JP3352207B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

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 which displays ultrasonic image information of a subject on a monitor and allows an operator to execute ultrasonic image measurement for diagnosis.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a diagnosis using ultrasonic waves, when a diagnosis time is limited, for example, an operator needs
2. Description of the Related Art There is known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that records desired ultrasonic image information on a TR or the like as a video signal and freeze-displays (still image display) an image when reproducing to perform quantitative measurement diagnosis.

This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus takes one screen of an ultrasonic image into a memory during reproduction, displays this one screen on a monitor, and measures the area and the like.

However, every time the scale or mode of the ultrasonic image to be measured changes, the operator has to perform a complicated switch operation again to measure the size and area of the ultrasonic image. Therefore, the burden on the operator is large and time loss occurs, and there is a risk that erroneous measurement may be performed due to a human malfunction.

Therefore, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 5-12936, the ultrasonic image information from the ultrasonic probe and the scale information are added in advance and recorded on the VTR. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been proposed in which one screen is fetched into a memory, freeze-displayed, and measurement of this one screen is performed based on scale information recorded with the freeze display.

[0006]

[0007]

[0008]

The present invention 0005], in the measurement time diagnostics playback, the measurement can be diagnosed within a short period of time, reliability is high
And to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus have meter measurement diagnostic results.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention has the following features.

[0010] That is, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of desired measurement diagnostics on the ultrasound image displayed on the monitor, collect process the ultrasound image information of the subject in real time, the ultrasound image a data processing means for converting the information into video signals, in response to the ultrasonic image information, test
And parameter information generating means for generating parameter information including information on general information and measurement diagnosis condition of the body, encoding facilities for error correction to the video signal before Symbol made to correspond to the parameter information for each frame of a video signal and parameter information processing means for generating a video signal information by adding the parameter information, and an image recording means for recording the video signal information, based on the video signal information from said image recording means, on said monitor The ultrasonic image can be reproduced as a moving image, and the ultrasonic image of a desired time phase can be displayed on the monitor.
An image reproduction unit can be reproduced image, from the image recording unit
From the video signal information is subjected to the encoding for error correction
It was read out the parameter information, error correction with respect to it
And facilities to the parameter information reading means to decode, at least
The running measurement diagnostic processing of the ultrasound image by performing arithmetic processing based on the parameter information decoding is performed for error correction, and measuring the diagnostic means for displaying the calculation result on the monitor, the Yes, characterized in that.

The measurement / diagnosis means has a measurement / diagnosis database, and performs an arithmetic process based on at least the data of the database and the parameter information corresponding to each frame of the ultrasonic image. It is characterized by having means for displaying the result on the monitor.

[0012] Incidentally, the parameter information processing means, converts the parameter information output from the parameter information generating means into serial data synchronized with the video signal from the parallel data, said parameter information converted into serial data means for applying an optimum coding in consideration of the error in the image recording and reproducing means may have a means for adding the parameter information corresponding to each frame of the video signal to the video signal.

[0013]

[0014]

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, when recording an ultrasonic image, general information and measurement diagnosis of the subject necessary for the ultrasonic image measurement and diagnosis are performed for each frame of the ultrasonic image.
Parameter information including condition information is added and recorded. Then, it intends row a predetermined calculation process is transferred to the measuring diagnostic unit reads the parameter information recorded in correspondence with the ultrasonic image at the time of reproduction. In this case, when recording,
The information is coded for error correction, and is reproduced.
The parameter information is decoded for error correction.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

In the figure, reference numeral 12 denotes an ultrasonic data collecting circuit for collecting real-time ultrasonic image information of a subject received by the ultrasonic probe 10. Reference numeral 14 denotes a digital scan converter (DSC), and reference numeral 36 denotes a TV monitor, which displays an ultrasonic image in real time during measurement or during reproduction. The ultrasonic probe 10 and the ultrasonic data collection circuit 1
2 and the DSC 14 constitute data information processing means.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a panel on which the operator inputs various kinds of parameter information such as subject information and diagnostic conditions while watching the TV monitor 36, and 20 denotes a panel interface. Reference numeral 32 denotes a CPU which is a center of a control command of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.
Controls SC14. Further, the CPU 32 has a function of performing arithmetic processing based on various parameter information, reference data of various parameters stored in the measurement / diagnosis database 22, and outputting the calculation results to the DSC 14.

