Device and its control program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an apparatus that can ensure diagnostic imaging performance while improving the visibility of flickering screen patterns in B-mode images. [Solution] An apparatus for displaying an image I, comprising a processor and a display 8. The processor is configured to display on the display 8 a first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2 created based on echo signals of ultrasound pulses acquired from an object. The first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 displayed on the display 8 are moving images, and the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 forming each frame of the moving image are created based on the same echo signal. The second B-mode image BI2 is displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image BI1.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for displaying B-mode images and its control program. [Background Technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of cases of severe fatty liver and associated steatohepatitis (NASH) has increased, thus necessitating early detection of these diseases. Ultrasound, due to its simplicity and ability to perform frequent examinations, is a suitable modality for the diagnosis and follow-up of the aforementioned diffuse diseases.

[0003] For example, Non-Patent Literature 1 focuses on the appearance of a typical flickering screen pattern in B-mode images in cases of severe fatty liver and NASH, disclosing the mechanism of its appearance and the contribution of the pattern to diagnosis. According to this study, the flickering screen pattern is an acoustic shadow created in the direction of the ultrasound rays due to the refraction of ultrasound. Refraction is caused by the boundary between the liver parenchyma and the blood within the vessels. In the case of fatty liver, fat droplets accumulate in the liver, thus reducing the speed of sound propagation in the liver parenchyma; therefore, this acoustic shadow becomes stronger because the sound propagation ratio with that of blood vessels is greater. The flickering screen pattern is also generated by the cross-section of microvessels, resulting in a widespread three-dimensional raindrop-shaped pattern, in other words, a striped pattern. The flickering screen pattern is also known as flickering screen echo.

[0004] [List of Citations]

[0005] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Literature 1] Naohisa Kamiyama, Yasukiyo Sumino, Kenichi Maruyama, Yasushi Matsukiyo, Noritaka Wakui, Masao Shinohara; Study on the mechanism of “flickering screen echo” appearing in fatty liver parenchyma; Ultrasound Medicine; September 2016, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 655-662. [Summary of the Invention]

[0007] [Technical Issues]

[0008] Ultrasound diagnostic devices are equipped with various functions designed to improve diagnostic imaging performance. Many functions are intended to improve image quality and ease of examination, and are intended for general use rather than specific situations. However, it is clear that some functions are counterproductive in terms of the visibility of flickering screen patterns, even though they may contribute to improving structural visibility, etc.

[0009] To improve the visibility of the flickering screen pattern, it is conceivable to create a B-mode image without using the aforementioned functions that are always used to improve image quality, etc. However, this sacrifices the image quality required for diagnostic imaging of the B-mode image, excluding the visibility of the flickering screen pattern (e.g., structural visibility, etc.). Therefore, while improving the visibility of the flickering screen pattern, it is essential to ensure the image quality from angles other than the visibility of the flickering screen pattern (e.g., structural visibility, etc.).

[0010] [Solution to the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the apparatus includes a processor and a display. The processor is configured to display on the display a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image created based on echo signals from ultrasonic pulses acquired from an object. The first B-mode image and the second B-mode image displayed on the display are moving images, and the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image forming each frame of the moving image are created based on the same echo signal. Furthermore, the second B-mode image is displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image.

[0012] The other device includes a processor and a display. The processor is configured to display a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image of an object on the display. The first B-mode image is a B-mode image created based on a first echo signal acquired by emitting a first ultrasonic pulse at the object under a first emission condition, and the second B-mode image is a B-mode image created based on a second echo signal acquired by emitting a second ultrasonic pulse at the object under a second emission condition. The second emission condition includes a condition that emphasizes multiple acoustic shadows extending in the acoustic ray direction in the B-mode image compared to the first emission condition. The first B-mode image and the second B-mode image are moving images, and the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image forming each frame of the moving image are created based on the first echo signal and the second echo signal of frames formed in adjacent time frames. Furthermore, the second B-mode image is displayed smaller than the first B-mode image.

[0013] The aforementioned device is an ultrasound diagnostic device or an image display device connected to an ultrasound diagnostic device via a network.

