表面を抽出した上で投影処理を行うサーフェスレンダリング等の手法を用いてもよい。 Further, the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 generates a three-dimensional image of the fetus 30 from the volume data 32 by volume rendering. The volume rendering process is a process of projecting the volume data 32 from a predetermined viewpoint position onto a two-dimensional projection plane. As shown in FIG. 3, the volume data 32, the viewpoint 34, and the projection plane 36 are displayed on a virtual three-dimensional space. , And a light source 37 are arranged, and a predetermined calculation is performed using the luminance and opacity values of the voxels 33 existing on the line of sight 35 passing from the viewpoint 34 through each point (pixel) on the projection plane 36, and the calculation The value is given as the luminance value for each pixel. The obtained projection image is shaded in consideration of the light rays from the light source 37. According to such processing, a translucent projection image representing not only the surface information of the fetus 30 but also the internal information can be obtained. In addition, by setting the opacity of each voxel 33 high, it is possible to depict only the body surface of the fetus 30. The projection image generation method in the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 is not limited to the above-described volume rendering. For example, surface rendering that performs projection processing after extracting the body surface of the fetus 30 from the volume data 32 is performed. A technique such as the above may be used.
　以上のような撮像対象領域に対する三次元超音波走査を所定の周期で繰り返し行い、三次元画像生成部１７にて生成された投影画像をＤＳＣ１４及び表示メモリ１５を経てモニタ１６の画面上に順次表示することにより、胎児３０の投影画像がモニタ１６上に動画として略リアルタイムに表示される。 The three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning of the imaging target region as described above is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle, and the projection images generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 are sequentially displayed on the screen of the monitor 16 via the DSC 14 and the display memory 15. As a result, the projected image of the fetus 30 is displayed on the monitor 16 as a moving image in substantially real time.
　本実施例の超音波診断装置は、三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像の撮像時において、胎児３０の顔の描出に適した視点位置を装置が自動的に設定する点に特徴を有している。以下、この点について詳しく説明する。 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the apparatus automatically sets a viewpoint position suitable for rendering the face of the fetus 30 when capturing a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image. Yes. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.
　まず、操作者はプローブ１１を被検者（妊婦）の腹部の所定位置に当接させ、超音波画像の撮像を開始する。これにより、超音波プローブ１１による三次元走査が実行され、撮像対象領域全体に亘る複数フレーム分の二次元画像データが撮像され、三次元画像生成部１７において該二次元画像データのセットから胎児３０の投影画像が生成される。このとき、三次元画像生成部１７で生成された投影画像は、ＤＳＣ１４に送出されてモニタ１６に表示されると共に、顔検出部１８にも送出される。 First, the operator brings the probe 11 into contact with a predetermined position on the abdomen of the subject (pregnant woman) and starts imaging an ultrasonic image. As a result, three-dimensional scanning by the ultrasonic probe 11 is executed, two-dimensional image data for a plurality of frames over the entire imaging target region is imaged, and the fetus 30 is extracted from the set of the two-dimensional image data in the three-dimensional image generation unit 17. Projection images are generated. At this time, the projection image generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 is transmitted to the DSC 14 and displayed on the monitor 16 and also to the face detection unit 18.
　顔検出部１８は様々な向きの胎児３０の画像から顔面領域を切り出して作成された複数のテンプレート画像を予め記憶しており、三次元画像生成部１７から取得した投影画像の全域に亘って該テンプレート画像を移動させながら類似度を逐次算出する。このようなテンプレート画像の移動及び類似度の算出を各テンプレート画像について行って、各テンプレート画像における類似度の最高値同士を比較して、この値が最も高かったテンプレート画像を、前記投影画像中における胎児３０の顔の向きとマッチする画像として決定する。 The face detection unit 18 stores in advance a plurality of template images created by cutting out facial regions from images of the fetus 30 in various orientations, and covers the entire projection image acquired from the three-dimensional image generation unit 17. Similarities are sequentially calculated while moving the template image. The movement of the template image and the calculation of the similarity are performed for each template image, the highest similarity values in the template images are compared with each other, and the template image having the highest value is determined in the projection image. It is determined as an image that matches the orientation of the face of the fetus 30.
