WO2023276501A1

WO2023276501A1 - Ultrasonic diagnostic device and method for controlling ultrasonic diagnostic device

Info

Publication number: WO2023276501A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/021504
Authority: WO
Inventors: 幸哉宮地
Original assignee: 富士フイルム株式会社
Priority date: 2021-06-29
Filing date: 2022-05-26
Publication date: 2023-01-05
Also published as: JPWO2023276501A1

Abstract

This ultrasonic diagnostic device (1) comprises: an ultrasonic probe (2); an image generation unit (13) for generating an ultrasonic image on the basis of a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasonic probe (2); a region detection unit (16) for detecting a fecal region, and an acoustically shadowed region produced by feces, in the subject in the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit (13); and an index calculation unit (17) for calculating an index relating to the properties of the feces in the subject on the basis of luminance information for the fecal region detected by the region detection unit (16), luminance information for the acoustically shadowed region detected by the region detection unit (16), and/or shape information for the fecal region detected by the region detection unit (16).

Description

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD OF ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used for examination of stool of a subject and a control method for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

In recent years, attempts have been made to examine the properties of stool within a subject by examining the subject's abdomen using an ultrasound diagnostic device. For example, as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, it is known that the appearance of stool in an ultrasound image differs depending on whether the stool in the subject is so-called hard stool or not.

However, when a user such as a doctor confirms an ultrasound image showing the stool of a subject and determines the properties of the stool, normally, the stool as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 It was necessary to rely on qualitative information such as the relationship between the properties of stool and the appearance of stool on ultrasound images. Furthermore, examination of the stool of a subject using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a relatively new field of examination compared to examination of other examination subjects using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In many cases, it was difficult to judge the nature of the stool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a control method for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that enable a user to easily determine the properties of the stool of a subject. for the purpose.

According to the following configuration, the above objects are achieved.
[1] an ultrasonic probe;
an image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using an ultrasonic probe;
an area detection unit that detects a stool area and an acoustic shadow area due to stool in the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit;
Based on at least one of luminance information of the stool area detected by the area detection unit, luminance information of the acoustic shadow area detected by the area detection unit, and shape information of the stool area detected by the area detection unit, An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: an index calculation unit that calculates an index related to the properties of stool in a sample.
[2] having a monitor,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to [1], wherein the index calculator displays the index on a monitor.
[3] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to [2], wherein the index calculator displays the index as a numerical value on the monitor.
[4] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to [3], wherein the index calculation unit displays indices in at least one of the vicinity of the stool region and the vicinity of the acoustic shadow region detected by the region detection unit.
[5] The index calculation unit displays the index on the monitor by adding a color corresponding to the index to the outline of the stool area and the outline of the acoustic shadow area detected by the area detection unit. ultrasound diagnostic equipment.
[6] The area detection unit according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the area detection unit detects the stool area and the acoustic shadow area by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.
[7] The area detection unit detects a stool area by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit, and detects a predetermined area located at a predetermined depth with respect to the stool area. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5] for detection as an acoustic shadow area.
[8] The index calculator according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the index calculation unit calculates the index by calculating a ratio C or a difference D between the luminance information of the stool region and the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region. sound wave diagnostic equipment.
[9] The index calculation unit sets the ratio C to Le as the luminance information of the stool region, and Ls as the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region,
C = Le/Ls
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to [8], which is calculated by:
[10] The index calculation unit calculates the difference D as the luminance information of the stool region with Le and the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region as Ls,
D = Le - Ls
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, which is calculated by:
[11] The index calculation unit calculates the difference D by using Le as the luminance information of the stool area and Ls as the luminance information of the acoustic shadow area,
D = (Le - Ls) / (Le + Ls)
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to [8], which is calculated by:
[12] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the index calculation unit calculates the length of the feces region along the depth direction as the shape information of the feces region.
[13] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to [12], wherein the index calculation unit calculates, as the shape information of the feces region, the length along the depth direction at the central portion in the width direction of the feces region.
[14] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to [12], wherein the index calculation unit calculates an average length of the feces region along the depth direction as the shape information of the feces region.
[15] Provided with an input device for a user to perform an input operation,
The index calculator according to any one of claims [1] to [15], wherein the index calculation unit calculates the index based on the stool region and the acoustic shadow region in the ultrasonic image, which are specified by the user via the input device. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.
[16] An index correction unit for correcting the index calculated by the index calculation unit based on transmission/reception conditions of ultrasonic waves transmitted/received by the ultrasonic probe and imaging conditions in the image generation unit [1] to [16] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 1.
[17] generating an ultrasonic image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using an ultrasonic probe;
Detecting a stool region and a stool acoustically shadowed region within a subject in an ultrasound image,
A control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: calculating an index relating to the properties of stool in a subject based on at least one of luminance information of a stool region, luminance information of an acoustic shadow region, and shape information of a stool region.

