JP2016022038A - Acoustic wave image capturing evaluation apparatus and image capturing evaluation method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

An imaging evaluation apparatus for an acoustic wave image that can evaluate imaging positioning and an evaluation method therefor are provided. A centroid position of a thyroid gland 51 in a plurality of ultrasonic images of a cervical cross section of a subject is calculated for each ultrasonic image, and a difference from an average position of the centroid positions is a first threshold value. It is determined whether there is more. Further, the center position of the artery 53 in the plurality of ultrasound images is calculated for each ultrasound image, and it is determined whether the difference from the average position of these center positions is greater than or equal to the second threshold value. When it is determined that the difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value or that the difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, it is determined that the imaging of the ultrasonic image 50 is unstable. [Selection] Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging evaluation apparatus for an acoustic wave image and an imaging evaluation method thereof.

  An acoustic wave diagnostic device (ultrasound diagnostic device) using an acoustic wave typified by an ultrasonic wave applies an acoustic wave such as an ultrasonic wave to a subject, and obtains an acoustic wave image (ultrasonic image) obtained from the reflection. It is used to diagnose a subject (Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3). In the device described in Patent Document 1, position information in the three-dimensional space of echo data obtained at a plurality of scan positions is acquired so that a scan omission can be easily grasped. In addition, in the device described in Patent Document 2, in order to be able to automatically determine the setting condition of the region of interest, a three-dimensional imaging range by the ultrasonic wave of the subject is determined, and the superimposing range over the imaging range is determined. I have a sonic scan. Furthermore, in the thing of patent document 3, in order to make specification of the area | region used as a search object easy, the display for guide | inducing an ultrasonic probe to an existing area, and the display of existing area itself exist. Switching is performed based on the positional relationship between the region and the tomographic image.

  Ultrasound diagnosis of the thyroid gland is done to check the internal properties of the thyroid gland and the presence or absence of vaginal soot. Diagnosis of thyroid cancer, thyroid species, hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, thyroiditis, etc. In ultrasonic diagnosis of the thyroid gland, two types of ultrasound images are obtained: a subject's neck cross section (cross section perpendicular to the subject's height direction) and a neck longitudinal section. When obtaining an image of a cervical cross section (a cross section in the height direction of the subject), the probe is scanned so that the thyroid region is at the center.

JP 2010-194146 A JP 2006-231035 A JP 2013-158361 A

  However, when an ultrasonographer who is not accustomed to ultrasonic diagnosis of the thyroid gland is used, or when many subjects such as a medical examination are examined in a short time, the artery becomes the center of the ultrasound image, or the thyroid gland A part of (right lobe, left lobe) may be cut off from the ultrasound image. As described above, if an ultrasonic image having an inappropriate imaging position in the ultrasonic image is obtained, the following problem may occur. Thyroid diagnosis is being performed more frequently by screening, and diagnostic physicians must read a large number of ultrasound images in a short time. In such a case, if the position of the thyroid gland and the like included in the ultrasound image is shifted for each subject, the diagnostic efficiency is lowered. In addition, when ultrasonic diagnosis of the thyroid gland is performed for the follow-up of patients with thyroid disease, if the position of the thyroid gland included in the ultrasound image is deviated every time it is taken, Changes may not be captured correctly and accurate diagnosis may not be possible. Furthermore, if a part of the thyroid gland is cut off from an ultrasound image, it will lead to oversight of the lesion and accurate diagnosis cannot be made. For this reason, it is very important to evaluate the imaging positioning in order to improve the skill of the sonographer in the ultrasound (acoustic wave) diagnosis of the thyroid gland.

  However, the one described in Patent Document 1 is for grasping the scan omission, and the one described in Patent Document 2 is for automatically determining the setting condition of the region of interest. Since it is easy to specify a region to be searched, it has not been considered at all to evaluate imaging positioning.

  An object of the present invention is to enable evaluation of imaging positioning in an acoustic wave image.

  An imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic waves (including ultrasonic waves and sound waves in an audible area) according to the present invention has a plurality of acoustic waves on a subject's neck cross section (cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the subject). Thyroid representative position that identifies the position of the thyroid gland (at least one of the right lobe or left lobe of the thyroid gland) in the image (the thyroid representative position is the center position, centroid position, etc. of the thyroid gland, but if the thyroid position can be identified , Other positions may be calculated) for each acoustic wave image, and in a plurality of acoustic images, the thyroid representative positions calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means are averaged. Thyroid mean position calculating means for calculating the thyroid mean position, blood vessel cost specifying the position of a blood vessel (either an artery or a vein is preferred, but an artery is preferred) in a plurality of acoustic wave images A blood vessel representative position calculating means for calculating the position (the blood vessel representative position is the center position and the center of gravity position of the region indicating the blood vessel, but may be any other position as long as the position of the blood vessel can be specified) for each acoustic wave image; In the acoustic wave image, the blood vessel average position is calculated by averaging the blood vessel representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the blood vessel position calculating means, and the thyroid average position calculated by the thyroid average position calculating means. Calculated by the first blood vessel average position calculating means, the first determining means for determining whether or not the difference between each of the thyroid representative positions calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means is greater than or equal to the first threshold value. The difference between the averaged blood vessel position and each blood vessel representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the blood vessel representative position calculating means is greater than or equal to the second threshold value. The difference is determined to be greater than or equal to the first threshold by the second determination means and the first determination means, or the difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold by the second determination means In response to the determination, the first informing means for informing that the imaging of the acoustic wave image is unstable is provided.

  The present invention also provides an imaging evaluation method for acoustic wave images. That is, the thyroid representative position calculating means calculates a thyroid representative position for identifying the position of the thyroid gland in a plurality of acoustic wave images of the subject's neck cross section for each acoustic wave image, and the thyroid average position calculating means In the plurality of acoustic wave images, the thyroid representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means is averaged to calculate the thyroid average position, and the blood vessel representative position calculating means calculates the blood vessel in the plurality of acoustic wave images. The blood vessel representative position for specifying the position is calculated for each acoustic wave image, and the blood vessel average position calculating means averages the blood vessel representative positions calculated for each acoustic wave image by the blood vessel position calculating means in a plurality of acoustic wave images. The blood vessel average position is calculated, and the first determination means uses the thyroid average position calculated by the thyroid average position calculation means and the thyroid representative position calculation means to generate an acoustic wave. It is determined whether or not a difference from each thyroid representative position calculated for each image is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, and the second determination means determines the average blood vessel position and blood vessels calculated by the blood vessel average position calculation means. It is determined whether or not the difference between each blood vessel representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the representative position calculating means is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the notifying means determines that the difference is the first by the first determining means. Notifying that imaging of an acoustic wave image is unstable when it is determined that the threshold value is greater than or equal to the threshold value or the second determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold value To do.

