JP4589778B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method for generating electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining an ultrasonic image synchronized with an electrocardiogram.

  For diagnosis of a circulatory function including the heart, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of acquiring and displaying an ultrasonic diagnostic image in synchronization with a predetermined timing of an electrocardiogram waveform which is one of biological signals is generally used. used. Moreover, recently, for the ultrasonic diagnosis of such cardiac function and hemodynamics, after the contrast echo technique by injection of an ultrasonic contrast agent synchronized with the electrocardiogram waveform, or after the foaming induction of microbubbles by flash ultrasound on this contrast agent, Ultrasound diagnostic devices with functions such as a flash echo method for observing ECG-synchronized ultrasound diagnostic images and a harmonic echo method for observing the dynamics of blood flow in the tissue using ultrasonic harmonic signals are also used. .

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing these circulatory dynamics is provided with an electrocardiographic synchronization unit comprising an electrocardiogram apparatus and an electrocardiographic synchronization signal generator, and an ultrasonic diagnosis is performed based on an electrocardiographic synchronization signal output from this unit. The ultrasonic signal generator of the apparatus main body is controlled. This control is performed after an elapse of a predetermined time for flowing into a desired organ after administration of a contrast agent, and in synchronization with an R wave of the electrocardiogram, for example, at the characteristic point of each time phase of the electrocardiogram. The ultrasonic signal from the stylus is radiated with a driving pattern peculiar to these methods. In general, this electrocardiogram synchronization unit is always provided as a basic component unit in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for circulatory organs, and an additional unit is provided as an optional unit in a general ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and an ultrasonic image synchronized with an electrocardiogram is obtained. Can be acquired.

  The contrast agent for ultrasonic diagnosis used in these methods is an injection solution in which a large amount of microbubbles (microbubbles) that are effective reflectors for ultrasonic signals are mixed, and can be used for one diagnosis. Is limited to 3 times, and the effective time of bubble persistence is as short as about 5 minutes, and there are restrictions in use. Therefore, in order to carry out these methods, in addition to the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by a skilled and skilled doctor, in order to reliably acquire an ultrasonic diagnostic image within the above-mentioned constraints, an ultrasonic diagnosis is required. After administration of the contrast medium for use, it is required that reliable electrocardiogram synchronization is performed.

  As described above, in the collection of an ultrasound diagnostic image performed using an ultrasound diagnostic contrast agent, frequent administration is difficult due to restrictions on the use of the contrast agent. Since it is necessary to drive an ultrasonic wave with a predetermined radiation pattern that is synchronized with the electrocardiogram signal within a predetermined time, the lack of a trigger signal that is synchronized with the electrocardiogram causes a lack of diagnostic information, which is a major problem. . In addition, even within the range of usage restrictions, multiple administration increases the physical burden on the patient and increases the amount of contrast medium used, leading to increased diagnostic costs. It was indispensable to stably obtain a synchronous trigger signal by a signal.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that maintains acquisition of an ultrasonic diagnostic image at a predetermined timing even when an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal is missing in the middle after administration of a contrast agent. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is activated and preset by an electrocardiogram trigger means for outputting an R wave synchronization signal synchronized with a predetermined phase of an electrocardiogram signal waveform and the R wave synchronization signal. First to fourth timer means for defining first to fourth predetermined times, and first or second predetermined time respectively defined by the first and second timer means, Preset one of four predetermined times: a predetermined time, a second predetermined time, a first predetermined time which is the shorter of the first and second, and a first predetermined time which is the longer of the first and second. Trigger generation timing means for outputting a trigger activation signal after elapse of a predetermined time of the setting, and before the end of the third predetermined time defined by the third timer means longer than the fourth predetermined time, the trigger When a start signal is output, A pseudo trigger signal is generated and output in response to the trigger activation signal of the first trigger signal, and when it is output after the end of the third predetermined time, the pseudo trigger generation means that does not operate at all and a fourth predetermined time defined by the fourth timer means When the pseudo trigger signal is input after a lapse of time, this pseudo trigger signal is output. When the pseudo trigger signal is input before the end of the fourth predetermined time, the trigger output suppression for blocking the pseudo trigger signal output. And an ECG synchronization trigger signal obtained by adding the R wave synchronization signal output from the electrocardiogram trigger means and the pseudo trigger signal output from the trigger output suppression means. And a trigger signal addition output means for inputting to the control means.

