JP2002065667A - Image display method and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display an adequate image quickly in freeze state even if there is a time delay until a time when a freeze display is indicated. SOLUTION: An image that copes with a frame data Fi which goes back to the past by a going-back correction time (t) which copes with a time delay between a time when an image to be freeze-displayed is displayed and a time when freeze is directed. As a result, not only burden on an operator is reduced but also efficiency of image display is enhanced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to an image display method capable of quickly displaying an appropriate image even if there is a time delay before instructing freeze display. And an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a normal display mode and a freeze mode. In the normal display mode, images sequentially generated by scanning the subject are displayed in real time. At this time, images are successively stored in the cine memory. When the image reaches the storage capacity of the cine memory, the oldest stored image is overwritten with the latest image. The operator
By pressing the freeze button, the normal display mode can be arbitrarily switched to the freeze mode. In the freeze mode, overwriting of the stored oldest image with the latest image is stopped. Then, the last image stored in the cine memory is displayed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, if the data processing of the n-th frame data Fn is being performed at the moment when the freeze button is pressed, the latest frame data whose data processing is completed, that is, (n-1) An image based on the frame data Fn-1 is freeze-displayed. Normally, due to the time lag between the time when the image determined to be displayed in the frozen state is displayed and the time when the operator presses the freeze button, two times less than the desired image is displayed.
Since an image three to three frames later is displayed (how many frames later depends on the individual difference of the operator, the proficiency, etc.), it is necessary to select an image retrospectively. If a cine loop is designated during the freeze mode, the cine display of the last image stored in the cine memory and the images successive in the past direction with respect to the image are repeated in chronological order. When the cine display is stopped, the image displayed at that time is displayed. Also, if the operator instructs rewinding during the freeze mode, images that are continuously displayed in the past direction with respect to the currently displayed image are displayed in reverse chronological order, and when the operator stops rewinding, The image displayed at that time is displayed. When the operator releases the freeze, the display returns to the normal display mode.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, if the pressing of the freeze button is delayed, it is necessary to reselect an image which has been updated in the past by the number of updated frames during that time, which is troublesome and time consuming. However, there is a problem. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image display method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of quickly displaying an appropriate image quickly even when there is a time delay until the freeze display is instructed.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying images in real time while sequentially storing images obtained by photographing a subject or displaying the images in real time. During a cine display that continuously displays a plurality of images in chronological order, when the freeze display that suspends the display update of the image is instructed by the operator, the image at the time of going back in the past by a predetermined retroactive correction amount And an image display method characterized by displaying the image in freeze. In the image display method according to the first aspect, when freeze display is instructed during real time display or cine display, an image at a point in the past which is traced back by a predetermined retroactive correction amount is freeze-displayed. Even if there is a time delay, the operator can freeze-display an intended image (or an image at a time close to it) without the need for the operator to reselect the past image and save time.