Panel 18, Panel Interface 2
0, the measurement / diagnosis database 22 and the CPU 32
It constitutes parameter information generating means. Panel 1
8, the panel interface 20, the measurement / diagnosis database 22, the CPU 32, and the DSC 14 constitute a measurement / diagnosis unit that performs arithmetic processing based on various parameter information and the like and displays the result on the TV monitor 36.

Here, the parameter information refers to the I
General information of the subject such as D number, name, age, gender, height, weight, gestational age, etc., information such as date and time, type of probe to be used, display mode, display pattern, scale factor, etc. This means information on the subject itself, such as information shown, setting condition information for each mode (eg, Nyquist frequency, baseline position, image processing state in Doppler mode), and information such as measurement diagnostic conditions. Which parameter information is used or combined is arbitrarily variable according to the measurement diagnosis.

The VTR interface 34 constitutes parameter information processing means for processing parameter information when recording an ultrasonic image, and constitutes parameter information reading means for reading and restoring parameter information from recorded video signal information during reproduction. , Bus interface 24
, A parallel / serial conversion circuit 26, an error correction control circuit 28, and a parameter information addition / readout circuit 16.

Here, the parameter information adding / reading circuit 1
Numeral 6 is for adding parameter information subjected to desired processing to each frame of the ultrasonic image information converted into a video signal by the DSC 14, or reading parameter information from the recorded video signal information.

The error correction control circuit 28 performs optimal encoding on the parameter information converted into serial data by the parallel / serial conversion circuit 26 in consideration of occurrence of an error in the VTR, and decodes the information at the time of reproduction. .

The image reproducing means is the parameter information adding / reading circuit 1 of the VTR interface 34.
6 and DSC14.

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the operator operates the panel 18 while watching the TV monitor 36 or the like to perform a desired ultrasonic diagnosis. Control information from the panel 18 is transferred to the CPU 32 via the panel
2 controls the ultrasonic data acquisition circuit 12 and the DSC 14 based on this information. The ultrasonic data collection circuit 12 collects necessary ultrasonic image information and outputs the result to the DSC 14.
Transfer to

The DSC 14 is controlled by the CPU 32
The ultrasonic image information is subjected to processing such as time axis conversion, interpolation processing, addition (overlay) of character information and the like, and T
The video signal is converted into a video signal that can be displayed on the V monitor 36 and output to the TV monitor 36.

When recording this video signal, a DSC
14 via a parameter information addition / readout circuit 16
A video signal is output to the TR 30 to perform desired recording.

When recording a video signal, the CPU 3
2 is transferred to the parallel / serial conversion circuit 26 via the bus interface 24 and converted into serial parameter information.

Next, the error correction control circuit 28 performs optimal coding on the serial parameter information in consideration of the occurrence of an error in the VTR 30, and the parameter information adding / reading circuit 16 outputs the video signal output from the DSC 14. Then, parameter information corresponding to each frame of the video signal is added to the video signal, and is recorded on the VTR 30 as video signal information.

When reproducing video signal information, the VTR 30
Is output to the parameter information adding / reading circuit 16 of the VTR interface 34. The parameter information adding / reading circuit 16 outputs the video signal information to the DSC 14 and at the same time reads the parameter information from the video signal information. The read parameter information is restored to parallel parameter information along a path opposite to that at the time of recording, and is transferred to the CPU 32. The parameter information adding / reading circuit 16 may separate the parameter information from the video signal information.

The parameter information adding / reading circuit 16
The video signal information output from is reconverted by the DSC 14 into a video signal that can be displayed on the TV monitor 36. When the parameter information is not separated from the video signal information output to the DSC 14, the predetermined parameter information may be deleted by the DSC 14 and converted into a desired video signal.

On the other hand, when the parameter information is transferred from the VTR interface 34, the CPU 32 determines the parameter information, the measurement conditions newly instructed by the operator via the panel 18, the data of the measurement / diagnosis database 22, and the like. Performs arithmetic processing and returns the result to DSC1
4 is output.

When the calculation result of the CPU 32 is output to the DSC 14, the DSC 14 adds the calculation result or the measurement / diagnosis condition in correspondence with each frame of the video signal.
The information is displayed on the TV monitor 36.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a TV monitor display when a cardiac function measurement and diagnosis is performed during reproduction using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, and an example of a TV monitor display when a fetus is measured and diagnosed. Is shown in FIG.

