JP6744897B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of inputting a control command to the apparatus according to a movement of a probe and a method for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Patent Document 1 proposes that the movement of the probe operated by the examiner be converted into a control command (command) of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. According to this, the movement of the probe is analyzed based on a plurality of tomographic images (B-mode images) that are captured in time series and have different acquisition times, and a control command set in advance in association with the movement of the probe is set. Is input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. For example, a plurality of analysis areas are arranged in a plurality of tomographic images at different acquisition times, and the brightness value of the pixel of the comparison analysis area (hereinafter, referred to as a comparison analysis area) arranged at the same position in both images has a low brightness. The change from less than the value to more than the low brightness value detects the movement of the probe, which is far from the body surface of the subject, in contact with the body surface. In the opposite case, the probe is analyzing the movement of the subject away from the body surface.

Also, based on the fact that the brightness of the contrast analysis area of both images is lower than the brightness and the images of the contrast analysis area are changing, the probe moves up and down or left and right with the body surface in contact. Analyze the motion you are doing. Furthermore, the moving direction and moving distance of the probe are analyzed. Further, the number of repetitions of the probe stationary or reciprocating slide is counted, and a preset control command corresponding to each analyzed motion of the probe is input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. ..

As described above, in Patent Document 1, even when the examiner holds the probe with one hand and presses the diagnostic region of the subject with the other hand, the examiner is provided on the operation unit even when both hands are closed. A desired control command can be input to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus without operating various switches, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball and the like. In particular, a command for aligning the cursor position or a complicated command for a plurality of steps can be input by the movement of the probe.

Patent No. 5271029

However, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1 that inputs a control command for the apparatus based on the movement of the probe detects that the brightness value in the comparison area is less than the low brightness value and greater than or equal to the low brightness value. Since the movement of the probe is identified, there is a possibility that the movement of the probe may be identified or erroneously identified depending on the gain setting.

An object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of motion identification of a probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that operates a motion of the probe and inputs a control command.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, based on a probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, and a plurality of ultrasonic image data acquired in time series by the probe, based on the probe. A motion identification unit that identifies the motion of the child, a device control unit that executes a control command corresponding to the motion of the probe identified by the motion identification unit, and the probe identified by the motion identification unit A notification unit for notifying the operator of the state of movement of the.

Further, the operating method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is based on a probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a subject, and a plurality of ultrasonic image data acquired in time series by the probe. An operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a motion identification unit that identifies the motion of the probe; and a device control unit that executes a control command corresponding to the motion of the probe identified by the motion identification unit. A method, which comprises an identification step of identifying the state of motion of the probe by the movement identification unit, and a notification step of notifying an operator of the state of motion of the probe identified in the identification step. It is characterized by being provided.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can improve the reliability of motion identification of a probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that operates a motion of the probe to input a control command.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the motion calculation part and motion identification part of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of motion identification of a probe. It is a figure explaining Examples 2 and 3 of motion distinction of a probe. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a B-mode image, various menus 41, a cursor 42, an indicator 51, a body mark 53, and the like displayed on the image display unit in the motion identification operation of the probe. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the probe operation instruction part of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation|movement of Example 4, 5 of the non-contact state detection part of 3rd Embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when acquiring a freeze image of an ultrasonic image according to the fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the timing chart of control which acquires the freeze image of an ultrasonic image. It is the figure which showed an example of the display of the freeze image of an ultrasonic image. It is the figure which showed the body mark displayed in the movable range of a cursor. It is a figure showing an example of a portable type ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

(First embodiment)

Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 repeatedly transmits an ultrasonic wave to the subject 10 through the probe 12 at a predetermined time interval, and a probe 12 to be used in contact with the subject 10. The transmitting unit 14, the receiving unit 16 that receives the ultrasonic wave reflected from the subject 10 as a reflected echo signal, the ultrasonic wave transmission/reception control unit 17 that controls the transmitting unit 14 and the receiving unit 16, and the receiving unit 16 receives the ultrasonic wave. And a phasing addition unit 18 for phasing and adding the reflected echoes.

Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a tomographic image forming unit 20 that forms a grayscale tomographic image (for example, a black and white tomographic image) of the subject 10 based on the RF signal frame data from the phasing addition unit 18, and a tomographic image forming unit. A scan converter (for example, a black and white scan converter) 22 that converts the output signal of the unit 20 so as to match the display of the image display unit 24.

Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 stores the RF signal frame data output from the phasing addition unit 18, and selects the RF signal frame data selection unit 28 that selects at least two pieces of frame data, and the RF signal frame data (super Controlled by a motion calculation unit 31 that calculates the motion of the probe 12 based on sound wave image data), a motion identification unit 32, a device control unit 34, and a tomographic image generated by the scan converter 22 and the device control unit 34. An image forming unit 23 that forms a control state image that represents the control state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 that is displayed, and an image display unit 24 that displays the display image formed by the image forming unit 23. In the present embodiment, the motion calculation unit 31 and the motion identification unit 32 constitute a probe operation command unit 30 which is a characteristic part of the present invention.

The motion identification unit 32 identifies the motion of the probe 12 based on the motion frame data indicating the motion of the probe 12 calculated by the motion calculation unit 31, and is associated with the identified motion of the probe 12. The control command is output to the device control unit 34. The device control unit 34 controls the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 based on the control command output from the motion identification unit 32.

Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 35 having an operation console for an examiner to control the device, a cine memory unit 36 for temporarily storing moving image data, and data for storing data such as image data. And a storage unit 37.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 will be described in detail. The probe (ultrasonic probe) 12 is formed by arranging a plurality of transducers (generally, the arrangement direction is referred to as a long axis direction), and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the subject 10 via the transducers. It has the function to

The transmission unit 14 has a function of driving the probe 12 to generate a transmission pulse for generating an ultrasonic wave and setting a convergence point of the transmitted ultrasonic wave to a predetermined depth. .. The receiving unit 16 also has a function of amplifying the reflected echo signal based on the ultrasonic wave received by the probe 12 with a predetermined gain to generate an RF signal (that is, a received signal). The phasing addition unit 18 has a function of inputting the RF signal amplified by the reception unit 16 and controlling the phase, forming an ultrasonic beam at one or a plurality of convergence points, and generating RF signal frame data. doing.

The tomographic image construction unit 20 receives the RF signal frame data from the phasing addition unit 18 and performs signal processing such as gain correction, log compression, detection, contour enhancement, and filter processing to obtain tomographic image data. Have The scan converter 22 also includes an A/D converter that converts the tomographic image data from the tomographic image forming unit 20 into a digital signal, and a frame memory that stores the plurality of tomographic image data converted into the digital signals in time series. , And a controller.

The scan converter 22 has a function of acquiring tomographic frame data (frame data of a B-mode image) in the subject 10 stored in the frame memory as one image and reading the acquired tomographic frame data in synchronization with television. There is.

The RF signal frame data selection unit 28 stores the plurality of RF signal frame data from the phasing addition unit 18, and sequentially selects the RF signal frame data having different acquisition times from the stored plurality of RF signal frame data. For example, the RF signal frame data selection unit 28 sequentially stores the RF signal frame data generated in time series from the phasing addition unit 18 based on the frame rate of the image. Then, any RF signal frame data (N) is selected as the first RF signal frame data, and a plurality of RF signal frame data (N-1, N-2, N-3, stored in the temporally past are selected. ..., one RF signal frame data (X) is selected from NM). Note that N, M, and X are index numbers assigned to the RF signal frame data, and are natural numbers.

The motion calculation unit 31 performs one-dimensional or two-dimensional correlation processing from the RF signal frame data (N) and the RF signal frame data (X) that are selected and input in time series, to obtain a B-mode image (tomography). A one-dimensional or two-dimensional displacement vector distribution relating to the displacement and displacement vector (that is, the displacement direction and magnitude) of the living tissue corresponding to each pixel (each measurement point) of the image) is obtained. If the displacement vector distribution of this one-dimensional or two-dimensional displacement is used, the probe 12 makes the body surface of the subject 10 parallel to the scanning plane (horizontal direction) or in the depth direction (vertical direction) with respect to the body surface. You can ask for movement to move to.

Here, the block matching method can be used for the calculation of the displacement or the displacement vector distribution. In this method, one set of RF signal frame data (image) is divided into, for example, blocks composed of N×N pixels, attention is paid to a block in a region of interest, and the block whose image data is closest to the focused block. Is searched from the previous frame, and the displacement vector at each pixel (each measurement point) is obtained by referring to the block of interest and the similar block. The calculation of the displacement vector is not limited to the block matching method, and general image tracking technology can be used. Further, if it is a two-dimensional array probe, a three-dimensional displacement and displacement vector can be calculated.

The operation unit 35 includes a keyboard having various keys, a trackball, and the like, and has a function of giving a command from these interfaces to the device control unit 34 and controlling the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

The image forming unit 23 has a function of forming an image to be displayed on the image display unit 24 based on the tomographic image data from the scan converter 22 and a command from the apparatus control unit 34. The image display unit 24 has a function of displaying at least one of a tomographic image, an elasticity image, and a composite image.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an example of the motion identifying unit 32 of FIG. As illustrated, the motion identifying unit 32 includes a frame memory 320 and an instruction analyzing unit 321. The frame memory (storage unit) 330 stores the motion frame data generated by the motion calculation unit 31. The command analysis unit 321 analyzes the motion of the probe 12 based on the motion frame data stored in the frame memory 320, and identifies a preset specific motion of the probe 12. Further, it has a function of outputting to the device control unit 34 a device control command set in association with the identified specific movement of the probe 12. Needless to say, ultrasonic image data converted into pixel signals can be used instead of the RF signal frame data. Hereinafter, the RF signal frame data will be collectively referred to as ultrasonic image data as appropriate.