  The trachea representative position for specifying the position of the trachea in a plurality of acoustic wave images (the trachea representative position is the center position and the center of gravity of the region indicating the trachea, but may be any other position if the trachea can be specified). First trachea representative position calculation means for calculating each image, and a plurality of acoustic wave images, the trachea representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the first trachea position calculation means is averaged to calculate the trachea average position. The trachea average position calculation means, and the difference between the trachea average position calculated by the trachea average position calculation means and the respective trachea representative positions calculated for each acoustic wave image by the first trachea representative position calculation means are the third values. You may further provide the 3rd determination means which determines whether it is more than a threshold value. In this case, for example, the notifying means has been determined that the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold value by the first determining means, and the difference has been determined to be greater than or equal to the second threshold value by the second determining means. Alternatively, when the third determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the third threshold value, the fact that the imaging of the acoustic wave image is unstable is notified.

  A contour region setting means for setting a contour region surrounded by a closed contour line between the blood vessel and trachea in the acoustic wave image, and based on the active contour model using the contour region set by the contour region setting means. Further, a thyroid position detecting means for detecting the position of the thyroid gland in the acoustic wave image may be further provided. In this case, the thyroid representative position calculation means calculates, for each acoustic wave image, a thyroid representative position that specifies the position of the thyroid gland detected by the thyroid position detection means.

  The contour region setting means may set a contour region centered at the midpoint of the straight line connecting the center of the blood vessel and the center of the trachea in the acoustic wave image.

  The contour region setting means is, for example, a line connecting the center of the blood vessel of the acoustic wave image and the center of the trachea and a horizontal line (a line in the horizontal plane direction of the acoustic wave image obtained when the subject is lying on his back) If the angle is less than the predetermined angle, a contour region centered at the midpoint of the straight line connecting the blood vessel center and the trachea center of the acoustic image is set. Is to set a contour region centered at a position moved a predetermined distance in the tracheal direction from the center of the blood vessel.

  Binarization means for binarizing an acoustic wave image, and discontinuous points (not a line continuous to a predetermined length, less than a predetermined length) from an acoustic wave image binarized by the binarization means Discontinuous point removing means for removing isolated lines and points) may be further provided. In this case, the thyroid position detecting means removes the discontinuous points by the discontinuous point removing means based on the active contour model using the contour region set by the contour region setting means, and binarizes it. The position of the thyroid gland in the acoustic wave image will be detected.

  A blood vessel template matching unit that performs matching processing between the acoustic wave image and the blood vessel template image; and a blood vessel position detection unit that detects the position of the blood vessel from the acoustic wave image based on the matching processing in the blood vessel template matching unit. Also good. In this case, for example, the blood vessel position calculating means will calculate a blood vessel representative position for specifying the position of the blood vessel detected by the blood vessel position detecting means for each acoustic wave image.

  Trachea template matching means for performing matching processing between the acoustic wave image and the trachea template image, and trachea position detection means for detecting the position of the trachea from the acoustic wave image based on the matching processing in the trachea template matching means. Also good. In this case, the trachea position calculation means calculates, for example, a trachea representative position for specifying the position of the trachea detected by the trachea position detection means for each acoustic wave image.

  It is preferable that the first threshold value and the second threshold value increase as the age of the subject increases to a certain age.

  You may further provide the acoustic wave imaging device which images an acoustic wave image using a probe. In this case, the thyroid gland representative position calculating means calculates, for example, a thyroid gland representative position that specifies the position of the thyroid gland in the acoustic wave image captured by the acoustic wave imaging device. And fourth determination means for determining whether or not a difference between the thyroid representative position calculated by the thyroid representative position calculation means and a predetermined reference position of the thyroid is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value; In response to the determination that the difference is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold value, the second notification unit that notifies that the position of the probe is inappropriate may be provided.

  The blood vessel representative position calculating means calculates, for example, a blood vessel representative position that specifies the position of the blood vessel in the acoustic wave image picked up by the acoustic wave imaging device. In this case, the apparatus further comprises fifth determination means for determining whether or not a difference between the blood vessel representative position calculated by the blood vessel representative position calculating means and a predetermined reference position of the blood vessel is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold value. May be. In addition, the second notification means may determine, for example, that the difference is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value by the fourth determination means, or the difference is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold value by the fifth determination means. In response to the determination that the probe is present, the fact that the position of the probe is inappropriate is notified.

  Second trachea representative position calculating means for calculating a trachea representative position for specifying the position of the trachea in the acoustic wave image picked up by the acoustic wave imaging device, and the trachea representative position calculated in advance by the second trachea representative position calculating means. You may further provide the 6th determination means which determines whether the difference with the reference | standard position of the defined trachea is more than a 6th threshold value. In this case, for example, the second notifying unit determines that the difference is not less than the fourth threshold value by the fourth determining unit, and the difference is not less than the fifth threshold value by the fifth determining unit. When it is determined that there is a difference, or the sixth determination means determines that the difference is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold value, the fact that the position of the probe is inappropriate is notified.

  It is preferable that the fourth threshold value, the fifth threshold value, and the sixth threshold value increase as the age of the subject increases up to a certain age.

  Display control means for controlling the display device to display at least one of the difference between the thyroid representative position and the thyroid average position and the difference between the blood vessel representative position and the blood vessel average position on the display screen for each acoustic wave image is further provided. Also good.