First, FIG. 2 shows an R-wave synchronous display for a moving image recorded in the two-screen display mode of the heart (obtained by extracting and displaying an ultrasonic heart cross section at a desired time phase of a continuous heartbeat in a strobe manner). 40a is a diastolic R-wave synchronized image on the long axis of the heart, which is set by the operator based on the parameters of the R-wave time phase obtained in the reproduction, and 40b is a long axis of the heart. It is an R-wave synchronous image of a systole. Also, 52
a shows the left ventricle in the diastole of the heart, and 52b shows the left ventricle in the systole of the heart. Here, as parameter information, R
In addition to the wave time phase, a cardiac output (HR) 46 at the time of capturing an ultrasonic image of the subject, scale information 44 corresponding to the ultrasonic image, and a test object input from the panel 18 of FIG. The parameter information is added to the video signal for each frame of the video signal by the parameter information addition / readout circuit 16 of FIG.
This is recorded on R30.

At the time of reproduction, the ultrasonic image and the body surface area (B
Parameter information such as SA) 42, cardiac output (HR) 46, scale information 44 corresponding to the ultrasonic image is transferred to the CPU 32 via the VTR interface 34, and then displayed on the TV monitor 36 via the DSC 14. Is done.

Here, when the operator traces a line showing the inner wall of the left ventricle 52a in the diastole of the heart reproduced on the TV monitor 36 as a bold line in the figure, the CPU 32 in FIG.
Scale information transferred to the left ventricle 52 and traced
a, the CPU 32 determines the area (LVLAd) 60a and the length (LVL) of the left ventricle 52a in the actual diastole based on
d) The 62a and the volume (EDV) 64a are calculated, and the calculation result is displayed in the area other than the ultrasonic image display area 48 of the TV monitor 36 via the DSC 14.

Next, when the operator traces the inner wall of the left ventricle 52b during the systole of the heart, based on the scale information transferred to the CPU 32 of FIG. 1 and the traced area of the left ventricle 52b, the CPU 32 performs an actual operation. Area (LVLAs) 60b and length (LVLs) of the left ventricle 52b during systole
62b and the volume (ESV) 64b are calculated, and the calculation result is displayed on the area other than the ultrasonic image display area 48 of the TV monitor 36 via the DSC 14.

When the size (area, length, volume) of the diastole and the systole of the left ventricle of the heart is determined, the CPU 32 automatically performs a calculation process based on the size and the cardiac output 46. The amount of one stroke (SV = EDV-ESV) 66, the cardiac output (CO = SV × HR / 1000) 68, and the ejection fraction (EF = SV / EDV) 70 are calculated and calculated. DSC
The information is displayed on an area 48 of the TV monitor 36 other than the ultrasonic image display area via the TV monitor 14.

As described above, even in the case of the cardiac function measurement diagnosis performed by the moving image at the time of reproduction, the body surface area (BSA) 42 calculated from the height and weight of the subject other than the scale information of the ultrasonic image as the parameter information, By using the cardiac output (HR) 46, the operator can know the overall cardiac function simply by tracing the magnitude of the diastole and systole of the heart. In addition, by storing standard value data of the cardiac function in the measurement / diagnosis database 22 of FIG. 1 and comparing the standard value with the measurement value of the subject, a more comprehensive measurement / diagnosis can be performed.

Next, the TV when the measurement and diagnosis of the fetus is performed
FIG. 3 which is a monitor display example will be described.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 40 denotes a section of the head of the fetus in the reproduced ultrasonic image. Here, the parameter information is the pregnancy week number information 72 of the subject, the scale information 44 corresponding to the ultrasound image, and the ultrasound data collection time 80. The data is added to the video signal for each frame of the video signal by the readout circuit 16 and recorded on the VTR.

At the time of reproduction, parameter information such as the ultrasonic image and gestational week number information 72, the scale information 44 corresponding to the ultrasonic image, and the ultrasonic data collection time 80 are stored in the TV monitor 3.
6 and at the same time, these parameter information
The data is transferred to the CPU 32 via the interface 34. Here, when the operator designates the size (diameter) of the head section 40 of the fetus reproduced on the TV monitor 36 with the mark 82, the operator designates the scale information transferred to the CPU 32 and the distance between the two marks 82. The CPU 32 calculates the size (diameter) 74 of the head of the fetus.
It is displayed on the area 48 other than the ultrasonic image display area of the TV monitor 36 via the SC 14.