The frame memory 320 has a function of storing motion frame data for 10 frames, for example. In FIG. 2, "t(0)" represents the currently acquired motion frame data, and "t(-1)", "t(-2)",..., "t(-10)" are Each represents the motion frame data acquired 1 frame before, 2 frames before,..., 10 frames before from the current motion frame data.

The command analysis unit 321 analyzes the motion of the probe 12 based on the motion frame data of the plurality of probes 12 stored in the frame memory 320, and identifies a preset specific motion. For example, the movement of the probe can be basically classified into a contact state in which the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving surface of the probe is in contact with the body surface of the subject and a non-contact state in which the probe is separated from the body surface. In the non-contact state, since the ultrasonic image data does not change, the motion frame data cannot be obtained. On the other hand, in the contact state in which the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving surface of the probe is in contact with the body surface of the subject, the motion frame data changes according to the motion of the probe, so that a plurality of specific motions can be set. Therefore, the instruction analysis unit 321 identifies a preset specific motion based on a plurality of motion frame data continuously stored in the frame memory 320. Then, corresponding control commands that are set in advance are output to the device control unit 34 in correspondence with the specific movements of the probe.

The motion of the probe can be classified into various motions. For example, the operation of lifting the probe from the state where it is in contact with the body surface and bringing the probe into the non-contact state is performed by the examiner. This is an operation for suspending or stopping ultrasonic imaging. The operation of bringing the probe into contact is an operation of performing ultrasonic imaging. When the probe is in contact, a plurality of motion frame data generated in time series changes according to the motion of the probe, so the command analysis unit 321 identifies various motions of the probe. be able to.

That is, the motion calculation unit 31 sequentially inputs a plurality of ultrasonic image data (RF signal frame data) acquired by the probe 12 in time series, and calculates the displacement of the set region set in the ultrasonic image data. The displacement (displacement vector) distribution of the set region of the plurality of obtained ultrasonic image data is calculated based on the pixel data of the set region, and is stored in the frame memory 320 of the motion identifying unit 32 as the motion frame data. As the magnitude of the displacement vector at each time “t(0) to t(−10)”, the average value of the displacements at all measurement points (all pixels) in the set region of the ultrasonic image data can be used. That is, the average value of the displacements of the measurement points in the setting area set in the entire area of the RF signal frame data or in the setting area (ROI) set arbitrarily may be used.

The instruction analysis unit 321 of the motion identification unit 32 identifies the motion of the probe 12 based on the motion frame data generated by the motion calculation unit 31, and presets the motion of the probe 12 corresponding to the identified motion of the probe. The output control command is output. That is, the command analysis unit 321 can obtain the movement trajectory of the probe 12 by arranging the displacement vectors of the motion frame data stored in the frame memory 320 in time series along the time axis. The movement of the probe 12 can be identified based on the obtained trajectory of the movement of the probe 12. If the magnitude of the displacement obtained from the motion frame data is smaller than the threshold value, it can be identified that the probe is stationary. Further, a suitable detection method of whether or not the probe 12 is in a stationary state will be described in a third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 described later.

Here, the movement of the probe basically includes movement of the probe in the depth direction (reciprocation, pushing, tapping), movement along the scan surface (scanning surface) of the probe (one-way movement, Reciprocating movement, stationary, moving path, etc.) can be assumed. In addition, it is possible to identify the movement such as the moving distance, moving speed, and moving acceleration of the probe. In the case of reciprocating movement, the movement width (amplitude), reciprocating speed (frequency), etc. can be identified. In the following, movement in the depth direction will be referred to as vertical movement, and movement along the scan plane will be referred to as horizontal movement, and identification of the movement of the probe will be described based on specific examples 1 and 2.

(Example 1)
With reference to FIG. 3, an example will be described in which a specific movement of vertically tapping (tapping) the probe 12 in the contact state of the probe 12 is identified. The present embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case where an ultrasonic image (B-mode image) is captured in real time. The figure (a) is an example of tapping once, and the figure (b) is an example of tapping twice successively. The number of taps is not limited to these, and a plurality of taps can be identified. In the tap operation, the motion calculator 31 obtains the displacement and displacement vector of the ultrasonic image data, and the displacement vector distribution is sequentially stored in the frame memory 320 as motion frame data.

The command analysis unit 321 arranges the displacement vectors of the plurality of motion frame data along the time axis to obtain the movement trajectory of the probe 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the displacement vectors obtained at t(−9), t(−8), t(−7)... Are arranged along the time axis, the vertical displacement A temporal waveform W1 is obtained. The same applies to the temporal waveform W2. On the other hand, the command analysis unit 321 is preset with displacement sample waveforms (temporal sample waveforms) S1 and S2 serving as identification criteria for tap operations. When the probe 12 is tapped once, the subject 10 is pressed once. The temporal waveform W1 of the tissue displacement of the subject 10 with one tap is stored in the frame memory 320 as motion frame data for 10 frames, for example.

Therefore, the instruction analysis unit 321 determines whether the temporal waveform W1 stored in the frame memory 320 in time series matches the sample waveform S1 of one tap displacement and the sample waveform S2 of two tap displacement. The degree is evaluated by, for example, obtaining a correlation coefficient. That is, if the temporal waveform W1 and the sample waveform S1 (or S2) match, the matching degree (correlation coefficient) is “1”. Therefore, the instruction analysis unit 321 sets the threshold value of the correlation coefficient to, for example, “0.9”. Then, it is assumed that the correlation coefficient between the temporal waveform W1 and the sample waveform S1 is "0.95", and the correlation coefficient between the temporal waveform W1 and the sample waveform S2 is "0.45". In this case, the instruction analysis unit 321 can identify one tap operation because the correlation coefficient between the sample waveform S1 and the temporal waveform W1 is larger than the correlation coefficient between the sample waveform S2.

On the other hand, when the probe 12 is tapped twice on the subject 10 and the subject 10 is pressed twice, the temporal waveform W2 of the displacement of the two taps is 10 motion frames. It is stored in the frame memory 330 as data. The instruction analysis unit 321 obtains the degree of coincidence or similarity between the waveforms of the temporal waveform W2 stored in the frame memory 320 and the preset sample waveforms S1 and S2, respectively, in the same manner as in the above example. Evaluate. As a result, it is assumed that the correlation coefficient between the temporal waveform W2 and the sample waveform S1 is “0.45”, and the correlation coefficient between the temporal waveform W2 and the sample waveform S2 is “0.95”. In this case, the instruction analysis unit 321 identifies that the tap operation is performed twice because the correlation coefficient between the sample waveform S2 and the temporal waveform W2 is larger than the correlation coefficient between the sample waveform S1.

When the command analysis unit 321 identifies that the motion of the probe 12 is a tap operation, the command analysis unit 321 selects a control command set in advance corresponding to the tap operation and the number of tap operations, and outputs the control command to the device control unit 34. To do. For example, in the case of one tap, the instruction analysis unit 321 identifies that the instruction is a switching instruction to the Color Doppler (instruction A), and outputs the instruction A to the device control unit 34. Accordingly, the device control unit 34 executes the color Doppler switching instruction assigned to the instruction A. In the case of the double tap, the command analysis unit 321 identifies that the command is a command to switch to elastography (command B), and outputs the command B to the device control unit 34. Accordingly, the device control unit 34 executes the elastography switching command assigned to the command B.

Here, in order to improve the identification accuracy of the tap operation, for example, the instruction analysis unit 321 converts the temporal waveforms W1 and W2 into a standardized waveform based on the magnitude of the amplitude, and the standardized temporal waveform W1. , W2 and the sample waveforms S1 and S2, the degree of coincidence (correlation coefficient) can be obtained. As described above, it is possible to improve the identification accuracy of the instruction analysis unit 321 by using the recognition technique based on the general signal processing.

According to the present embodiment, the instantaneous movement of the probe 12 by the tap operation is identified, and the control instruction associated with the movement of the probe 12, for example, the switching instruction to the color Doppler, the switching to the color Doppler. Any preset command, such as a command, a still image storage command, and a print command, can be executed.

(Examples 2 and 3)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4 in which the vertical movement of the probe 12 in a three-dimensional space in the contact state of the probe 12 is identified. In the mode in which the ultrasonic image (B mode image) is acquired in the contact state of the probe 12, for example, the B mode image 40 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the image display unit 24. In addition to the B-mode image 40, various menus 41, a cursor 42, an indicator 51, a body mark 53, and other images are displayed. A correlation window 43 and a search range 44 are set in the RF signal frame data (ultrasonic image data) corresponding to the B-mode image 40.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the probe 12 is moved in the vertical direction, the subject 10 is compressed and the tissue of the living body is displaced. The two-dimensional displacement distribution is obtained by the motion calculation unit 31, for example, by correlating the ultrasonic image data before and after the displacement. Then, the displacement vector distribution is obtained in time series as motion frame data. For example, the motion calculation unit 31 sets a correlation window 43, which is a set area, in the sequentially input ultrasonic image data, and obtains at least one of the image pattern and the brightness distribution in the correlation window 43. Next, a search is performed within the search range 44 of the ultrasonic image data that has been previously input, the correlation coefficient with the image pattern or the brightness distribution in the correlation window 43 is obtained, and the position where the correlation coefficient is maximum is obtained. .. This means that the setting area of the correlation window 43 is displaced to the position where the correlation coefficient becomes maximum. In this way, the motion calculation unit 31 obtains the displacement vector of the position of the correlation window 43 of the sequentially input ultrasonic image data, and outputs the displacement vector as motion frame data. The motion calculator 31 can calculate the displacement by using “the sum of absolute values of differences between pixel values (luminance values)” instead of the correlation coefficient of the image pattern or the luminance distribution in the set area.