  The thyroid representative position calculating means calculates, for each acoustic wave image, a representative position that specifies the position of the right lobe and the left lobe of the thyroid gland in a plurality of acoustic wave images of the subject's neck cross section, for example. Is. The thyroid mean position calculating means averages the representative position of the right lobe of the thyroid gland calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means in a plurality of acoustic wave images, for example. And the average position of the left lobe of the thyroid gland is calculated by averaging the representative position of the left lobe of the thyroid gland calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means. Further, the first determining means includes an average position of the right lobe of the thyroid calculated by the thyroid average position calculating means, a representative position of the right lobe of each thyroid calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means, and Or the difference between the average position of the left lobe of the thyroid calculated by the thyroid average position calculating means and the representative position of the left lobe of each thyroid calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means Is determined to be greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

  The first to sixth threshold values may be the same value or different values.

  According to this invention, the representative position of the thyroid gland in a plurality of acoustic wave images of the subject's neck cross section is calculated for each acoustic wave image, and the average position of the calculated thyroid gland positions is calculated. In addition, the representative positions of blood vessels in a plurality of ultrasonic images are also calculated for each acoustic wave image, and the average position of the calculated thyroid gland positions is calculated. The difference between the thyroid average position and the representative position of the thyroid calculated for each acoustic wave image is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, or the difference between the average blood vessel position and the representative position of the blood vessel calculated for each acoustic wave image is If it is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is notified that the imaging of the acoustic wave image is unstable. If the position of the thyroid gland or blood vessel in the acoustic wave image is constant, it is considered that the skill of the engineer who has taken such an acoustic wave image is high. As a result, the imaging positioning in the acoustic wave image is highly evaluated. On the other hand, if the position of the thyroid gland or blood vessel in the acoustic wave image deviates from the average position, it is notified that the imaging of the acoustic wave image is unstable. The skill of an engineer who has taken such an acoustic wave image is low, and the imaging positioning in the acoustic wave image is low. Since the shooting positioning can be evaluated, the skill of the engineer can be improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an ultrasonic diagnosing device. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an ultrasonic diagnosing device. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an ultrasonic diagnosing device. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an ultrasonic diagnosing device. It is an example of an ultrasonic image. It is an example of the template image of an artery. It is an example of the template image of a trachea. It is an example of an ultrasonic image. The relationship between the central coordinates of the artery and the central coordinates of the trachea is shown. It shows how to set the ROI. It shows how to set the ROI. It is an example of an ultrasonic image. It is an example of the binarized image. It is an example of the binarized image. It is an example of the binarized image. The relationship between the average position of the photographed artery and the central position of the artery for each ultrasonic image is shown. The average position coordinates of the photographed artery and the center position coordinates of the artery for each ultrasonic image are shown. The relationship between the average position of the photographed trachea and the central position of the trachea for each ultrasonic image is shown. The relationship between the average position of the photographed thyroid gland and the centroid position of the thyroid gland for each ultrasound image is shown. The relationship between the average position of the photographed artery and the central position of the artery for each ultrasonic image is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an ultrasonic diagnosing device. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an ultrasonic diagnosing device. It is an example of an ultrasonic image.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (ultrasonic image photographing evaluation apparatus).

  In this embodiment, an ultrasonic wave is used as an acoustic wave. However, the ultrasonic wave is not limited to an ultrasonic wave. If an appropriate frequency is selected according to the object to be examined and measurement conditions, an acoustic wave having an audible frequency is used. May be used.

  The entire operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is controlled by the control apparatus 2.

  Connected to the control device 2 are an operating device 3 operated by an engineer operating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and a storage device 4 in which predetermined data and the like are stored.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic probe 6. The ultrasonic probe 6 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (piezoelectric elements, not shown).

  A control signal output from the control device 2 is given to the transmission device 5. Then, an electric pulse is given from the transmitter 5 to the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic probe 6. The electric pulse is converted into an ultrasonic pulse by the ultrasonic vibrator, propagates through the body of the subject, and the ultrasonic echo returns to the ultrasonic probe 6.

  In this embodiment, an ultrasonic image of a cross section of the subject's neck is taken, and an ultrasonic probe 6 is applied to the subject's neck by an engineer. An ultrasonic echo representing the subject's thyroid gland and the like returns to the ultrasonic probe 6.

  The ultrasonic echo is converted into an electric signal (ultrasonic echo signal) in the ultrasonic transducer. The converted ultrasonic echo signal is given to the receiving device 7. The ultrasonic echo signal is amplified in the receiving device 7 and converted into digital ultrasonic echo data in the analog / digital conversion circuit 8. The ultrasonic echo data is given to the ultrasonic echo data storage device 9 and temporarily stored.

  The ultrasonic echo data temporarily stored in the ultrasonic echo data storage device 9 is read from the ultrasonic echo data storage device 9 and input to the ultrasonic echo data processing device 10. In the ultrasonic echo data processing apparatus 10, the delay time of the ultrasonic echo data is corrected according to the position of the ultrasonic transducer. This delay time is obtained from the same part of the subject, but due to the difference in propagation distance caused by the difference in the position of the ultrasonic transducer, the time from transmission of ultrasonic waves to reception of ultrasonic echoes is different. To do.

  The ultrasonic echo data whose delay time has been corrected in the ultrasonic echo data processing apparatus 10 is given to the phasing addition circuit 11. In the phasing addition circuit 11, ultrasonic echo data obtained from the same part of the subject is added. The ultrasonic echo data output from the phasing addition circuit 11 is detected by the detection processing circuit 12. In the detection processing circuit 12, B-mode image data representing an image of the cervical cross section of the subject is generated.

  The B-mode image data output from the detection processing circuit 12 is raster-converted into image data in accordance with a normal television signal scanning method in a DSC (digital scan converter) 13. The image data output from the DSC 13 is subjected to image processing such as gradation processing in the image creating device 14. The image data output from the image creation device 14 is given to the display control device 16, and an ultrasonic image is displayed on the display screen of the display device 17. The image data output from the image creation device 14 is also supplied to the image memory 15, and image data representing an ultrasonic image is stored in the image memory 15. The image data stored in the image memory 15 is given to the display control device 16, whereby an ultrasonic image is displayed on the display screen of the display device 17. In this way, an ultrasonic image is picked up by the ultrasonic probe 6. Transmitting device 5, ultrasonic probe 6, receiving device 7, analog / digital conversion device 8, ultrasonic echo storage device 9, ultrasonic echo processing device 10, phasing addition device 11, detection processing device 12, DSC 13 and image The creation device 14 is an ultrasound (acoustic wave) imaging device, but other configurations may be used as long as an ultrasound image is captured using the ultrasound probe 6.