According to the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, an image generator for generating an ultrasonic image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasonic probe, and an image generator. an area detection unit that detects a stool area and an acoustically shadowed area due to stool in an ultrasound image generated by a method, luminance information of the stool area detected by the area detecting unit, and luminance information of the acoustically shadowed area detected by the area detection unit , and an index calculation unit that calculates an index related to the properties of stool in the subject based on at least one of the shape information of the stool region detected by the region detection unit. Properties can be easily determined.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transmission/reception circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image generator in the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasound image according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic image and indices displayed on a monitor in the embodiment of the present invention; It is a flow chart which shows the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which indices are displayed near the stool region and near the acoustic shadow region, respectively, in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which colors are added to the outline of the stool area and the outline of the acoustic shadow area in the embodiment of the present invention;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The description of the constituent elements described below is based on representative embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.
In this specification, a numerical range represented by "-" means a range including the numerical values before and after "-" as lower and upper limits.
As used herein, the terms "same" and "same" shall include the margin of error generally accepted in the technical field.

Embodiment FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 2 and an apparatus body 3 connected to the ultrasonic probe 2 .
The ultrasonic probe 2 has a transducer array 11 connected to the device body 3 .

The device main body 3 has a transmission/reception circuit 12 connected to the transducer array 11 . An image generation unit 13 , a display control unit 14 and a monitor 15 are connected to the transmission/reception circuit 12 in sequence. An area detection unit 16 is also connected to the image generation unit 13 . An index calculator 17 and an index corrector 18 are connected to the area detector 16 in sequence. Also, the index calculator 17 and the index corrector 18 are each connected to the display controller 14 .

A device control unit 19 is connected to the transmission/reception circuit 12, the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the area detection unit 16, the index calculation unit 17, and the index correction unit 18. An input device 20 is also connected to the device control section 19 .

A processor 21 for the device main body 3 is configured by the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the area detection unit 16, the index calculation unit 17, the index correction unit 18, and the device control unit 19.

The transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. These ultrasonic transducers each transmit ultrasonic waves in accordance with drive signals supplied from the transmission/reception circuit 12, receive ultrasonic echoes from the subject, and output signals based on the ultrasonic echoes. Each ultrasonic transducer includes, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic typified by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element typified by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), and a PMN- It is constructed by forming electrodes on both ends of a piezoelectric body made of a piezoelectric single crystal or the like, typified by PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate).

The transmission/reception circuit 12 transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 and processes signals acquired by the transducer array 11 under the control of the device control unit 19 . As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 includes a pulser 31 connected to the transducer array 11, an amplifier section 32 sequentially connected in series from the transducer array 11, an AD (Analog Digital) conversion section 33, and a beam It has a former 34 .

The pulsar 31 includes, for example, a plurality of pulse generators, and based on a transmission delay pattern selected according to a control signal from the device control unit 19, the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11 transmit Each driving signal is supplied to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers by adjusting the delay amount so that the ultrasonic waves generated form ultrasonic beams. In this way, when a pulse-like or continuous-wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts, and pulse-like or continuous-wave ultrasonic waves are generated from the respective ultrasonic transducers. are generated, and an ultrasonic beam is formed from the composite wave of these ultrasonic waves.

The transmitted ultrasonic beams are, for example, reflected by an object to be inspected within the subject and propagate toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 2 . The ultrasonic echoes propagating toward the transducer array 11 in this manner are received by the respective ultrasonic transducers forming the transducer array 11 . At this time, each ultrasonic transducer that constitutes the transducer array 11 expands and contracts by receiving a propagating ultrasonic echo, generates a received signal that is an electric signal, and these received signals are amplified by an amplifier. 32.

The amplification unit 32 amplifies the signal input from each ultrasonic transducer that constitutes the transducer array 11 and transmits the amplified signal to the AD conversion unit 33 . The AD converter 33 converts the signal transmitted from the amplifier 32 into a digital format. The beamformer 34 performs so-called reception focusing processing by giving respective delays to the digital received signals received from the AD converter 33 and adding them. By this reception focusing process, each reception signal converted by the AD converter 33 is subjected to phasing addition, and a reception signal in which the focus of the ultrasonic echo is narrowed down is acquired.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image generator 13 has a configuration in which a signal processor 35, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 36, and an image processor 37 are connected in series.
The signal processing unit 35 corrects the attenuation due to the distance according to the depth of the reflection position of the ultrasonic wave to the sound ray signal sent from the transmission/reception circuit 12, and then performs envelope detection processing to obtain the sound ray signal from the subject. A B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information regarding internal tissue, is generated.