[0014] [Advantages of the Invention]

[0015] According to the apparatus described above, the second B-mode image is a moving image displayed smaller than the first B-mode image. This allows relatively lower spatial frequency components to become more perceptible, thereby improving the visibility of multiple acoustic shadows extending in the ray direction, in other words, the visibility of the flickering screen pattern. In this way, the visibility of the flickering screen pattern in the second B-mode image is improved. Therefore, it is unnecessary to perform processes to ensure the visibility of the flickering screen pattern, such as processes that sacrifice image quality from angles other than the visibility of the flickering screen pattern (e.g., structural visibility). This ensures the diagnostic imaging performance of the first B-mode image. Therefore, both the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image can be displayed to ensure diagnostic imaging performance while improving the visibility of the flickering screen pattern.

[0016] According to the apparatus described above, similar to the apparatus according to the foregoing aspects, the second B-mode image is a moving image displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image, thereby improving the visibility of the flickering screen pattern. Furthermore, for the first B-mode image, it is possible to ensure image quality from angles other than those obscuring the visibility of the flickering screen pattern, thereby ensuring diagnostic imaging performance. Therefore, both the first and second B-mode images can be displayed to ensure diagnostic imaging performance while improving the visibility of the flickering screen pattern. Moreover, the second B-mode image is created based on a second echo signal. The second echo signal is an echo signal acquired by emitting a second ultrasonic pulse under a second emission condition, in which multiple acoustic shadows extending in the acoustic ray direction in the B-mode image are emphasized; therefore, the visibility of the flickering screen pattern in the second B-mode image can be further improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of an ultrasound diagnostic device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a display on which images containing a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image are displayed.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an example of a flowchart showing the process according to implementation scheme 1.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a diagram used to describe the creation of the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to describe an example of a moving image.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a diagram used to describe the creation of the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image according to the modified example 2 of implementation scheme 1.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to describe an example of a moving image according to a modified example 2 of implementation scheme 1.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to describe an example of a moving image according to a modified example 3 of implementation scheme 1.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system according to implementation scheme 2.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an example of a flowchart showing the process according to implementation scheme 2. Detailed Implementation

[0027] A description of an embodiment of the present invention will be given.

[0028] Implementation Plan 1

[0029] First, implementation scheme 1 will be described. Figure 1 The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 shown includes an ultrasound probe 2, a beamformer 3, and a transmitter 4. The ultrasound probe 2 performs an ultrasound scan on the object and receives ultrasound echo signals.

[0030] More specifically, the ultrasonic probe 2 has multiple vibrating elements 2a that emit pulsed ultrasonic waves toward an object (not shown in the figures). The multiple vibrating elements 2a are driven by a transmitting beamformer 3 and a transmitter 4 to emit pulsed ultrasonic waves. The vibrating elements 2a are piezoelectric elements.

[0031] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 also includes a receiver 5 and a receiving beamformer 6. Pulsed ultrasound waves emitted from the vibrating element 2a are reflected within the object to generate an echo returning to the vibrating element 2a. The echo is converted into an electrical signal by the vibrating element 2a, becoming an echo signal input to the receiver 5. The echo signal is amplified by the desired gain in the receiver 5 and then input to the receiving beamformer 6, where receiving beamforming is performed. The receiving beamformer 6 outputs ultrasound data after receiving beamforming.

[0032] The receive beamformer 6 can be a hardware beamformer or a software beamformer. If the receive beamformer 6 is a software beamformer, it may include one or more processors, including any one or more of the following: a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or other types of processors capable of performing logical operations. The processor configuring the receive beamformer 6 may be configured by a different processor than the processor 7 described later, or it may be configured by processor 7.

[0033] The ultrasonic probe 2 may include all or part of the circuitry for performing transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming. For example, all or part of the transmit beamformer 3, transmitter 4, receiver 5, and receive beamformer 6 may be located in the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0034] The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 also includes a processor 7, which controls the transmitting beamformer 3, the transmitter 4, the receiver 5, and the receiving beamformer 6. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 includes a display 8, a memory 9, and a user interface 10.