  By diagnosing (inspecting) the cervical cross-section of the subject using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, a plurality of ultrasonographs of the cervical cross-section of the subject (the same person may be different) Image data representing the sound image (ultrasound image data) is stored in the image memory 15.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of ultrasonic images of the cervical cross section stored in the image memory 15 (may be stored in a recording medium that is detachable from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 instead of the image memory 15). Evaluation is performed.

  FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 are flowcharts showing a procedure for imaging evaluation processing of an ultrasonic image using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  As described above, the image memory 15 stores ultrasonic image data representing an ultrasonic image of the neck cross section of the subject. Ultrasonic image data is read from the image memory 15 by the control device 2 (step 21 in FIG. 2).

  FIG. 5 is an example of an ultrasound image of a cervical transverse section represented by ultrasound image data read from the image memory 15.

  The ultrasonic image 50 shown in FIG. 5 is a right-side cross section of the neck, the back direction toward the drawing is the direction of the subject's head, and the front direction toward the drawing is the subject's foot. Direction. Further, the upper side of the ultrasonic image 50 is the front (abdomen side) of the subject, and the lower side of the ultrasonic image 50 is the rear (back side) of the subject. Therefore, the left side of the ultrasonic image 50 is an image on the right side of the subject, and the right side of the ultrasonic image 50 is an image on the left side of the subject. The left corner of the ultrasonic image 50 is the origin (x0, y0), the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) from the origin is the x direction of coordinates, and the vertical direction (vertical direction) from the origin is the y direction of coordinates.

  The ultrasound image 50 includes an artery 53, and a vein 54 appears below the artery 53 (behind the subject). A trachea 52 also appears in the ultrasound image 50. A right lobe 51R of the thyroid 51 appears between the artery 53 and the trachea 52. Furthermore, in the ultrasonic image 50, an image 55 such as speckle noise or muscle tissue also appears.

  Subsequently, the image data representing the template image 61 of the artery shown in FIG. 6 and the image data representing the template image 62 of the trachea shown in FIG. 7 are read from the storage device 4 by the control device 2 (step 22, step 22 in FIG. 2). twenty five). The arterial template image 61 and the trachea template image 62 may be prepared in advance for the average of the subject, but template images corresponding to the age (children, adults) of the subject should be prepared. It may be left. By preparing a template image corresponding to the age of the subject, it is possible to realize rapid photographing evaluation because the template image or the ultrasonic image is not enlarged or reduced in the matching process using the template image.

  The control device 2 performs template matching processing between the template image 61 of the artery shown in FIG. 6 and the ultrasound image 50 shown in FIG. 5 (step 23 in FIG. 2), so that the position of the artery 53 is determined from the ultrasound image 50. Is detected (blood vessel template matching means, blood vessel position detection means). By template matching using the template image 61 of the artery, the central coordinate of the template image 61 where the template image 61 giving the maximum correlation value is located is the representative position (center position) of the artery 53 in the ultrasound image 50 (x1, y1) As calculated by the control device 2 (arterial representative position calculating means). Such a representative position of the artery 53 is for specifying the position of the artery 53 in the ultrasonic image 50.

  Similarly, the control device 2 performs template matching processing between the template image 62 of the trachea shown in FIG. 7 and the ultrasonic image 50 shown in FIG. 5 (step 26 in FIG. 2). Is detected (tracheal template matching means, trachea position detecting means). By template matching using the template image 62 of the trachea, the central coordinates of the template image 62 where the template image 62 giving the maximum correlation value is located is the representative position (center position) of the trachea 52 in the ultrasonic image 50 (x2, y2) Calculated by the control device 2 (first trachea representative position calculating means). Such a representative position of the trachea 52 specifies the position of the trachea 52 in the ultrasonic image 50.

  In this way, the representative position (x1, y1) of the artery 53 and the representative position (x2, y2) of the trachea 52 are calculated in the ultrasonic image 50 (see FIG. 8).

  Subsequently, processing for detecting the position of the thyroid gland 51 is performed by the control device 2.

  In order to detect the position of the thyroid gland 51, an ROI (region-of-interest) (contour region) is set between the detected artery 53 and trachea 52. For this purpose, first, as shown in FIG. 9, a line L1 connecting the representative position (x1, y1) of the artery 53 and the representative position (x2, y2) of the trachea 52 is defined. An angle θ formed by this line L1 and a horizontal line (line in the horizontal plane direction) HL is calculated. The horizontal line is a horizontal plane line in the ultrasonic image 50 obtained by the subject lying on his back.

  The position of the ROI set in accordance with the angle θ formed by the line L1 and the horizontal line HL changes. For this purpose, the control device 2 determines whether or not the absolute value of the angle θ formed is less than 15 degrees (step 28 in FIG. 2).

  Referring to FIG. 10, when the absolute value of the angle θ formed is less than 15 degrees (YES in step 28 in FIG. 2), the representative position (x1, y1) of artery 53 and the representative position (x2, y2) of trachea 52 ) Is set by the control device 2 so that the midpoint ((x1 + x2) / 2, (y1 + y2) / 2) of the line L1 connecting to the center C (contour area setting means) (step 29 in FIG. 2) .

  On the other hand, referring to FIG. 11, when the absolute value of the angle θ formed is 15 degrees or more (NO in step 28 in FIG. 2), the direction of the trachea 52 from the representative position (x1, y1) of the artery 53 The ROI 63 is set by the controller 2 (contour area setting means) (step 30 in FIG. 2) so that the position (x1 + xs, y1) moved by the predetermined distance xs becomes the center C. The predetermined distance xs is, for example, a fixed value according to age, (x2−x1) / 2, or the like.

  Although the ROI setting position changes according to the angle θ formed above, a line connecting the representative position (x1, y1) of the artery 53 and the representative position (x2, y2) of the trachea 52 regardless of the angle θ formed above. The ROI 63 may be set by the controller 2 so that the midpoint of L1 ((x1 + x2) / 2, (y1 + y2) / 2) is the center C, or the trachea 52 from the representative position (x1, y1) of the artery 53 The ROI 63 may be set by the control device 2 so that the position (x1 + xs, y1) moved by the predetermined distance xs in the direction is the center C.