The DSC 36 converts (raster-converts) the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 35 into an image signal conforming to the normal television signal scanning method.
The image processing unit 37 performs various necessary image processing such as gradation processing on the B-mode image signal input from the DSC 36, and then outputs the B-mode image signal to the display control unit in accordance with a command from the device control unit 19. 14 and area detection unit 16 . Hereinafter, the B-mode image signal subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 37 is simply referred to as an ultrasound image.

The region detection unit 16 performs image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 13, thereby detecting an intra-subject stool region R1 in the ultrasonic image U and a stool region R1 as shown in FIG. Detect the acoustic shadow region R2.

Here, the stool region R1 is an ultrasonic wave beam transmitted from the transducer array 11 toward the inside of the subject and propagated toward the transducer array 11 by being reflected by the shallow part of the stool in the subject. Area imaged based on acoustic echoes. The acoustic shadow region R2 is formed in the ultrasonic image U due to the presence of stool in the subject, is positioned deeper than the stool region R1, and has a lower brightness than the stool region R1. In the acoustic shadow region R2, when relatively hard stool is present in the subject, ultrasonic waves are reflected and attenuated by the stool, and ultrasonic echoes from the deep side of the stool reach the transducer array 11. It occurs when propagation becomes difficult.

In addition, the region detection unit 16 can use various commonly known methods as image analysis performed on the ultrasonic image U when detecting the feces region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2.

The area detection unit 16 can use, for example, a so-called template matching method. In this case, the area detection unit 16 prestores, for example, a plurality of templates with different shapes and textures for the stool area R1 and the acoustic shadow area R2, and determines the correlation between the patterns appearing in the ultrasonic image U and the templates. A value is calculated, and a region where the correlation value is equal to or higher than a certain value is detected as a feces region R1 or an acoustic shadow region R2.

The area detection unit 16 can also use, for example, a so-called machine learning method. In this case, the region detection unit 16 may generate, for example, a plurality of teacher images regarding the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2, and a plurality of teacher images regarding the anatomical structures existing around the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2. is converted into a so-called feature vector in advance, and the obtained feature vector is used to detect the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 by so-called Adaboost or SVM (Support Vector Machine). can.

The area detection unit 16 can also use, for example, a so-called deep learning method. In this case, the area detection unit 16 stores in advance a plurality of teacher images, for example, regarding the stool area R1, the acoustic shadow area R2, and the anatomical structures existing around the stool area R1 and the acoustic shadow area R2. , the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 can be detected using a so-called segmentation model or the like based on a plurality of stored teacher images.

The index calculation unit 17 calculates at least one of the luminance information of the stool region R1, the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2, and the shape information, which is information regarding the shape and size of the stool region R1, and calculates the calculated stool region. Based on at least one of luminance information of R1, luminance information of acoustic shadow region R2, and shape information of stool region R1, an index relating to the properties of stool in the subject is calculated. The index calculation unit 17 also displays the calculated index on the monitor 15 via the display control unit 14 .

Here, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate, for example, the average value of the luminance over the entire feces region R1 as the luminance information of the feces region R1. The index calculation unit 17 can also calculate, for example, the maximum luminance in the stool region R1 as the luminance information of the stool region R1.

In addition, instead of using the luminance values of the pixels in the ultrasound image U as the luminance information of the feces region R1, the index calculation unit 17 calculates the intensity of the RF (Radio Frequency) signal in the feces region R1, that is, The strength of the received signal of the transducer array 11 can also be used. In general, the luminance value of each pixel in an ultrasonic image is often subjected to processing such as gain adjustment in order to clearly depict the ultrasonic image, but RF signals are not subjected to such processing. not Therefore, the index calculator 17 can calculate the index more accurately by using the intensity of the RF signal as the luminance information.

Here, in general, when the stool of the subject is relatively hard, the ultrasonic beams transmitted from the transducer array 11 into the subject are likely to be reflected in the superficial portion of the stool and penetrate deep into the stool. tends to be difficult. In addition, when the stool of the subject is relatively soft, there is a tendency for the ultrasonic beams transmitted from the transducer array 11 into the subject to easily penetrate deep into the stool. Therefore, the luminance information of the stool region R1 tends to show a relatively high value when the stool of the subject is relatively hard, and a relatively low value when the stool of the subject is relatively soft.

Therefore, when the index calculator 17 calculates the luminance information of the stool region R1 as an index, the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 such as a doctor should refer to the luminance information of the stool region R1 displayed on the monitor 15. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the properties of the subject's stool, that is, whether the subject's stool is hard or soft.

