JP2000152928A - Ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make play-back of past scanning condition and signal processing condition easier by processing echo signals obtained by ultrasonic scanning according to a desired scanning condition to generate image data on the cross section and storing the image data relating to the scanning condition and the signal processing condition. SOLUTION: Controlled by a computer 1, a memory unit 9 to store image data generated by a B processing unit 5, etc., is made to store information of the scanning condition and the signal processing condition of the image relating the subject information to the identifier of the subject (ID code), body type, age, sexuality, and inspected part. By a console 8, the scanning condition and the signal processing condition are adjusted and first - third play-back modes can be selected. By a selected play-back mode, past operation and signal processing conditions are played back and required items selected from the played-back operation and the signal processing conditions of the past are finely adjusted to be optimum.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that scans the inside of a subject with ultrasonic waves and generates an ultrasonic image based on the obtained echo signals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many recent ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses are provided with a preset function. This preset function
This is a very convenient function that can be used to reproduce the operating state of the device by pressing the preset button to a state that has been used in the past. The operation state of the apparatus includes scanning conditions related to ultrasonic scanning, such as a frame rate, a depth of focus, a depth of field, a viewing angle, and an ultrasonic scanning line density, a gain, and an STC pattern representing a gain at each depth. (Sensitive Time Control pa
ttern), signal processing such as dynamic range, and signal processing conditions related to image display.

A problem with the preset function is that the number of channels, in other words, the number of scan and signal processing conditions that can be registered is small. In general, at present, it is less than a few channels, and at most 10 channels.

[0004] However, it is not simply necessary to increase the number of channels of the preset function. The main reason is that it is easy to increase to 100 channels, but it becomes very difficult to understand what conditions are registered for which channels and their correspondence.
On the contrary, the convenience is reduced.

[0005] For these reasons, since only a few channels of the preset function are prepared, the following problems may occur. For example, there is a strong demand for a patient who has been examined in the past to perform this examination under the same scanning and signal processing conditions as the past, but the past conditions are registered. Otherwise, it is necessary to display the current image side by side with the past image, and to finely adjust each condition item sequentially while referring to the past image, which is very troublesome. Further, when a past image has not been stored or when the patient is a new patient, it is necessary to comprehensively optimize a plurality of items constituting the scanning and signal processing conditions, and this operation is even more troublesome.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can easily reproduce past scanning and signal processing conditions and can easily optimize scanning and signal processing conditions. It is in.

[0007]

(1) The present invention provides a scanning means for scanning a cross section inside an object with ultrasonic waves according to a desired scanning condition, and an echo signal obtained by the scanning according to a desired signal processing condition. And a storage means for storing the image data in association with the scanning conditions and the signal processing conditions. (2) The present invention provides, in the apparatus of (1), means for selectively reading out image data from the storage means and reproducing and displaying the image data;
Controlling the scanning means and the signal processing means in accordance with scanning conditions and signal processing conditions associated with the image data to be reproduced and displayed, so that the image data having the same scanning conditions and signal processing conditions as the image data to be reproduced and displayed; And a means for generating and displaying the same. (3) In the apparatus according to (1), the plurality of scanning conditions and signal processing conditions stored in the storage unit are displayed in a list, and the plurality of scanning conditions and signal processing conditions displayed in the list are included in the list. Means for selectively designating arbitrary scanning conditions and signal processing conditions from, and means for controlling the scanning means and the signal processing means according to the designated scanning conditions and signal processing conditions. . (4) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the storage unit stores identifier information relating to the subject in addition to the scanning conditions and the signal processing conditions in association with the image data. I do. (5) The present invention provides the apparatus according to (4), wherein a means for displaying a list of past scanning conditions and signal processing conditions relating to the same subject in accordance with the identifier information is provided. It further comprises means for selectively designating arbitrary scanning conditions and signal processing conditions, and means for controlling the scanning means and the signal processing means according to the designated scanning conditions and signal processing conditions. (6) In the present invention, in the apparatus according to (1), the storage means may store a plurality of items of information on the physique, age, gender, and examination site of the subject in addition to the scanning conditions and the signal processing conditions. It is characterized by being stored in association with data. (7) The present invention provides, in the apparatus according to (6), means for displaying a list of past scanning conditions and signal processing conditions in accordance with at least one of a plurality of items of information, and a list of the scanning conditions and signal processing displayed in the list. Means for selectively designating arbitrary scanning conditions and signal processing conditions from conditions, and means for controlling the scanning means and the signal processing means in accordance with the designated scanning conditions and signal processing conditions. Features.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. This device uses the computer 1 as a control center,
Ultrasonic probe 2, transmitting unit 3, receiving unit 4,
It comprises a B-mode processing unit 5, a display 7, a console 8, and a storage unit 9.