  FIG. 12 is an example of an ultrasonic image 50 in which the ROI 63 is set as described above.

  As described above, when the center of the ROI 63 is positioned and the ROI 63 is set in the ultrasonic image 50 by the control device 2, the ROI 63 falls within the right lobe 51R of the thyroid gland 51. Needless to say, the horizontal length and vertical length of the ROI 63 are determined in advance so as to be within the right lobe 51R of the thyroid gland 51 in the ultrasonic image 50 (for example, 20 mm × 20 mm).

  Subsequently, the ultrasonic image 50 is filtered by the control device 2 using a σ filter, a median filter, etc. (step 31 in FIG. 3). Thereby, the noise component is removed from the ultrasonic image 50 while the edge component is retained. Further, edge detection is performed on the ultrasonic image subjected to the filter processing (step 32 in FIG. 3). The blur of the ultrasonic image 50 is removed by the edge detection, and the thyroid gland 51 can be easily detected.

  Further, binarization is performed on the ultrasonic image 50 by the control device 2 (step 33 in FIG. 3) (binarization means).

  FIG. 13 shows an example of an image 50A obtained by binarizing the ultrasonic image 50.

  Since the edge is detected and binarized, the thyroid gland 51 can be detected relatively easily.

  Subsequently, discontinuous points (isolated points) caused by the image 55 such as speckle noise and muscle tissue are removed from the binarized image 50A (step 34 in FIG. 2). A line segment that does not have a predetermined length is removed from the binarized image 50A as a discontinuous point by the control device 2 (discontinuous point removing means). Since the discontinuous points are removed, the thyroid gland 51 is detected more accurately.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a binarized image 50A from which discontinuous points have been removed.

  In such a binarized image 50A (ultrasound image), the position of the right lobe 51R (thyroid gland 51) of the thyroid gland 51 is detected by the control device 2 based on the active contour model using the set ROI 63. (Thyroid position detection means) (step 35 in FIG. 3). When the position of the right lobe 51R (thyroid gland 51) of the thyroid gland 51 is detected, the representative position (center of gravity position) (x3, y3) of the right lobe 51R of the thyroid gland 51 is calculated by the control device 2 (step 36 in FIG. 3). (See FIG. 15) (Thyroid representative position detecting means).

  Thus, the representative position of the thyroid gland 51 (right lobe 51R), the representative position of the artery 53, and the representative position of the trachea 52 are calculated by the control device 2 for each ultrasonic image. Of the plurality of ultrasonic images represented by the ultrasonic image data stored in the image memory 15, the same processing is repeated for a predetermined number of ultrasonic images (step 37 in FIG. 4).

  When the above-described processing is completed for a predetermined number of ultrasonic images (YES in step 37 in FIG. 4), the average position of the plurality of representative positions of the thyroid gland 51 (right lobe 51R), the average position of the plurality of representative positions of the artery 53, and the trachea Each of the average positions of the 52 representative positions is calculated by the control device 2 (thyroid gland average position calculating means, blood vessel average position calculating means, trachea average position calculating means) (step 38 in FIG. 4).

  Subsequently, the control device 2 determines whether or not the imaging of the ultrasonic image by the engineer is unstable (step 40 in FIG. 4).

  This determination is made as follows. First, whether or not the difference between the average position of the plurality of representative positions of the thyroid gland 51 (right lobe 51R) and the representative position of the thyroid gland 51 calculated for each ultrasound image 50 is equal to or larger than the first threshold value is determined by the control device 2. (First determination means). Further, the control device 2 determines whether or not the difference between the average position of the plurality of representative positions of the artery 53 and the representative position of the artery 53 calculated for each ultrasound image 50 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value ( Second determination means). Further, the control device 2 determines whether or not the difference between the average position of the plurality of representative positions of the trachea and the representative position of the trachea 52 calculated for each ultrasonic image 50 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value (first). 3 determination means).

  When it is determined that the above-described difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, greater than or equal to the second threshold, or greater than or equal to the third threshold, 2 (YES in step 41 in FIG. 4). If it is determined to be unstable, the fact is displayed (notified) on the display screen of the display device 17 (step 42 in FIG. 4) (first notifying means). A pop-up window indicating instability may be displayed on the display screen of the display device 17, or a frame of a region (thyroid 51, artery 53, trachea 52) that gives a difference greater than a threshold value. You may make it give a different color from another part. In addition, when at least one of the above-described difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, greater than or equal to the second threshold, and greater than or equal to the third threshold, photography by the engineer is performed. May be determined to be unstable.

  FIG. 16 shows the relationship between the average value of the representative position of the artery 53 and the representative position of the artery calculated for each ultrasound image.

  In FIG. 16, the deviation from the average position of the representative position of the artery 53 in the ultrasonic images from image 1 to image 5 is shown. Image 1 shows that the representative position of the artery 53 is shifted by Δ1 from the average position. Similarly, in each of image 2, image 3, image 4 and image 5, it can be seen that the representative position of artery 53 is shifted from the average position by Δ2, Δ3, Δ4 and Δ5. As shown in FIG. 17, when the average position coordinates of the representative position of the artery 53 is (xAV, yAV) and the representative position of the artery 53 is (x1, y1), as shown in FIG. It may be a deviation Δy in the y direction, or a deviation Δ between the representative position and the average position.

  If these deviations are between the allowable upper limit value (second threshold value, eg 3 mm) and the allowable lower limit value (second threshold value, negative threshold value, eg -3 mm), the above-mentioned difference Is determined to be less than the second threshold value, and the imaging is determined to be stable. If these deviations are farther from the average value than the allowable upper limit value or the allowable lower limit value, it is determined that imaging is unstable. If the stability of shooting is determined using the deviation Δ between the representative position and the average value, the deviation Δ will never be negative, so it will be judged whether the imaging is stable using the allowable upper limit value. .

  FIG. 18 shows the relationship between the average value of the representative position of the trachea 52 and the representative position of the trachea 52 calculated for each ultrasonic image.