The command analysis unit 321 obtains the vertical movement of the probe 12, that is, the moving distance, the moving speed, the moving direction, the reciprocating movement, etc., based on the motion frame data stored in the frame memory 320 in time series. A control command set corresponding to a specific vertical movement of the tentacle 12 is selected and output to the device control unit 34. For example, if the pressing operation of the probe 12 is a cursor movement command, the device control unit 34 moves the cursor 42 displayed on the image display unit 32 in the first axial direction (for example, the vertical direction). A cursor movement command (command T) can be executed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4B, a third embodiment for identifying the lateral movement of the probe 12 in the contact state of the probe 12 will be described. The horizontal movement of the probe 12 is parallel to the scanning surface (scan surface) of the probe. In the mode in which the ultrasonic image (B-mode image) is acquired in the contact state of the probe 12, the B-mode image 40 and the like shown in FIG. 5 and the like are displayed on the image display unit 24 as in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4B, the position of the tissue displayed in the B-mode image 40 is moved by the movement operation of moving the probe 12 in the left-right direction. As for the two-dimensional displacement distribution, the motion calculation unit 31 sets the correlation window 43, which is a set region, in the sequentially input ultrasonic image data in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. At least one of the image pattern and the luminance distribution in 43 is obtained. Next, a search is performed within the search range 44 of the ultrasonic image data that has been previously input, the correlation coefficient with the image pattern or the brightness distribution in the correlation window 43 is obtained, and the position where the correlation coefficient is maximum is obtained. .. This means that the setting area of the correlation window 43 is displaced to the position where the correlation coefficient becomes maximum. In this way, the motion calculation unit 31 obtains the displacement of the position of the correlation window 43 of the sequentially input ultrasonic image data, and outputs the displacement vector as motion frame data. It should be noted that the displacement can be obtained by using “a sum of absolute values of differences between pixel values (luminance values)” instead of the correlation coefficient of the image pattern or the luminance distribution of the correlation window 43.

The command analysis unit 321 obtains the movement of the probe 12, that is, the left and right movement, that is, the movement distance, the movement speed, the movement direction, the reciprocating movement, and the like, based on the movement frame data stored in the frame memory 320. Then, the control command set corresponding to the specific lateral movement of the probe 12 is selected and output to the device control unit 34.

The command analysis unit 321 uses a series of motion frame data, and the motion of the probe 12 in FIGS. 4A and 4B is at least one of a moving state, a stationary state, a non-contact state, and a compressed state. To identify. Then, based on the identification result, a display showing at least one of the moving state, the stationary state, the non-contact state, and the compressed state of the probe 12 is displayed on the indicator 51 of the image display unit 32. .. The command analysis unit 321 can arrange the displacement distributions of a plurality of time-series motion frame data along the time axis to obtain the movement trajectory of the probe.

Here, the up/down movement and left/right movement of the probe 12 are identified in time series by the movement monitoring unit 322 described in a third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 described later, instead of the above method. First statistical value (mean, standard deviation, variance, etc.) of the degree of coincidence (correlation coefficient) within the first time (eg, the latest 1 second) based on the correlation coefficient frame data input in May be used. Furthermore, the second statistical value (average, standard deviation, variance, etc.) of the degree of coincidence (correlation coefficient) within the second time (for example, the latest 10 seconds) may be used. Moreover, you may use the ratio of a 1st statistics value and a 2nd statistics value. The command analysis unit 321 can identify at least one of a moving state, a stationary state, a non-contact state, and a compressed state by comparing these with a predetermined threshold value. If the first statistical value or the second statistical value is used, an instantaneous abnormal value of the degree of coincidence can be eliminated, and the identification accuracy of the instruction analysis unit 321 improves. In addition, when the absolute coincidence is used, the influence of the beats such as the pulse and the breath on the coincidence may not be negligible. Therefore, the ratio between the first statistical value and the second statistical value (relative By using the degree of coincidence, it is possible to reduce the influence of the beat on the degree of coincidence, and the identification accuracy of the motion identification unit 32 is improved.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the instruction analysis unit 321 identifies the movement of the probe 12 that moves relative to the subject 10 by using the movement frame data obtained in time series. Specifically, the movement of the probe 12 in the three-dimensional space, the movement trajectory, the movement distance, the speed, the acceleration, the amplitude and frequency of the reciprocating movement, the movement direction, and the like can be identified.

In the second and third embodiments, the body surface of the subject 10 does not have to be a flat surface, but may be a curved surface. For example, when the probe 12 is inserted into the rectum and an ultrasonic image is captured, the probe 12 is rotated to move the probe 12 on the inner surface of the rectum of the subject 10. In this case, the moving state of the probe 12 with respect to the subject 10 is identified by the rotation operation of the probe 12.

According to the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the buttons of the menu image are pressed/released, the buttons are moved up and down, the cursor is moved, the caliper is set, and other control commands are associated. be able to. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, a lateral movement operation between buttons of a menu image, cursor movement, cursor movement speed/acceleration, body mark setting, moving image storage range setting, cine image selection (Selection of freeze image), movement of ROI, enlargement/reduction of ROI, movement locus, and other control commands.

Further, in the motion monitoring unit 322 or the command analysis unit 321 described in the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 described later, the correlation coefficient calculated based on the correlation coefficient frame data input in time series is A command can be sent to the image display unit 23 via the device control unit 34 and displayed on the indicator 51 of FIG. It should be noted that the indicator 51 may be displayed at a position where the operator can easily see it, and may be displayed in a color semi-transparent manner on the ultrasonic image 40.

In addition, the motion monitoring unit 322 or the instruction analysis unit 321 uses the degree of coincidence (correlation coefficient) to determine at least one identification result of the moving state, the stationary state, the non-contact state, and the compression state by the device control unit 34. It can be sent to the image display unit 24 via the display unit and displayed on the indicator 51. Note that when the stationary state is identified, the correlation window 43 may be displayed instead of the indicator 51.

Further, the motion monitoring unit 322 or the instruction analysis unit 321 may set (change) a threshold value to be compared with the matching degree based on at least one of the frequency and the amplitude of the temporal change of the matching degree. By measuring the pulsation based on the temporal change of the degree of coincidence (frequency and amplitude) and making the threshold variable based on the pulsation, it is possible to reduce the influence of the pulsation on the degree of coincidence. As a result, the accuracy of identifying the movement of the probe 12 in the command analysis unit 321 can be improved.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the probe 12 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the subject 10 and a plurality of ultrasonic image data acquired in time series by the probe 12 are sequentially input. , The displacement of the set region (for example, the correlation window 43) set in the ultrasonic image data is obtained based on the pixel data of the set region, and based on the displacement of the obtained set regions of the plurality of ultrasonic image data. The probe operation command unit 30 is provided which identifies the movement of the probe 12 and outputs a control command set in association with the identified movement of the probe 12 to the device control unit 34. And

Further, in the present embodiment, the setting area (for example, the correlation window 43) can be set to the entire area of the ultrasonic image data, or one or a plurality of partial areas. Further, the displacement of the setting area (for example, the correlation window 43) can be calculated by statistically processing the displacements of a plurality of pixels included in the setting area.

The probe operation command unit 30 calculates a displacement of a set area (for example, the correlation window 43) and outputs motion frame data, and a search unit based on the motion frame data output from the motion calculation unit 31. The motion identifying unit 32 that identifies the motion of the probe 12 and outputs a control command set in association with the identified motion of the probe 12 to the device control unit 34. In addition, the motion identification unit 32 stores a frame memory 320 that stores the motion frame data sequentially output from the motion calculation unit 31 along the time axis, and a displacement of the motion frame data stored in the frame memory 320 along the time axis. And a command analysis unit that generates a movement trajectory of the probe 12 and outputs the control instruction set in association with the generated movement trajectory of the probe 12 to the device control unit 34. You can

(Second embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a series of operations for acquiring an elast image by pressing the subject 10 with the probe 12 at an arbitrary position while screening the subject with a B-mode image (ultrasound image) is described. An example will be described in which the movement of the probe 12 is appropriately used. The block configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

A method of acquiring an elast image is generally known. Basically, when the subject 10 is screened by the B-mode image and a target site is found, the lateral movement of the probe 12 is stopped at that site. Next, the operation of moving the probe 12 up and down to press the subject 10 is repeated. By repeating the pressing operation, a difference in tissue displacement due to a difference in hardness and softness of the tissue of the subject 10. For example, a strain distribution image representing the difference in the displacement is displayed as an elast image on the image display unit 24, and the examiner observes the elast image to diagnose a lesion or the like.

At the time of acquiring the elast image, when the examiner finds a site of interest in the screening, the probe 12 is moved up and down relatively slowly at the site, and the pressing operation is repeated on the subject 10. That is, paying attention to the movement of the probe 12, while the probe 12 is in contact with the body surface during the screening, the probe 12 is moved to the left and right in FIG. Then, at that position, it is moved in the vertical direction of FIG.