Also, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate, for example, the average value of the luminance over the entire acoustic shadow region R2 as the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2. The index calculation unit 17 can also calculate, for example, the lowest luminance in the acoustic shadow region R2 as the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2. The index calculator 17 can also use the intensity of the RF signal corresponding to the acoustic shadow region R2 instead of using the luminance value of the pixel in the ultrasonic image U as the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2.

Contrary to the luminance information of the stool region R1, the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2 shows a relatively low value when the stool of the subject is relatively hard, and is relatively high when the stool of the subject is relatively soft. tend to show value. Therefore, when the index calculator 17 calculates the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2 as an index, the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, such as a doctor, refers to the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2 displayed on the monitor 15. By doing so, the properties of the subject's stool can also be easily determined.

Moreover, the index calculation unit 17 can also calculate the index using both the luminance information of the feces region R1 and the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2.
The index calculator 17 can calculate, for example, the ratio C or the difference D between the luminance information of the stool region R1 and the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2 as an index.

More specifically, for example, the index calculation unit 17 calculates the average value of the luminance over the feces region R1 as the luminance information Le of the feces region R1, and calculates the luminance over the acoustic shadow region R2 as the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2. Calculate the average value of the ratio C,
C=Le/Ls (1)
It can be calculated by

Here, the harder the stool of the subject, the higher the luminance information Le of the stool region R1 and the lower the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2. A relatively hard stool tends to give a high value, and a relatively soft stool tends to give a low value. In general, the brightness in the ultrasonic image U may vary depending on the imaging conditions, the subject, etc., but according to the ratio C, the influence of the brightness variation caused by the imaging conditions, the subject, etc. is reduced. can. Therefore, by checking the ratio C, a user such as a doctor can more accurately determine the nature of the stool.

In addition, for example, the index calculation unit 17 calculates an average value of luminance over the feces region R1 as the luminance information Le of the feces region R1, and calculates an average value of luminance over the acoustic shadow region R2 as luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2. is calculated, and the difference D is
D=Le−Ls (2)
It can be calculated by

Here, the harder the stool of the subject, the higher the luminance information Le of the stool region R1 and the lower the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2. When the stool of the subject is relatively soft, the difference D tends to indicate a relatively low value. As with the ratio C, the difference D can also reduce the influence of variations in luminance caused by the imaging conditions, the subject, or the like. can be determined.

In addition, for example, the index calculation unit 17 calculates an average value of luminance over the feces region R1 as the luminance information Le of the feces region R1, and calculates an average value of luminance over the acoustic shadow region R2 as luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2. is calculated, and the difference D is
D=(Le−Ls)/(Le+Ls) (3)
It can also be calculated by

When calculating the difference D using equation (3), the sum of the luminance information Le and the luminance information Ls obtained by subtracting the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow information from the luminance information Le of the fecal region R1 is normalized. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the influence of variations in brightness caused by imaging conditions, the subject, or the like. Therefore, by checking the ratio C, a user such as a doctor can more accurately determine the nature of the stool.

Note that the index calculation unit 17 calculates the ratio C using the formula (1) and calculates the difference D using the formula (2) or (3), the average luminance It is not limited to calculating the average luminance value of the acoustic shadow region R2. For example, the index calculation unit 17 calculates the average value of the intensity of the RF signal corresponding to the feces region R1 as the luminance information Le of the feces region R1, and calculates the RF signal corresponding to the acoustic shadow region R2 as the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2. It is also possible to calculate the average value of the signal.

Further, the index calculator 17 can calculate, for example, the depth direction of the stool region R1, that is, the length along the sound ray direction (sound ray direction) as the shape information of the stool region R1.
In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate the length L1 along the depth direction at the central portion in the width direction of the feces region R1 as the shape information. The width direction of the stool region R1 is a direction orthogonal to the direction along the sound ray SL passing through the center of the stool region R1.

Normally, when the stool in the subject is relatively hard, the ultrasonic beams transmitted from the transducer array 11 into the subject tend to be easily reflected in the shallow part of the stool. L1 tends to be relatively short. Generally, when the stool in the subject is relatively soft, the ultrasonic beams transmitted from the transducer array 11 into the subject tend to easily pass through the shallow part of the stool. The length L1 tends to be relatively long. Therefore, a user such as a doctor can easily determine the properties of stool in the subject by checking the length L1.

The index calculation unit 17 can also calculate the average value of the length along the depth direction of the feces region R1 as the shape information of the feces region R1.

