JP5355923B2 - Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an image processor for easily performing comparison and contrast of many volumes of three-dimensional tomographic image information indicating changes over time in a subject, and image processing. <P>SOLUTION: Since image processing is performed among a plurality of volumes of two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 having the same frame number to generate two-dimensional processing tomographic image information 92, image processing among the two-dimensional tomographic image information 92 at the same imaging position changing over time, time average of the same imaging position or the like, for example, is performed, the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 to be structural elements of three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 changing over time becomes easy to observe, is easily compared and contrasted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an image processing apparatus that acquire three-dimensional tomographic image information of a subject.

  In recent years, in an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, three-dimensional tomographic image information of a subject is acquired in real time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The three-dimensional tomographic image information of the subject is used, for example, when observing the fetus in the subject, and a three-dimensional image of the fetus is rendered by performing processing such as surface extraction.

Further, 1 volume 3D tomographic image information, which is information of one 3D imaging region, is a plurality of 2D tomographic image information sequentially acquired in one spatial direction in the 3D imaging region. Consists of information. These two-dimensional tomographic image information can be displayed individually, and image processing such as spatial filter processing can be performed between the images to make the two-dimensional tomographic image information easier to see.
JP 2003-175033 A (first page, FIG. 1)

  However, according to the above background art, it has been impossible to perform image processing and comparison with respect to temporal changes of a plurality of three-dimensional tomographic image information obtained by imaging a temporally changing three-dimensional imaging region. That is, image processing and comparison between a plurality of two-dimensional tomographic image information having different spatial positions in one volume were easily performed, but comparison and image processing between a plurality of volumes could not be performed. .

  In particular, in acquiring three-dimensional tomographic image information, the same three-dimensional imaging region is repeatedly acquired under the same imaging conditions. In this case, the acquired two-dimensional tomographic image information constituting each acquired three-dimensional tomographic image information repeatedly images the same two-dimensional imaging region. Therefore, it is possible to observe the time change of the two-dimensional imaging region using each acquired three-dimensional tomographic image information. However, since the operator cannot efficiently perform comparison and image processing with respect to the time change of the two-dimensional imaging region, it has been a factor that reduces the usefulness of the three-dimensional tomographic image information.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the background art, and an ultrasonic that can easily perform image processing and comparison of a plurality of volumes of three-dimensional tomographic image information indicating temporal changes in a subject. An object is to provide an imaging device and an image processing device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention includes an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a region of a subject, and the ultrasonic wave An image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of volumes of one volume of three-dimensional tomographic image information, which is made up of a plurality of frames of two-dimensional tomographic image information ordered by frame numbers, using the received signals received by the probe; An inter-volume image processing unit that performs inter-volume image processing on the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the same frame number included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information of the volume and generates two-dimensional processed tomographic image information.

  In the invention according to the first aspect, the inter-volume image processing unit performs the inter-volume image processing on the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the same frame number included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information of a plurality of volumes, thereby performing the two-dimensional processing tomography. Generate image information.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit configures the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the frame number. A filter processing means for performing inter-volume filter processing between pixels at positions is provided.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, characterized in that the inter-volume filter process is an averaging process.

  In the invention of the third aspect, the two-dimensional tomographic image is smoothed.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the invention of the fourth aspect is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit is a pixel constituting the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the frame number. An integration processing means for performing an inter-volume integration process for integrating values is provided.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the cine capture or accumulation of the two-dimensional tomographic image information having the same frame number is performed by the integration processing means.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the three-dimensional tomographic image information of the plurality of volumes is the three-dimensional information. The tomographic image information includes two-dimensional tomographic image information having the same frame number in the same two-dimensional imaging cross section of the imaging region, and indicates temporal change of the three-dimensional imaging region.

  In the fifth aspect of the invention, the two-dimensional tomographic image information having the same frame number is the same two-dimensional imaging section.

  Further, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further comprising an image acquisition control unit that controls the image acquisition unit, and the image acquisition control unit Is characterized in that the image acquisition unit is controlled so as to acquire the three-dimensional tomographic image information of the plurality of volumes under the same imaging conditions.

