JP2001128975A - Ultrasonographic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a three-dimensional concerned area by a two-dimensional image to be understandable while utilizing the advantage of a system for collecting and displaying image data in three dimensions, and more simply set a three-dimensional position. SOLUTION: This ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus includes a 2D array probe 1 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in three dimensions to a region to be diagnosed of a testee to obtain a receive signal, an apparatus body 2 for generating a three-dimensional image of the region to be diagnosed according to the obtained receive signal, and a monitor 3 for displaying the three-dimensional image. The apparatus body 2 is provided with a display unit 12 for setting a concerned area related to diagnosis using a three-dimensional image, setting plural sections to contain the concerned area, and displaying ultrasonic images of the plural sections.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention collects image data three-dimensionally by scanning a diagnostic part such as the heart of a subject with an ultrasonic beam three-dimensionally and displays the three-dimensional image. An ROI (Region of Int) suitable for performing an ultrasonic Doppler or various kinds of measurement required for an inspection using a three-dimensional image, particularly for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
(est: region of interest) and a device for image display.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a pulse Doppler (P
W), continuous wave Doppler (CW), color Doppler imaging (CDI: Color Doppler Image)
ng), and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI: Ti
Ultrasound Doppler such as sue Doppler Imaging is commonly practiced. When performing various measurements required for diagnosis on the obtained image, a method of setting and specifying a desired target position by ROI while viewing a two-dimensional image such as a B-mode image displayed on a monitor. Is generally used. Such PW, CW, CDI, T
The method of using the ROI when performing DI and various measurements is built on the premise of a two-dimensional image.

On the other hand, in recent years, the scanning surface of the ultrasonic beam is manually or mechanically moved, or the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned in real time using a two-dimensional array probe. There has been proposed a system that spatially scans the inside of a subject to acquire three-dimensional biological information.

[0004]

In such a three-dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which collects and displays image data three-dimensionally, a technique using an ROI constructed on the premise of a two-dimensional image is applied as it is. Then, the subject and RO
It is assumed that a three-dimensional relative position with respect to I is difficult to understand, or that the ROI cannot be easily set three-dimensionally.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described conventional problems, and takes advantage of the advantage of a system for collecting and displaying three-dimensional image data to form a three-dimensional region of interest in two dimensions. It is an object of the present invention to display an image in an easy-to-understand manner and to more easily set a three-dimensional position.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves three-dimensionally to and from a diagnosis site of a subject to obtain a reception signal. Sound wave transmitting / receiving means, data generating means for generating three-dimensional image data based on ultrasonic echo signals obtained by transmission / reception of waves by the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means, and three-dimensional image data generated by the data generating means. Display image generating means for obtaining ultrasonic images of a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on the display area and generating a display image thereof; region of interest setting means for setting a position of the region of interest; and a position of the cross section so as to include the region of interest. And a cross-section position changing means for changing the position.

In the present invention, the region of interest is PW
(Pulse Wave), CW (Continuou)
s Wave), M-mode, CFM (Color
Flow Mapping), TDI (Tissue)
Doppler Imaging), which can be used for at least one of the image measurements.

In the present invention, the position of the region of interest and the positions of the plurality of cross sections can follow each other in real time.

In the present invention, the plurality of cross sections may be orthogonal to each other.

[0010] In the present invention, the plurality of cross sections are a first cross section substantially parallel to a scanning line direction of the ultrasonic wave, and a plurality of cross sections are substantially parallel to a scanning line direction of the ultrasonic wave and the first cross section. It is possible to include a second cross section that is substantially orthogonal, and a third cross section that is substantially orthogonal to each of the first cross section and the second cross section.

In the present invention, the region of interest setting means includes a joystick, and by moving a lever of the joystick back and forth, the region of interest moves on the first section and the third section, By moving the lever of the joystick in the left-right direction, the region of interest moves on the second section and on the third section, and by operating an input unit attached to the lever of the joystick, It is possible that the region moves in a direction perpendicular to the third section.