　顔検出部１８には、各テンプレート画像における胎児の顔の向きに関する情報（例えば、正面向きからX軸周りに30°、Y軸周りに20°回転した向き等）が各テンプレート画像と関連づけて記憶されているため、以上により、前記投影画像中における胎児３０の顔の向きが明らかとなる。この結果を基に、投影処理パラメータ決定部１９において、所定の換算式や変換テーブル等を利用して、胎児３０の顔を正面向き（図４（ａ）の様に、顔面３０ａが正面を向き、頭頂部が真上を向いた状態）に描出するための視点３４の位置並びに投影面３６の位置及び角度が決定される。また、同時に、胎児３０の顔を所定の方向（例えば、上頭部前面）から照らすように光源３７の位置が決定される。 The face detection unit 18 stores information related to the orientation of the fetal face in each template image (for example, an orientation rotated by 30 ° around the X axis and 20 ° around the Y axis from the front direction) in association with each template image. Thus, the orientation of the face of the fetus 30 in the projection image is clarified as described above. Based on this result, the projection processing parameter determination unit 19 uses the predetermined conversion formula, conversion table, or the like to face the face of the fetus 30 to the front (as shown in FIG. 4A, the face 30a faces the front. The position of the viewpoint 34 and the position and angle of the projection plane 36 for drawing in a state where the top of the head is directly above are determined. At the same time, the position of the light source 37 is determined so that the face of the fetus 30 is illuminated from a predetermined direction (for example, the front of the upper head).
　例えば、図４（ｂ）の様に胎児３０の顔面３０ａが左側を向いている場合は、視点３４をボリュームデータ３２の左側に回り込むように移動させ、図４（ｃ）の様に胎児３０の顔面３０ａが下を向いている場合は、視点３４をボリュームデータ３２の下側に回り込むように移動させる。これに伴って、投影面３６もボリュームデータ３２を挟んで新たな視点位置と対向する位置に移動する。また、図４（ｄ）の様に胎児３０の顔面３０ａが画面に垂直な軸を中心に左へ回転している場合には、投影面３６を同じ角度だけ左に回転させる。 For example, when the face 30a of the fetus 30 is facing the left side as shown in FIG. 4B, the viewpoint 34 is moved so as to wrap around the left side of the volume data 32, and the fetus 30 is moved as shown in FIG. When the face 30a faces downward, the viewpoint 34 is moved so as to wrap around the volume data 32. Along with this, the projection plane 36 also moves to a position facing the new viewpoint position with the volume data 32 interposed therebetween. When the face 30a of the fetus 30 is rotated to the left about an axis perpendicular to the screen as shown in FIG. 4D, the projection plane 36 is rotated to the left by the same angle.
　投影処理パラメータ決定部１９によって決定された視点位置等のパラメータは、三次元画像生成部１７に与えられる。これにより、以降の投影処理には新たに設定された視点位置等のパラメータが適用され、胎児３０の顔が正面を向き、適切な方向から照明をあてたような投影画像が生成される。 Parameters such as the viewpoint position determined by the projection processing parameter determination unit 19 are given to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17. Thereby, parameters such as a newly set viewpoint position are applied to the subsequent projection processing, and a projection image is generated in which the face of the fetus 30 faces the front and is illuminated from an appropriate direction.
　以上のような、顔の向きの検出及び視点位置等の再設定を三次元画像生成部１７にて新たな投影画像が生成される毎に、又は所定の間隔をおいて繰り返し実行することにより、撮像中に胎児３０が姿勢を変えた場合にも、胎児３０の顔を追跡して常時胎児３０の顔の観察に適した三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像を撮像することができる。なお、ここでは胎児３０の顔を正面から描出するように視点３４の位置等を設定するものとしたが、胎児３０の顔を真横や斜め方向から描出するように視点位置を設定するものとしてもよい。 By repeatedly executing the detection of the face orientation and the resetting of the viewpoint position and the like as described above every time a new projection image is generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 or at a predetermined interval, Even when the posture of the fetus 30 changes during imaging, the face of the fetus 30 can be tracked and a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image suitable for observation of the face of the fetus 30 can always be taken. Here, the position of the viewpoint 34 is set so that the face of the fetus 30 is drawn from the front, but the viewpoint position may be set so that the face of the fetus 30 is drawn from the side or diagonal direction. Good.