Therefore, the instruction analysis unit 321 can identify the pressing operation based on the motion frame data stored in the frame memory by the motion calculation unit 31 by the same method as the tap operation identification according to the first embodiment. The difference from the tap operation is the amplitude and frequency of the vertical movement. When identifying the compression operation for obtaining the elast image, the amplitudes and frequencies of the sample waveforms S1 and S2 are set according to the standard compression operation. For example, within the range of the amplitude “0.5 to 1.0 mm” and the frequency “1 to 2 Hz”, the probe 12 continuously presses the target tissue for a predetermined time and repeats compression, and the elast image is acquired. Therefore, the command analysis unit 321 analyzes the temporal waveform of the movement trajectory of the probe 12 due to the pressing operation of the probe 12 by the FFT to obtain the amplitude and frequency (movement of the probe 12), and the probe 12 outputs the amplitude “0. It is identified that the target tissue is continuously compressed for a predetermined time within a range of 5 to 1.0 mm" and a frequency of "1 to 2 Hz". Accordingly, by identifying the acquisition command (command C) of the elast image and outputting the command C to the device control unit 34, the examiner can easily operate the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus without operating the keyboard of the operation unit 35 or the like. 1 can be switched to the elast image acquisition mode. The device control unit 34 executes the control command for acquiring the elast image, which is assigned to the command C. That is, the motion identifying unit 32 identifies the pressing operation of the probe 12 on the subject 10, and the device control unit 34 executes the elast image generation command C output from the motion identifying unit 32.

When the command analysis unit 321 identifies the compression operation of the elast image, the command B for switching to the elast image measurement may be identified and the command B may be output to the device control unit 34. In this case, the device control unit 34 executes the switching command to the elast image measurement assigned to the command B, and controls the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 so as to transition from the B mode image mode to the elast image mode.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a non-contact detection for detecting a state where the probe 12 is not in contact with the body surface of the subject 10 between the RF signal frame data selection unit 28 and the motion calculation unit 31 of the embodiment of FIG. It is characterized in that the portion 38 is provided. Further, the non-contact detecting section 38 outputs a non-contact state signal to the motion identifying section 32. As shown in FIG. 7, the motion identifying unit 32 includes a motion monitoring unit 322 and a non-contact state signal holding unit 323 that holds a non-contact state signal. Since the other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof will be omitted.

The motion monitoring unit 322 illustrated in FIG. 7 is a block that identifies the stillness of the probe 12 using the correlation coefficient frame data output from the motion calculation unit 31. Here, a case will be described in which the motion calculation unit 31 calculates the displacement of each measurement point in the two-dimensional plane by using a one-dimensional array probe or the like.

The motion monitoring unit 322 identifies the stillness of the probe 12 using the correlation coefficient frame data. When the probe 12 is stationary in the short axis direction, each measurement point in the subject 10 measured based on one set of RF signal frame data (ultrasonic image data) acquired at that time is observed. Since it remains within the two-dimensional plane, the correlation coefficient obtained by the displacement calculation of each measurement point is close to "1". On the other hand, when the probe 12 is not stationary in the short axis direction, each measurement point in the subject 10 measured based on the set of RF signal frame data acquired at that time is the two-dimensional observation point. Since it does not remain within the plane (out of plane), the correlation coefficient obtained by the displacement calculation of each measurement point is close to "0".

The motion monitoring unit 322 inputs the correlation coefficient frame data, identifies that the probe 12 is stationary when the correlation coefficient of one set of RF signal frame data is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, and 1 The probe 12 is not stationary when the correlation coefficient of the RF signal frame data of the set is less than a predetermined threshold value. That is, the motion monitoring unit 322 determines whether the probe 12 is stationary in the short axis direction based on the correlation coefficient (similarity between frames) obtained from one set of RF signal frame data obtained at an arbitrary time. You can identify if it is moving.

The motion monitoring unit 322 identifies the stillness of the probe 12 by using the correlation coefficient obtained by the displacement calculation of each measurement point. The stillness of the probe 12 may be identified by the similarity (for example, by a correlation coefficient obtained by a correlation calculation). Further, the motion monitoring unit 322 uses the difference in the value (luminance value or the like) of the tomographic data between frames at a predetermined measurement point of a pair of tomographic frame data that are temporally adjacent, instead of the correlation coefficient. Stillness of child 12 may be identified. In this case, the motion monitoring unit 322 identifies that the probe 12 is stationary when the difference at the predetermined measurement point is less than the predetermined threshold, and the difference at the predetermined measurement point is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold. In some cases it is identified that the probe 12 is not stationary. The difference at a predetermined measurement point may be an average value of the differences at all measurement points.

(Examples 4 and 5)
The operation of the non-contact detection unit 38 includes Examples 4 and 5 described below. First, the operation of the non-contact detector 38 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows a state in which the probe 12 is in contact with the subject 10 on the body surface, and FIG. 8B shows a state in which the probe 12 is not in contact with the subject 10. The ultrasonic image data sequentially input from the RF signal frame data selection unit 28 is displayed on the B-mode image 40 of the subject 10 when the probe 12 is in contact with the body surface as shown in FIG. Equivalent to. On the other hand, when the probe 12 is in a non-contact state in which it is separated from the body surface, the ultrasonic image data becomes a unique multi-echo image 45. As described above, the state where the probe 12 is in contact with the body surface and the non-contact state can be detected by determining whether or not the ultrasonic image data is the multiple echo image 45.

Therefore, the sample image data of the multi-echo image 45 of the multi-echo pattern (or the brightness distribution) is set in advance in the non-contact detection unit 38, and compared with the ultrasonic image data that is sequentially input, and if they match each other. For example, if the degree of coincidence is, for example, the correlation coefficient is greater than or equal to the threshold value T2 (for example, 0.95), the non-contact state is detected. On the contrary, the non-contact detection unit 38 compares the sequentially input ultrasonic image data with the sample image data, and if the correlation coefficient is less than the threshold T2 (for example, 0.95), the probe 12 is detected. Detects that is in contact.

When the non-contact detection unit 38 detects the non-contact state, the ultrasonic image data output from the RF signal frame data selection unit 28 is prevented from being input to the motion calculation unit 31, and the non-contact state signal is output. The non-contact state signal holding unit 323 of the motion identifying unit 32 holds the signal. Even if the ultrasonic image data corresponding to the multi-echo image 45 is input to the motion calculation unit 31, the motion calculation unit 31 cannot substantially obtain the displacement vector, and thus the motion frame data is generated. Can not do it. Therefore, when the probe 12 is in the non-contact state, the motion frame data stored in the frame memory 320 becomes meaningless motion frame data.

By the way, as in the fourth embodiment of the non-contact detection unit 38 described above, the sequentially input ultrasonic image data and prestored sample image data of the multiple echo pattern are converted into absolute pixel values such as brightness. If the correlation coefficient is obtained and compared, the non-contact state may be erroneously detected. That is, for example, when the inspector changes the gain or the gain of the image changes due to the automatic gain control, the pixel value such as the brightness changes. As a result, the calculated correlation coefficient is affected, and there is a risk of erroneous detection of the non-contact state. Moreover, in order to avoid an ultrasonic wave conduction obstacle between the probe 12 and the body surface, jelly is usually applied to the probe 12. In this case, if a large amount of jelly is attached to the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving surface of the probe 12, the striped pattern of the multiple echo pattern may be broken, and the degree of coincidence with the multiple echo sample pattern may not be properly evaluated. There is a risk that the contact state may be detected incorrectly.

Therefore, a fifth embodiment of the non-contact detection unit 38 for preventing such erroneous detection will be described below. First, as shown in FIG. 8, in the B-mode image 40 and the multiple echo image 45, the setting region ROI _1A and the setting region ROI _1B are set in the shallow part, and the setting regions ROI _2A and ROI _2B are set in the deep part, respectively. As shown in the figure, normally, the brightness in the setting area ROI _1B set in the shallow part of the multi-echo image 45 in the depth direction is higher than the brightness in the setting area ROI _2B set in the deep part. Therefore, the luminance ratio B={(luminance of ROI _1B )/(luminance of ROI _2B )} is 5.0 or more. On the other hand, in the case of the B-mode image 40, the brightness of the setting area ROI _1A is about the same as the brightness of the setting area ROI _2A set in the deep portion. Therefore, the luminance ratio A={(luminance of ROI _1A )/(luminance of ROI _2A )} is about 1.0.

Therefore, the ratio (ROI ₁ /ROI ₂ ) of ROI ₁ and ROI ₂ set in the shallow portion and the deep portion of the sequentially input ultrasonic image data is calculated, and if the calculated ratio exceeds 5.0, it is not Contact state, if less than 5.0, it can be detected that the contact state. As a result, according to the non-contact detection unit 38, even when the inspector changes the gain, or when applied to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 having the gain control function such as the automatic gain control, the influence of the gain or the jelly is exerted. It is possible to improve the accuracy of discrimination between the contact state and the non-contact state of the probe 12 without receiving it.

According to the present embodiment including such a non-contact detection unit 38, the command analysis unit 321 refers to the non-contact state signal holding unit 323 as needed or periodically, and the probe 12 is When the state changes to the non-contact state, it is possible to determine that the examiner's diagnosis has been interrupted at least, and stop the series of motion identification of the probe.

It should be noted that it is also possible in the first embodiment to stop the movement identification of the probe upon determining the interruption of the examiner's diagnosis. That is, when the probe 12 changes to the non-contact state, the time-series motion frame data stored in the frame memory 320 becomes meaningless or blank as described above. Since this state can be recognized by the instruction analysis unit 321, it is possible to determine that the diagnosis of the examiner has been interrupted at least and stop the series of motion identification of the probe.

However, according to the fourth example of the non-contact detection unit 38 of the present embodiment, particularly according to the fifth example, the contact state and the non-contact state of the probe 12 can be reliably discriminated. It becomes possible to incorporate a control operation for outputting a command for switching the control command to the device control unit 34 on condition that the contactor 12 has changed from the contact state to the non-contact state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the probe operation command unit 30 of the first embodiment is further used, and the probe is further based on a plurality of ultrasonic image data acquired in time series by the probe 12. A non-contact detection unit 38 that detects that the probe 12 is in a non-contact state with the body surface of the subject 10 is provided. The non-contact detection unit 38 includes sample image data of ultrasonic image data when the probe 12 is in a non-contact state. And the degree of coincidence between the sample image data and the ultrasonic image data is obtained, and it is detected that the probe 12 is in the non-contact state when the obtained degree of coincidence is greater than or equal to a set threshold value. ..