[0035] Processor 7 includes one or more processors. Processor 7 communicates electronically with ultrasonic probe 2. Processor 7 can control ultrasonic probe 2 to acquire ultrasonic data. Processor 7 controls the moving elements in vibrating element 2a and the shape of the ultrasonic beam emitted from ultrasonic probe 2. Processor 7 also communicates electronically with display 8, so that processor 7 can process ultrasonic data into ultrasonic images and display them on display 8. The term "electronic communication" can be defined to include both wired and wireless communication. According to one embodiment, processor 7 may include a central processing unit (CPU). According to another embodiment, processor 7 may include another electronic component capable of performing processing functions, such as a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or another type of processor. According to another embodiment, processor 7 may include multiple electronic components capable of performing processing functions. For example, processor 7 may include two or more electronic components selected from a list of electronic components, including: a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, and a graphics processing unit.

[0036] The processor 7 may also include a composite demodulator (not shown in the figures) for demodulating RF data.

[0037] In another implementation, demodulation can be performed earlier in the processing chain.

[0038] Processor 7 is configured to perform one or more processing operations on the data based on a plurality of selectable ultrasound modalities. Data can be processed in real time during a scanning session when an echo signal is received. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "real time" is defined as including procedures executed without any intentional delay.

[0039] Data may also be temporarily stored in a buffer (not shown) during ultrasound scanning and may be processed in real time or offline without real-time processing. In this disclosure, the term "data" may be used to refer to one or more datasets acquired using the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0040] Ultrasonic data can be processed by a processor 7 with other or different mode-related modules (e.g., B-mode, color Doppler, M-mode, color M-mode, spectral Doppler, contrast mode, elastography, TVI, strain, strain rate, etc.) to form ultrasonic image data. For example, one or more modules can generate ultrasonic images such as B-mode, color Doppler, M-mode, color M-mode, spectral Doppler, contrast mode, elastography, TVI, strain, strain rate, combinations thereof, etc.

[0041] Image beams and / or image frames can be stored, and timing information indicating when data is captured in memory can be recorded. These modules may include, for example, a scan conversion module for performing scan conversion operations to convert image frames from beam space coordinates to display space coordinates. A video processor module may be provided that reads image frames from memory and displays them in real time while the program is executed on the object. The video processor module may store image frames in an image memory, read ultrasound images from the image memory, and display them on the display 8.

[0042] Note that, as used in this specification, the term "image" broadly refers to both a visible image and the data representing that visible image. The term "data" may include both raw data and image data, where raw data is ultrasound data prior to the scan conversion operation, and image data is data after the scan conversion operation.

[0043] If processor 7 includes multiple processors, then the multiple processors can be responsible for the aforementioned processing tasks assigned by processor 7. For example, the first processor can be used to demodulate and extract RF signals, while the second processor can be used to further process the data and then display the image.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, if the receiving beamformer 6 is a software beamformer, then its processing functions can be executed via a single processor or via multiple processors.

[0045] Display 8 includes LED (light-emitting diode) displays, LCD (liquid crystal display), organic OLED (electric light-emitting diode) displays, etc.

[0046] The memory 9 is any known data storage medium. In one example, the ultrasound image display system 1 includes multiple memories 9, including non-transitory storage media and temporary storage media. The non-transitory storage media are non-volatile storage media, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), read-only memory (ROMs), etc. Furthermore, the non-transitory storage media can also include portable storage media such as CDs (optical discs), DVDs (Digital Universal Optical Discs), etc. The program executed by the processor 7 is stored in the non-transitory storage media.

[0047] Temporary storage media are volatile storage media, such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0048] User interface 10 can accept operator input. For example, user interface 10 accepts instructions and information input from the operator. User interface 10 is configured to include a keyboard, hard keys, trackball, rotary controls, soft keys, etc. User interface 10 may include a touchscreen displaying soft keys, etc.

[0049] The process of this example will be described next. This document will describe the display on monitor 8. Figure 2 The process of image I shown is illustrated. Image I includes a first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2. The first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are real-time moving images.

[0050] Figure 3 This example demonstrates a flowchart of the process. For instance, when the user interface accepts input from the operator to initiate the process, the process from the preceding step S1 is initiated. First, in step S1, the processor 7 controls the ultrasonic probe 2 to emit ultrasonic pulses. The ultrasonic probe 2 emits ultrasonic pulses to the object and receives the echo signals. In this document, one frame of ultrasonic pulses is emitted and received.

