JP2008092970A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To announce the time necessary for a 3D scan and the speed of the 3D scan. <P>SOLUTION: A control part 7 comprises a 3D/4D scanning part 71 for performing the control for the 3D scan or 4D scan; a time announcing part 72 for calculating and announcing the necessary time during the 3D scan; and a 3D speed announcing part 73 for calculating and announcing the speed of the 3D scan during the 4D scan. Since the time necessary for the 3D scan and the remaining time before the termination of the 3D scan are announced to a subject, the subject can recognize how long the subject has to hold the breath if the subject has to hold the breath during the 3D scan, for example, and therefore, the subject's anxiety can be relieved. In addition, as the speed of the 3D scan is announced, the appropriateness of correspondence between the quality of the image of the 4D scan and the speed of the 3D scan can be recognized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that notifies the time required for 3D scanning and the speed of 3D scanning.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that actually starts 3D scanning after a predetermined delay time after the start of 3D scanning is instructed by an operator, until the 3D scanning is actually started after instructed by the operator There is known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that informs the remaining time of an image by sound or image (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-244287

In the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, after the operator gives an instruction, the remaining time until the 3D scanning is actually started is notified. For this reason, for example, when the subject has to hold his / her breath during 3D scanning, it is sufficient to hold his / her breath immediately before the remaining time to be notified becomes 0. The subject is able to breathe and is convenient.
However, since how much time is required for the 3D scanning is not notified, there is a problem in that it does not know how long the breath must be held and makes the subject uneasy.
Further, in the case of 4D scanning, since the current 3D scanning speed is not notified, there is a problem that it is not possible to recognize whether or not the 3D scanning speed is appropriate.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that notifies the time required for 3D scanning and the speed of 3D scanning.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a 3D ultrasonic probe, 3D scanning means for driving the 3D ultrasonic probe and performing 3D scanning with an ultrasonic beam in a subject to obtain 3D data, Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising time notification means for notifying a time required for one 3D scan before the start of the 3D scan.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect, since the time required for one 3D scan is notified before the start of the 3D scan, for example, when the subject must hold his / her breath during the 3D scan, The subject can know in advance how long the breath must be held, and the subject's anxiety is resolved.
The notification may be performed for at least one of the operator and the subject.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the time notifying unit calculates the required time from the parameters of the 3D scanning. provide.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect is based on 3D scanning parameters such as the number of transmissions for one sound ray, the number of transmission sound rays on the 2D scanning surface, the number of 2D scanning surfaces constituting 3D data, and the display depth. Since the time required for one 3D scanning is calculated every time, it is not necessary to prepare a table in advance.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the time notifying unit calculates a remaining time required until the 3D scanning is completed during the 3D scanning. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by calculating and notifying is provided.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third aspect, since the remaining time of the 3D scan is notified during the 3D scan, for example, if the subject has to hold his / her breath during the 3D scan, how much breath is left. The subject can know whether it must be stopped, and the subject's anxiety is resolved.
The notification may be performed for at least one of the operator and the subject.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention drives a 3D ultrasonic probe and the 3D ultrasonic probe to continuously scan the inside of the subject N (> 1) 3D times with an ultrasonic beam. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: 3D scanning means for obtaining 3D data; and time notifying means for notifying the total required time required for the N 3D scans before starting the N 3D scans. provide.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth aspect, since the total time required for N 3D scans is notified before the start of 3D scan, for example, when the subject must hold his / her breath during 3D scan. The subject can know in advance how long the breath must be held, and the subject's anxiety is resolved.
The notification may be performed for at least one of the operator and the subject.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the time notification unit calculates the total required time from the 3D scanning parameter and the number of repetitions 3D scanning. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the number of transmissions for one sound ray, the number of transmission sound rays on the 2D scanning surface, the number of 2D scanning surfaces constituting 3D data, the 3D scanning parameters such as the display depth, and 3D Since the time required for N 3D scans is calculated based on the number of scan repetitions N, it is not necessary to create a table in advance.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the time notification means finishes the N 3D scans during the N 3D scans. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided that calculates and notifies the remaining time required until the time.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the sixth aspect, since the remaining time of the 3D scan is notified during the 3D scan, for example, if the subject has to hold his / her breath during the 3D scan, how much breath is left. The subject can know whether it must be stopped, and the subject's anxiety is resolved.
The notification may be performed for at least one of the operator and the subject.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a 3D ultrasonic probe, and 4D for continuously obtaining 3D data by driving the 3D ultrasonic probe and repeatedly performing 3D scanning with an ultrasonic beam inside the subject. Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising scanning means and 3D speed notification means for notifying the speed of the 3D scanning.
In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh aspect, since the 3D scanning speed is notified, it is possible to recognize whether or not the correspondence between the image quality of the 4D scanning image and the 3D scanning speed is appropriate.
The notification may be made to the operator.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the 3D speed notification means calculates the speed of the 3D scan from the parameters of the 3D scan. A diagnostic device is provided.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eighth aspect is based on 3D scanning parameters such as the number of transmissions for one sound ray, the number of transmission sound rays on the 2D scanning surface, the number of 2D scanning surfaces constituting 3D data, and the display depth. In addition, since the 3D scanning speed is calculated, it is not necessary to prepare a table in advance.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, since the time required for the 3D scanning is notified before the start of the 3D scanning, for example, when the subject has to hold his / her breath during the 3D scanning, The subject can know in advance whether the breath must be stopped, and the subject's anxiety is resolved. Further, since the 3D scanning speed is notified, it is possible to recognize whether or not the correspondence between the image quality of the 4D scanning image and the 3D scanning speed is appropriate.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.
This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 drives a 3D ultrasonic probe 1 capable of performing three-dimensional scanning by electronic scanning or three-dimensional scanning by a combination of electronic scanning and mechanical scanning, and a 3D ultrasonic probe 1 to drive a target. Transmitter / receiver 2 that scans the inside of the specimen with an ultrasonic beam, 3D data generator 3 that generates 3D data based on the obtained received data, and an image display unit that displays a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the 3D data 4, an operation unit 6 for an operator to give instructions and data, a control unit 7 for controlling the entire operation, and a recording unit 8 for recording 3D data and the like.