  Further, in the first to fourth timer means of the present invention, at least one of the first to fourth predetermined times set in advance is set by manual input by the operator using the input operation means. It is characterized by this.

  Further, in the first to fourth timer means of the present invention, at least one of the first to fourth predetermined times set in advance moves a plurality of heartbeat cycles immediately before the timer means is activated. An average heartbeat cycle obtained by averaging is set.

  Further, in the first to fourth timer means of the present invention, at least one of the first to fourth predetermined times set in advance moves a plurality of heartbeat cycles immediately before the timer means is activated. The average heart rate cycle obtained by averaging is set by multiplying by a preset coefficient.

  Further, in the first to fourth timer means of the present invention, at least one of the first to fourth predetermined times set in advance moves a plurality of heartbeat cycles immediately before the timer means is activated. The average heart rate cycle obtained by averaging is set by multiplying the coefficient set by manual input by the operator using the input operation means.

  Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising a pseudo trigger operation display means that sounds or emits light in response to a pseudo trigger signal output from the trigger output suppression means.

  Furthermore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, a pseudo trigger that displays a symbol or a different display color on a part of the display portion of the ultrasonic image display means according to a pseudo trigger signal output from the trigger output suppression means. An operation display means is provided.

  The method for generating an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for acquiring an ultrasonic diagnostic image synchronized with an electrocardiogram according to the present invention is an electrocardiogram trigger output for outputting an R-wave synchronization signal synchronized with a predetermined phase of an electrocardiogram signal waveform. And first to fourth timer pulse steps that are activated by the R-wave synchronization signal and actuate first to fourth timer means respectively defining first to fourth predetermined times set in advance, The first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, the first or second predetermined time, whichever is shorter, with respect to the first or second predetermined time respectively defined by the first and second timer means, and A trigger generation timing selection step of presetting one of four predetermined times of the longer one of the first and second predetermined times, and outputting a trigger activation signal after the elapse of the predetermined time; Predetermined If the trigger activation signal is output before the end of the third predetermined time defined by the third timer means, which is longer than the interval, a pseudo trigger signal is generated and output from the trigger activation signal, and the third When the pseudo-trigger signal is output after the end of the predetermined time, the pseudo-trigger signal generation step that does not operate at all and the fourth predetermined time specified by the fourth timer means elapses In addition, when the pseudo trigger signal is output and input before the end of the fourth predetermined time, a trigger output suppression step for blocking the pseudo trigger signal output, and the R wave synchronization signal output from the electrocardiogram trigger means And a pseudo-trigger signal output from the trigger output suppression means is added to an ultrasonic transmission / reception drive control means for acquiring an ultrasonic image. A method characterized by comprising a signal addition output step.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, in acquisition of an ultrasonic diagnostic image synchronized with an electrocardiogram, even if there is no R wave synchronization trigger signal synchronized with a heartbeat, a pseudo trigger is performed at a predetermined timing based on a preset condition. The signal enables the ultrasonic image display without interrupting the acquisition of the ultrasonic diagnostic image.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment that displays an ultrasonic image by a predetermined ultrasonic signal synchronized with an electrocardiogram waveform.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is mainly connected to a main body 10 that transmits and receives ultrasonic signals and processes received signals into image signals, and a circuit that transmits and receives the main body 10. An ultrasonic probe 30, a display unit 17 for displaying an image, a keyboard 18 for operation and input, and an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger unit 20 connected to electrodes 25a to 25c to be attached to a subject.

  Details of the main body 10 are the same as those of the main body of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that acquires a general ultrasonic tomographic diagnosis image, and an ultrasonic transmission / reception drive circuit 11, a transmission / reception drive control circuit 12, an image control circuit 13, and a graphic processing circuit. 14, a video circuit 15, and a control CPU (central processing unit) 16. The display unit 17 is connected to the video circuit 15, and the keyboard 18 of the input device is connected to the control CPU 16.