Although only the B mode (tomographic image) is shown here for convenience of explanation, the spatial distribution of the M mode, the Doppler mode for providing a temporal change of the frequency spectrum, the blood flow, etc. is represented by the average velocity and the like. Other modes such as a color flow mapping mode for expressing, and a harmonic image mode for extracting and imaging harmonic components may be used.

At the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2, a plurality of vibrating elements such as piezoelectric ceramics are arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. This probe 2 has a sector type,
Any type such as a linear type and a convex type may be used.

The transmitting unit 3 includes a clock generator 31,
Rate pulse generator 32, transmission delay circuit 33, pulser 3
And 4. According to the clock oscillated from the clock generator 31, the rate pulse generator 32 outputs a rate pulse for determining the transmission rate of ultrasonic waves (the number of transmissions per second). The rate pulse is appropriately delayed by the transmission delay circuit 33 and is supplied to the pulser 34 as a trigger pulse. A high-frequency voltage pulse is applied to the probe 2 from the pulser 34 in synchronization with the trigger pulse.

The vibrating element of the probe 2 receives the voltage pulse and vibrates mechanically. Thereby, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted to the subject. The ultrasonic wave propagates in the living body, and is reflected one after another at a discontinuous surface of acoustic impedance in the middle of the ultrasonic wave. The echo due to this reflection returns to probe 2,
The vibrating element vibrates mechanically. As a result, a weak electric signal is generated in the vibration element. This electric signal is taken into the receiving unit 4. The receiving unit 4 includes a preamplifier 41, a receiving delay circuit 42, and an adder 43. The electric signal from the probe 2 is first amplified by a preamplifier 41, appropriately delayed by a reception delay circuit 42, and added by an adder. As a result, a reception signal having directivity is generated.

The B-mode processing unit 5 includes a detection circuit 51
, A logarithmic amplifier 52, and an analog-to-digital converter (A / D / C) 53. Detection circuit 51
Detects the received signal from the receiving unit 4. The logarithmic amplifier 52 performs logarithmic amplification (logarithmic compression) on the detected signal. The analog-to-digital converter 53 converts the logarithmically amplified detection signal into a digital signal. The display 7 displays, for example, a tomographic image based on the digital signal.

The storage unit 9 stores image data generated by the B-mode processing unit 5 and the like under the control of the computer 1, and scans the image data with the scanning conditions and signal processing conditions supplied from the computer 1. That is, the information on the scanning conditions and signal processing conditions when the image data was collected and the patient information on the patient's identifier (ID code), physique (height, weight), age, gender, and examination site are stored in association with each other. It is provided for.

The console 8 allows the operator to adjust the items of the scanning conditions and signal processing conditions, and to perform a first operation as described later.
The third reproduction mode is provided for the operator to select. Here, each of the scanning condition and the signal processing condition has a plurality of items, including an open item which is open to the operator. Examples of this open item are: scanning conditions; scanning type such as sector and linear, number of receiving focus stages, center frequency of transmitted ultrasonic wave, depth of focus, viewing angle, depth of view, number of frames per second (frame rate) , Pulse repetition frequency PRF (rate frequency),
Ultrasonic scanning line density Signal processing conditions; gain, STC pattern (gain by depth), dynamic range. Of course, the condition items are not limited to these.

Next, the first to third reproduction modes will be described in order. The first to third reproduction modes are stored in a storage medium, for example, and function according to program codes executable by the computer 1. (First Reproduction Mode) FIG. 2 shows an example of a display screen in the first reproduction mode. In the first reproduction mode, for example, it is desired to interpret the current image of a patient while comparing it with a past image of the same patient or an image of a healthy person or a typical case patient. It is suitable for the case where it is desired to perform the current scanning and signal processing under the same scanning and signal processing conditions as when the data was collected.

On the left side of the screen in FIG. 2, a past image of a certain patient is reproduced. Then, the scanning and signal processing conditions associated with the reproduced image data are taken into the computer 1. Then, the computer 1 controls the transmission unit 3, the reception unit 4, the B-mode processing unit 5, and the display 7 so that scanning and signal processing are performed according to the past scanning and signal processing conditions. In the current inspection, image data obtained under the same conditions as the past scanning and signal processing conditions are displayed as a live image on the right side of the screen.

As described above, in the first reproduction mode, the scanning and signal processing conditions can be easily set to the same as those of the past image simply by reproducing the past image. (Second Reproduction Mode) FIG. 3 shows an example of a display screen in the second reproduction mode. The second reproduction mode is
For example, it is suitable for a case where it is desired to reproduce the scanning and signal processing conditions used in the past for the same patient as the current examination. When the console 8 is properly operated, an ID screen pops up in the upper left column of the screen. On this ID screen, the patient's identifier (ID code), the patient's physique (height, weight),
Items such as age, gender, and examination site are provided, and data can be entered from a keyboard or the like of the console 8 into boxes for these items.

"Patient identifier (ID)" on the ID screen
And clicking, the second reproduction mode is activated, a search of the storage unit 9 is performed using the patient identifier as a keyword, and the scanning and signal processing conditions associated with the image data together with the patient identifier. Are listed in the lower left column of the screen by type name. That is,
A list of scan and signal processing conditions used in a previous test for the same patient as the current test is displayed. For example, the list may be arranged in ascending order according to inspection time, may be arranged in descending order of use frequency, may be arranged according to the priority specified by the operator at the time of recording, and various rules may be used. Conceivable. Further, as the type name, it may be preferable to have a content that simply represents the doctor in charge of the examination, the examination site, the examination date and time, and the like with initials, initials, codes, and the like.

When the operator selectively designates a desired one of the past scanning and signal processing conditions displayed in the list, the computer performs scanning and signal processing in accordance with the scanning and signal processing conditions. 1 controls the transmission unit 3, the reception unit 4, the B-mode processing unit 5, and the display 7.

Further, if necessary, the operator can fine-tune any open items in the reproduced scanning and signal processing conditions to further optimize them.

When the operator appropriately operates the console 8, the detailed contents of the past scanning and signal processing conditions listed by type name, that is, the set values of the open items are stored in a table as shown in FIG. Displayed in format. If necessary, this table can be opened to check the details of the past scanning and signal processing conditions, and use it as a selection standard for the type name.

As described above, in the second reproduction mode, the scanning and signal processing conditions used in the past examination of the patient can be easily reproduced, and the reproduced scanning and signal processing conditions can be easily adjusted only by fine adjustment. Can also be optimized. (Third
This third reproduction mode is suitable for a case where it is desired to reproduce the scanning and signal processing conditions relating to a past patient having the same physique, examination part, and the like. The display screen is basically the same as that in the second scanning mode shown in FIG. By operating the console 8 properly,
An ID screen pops up in the upper left column of the screen. This ID
On the screen, items such as a patient identifier (ID code), a patient's physique (height, weight), age, gender, and examination site are provided.
You can input data from a keyboard or the like.

The height, weight, age,
When the cursor is placed on one or more item names desired from the gender and the examination site and specified by clicking, and confirmed, the third reproduction mode is activated and the specified one or more items are specified. Is searched in the storage unit 9 using as a keyword, and the scanning and signal processing conditions associated with the image data in which the specified one or more items match are listed in the lower left column of the screen by type name. . Similar to the second scanning mode, the list may be arranged in ascending order according to inspection time, may be arranged in descending order of use frequency, or may be arranged according to the priority specified by the operator at the time of recording. They may be arranged. . Also, the type name is preferably such that the doctor in charge of the examination, the examination site, the examination date and time, and the like are simply represented by initials, initials, codes, and the like.

When a desired one of the listed scanning and signal processing conditions is selectively designated by the operator, the computer 1 operates so that scanning and signal processing are performed according to the scanning and signal processing conditions. , Transmission unit 3, reception unit 4, B-mode processing unit 5, display 7
Control.

Further, if necessary, the operator can finely adjust any open items in the reproduced scanning and signal processing conditions to further optimize them.

Further, when the operator operates the console 8 appropriately, the detailed contents of the scanning and signal processing conditions listed by type name, that is, the set values of the open items are displayed in a table format as shown in FIG. Is displayed with. If necessary, this table can be opened to check the details of the past scanning and signal processing conditions, and use it as a selection standard for the type name.

As described above, in the third reproduction mode, the scanning and signal processing conditions used in the past inspection in which the physique and the inspection part match the current inspection can be easily reproduced, and the reproduced scanning and signal processing conditions can be easily reproduced. It is also possible to easily optimize the conditions simply by fine-tuning.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be implemented in various modifications.

[0030]

According to the present invention, since scanning conditions and signal processing conditions are stored in association with image data, past scanning and signal processing conditions can be reproduced, and necessary items based on the reproduced past scanning and signal processing conditions can be obtained. It can be used to fine-tune only for optimization.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a view showing a screen display example for explaining a first reproduction mode relating to scanning and signal processing conditions according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a screen display for explaining second and third reproduction modes relating to scanning and signal processing conditions according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a list of scanning and signal processing condition candidates picked up in second and third reproduction modes.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Computer, 2 ... Ultrasonic probe, 3 ... Transmission unit, 4 ... Receiving unit, 5 ... B-mode processing unit, 7 ... Display, 8 ... Console, 9 ... Recording unit, 31 ... Clock generator, 32 ... Rate pulse Generator 33: Transmission delay circuit 34: Pulser 41: Preamplifier 42: Reception delay circuit 43: Adder 51: Detection circuit 52: Logarithmic amplifier 53: Analog to digital converter 71: Digital scan converter 72: Look-up table 73: Digital-to-analog converter 74: Color display

Claims (7)

[Claims] A scanning unit that scans a cross section inside the subject with ultrasonic waves according to a desired scanning condition; and an echo signal obtained by the scanning according to a desired signal processing condition. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: signal processing means for generating; and storage means for storing the image data in association with the scanning condition and the signal processing condition. 2. A means for selectively reading image data from the storage means for reproducing and displaying, and the scanning means and the signal processing means according to scanning conditions and signal processing conditions associated with the image data to be reproduced and displayed. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for controlling image data to generate and display image data under the same scanning conditions and signal processing conditions as the image data to be reproduced and displayed. 3. A means for displaying a list of a plurality of scanning conditions and signal processing conditions stored in the storage means, and an arbitrary scanning condition and signal processing from the plurality of scanning conditions and signal processing conditions displayed in the list. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for selectively designating conditions; and means for controlling said scanning means and said signal processing means in accordance with said designated scanning conditions and signal processing conditions. apparatus. 4. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores identifier information relating to the subject in addition to the scanning condition and the signal processing condition in association with the image data. Diagnostic device. 5. A means for displaying a list of past scanning conditions and signal processing conditions relating to the same subject in accordance with the identifier information, and an arbitrary scanning condition and signal processing condition from among the list of displayed scanning conditions and signal processing conditions. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a unit for selectively designating the scanning unit and the signal processing unit in accordance with the designated scanning condition and signal processing condition. 6. . 6. The storage unit stores, in addition to the scanning conditions and the signal processing conditions, a plurality of items of information relating to the physique, age, gender, and examination site of the subject in association with the image data. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 7. A means for displaying a list of past scanning conditions and signal processing conditions in accordance with at least one item of the plurality of item information, and an arbitrary scanning condition from among the list of displayed scanning conditions and signal processing conditions. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: means for selectively designating the signal processing condition, and means for controlling the scanning means and the signal processing means in accordance with the designated scanning condition and signal processing condition. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.