  In the sixth aspect of the invention, the three-dimensional tomographic image information of a plurality of volumes is the same image data.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the ultrasonic probe is arranged in a one-dimensional manner. And a mechanical scanning unit that mechanically scans the piezoelectric element array in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the array.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic probe collects three-dimensional tomographic image information by electronic scanning and mechanical scanning.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the image acquisition unit performs electronic scanning in the arrangement direction of the piezoelectric element array, and the 2 Dimensional tomographic image information is acquired.

  In the invention of the eighth aspect, two-dimensional tomographic image information is acquired by electronic scanning.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein the image acquisition unit is a scanning direction end of a mechanical scanning range of the piezoelectric element array. The frame number is sequentially increased from one to the other end in the scanning direction to acquire two-dimensional tomographic image information of a plurality of frames.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, the frame number and the acquisition position of the two-dimensional tomographic image information are continuously arranged in the position direction.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect, further comprising a display unit for displaying the two-dimensional tomographic image information.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the tenth aspect, in which the display unit converts the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information into the two-dimensional image having the same frame number. Displayed together with tomographic image information.

  In the eleventh aspect of the invention, the operator easily compares the two-dimensional tomographic image information and the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the tenth aspect, further comprising an input unit for designating the same frame number.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit is a three-dimensional three-dimensional volume. Inter-volume image processing is performed on the two-dimensional tomographic image information of all frame numbers included in the tomographic image information, two-dimensional processed tomographic image information having the number of frames of the two-dimensional tomographic image information is generated, and the two-dimensional processed tomographic information is generated. 3D image information forming means for forming 3D processed tomographic image information composed of image information is provided.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, wherein the input unit further forms the three-dimensional processed tomographic image information. The three-dimensional tomographic image information is designated.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, in which the display unit uses the three-dimensional processed tomographic image information to It is characterized by displaying three orthogonal cross sections.

  In the fifteenth aspect of the invention, three-dimensionally processed tomographic image information is displayed in three orthogonal sections.

  An image processing apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention is an image memory for storing a plurality of volumes of one volume of three-dimensional tomographic image information comprising a plurality of frames of two-dimensional tomographic image information ordered by frame numbers. And an inter-volume image processing unit that performs inter-volume image processing on the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the same frame number included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information of the plurality of volumes and generates two-dimensional processed tomographic image information. .

  In the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the inter-volume image processing unit performs the inter-volume image processing on the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the same frame number included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information of a plurality of volumes, thereby performing the two-dimensional processing tomography. Generate image information.

  An image processing apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect of the invention is the image processing apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit is located at the same position constituting the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the frame number. A filter processing means for performing inter-volume filter processing between pixels is provided.

  An image processing apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect of the invention is the image processing apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, in which the inter-volume image processing unit calculates a pixel value constituting the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the frame number. An integration processing means for performing integration processing between the volumes to be integrated is provided.

  An image processing apparatus according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit includes all frame numbers included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information of the plurality of volumes. The two-dimensional tomographic image information is subjected to inter-volume image processing, two-dimensional processed tomographic image information having the number of frames of the two-dimensional tomographic image information is generated, and the three-dimensional processed tomographic image including the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 3D image information forming means for forming information is provided.

  According to the present invention, image processing can be performed between two-dimensional tomographic image information having the same frame number constituting the three-dimensional tomographic image information, and the three-dimensional tomographic image information is obtained at the same position and the same imaging condition. In the case of collecting, it is possible to observe a time change occurring in the two-dimensional tomographic image information at a predetermined position in an easy-to-see state by performing image processing.

  Exemplary embodiments for implementing an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.

  First, the overall configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe 10, an image acquisition unit 102, an image memory unit 104, an image display control unit 105, a display unit 106, an input unit 107 and a control: processing unit 108.

  The ultrasonic probe 10 irradiates ultrasonic waves to a portion for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves, that is, an imaging cross section of the subject 20, and reflects ultrasonic echoes (echo) reflected from the inside of the subject 20 in time series. Received as a typical sound ray. On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe 10 performs electronic scanning and mechanical scanning while sequentially switching the irradiation direction of ultrasonic waves. As will be described in detail later, the ultrasonic probe 10 includes a one-dimensional piezoelectric element array in which piezoelectric elements are arranged in an array in the electronic scanning direction, and a one-dimensional piezoelectric element array in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement. A mechanical scanning unit for mechanically scanning is included.