  The details of the electrocardiogram synchronization trigger unit 20 of the present embodiment are as follows: an electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21 to which electrodes 25a to 25c are connected; a pseudo trigger signal generation circuit 22 connected to this output; an output of the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21; A trigger signal OR circuit 23 to which each output of the signal generation circuit 22 is input, and a setting value input interface (I / F) for inputting setting conditions from the keyboard 18 to the pseudo trigger signal generation circuit 22 via the control CPU 16. 24.

  Next, details of the operation and operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal constituting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment and an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger unit 20 that generates a pseudo trigger signal when the electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal is absent. . FIG. 4 is a timing diagram showing the relationship between the electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal performed by the present embodiment and each processing output in the generation of the pseudo trigger signal when it is absent. FIG. 4 (a) is synchronized with the electrocardiogram R wave. FIG. 5B is a timing chart when a pseudo trigger signal is output by the operation of this embodiment.

  The operation and operation of acquiring and outputting an ultrasonic image in the main body unit 10 are performed in the same manner as the main body portion of a general ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that acquires and outputs an ultrasonic tomographic diagnosis image. The outline is that the ultrasonic transmission / reception drive circuit 11 transmits an ultrasonic drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 30 and receives and processes a reception signal based on the reflected ultrasonic signal. The transmission / reception drive control circuit 12 processes ultrasonic drive timing, drive voltage, electronic scanning of received signals, control of electronic convergence, and the like. The received signal processed by the transmission / reception drive control circuit 12 is processed into a frame image signal by the image control circuit 13. Further, the graphic processing circuit 14 configures a display screen corresponding to various display modes and display image types. The video circuit 15 outputs a video signal corresponding to the signal system of the display unit 17. On the other hand, a control CPU (central processing unit) 16 is connected to and controls the overall control of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, that is, the transmission / reception drive control circuit 12, the image control circuit 13, and the graphic processing circuit 14. Further, the keyboard 18 of the input device is connected to the control CPU 16, and an operation input for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and various settings and conditions are input by the operator.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment connects a trigger signal OR circuit 23 of an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger unit 20 to a transmission / reception drive control circuit 12 of a main body unit 10, and a trigger signal output therefrom. Thus, an ultrasonic image synchronized with the electrocardiogram is acquired. This trigger signal OR circuit 23 is output from the pseudo trigger signal generation circuit 22 when the electrocardiogram R-wave trigger signal output from the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21 or the electrocardiogram R-wave trigger signal is not output for a predetermined time and is missing. The pseudo trigger signal is added and output, and this is input to the transmission / reception drive control circuit 12 as an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal.

  The details of the operation and operation of the electrocardiogram synchronization trigger unit 20 will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the detailed configuration of the electrocardiogram synchronization trigger unit 20, an electrocardiogram synchronization signal 41 synchronized with the R wave of the electrocardiogram output from the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21 (hereinafter referred to as an electrocardiogram R wave in this application). A synchronized trigger signal is called an R-wave trigger signal), and is input to the trigger OR circuit 23 and the pseudo trigger signal generation circuit 22. 4 shows a waveform 41 of a signal output from the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21, and FIG. 4A shows a waveform 41a of an R wave trigger signal synchronized with all the R waves 40a of the electrocardiogram waveform 40. (B) shows the waveform 41b of the output of the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21 from which no synchronization signal is output with respect to the waveform 40b lacking the R wave.

  As shown in the detailed configuration diagram of FIG. 2, in the pseudo trigger signal generation circuit 22, a mask time setting circuit 229, a maximum time setting circuit 221, an input of the R wave trigger signal output from the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21, The four timer pulse circuits of the average setting circuit A222 and the designation setting circuit B223 are activated, and each outputs a timer pulse signal for a predetermined time.

  After the electrocardiogram synchronization signal (R-wave trigger signal) synchronized with the R wave of the electrocardiogram is output from the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21, the mask time setting circuit 229 continues to the previous electrocardiogram synchronization signal due to the characteristics of the electrocardiogram synchronization. The timer pulse signal 45 is output and set for a predetermined time period during which the unreasonable R-wave synchronization signal or pseudo trigger signal generated is suppressed.