（実施例２）
　次に、本発明の第２の実施例に係る超音波診断装置について説明する。図５は、本実施例に係る超音波診断装置の要部構成を示すブロック図である。なお、図１と同一又は対応する構成については同一符号を付して適宜説明を省略する。 (Example 2)
Next, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure same or corresponding to FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
　投影処理パラメータ発生部２２は、三次元画像生成部１７において投影処理を行う際の視点３４の位置及び投影面３６の位置及び角度等のパラメータを所定の時間間隔で発生するものであり、視点３４及び投影面３６がボリュームデータ３２の周りを所定の角度間隔で旋回するように上記パラメータを変化させる。投影処理パラメータ発生部２２で順次発生するパラメータは三次元画像生成部１７に与えられ、三次元画像生成部１７は、三次元超音波走査に伴って順次生成されるボリュームデータ３２に対して該パラメータに従った投影処理を実行する。これにより、三次元画像生成部１７で順次生成される投影画像は、図６（ａ）に示すように、視点位置が少しずつ異なったものとなり、操作者や被検者（妊婦）にはモニタ１６上にリアルタイムで表示される三次元動画像において胎児が三次元的に回転しているように知覚される。なお、このときの回転範囲及び回転周期は操作部２１を用いて操作者が自由に設定することができ、更に、操作部２１に設けられた所定のキーを操作者が押下することにより、回転の開始又は終了を適宜指示することができる。 The projection processing parameter generation unit 22 generates parameters such as the position of the viewpoint 34 and the position and angle of the projection plane 36 when performing projection processing in the 3D image generation unit 17 at predetermined time intervals. The parameters are changed so that the projection plane 36 turns around the volume data 32 at a predetermined angular interval. The parameters that are sequentially generated by the projection processing parameter generation unit 22 are given to the three-dimensional image generation unit 17, and the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 applies the parameters to the volume data 32 that is sequentially generated along with the three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning. The projection processing according to the above is executed. As a result, the projected images sequentially generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 have slightly different viewpoint positions, as shown in FIG. 6A, and the operator and the subject (pregnant woman) can monitor the projected images. It is perceived that the fetus is rotating three-dimensionally in a three-dimensional moving image displayed in real time on 16. Note that the rotation range and rotation cycle at this time can be freely set by the operator using the operation unit 21, and further, when the operator presses a predetermined key provided on the operation unit 21, the rotation is performed. Can be instructed as appropriate.
　また、本実施例の超音波診断装置には、三次元画像生成部１７で生成された投影画像をモニタ１６に表示する際の表示角度の値を所定の時間間隔で発生する表示処理パラメータ発生部２３を備えている。表示処理パラメータ発生部２３で発生する表示角度の値は所定の角度間隔で順次変化するため、ＤＳＣ１４において該表示角度の値に従って投影画像の回転処理を行うことにより、モニタ１６にリアルタイムで表示される三次元動画像は、図６（ｂ）に示すように画面に垂直な軸を中心として二次元的に回転することとなる。なお、このときの回転範囲及び回転周期も操作部２１を用いて操作者が自由に設定することができ、更に、操作部２１に設けられた所定のキーを操作者が押下することにより、回転の開始又は終了を適宜指示することができる。 Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment, a display processing parameter generation unit that generates display angle values at predetermined time intervals when the projection image generated by the three-dimensional image generation unit 17 is displayed on the monitor 16. 23. Since the display angle values generated by the display processing parameter generation unit 23 sequentially change at predetermined angular intervals, the projection image is rotated in accordance with the display angle values in the DSC 14 and displayed on the monitor 16 in real time. As shown in FIG. 6B, the three-dimensional moving image is rotated two-dimensionally about an axis perpendicular to the screen. Note that the rotation range and rotation cycle at this time can also be freely set by the operator using the operation unit 21, and further, when the operator presses a predetermined key provided on the operation unit 21, the rotation is performed. Can be instructed as appropriate.
　なお、上記の視点位置の移動による胎児３０の三次元的な回転（図６（ａ））と、投影画像の二次元的な回転（図６（ｂ））はどちらか一方のみを行ってもよく、両者を同時に実行するようにしてもよい。 Note that only one of the three-dimensional rotation of the fetus 30 (FIG. 6A) and the two-dimensional rotation of the projection image (FIG. 6B) by the movement of the viewpoint position described above may be performed. It is also possible to execute both at the same time.
　以上の構成によれば、三次元静止画像又はリアルタイムの三次元動画像の撮像時において、モニタに描出される胎児を自動的に三次元的又は二次元的に回転させることができるため、操作者や被検者（妊婦）が胎児の顔等の形状を把握しやすくなる。なお、本実施例の超音波診断装置は胎児の観察のみならず、例えば、血管の三次元静止画像又は三次元動画像を撮像して、その立体構造を把握しようとする場合などにも有用である。 According to the above configuration, since the fetus drawn on the monitor can be automatically rotated three-dimensionally or two-dimensionally at the time of capturing a three-dimensional still image or a real-time three-dimensional moving image, the operator And the subject (pregnant woman) can easily grasp the shape of the face of the fetus. Note that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment is useful not only for observing the fetus but also for capturing a three-dimensional structure of a blood vessel by capturing a three-dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image of a blood vessel, for example. is there.