In the present invention, the region of interest setting means includes a trackball, and by moving the ball of the trackball, the region of interest moves on the third section, and the vicinity of the ball of the trackball By operating an input unit attached to the third section, the region of interest moves in a direction orthogonal to the third section.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave three-dimensionally to and from a diagnostic site of a subject to obtain a received signal; Data generating means for generating three-dimensional image data based on an ultrasonic echo signal obtained by transmission and reception of a signal by a transmitter and a receiver having a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on the three-dimensional image data generated by the data generating means. Display image generating means for obtaining a sound image and generating a display image thereof, and a cross-section position changing means for changing the position of the cross-section,
Region of interest setting means for setting the position of the region of interest based on the positions of the plurality of cross sections.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a region of interest setting means for setting a position of a region of interest, and a sectional position changing means for changing positions of a plurality of sections having different directions so as to include the region of interest. A display image for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from a diagnosis site of a subject along the plurality of cross sections changed by the cross section position changing means, obtaining an ultrasonic image of the plurality of cross sections, and generating a display image thereof; Generating means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a cross-section position changing unit configured to change positions of a plurality of cross-sections having different directions; A display image for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from a diagnosis site of a subject along the plurality of cross sections changed by the cross section position changing means, obtaining an ultrasonic image of the plurality of cross sections, and generating a display image thereof; Generating means.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave three-dimensionally to and from a diagnostic site of a subject to obtain a received signal; Data generating means for generating three-dimensional image data based on an ultrasonic echo signal obtained by transmission and reception of waves by a transmitter, and a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on the three-dimensional image data generated by the data generating means. A display image generating means for obtaining a sound image and generating a display image thereof, and a setting means for setting an intersection line position of the plurality of cross sections,
Cross-section position changing means for changing the position of the cross-section so as to include the intersection line position.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave three-dimensionally to and from a diagnostic part of a subject to obtain a received signal; Data generating means for generating three-dimensional image data based on an ultrasonic echo signal obtained by transmission and reception of waves by a plurality of ultrasonic waves having different directions based on the three-dimensional image data generated by the data generating means Display image generating means for obtaining an image and generating a display image thereof; cross-sectional position changing means for changing the position of the cross-section; and setting means for setting an intersection line position based on the positions of the plurality of cross-sections. It is characterized by having.

An image processing apparatus for an ultrasonic image according to the present invention obtains ultrasonic images of a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on three-dimensional ultrasonic image data of a diagnosis site of a subject and generates a display image thereof. Display image generating means, a region of interest setting means for setting the position of the region of interest, and a sectional position changing means for changing the position of the section to include the region of interest,
It is characterized by having.

An image processing apparatus for an ultrasonic image according to another aspect of the present invention obtains ultrasonic images of a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on three-dimensional ultrasonic image data of a diagnosis site of a subject, and displays the image. A display image generating unit for generating the position of the cross section, and a region of interest setting unit for setting the position of the region of interest based on the positions of the plurality of cross sections. And

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 1 employs a system for spatially scanning an ultrasonic beam and acquiring a three-dimensional image of the ultrasonic beam in real time. Dimensional array probe 1
And an apparatus main body 2 to which the probe 1 is connected, and a monitor 3 connected to the apparatus main body 2.

The two-dimensional array probe 1 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional array.
By driving each of the ultrasonic transducers under the control of the apparatus main body 2, the ultrasonic beam is three-dimensionally scanned toward a diagnostic site in the subject in accordance with a preset transmission beam forming condition. At the same time, the ultrasonic echo signal returning to the probe 1 due to reflection at the acoustic impedance boundary in the subject or scattering by a minute scatterer with respect to this ultrasonic beam is converted into a weak voltage echo signal and received. The received signal is sent to the apparatus main body 2.

The apparatus main body 2 includes a pulsar / preamplifier unit 4 connected to the probe 1, a reception signal delay circuit 5 connected to the preamplifier output side of the unit 4, and a first bus B1 connected to the delay circuit 5. , A Doppler processor 7, a TDI processor 8, a PW processor 9, and a CW processor 10, and these processors 6 to 10 via a second bus B2. The host CPU 11 and the display unit 12 to be connected, and the host CPU 1
And an operation panel 13 connected to the control panel 1.

The operation panel 13 is provided with input devices (other switches, various buttons, a keyboard, etc.) such as a joystick 13a and a trackball 13b for various settings / changes relating to transmission / reception conditions of the ultrasonic beam.
The information specified by the operator by the input operation here is sent to the host CPU 11, and the information is set and changed in each unit in the apparatus main body 2. For example, when performing pulsed Doppler for a heart or the like, the operator operates the joystick 13a while looking at the screen of the monitor 3 to thereby obtain the ROI.
Can be set and changed.

The pulsar / preamplifier unit 4 includes a transmission pulse generator 14, a T / R (transmitter / receiver) 15, and a preamplifier 16, and includes a host CPU
A pulse voltage for controlling the direction and convergence of the ultrasonic beam by the probe 1 is generated by the transmission pulse generator 14 based on the preset three-dimensional transmission beam forming conditions under the control of the transmission pulse generator 11. Is supplied to the probe 1 via the transmitter of the T / R 15, and the signal received from the probe 1 is amplified by the preamplifier 16 via the receiver of the T / R 15, and the amplified signal is received by the reception delay circuit 5. Send to

The reception delay circuit 5 includes a plurality of beamformers BF1 to BFn capable of receiving a signal received from the preamplifier 16 in parallel and at the same time. On the other hand, reception delay is applied so as to satisfy the conditions of the direction and convergence of the ultrasonic beam in the predetermined three-dimensional reception beam forming, and this delay signal is supplied to the next-stage processor group.