In addition, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate, for example, the luminance profile of the ultrasound image U on a line passing through the center of the stool region R1 in the width direction and along the depth direction. The brightness profile is a graph obtained by plotting the relationship between the depth and the brightness value, for example, with the depth of the ultrasonic image U on the horizontal axis and the brightness value on the vertical axis. In this luminance profile, a graph with an upwardly convex peak shape is formed in the depth range corresponding to the stool region R1. For example, in the depth range corresponding to the feces region R1, the index calculation unit 17 calculates the length of the depth range having luminance values equal to or greater than half of the maximum luminance value, that is, the half width in the depth direction of the feces region R1. It can also be calculated as the length along.

The index calculation unit 17 can send the index calculated in this way to the display control unit 14 and display it on the monitor 15 as a numerical value as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In FIG. 5, adjacent to the ultrasonic image U, the luminance information Le of the feces region R1 is displayed on the monitor 15 as "mean luminance of feces region: W", and the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2 is displayed as "acoustic The average luminance of shadow information: X”, the ratio C is displayed as “luminance ratio: Y”, and the shape information of the feces region R1 is displayed as “length in the depth direction: Z”.

The index correction unit 18 is controlled by the device control unit 19, and the index calculation unit 17 calculates the Correct the indicators. Here, the ultrasonic transmission/reception conditions include, for example, ultrasonic transmission frequency, ultrasonic transmission sound pressure, ultrasonic reception frequency, so-called analog gain, and so-called analog STC (sensitivity time control). Imaging conditions also include, for example, so-called digital gain and so-called digital STC. The index correction unit 18 can automatically correct the index based on the ultrasonic transmission/reception conditions and the imaging conditions, and can also correct the index using the user's input operation via the input device 20 as a trigger.

The device control section 19 controls each section of the device main body 3 according to a prerecorded program or the like.
Under the control of the device control unit 19, the display control unit 14 displays the ultrasonic image U generated by the image generation unit 13, the index information calculated by the index calculation unit 17, and the index corrected by the index correction unit 18. are subjected to predetermined processing and displayed on the monitor 15 .

The monitor 15 performs various displays under the control of the display control unit 14. The monitor 15 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

The input device 20 is for a user such as a doctor to perform an input operation. The input device 20 is configured by, for example, devices such as buttons, switches, touch pads, and touch panels for users to perform input operations.

Note that the processor 21 having the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the area detection unit 16, the index calculation unit 17, the index correction unit 18, and the device control unit 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and It consists of a control program for making the CPU perform various processing, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array: Feed Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: Application Specific Integrated Circuit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), other ICs (Integrated Circuits), or may be configured by combining them.

The image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the area detection unit 16, the index calculation unit 17, the index correction unit 18, and the device control unit 19 of the processor 21 are partially or wholly integrated into one CPU or the like. can also be configured

Next, the basic operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1, ultrasonic images U inside the subject are continuously captured while the user keeps the ultrasonic probe 2 in contact with the abdomen of the subject. At this time, ultrasonic beams are transmitted into the object from the plurality of transducers of the transducer array 11 in accordance with the drive signal from the pulser 31 of the transmission/reception circuit 12, and each transducer that receives the ultrasonic echo from the object A received signal is sent to the amplifying section 32 of the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 . The received signal is amplified by the amplifier 32, converted from analog format to digital format by the AD converter 33, and phased and added by the beamformer 34 to generate a sound ray signal. The sound ray signal is subjected to various types of processing in the image generation unit 13 to generate an ultrasonic image U. FIG.

The ultrasonic images U continuously generated in this way are displayed continuously on the monitor 15 at a constant frame rate.

Next, in step S2, the device control unit 19 determines whether or not the ultrasonic image U has been frozen by the user via the input device 20 . Here, to freeze the ultrasonic image U means that, in a state in which the ultrasonic image U is continuously displayed on the monitor 15, one frame displayed on the monitor 15 at the timing when the freeze instruction is issued by the user. To continue displaying the ultrasonic image U on the monitor 15 as a still image.

If it is determined in step S2 that the ultrasonic image U is not frozen, the process returns to step S1, and the ultrasonic image U is continuously generated again and displayed on the monitor 15. FIG.
If it is determined in step S2 that the ultrasonic image U has been frozen, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the region detection unit 16 performs processing for detecting the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 in the ultrasound image U frozen in step S2. The area detection unit 16 can perform a process of detecting the stool area R1 and the acoustic shadow area R2 using methods such as template matching, machine learning, or deep learning.