[0051] Next, in step S2, the processor 7 creates a first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2 of a frame based on the echo signal ES of a frame, as follows: Figure 4 As shown in [the image]. Figure 4 In this diagram, for convenience, the echo signal ES of a frame and the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are represented by rectangles. The echo signal ES is acquired in step S1. The first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are created based on the same echo signal ES. The echo signal ES can be a concept encompassing the raw data created from the echo signals received by the ultrasound probe 2.

[0052] The processor 7 creates a first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2, such that the second B-mode image BI2 is displayed on the display 8 as smaller than the first B-mode image BI1.

[0053] The sizes of the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 will be described in more detail below. First, the first B-mode image BI1 is of normal size and large enough to ensure diagnostic imaging performance from angles other than the visibility of multiple acoustic shadows (in other words, flickering screen patterns) extending in the direction of sound rays. "Angles other than the visibility of the flickering screen patterns" include, for example, structural visibility for diagnostic imaging.

[0054] Next, the size of the second B-mode image BI2 will be described. Generally, when displaying small images, the B-mode image is better understood for its relatively low spatial frequency components. The flickering screen pattern has relatively low spatial frequency components. The second B-mode image BI2 is smaller than the first B-mode image BI1 and is used to emphasize the size of the flickering screen pattern. However, the second B-mode image BI2 is large enough to identify the flickering screen pattern.

[0055] Note that, although the displayed sizes are different, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are images of the same part of the object.

[0056] A first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2 are created under the same conditions. These conditions ensure image quality from angles other than the visibility of the flickering screen pattern (e.g., structural visibility) without causing a flickering screen pattern. However, the conditions herein do not include image size.

[0057] Next, in step S3, the processor 7 creates image I, which includes a first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2, and then displays the image on the display 8, as shown. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, processor 7 combines the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image to create image I. Figure 2 In image I, a portion of the second B-mode image BI2 overlaps with a portion of the first B-mode image BI1. However, Figure 2 The positional relationship between the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 shown is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0058] Next, in step S4, processor 7 determines whether to terminate the process. In one example, when a signal indicating the termination of the process accepted by user interface 10 is input to processor 7, processor 7 determines that the process has terminated ("Yes" in step S4). On the other hand, if it is determined that the process has not terminated ("No" in step S4), then the process returns to step S1 and processing continues until step S3, and subsequent frame images I are displayed. In this example, steps S1 to S4 are repeated to display multiple frames of image I. In other words, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are real-time moving images. Image I can be stored in memory 9.

[0059] For example, in Figure 5In this context, each of the periods T1 to T6 represents the length of time during which an ultrasonic pulse is transmitted for one frame and its echo signal is received. For example, a frame of image I1 is created based on the echo signal obtained by transmitting and receiving for one frame in period T1 and is displayed on display 8. For the other periods T2 to T6, images I2 to I6 are created in the same manner and displayed on display 8. Thus, six frames of moving images containing images I1 to I6 are displayed. The first mode B image BI1 and the second mode B image BI2 in each of the images I1 to I6 that form the moving images are based on the same echo signal.

[0060] However, the image I displayed on the display 8 can be an image on which a frame averaging process has been performed, the image being a weighted average of multiple frames in the time direction. The frame averaging process is performed for each of the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2.

[0061] The reason for displaying image I as a moving image is that viewing a still image may lead to visual adaptation, resulting in reduced visual sensitivity to flickering screen patterns. Flickering screen patterns are more easily perceived in moving images with constantly changing patterns compared to static images. Therefore, image I, including the second mode B image BI 2, is displayed as a moving image to confirm the flickering screen pattern.

[0062] Note that in the examples above, after the creation and display of the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 of a frame, subsequent frames of ultrasound pulses are transmitted and received, but this is not limited to these examples. For instance, during the creation and display of the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2, the transmission of ultrasound pulses for subsequent frames can be initiated and the reception of echo signals can be initiated.

[0063] According to this example, the visibility of the flickering screen pattern in the second B-mode image BI2 is improved based on the second B-mode image BI2, which is displayed at a smaller size and is a moving image. On the other hand, to ensure the visibility of the flickering screen pattern, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are not created at the expense of image quality from angles other than the visibility of the flickering screen pattern (e.g., structural visibility, etc.). This ensures the diagnostic imaging performance of the first B-mode image BI1. Therefore, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 can be displayed to ensure diagnostic imaging performance while improving the visibility of the flickering screen pattern.