  Further, the maximum time setting circuit 221 suppresses the generation of the pseudo trigger signal generated when the R-wave trigger signal is not output within a predetermined time with an excessive delay that is unreasonable due to the characteristics of electrocardiogram synchronization. Is set by outputting a timer pulse signal 42. In addition to the default setting value, the predetermined time to be suppressed is manually input from the keyboard 18 connected to the main body 10, for example, a heart rate obtained by multiplying the moving average heart rate by a predetermined coefficient, or the control CPU 16 and the setting value. It is also possible to input to the manual setting 24 b via the I / F (interface) 24. As shown in FIG. 4, these timer pulse signals are output in waveforms 45a and 42a and waveforms 45b and 42b, respectively, depending on the presence or absence of an R wave.

  On the other hand, the average setting circuit A 222 and the designated setting circuit B 223 have two types according to different conditions when the electrocardiogram synchronization signal output by the R wave (R wave trigger signal) is not received by the predetermined time from the ECG amplification trigger circuit 21. The generation timing of the pseudo trigger signal is set according to the timer timing. As a generation condition of the average setting circuit A222, a time of a moving average heart rate period (reciprocal value of the moving average heart rate) obtained by moving and averaging the heart rate before the last output of the R-wave trigger signal is set. The sample heart rate for the moving average is manually input from the keyboard 18 connected to the main body 10 in addition to the default heart rate, and the moving average is calculated via the control CPU 16 and the set value I / F (interface) 24. It can also be set to the sample heart rate setting 24b. On the other hand, the generation condition of the designation setting circuit B 223 is that a fixed heartbeat cycle time (reciprocal of heart rate) value is set by default, or a designated value (cycle time or heart rate) is directly input from the keyboard 18, and the manual setting 24c is set. By setting, the generation timing of the pseudo trigger signal can be set after the specified time has elapsed.

  For the time-up of the two types of timer pulse circuits of the average setting circuit A222 and the designation setting circuit B223, any one of the four types of timings combining them is a pseudo trigger timing condition circuit 225 as a timing for outputting a pseudo trigger. Is set by From any of these four types of settings, that is, moving average value (A), fixed designated value (B), whichever time is shorter (shorter cycle, AorB), whichever is later (longer cycle, AandB) One is an input designation means such as the keyboard 18 which is designated in advance by the operator via the control CPU 16 and the set value I / F 24, and is selected and set.

  The pseudo trigger timing condition circuit 225 outputs to the pseudo trigger generation timing circuit 226 connected to this output at the timing of the designated condition. The waveform of the output of the pseudo trigger timing condition circuit 225 shows, for example, a waveform 43a of an example in which the heartbeat cycle of the designation setting circuit B223 is directly set in FIG. 4A, and in FIG. The waveform 43b is shown in the case where the setting which operates for both of the timings) is taken and the setting timed up earlier is activated first. With this output, a pseudo trigger is output from the pseudo trigger generation timing circuit 226.

  Next, it is determined whether or not this pseudo trigger is before the time within the time range (timer is on) in which the output of the pseudo trigger signal by the maximum time setting circuit 221 is permitted. A pseudo trigger signal 44 is output from the pseudo trigger generation circuit 227. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 4, the pseudo trigger signal 44 is obtained when the R wave trigger signal synchronized with the R wave of FIG. Even if the R-wave trigger signal is not output due to the absence, the waveform 44a or the waveform 44b can be used in any case as long as the predetermined timing condition is timed up and before the maximum time setting time is up. Is output as follows. On the other hand, if it is out of range (after time is up), the pseudo trigger generation circuit 227 determines that the synchronization signal is irrational, blocks the output of the pseudo trigger signal, and does not output the pseudo trigger signal (not shown). .

  Furthermore, in the trigger output suppression circuit 228, the pseudo trigger signal output from the pseudo trigger generation circuit 227 is output after a predetermined time after the output of the R wave trigger signal set by the mask time setting circuit 229. This is determined by comparison with the timer pulse waveform 45 of the mask time setting circuit 229 and input to the trigger OR circuit 23.