The echo processor 6 performs quadrature detection on the reception signal from the reception delay circuit 5 using a predetermined reference frequency, and obtains three-dimensional morphological information (contrast agent) in the subject corresponding to the signal amplitude of the detection signal. In the case of administration, three-dimensional spatial distribution image data indicating a contrast image including information on a contrast agent is generated, and this image data is sent to the display unit 12.

The Doppler processor 7 measures the time change of the phase of the reception signal from the reception delay circuit 5 to obtain three-dimensional spatial distribution image data such as velocity, power, dispersion, etc., indicating blood flow information of the subject. Is generated and this image data is sent to the display unit 12.

The TDI processor 8 generates three-dimensional spatial distribution image data such as the movement speed, power, and variance of the tissue of the subject by measuring the time change of the phase of the reception signal from the reception delay circuit 5. Then, the image data is sent to the display unit 12.

The PW processor 9 operates when the pulse Doppler is performed. The PW processor 9 detects a reception signal corresponding to a position within a range of a designated sample gate in the signal from the reception delay circuit 5, and detects the signal. The detection signal is Fourier-transformed, whereby the Doppler frequency distribution of the velocity in the sample gate is calculated, and the calculation result is sent to the display unit 12.

The CW processor 10 operates at the time of continuous wave Doppler operation. The CW processor 10 detects a received signal corresponding to a designated position on a sample line from a signal from the reception delay circuit 5, and detects the signal. The detection signal is Fourier-transformed, whereby the Doppler frequency distribution of the velocity on the sample line is calculated, and the calculation result is sent to the display unit 12.

The display unit 12 is controlled by the host CPU 11 to receive the signals from the processors 6 to 10 described above.
MPR (Multi Pla
nar Reconstruction: Section conversion method)
A plurality of two-dimensional tomographic images along a plurality of preset cross sections are generated by image processing such as, and these tomographic images are displayed on the monitor 3 alone or together with various three-dimensional images.

The display unit 12 is connected to the monitor 3
When information on the ROI such as a sample gate is input via the host CPU 11 by the operation of the joystick 13a or the like of the operation panel 13 by the operator while watching the upper display image, a plurality of two-dimensional tomographic images are generated based on the ROI information. The position of the section and the position of the ROI in which is to be displayed are set, whereby ultrasonic Doppler, measurement, and the like can be performed. Information such as the shape and position of the ROI can be set and changed by the operation panel 13.

Here, the entire operation will be described with reference to the drawings, focusing on an example of setting the ROI by the display unit 12. Here, a case where a heart is assumed as an examination site in a subject and pulse Doppler is performed on the heart will be described as an example. The ROI in this case corresponds to a “sample gate” on the raster (sample line) of the ultrasonic beam.

First, at the time of driving the apparatus, the ultrasonic beam from the two-dimensional array probe 1 is three-dimensionally scanned toward the heart in the subject.
Dimensional image data is collected in real time. In parallel with this, the processing shown in FIG. 2 by the display unit 12 is executed.

That is, when the above-described three-dimensional image data is input in step ST1, a volume rendering image which is one of typical three-dimensional display images in the case of a heart is generated in step ST2. . This volume rendering image is displayed on the monitor 3 as needed.

Next, at step ST3, the ROI, that is, a sample gate is set in the case of pulse Doppler. The setting of the sample gate as the ROI is performed based on operator's instruction information input from the operation panel 13 via the host CPU 11. Then, in step ST4, the positions of a plurality of cross sections are set in accordance with the positions of the sample gates specified above, and 2 of the plurality of cross sections are set.
A two-dimensional tomographic image is generated by MPR. These generated images are output in step ST5, whereby a plurality of tomographic images are displayed on the screen on the monitor 3.

FIG. 3 shows a display example of a volume rendering image (three-dimensional image) of the heart OB and a plurality of sectional positions set in the image. FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c) show FIGS.
5 shows an example of a sample gate SG and a two-dimensional tomographic image (B-mode image) on a plurality of cross sections set in the three-dimensional image shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a display screen.