[0064] Next, a modified example of implementation scheme 1 will be described. First, modified example 1 will be described. In modified example 1, in step S2, processor 7 uses a first condition to create a first B-mode image BI 1. Furthermore, processor 7 also uses a second condition, different from the first condition, to create a second B-mode image BI 2. The second condition includes a condition that emphasizes the flickering screen pattern in the B-mode image compared to the first condition.

[0065] For example, the first and second conditions include at least one of gain, dynamic range, and the number of frames during frame averaging. The gain in the second condition is lower than the gain in the first condition. The dynamic range in the second condition is lower than the dynamic range in the first condition. The number of frames during frame averaging in the second condition is greater than the number of frames in the first condition.

[0066] Lower gain and dynamic range emphasize the low-echo portion of the B-mode image and suppress the high-echo portion, thus highlighting the flicker screen pattern more. Furthermore, a larger number of frames during frame averaging reduces flicker noise unrelated to the flicker screen pattern and further emphasizes it.

[0067] Note that, as described above, the first condition can ensure image quality from angles other than the visibility of the flickering screen pattern (e.g., structural visibility) without causing emphasis on the flickering screen pattern.

[0068] Based on the modified example 1, the second B-mode image created using the second condition further improves the visibility of the flickering screen pattern.

[0069] Next, Modified Example 2 will be described. In Modified Example 2, a so-called transmit-mix technique is used to create a first mode B image BI 1. Specifically, in step S1, multiple frames of ultrasound pulses are transmitted and received. The acoustic ray directions of the ultrasound pulses in each of the multiple frames are different from each other. For example, as... Figure 6 The diagram shows the transmission and reception of ultrasonic pulses along a first acoustic direction d1, a second direction d2, and a third direction d3 in the first frame F1, the second frame F2, and the third frame F3. The first direction d1 to the third direction d3 are different from each other.

[0070] In step S2, processor 7 creates a first mode B image BI1 based on the echo signals of multiple frames configured. Figure 6 In the example shown, a first B-mode image BI1 is created based on the echo signals of configured first frame F1 to third frame F3. On the other hand, processor 7 creates a second B-mode image BI2 based on the echo signal of configured one of multiple frames. Figure 6In the example shown, a second B-mode image BI 2 is created based on the echo signal of the second frame F2 in the configuration of the first frame F1 to the third frame F3. Therefore, the echo signal used to create the first B-mode image BI 1 and the echo signal used to create the second B-mode image BI 1 contain the same echo signal.

[0071] In step S3, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are combined to create image I. In modified example 2, as... Figure 7 The diagram shows an image I1 created based on echo signals obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasound pulses for three frames, for example, in periods T1 to T3. Similarly, an image I2, a subsequent frame following image I1, is created based on echo signals obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasound pulses for three frames, in periods T4 to T6. Thereafter, images I are created in the same manner, and moving images are displayed.

[0072] According to Modified Example 2, the first B-mode image BI 1 is an image created using emission mixing technology, thus resulting in a more uniform image by reducing acoustic shadows, etc., through smoothing. This improves structural visibility and enhances diagnostic imaging performance.

[0073] In this paper, the generation direction of the flickering screen pattern in the B-mode image varies with the emission direction of the ultrasound pulse. Therefore, by using emission blending techniques to create the B-mode image, the waveform screen pattern appearing at different angles is averaged out, reducing the visibility of the flickering screen pattern. However, the second B-mode image BI 2 is created without using emission blending techniques and is a smaller moving image than the first B-mode image BI 1, which improves the visibility of the flickering screen pattern.

[0074] Next, modified Example 3 will be described. In step S1, the processor 7 controls the ultrasonic probe 2 to emit a first ultrasonic pulse at the object under a first emission condition, and the ultrasonic probe 2 receives a first echo signal. Furthermore, in step S1, the processor 7 controls the ultrasonic probe 2 to emit a second ultrasonic pulse at the object under a second emission condition, and the ultrasonic probe 2 receives a second echo signal. In this document, after emitting and receiving one frame of the first ultrasonic pulse, one frame of the second ultrasonic pulse is emitted and received.