  The image acquisition unit 102 includes a transmission / reception unit, a B-mode processing unit, a Doppler processing unit, and the like. The transmission / reception unit is connected to the ultrasonic probe 10 by a coaxial cable (cable) and generates an electrical signal for driving the piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic probe 10. The transmission / reception unit also performs first-stage amplification of the received reflected ultrasonic echo (echo) signal.

  The B-mode processing unit performs processing for generating a B-mode image in real time from the reflected ultrasonic echo signal amplified by the transmission / reception unit. The Doppler processing unit extracts phase change information from the reflected ultrasonic echo signal amplified by the transmission / reception unit, and in real time, blood flow such as average velocity, power (power) value, and dispersion, which are average frequency values of frequency shift. Calculate information.

  The image memory unit 104 is a large-capacity memory, and includes two-dimensional tomographic image information, cine image information that is time-varying two-dimensional tomographic image information, and two-dimensional tomographic image information in which imaging positions are spatially continuous. 3D tomographic image information and the like are stored.

  Image display control: the processing unit 105 converts display frame rate of the B-mode image information generated by the B-mode processing unit and the blood flow information image generated by the Doppler processing unit, and the shape of the image display And position control.

  The display unit 106 includes a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and displays a B-mode image, a Doppler image, or the like.

  The input unit 107 includes a keyboard or the like, and operation information is input by an operator. The input unit 107 is, for example, operation information for selecting display in B mode or display of Doppler processing, operation information for setting a Doppler imaging region for performing Doppler processing, and a three-dimensional imaging region for collecting three-dimensional data The setting information is input. From the input unit 107, information such as a scanning mode, a mechanical scanning speed, a maximum shake angle, and a scan start when mechanically scanning the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 of the ultrasonic probe 10 is controlled: Input to the processing unit 108.

  Control: The processing unit 108 controls the operation of each unit of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus including the ultrasonic probe 10 based on the operation information input from the input unit 107 and a program (program) and data (data) stored in advance. To do. For example, the control: processing unit 108 determines whether or not the ultrasonic probe 10 has received the scanning mode of the ultrasonic probe 10 input from the input unit 107, for example, based on information such as the speed of mechanical scanning, the maximum deflection angle, and the start of scanning. The position of the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array is controlled.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a partial cross section of the probe showing the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe 10. The ultrasonic probe 10 includes a cover 51, a grip part 52, a one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17, a coupling fluid 47, a drive gear 21 that forms a mechanical scanning part, a drive shaft 24, and a stepping motor. 28, a belt 33 and a rotation control unit 25. Here, the cover 51 and the grip portion 52 form a container that encloses the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17, the coupling fluid 47, and the driving gear 21, the stepping motor 28, the belt 33, and the rotation control unit 25 that form the mechanical scanning unit. To do.

  The cover 51 is made of a translucent film and has an arc shape along the trajectory of the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 that is mechanically scanned in an arc shape. The cover 51 is an acoustic impedance (impedance) intermediate between the subject 20 and the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 that allows ultrasonic waves generated by the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 and reflected ultrasonic echoes from the subject 20 to pass through with low loss. ). The gripping portion 52 is made of a moldable plastic or the like, and has a shape that allows an operator to easily and reliably grip.

  The one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 is a convex linear scanning probe. This linear scanning probe has a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in an array in the electronic scanning direction, and performs electronic scanning along the direction of this arrangement.

  The one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 performs mechanical scanning in the mechanical scanning direction by a mechanical scanning unit. The mechanical scanning unit has a drive shaft 24 that is a swinging means that faces the electronic scanning direction, and the probe surface that contacts the cover 51 of the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 by the rotation of the drive shaft 24 has an arc-shaped track. Perform the swing motion of drawing. The inside of the cover 51 in which the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 exists is filled with the coupling fluid 47, and the acoustic coupling between the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 and the cover 51 is in a state with little loss.

  The drive shaft 24 is mechanically connected to the stepping motor 28 via the drive gear 21 and the belt 33. The stepping motor 28 rotates at a predetermined angle with high accuracy by the input of a control pulse from the rotation control unit 25. By this rotation, the mechanically connected drive shaft 24 and thus the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 are rotated in the mechanical scanning direction.