Then, when the non-contact detection unit 28 of the fourth embodiment detects that the probe 12 is in the non-contact state, the non-contact detection unit 28 suspends the computation for obtaining the motion of the probe 12, that is, suspends the motion computing unit 31. In addition, the non-contact detection unit 28 of the fifth embodiment causes the non-contact state signal holding unit 323 to hold the non-contact state signal that detects that the probe 12 is in the non-contact state. The command analysis unit 321 of the probe operation command unit 30 sends a preset control command to the device control unit 34 on condition that the non-contact state signal holding unit 323 holds the non-contact state signal. Can be output.

(Fourth Embodiment)
The present embodiment is an example in which a control operation for outputting a control command to the device control unit 34 is incorporated using the third embodiment, on condition that the probe 12 has changed from the contact state to the non-contact state. is there. That is, in the present embodiment, the probe 12 performs a series of operations in which the B-mode image is frozen (freeze) at an arbitrary position while the subject is screened with the B-mode image (ultrasound image) and is observed in detail. This is an example realized by the movement of. The block configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the operation procedure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 shows a timing chart of the operation of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Further, FIG. 9 shows an example of a freeze image displayed on the image display unit 24 in the freeze operation.

A series of operations for displaying a freeze image of a diagnostic region of interest while performing screening by an operator and observing in detail according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described below.
(Step S100)
First, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 starts the screening operation using the B-mode image. The screening operation is performed by moving the probe 12 brought into contact with the body surface of the subject 10 by the examiner in a direction parallel to the scanning plane (scan plane) while moving the tomographic plane of the B-mode image. Note that it is normally assumed that the examiner operates the keyboard or the like of the operation unit 35 to start capturing the B-mode image. However, instead of operating the keyboard or the like, the motion identification unit 32 can start capturing a normal B-mode image based on the motion of the probe 12. For example, one of the movements such as the tap operation in FIG. 3 and the pressing operation in FIG. 4(a) can be applied. When the screening operation is started in this way, the motion calculating unit 31 operates to generate motion frame data indicating the motion of the probe 12, and the motion frame data is sequentially stored in the frame memory 320 of the motion identifying unit 32.

(Step S101)
Simultaneously with the start of the screening operation, the command analysis unit 321 of the motion identification unit 32 analyzes the motion of the probe 12 in real time based on the motion frame data stored in the frame memory 320. Since the screening is performed by moving the probe 12 in contact with the body surface, the command analysis unit 321 can recognize that the probe 12 is not stationary and recognize that the screening is in progress. In step S101, the instruction analysis unit 321 identifies whether or not the motion of the probe 12 has stopped, and the process returns to S101 until the probe 12 stops and the screening operation is continued. That is, in step S101, the movement monitoring unit 322 identifies whether or not the movement of the probe 12 is stationary. When the motion monitoring unit 322 identifies that the probe 12 is stationary, in step S102, the command analysis unit 321 identifies the control command (device operation command) associated with the motion of the probe 12, and the device control unit. 34 executes the instructions associated with the movement of the probe 12. That is, the device control unit 34 enters the execution mode in which the freeze monitoring command (command D) that freezes the ultrasonic image is executed when the motion monitoring unit 322 identifies that the probe 12 is stationary. In other words, when the motion monitoring unit 322 does not enter the execution mode because the motion monitoring unit 322 does not identify that the probe 12 is stationary, the device control unit 34 does not execute the freeze command (command D). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the device control unit (control unit) 34 from executing the freeze command (command D) due to an erroneous operation of the probe 12.

(Steps S201, S202)
If it is determined in step S101 that the motion of the probe 12 is stationary (Yes), a display indicating the stationary state is displayed on the image display unit 24 (S201). For example, the indicator 51 on the display screen shown in FIG. 11 displays a stationary state of the probe 12 (for example, “Ready to freeze” or “Capturing”). Is displayed. The display position or display form of the display indicating the stationary state is not limited to these, and may be displayed at any position on the display screen and in any display form. Next, the command analysis unit 321 outputs a command for storing the ultrasonic image in the stationary state to the device control unit 34, and sequentially stores the ultrasonic image in the stationary state in the cine memory unit 36 (S202).

(Step S203)
When the ultrasonic image of the diagnostic region focused on by the examiner is displayed on the image display unit 23 during the screening, the examiner changes the movement of the probe 12 and inputs a freeze command. In the present embodiment, the motion in which the examiner makes the probe 12 stand still at the target site and lifts it is set as the freeze command. In other words, the command analysis unit 321 outputs the freeze command to the device control unit 34 when the probe 12 is in contact with the body surface and when the movement away from the body surface is identified from the stationary state. Until the freeze analysis instruction is identified by the instruction analysis unit 321, the process returns to step S100 and is repeated until the freeze instruction is identified based on the movement of the probe 12.

(Steps S204, 205)
When the freeze command is identified (Yes), the freeze image 46 is displayed on the image display unit 24 as shown in FIG. 9 (S204). Further, the menu 41 related to the freeze operation is displayed (S205).

(Steps S205 to S211)
In the present embodiment, with the menu 41 displayed, operations such as desired menu selection, change, freeze image selection, still image save, freeze release, and body mark change are performed according to the movement of the probe 12. You can do it.

The operation of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in the freeze operation will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 10. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the time axis, and “t(0)” represents the time of the currently acquired motion frame data. "T(-1)", "t(-2)",..., "t(-10)" are 1 frame before, 2 frames before,... 10 from the current motion frame data, respectively. It represents the time of the motion frame data acquired before the frame. FIG. 10A shows a temporal change in the displacement of the probe 12 in the depth direction (upward and downward compression direction). FIG. 10B shows a temporal change of the correlation coefficient obtained based on the correlation coefficient frame data of the correlation window 43 monitored by the motion monitoring unit 322. FIG. 10C shows the processes of the retrospectives 1 to 3 and the prospectives 1 and 2 of the storage method.

At time “t(−10)” in FIG. 10, screening with an ultrasonic image is started, and at time “t(−10) to t(−7)”, the probe 12 is placed on the body surface of the subject 10. Movement continues in contact. In the example of FIG. 10A, the vertical movement of the probe 12 in the depth direction is relatively small and is within a predetermined threshold range ±T1. In this case, the command analysis unit 321 can identify that the pressing operation by the vertical movement of the probe 12 is not performed. On the other hand, since the probe 12 is in contact with the body surface and is moving in the direction (left-right direction) along the scanning surface, the correlation coefficient of the correlation coefficient frame data input to the motion monitoring unit 322 is , T2 (for example, 0.95). In this case, the command analysis unit 321 identifies that the probe 12 is moving in the left-right direction.

When the vertical movement of the probe 12 exceeds the predetermined threshold range ±T1, the command analysis unit 321 identifies the movement of the probe 12 as a vertically reciprocating compression state, and acquires an elast image from the screening mode. It is also possible to apply to the second embodiment in which a command to switch to the elast mode is output to the device control unit 34.

Next, at time “t(−7) to t(−3)” in FIG. 10A, the vertical movement of the probe 12 is relatively small and is within the predetermined threshold range ±T1, and the correlation coefficient The correlation coefficient of the frame data is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold T3 (for example, 0.95). In this case, the command analysis unit 321 identifies that the probe 12 is in contact with the body surface of the subject 10 and is still. When the stationary state of the probe 12 is identified, the command analysis unit 321 follows a preset procedure to start a storage start command (command K) for starting the storage of the ultrasonic image, and a predetermined process until the storage start command is executed. A start time count command (command L) for counting time, a freeze command (command D) for freezing the ultrasonic image stored in the cine memory 36, a storage end command (command M) for terminating the storage of the ultrasonic image, and storage An end time count command (command N) that counts a predetermined time until the end command is executed is output to the device control unit 34.

In S202 of FIG. 9, the device control unit 34 starts storing the ultrasonic image in the cine memory 36 from the image forming unit 23 according to the storage start command (command K) input from the command analysis unit 321. Next, the device control unit 34 waits for execution of a freeze command (command D) that freezes the ultrasonic image stored in the cine memory 36 in S203 of FIG. In this execution standby, when the start time count command (command L) is input from the command analysis unit 321, according to the command L, within a predetermined time from the start t(−7) of the stationary state, within the time of the stationary state, And the freeze instruction (instruction D) is executed by the expiration of the count of at least one time within a predetermined time from the end t(−3) of the stationary state.

During execution of the freeze instruction (instruction D), the instruction analysis unit 321 determines that at least one of the predetermined time from the start of the stationary state, the time of the stationary state, and the predetermined time from the end of the stationary state, When it is determined that the probe 12 is in the non-contact state, a freeze command (command D) ending command for freezing the ultrasonic image and a storage ending command (command M) ending storing the ultrasonic image. Is output to the device control unit 34.

As described above, the command analysis unit 321 of the present exemplary embodiment uses the movement locus of the probe 12 obtained from the motion frame in the depth direction to move the probe 12 in the depth direction below the first threshold range, and to detect the movement locus of the subject. When the moving speed in the direction along the scanning surface is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, the probe has a first identification function of identifying that the probe is in contact with the body surface of the subject and is under screening. ing. Further, when the movement width in the depth direction changes within the first threshold range and the movement speed in the direction along the scanning surface of the subject changes below the second threshold after the first identification, the probe. Has a second identification function of identifying that the person is in contact with the body surface and is still. Further, after a lapse of the first set time from the second identification, a storage command for storing an ultrasonic image acquired by the probe in a stationary state is output to the device control unit 34, A memory end command for ending the memory command is output after a lapse of a long second set time, and after the second identification, the motion calculation unit 31 pauses and the output of the motion frame is stopped. It has a third identification function for identifying the change from the contact state to the non-contact state. Then, after the third identification, it has a function of outputting a freeze command for displaying the ultrasonic image stored in the device control unit 34 on the image display unit as a still image.