[0075] The second emission condition includes a condition that emphasizes the flickering screen pattern in the B-mode image compared to the first emission condition. In one example, the focal point in the second emission condition is located closer to the ultrasound probe 2 than the focal point in the first emission condition. In another example, the focal point in the second emission condition is located closer to the ultrasound probe 2 than the focal point in the first emission condition, and the convergence of the focal point in the second emission condition is stronger than that in the first emission condition.

[0076] In step S2, processor 7 creates a first B-mode image BI1 based on the first echo signal. Furthermore, processor 7 creates a second B-mode image BI2 based on the second echo signal. For example, as... Figure 8 The diagram shows that a first mode B image BI1 is created based on a first echo signal obtained by transmitting and receiving a first ultrasound pulse of a frame within a time period T1. Furthermore, a second mode B image BI1 is created based on a second echo signal obtained by transmitting and receiving a second ultrasound pulse of a frame within a time period T2. Therefore, the first mode B image BI1 and the second mode B image BI2 are created based on the first and second echo signals of time-adjacent frames.

[0077] In step S3, the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2 are combined to create image I displayed on the display 8. For example... Figure 8 The image I1 is shown as a frame composed of a first B-mode image BI1 obtained by transmitting and receiving a first echo signal in period T1, and a second B-mode image BI2 obtained by transmitting and receiving a second echo signal in period T2.

[0078] Returning to step S1, when the process reaches step S3 again, the image I2 of the subsequent frame is created in the same manner and displayed on the display 8. Specifically, a first mode B image BI1 is created based on the first echo signal obtained by transmitting and receiving a first ultrasound pulse in period T3. Furthermore, a second mode B image BI2 is created based on the second echo signal obtained by transmitting and receiving a second ultrasound pulse in period T4. Image I2 is then created and displayed based on the first mode B image BI1 and the second mode B image BI2. Similarly, a first ultrasound pulse is transmitted and received in period T5, and a second ultrasound pulse is transmitted and received in period T6, and the image I3 of the subsequent frame is created and displayed on the display 8. Thereafter, image I is created in the same manner, and a moving image is displayed on the display 8.

[0079] According to the modified example 3, a second mode B image BI 2 is created based on the second echo signal of the second ultrasonic pulse emitted under the second emission condition in which the flickering screen pattern is emphasized, thereby further improving the visibility of the flickering screen pattern.

[0080] In Modified Example 3, similar to Modified Example 2, a so-called emission mixing technique can be used to create a first Mode B image BI1. In this case, multiple frames of first ultrasonic pulses are emitted and received in different acoustic directions. In other words, the first emission conditions include the condition of emitting multiple frames of first ultrasonic pulses, and the acoustic directions of the first ultrasonic pulses in each frame are different from each other. Furthermore, the first Mode B image BI1 is created based on the configuration of the first echo signals of the multiple frames.

[0081] Next, we will modify Example 4. In modifying Example 4, according to... Figure 3 The images I in the multiple frames created by the flowchart are stored in memory 9. In this paper, memory 9 is a non-transitory storage medium, in other words, a non-volatile storage medium.

[0082] The processor 7 reads image I from memory 9 and then displays the image on display 8. Image I is also a moving image and contains a first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2, which is smaller than the first B-mode image BI1.

[0083] In modified example 4, instead of storing image I in memory 9, by... Figure 3 The raw data obtained from transmitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses in step S1 of the flowchart can be stored in memory 9. Memory 9 stores raw data that can form multiple frames of moving images. In this case, processor 7 reads the raw data from memory 9, similar to step S2 creating the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2, similar to step S3 creating image I, and then displays the images on display 8.

[0084] Implementation Plan 2

[0085] Next, implementation scheme 2 will be described. In the following description, items that are the same as those in implementation scheme 1 are omitted.

[0086] Figure 9 The system 100 shown includes an ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and an image display device 101. The ultrasound diagnostic device 1 and the image display device 101 are connected via a network 102.

[0087] Ultrasound diagnostic device 1 has the same Figure 1 The same configuration as in [the previous context]. However, in [the following context]... Figure 7In the ultrasonic image display device 1, the processor 7, display 8, memory 9, and user interface 10 are described as a first processor 7, a first display 8, a first memory 9, and a first user interface 10. Although only the first processor 7, first display 8, first memory 9, and first user interface 10 are mentioned... Figure 9 The components shown are those of an ultrasound diagnostic device 1, but the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 has Figure 1 Other components shown. Note that only use... Figure 9 The boxes in the document illustrate each configuration.