[0005] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an image display method having the above-described configuration, wherein, when an operator selects an image different from the image which is initially freeze-displayed and freeze-displays the image, the operator selects the image based on the selection result. An image display method is provided wherein the retroactive correction amount applied to the next and subsequent freeze displays is corrected. In the image display method according to the second aspect, the retroactive correction amount applied to the next and subsequent freeze displays is corrected based on the result of the operator reselecting the image to be freeze-displayed, so that the operator adjusts the retroactive correction amount one by one. Without this, as the number of freeze displays increases, the setting accuracy of the retroactive correction amount can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image display method having the above structure, the retroactive correction amount is stored and managed for at least one of the operator and the subject,
An image display method is provided wherein a retroactive correction amount suitable for the operator or the subject is set. In the image display method according to the third aspect, since the retroactive correction amount is managed and set for each operator or subject, there is an individual difference between the operator and the subject in the time delay until the freeze display is instructed. However, it is possible to finely set an appropriate retroactive correction amount.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe, transmitting and receiving means for driving the ultrasonic probe to scan a subject with ultrasonic waves to obtain sound ray data, and Image generation means for generating an image based on line data, storage means having a function of storing a plurality of the images, and images obtained by the scanning are sequentially stored in the storage means while the images are stored in real time. A predetermined retrospective correction amount is received when an instruction for freeze display for temporarily suspending image display update is received during real time display to be displayed or during cine display in which a plurality of images stored in the storage means are successively displayed in chronological order. And a freeze display unit for freeze-displaying an image at a point in time only in the past.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the image display method according to the first aspect can be suitably implemented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-described configuration, when an operator selects an image different from the image initially displayed as a freeze display and freezes the image, the operator selects the image based on the selection result. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a retrospective correction amount correcting unit that corrects the retrospective correction amount applied to a freeze display after the next time. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the image display method according to the second aspect can be suitably implemented.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-described configuration, a retroactive correction amount storage management means for storing and managing the retroactive correction amount for at least one of the operator and the subject. And an retrospective correction amount setting means for reading and setting a retroactive correction amount suitable for the operator or the subject from the correction amount management means. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the image display method according to the third aspect can be suitably implemented.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100
An ultrasonic probe 1 and a transmitting / receiving unit 2 that drives the ultrasonic probe 1 to scan a subject with ultrasonic waves to acquire sound ray data. Real-time image data Dr (B mode, Color Flow Mapping) based on sound ray data for one image
Mode or power Dopplar Imaging mode).
Cine memory 3 for sequentially storing the real-time image data Dr
2, a data post-processing unit 33 for generating frame data Fn based on the real-time image data Dr or the cine image data Dc read from the cine memory 32, and a data processing unit 3 based on the frame data Fn. A display device 4 for displaying an image. A system control unit 5 for controlling the operation of the data processing unit 3;
An input device 6 for an operator to input a freeze display instruction and the like, and a pointing device 7 such as a trackball or a mouse are provided.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process of displaying an image by freeze using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. The flow on the left is a flow showing the operation procedure of the operator.
The flow on the right side is a processing flow of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. In step S1, the operator sets the retroactive correction time t. The retroactive correction time t specifies, when the freeze display is instructed by the operator, how long before the image from the instruction the freeze display is performed. Specifically, after the image to be freeze-displayed is displayed, the operator sets the "freeze / cancel" switching button BF (see FIG. 1).
It is preferable to empirically predict and set the time corresponding to the time delay before pressing. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, this setting can be performed by dragging the slider left and right using the pointing device 7 on the retroactive correction time setting screen G1 to a desired time, and clicking the [OK] button. Do. Instead of the retroactive correction time t, a retroactive correction frame number that defines the number of frames going back in the past may be set (however, it is necessary to change the retroactive correction frame number according to the frame rate). Step S2
Then, the operator applies the ultrasonic probe 1 to the affected part of the subject.

In step U1, real-time image data Dr
Are successively stored in the cine memory 32, and an ultrasonic image based on the frame data Fn is displayed in real time.

In step S3, when an image to be freeze-displayed is displayed, the operator presses a "freeze / cancel" switch button BF to instruct freeze display.

In step U2, the real-time display is continued until the freeze display is instructed, and when the freeze display is instructed, the process proceeds to step U3. In step U3, as shown in FIG. 4, the image corresponding to the frame data Fi corresponding to the time (T-t) which is retroactively corrected by the retroactive correction time t from the freeze instruction time T is freeze-displayed. in this case,
The frame data Fi may be determined based on the time stamp of each frame, or may be determined based on the latest frame data Fn.
May be determined by going back in the past by the number of frames corresponding to (frame rate × backward correction time t).

In step S4, if the ultrasonic image intended by the operator is freeze-displayed, the process proceeds to step S6. If the intended image is not freeze-displayed, step S5 is performed.
Proceed to. In step S5, the operator operates the jog dial J (see FIG. 1) to select an ultrasonic image again. Normally, when the intended ultrasonic image is freeze-displayed, a print button or a record button (not shown) is pressed to perform a print process on paper or a recording process on a recording medium such as an MO (Magneto Optical) disk.

In step U4, if the operator operates the jog dial J, the operation proceeds to step U5, and if not, the operation proceeds to step U6. In step U5, the image data stored in the cine memory 32 is read in accordance with the operation of the jog dial J, and the image is freeze-displayed.

In step S6, the operator presses the "freeze / cancel" switch button BF again to instruct the freeze display to be cancelled.