Here, the control of storing the ultrasonic image in the cine memory unit 36 in step S202 of FIG. 9 will be described. First, there are retrospective and prospective memory methods. In the retrospective storage method, storage of an ultrasonic image is started before the probe 12 is in a stationary state. On the other hand, in the prospective storage method, the ultrasonic image is started to be stored after the probe 12 starts to be stationary.

That is, in the retrospective storage method, the ultrasonic image is stored in the cine memory unit 36 before the time “t(−7)” in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, when the probe 12 is brought into the non-contact state at the time “(−2)” in FIG. 10, the command analysis unit 321 freezes the ultrasonic image in the device control unit 34 in step S<b>203 of FIG. 9. The command (command D) is executed. There are three retrospective memory methods.

In FIG. 10, at the time “t(−2) to t(0)”, the probe 12 is separated from the surface of the subject 10 and the probe 12 is kept in the non-contact state. That is, the probe 12 is in a non-contact state, the displacement of the probe 12 in the depth direction is 0, and is within the threshold range ±T1. Here, if the fourth embodiment is applied to the non-contact state detection unit 38, since the ultrasonic image data that is sequentially input is the multiple echo image 45, the correlation coefficient (degree of coincidence) between them is a predetermined threshold value T3. (For example, 0.95) or more. As a result, the non-contact state detection unit 38 detects the non-contact state, and the non-contact state detection signal is stored in the non-contact state detection signal holding unit 323. As a result, the command analysis unit 321 identifies the non-contact state of the probe 12. If the fifth embodiment is applied to the non-contact state detection unit 38, the reliability of contact/non-contact discrimination can be improved even if the gain of the ultrasonic image data is significantly changed.

In the retrospective 1, when the command analysis unit 321 identifies that the stationary state of the probe 12 has changed to the non-contact state, the device control unit 34 executes the freeze command (command D) to freeze the ultrasonic image. That is, in FIG. 10A, during the time “t(−3) to t(−2)”, the command analysis unit 321 causes the probe 12 to move in the vertical direction in the compressed state (to the non-contact state). Transition state) is identified. That is, the identification of the stationary state is released. Therefore, when the freeze command (command D) is set to be output when the stationary state is changed to the non-contact state, the stationary state is released, and therefore the command analysis unit 321 issues the freeze command (command D). ) Is not output to the device control unit 34. As a result, in the case of Retrospective 1, the device control unit 34 may not be able to execute the freeze command (command D).

In such a case, as shown in the retrospective 2 of FIG. 10C, the instruction analysis unit 321 sets the grace time (for example, 0..0) set from the time “t(−3)” at which the end of the stationary state is identified. If it is determined that the probe 12 is in the non-contact state within 5 seconds, the freeze command (command D) is output, so that the defect of the retrospective 1 can be solved. Alternatively, as shown in Retrospective 3 in FIG. 10C, the instruction analysis unit 321 may execute a storage end instruction within a predetermined time (for example, immediately after the start of the stationary state) from the start of the stationary state. The end time count command (command N) that counts the time (for example, 2 seconds) may be executed. In addition, the command analysis unit 321 executes a storage end command (command M) that ends the storage of the ultrasonic image within a predetermined time from the start of the static state (for example, 2 seconds after the start of the static state). Alternatively, a freeze command (command D) for freezing the ultrasonic image may be executed.

On the other hand, in Prospect 1 of FIG. 10, in step S202 of FIG. 9, the device control unit 34 executes the storage start command within a predetermined time (for example, immediately after the start of the stationary state) from the start of the stationary state. A start time count command (command L) that counts a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) is executed. Then, a storage start command (command K) for starting the storage of the ultrasonic image is executed within a predetermined time from the start of the static state (for example, 1 second after the start of the static state). In this case, as in the retrospective 2, the command analysis unit 321 causes the probe 12 to move within a predetermined grace period (for example, 0.5 seconds) from the end of the stationary state (time “t(−3)”). When the non-contact state is set, a storage end command (command M) for ending the storage of the ultrasonic image and a freeze command (command D) for freezing the ultrasonic image may be executed (step S203).

Further, as in Prospective 2 in FIG. 10, the instruction analysis unit 321 starts the storage of the ultrasonic image within a predetermined time (for example, immediately after the start of the stationary state) from the start of the stationary state (a storage start command ( The instruction K) and an end time count instruction (instruction N) for counting a predetermined time until the storage end instruction are executed are output. Based on this, the device control unit 34 executes those commands. The command analysis unit 321 also stores a storage end command (command M) for ending the storage of the ultrasonic image within a predetermined time from the start of the stationary state (for example, 2 seconds after the start of the stationary state) and the ultrasonic image. A freeze command (command D) for freezing may be output to the device control unit 34 and executed (step S203).

Here, a modified example of enhancing the certainty of the freeze operation of the third embodiment will be described below. In this modification, an operation switch is provided in the grip of the probe 12, and the operation switch is used to turn on/off the freeze operation execution mode, thereby reliably executing the freeze command (command D) to the device control unit 34. Can be made. That is, as shown in FIG. 10D, the freeze operation is invalidated when the operation switch is off, and the freeze operation is validated when the operation switch is on. Then, the operation switch is turned on only between t(-7) and t(-2). As a result, when the freeze operation is detected (identified) by the instruction analysis unit 321 at the timing shown in FIG. 10E, the freeze instruction (command D) is output to the device control unit 34 as a valid freeze operation. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10F, even if the instruction analysis unit 321 detects (identifies) a freeze operation for some reason, the freeze instruction (command D) is regarded as an invalid freeze operation and the device control unit It is possible not to output to 34.

The device control unit 34 displays an image during storage of the ultrasonic image 40 (for example, a display of “Capturing”) or a display indicating a storage time, and a display indicating a time until starting or ending the storage of the ultrasonic image. It is displayed on the indicator 51 of the display image of the section 24.

When the freeze command (command D) is executed, the device control unit 34 outputs a display command (command E) for displaying the frozen ultrasonic image to the image composing unit 23 and freezes the image display unit 24. The displayed ultrasonic image is displayed (step S204 in FIG. 9).

Further, the device control unit 34 executes a storage command for storing the ultrasonic image 40 in a stationary state, and the ultrasonic image having the maximum matching degree (correlation coefficient) among the stored ultrasonic images 40 (see FIG. 10). The freeze command (command D) that freezes the ultrasonic image 40-1) acquired at time “t(−4)” is executed. In addition, the device control unit 34 causes the latest ultrasonic image having the degree of coincidence (correlation coefficient) equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold T2 (the ultrasonic image 40-2 acquired at time “t(−3)” in FIG. 10). ) May be executed by executing a freeze instruction (instruction D). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, a frozen image 46 of the ultrasonic image 40 is displayed on the image display unit 24.

When the freeze command (command D) is executed, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may interrupt the imaging of the real-time ultrasonic image (B-mode image) 40 or may continue the imaging.

The image display unit 24 may display a real-time ultrasonic image (B-mode image) 40 together with the freeze image 46. Further, in the ultrasonic image (B-mode image) 40, a region (correlation window) 43 set to obtain at least one degree of coincidence of the pattern and the luminance distribution in the ultrasonic image 40 may be displayed. The moving state, the stationary state, and the compressed state of the probe 12 are identified based on the change of the ultrasonic image (B-mode image) 40 in the state where the probe 12 is in contact with the subject 10. When the display is changed from the image (B mode image) 40 to the freeze image 46, the examiner cannot determine whether or not the probe 12 is appropriately brought into contact with the subject 10. Therefore, when the image display unit 24 displays the ultrasonic image (B mode image) 40 and the region (correlation window) 43 together with the freeze image 46, the examiner confirms the ultrasonic image (B mode image) 40. It is possible to determine whether or not the probe 12 is appropriately brought into contact with the subject 10.

The correlation window 43 may have a rectangular shape, or may display only the vertices of the rectangular shape. The correlation window 43 is not saved when the moving image of the ultrasonic image 40 is saved. The image display unit 24 may also display freeze images 46 of the plurality of ultrasonic images 40. By displaying the plurality of freeze images 46 by the image display unit 24, it is possible to perform comparative observation of contrasting parts (for example, both arms or both feet).

After executing the command E, the device control unit 34 outputs, for example, a menu display command (command F) for displaying the menu 41 illustrated in FIG. 11 to the image composing unit 23 and causes the image display unit 24 to display the menu 41. (Step S205). The menu 41 is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 24 when the ultrasonic image (B mode image) 40 is captured by using the movement of the probe of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). You may make it select by operating the cursor 42.

Further, in S205 of FIG. 9, the device control unit 34 displays the menu 41 when the stationary state continues for a predetermined time (for example, the time “t(−3)” of the retrospective 3 or the prospective 2 in FIG. 10). The menu display command (command F) to be executed may be executed. Furthermore, when the non-contact state is identified, the device control unit 34 displays the menu 41 at the time “t(−2)” of the retrospective 2 or the prospective 1 in FIG. F) may be executed.

Further, the device control unit 34 may execute a menu display command (command F) that displays the menu 41 in a state where the cursor 42 is in contact with a predetermined menu (menu button) 41. On the image display unit 24, a cursor 42 that is in contact with the menu 41 when the menu 41 is displayed is displayed. For example, the menu 41 is displayed with the cursor 42 in contact with the menu button “save still image” from the beginning. By touching the cursor 42 from the beginning to the menu (menu button) 41 that is frequently selected from the operator's selection history, it is not necessary to move the cursor 42 when selecting the menu (menu button) 41 that is frequently selected. , Menu selection time can be shortened.