Claims (6)

  1. 　a)胎児を含む被検体内の任意の領域に対して三次元的な超音波走査を行ってエコー信号を収集するエコー信号収集手段と、
    　b)前記エコー信号から前記胎児を含む被検体内の領域の三次元データを構築する三次元データ構築手段と、
    　c)前記三次元データを所定の視点から投影面に投影した投影画像を生成する投影画像生成手段と、
    　d)前記投影画像を表示する表示手段と、
    　を有し、前記投影画像を静止画像又は動画像として表示する超音波診断装置において、
    　e)前記投影画像から胎児の顔の向きを検出する検出手段と、
    　f)前記検出手段による検出結果に基づいて、前記胎児の顔が所定の向きで描出されるように前記投影画像生成手段における視点及び投影面を更新設定する視点設定手段と、
    を有することを特徴とする超音波診断装置。     a) an echo signal collecting means for collecting an echo signal by performing a three-dimensional ultrasonic scan on an arbitrary region in a subject including a fetus;
    b) three-dimensional data construction means for constructing three-dimensional data of a region in the subject including the fetus from the echo signal;
    c) a projection image generation means for generating a projection image obtained by projecting the three-dimensional data from a predetermined viewpoint onto a projection plane;
    d) display means for displaying the projected image;
    In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays the projected image as a still image or a moving image,
    e) detection means for detecting the orientation of the fetal face from the projected image;
    f) viewpoint setting means for updating and setting the viewpoint and projection plane in the projection image generation means so that the face of the fetus is depicted in a predetermined orientation based on the detection result by the detection means;
    An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:
  2. 　更に、前記視点及び投影面の更新設定に応じて、胎児の顔を所定の方向から照らすように前記投影画像生成時における光源の位置を更新設定する光源設定手段を有することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の超音波診断装置。 The apparatus further comprises light source setting means for updating and setting the position of the light source at the time of generating the projection image so as to illuminate the face of the fetus from a predetermined direction according to the update setting of the viewpoint and the projection plane. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1.
  3. 　a)被検体内の任意の領域に対して三次元的な超音波走査を行ってエコー信号を収集するエコー信号収集手段と、
    　b)前記エコー信号から前記被検体内の領域の三次元データを構築する三次元データ構築手段と、
    　c)前記三次元データを所定の視点位置から投影面に投影した投影画像を生成する投影画像生成手段と、
    　d)前記投影画像を表示する表示手段と、
    　を有し、前記投影画像を静止画像又は動画像として表示する超音波診断装置において、
    　e)前記投影画像生成手段における視点及び投影面が所定の時間間隔で移動するように該視点及び投影面を更新設定する視点設定手段、
    　を有することを特徴とする超音波診断装置。     a) an echo signal collecting means for collecting an echo signal by performing a three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning on an arbitrary region in the subject;
    b) three-dimensional data construction means for constructing three-dimensional data of the region in the subject from the echo signal;
    c) a projection image generation means for generating a projection image obtained by projecting the three-dimensional data from a predetermined viewpoint position onto a projection plane;
    d) display means for displaying the projected image;
    In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that displays the projected image as a still image or a moving image,
    e) viewpoint setting means for updating and setting the viewpoint and projection plane so that the viewpoint and projection plane in the projection image generation means move at predetermined time intervals;
    An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:
  4. 　更に、前記視点設定手段による視点及び投影面の移動範囲及び／又は移動周期を操作者が設定するための条件設定手段を有することを特徴とする請求項３に記載の超音波診断装置。 The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising condition setting means for an operator to set a movement range and / or a movement cycle of the viewpoint and the projection plane by the viewpoint setting means.
  5. 　更に、前記視点設定手段による視点及び投影面の更新設定の開始及び／又は終了を操作者が指示するための指示手段を有することを特徴とする請求項３又は４に記載の超音波診断装置。 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising instruction means for an operator to instruct start and / or end of update setting of the viewpoint and projection plane by the viewpoint setting means.
  6. 　更に、前記表示手段における投影画像の表示角度を所定の時間間隔で更新設定する表示角度設定手段を有することを特徴とする請求項３～５のいずれかに記載の超音波診断装置。 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising display angle setting means for updating and setting a display angle of the projection image on the display means at a predetermined time interval.
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