The plurality of cross sections shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C include, for example, two orthogonal cross sections VP1 whose straight lines connecting the transducer surface of the probe 1 and the sample gate SG on the sample line intersect each other. , VP2 (refer to FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b): which corresponds to the “first section” and the “second section” of the present invention, and is referred to as “longitudinal section” for convenience in the following description). A cross section HP1 (FIG. 4) orthogonal to the intersection of the sample gate at the position of the sample gate on the intersection of the two vertical sections
(C) reference: corresponds to the “third section” of the present invention, and is referred to as “transverse section” for convenience in the following description. In each of these cross sections, the position of the intersection line of each cross section is displayed to make it easier to understand the relative position of each other as shown.

In FIG. 5, the ultrasonic images of the vertical sections VP1 and VP2 orthogonal to each other as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are shown in the lower area of the screen on the monitor 3, and FIG. Ultrasound image of cross section HP1 shown in c) and FIG.
Are displayed side by side on the left and right, respectively. The display positions of these four images are not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed to positions that are easy for the operator to see.

With respect to the positions of the above-mentioned cross sections, for example, when observing the inflow waveform of the left ventricle of the heart, FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 6 (c), one of the two longitudinal sections VP1 and VP2 passes through the apical four-chamber section passing near the apical chamber of the heart OB (FIG. 6).
(A), and the other side is an apical two-chamber section (see FIG. 6 (b)) passing near the apical two chambers of the heart OB.
It is preferable to set P1 as a cross section in which the vicinity of the annulus of the heart OB is used as the sample gate SG. Thereby, the three-dimensional relative positional relationship between the sample gate SG and the heart OB can be easily grasped.

In each of the sections shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, it is also possible to display and adjust the Doppler angle correction marker M1. In this case, the angle of the Doppler measurement can be accurately corrected three-dimensionally, thereby making it possible to take advantage of one of the advantages of the real-time three-dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus such that the three-dimensional Doppler angle can be corrected. .

The positions of the vertical sections VP1, VP2 and the horizontal section HP1 can be adjusted in a three-dimensional manner (see the means using a joystick described later).
It is desirable that the position can be variably set to a desired position automatically or manually as required, rather than fixed. The reason for this is shown in FIG. 7 by taking two vertical sections (two orthogonal sections) VP1 and VP2 as examples.
A description will be given with reference to FIG.

First, the case where the positions of the two vertical sections VP1 and VP2 are fixed will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c). Here, a case is considered where the position of the sample gate is moved from SG1 in the figure to SG2 in the cross section HP1 shown in FIG. 7A. In this case, two longitudinal sections VP1, V
Since the position of P2 is fixed with reference to the position SG1 before the movement of the sample gate, the position SG2 after the movement is not displayed on the vertical sections VP1 and VP2, making it difficult to grasp the three-dimensional position.

On the other hand, two longitudinal sections VP1, VP
The case where the position 2 is automatically variably set following the movement of the sample gate will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c). Here, similarly to the above, the position of the sample gate in the cross section HP1 shown in FIG.
Let us consider a case of moving from G1 to SG2. in this case,
The positions of the two vertical sections VP1 and VP2 are set so as to change along the vector from SG1 to SG2 in accordance with the movement of the sample gate. Therefore, in this case, the ROI can always be displayed on each tomographic image of the two vertical sections VP1 and VP2, whereby the relative positional relationship between the ROI and the heart can be three-dimensionally determined regardless of the movement of the sample gate. It becomes possible to grasp.

In this case, the plurality of cross sections are displayed automatically following the sample gate while capturing the sample gate. However, if necessary, the position can be changed independently of the sample gate. . Further, when the depth of the sample gate is changed, it is also possible to set so that the cross section HP1 can be changed according to the depth.

In the above example, a plurality of sections VP1, VP
2, the case where HP1 is orthogonal to each other has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
The two vertical sections VP1 and VP2 need not be orthogonal to each other. Further, the probe 1 and the sample gate S
The straight line connecting G and the intersection of the vertical sections VP1 and VP2 do not need to coincide with each other. Further, the cross section HP1 does not necessarily include the sample gate SG, and in that case, the projected position of the sample gate SG only needs to be displayed.

Further, the number of cross sections is not limited to three, but may be more than three. For example, in the above example, three-dimensional image information is displayed as an image using three cross sections to make it easier to grasp, but in this case, the displayed tomographic image is a part of the three-dimensional image. Therefore, depending on the diagnosis site and its purpose, three pieces are not enough, and a case where more information is required is also assumed. A preferred example in this case will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate examples of setting three or more cross sections generated by MPR. Each of the plurality of cross sections shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B can be changed in position following the sample gate, and has the same two vertical cross sections (cross sections for B-mode tomographic images) as described above. ) VP1, VP2 and three cross sections HP2, which are set in parallel at predetermined intervals at predetermined positions on the intersection line thereof,
HP3 and HP4.