At step U6, the freeze display is continued until the freeze release is instructed. When the freeze release is instructed, the process returns to step U1.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the image at the point in the past that has been traced back by the retroactive correction time t is displayed in a frozen state, so that the image is displayed before the operator instructs the freeze display. Even if there is a time delay, it is possible to freeze and display an intended image.

In the first embodiment, the backward correction time t is adjusted by dragging the slider on the backward correction time setting screen G1 (see FIG. 3). The number of frames may be input numerically. In the first embodiment, the case where the freeze display is instructed during the real time display has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to the case where the freeze display is instructed during the cine display.

-Second Embodiment- FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of freeze-displaying an image by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment. The flow on the left is a flow showing the operation procedure of the operator.
The flow on the right side is a processing flow of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. In step SS1, the operator sets an initial value t (1) of the retroactive correction time. The initial value is used because the retroactive correction time is corrected by learning (the details will be described later). In step SS2, the operator touches the ultrasonic probe 1 on the affected part of the subject.

In step UU1, the number of freeze displays n
Is initialized to “1”. In step UU2, the ultrasonic image is displayed in real time.

In step SS3, when an image to be freeze-displayed is displayed, the operator presses a "freeze / cancel" switching button BF to instruct freeze display.

At step UU3, the real-time display is continued until the freeze display is instructed, and when the freeze display is instructed, the process proceeds to step UU4. In step UU4, the image of the frame corresponding to the time T-t (n), which is traced back by the retroactive correction time t (n) from the freeze instruction time T, is freeze-displayed. This image is referred to as the first freeze-displayed image.

In step SS4, if the ultrasonic image intended by the operator is freeze-displayed, the flow proceeds to step SS6, and if the intended image is not freeze-displayed, the flow proceeds to step SS5. In step SS5, the operator operates the jog dial J to select an intended ultrasonic image again.

In step UU5, if the operator operates the jog dial J, the operation proceeds to step UU6, and if not, the operation proceeds to step UU8. In step UU6,
The image data stored in the cine memory 32 is read out in accordance with the operation of the jog dial J, and is freeze-displayed. In step UU7, a correction value Δt (n) of the retroactive correction time is calculated. As shown in FIG. 6, the correction value Δt of the retroactive correction time
(N) means the time {Tt (n)} of the image freeze-displayed in step UU4 and the time {Tt (n) -Δt (n)} of the image freeze-displayed in step UU6.
And the time difference. When the jog dial J is not operated, the correction value Δt (n) = 0.

In step UU8, the retroactive correction time t (n + 1) in the next freeze display is calculated as follows: t (n + 1) = {α × ta + β × (t (n) + Δt)
(N) Calculated by｝ / (α + β). Here, ta is the average value of the past retroactive correction times t (1), t (2),..., T (n). In the above equation, the weight α of the average value ta and the correction value Δ
Latest retroactive correction time t (n) + Δt taking into account t (n)
The weight β of (n) is empirically determined so as to converge as quickly as possible with a time delay until the operator presses the “freeze / cancel” switching button BF. For example, α = 1, β = 1
It is. In step UU9, the number of freeze displays n is
Increment by one.

In step SS6, the operator presses the "freeze / cancel" switch button BF again to instruct the freeze display to be cancelled.

In step UU10, the freeze display is continued until the freeze release is instructed. When the freeze release is instructed, the flow returns to step UU1.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the second embodiment, the result of the operator reselecting the image to be freeze-displayed is learned, and the retroactive correction amount t ( n + 1) can be corrected automatically