In subsequent step S4, the index calculator 17 calculates an index regarding the properties of the subject's stool based on the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 detected in step S4.
At this time, the index calculator 17 can calculate, for example, the brightness information Le of the stool region R1 detected in step S4 as an index. The index calculation unit 17 uses, as the luminance information Le of the feces region R1, for example, an average value of luminance values over the feces region R1, a maximum value of luminance values in the feces region R1, and an average value of RF signal intensities over the feces region R1. Alternatively, the maximum value of the intensity of the RF signal corresponding to the fecal region R1 can be calculated.

The luminance information Le of the stool region R1 calculated in this manner exhibits a relatively high value when the stool inside the subject is relatively hard, and exhibits a relatively low value when the stool inside the subject is relatively soft. tend to show

Also, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate, for example, the acoustic shadow region R2 detected in step S4 as an index. The index calculation unit 17 uses, as the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2, for example, the average luminance value over the acoustic shadow region R2, the minimum luminance value in the acoustic shadow region R2, and the RF signal over the acoustic shadow region R2. An average intensity value or a minimum intensity value of the RF signal corresponding to the acoustic shadow region R2 can be calculated.

The luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2 calculated in this manner indicates a relatively low value when the stool inside the subject is relatively hard, and a relatively high value when the stool inside the subject is relatively soft. tend to show

The index calculator 17 can also calculate the index based on the luminance information Ls of the feces region R1 and the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2 detected in step S4, for example.
At this time, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate the ratio C of the luminance information Le of the stool region R1 and the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2 using, for example, Equation (1) as an index, ) or equation (3) can be used to calculate the difference D between the luminance information Le of the feces region R1 and the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2.

The ratio C tends to show a relatively high value when the stool inside the subject is relatively hard, and shows a relatively low value when the stool inside the subject is relatively soft. Also, the difference D tends to show a relatively high value when the stool in the subject is relatively hard, and a relatively low value when the stool in the subject is relatively soft.

The index calculator 17 can also calculate the shape information of the stool region R1 detected in step S4 as an index.
At this time, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate the length along the depth direction of the stool region R1. As this length, for example, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate a length L1 along the depth direction at the central portion in the width direction of the stool region R1, as shown in FIG. The index calculation unit 17 can also calculate the average value of the length along the depth direction over the feces region R1 as the length along the depth direction of the feces region R1.

In addition, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate, for example, the luminance profile of the ultrasound image U on a line passing through the center of the stool region R1 in the width direction and along the depth direction. In this luminance profile, a graph with an upwardly convex peak shape is formed in the depth range corresponding to the stool region R1. For example, in the depth range corresponding to the feces region R1, the index calculation unit 17 calculates the length of the depth range having luminance values equal to or greater than half of the maximum luminance value, that is, the half width in the depth direction of the feces region R1. It can also be calculated as the length along.

The length along the depth direction of the stool region R1 calculated in this manner is relatively short when the stool inside the subject is relatively hard, and is relatively short when the stool inside the subject is relatively soft. become longer.

The index calculation unit 17 can calculate only one of a plurality of types of indices that can be calculated in this manner, and can also calculate any plurality of indices.

In subsequent step S5, the index calculation unit 17 displays the index calculated in step S4 on the monitor 15 as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In the example of FIG. 5, a plurality of indicators are displayed as numerical values on the monitor 15, the luminance information Le of the feces region R1 is "mean luminance of the feces region: W", and the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2 is "acoustic Next to the ultrasound image U, the ratio C is "luminance ratio: Y" and the length along the depth direction of the stool region R1 is "length in the depth direction: Z". and is displayed on the monitor 15.

The index calculated in step S4 is an index that tends to indicate a higher numerical value as the stool in the subject is harder, or an index that tends to indicate a lower numerical value as the stool in the subject is harder. Since it is a quantitative index regarding properties, a user such as a doctor can more accurately and easily determine the properties of stool in the subject by checking the index displayed on the monitor 15 in step S5.

Finally, in step S6, the device control unit 19 determines whether or not the inspection is finished. For example, when the user inputs an instruction to end the examination of the subject via the input device 20, the device control unit 19 determines that the examination is to end, and the instruction to end the examination of the subject is not input. In this case, it can be determined that the examination is continued without finishing the examination of the subject.

If it is determined in step S6 that the examination of the subject has not been completed, the process returns to step S1. Further, when it is determined in step S6 that the examination of the subject is finished, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 is finished.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 are detected in the ultrasonic image U, and the luminance information Le of the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 are detected. Based on at least one of the luminance information Ls and the shape information of the stool region R1, an index related to the properties of stool in the subject is calculated. You can easily determine the nature of the internal stool.

Note that the flowchart of FIG. 6 describes a case where the index correction unit 18 does not correct the index, but the index correction processing by the index correction unit 18 is performed between steps S4 and S5, for example. may be performed immediately after step S5.