[0088] The image display device 101 is, for example, a workstation, a portable information terminal, etc. The image display device 101 has a second processor 103, a second display 104, a second memory 105, and a second user interface 106.

[0089] In embodiment 2, image I, as a moving image, is displayed on the image display device 101. The process will be described. First, when viewed via a similar... Figure 3 In step S1, when ultrasound pulses are transmitted and received in the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 to acquire echo signals, raw data based on the echo signals is transmitted to the image display device 101 via network 102. The raw data is data of multiple frames that can form a moving image. The raw data is stored in a second memory 105. In this document, the second memory 105 is a non-transitory storage medium, in other words, a non-volatile storage medium.

[0090] Next, based on Figure 10 The flowchart in the diagram describes the display of image I. First, in step S10, the second processor 103 reads raw data from the second memory 105. The second processor 103 reads raw data of multiple frames that can form a moving image. The raw data of the multiple frames is the raw data of all frames to be displayed as a moving image.

[0091] The processes from steps S11 to S13 are the same as those from steps S2 to S4, except that the processing entity is the second processor 103. If it is determined in step S13 that the process has not terminated, then the process returns to step S11 and executes the subsequent processes. Thus, image I, including the first B-mode image BI1 and the second B-mode image BI2, can be displayed as a moving image on the second display 104, similar to embodiment 1, improving the visibility of the flickering screen pattern while ensuring diagnostic imaging performance.

[0092] Note that image I can be stored in the second memory 105.

[0093] In addition, instead of reading the raw data of all frames in step S10, one frame can be read at a time, and one frame of image I can be displayed.

[0094] Next, a modified example of implementation scheme 2 will be described. In this modified example, the first processor 7 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 executes... Figure 3 Steps S1 to S3 are performed to create image I, which includes a first B-mode image BI1 and a second B-mode image BI2. Image I is a moving image. Furthermore, the first processor 7 outputs image I to the image display device 101 via network 102. Image I is stored in the second memory 105.

[0095] The second processor 7 reads the image I stored in the second memory 105 and displays the image on the second display 104.

[0096] In embodiment 2, similar to modification example 1 of embodiment 1, a first B-mode image BI 1 can be created using a first condition, and a second B-mode image BI 2 can be created using a second condition. Furthermore, similar to modification example 2 of embodiment 1, a transmission mixing technique can be used to create the first B-mode image. Additionally, the raw data stored in the second memory 105 may include raw data based on a first echo signal obtained by transmitting a first ultrasonic pulse, and raw data based on a second echo signal obtained by transmitting a second ultrasonic pulse, similar to modification example 3 of embodiment 1.

[0097] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and / or equivalent substitutions may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications can adapt particular situations or materials to the disclosure of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0098] For example, in embodiment 2, image I stored in the second memory 105 can be output to the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 via a network and then displayed on the first display 8.

[0099] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be used as a method for controlling a device, the device comprising:

[0100] processor; and

[0101] Display, in which

[0102] The method includes the following steps: displaying a first mode B image and a second mode B image on a display by a processor, based on echo signals from ultrasound pulses acquired from an object.

[0103] The first and second B-mode images displayed on the monitor are moving images, and the first and second B-mode images that form each frame of the moving image are created based on the same echo signal.

[0104] The second B-mode image is displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image.

[0105] Furthermore, the described implementation can be used as a method for controlling a device, the device comprising:

[0106] processor; and

[0107] Display, in which

[0108] The method includes the following steps: the processor displays a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image of the object on a display.

[0109] The first B-mode image is a B-mode image created based on the first echo signal acquired by transmitting a first ultrasonic pulse to the object under the first emission condition.

[0110] The second mode B image is created based on the second echo signal acquired by emitting a second ultrasonic pulse toward the object under a second emission condition, and the second emission condition includes a condition that, compared with the first emission condition, emphasizes multiple acoustic shadows extending in the acoustic ray direction in the mode B image.

[0111] The first B-mode image and the second B-mode image are moving images, and the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image that form each frame of the moving image are created based on the first echo signal and the second echo signal of frames that are adjacent in formation time.

[0112] The second B-mode image is displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image.