On the other hand, the measurement / diagnosis database 22 shown in FIG.
Stored therein is a standard value of the size of the head of the fetus with respect to the number of gestational weeks. Then, the CPU 32 performs an arithmetic process based on the size of the fetus head in the reproduced ultrasound image and the standard value data of the size of the fetus head with respect to the number of weeks of pregnancy in the measurement and diagnosis database 22. Estimated week of pregnancy 7
6 and the standard deviation 78 and the estimated delivery date 80
4 and is displayed in an area 48 of the TV monitor 36 other than the ultrasonic image display area.

As described above, regarding the obstetrics-based ultrasonic diagnosis, the number of weeks of pregnancy of the subject and the ultrasonic data collection time are used as parameter information in addition to the scale information of the ultrasonic image. By using them together, it is possible to know the overall fetal development status simply by measuring the size of the fetal head.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment, when recording on the VTR, various kinds of parameter information corresponding to each ultrasonic image frame are added and recorded. Since the measurement and diagnosis can be performed even when the ultrasonic image is a moving image, it is possible to measure and diagnose the operation state or the time-dependent change of the subject such as, for example, cardiac function, hemodynamics, and the developmental state of the fetus. As a result, arithmetic processing can be performed in consideration of this measurement result, other information of the object to be inspected, standard values, and the like, so that a comprehensive and more accurate diagnosis can be performed. In particular, even in the case of an R-wave synchronous display of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal in cardiac function measurement as shown in FIG. 2, which was conventionally impossible, parameter information is recorded for each frame of an ultrasound image, Thus, the measurement and diagnosis of the reproduced ultrasonic image can be performed in the same manner as in real time.

Furthermore, not only the conventional scale information of the ultrasonic image but also the ID, name, age, gender, date and time, type of used probe, etc. of the subject can be displayed as parameter information at the time of reproduction. It is also possible to prevent a serious error such as a wrong target.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, by the present invention lever,
Diagnosis can reduce the cross-sectional time, reliability or total measured diagnosis can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a TV monitor when cardiac function measurement and diagnosis are performed using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of display on a TV monitor when measurement and diagnosis of a fetus are performed using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 ultrasonic probe 12 ultrasonic data acquisition circuit 14 digital scan converter (DSC) 16 parameter information addition / readout circuit 18 panel 20 panel interface 22 measurement / diagnosis database 24 bus interface 26 parallel / serial conversion circuit 28 error correction control circuit 30 VTR 32 CPU 34 VTR interface 36 TV monitor

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-241846 (JP, A) JP-A-5-236424 (JP, A) JP-A-5-328274 (JP, A) JP-A-60-199437 (JP) , A) JP-A-57-17643 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 8/00-8/15

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of desired measurement diagnostics on the ultrasound image displayed on the monitor, collect process the ultrasound image information of the subject in real time,
A data processing means for converting the ultrasound image information into video signals, in response to the ultrasonic image information, and general information of the subject
And parameter information generating means for generating parameter information including information of the measurement diagnosis condition, prior Symbol made to correspond to the parameter information for each frame of a video signal coding for error correction to the video signal is subjected
And parameter information processing means for generating a video signal information by adding the parameter information, and an image recording means for recording the video signal information, based on the video signal information from said image recording means, before
The ultrasonic image can be reproduced as a moving image on the monitor ,
Image reproducing means for reproducing an ultrasonic image of a desired time phase on the monitor; and correcting the error from video signal information from the image recording means.
Encoding of Tadashiyo is to read out the parameter information that has been subjected to, its
The ultrasound performs arithmetic processing based on the decoding for error correction and facilities to the parameter information reading means, at least on the path Ramee <br/> data information decoding for error correction is performed with respect to Re run the measurement diagnosis processing of the image, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, characterized by chromatic and measuring diagnosing means for displaying the calculation result on the monitor, the. 2. The measurement / diagnosis unit has a measurement / diagnosis database, and performs an arithmetic process based on at least data of the database and the parameter information corresponding to each frame of the ultrasonic image. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying a result on said monitor.