When the index correction processing by the index correction unit 18 is performed between step S4 and step S5, for example, the index calculated in step S4 is changed by the index correction unit 18 to the ultrasonic transmission/reception conditions and the image The corrected index is displayed on the monitor 15 in step S5.

Further, when the index correction processing by the index correction unit 18 is performed after step S5, for example, the index displayed on the monitor 15 in step S5 is corrected by the index correction unit 18 and calculated in step S4. The index corrected by the index correction unit 18 is displayed on the monitor 15 instead of the index that has been corrected.

In addition, the ultrasonic probe 2 and the apparatus main body 3 can be connected to each other by so-called wired communication, and can also be connected to each other by so-called wireless communication.

Also, although it has been described that the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 is provided in the device body 3, the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 2 instead.

Further, it has been described that the region detection unit 16 detects both the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 in the ultrasonic image U by image analysis. It is also possible to detect the acoustic shadow region R2 based on the detected stool region R1 by performing analysis. In this case, the region detection unit 16 can detect a predetermined region centered at a position deeper than the detected stool region R1 by a predetermined depth, such as 1 cm to 5 cm, as the acoustic shadow region R2. .

The size and shape of the determined area detected as the acoustic shadow area R2 are not particularly limited. However, since the acoustic shadow is usually positioned directly under the stool in the depth direction and has the same length in the width direction as the length in the width direction of the stool region R1, the region detection unit 16 A region having the same widthwise length as the feces region R1 is preferably detected as the acoustic shadow region R2.

Further, when either the feces region R1 or the acoustic shadow region R2 cannot be detected by the region detection unit 16, the user manually selects the feces region R1 or the acoustic shadow region R2 that could not be detected via the input device 20. can be specified with As a result, even if the stool region R1 or the acoustic shadow region R2 cannot be detected for some reason, the index calculator 17 can calculate the index based on the stool region R1 or the acoustic shadow region R2 manually specified by the user. .

Further, even when both the feces region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 are detected by the region detection unit 16, the user can manually specify the detected feces region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 via the input device 20. . In this case, the index calculator 17 can calculate the index again based on the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 in the ultrasound image U specified by the user via the input device 20 . As a result, even if the stool region R1 or the acoustic shadow region R2 is not properly detected for some reason, the index calculation unit 17 can calculate the accuracy based on the stool region R1 or the acoustic shadow region R2 manually specified by the user. You can calculate the index well.

Also, in the example of FIG. 5, it is explained that the index calculated by the index calculation unit 17 is displayed as a numerical value adjacent to the ultrasonic image U, but the display method of the index is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the index calculation unit 17 displays an index representing the luminance information Le of the feces region R1 near the feces region R1, and displays the luminance information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2 near the acoustic shadow region R2. You can display the index that represents In the example of FIG. 7, the brightness information Le of the stool region R1 is displayed by the display panel Q1 including the text "Average brightness of the stool region: W", and the brightness information Ls of the acoustic shadow region R2 is displayed as "Average brightness of the stool region: W". is displayed by the display panel Q2 containing the text "Average luminance: X". Also, although not shown, the index calculation unit 17 can display, for example, the ratio C or the difference D near the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2, and can display the shape information of the stool region R1 near the stool region R1.

By displaying the indices in the vicinity of the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 in this manner, the user can determine whether the indices displayed on the monitor 15 are related to the stool region R1 or the acoustic shadow region R2. It is easy to understand whether

In addition, the index calculator 17 converts the calculated index into a color, and as schematically shown in FIG. The index can also be displayed on the monitor 15 by adding color to the line B2. The index calculator 17 can give the outline B1 of the stool region R1 a color corresponding to an index related to the stool region R1, such as the luminance information Le of the stool region R1 or the shape information of the stool region R1. In addition, the index calculation unit 17 can give the contour line B2 of the acoustic shadow region R2 a color corresponding to an index relating to the acoustic shadow region R2, such as luminance information of the acoustic shadow region R2. In addition, the index calculation unit 17 calculates a color corresponding to an index related to both the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2, such as the ratio C or the difference D, by calculating the contour line B1 of the stool region R1 and the contour line of the acoustic shadow region R2. It can be applied to both lines B2.

In this way, the outline B1 of the stool region R1 and the outline B2 of the acoustic shadow region R2 are given colors corresponding to the indices, so that the user can easily select the indices for the stool region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2. Easy to grasp.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the index calculator 17 indicates the relationship between the colors assigned to the outline B1 of the stool region R1 and the outline B2 of the acoustic shadow region R2 and the height of the index. A color bar G can be displayed on the monitor 15 . For example, the color bar G has colors that gradually change from the top to the bottom, with the color positioned at the top indicating a higher index, and the color positioned at the bottom indicating a lower index.
Thus, by checking the color bar G, the user can easily grasp the correspondence relationship between the colors given to the contour lines B1 and B2 and the height of the index.