  Also in FIG. 18, as in the case shown in FIG. 16, the deviation from the average position of the representative position of the trachea 52 in the ultrasonic images from image 1 to image 5 is represented. As these deviations, any of the above-described deviations Δx, Δy or Δ for the artery 53 may be used. The deviation of the representative position of the trachea 52 from the average position is from the allowable upper limit (third threshold, for example, 6 mm) to the allowable lower limit (third threshold, negative threshold, for example, −6 mm). If the difference is between, the above-mentioned difference is judged to be less than the third threshold value, and the photographing is judged to be stable, and these deviations are farther from the average value than the allowable upper limit value or the allowable lower limit value. It is judged that shooting is unstable.

  FIG. 19 shows the relationship between the average value of the representative position of the thyroid gland 51 and the representative position of the thyroid gland 51 calculated for each ultrasound image.

  Also in FIG. 19, the deviation from the average position of the representative position of the thyroid gland 51 in the ultrasonic images from the image 1 to the image 5 is shown, as in FIG. As these deviations, any of the above-described deviations Δx, Δy or Δ for the artery 53 may be used. Deviation from the average position of the representative position of the thyroid gland 51 from the allowable upper limit value (first threshold value, for example, 7 mm) to the allowable lower limit value (first threshold value, negative threshold value, for example, -7 mm) If the difference is between, the above-mentioned difference is judged to be less than the first threshold value, and the photographing is judged to be stable, and these deviations are farther from the average value than the allowable upper limit value or the allowable lower limit value. It is judged that shooting is unstable.

  FIG. 20 corresponds to FIG. 16 and shows the relationship between the average value of the representative position of the artery 53 and the representative position of the artery calculated for each ultrasound image.

  In the case shown in FIG. 16, the allowable upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value (third threshold value) are determined in advance, but in the case shown in FIG. 20, the allowable upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value are set according to the age of the subject. Three values are defined for both the upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value. For example, the first allowable upper limit (for example, 2.0 mm) and the first allowable lower limit (for example, -2.0 mm) are applied when the subject is 0 to 5 years old. The value (for example, 2.5 mm) and the second allowable lower limit (for example, -2.5 mm) are applied when the subject is 6 to 11 years old, and the third allowable upper limit (for example, 3.0 mm) The third allowable lower limit (for example, -3.0 mm) is applied when the subject is 12 years or older.

  As described above, the threshold value may be increased as the age of the subject increases to a certain age. Not only the allowable upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value (second threshold value) for the artery 53, but also the allowable upper limit value, the allowable lower limit value (first threshold value) for the thyroid gland 51, or the allowable upper limit value for the trachea 52 Similarly, the allowable lower limit (third threshold value) may be increased as the age of the subject increases to a certain age.

  In the embodiment described above, the trachea is used, but the trachea 52 is not necessarily used.

  In this way, at least one of the difference between the thyroid representative position and the average thyroid position and the difference between the arterial (blood vessel) representative position and the arterial (blood vessel) average position is displayed on the display screen for each ultrasound (acoustic wave) image. Thus, the display device 17 is preferably controlled by the control device 2 (display control means).

  The above-described embodiment may be performed at the end of an ultrasonic inspection for a day or for a certain period, or may be performed when an educational training for an inspection engineer is performed. In addition, the function for performing the above-described embodiment may be implemented in the diagnostic imaging workstation without being implemented in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 show the processing procedure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and show the processing procedure at the time of imaging an ultrasonic image. FIG. 21 corresponds to FIG. 2, and the same processes as those shown in FIG. FIG. 22 corresponds to FIG. 4, and the same processes as those shown in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the stability of shooting by an engineer is evaluated using an ultrasonic image after shooting. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the position of the ultrasonic probe 6 is appropriate at the time of shooting. is there. It is conceivable that the following processing is performed after positioning at the time of ultrasonic diagnosis is confirmed and the ultrasonic image is frozen.

  As described above, the ultrasonic probe 6 is applied to the neck and an ultrasonic image is taken (step 21A in FIG. 21). In the subsequent processing, as described above, the gravity center position of the thyroid gland 51, the center position of the artery, and the center position of the trachea are calculated by the control device 2 (second trachea representative position calculating means).

  In addition, reference positions of the thyroid gland 51, artery 52, and trachea 53 (the average position may be used as described above) are defined in advance, and these reference positions, the centroid position of the thyroid gland 51, the central position of the artery, and The deviation from the center position of the trachea is displayed on the display screen of the display device 17 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 to 20 (step 39A in FIG. 22).

  Subsequently, the improper judgment of the position of the ultrasonic probe 6 is performed as follows (step 40A in FIG. 22). Whether or not the difference between the reference position of the thyroid gland 51 and the center of gravity of the thyroid gland 51 is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold as described above is determined by the control device 2 (fourth determination means), and the difference is the fourth If it is determined that the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the position of the ultrasound probe 6 is displayed (notified) on the display screen of the display device 17 (second notification means). Similarly, whether or not the difference between the reference position of the artery 53 and the center position of the artery 53 is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold value is determined by the control device 4 (fifth determination means), and the difference is the fifth threshold value. If it is determined that the value is greater than or equal to the value, it is displayed (notified) on the display screen of the display device 17 that the position of the ultrasonic probe 6 is inappropriate (second notifying means). Further, whether or not the difference between the reference position of the trachea 52 and the center position of the trachea 52 is equal to or larger than a sixth threshold value is determined by the control device 4 (sixth determination means). If it is determined that there is the above, it is displayed (notified) on the display screen of the display device 17 that the position of the ultrasonic probe 6 is inappropriate (second notifying means). A pop-up window indicating improperness may be displayed on the display screen of the display device 17, or a frame of a region (thyroid 51, artery 53, trachea 52) that gives a difference greater than a threshold value. You may make it give a different color from another part.

  When it is determined that the position of the ultrasonic probe 6 is inappropriate (YES in step 41A in FIG. 22), a message to that effect is displayed on the display screen of the display device 17 (step 42A in FIG. 22).

  In the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic image 50 is for the right lobe 51R of the thyroid gland 51, but the left lobe 51L of the thyroid gland 51 can be handled in the same manner.