The device control unit 34 executes the menu selection command (command H) (step S206 in FIG. 9). The device control unit 34 may execute a menu selection command (command H) that selects a menu when the non-contact state is identified while the cursor 42 is in contact with the menu (menu button) 41. For example, when the probe 12 is brought into a non-contact state while the cursor 42 is in contact with the menu button "save still image", the menu selection command (command H) of the menu button "save still image" is executed.

Further, the device control unit 34 may execute a menu selection command (command H) for selecting the menu 41 when the cursor 42 contacts the menu (menu button) 41. Since the menu 41 can be selected only by the cursor 42 touching the menu 41, the time for menu selection can be shortened. The device control unit (control unit) 34 may execute a menu selection command (command H) that selects the menu 41 when the stationary state continues for a predetermined time while the cursor 42 is in contact with the menu 41. .. Since the menu 41 can be selected after the stationary state continues for a predetermined time, erroneous menu selection can be prevented.

Further, the device control unit 34 may execute a menu selection command (command H) that selects a different menu according to the movement of the probe 12 while the cursor 42 is in contact with the menu 41. For example, when the probe 12 is brought into a non-contact state while the cursor 42 is in contact with the menu button “video saving”, a menu selection command (command to store the ultrasonic image 40 in the cine memory unit 36 by a retrospective storage method). H) is executed and when the contact state of the probe 12 is continued, a menu selection command (command H) in which the ultrasonic image 40 is stored in the cine memory unit 36 by the prospective storage method is executed.

Further, the device control unit 34 may execute a menu change command (command O) that changes the menu when the cursor 42 comes into contact with a predetermined position in the image display unit 24 (S207 in FIG. 9). For example, when the cursor 42 contacts the left side surface of the image display unit 24 (the left end portion of the movable range of the cursor 42), the menu button of the menu 41 changes to the left every one second (the menu button releases the freeze, A menu change command (command O) is executed to change the gain, body mark, moving image save, still image save, and freeze release in order of 1 second.

The device control unit 34 also issues a freeze image selection command (command P) that selects a freeze image of the ultrasonic image 40 from the cine memory unit 36 according to the time when the cursor 42 contacts a predetermined position in the image display unit 24. You may perform (S208 of FIG. 9). A plurality of ultrasonic images (frame data) 40 are stored in the cine memory unit 36 by a retrospective or prospective storage method. A frame number (for example, 1 to 250) is given to each of the plurality of ultrasonic images 40, and the frame number is displayed on the image display unit 24 together with the freeze image 46. In FIG. 11, the 245th frame data of the 250 frame data is displayed as the freeze image 46. In this state, when the cursor 42 comes into contact with the left side surface of the image display unit 24 (the left end portion of the movable range of the cursor 42), the frame number is increased/decreased every predetermined time (for example, 0.01 seconds), The freeze image selection command (command P) in which the frame data corresponding to the number is displayed as the freeze image 46 is executed. As a result, even if the "freeze image selection" menu 41 is not displayed, it is possible to instruct the selection of the freeze image 46 by bringing the cursor 42 into contact with a predetermined position in the image display section 24, and the cursor 42 It is possible to select an arbitrary freeze image from a plurality of frame data according to the contact time of. The device control unit 34 executes a freeze image selection command (command P) that selects the freeze image 46 of the ultrasonic image 40 from the cine memory according to the moving distance of the probe 12 instead of the contact time of the cursor 42. It is good (S208 of FIG. 9).

Further, as described in the modified example of the present embodiment, an operation switch is provided in the grip portion of the probe 12, and the operation switch can be applied to operations such as menu selection and selection of a storage frame. For example, when the cursor is moved for a relatively long distance for menu selection, the movement distance may be restricted depending on the diagnosis site of the subject. In this case, if the examiner lifts the probe to bring it into a non-contact state, it may lead to an erroneous operation of selecting a menu button at that position or selecting a frame. In such a case, before the inspector lifts the probe, by turning off the operation switch of the grip section, the command analysis section 321 identifies the stationary state and also identifies that the contact state has changed to the non-contact state. Even disable the menu button selection and frame selection. Thereby, the examiner can move the cursor substantially by a relatively long distance by lifting the probe and repeatedly moving it in the same direction.

The device control unit 34 also executes a freeze image selection command (command P) that selects the latest ultrasonic image 40 in the static state as the freeze image 46 when the static state of the probe 12 is released. Good (S208 of FIG. 9). For example, when the freeze image is selected by recognizing the release of the stationary state when the probe 12 is in the non-contact state, the selection position of the freeze image may be displaced in the non-contact transition state (compression state). There is. Therefore, the device control unit (control unit) 34 executes the freeze image selection command (command P) that selects the latest ultrasonic image 40 in the stationary state, which is the previous stage of the non-contact transition state, as the freeze image 46. The freeze image 46 designated by the operator can be appropriately selected.

Further, the device control unit 34 may execute a still image save command (command Q) that saves the freeze image 46 when the non-contact state of the probe 12 is identified (S209 of FIG. 9). Further, the device control unit 34 may execute a freeze release command (command R) that releases the freeze of the ultrasonic image when the cursor contacts a predetermined position in the image display unit 24 (S210 in FIG. 9). ). For example, when the cursor 42 comes into contact with the right side surface of the image display unit 24 (the right end portion of the movable range of the cursor 42), the freeze image 46 is unfrozen and the B-mode image of the ultrasonic image is displayed.

The device control unit 34 also executes a body mark setting command (command S) that sets the body mark 53 displayed in the frame 52 when the cursor contacts the predetermined frame 52 of the ultrasonic image 40. Good (S211 in FIG. 9).

In this way, the movement identification unit 32 identifies the movement of the probe 12, and the device control unit 34 executes the command associated with the movement of the probe 12.

The device control unit 34 moves the cursor 42 in the first axial direction (for example, the vertical direction) by the pressing operation of the probe 12, and moves the cursor 42 to the second axis by the moving operation of the probe 12 on the surface of the subject. The cursor movement command (command T) for moving in the direction (for example, the left-right direction) may be executed. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the body mark 53 displayed within the frame 52 (the movable range of the cursor 42) of the ultrasonic image 40. As shown in FIG. 12A, the cursor 42 is moved in the first axial direction (for example, the vertical direction) by the pressing operation of the probe 12, and the cursor is moved by the moving operation of the probe 12 on the surface of the subject. 42 moves in the second direction (for example, the left-right direction). In addition, as shown in FIG. 12B, the device control unit (control unit) 34 is arranged inside the frame 52 when the cursor 42 comes into contact with the frame 52 (end of the movable range of the cursor 42) of the ultrasonic image 40. A body mark setting command (command S) for setting (changing) the body mark 53 displayed in FIG.

Further, the device control unit 34 may execute a cursor movement command (command T) that rotates the cursor about a predetermined point in response to a rotation operation or a movement operation of the probe 12 on the subject surface. In this case, the image display unit 24 may display the angle of the cursor 42 that rotates around a predetermined point in response to the rotation operation or the movement operation of the probe 12. For example, when an ultrasonic image (tomographic image) of the mammary gland is displayed on the image display unit 24, since the mammary gland is located radially around the papilla, the probe 12 is rotated or moved to center the papilla. The angle of the cursor 42 to be adjusted can be adjusted on the body mark of the breast, and the operator can display a desired ultrasonic image (tomographic image).

In addition, the device control unit 34 changes the moving speed or the moving acceleration of the cursor 42 according to at least one of the moving distance, the speed, the acceleration, the displacement, and the posture of the probe 12, and a cursor speed/acceleration changing command (command). U) may be performed. For example, as the moving speed of the probe 12 increases, the moving distance of the cursor 42 increases. Thereby, even if the moving distance of the probe 12 is short, the moving distance of the cursor 42 can be lengthened.

In addition, the device control unit 34 searches for a region in which the degree of coincidence of at least one of the pattern and the luminance distribution of the ultrasonic image 40 is maximum according to the moving speed or the moving acceleration of the probe 12, or the search pitch. The search range/pitch adjustment command (command V) for adjusting For example, when the moving speed of the probe 12 is slow, the search range 44 becomes narrow and the search pitch becomes small. As a result, by adjusting the search range 44 or the pitch according to the moving speed of the probe 12, it is possible to improve the accuracy or the processing speed of the area search by the image correlation method.

In addition, the device control unit 34 adjusts the gain according to the rotation of the probe 12 (command W) or the display depth for adjusting the display depth of the ultrasonic image 40 according to the rotation of the probe 12. The adjustment instruction (instruction X) may be executed. By executing the command corresponding to the rotation operation of the rotary button by the rotation operation of the probe 12, the operator can perform the gain adjustment and the display depth adjustment so as to rotate the rotary button.

Further, the device control unit 34 has at least one of the size, position, and number of regions (ROI or correlation window 43) set for measuring at least one degree of coincidence of the pattern and the luminance distribution in the ultrasonic image 40. An area adjustment command (command Y) for adjusting one according to the movement of the probe 12 may be executed. Accordingly, by adjusting the region (ROI or correlation window 43) according to the movement of the probe 12, it is possible to improve the accuracy or processing speed of the region search and tracking by the image correlation method.