Third Embodiment FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 includes a retroactive correction amount management table 301 that stores and manages retroactive correction amounts for each operator and subject.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the contents of the retroactive correction amount management table 301. In the “operator ID” column, the operator I
As D, for example, J001, J002,... Are stored. In the “Patient ID” column, for example, K12345, K12346,... Are stored as patient IDs. In the “t (1)” column, the initial value t of the retroactive correction time is set.
As (1), for example, 1.0 [sec], 1.2 [sec],
1.5 [seconds],... Are stored. In the “n” column, for example, 3, 5, 8,... Are stored as the number of freeze displays n. In the “Δt (n)” column, for example, 0 [sec] and 0.2 are set as correction values Δt (n) of the retroactive correction time.
[Second], 0.4 [second],... Are stored. "T (n
+1) "column, for example, 1.0 [sec], 1.3 as the retroactive correction time t (n + 1) to be applied to the next freeze display.
Seconds [seconds], 1.7 [seconds],... Are stored.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the retroactive correction time suitable for the operator ID and the patient ID is set using the retroactive correction amount management table 301. Other operations are basically the same as the operations according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 5). That is, the initial value t (1) of the retroactive correction time corresponding to the operator ID and the patient ID is read from the retroactive correction amount management table 301 and set, and every time the number of freeze displays n increases, the process proceeds to step UU8 in FIG. The retroactive correction time t (n + 1) is calculated by the calculation formula shown.
And the retroactive correction amount management table 301
Update the contents of

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment, the retroactive correction time management table 301 allows the retroactive correction time t for each operator ID and patient ID.
Since (n + 1) and the like are individually managed, even if there is an individual difference between the operator and the subject in a time delay until the freeze display is instructed, it is possible to finely set an appropriate retroactive correction amount.

[0036]

According to the image display method and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the retroactive correction amount corresponding to the time delay from when the image to be freeze-displayed is displayed to when the freeze display is instructed is set. An image intended by the operator (or an image at a time close thereto) can be freeze-displayed without the need to reselect images. For this reason,
The burden on the operator can be reduced, and the efficiency of image display can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing for freeze-displaying an image by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a retroactive correction time setting screen.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing frame data.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing for freeze-displaying an image by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is another explanatory diagram showing frame data.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing contents of a retroactive correction amount management table.

FIG. 9 is another explanatory diagram showing frame data.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 ultrasonic probe 2 transmission / reception unit 3 data processing unit 4 display device 5 system control unit 6 input device 7 pointing device 31 main operation processing unit 32 cine memory 33 display post-processing unit 100, 300 ultrasonic diagnostic device 301 retroactive correction time Management table BF “Freeze / Cancel” switch button J Jog dial

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroaki Kataoka 4-7, Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo 127 Inside GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tadahiro Yamakawa 4-7, Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo 127 GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroo Hagi 4-14 32-32 Sekicho Minami, Nerima-ku, Tokyo Musashi Seki City House 206 F-term (reference) 4C061 AA00 BB00 CC06 DD00 HH28 LL01 NN07 WW01 4C301 EE13 KK01 LL04

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A cine which displays images in real time while sequentially storing images obtained by imaging a subject or a cine which continuously displays the stored plurality of images in chronological order. An image display method characterized in that, when a freeze display for temporarily suspending display update of an image is instructed by an operator during display, an image at a point in the past that is traced back by a predetermined retroactive correction amount is freeze-displayed. 2. The image display method according to claim 1, wherein, when an operator selects an image different from the image initially displayed in freeze display and freeze-displays the image, the next and subsequent freeze display based on the selection result. An image display method, wherein the retroactive correction amount applied to the image is corrected. 3. The image display method according to claim 1, wherein the retroactive correction amount is stored and managed for at least one of the operator and the subject, and the operator or the subject is stored. An image display method characterized in that a retroactive correction amount suitable for is set. 4. An ultrasonic probe, transmitting / receiving means for driving the ultrasonic probe, scanning an object with ultrasonic waves to obtain sound ray data, and generating an image based on the sound ray data Image generating means, a storage means having a function of storing a plurality of the images, and displaying the images in real time while storing the images obtained by the scanning in the storage means one after another or during real time display. A plurality of images stored in the storage means are successively displayed in chronological order. During a cine display, an image display at the time of going back in the past by a predetermined retroactive correction amount upon receiving a freeze display instruction for suspending image display update is received. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: freeze display means for freeze-displaying. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when an operator selects an image different from the image initially displayed as a freeze display and freeze-displays the image, the next and subsequent freeze display based on the selection result. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a retrospective correction amount correcting unit that corrects the retrospective correction amount applied to the apparatus. 6. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said retroactive correction amount storage management means stores and manages said retroactive correction amount for at least one of said operator and said subject. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a retrospective correction amount setting unit configured to read out and set a retrospective correction amount suitable for the operator or the subject from the correction amount management unit.