  FIG. 23 shows another example, and shows an example of an ultrasonic image 70.

  The ultrasonic image 50 described above includes the right lobe 51R of the thyroid gland 51 and not the left lobe 51L, but the thyroid gland 71 of the ultrasonic image 70 shown in FIG. 23 includes the right lobe 71R and the left lobe 71L. It is included.

  In the ultrasonic image 70, there is a trachea 71 in the center, and a thyroid gland 71 is provided so as to surround the trachea. There are an artery 73R and a vein 74R outside the right lobe 71R of the thyroid 71, and an artery 73L and a vein 74L outside the left lobe 71L of the thyroid 71. An esophagus 75 also appears behind the left lobe 71L of the thyroid 71.

  In such an ultrasonic image as well, the central coordinates (x2, y2) of the trachea 71, the central coordinates (x1, y1) of the artery 73R, and the central coordinates (x4, y4) of the artery 73L are similar to those described above. 2 is calculated.

  As described above, the thyroid gland 71 uses the center coordinates (x2, y2) of the trachea 71 and the center coordinates (x1, y1) of the artery 73R as described above, as described with reference to FIGS. An ROI may be set for the leaf 71R, and the center of gravity (x5, y5) of the right lobe 71R of the thyroid 71 may be detected from the set ROI. Similarly, using the center coordinates (x2, y2) of the trachea 71 and the center coordinates (x4, y4) of the artery 73L, an ROI is set on the left lobe 71L as described with reference to FIGS. The center of gravity position (x6, y6) of the left lobe 71L of the thyroid 71 may be detected from the set ROI. The average position of the center of gravity position (x5, y5) of the right lobe 71R of the thyroid gland and the average position of the center of gravity position (x6, y6) of the left lobe 71L of the thyroid gland are calculated and the right lobe as described above. The difference between the average position of the centroid position of 71R and the centroid position (x5, y5) of the right lobe 71R of the thyroid gland in each ultrasound image, or the average position of the centroid position of the left lobe 71L and each ultrasound image When at least one of the differences from the center of gravity (x6, y6) of the left lobe 71L of the thyroid gland is larger than a predetermined threshold (first threshold), it can be determined that imaging is unstable.

  Further, the ROI is set in the right lobe 71R using the center coordinates (x2, y2) of the trachea 71 and the center coordinates (x1, y1) of the artery 73R, and the position of the entire thyroid 71 is detected from the ROI, and The ROI is set to the left lobe 71L using the central coordinates (x4, y4) of the artery 73L, the position of the entire thyroid 71 is detected from the set ROI and the ROI, and the detected two thyroid 71 positions are detected. The position of the entire thyroid 71 may be detected from the average. The position of the entire thyroid 71 can be determined more accurately.

  The above-described average position or reference position for the center of gravity (x3, y3) of the entire thyroid 71, the center of gravity (x5, y5) of the right lobe 71R of the thyroid 71 and the center of gravity (x6, y6) of the left lobe 71L of the thyroid 71 And whether or not the imaging is unstable or whether the ultrasonic probe at the time of imaging is in an inappropriate position is determined according to whether or not each difference exceeds a threshold value.

  The center of gravity (x5, y5) of the right lobe 71R of the thyroid 71 and the center of gravity (x6, y6) of the left lobe 71L of the thyroid 71 or the center (x1, y1) of the artery 73R and the center of the artery 73L ( From x4, y4), it can also be determined whether the ultrasonic probe 6 has a tendency to be inclined or is inclined.

  In the above-described embodiment, processing is performed using a digital circuit, but part of the processing may be performed using software.

1 Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment (Ultrasonic image radiography evaluation equipment)
2 Control device
17 Display device
50, 70 ultrasound images
51, 71 Thyroid
52, 72 trachea
53, 73R, 73L Arteries (blood vessels)
54, 74R, 74L vein (blood vessel)
61 Arterial template image
62 Trachea template image
63 ROI (contour area)

Claims (16)