In addition, instead of adding colors to the contour line B1 of the feces region R1 and the contour line B2 of the acoustic shadow region R2, the index calculation unit 17 divides the feces region R1 and the acoustic shadow region R2 with colors corresponding to the indices. You can fill it. In this case, the index calculation unit 17 can change the transparency of the filled color depending on the height of the index, for example.

Further, in the description of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 using the flowchart of FIG. 6, the ultrasonic image U is frozen in step S2, and the frozen ultrasonic image U undergoes region detection processing in step S3 and step S4. and the index display processing of step S5 are performed, but without performing the freeze processing, steps S3 to The process of step S5 may be performed. In this case, each of the ultrasonic images U continuously generated by the image generator 13 is subjected to the area detection process in step S3 and the index calculation process in step S4. The index is displayed on the monitor 15 one after another. Even in this case, a user such as a doctor can easily determine the properties of stool in the subject by checking the index, as in the case where the ultrasound image U is frozen.

1 Ultrasound diagnostic device, 2 Ultrasound probe, 3 Device body, 11 Transducer array, 12 Transmission/reception circuit, 13 Image generation unit, 14 Display control unit, 15 Monitor, 16 Area detection unit, 17 Index calculation unit, 18 Index correction section, 19 device control section, 20 input device, 21 processor, 31 pulser, 32 amplifier section, 33 AD conversion section, 34 beam former, 35 signal processing section, 36 DSC, 37 image processing section, B1, B2 outline, G Color bar, L1 length, Q1, Q2 display panel, R1 stool area, R2 acoustic shadow area, SL sound ray, U ultrasound image.

Claims

an ultrasound probe;
an image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasonic probe;
an area detection unit that detects a stool area and an acoustic shadow area due to stool in the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit;
At least one of luminance information of the stool region detected by the region detection unit, luminance information of the acoustic shadow region detected by the region detection unit, and shape information of the stool region detected by the region detection unit. and an index calculation unit that calculates an index related to the properties of the stool in the subject based on the above.
equipped with a monitor,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index calculator displays the index on the monitor.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the index calculation unit displays the index as a numerical value on the monitor.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the index calculation unit displays the index in at least one of the vicinity of the stool region and the vicinity of the acoustic shadow region detected by the region detection unit.
The index calculation unit displays the index on the monitor by adding a color corresponding to the index to the outline of the stool area and the outline of the acoustic shadow area detected by the area detection unit. Item 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to item 2.
6. The area detection unit detects the stool area and the acoustic shadow area by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit. The ultrasound diagnostic device described.
The area detection unit detects the stool area by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit, and detects the stool area at a predetermined depth relative to the stool area. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an area is detected as the acoustic shadow area.
6. The index calculation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the index calculation unit calculates the index by calculating a ratio C or a difference D between the luminance information of the stool area and the luminance information of the acoustic shadow area. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.
The index calculation unit sets the ratio C as luminance information of the stool region to Le and luminance information of the acoustic shadow region to Ls,
C = Le/Ls
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, which is calculated by:
The index calculation unit uses the difference D as the luminance information of the stool region as Le and the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region as Ls,
D = Le - Ls
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, which is calculated by:
The index calculation unit uses the difference D as the luminance information of the stool region as Le and the luminance information of the acoustic shadow region as Ls,
D = (Le - Ls) / (Le + Ls)
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8, which is calculated by:
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the index calculation unit calculates the length of the stool region along the depth direction as the shape information of the stool region.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the index calculation unit calculates, as the shape information of the stool region, the length along the depth direction at the central portion in the width direction of the stool region.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the index calculation unit calculates an average length of the stool region along the depth direction as the shape information of the stool region.
Equipped with an input device for a user to perform an input operation,
6. The index calculator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the index calculator calculates the index based on the stool region and the acoustic shadow region in the ultrasonic image specified by the user via the input device. 1. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to item 1.
6. The index correction unit for correcting the index calculated by the index calculation unit based on transmission/reception conditions of ultrasonic waves transmitted/received by the ultrasonic probe and imaging conditions in the image generation unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
generating an ultrasound image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using an ultrasound probe;
detecting a stool area within the subject and an acoustically shadowed area due to the stool in the ultrasound image;
A control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: calculating an index relating to properties of stool in the subject based on at least one of luminance information of the stool region, luminance information of the acoustic shadow region, and shape information of the stool region.