  The rotation control unit 25 includes a pulse generation unit that generates a pulse for driving the stepping motor 28 and a pulse control unit that controls the pulse. The rotation control unit 25 controls the rotation angle of the stepping motor 28 and thus the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 based on the control information from the image acquisition unit 102, and uses the drive shaft 24 as the rotation center for the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17. Let the head swing.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a two-dimensional imaging section 9 obtained by performing scanning in the electronic scanning direction and the mechanical scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the electronic scanning direction using the ultrasonic probe 10. The ultrasonic probe 10 performs electronic scanning in the electronic scanning direction and moves the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 in the mechanical scanning direction orthogonal to the electronic scanning direction while acquiring two-dimensional tomographic image information of the two-dimensional imaging section 9. . Then, the ultrasonic probe 10 repeatedly obtains the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the two-dimensional imaging section 9 corresponding to different positions in the mechanical scanning direction, and the three-dimensional imaging region 8 covered by the electronic scanning and the mechanical scanning. Collect tomographic image information.

  The ultrasonic probe 10 starts acquiring the two-dimensional tomographic image information in the two-dimensional imaging section 9 from the position of the end portion in the x-axis direction corresponding to the boundary of the scanning range in the mechanical scanning direction, and at the other end portion in the x-axis direction. finish. The acquisition of the two-dimensional tomographic image information is performed only during one-way mechanical scanning in order to reduce the error of the mechanical scanning position. When the mechanical scanning position is returned to the start position, the acquisition of the two-dimensional tomographic image information is performed. Is not done. Note that since the speed of electronic scanning differs depending on the imaging mode such as the B mode or the CFM mode, the speed of mechanical scanning is also adjusted in accordance with the speed of electronic scanning.

  The acquired two-dimensional tomographic image information includes a header for recording information such as imaging conditions, and frame number information indicating the acquisition order is attached to this portion. The two-dimensional tomographic image information is stored in the image memory unit 104 with number information of frame numbers 1, 2,... In order from the start to the end of the acquisition of the three-dimensional tomographic image information. In addition, volume number information indicating the acquisition order of the three-dimensional tomographic image information is attached to the three-dimensional tomographic image information including a group of two-dimensional tomographic image information. From the start to the end of the acquisition of the 3D tomographic image information, the volume information of volume numbers 1, 2,... Is attached to the header together with the frame number in order and stored in the image memory unit 104.

  Similarly, the header of the two-dimensional tomographic image information is attached with information on the acquisition time, which is the time from the start of acquiring the three-dimensional tomographic image information to the acquisition of this frame, and is stored in the image memory unit 104. Furthermore, information regarding the three-dimensional tomographic image information is attached to the header of the first two-dimensional tomographic image information. This information includes information such as the total number of frames, the maximum deflection angle, and the inter-frame angle.

  The scanning range in the mechanical scanning direction of the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 and the total number of frames in this scanning range are input from the input unit 107 as mechanical scanning information. The mechanical scanning information of the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 is performed, for example, by designating the maximum swing angle and inter-frame angle of the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 in the mechanical scanning direction.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 collected using the ultrasonic probe 10. The three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 includes two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 with frame numbers 1 to N. The two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 of frame numbers 1 to N is tomographic image information of the two-dimensional imaging section 9 shown in FIG. 3, and is image information corresponding to these imaging positions. The two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 of frame numbers 1 to N shown in FIG. 4 schematically shows the imaging position together.

  Here, when the ultrasonic probe 10 is fixed to the subject 20 and imaging of a predetermined three-dimensional imaging region is performed, together with the imaging mode, for example, the maximum deflection angle and frame of the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 that is mechanically scanned. If the interval angle is the same, the acquired two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 for each frame is image information of the same imaging cross-sectional position. In other words, the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 having the same frame number is image information of the same imaging cross-sectional position. In this state, when the imaging mode is different in this state, the imaging time per frame is different, and accordingly, the speed of the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 that is mechanically scanned is also set differently.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of the input unit 107. The input unit 107 includes a keyboard 40, a TGC (Time Gain Controller) 41, a patient designation unit 42 including a new patient key, a track ball that is a pointing device, an ROI setting, and the like. And an image processing setting unit 44 for inputting various setting information when performing inter-volume image processing.

  The keyboard 40 is used when inputting character information or numerical information. For example, the name, ID No., and the like of the subject 20 are used. (Identification No.) and the like. The TGC 41 adjusts the gain of the received ultrasonic signal in the depth direction. The patient designation unit 42 receives an input every time imaging is performed with a new patient. By this input, the name or ID No. of the subject 20 is obtained. A memory area for storing the inspection information is secured in association with. The measurement input unit 43 performs setting of ROI, measurement of the ROI area, measurement using the pixel value in the ROI, and the like using a trackball or the like.