A thyroid representative position calculating means for calculating, for each acoustic wave image, a thyroid representative position that specifies a position of the thyroid gland in a plurality of acoustic wave images of a subject's neck cross section;
In the plurality of acoustic wave images, a thyroid average position calculating unit that calculates a thyroid average position by averaging the thyroid representative positions calculated for each of the acoustic wave images by the thyroid representative position calculating unit;
A blood vessel representative position calculating means for calculating, for each acoustic wave image, a blood vessel representative position for specifying a blood vessel position in the plurality of acoustic wave images;
In the plurality of acoustic wave images, a blood vessel average position calculating unit that calculates a blood vessel average position by averaging the blood vessel representative positions calculated for each acoustic wave image by the blood vessel position calculating unit;
It is determined whether or not the difference between the thyroid average position calculated by the thyroid average position calculating means and each thyroid representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. First determining means for
It is determined whether or not the difference between the blood vessel average position calculated by the blood vessel average position calculating means and each blood vessel representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the blood vessel representative position calculating means is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. And the second determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, or the second determination means determines that the difference is the second threshold value. A first notifying unit for notifying that the imaging of the acoustic wave image is unstable in response to the determination that there is more,
An imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images. First trachea representative position calculating means for calculating a trachea representative position for specifying the position of the trachea in the plurality of acoustic wave images for each of the acoustic wave images;
In the plurality of acoustic wave images, the trachea average position calculating means for calculating the trachea average position by averaging the trachea representative positions calculated for each acoustic wave image by the first trachea position calculating means, and the trachea average position calculation Determining whether or not the difference between the trachea average position calculated by the means and each trachea representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the first trachea representative position calculating means is greater than or equal to a third threshold value. 3 determination means,
The notification means is
The first determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the second determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, or the In response to the determination by the third determining means that the difference is equal to or greater than the third threshold value, the fact that the imaging of the acoustic wave image is unstable is notified.
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 1. A contour region setting means for setting a contour region surrounded by a closed contour line between the blood vessel and trachea of the acoustic wave image, and an active contour model using the contour region set by the contour region setting means. And a thyroid position detecting means for detecting the position of the thyroid gland in the acoustic wave image.
The thyroid representative position calculating means is:
A thyroid gland representative position that identifies the position of the thyroid gland detected by the thyroid gland position detecting means is calculated for each acoustic wave image.
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 1. The contour area setting means includes:
Setting the contour region centered at the midpoint of a straight line connecting the center of the blood vessel and the center of the trachea in the acoustic wave image;
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 3. The contour area setting means includes:
If the angle between the line connecting the blood vessel center of the acoustic wave image and the center of the trachea and the horizontal line is less than a predetermined angle, the middle of the straight line connecting the blood vessel center of the acoustic wave image and the center of the trachea The contour region centered at a point is set, and when the angle formed is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the contour region centered at a position moved a predetermined distance in the tracheal direction from the center of the blood vessel is set.
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 3. Binarizing means for binarizing the acoustic wave image; and discontinuous point removing means for removing discontinuous points from the acoustic wave image binarized by the binarizing means,
The thyroid position detecting means is
The position of the thyroid gland in the binarized acoustic wave image in which the discontinuous points are removed by the discontinuous point removing unit based on the active contour model using the contour region set by the contour region setting unit Is to detect
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 3. A blood vessel template matching means for performing matching processing between the acoustic wave image and a blood vessel template image; and a blood vessel position detecting means for detecting a blood vessel position from the acoustic wave image based on the matching processing in the blood vessel template matching means. In addition,
The blood vessel position calculating means includes
Calculating a blood vessel representative position for specifying the position of the blood vessel detected by the blood vessel position detecting means for each acoustic wave image;
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Trachea template matching means for performing matching processing between the acoustic wave image and trachea template image, and tracheal position detection means for detecting the position of the trachea from the acoustic wave image based on matching processing in the trachea template matching means. In addition,
The trachea position calculating means is
A trachea representative position that identifies the position of the trachea detected by the trachea position detection means is calculated for each acoustic wave image.
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 2.   The first threshold value and the second threshold value increase as the age of the subject rises to a certain age, according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images. An acoustic wave imaging device for imaging the acoustic wave image using a probe;
The thyroid representative position calculating means is:
Calculating a thyroid gland representative position that identifies the position of the thyroid gland in an acoustic wave image captured by the acoustic wave imaging device;
Fourth determination means for determining whether or not a difference between a thyroid representative position calculated by the thyroid representative position calculation means and a predetermined reference position of the thyroid is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold; and Second notifying means for notifying that the position of the probe is inappropriate in response to the determination that the difference is not less than the fourth threshold value.
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: The blood vessel representative position calculating means
Calculating a blood vessel representative position that specifies the position of the blood vessel in the acoustic wave image captured by the acoustic wave imaging device;
A fifth determining means for determining whether or not a difference between the blood vessel representative position calculated by the blood vessel representative position calculating means and a predetermined reference position of the blood vessel is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold;
The second notification means is:
The fourth determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold value, or the fifth determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold value. Depending on the situation, it informs that the position of the probe is inappropriate.
11. The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 10. Second trachea representative position calculating means for calculating a trachea representative position for specifying the position of the trachea in the acoustic wave image picked up by the acoustic wave imaging device;
Sixth determination means for determining whether or not the difference between the trachea representative position calculated by the second trachea representative position calculation means and a predetermined reference position of the trachea is equal to or greater than a sixth threshold value. Prepared,
The second notification means is:
The fourth determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold; the fifth determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold; Alternatively, when the sixth determination means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold value, it notifies that the position of the probe is inappropriate.
12. An imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 11. The fourth threshold value, the fifth threshold value, and the sixth threshold value are increased as the age of the subject increases to a certain age,
13. An imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to claim 12. Display control for controlling the display device to display at least one of the difference between the thyroid representative position and the thyroid average position and the difference between the blood vessel representative position and the blood vessel average position on the display screen for each acoustic wave image means,
The imaging evaluation apparatus for acoustic wave images according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: The thyroid representative position calculating means is:
For each acoustic wave image, a representative position for identifying the position of the right lobe and the left lobe of the thyroid gland in a plurality of acoustic wave images of the subject's cervical cross section is calculated.
The thyroid mean position calculating means is:
In the plurality of acoustic wave images, the average position of the right lobe of the thyroid gland is calculated by averaging the representative position of the right lobe of the thyroid gland calculated for each of the acoustic wave images by the thyroid representative position calculating means, and the thyroid gland representative The average position of the left lobe of the thyroid gland is calculated by averaging the representative position of the left lobe of the thyroid gland calculated for each acoustic wave image by the position calculating means,
The first determination means includes
The difference between the average position of the right lobe of the thyroid calculated by the thyroid average position calculating means and the representative position of the right lobe of each thyroid calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means, or the thyroid average At least one of the differences between the average position of the left lobe of the thyroid calculated by the position calculating means and the representative position of the left lobe of each thyroid calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculating means is the first value. It is used to determine whether the threshold value is exceeded.
The imaging evaluation apparatus for an acoustic wave image according to any one of claims 1 to 14. Thyroid representative position calculating means calculates, for each acoustic wave image, a thyroid representative position that identifies the position of the thyroid gland in a plurality of acoustic wave images of the subject's neck cross-section,
The thyroid average position calculating means calculates a thyroid average position by averaging the thyroid representative positions calculated for each of the acoustic wave images by the thyroid representative position calculating means in the plurality of acoustic wave images,
A blood vessel representative position calculating unit calculates a blood vessel representative position for identifying a blood vessel position in the plurality of acoustic wave images for each of the acoustic wave images;
A blood vessel average position calculating means calculates a blood vessel average position by averaging the blood vessel representative positions calculated for each acoustic wave image by the blood vessel position calculating means in the plurality of acoustic wave images;
The first determination means determines the difference between the thyroid average position calculated by the thyroid average position calculation means and each thyroid representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the thyroid representative position calculation means as the first threshold. Determine if it is greater than or equal to the value,
The difference between the blood vessel average position calculated by the blood vessel average position calculating means and each blood vessel representative position calculated for each acoustic wave image by the blood vessel representative position calculating means is the second threshold. Determine if it is greater than or equal to the value,
The notifying means determines that the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold value by the first determining means, or the difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold value by the second determining means. In response to this, it is notified that imaging of the acoustic wave image is unstable.
An imaging evaluation method for acoustic wave images.

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