Of these, the cross section HP3 located at the center of the three cross sections can be changed in position while repeating reciprocating motion at a constant speed between the two cross sections HP2 and HP4 located on both sides thereof. , Thereby displaying the image at the changed position and providing more three-dimensional images. The relative position of the cross section HP3 at the center is, for example, two cross sections HP2 and HP shown in FIG.
4 can be displayed with a vertically movable marker M2.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a case where a new vertical section VP3 passing through the intersection line is added in addition to the above-described two vertical sections VP1 and VP2. In this case, the relative position of the newly added vertical section VP3 is set to be changeable by rotating about the intersection line as shown by the marker M3 in FIG. Thus, the image at the changed position is displayed, and more three-dimensional images can be provided. In this case, 2
It is also possible to set so that two mutually perpendicular vertical sections VP1 and VP2 move in parallel while keeping their angles constant, and an image corresponding to this is displayed.

Next, an example of means for moving and setting a sample gate in a three-dimensional space in the above-described method for displaying a sample gate on a plurality of cross sections will be described. In general, in the diagnosis performed using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the operator is usually one, and one hand (arm) is used to apply the probe to the patient. Regarding the gate setting and the like, it is desirable that the operation can be performed as simply as possible using the other hand (arm).
For this reason, a setting example in which the joystick 13a which can be operated with one hand is used to move the sample gate three-dimensionally with the joystick 13a will be described with reference to FIGS.

The joystick 13a is shown in FIG.
And (b), for example, a joystick mounting portion 20 installed at a predetermined position on the operation panel 13.
And a rod-shaped joystick body (lever) 21 attached to the joystick attachment portion 20. The lever 21 is moved in a 360-degree horizontal direction with respect to the attachment portion 20 in the front-rear, left-right, and other directions (FIG. 11).
(See the direction indicated by arrow D2 in FIG. 11 (b)) or by rotating the lever around the axial direction of the lever as indicated by arrow D1 in FIG. 11 (a).
As shown in (c), it is possible to move and set the sample gate SG.

For example, when the lever 21 is tilted in the direction of arrow D2 in FIG.
When the lever 21 is moved and set in the direction of arrow D2 in FIG. 11B and the lever 21 is rotated in the direction of arrow D1 in FIG. 11A, as shown in FIG. VP perpendicular to each other for B-mode tomographic images
1. VP1 is rotated and set about the intersection line.

As shown in FIG. 11A, first and second input portions 22a and 22b are attached to the lever 21. For example, when the first input portion 22a is operated, the lever 21 shown in FIG. The depth of the sample gate SG can be appropriately changed as shown by the arrow D3 in the parentheses), and the size of the sample gate SG can be appropriately changed by operating the second input unit 22b. ing.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to display a three-dimensional ROI in an easy-to-understand manner using a plurality of tomographic images while utilizing the advantages of a system for collecting and displaying three-dimensional image data. Thus, the position of the ROI in the three-dimensional space in various image modes and measurements can be easily grasped.

In this embodiment, a three-dimensional image of the heart is used as a diagnosis site, and a sample gate of a pulsed Doppler is used as an example of the ROI to explain image display and operation means. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the same display / operation means as described above
Not only pulsed Doppler (PW) but also continuous wave Doppler (C
W), M-mode, color Doppler imaging (CD
I), Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI), various measurements, and equally useful in all diagnostic sites of interest using all other ultrasound diagnostic devices. In this case, it is desirable that the cross section be automatically moved along with the movement of the ROI so that all of the ROI, or the center or the boundary thereof, is always displayed on the cross section in an easily understandable manner.

For example, in the case of continuous wave Doppler or M-mode, if the intersection line of the orthogonal cross section is set so as to always coincide with the sample line, the image display can be more easily understood.

In the case of color Doppler or tissue Doppler, if the intersection line of a plurality of cross sections is set so as to always pass through the center of gravity of the Doppler region of interest defined as a three-dimensional space,
Image display becomes even easier to understand. One example of this is shown in FIG.
3 (a) and 3 (b). In this figure, the cross-sectional shapes indicating the regions of interest for color Doppler and tissue Doppler can be displayed on the cross-sections VP1 and VP2 of a plurality of tomographic images generated by MPR.

Further, the same display / operation means as described above
It is also useful for simple distance measurement and the like and setting of a three-dimensional ROI. For example, in the case of distance measurement, all the line segments may be displayed on any of the cross sections.