  The image processing setting unit 44 includes volume number specifying means 45, frame number specifying means 46, filter processing setting means 47, integration processing setting means 48, and the like. The volume number designating unit 45 designates a volume number for performing inter-volume image processing. For example, the volume number designating unit 45 can designate all of the series of volume numbers, or can designate the volume numbers individually one by one. The frame number designating unit 46 designates a frame number for performing inter-volume image processing. The filter processing setting unit 47 selects filter processing such as smoothing processing or sharpening processing. The integration processing setting unit 48 integrates the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the designated frame number between the volumes.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control: processing unit 108. Control: The processing unit 108 includes an image acquisition control unit 60 and an inter-volume image processing unit 61. The inter-volume image processing unit 61 includes a frame extraction unit 62, a filter processing unit 63, an integration processing unit 64, and three-dimensional processing image information. Forming means 65.

  The image acquisition control unit 60 inputs a scanning mode, an angle between frames, a maximum shake angle, and a scan when mechanically scanning the one-dimensional piezoelectric element array 17 of the ultrasonic probe 10 input from the input unit 107. Based on information such as the start, the image acquisition unit 102 is controlled to collect three-dimensional tomographic image information.

  The inter-volume image processing unit 61 and the frame extraction unit 62, the filter processing unit 63, the integration processing unit 64, and the three-dimensional processed image information forming unit 65 included therein will be described in the following control: operation of the processing unit 108. To do.

  Next, the operation of the control: processing unit 108 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the operator inputs imaging conditions such as an angle between frames of the two-dimensional imaging section 9 and a maximum shake angle when imaging the three-dimensional imaging region 8 from the image processing setting unit 44 of the input unit 107 (step S700). ).

  Thereafter, the image acquisition control unit 60 collects the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 based on the imaging conditions (step S701), and stores the collected three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 in the image memory unit 104.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 stored in the image memory unit 104. Volume numbers 1 to M in accordance with the acquisition order are assigned to the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 repeatedly acquired over time. Also, frame numbers 1 to N in accordance with the acquisition order are assigned to the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 of each volume number.

  A plurality of three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 including the plurality of two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 is stored in the image memory unit 104. Here, the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 of each volume number is of the same three-dimensional imaging region 8, and the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 of the same frame number included in each volume is the same two-dimensional. It has an imaging section 9.

  Thereafter, returning to FIG. 7, the operator inputs a frame number for image processing (step S702). This frame number is the number of a frame to be processed when performing image processing between volumes. Further, the operator can designate the volume number for performing the image processing by the volume number designation means 45 when performing the inter-volume image processing.

  The volume numbers for image processing include all the series of volume numbers attached to the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 from the start of imaging as initial values. However, if the operator wants to perform image processing only on partial volume numbers, the volume number designating unit 45 can designate a range of volume numbers.

  Thereafter, the operator designates image processing when performing inter-volume image processing (step S703). This image processing includes filtering processing between volumes or integration processing.

  Thereafter, the inter-volume image processing unit 61 performs image processing of the designated frame number and generates two-dimensional processed tomographic image information (step S704). Here, the frame extraction means 62 of the inter-volume image processing unit 61 reads the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the frame number designated from the input unit 107 sequentially from the image memory unit 104 in the order of the volume numbers. The frame extraction unit 62 transfers the read two-dimensional tomographic image information to the designated image processing unit.

  The filter processing unit 63 or the integration processing unit 64 sequentially performs image processing on the transferred two-dimensional tomographic image information to generate two-dimensional processed tomographic image information having a designated frame number.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the processing performed by the integration processing means 64 when the integration processing is selected from the input unit 107. The rectangular parallelepiped in FIG. 9 schematically shows the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18. FIG. 9 shows the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 of volume numbers 1 to 3 in order from the left.

  A rectangular region shown in the rectangular parallelepiped indicates the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 with frame number i. The circle, ellipse, and ellipse drawn in this rectangular area schematically represent the image of the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 having the frame number i included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 having the volume numbers 1 to 3. It is shown.