  The control unit 7 includes a 3D / 4D scanning unit 71 that performs control for executing 3D scanning or 4D scanning, a time notification unit 72 that calculates and notifies a required time during 3D scanning, and 3D scanning during 4D scanning. A 3D speed notification unit 73 that calculates and notifies the speed and the like.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing 3D scanning processing by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.
In step S1, one 3D scanning is required based on 3D scanning parameters such as the number of transmissions for one sound ray, the number of transmission sound rays on the 2D scanning surface, the number of 2D scanning surfaces constituting 3D data, and the display depth. Time T1 is calculated and displayed on the screen as shown in FIG.

  In step S2, if the number of iterations N (N is an integer greater than 1) is not designated, the process proceeds to step S3, and if designated, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S3, the control unit 7 waits until the contrast clock included in the control unit 7 is turned on (that is, waits until the time counting after the injection of the contrast agent starts), and if turned on, the process proceeds to steps S4 and S5 in parallel.

In step S4, 3D scanning is performed and the obtained 3D data is recorded. The recorded 3D data is displayed on the screen. When the 3D scanning is finished, the process is finished.
Step S5 is executed during the 3D scanning of step S4, and the remaining time is calculated by subtracting the elapsed time from the time when the contrast clock is turned on from the required time T1, and the remaining time is shown in FIG. As shown on the screen.

In step S6, based on the number of transmissions for one sound ray, the number of transmission sound rays on the 2D scanning surface, the number of 2D scanning surfaces constituting 3D data, the 3D scanning parameters such as the display depth, and the number of repetitions N of 3D scanning. The total required time TN required for N 3D scans is calculated and displayed on the screen as shown in FIG.
In step S7, the iteration count N is set in the iteration count counter.