Further, in the case of color Doppler, tissue Doppler, or other measurement, when the three-dimensional shape of the ROI is important and information of a part that is not displayed on the tomographic image is needed, FIG. ), The cross-section V of a plurality of two-dimensional tomographic images is included in the volume rendering image OB1.
A wire frame image OB2 as an ROI is displayed together with the P1 and VP2 position display. Then, as shown in FIG. 14B, the positions of the vertical sections VP1, VP2 are set so as to include the bottom surface of the wire frame image OB2, and the vertical sections VP1, VP2 are interlocked with the change of the wire frame image OB2.
Is also movable.

In the case of a three-dimensional ROI, RO
The switches, levers, and buttons for measuring the size and shape of I and adjusting to the image mode are the levers 21 of the joystick 13a shown in FIG.
And its surroundings. Although it is conceivable that all operations can be performed with one hand, it is also possible to separately provide a foot pedal or the like to perform a part of the operations as one of means for avoiding the complexity of the one-hand operation.

Further, if the region of interest is the tomographic image itself, the above-described setting means uses the three-dimensional image information to perform MPR.
It is more effective to set the cross section to be reconstructed in the above. For example, in FIG.
By operating the lever 21 of 3a, two vertical sections VP1, VP2 orthogonal to each other and the respective vertical sections VP1, VP
What is necessary is just to move the position of the cross section HP1 orthogonal to 2. Specifically, when the joystick 13a is moved in the front-rear and left-right directions, two vertical sections VP1 and VP2
Each vertical section VP1,
When the VP2 moves and rotates in the direction in which the joystick 13a is twisted, each section rotates around the intersection line position, and the input unit 22a attached to the joystick 13a
Is operated up and down, the cross section HP1 becomes the vertical section VP
1. Move along the vertical direction of the line of intersection of VP2. Thus, it is also possible to move the position of each cross section according to the movement of the intersection line of a plurality of cross sections without using the region of interest.

FIGS. 15A to 15E show the operation directions of the joystick 13a such as front, rear, left and right, and the above-described longitudinal section VP.
1. Explains an example of a technique for clarifying the positional relationship with the direction of VP2.

In FIG. 15A, in the three-dimensional ultrasonic scan area by the probe 1, the above-described longitudinal section V
X1 and X2 directions opposite to each other are set in a direction parallel to P1, and Y1 and Y2 directions opposite to each other are set in a direction parallel to a vertical section VP2 orthogonal to the vertical section VP1.

In FIG. 15B, the direction in which the lever 21 of the joystick 13a is tilted back and forth is the aforementioned vertical section V.
The directions in which the lever 21 is tilted left and right along the X1 and X2 directions along P1 are the same as the Y1 and Y directions along the above-described longitudinal section VP2.
It corresponds to each of the two directions, and the positional relationship between the two can be easily recognized by the operator on the joystick 13a side by means of symbols or color coding. Thereby, the positional relationship between the direction in which the lever 21 of the joystick 13a is tilted and the vertical sections VP1 and VP2 becomes clear.

For example, in FIG. 15C, the intersection (or region of interest) of the vertical sections VP1 and VP2 shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B on the horizontal section HP1 displayed on the monitor.
When the joystick 13a is moved in a substantially intermediate direction between the X1 direction and the Y1 direction, it is necessary to tilt the lever 21 to the obliquely forward right side in the drawing on the joystick 13a side. The display showing the X1 direction and Y1 direction on the joystick 13a side You can see immediately.

This is, as shown in FIG.
The same applies to the case where the directions of the vertical sections VP1 and VP2 are obliquely changed by the rotation of the lever 21 of the joystick 13a.

In FIG. 15D, the vertical sections VP1 and VP2 are rotated on the screen with the rotation of the joystick 13a. In this case, the joystick 13a
With the rotation of, it is also possible to rotate the ultrasonic image without rotating the vertical sections VP1 and VP2.

As for the correspondence between the directions of the plurality of sections and the direction of the joystick, X1, X2, Y1, Y2 are attached to the main body of the probe 1 as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to apply color classification such as A color, B color or the like for identifying the direction, or to perform other identification, and use this.

In the present embodiment, the case where the joystick is mainly used as the input device used for the setting means of the region of interest or the like is described. However, the case of the trackball 13b as another example of the device is shown in FIGS. It is shown in b).

The trackball 13b shown in FIG.
Then, by moving the ball 30, FIG.
It is possible to appropriately change the region of interest (or the position of the intersection of the vertical sections VP1 and VP2) on the above-described horizontal section HP1 shown in (b) and change the positions of the vertical sections VP1 and VP2 following the changed position. (See direction D4 in the figure). In the vicinity of the trackball 13b shown in FIG. 16A, the position of the region of interest is set in a direction (depth direction) orthogonal to the cross section HP1.
Is provided with a movable input unit 31.