  The integration processing unit 64 integrates the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 of the frame number i included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 of the volume numbers 1 to 3 and transmitted from the frame extraction unit 62 to obtain the two-dimensional processing tomographic image information 92. Is generated. As schematically shown in FIG. 9, the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 is obtained by overlapping circular, elliptical, and elliptical images included in the respective two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 of frame number i. Thereafter, the integration processing unit 64 returns the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 to the frame extraction unit 62. Further, the three-dimensional processed tomographic image information 91 shown in FIG. 9 will be described later.

  Thereafter, the frame extraction unit 62 transmits the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 to the image display control unit 105, and then the image display control unit 105 displays the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 on the display unit 106 ( Step S705), the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, image processing is performed between the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 having the same frame number included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 of a plurality of volumes, and the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 is obtained. Since it is generated, it is a component of the time-varying 3D tomographic image information 18 by performing image processing, for example, time averaging of the same imaging position, between the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 at the same imaging position that changes with time. The two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 can be easily observed and can be easily compared.

  In the present embodiment, the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 is displayed on the display unit 106. At the same time, the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 having the same frame number as the basis of the image processing can be displayed side by side. .

  In the present embodiment, the frame number of the two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 constituting the three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 is designated, and image processing is performed on a plurality of two-dimensional tomographic image information 19 having this frame number. The two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 has been obtained. The two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 19 of the inter-volume image processing unit 61 shown in FIG. It is also possible to obtain the processed tomographic image information 92 and obtain the three-dimensional processed tomographic image information obtained by collecting them.

  6 changes the frame number output to the image memory unit 104 in order from 1 to N, and forms the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 for each frame number each time. When the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 of the frame number is completed, these are set as one three-dimensional processed tomographic image information. FIG. 9 shows the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 for the frame number i. The information obtained for all the frame numbers 1 to N is the three-dimensional processed tomographic image information 91.

  Further, when displaying the obtained three-dimensional processed tomographic image information 91, the three-dimensional processed image information forming unit 65 can display the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information 92 side by side on the display unit 106. It is also possible to display three orthogonal cross sections of the processed tomographic image information 91.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing three orthogonal cross sections of the three-dimensional imaging region 8 shown in FIG. The A cross section 81 facing the electronic scanning direction exists at the center of the three-dimensional imaging region 8 in the mechanical scanning direction, and the B cross section 82 facing the mechanical scanning direction exists at the central portion of the electronic scanning direction. In the center in the depth direction, there is a C cross section 83 that is substantially parallel to the contact surface between the ultrasonic probe 10 and the subject 20.

  FIG. 11 is an example of three orthogonal cross sections displayed on the display unit 106. In FIG. 11, the A section 81 is displayed on the upper left of the screen, the B section 82 is displayed on the upper right of the screen, and the C section 83 is displayed on the lower left of the screen.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the inter-volume image processing unit 61 is provided in the control: processing unit 108 of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100, but an image processing device including the image memory unit 104 and the inter-volume image processing unit 61 is provided separately. The inter-volume image processing can be performed by reading a plurality of volumes of three-dimensional tomographic image information 18 as shown in FIG. 8 into the image memory unit 104 of the image processing apparatus.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of an ultrasonic imaging device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe concerning embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the ultrasonic probe concerning embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3-dimensional tomographic image information and 2-dimensional tomographic image information which are acquired with the ultrasonic probe concerning an embodiment. It is an external view which shows the operation panel of the input part concerning embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a processing unit according to the embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processing unit according to the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the three-dimensional tomographic image information memorize | stored in the image memory part concerning Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image processing between volumes concerning embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the orthogonal 3 cross section of the three-dimensional process tomographic image information concerning embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the orthogonal 3 cross-section display of the display part concerning embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

8 Three-dimensional imaging region 9 Two-dimensional imaging section 10 Ultrasonic probe 17 One-dimensional piezoelectric element array 18 Three-dimensional tomographic image information 19 Two-dimensional tomographic image information 21 Drive gear 24 Drive shaft 25 Rotation control unit 28 Stepping motor 33 Belt 40 Keyboard 42 Patient designation unit 43 Measurement input unit 44 Image processing setting unit 45 Volume number designation unit 46 Frame number designation unit 47 Coupling fluid 47 Filter processing setting unit 48 Integration process setting unit 51 Cover 52 Gripping unit 60 Image acquisition control unit 61 Image processing between volumes Unit 62 Frame extraction means 63 Filter processing means 64 Integration processing means 65 3D processed image information forming means 81 A cross section 82 B cross section 83 C cross section 91 3D processed tomographic image information 92 2D processed tomographic image information 100 Ultrasonic imaging apparatus 102 Image acquisition unit 104 Image memory 105 image display control unit 106 display unit 107 input unit 108 Control: processor