In step S8, the process waits until the contrast clock is turned on (that is, waits until the time count after the injection of the contrast agent starts). If turned on, the process proceeds to steps S9 and S10 in parallel.
In step S9, 3D scanning is performed and the obtained 3D data is recorded. The recorded 3D data is displayed on the screen.
In step S10, the remaining time is calculated by subtracting the elapsed time since the contrast clock was turned on from the required time TN, and displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. This is performed during the 3D scanning in step S9.
When the 3D scanning in step S9 ends, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In steps S11 and S12, steps S9 and S10 are repeatedly executed N times. Then, the process ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing 4D scanning processing by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.
In Step P1, one 3D scanning is required based on 3D scanning parameters such as the number of transmissions for one sound ray, the number of transmission sound rays on the 2D scanning surface, the number of 2D scanning surfaces constituting 3D data, and the display depth. Time T1 is calculated and displayed on the screen as shown in FIG.

  In step P2, the 3D rate, that is, the number of 3D scans per unit time R is calculated from the required time T1 for one 3D scan and displayed on the screen as shown in FIG.

  In Step P3, the process waits until the contrast clock is turned on (that is, waits until the time count after the injection of the contrast agent starts). If turned on, the process proceeds to Step P4.

In Step P4, 3D scanning is performed and the obtained 3D data is recorded. The recorded 3D data is displayed on the screen. When the 3D scanning is finished, the process proceeds to Step P5.
In step P5, step P4 is repeated until the operator gives an instruction to end, and when the operator gives an instruction to end, the process ends. As shown in FIG. 9, the number of 3D data obtained by repeating 3D scanning may be displayed on the screen.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, for example, when the subject needs to hold his / her breath during 3D scanning, the required time T1 and the total required time TN displayed on the screen before the start of the 3D scanning. When the operator sees and tells the subject, the subject can know in advance how long the breath must be held, and the subject's anxiety is resolved.

  In addition, the operator can know how long he has to hold his breath by seeing the remaining time displayed on the screen during 3D scanning and telling the subject. Anxiety is resolved.

  Further, since the operator is notified of the 3D rate, the operator can recognize whether or not the image quality of the 4D scanning image and the correspondence between the 3D rate are appropriate.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention can be used for three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of 3D scanning processing according to the first embodiment. It is an illustration figure of the screen which displays a required time. It is an illustration figure of the screen which displays remaining time. It is an illustration figure of the screen which displays all the required time. It is an illustration figure of the screen which displays remaining time. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of 4D scanning processing according to the first embodiment. It is an illustration figure of the screen which displays 3D rate. It is an illustration figure of the screen which displays 3D data number.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 3D ultrasonic probe 2 Transmission / reception part 3 3D data generation part 4 Image display part 6 Operation part 7 Control part 71 3D / 4D scanning part 72 Time notification part 73 3D rate notification part 8 Recording part 100 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus

Claims (8)

A 3D ultrasound probe, 3D scanning means for driving the 3D ultrasound probe and performing 3D scanning of the inside of the subject with an ultrasound beam to obtain 3D data, and one time before the start of the 3D scanning An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: time notification means for reporting the time required for the 3D scanning. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time notification unit calculates the required time from the parameters of the 3D scanning. 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time notification unit calculates and notifies a remaining time required until the 3D scanning is completed during the 3D scanning. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.
A 3D ultrasound probe, 3D scanning means for driving the 3D ultrasound probe and performing 3D scanning of the inside of the subject with an ultrasound beam N (> 1) times to obtain 3D data; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: time notification means for notifying the total required time required for the N 3D scans before the start of N 3D scans. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the time notification unit calculates the total required time from the 3D scanning parameter and the number of repetitions N of 3D scanning. 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the time notifying unit calculates a remaining time required until the N 3D scans are completed during the N 3D scans. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
A 3D ultrasonic probe, 4D scanning means for driving the 3D ultrasonic probe and repeatedly performing 3D scanning with an ultrasonic beam inside the subject to obtain 3D data continuously, and the speed of the 3D scanning. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising 3D speed notification means for notification. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the 3D speed notification unit calculates the speed of the 3D scan from the parameters of the 3D scan.

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