In this embodiment, an example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been described. However, the region-of-interest setting means, sectional position changing means, display image means, etc. of the present invention mounted on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus after image acquisition The present invention can also be applied to a case where various measurements are performed using an image processing device such as a workstation. FIG. 17 shows an example of an image processing apparatus for an ultrasonic image in this case.

The image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 17 includes a main body 101 and a monitor 102 connected to the main body 101.
The main body 101 includes a control unit 103 (provided with predetermined functions required for measurement and the like in the display unit 12), an operation unit 104 (a predetermined function required for measurement and the like in the functions of the operation panel 13). Joystick 105 and trackball 106 having the same functions as described above.
Etc. are equipped.

As a result, the image processing apparatus 100
Under the control of the control unit 103, three-dimensional ultrasonic image data of a diagnostic site of a subject is input, ultrasonic images of a plurality of cross sections having different directions are obtained, a display image is generated, and interest is obtained by operating the joystick 105 or the like. Set the position of the region, change the position of the cross section to include this region of interest,
Conversely, the position of the cross section is changed, and the position of the region of interest is set based on the positions of the plurality of cross sections.

In this embodiment, the region of interest and a plurality of cross sections are set after acquiring the volume data of the ultrasonic wave. However, as another example, after setting or changing the region of interest or the plurality of cross sections, only the ultrasonic wave of the cross section is set. Scanning can also be performed.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in this case, the position of the region of interest is set, the positions of a plurality of sections having different directions are changed so as to include the region of interest, and along the changed plurality of sections, It is possible to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave to and from a diagnosis site of a subject, obtain an ultrasonic image of a plurality of cross sections, and generate a display image thereof.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this example,
Change the positions of multiple sections with different orientations, set the position of the region of interest based on the positions of the multiple sections, and transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from the diagnostic site of the subject along the changed multiple sections. It is also possible to obtain an ultrasonic image of a plurality of cross-sections and generate a display image thereof.

In the description of the present embodiment and each example described above,
When the position of the intersection of the region of interest or the plurality of cross sections is changed, the positions of the plurality of cross sections including the region of interest or the positions of the plurality of cross sections forming the intersection are set in real time. Is not limited to this. For example, after changing the intersection line position of the region of interest or the plurality of cross sections, the position of the plurality of cross sections including the region of interest or the position of the plurality of cross sections forming the intersection line is set by a manual operation such as pressing a button. It is also possible.

The description of the present embodiment is as described above.
The present invention is not limited to the configuration of such an embodiment, and includes a configuration that can be appropriately changed and modified by a person skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the claims.

[0082]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A three-dimensional region of interest can be represented by a plurality of tomographic images (2) while utilizing the advantages of a system for collecting and displaying three-dimensional image data.
(3D image), so that the position of the region of interest in various image modes and measurements can be easily grasped in the 3D space, and the 3D region of interest can be easily set in the 3D space. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an image processing apparatus for ultrasonic images that can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of a display unit.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example of a heart volume rendering image and a plurality of cross-sectional positions.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating display examples of a plurality of cross sections when performing pulse Doppler on the heart.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a monitor display example of a plurality of cross sections.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are schematic diagrams illustrating display examples of a plurality of cross sections when observing a left ventricular outflow waveform of a heart.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic diagrams illustrating display examples when two orthogonal cross sections are fixed.

8A to 8C are schematic diagrams illustrating display examples when two orthogonal cross sections are variable.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams illustrating a setting example in a case where the number of cross sections is three.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a setting example in a case where there are three longitudinal sections.

FIG. 11 illustrates an outline of a joystick.
(A) is a schematic side view, (b) is a schematic top view.

FIGS. 12A to 12C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of movement and setting of a sample gate and a plurality of cross sections according to the operation of the joystick in FIG.

FIGS. 13 (a) and (b) are for Doppler and TD
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an ROI display for I.

14A and 14B are schematic diagrams showing display examples when a three-dimensional shape of an ROI is important.

FIGS. 15A to 15E are diagrams showing an example of correspondence between directions of a plurality of cross sections and operation directions of a joystick.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating an operation example of a trackball.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus for an ultrasonic image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Two-dimensional (2D) array probe 2 Main unit 3 Monitor 4 Pulser / amplifier unit 5 Reception delay circuit 6 Echo processor 7 Doppler processor 8 TDI processor 9 PW processor 10 CW processor 11 Host CPU 12 Display unit 13 Operation panel 13a Joystick 13b Trackball 20 Joystick attachment section 21 Joystick body (lever) 22a First input section 22b Second input section 30 Ball (trackball) 31 Input section (trackball) 100 Image processing apparatus 101 Main body 102 Monitor 103 Control unit 104 Operation Unit 105 joystick 106 trackball