  In this determination, if the hold (H level) of the pseudo trigger signal waveform 44b does not occur during the hold (H level) of the timer pulse waveform 45b shown in FIG. Outputs a pseudo trigger signal. Further, when the predetermined time has not elapsed, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the timer pulse waveform 44a of the pseudo trigger signal 44 is generated immediately after the generation of the normal R wave trigger signal 41a ′, R If the timer pulse waveform 45a ′ of the mask time setting circuit 229 by the wave trigger signal 41a ′ is unreasonably generated following the electrocardiogram R wave trigger signal, the trigger output suppression circuit 228 is prevented from outputting a pseudo trigger signal. Thus, an electrocardiographic synchronization signal based on the normal R-wave trigger signal 41a ′ is output to the output waveform 46a of the trigger OR circuit 23.

  Therefore, from the trigger OR circuit 23, the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21 normally detects the R wave of the electrocardiogram, and the R wave trigger signal output from this and the predetermined time (timer pulse of the timer pulse) set by the pseudo trigger timing condition circuit 225 are detected. When the electrocardiogram R-wave trigger signal is not output until (timing), the pseudo trigger signal generated by the pseudo trigger signal generation circuit 22 is input, and these are added (OR) and output.

  As a modified example of this embodiment, a ringing device or a light emitting device is connected to the output of the trigger output suppression circuit 228 from which a pseudo trigger signal is output in order to make the operator recognize that an ultrasonic image has been acquired with the pseudo trigger signal. Connect and perform sound or light display. Similarly, even if a display with a different symbol or display color is displayed on the screen of the display unit 17 shown in FIG. 1 which displays an ultrasonic image by the output of the trigger output suppression circuit 228, the operator is operated by a pseudo trigger signal. Can recognize the situation. In addition, when the ultrasonic image data is captured and recorded in a cine memory or the like, the operation of the pseudo trigger signal is indicated for each data of the ultrasonic image and the electrocardiogram waveform by the output of the trigger output suppression circuit 228. Marking data is added to display that the synchronization is based on a pseudo trigger during playback.

  According to this embodiment, in acquisition of an ultrasound diagnostic image synchronized with an electrocardiogram, even if an R-wave synchronization trigger signal synchronized with a heartbeat is absent, an ultrasonic trigger signal is generated at a predetermined timing based on a preset condition by a pseudo trigger signal. An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of displaying an ultrasonic image without interrupting acquisition of a diagnostic ultrasound image can be provided.

(Other embodiments)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows that the ECG synchronization trigger unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 outputs the electrocardiographic synchronization signal of the present embodiment to the transmission / reception drive control circuit 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 that acquires an ultrasonic diagnostic image synchronized with the electrocardiogram. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a signal processing.

  In the present embodiment, the procedure by which the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 obtains an ultrasound diagnostic image is obtained by the same procedure as when obtaining a normal ultrasound diagnostic image in a general ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. In order for the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 to acquire an ultrasound diagnostic image synchronized with an electrocardiogram, an electrocardiographic synchronization signal processed by the following procedure is applied to the signal detected by the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21 from the electrocardiogram signal of the subject. The image data is input to the transmission / reception drive control circuit 12 to acquire and display ultrasonic image data.

  The electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit in this embodiment, generally called an electrocardiogram detection unit, detects an electrocardiogram R wave from the waveform characteristics of the electrocardiogram signal collected by an electrocardiogram electrode attached to the subject, and outputs an R wave trigger signal. Output. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, in the processing procedure of the present embodiment, first, in step S10, the output of the R wave trigger signal is monitored from the electrocardiogram synchronization signal circuit, that is, the electrocardiogram amplification trigger circuit 21.

  Next, at the timing when the R-wave trigger signal is output, four steps S21, S22, S31, and S33 are started at the same time by starting timers set in advance with different predetermined times and determining the passage of the predetermined time by the timer pulses. At the same time, the R wave trigger signal is added (OR) and output in step S36, and the output of the R wave trigger signal is input to the transmission / reception drive control circuit 12.