In addition, the motion calculation unit 31 determines whether or not the position where the region (ROI or correlation window 43) is set is appropriate based on at least one of the pattern and the luminance distribution, and it is determined to be appropriate. A region (ROI or correlation window 43) may be set at a different position. When a plurality of regions (ROI or correlation window 43) are set, the motion calculation unit 31 compares the pattern or the luminance distribution with a predetermined threshold value to set a region (for example, a search region) set at an inappropriate position. A region set to a position where it becomes “out of plane” due to the movement of the probe 12 and is no longer observed, and a position where no echo occurs due to a non-contact portion with the subject 10 caused by the movement of the probe 12 The region set to 1) or the region set to the position where the ultrasound image 40 is saturated) is excluded to search for and track the region. In addition, the motion calculation unit 31 sets a region to an appropriate position (for example, a characteristic site or a tissue boundary where the search and tracking of the region are easy) based on the statistical value or the contrast of the brightness difference of the pattern or the brightness distribution. You may set it. As a result, the region (ROI or correlation window 43) is set at an appropriate position, so that it is possible to improve the accuracy or processing speed of the region search and tracking by the image correlation method.

The motion identification unit 32 sets one or a plurality of regions in the ultrasonic image, searches for and traces a region where the degree of coincidence of at least one of the image pattern and the luminance distribution of the set region is the maximum, thereby detecting At least one of the moving path, moving distance, speed, acceleration, rotation, vibration, orientation, displacement, and posture of the child is identified. Further, the motion identification unit 32 determines whether or not the position where the setting area is set is appropriate based on at least one of the image pattern and the brightness distribution, and the setting area is set at the position determined to be appropriate. To set.

Further, the device control unit (control unit) 34 is a measurement command (command) for measuring a distance or an area between a plurality of positions when a plurality of positions are set in the ultrasonic image 40 according to the movement of the probe 12. Z) may be executed. Further, the image display unit 24 displays the distance or area measured by the plurality of positions set in the ultrasonic image 40 or the display indicating the plurality of positions set in the ultrasonic image 40 to measure the distance or area. , Indicator 51 is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of positions 54-1 and 54-2 are set according to the movement of the probe 12, and a distance 55 between the plurality of positions 54-1 and 54-2 is measured, It is displayed on the indicator 51. Thus, the movement of the probe 12 can be used to perform distance measurement with a caliper.

Further, when at least one of the moving state, the stationary state, the non-contact state, and the compressed state of the probe 12 is identified, the device control unit 34 generates a voice command (command) that generates a voice corresponding to these states. AA) may be performed. For example, at time “t(−2)” in FIG. 10, the device control unit (control unit) 34 notifies the operator that the probe 12 is in a non-contact state (freezing state of ultrasonic image). Generate sound.

Further, the device control unit 34 may execute a voice command (command AA) for generating a voice when the menu 41 is selected. Further, the device control unit (control unit) 34 may execute a voice command (command AA) for generating a voice when starting or ending the storage of the ultrasonic image 40. Further, the device control unit (control unit) 34 may execute a voice command (command AA) for generating a voice indicating a time until starting or ending the storage of the ultrasonic image 40. For example, in the storage method of prospective 1 in FIG. 10, the device control unit (control unit) 34 counts a predetermined time until the storage start command (command K) is executed at time “t(−7)”. Voice is generated, and at time “t(−5)”, a voice to start storing is generated. Further, in the storage means of the prospective 2 in FIG. 10, the device control unit (control unit) 34 executes the storage end command (command M) together with the voice for starting the storage at time “t(−7)”. A sound for counting a predetermined time is generated, and at time "t(-3)", a sound for ending the storage is generated.

The device control unit (control unit) 34 may execute a frame rate adjustment command (command AB) to increase the frame rate after the storage of the ultrasonic image 40 is completed. After the storage of the ultrasonic image 40 is completed, the command analysis unit 321 of the motion identification unit 32 identifies the motion of the probe 12, and the device control unit 34 executes the command associated with the motion of the probe 12. Therefore, it is desirable that the responsiveness to the movement of the probe 12 is high. Therefore, by increasing the frame rate using a plane wave having a high frequency, it is possible to improve the responsiveness to the movement of the probe 12.

Further, the device control unit 34 may execute an image acquisition range adjustment command (command AC) that narrows the acquisition range of the ultrasonic image 40 after the storage of the ultrasonic image 40 is completed. The frame rate can be increased by narrowing the acquisition range of the adjusted ultrasonic image 40 depending on whether the imaging depth of the ultrasonic image 40 is shallow or the aperture of the probe 12 is narrowed (or both). The responsiveness to the movement of the probe 12 can be improved.

Further, the invention according to the present embodiment is applicable as a storage method other than the retrospective and prospective processes. The device control unit 34 may execute an image mode switching command (command AD) that switches the image mode when the non-contact state of the probe 12 is recognized.

In addition, when the command analysis unit 321 recognizes the switching between the contact state and the non-contact state of the probe 12 multiple times within a predetermined time (for example, within 0.5 seconds) (contact state and non-contact state). The image mode switching command may be executed when is repeatedly recognized a plurality of times. For example, the device control unit 34 executes a switching command (command A) to color Doppler when a switch between the contact state and the non-contact state is recognized three times within a predetermined time, and the device control unit 34 executes the predetermined time. A switching command (command B) to the elastography may be executed when the switching between the contact state and the non-contact state is recognized four times.

Further, when the device control unit 34 recognizes the switching between the contact state and the non-contact state three times within a predetermined time, it executes a switching command (command A) to the color Doppler, and the next predetermined The switching command (command B) to the elastography may be executed when the switching between the contact state and the non-contact state is recognized three times within the time of.

The device control unit 34 also executes a menu display command (command F) that displays a menu for switching the image mode when the switching between the contact state and the non-contact state is recognized three times within a predetermined time. You may.

In addition, the device control unit 34 of the probe 12 after the switching between the contact state and the non-contact state of the probe 12 is recognized multiple times within a predetermined time (for example, within 1.0 second). Different instructions may be executed in each of the contact state and the non-contact state. For example, when the non-contact state of the probe 12 is recognized after the switching between the contact state and the non-contact state is recognized three times within a predetermined time, the device control unit 34 may change the image mode switching command ( Command AD) is executed, and when the contact state of the probe 12 is recognized after the switching between the contact state and the non-contact state is recognized three times within a predetermined time, the mode for setting the gain is displayed. A gain setting mode display command (command AE) may be executed.

In addition, by using the two-dimensional array probe unit, the device control unit 34 moves the cursor 42 to the first axial direction (for example, the vertical direction) and the first by moving the probe 12 in the two-dimensional direction on the surface of the subject. A cursor movement command (command S) for moving in two directions (for example, left and right directions) can be executed.

As described above, the instruction analysis unit 321 identifies the movement of the probe 12, and the device control unit 34 executes the instruction associated with the movement of the probe 12, thereby improving the operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Can be increased.

The position at which the probe 12 is gripped differs depending on the examiner and the scanning site. In addition, when the operator holds the probe 12 with the right hand and operates the puncture needle with the left hand, the mechanical operation unit (button, rotary knob, and Lever) cannot be operated. Further, when the probe 12 is operated at a position away from the console of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a mechanical operation unit provided on the console of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with the probe 12 being operated. (Buttons, rotary knobs, levers, etc.) cannot be operated.

According to the above-described embodiment, since the probe has the function of the mechanical operation unit (button, rotary knob, lever, etc.), these problems can be solved, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus Operability can be improved.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the movement of the probe can be detected based on the change of the ultrasonic image according to the movement of the probe. The present invention can be applied to a general-purpose ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus without providing a general operation section (button, rotary knob, lever, etc.).

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, in the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the space for mechanical operation parts (buttons, rotary knobs, levers, etc.) is limited for downsizing. According to this aspect, various functions can be mounted on the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus without equipping a mechanical operation unit. Further, by minimizing the mechanical operation unit and linking the operation with the probe and the operation with the mechanical button, the convenience and operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are further improved. For example, the movement of the cursor can be performed by operating the probe, and the selection and cancellation of the menu can be performed by a mechanical operation unit.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention can improve the convenience of operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by identifying the movement of the probe and executing the command associated with the movement of the probe. During biopsy, puncture, intravenous injection, intraarterial injection, and the like during operation of the probe, the examiner cannot operate buttons or the like of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus because both hands are closed. In addition, the examiner cannot touch the buttons of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus even when using the echo during the operation. In addition, even in an orthopedic echo examination, since the subject (subject) takes various postures, both hands are blocked because the examiner assists the posture of the subject with the other hand holding the probe. The examiner cannot touch the buttons etc. According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to operate the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by the movement of the probe without operating the buttons or the like of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the convenience of operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Can be increased.

1 Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device 10 Subject 12 Probe 14 Transmitter 16 Receiver 17 Ultrasonic Wave Transmission/Reception Control Unit 18 Phasing Adder 20 Tomographic Image Constructor 22 Scan Converter 28 RF Signal Frame Data Selector 23 Image Constructor 24 Image Display unit 30 Probe operation command unit 31 Motion calculation unit 32 Motion identification unit 34 Device control unit 35 Operation unit 36 Cine memory unit 37 Data storage unit 38 Non-contact detection unit 41 Menu button 42 Cursor 320 Frame memory 321 Command analysis unit 322 Motion Monitoring unit 323 Non-contact state signal holding unit

Claims (1)

A probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the subject,
Sequentially input a plurality of ultrasonic image data acquired by the probe in time series, identify the movement of the probe based on the ultrasonic image data, to the identified movement of the probe An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising a probe operation command unit that outputs a control command set in association with the device control unit,
The probe operation command unit further detects non-contact detection for detecting that the probe is in non-contact with the body surface of the subject based on ultrasonic image data acquired by the probe. Section,
The non-contact detection unit has sample image data of the ultrasonic image data in the non-contact state of the probe, obtains the degree of coincidence between the sample image data and the ultrasonic image data, and obtains the An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which detects that the probe is in the non-contact state when the degree of coincidence is equal to or more than a set threshold value.

Images