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave three-dimensionally to and from a diagnosis site of a subject to obtain a received signal, and an ultrasonic echo signal obtained by transmitting / receiving the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving means A data generating unit that generates three-dimensional image data based on the three-dimensional image data, and generates a display image by obtaining ultrasonic images of a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on the three-dimensional image data generated by the data generating unit. Ultrasound diagnosis, comprising: a display image generating unit; a region of interest setting unit that sets a position of a region of interest; and a cross section position changing unit that changes a position of the cross section so as to include the region of interest. apparatus. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the region of interest is PW (Pulse Wave),
CW (Continuous Wave), M-mod
e, CFM (Color Flow Mappin)
g), TDI (Tissue Doppler Ima)
ging), which is used for at least one of image measurement. 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the region of interest and the positions of the plurality of cross sections follow each other in real time. 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cross sections are orthogonal to each other. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cross sections are a first cross section substantially parallel to a scanning line direction of the ultrasonic wave, and substantially parallel to a scanning line direction of the ultrasonic wave. And an ultrasonic diagnosis comprising: a second cross section substantially orthogonal to the first cross section; and a third cross section substantially orthogonal to the first cross section and the second cross section, respectively. apparatus. 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the region-of-interest setting means includes a joystick, and the region of interest is on the first section and the first region is moved by moving a lever of the joystick in the front-rear direction. Moving on the third section, moving the joystick lever in the left-right direction moves the region of interest on the second section and on the third section, and the input attached to the joystick lever. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the region of interest moves in a direction orthogonal to the third section by operating a part. 7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the region of interest setting means includes a trackball, and the region of interest moves on the third cross section by moving the ball of the trackball. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus wherein the region of interest is moved in a direction orthogonal to the third section by operating an input unit attached to the vicinity of the trackball. 8. An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves three-dimensionally to and from a diagnostic part of a subject to obtain a reception signal, and an ultrasonic echo signal obtained by transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving means. A data generating unit that generates three-dimensional image data based on the three-dimensional image data, and generates a display image by obtaining ultrasonic images of a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on the three-dimensional image data generated by the data generating unit. Ultrasound comprising: a display image generating unit; a cross-sectional position changing unit that changes the position of the cross-section; and a region-of-interest setting unit that sets the position of the region of interest based on the positions of the plurality of cross-sections. Diagnostic device. 9. A region-of-interest setting means for setting a position of a region of interest, a cross-section position changing device for changing the positions of a plurality of cross-sections having different directions so as to include the region of interest, Display image generating means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the diagnostic site of the subject along the plurality of cross sections, obtaining an ultrasonic image of the plurality of cross sections, and generating a display image thereof. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment. 10. A cross-section position changing means for changing the positions of a plurality of cross sections having different directions, a region of interest setting means for setting a position of a region of interest based on the positions of the plurality of cross sections, Display image generating means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the diagnostic site of the subject along the plurality of cross sections, obtaining an ultrasonic image of the plurality of cross sections, and generating a display image thereof. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. 11. An ultrasonic transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave three-dimensionally to and from a diagnosis site of a subject to obtain a reception signal, and an ultrasonic echo signal obtained by transmission / reception by said ultrasonic transmission / reception means Data generating means for generating three-dimensional image data on the basis of the three-dimensional image data generated on the basis of the three-dimensional image data generated by the data generating means. Display image generating means, setting means for setting the intersection line positions of the plurality of cross sections, and cross section position changing means for changing the position of the cross section so as to include the intersection line positions. Ultrasound diagnostic device. 12. An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves three-dimensionally to and from a diagnosis site of a subject to obtain a reception signal, and an ultrasonic echo signal obtained by transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving means. Data generating means for generating three-dimensional image data on the basis of the three-dimensional image data generated on the basis of the three-dimensional image data generated by the data generating means. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a display image generating unit; a cross section position changing unit that changes a position of the cross section; and a setting unit that sets an intersection line position based on the positions of the plurality of cross sections. . 13. A display image generating means for obtaining an ultrasonic image of a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on three-dimensional ultrasonic image data of a diagnostic site of a subject and generating a display image thereof, and determining a position of the region of interest. An image processing apparatus for an ultrasonic image, comprising: a region of interest setting means for setting; and a cross section position changing means for changing a position of the cross section so as to include the region of interest. 14. A display image generating means for obtaining ultrasonic images of a plurality of cross sections having different directions based on three-dimensional ultrasonic image data of a diagnostic site of a subject and generating a display image thereof, An image processing apparatus for an ultrasonic image, comprising: a cross-section position changing unit for changing; and a region of interest setting unit for setting a position of a region of interest based on the positions of the plurality of cross sections.