  In steps S21 and S22, the R wave trigger signal starts each of the moving average trigger signal timer A and the time designation trigger signal timer B for a predetermined time set in advance. The moving average trigger signal timer A in step S21 is a timer in which an average heartbeat period obtained by moving and averaging the heartbeat periods of several heartbeats before starting the timer is set as a predetermined time. The time designation trigger signal timer B in step S22 is a timer in which a heartbeat cycle or a heart rate (the reciprocal is a heartbeat cycle) is designated and set to a predetermined time. Designation of the heart rate or heart rate cycle for performing this moving average can be set manually by operating the input means by the operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in addition to being set as a default value in the system.

  In step S23, the results of steps S21 and S22, that is, the timing of timer time-up are combined, and timer A, timer B, timer A or timer B (whichever timer A or B is earlier), timer A and timer B (timer (A or B, whichever is later), and one of these options pre-designated in step S11 at the time of starting the present embodiment is set, and the R-wave trigger signal The processing result, that is, the timer pulse time-up is output when a predetermined time elapses after output. The elapse of the predetermined time is determined in step S24, and when the time of the selected timer is up, the process proceeds to step S25, and a pseudo trigger signal is generated in place of the R wave trigger signal in this step.

  On the other hand, in step S31, after an electrocardiogram synchronization signal (R-wave trigger signal) is output by the R wave of the electrocardiogram, an unreasonable R wave synchronization generated following the previous electrocardiogram synchronization signal due to the characteristics of the electrocardiogram synchronization. An R-wave trigger signal determination timer is started that suppresses a pseudo-trigger signal generated when a signal or R-wave trigger signal is not output even after a predetermined time elapses until a predetermined time elapses. In step S32, the timer “on” during the elapse of the predetermined time blocks the output of the pseudo trigger signal generated in steps S21 to S24 described above in step S26. On the other hand, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the pseudo trigger signal is not blocked in step S26.

  In step S33, the pseudo-trigger signal generated when the R-wave trigger signal is not output even after the elapse of a predetermined time has an unreasonable excessive delay after a predetermined time set in advance due to the characteristics of electrocardiogram synchronization. Starts a maximum latency signal timer that suppresses being generated. In step S34, while the timer "ON" within the predetermined time has elapsed, the output of the two types of trigger signal timers generated in step S21 or S22 in step S23 described later is determined to be up. The process proceeds to step S24. In step S34, if the timer is "off", that is, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the pseudo trigger signal generated in step S25 by the output of the two types of trigger signal timers generated in step S21 or S22 is changed to step S25a. The trigger is blocked so that it is not output at.

  In step S36, the R-wave trigger signal output in step S10 and the timing specified by the combination of the two timers set in steps S21 and S22 in advance, and the timer timing conditions set in steps S31 and S33 are met. The pseudo trigger signal generated as a result of the processing in step S26 is subjected to addition (OR) processing, and these are output together and input to the transmission / reception drive control circuit 12 of the main body 10.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, according to the method of the present embodiment, in acquiring an ultrasonic diagnostic image synchronized with an electrocardiogram, even if an R-wave synchronization trigger signal synchronized with a heartbeat is absent, a predetermined condition based on a preset condition is used. By using a pseudo trigger signal at the timing, it is possible to display an ultrasonic image without interrupting acquisition of an ultrasonic diagnostic image.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the electrocardiogram synchronous trigger part of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the signal processing in the electrocardiogram synchronous trigger part of this embodiment. The timing diagram which shows the relationship of the output in each processing process of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... ultrasonic diagnostic equipment,
10 ... body part,
11 ... Ultrasonic transmission / reception drive circuit,
12: Transmission / reception drive control circuit,
13: Image control circuit,
14: Graphic processing circuit,
15 ... Video circuit,
16: Control CPU (central processing unit),
17 ... display part,
18 ... Keyboard,
20 ... ECG synchronization trigger part,
21 ... ECG amplification trigger circuit,
22 ... pseudo trigger signal generation circuit,
23 Trigger signal OR circuit,
24 ... Setting value input interface (I / F),
24a, 24c, 24d ... manual setting,
24b ... heart rate setting of moving average,
25a, 25b, 25c ... electrodes,
30 ... Ultrasonic probe,
40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46 ... waveform,
221 ... Maximum time setting circuit,
222 ... Average setting circuit A,
223... Designation setting circuit B,
225 ... Pseudo trigger timing condition circuit,
226... Pseudo trigger signal generation circuit,
227 ... pseudo trigger generation circuit,
228 ... trigger output suppression circuit,
229 ... Mask time setting circuit.