Claims (19)

An ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from the region of the subject;
An image for acquiring a plurality of volumes ordered by volume number from one volume of three-dimensional tomographic image information composed of a plurality of frames of two-dimensional tomographic image information ordered by a frame number, using a reception signal received by the ultrasonic probe. An acquisition unit;
A frame number input unit for designating the frame number of the plurality of frames in the one volume;
A volume number input unit for designating a plurality of the volume numbers of the plurality of volumes;
An inter-volume image processing unit that performs two-dimensional tomographic image processing of the same frame number on the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the designated frame number in the plurality of volumes of the designated volume number and generates two-dimensional processed tomographic image information An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit includes a filter processing unit that performs inter-volume filter processing between pixels at the same position constituting the two-dimensional tomographic image information.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inter-volume filter process is an averaging process.   2. The ultrasonic imaging according to claim 1, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit includes integration processing means for performing inter-volume integration processing for integrating pixel values constituting the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the frame number. apparatus.   The three-dimensional tomographic image information of the plurality of volumes is tomographic image information having two-dimensional tomographic image information having the same frame number in the same two-dimensional imaging section of the region, and indicating temporal change of the region. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an image acquisition control unit that controls the image acquisition unit so as to acquire the three-dimensional tomographic image information of the plurality of volumes under the same imaging condition.   The ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric element array in which piezoelectric elements are arranged one-dimensionally, and a mechanical scanning unit that mechanically scans the piezoelectric element array so as to swing in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the arrangement. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires the two-dimensional tomographic image information by performing electronic scanning in an arrangement direction of the piezoelectric element array.   The image acquisition unit sequentially acquires a frame number from a scanning direction end of the mechanical scanning range of the piezoelectric element array to the other scanning direction end to acquire a plurality of frames of two-dimensional tomographic image information. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein:   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a display unit that displays the two-dimensional tomographic image information.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the display unit displays the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information together with the two-dimensional tomographic image information having the same frame number.   The inter-volume image processing unit performs inter-volume image processing on two-dimensional tomographic image information of all frame numbers included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information of the plurality of volumes, and the number of frames of 2 of the two-dimensional tomographic image information is 2 12. One-dimensional image information forming means for generating three-dimensional processed tomographic image information and forming three-dimensional processed tomographic image information composed of the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information is provided. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus described in 1.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the volume number input unit further specifies three-dimensional tomographic image information of a plurality of volumes for forming the three-dimensional processed tomographic image information.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the display unit displays three orthogonal cross sections of the region using the three-dimensional processed tomographic image information. An image memory unit for storing one volume of three-dimensional tomographic image information composed of a plurality of frames of two-dimensional tomographic image information ordered by frame number, and a plurality of volumes ordered by volume number;
A frame number input unit for designating the frame number of the plurality of frames in the one volume;
A volume number input unit for designating a plurality of the volume numbers of the plurality of volumes;
An inter-volume image processing unit that performs two-dimensional tomographic image processing of the same frame number on the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the designated frame number in the plurality of volumes of the designated volume number and generates two-dimensional processed tomographic image information An image processing apparatus comprising:   The image processing according to claim 15, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit includes a filter processing unit that performs inter-volume filter processing between pixels at the same position constituting the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the frame number. apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the inter-volume image processing unit includes integration processing means for performing inter-volume integration processing for integrating pixel values constituting the two-dimensional tomographic image information of the frame number. .   The inter-volume image processing unit performs inter-volume image processing on two-dimensional tomographic image information of all frame numbers included in the three-dimensional tomographic image information of the plurality of volumes, and the number of frames of 2 of the two-dimensional tomographic image information is 2 18. A three-dimensional image information forming unit that generates three-dimensional processed tomographic image information and generates three-dimensional processed tomographic image information including the two-dimensional processed tomographic image information. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the volume number input unit further specifies three-dimensional tomographic image information of a plurality of volumes for forming the three-dimensional processed tomographic image information.

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