[0113] [Description of icon symbols and codes]

[0114] 1: Ultrasonic diagnostic device

[0115] 7: Processor, First Processor

[0116] 8: Monitor, First Monitor

[0117] 101: Image display device

[0118] 102: Network

[0119] 103: Second Processor

[0120] 104: Second monitor

Claims

1. An apparatus for imaging, the apparatus comprising: processor; and monitor; in The processor is configured to display on the display a first mode B image and a second mode B image created based on echo signals from ultrasonic pulses acquired from an object. The first B-mode image and the second B-mode image displayed on the display are moving images, and the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image forming each frame of the moving image are created based on the same echo signal. The second B-mode image is displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image and has a relatively low spatial frequency component relative to the first B-mode image.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image are created under the same conditions, and the conditions are those that do not result in emphasis on a plurality of acoustic shadows extending in the ray direction in the B-mode image.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first B-mode image is created using a first condition, and the second B-mode image is created using a second condition, and The second condition includes, compared to the first condition, a condition that emphasizes multiple acoustic shadows extending in the ray direction of the B-mode image.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first condition and the second condition include at least one of gain, dynamic range, and the number of frames during frame averaging.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first B-mode image is created based on echo signals forming a plurality of frames, and the acoustic ray directions of the ultrasound pulses in each of the plurality of frames are different from each other, and The second B-mode image is created based on the echo signal of one of the multiple frames.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and the processor creates the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is an image display device connected via a network to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor creates the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a first processor. The first processor creates the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image and outputs the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image to the image display device via the network. The processor of the image display device is a second processor, and the second processor displays the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image output by the first processor on the display.

10. An apparatus for imaging, the apparatus comprising: processor; and monitor; in The processor is configured to display a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image of the object on the display. The first B-mode image is a B-mode image created based on the first echo signal acquired by transmitting a first ultrasonic pulse to the object under a first emission condition. The second mode B image is a mode B image created based on a second echo signal acquired by emitting a second ultrasonic pulse toward the object under a second emission condition, and the second emission condition includes a condition that, compared with the first emission condition, emphasizes multiple acoustic shadows extending in the acoustic ray direction in the mode B image. The first B-mode image and the second B-mode image are moving images, and the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image forming each frame of the moving image are created based on the first echo signal and the second echo signal of time-adjacent frames. The second B-mode image is displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image and has a relatively low spatial frequency component relative to the first B-mode image.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first emission condition and the second emission condition include a focal position and a degree of focal convergence.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first emission condition includes the condition that the first ultrasonic pulse is emitted for a plurality of frames and the acoustic directions of the first ultrasonic pulse in each of the frames are different from each other, and The first B-mode image is created based on the first echo signal that forms the plurality of frames.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the apparatus is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and the processor creates the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the apparatus is an image display device connected via a network to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor creates the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a first processor. The first processor creates the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image and outputs the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image to the image display device via the network. The processor of the image display device is a second processor, and the second processor displays the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image output by the first processor on the display.

17. A control method for an imaging apparatus, The device includes: processor; and monitor; in The control method is configured to cause the processor to perform control, which includes displaying a first mode B image and a second mode B image on the display based on echo signals from ultrasound pulses acquired from an object. The first B-mode image and the second B-mode image displayed on the display are moving images, and the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image forming each frame of the moving image are created based on the same echo signal. The second B-mode image is displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image and has a relatively low spatial frequency component relative to the first B-mode image.

18. A control method for an imaging apparatus, The device includes: processor; and monitor; in The control method is configured to cause the processor to perform control, the control including displaying a first B-mode image and a second B-mode image of an object on the display. The first B-mode image is a B-mode image created based on the first echo signal acquired by transmitting a first ultrasonic pulse to the object under a first emission condition. The second mode B image is a mode B image created based on the second echo signal acquired by transmitting a second ultrasonic pulse to the object under the second transmission condition, and the second transmission condition includes a condition that, compared with the first transmission condition, emphasizes multiple acoustic shadows extending in the acoustic ray direction in the mode B image. The first B-mode image and the second B-mode image are moving images, and the first B-mode image and the second B-mode image forming each frame of the moving image are created based on the first echo signal and the second echo signal of time-adjacent frames. The second B-mode image is displayed as smaller than the first B-mode image and has a relatively low spatial frequency component relative to the first B-mode image.

Images