Claims (8)

Electrocardiogram trigger means for outputting an R wave synchronization signal synchronized with a predetermined phase of the electrocardiogram signal waveform;
First to fourth timer means that are activated by the R-wave synchronization signal and that preliminarily set first to fourth predetermined times;
A first predetermined time, a second predetermined time, a first predetermined time, whichever is shorter of the first and second, with respect to the first or second predetermined time defined by the first and second timer means, And trigger generation timing means for presetting one of four predetermined times of the longer one of the first and second predetermined times and outputting a trigger activation signal after elapse of the predetermined time of the setting;
When the trigger activation signal is output before the third predetermined time defined by the third timer means longer than the fourth predetermined time ends, a pseudo trigger signal is generated and output from the trigger activation signal. And, if output after the end of the third predetermined time, pseudo trigger generation means that does not operate at all;
When the pseudo trigger signal is input after the fourth predetermined time defined by the fourth timer means has elapsed, the pseudo trigger signal is output and input before the end of the fourth predetermined time. In the case, trigger output suppression means for blocking the pseudo trigger signal output,
The ECG synchronization trigger signal obtained by adding the R wave synchronization signal output from the ECG trigger means and the pseudo trigger signal output from the trigger output suppression means is sent to the ultrasonic transmission / reception drive control means for acquiring the ultrasonic image. Input trigger signal addition output means;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first to fourth predetermined times set in advance is set by manual input by an operator using an input operation means.   At least one of the first to fourth predetermined times set in advance is set to an average heartbeat period obtained by moving and averaging a plurality of heartbeat periods immediately before starting the timer means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   At least one of the first to fourth predetermined times set in advance is set by multiplying an average heart rate obtained by moving and averaging a plurality of heart rates immediately before the timer means is activated by a preset coefficient The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   At least one of the first to fourth predetermined times set in advance can be manually input by the operator using the input operation means to obtain an average heartbeat period obtained by moving and averaging a plurality of heartbeat periods immediately before starting the timer means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is set by multiplying a coefficient set by input.   2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pseudo-trigger operation display unit that sounds or emits light according to a pseudo-trigger signal output from the trigger output suppression unit.   The pseudo-trigger operation display means for displaying a symbol or a different display color on a part of a display portion of the ultrasonic image display means according to a pseudo-trigger signal output from the trigger output suppression means. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1. A method for generating an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for acquiring an ultrasonic diagnostic image synchronized with an electrocardiogram,
An electrocardiogram trigger output step for outputting an R wave synchronization signal synchronized with a predetermined phase of the electrocardiogram signal waveform;
First to fourth timer pulse steps that are activated by the R-wave synchronization signal and that actuate first to fourth timer means that preliminarily set first to fourth predetermined times, respectively,
A first predetermined time, a second predetermined time, a first predetermined time, whichever is shorter of the first and second, with respect to the first or second predetermined time defined by the first and second timer means, And a trigger generation timing selection step of presetting one of four predetermined times of the longer one of the first and second predetermined times and outputting a trigger activation signal after elapse of the predetermined time of the setting;
When the trigger activation signal is output before the third predetermined time defined by the third timer means longer than the fourth predetermined time ends, a pseudo trigger signal is generated and output from the trigger activation signal. And, if output after the end of the third predetermined time, a pseudo trigger signal generation step that does not operate at all,
When the pseudo trigger signal is input after the fourth predetermined time defined by the fourth timer means has elapsed, the pseudo trigger signal is output and input before the end of the fourth predetermined time. A trigger output suppression step for blocking the pseudo trigger signal output;
The ECG synchronization trigger signal obtained by adding the R wave synchronization signal output from the ECG trigger means and the pseudo trigger signal output from the trigger output suppression means is sent to the ultrasonic transmission / reception drive control means for acquiring the ultrasonic image. Input trigger signal addition output step;
A method for generating an electrocardiogram synchronization trigger signal, comprising: