Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device that facilitates operations for acquiring ultrasound images such as attenuation distribution images and elasticity distribution images. The information processing unit executes a B-mode image acquisition process, an attenuation characteristic acquisition process, an attenuation distribution display process, a setting process, and an elastic characteristic acquisition process. The B-mode image acquisition process is a process for acquiring B-mode image data for a subject. The attenuation characteristic acquisition process is a process of acquiring attenuation characteristic data for a subject. The attenuation distribution display process is a process for displaying, on a display, an attenuation distribution image in which an attenuation characteristic map represented by the attenuation characteristic data and a B-mode image represented by the B-mode image data are superimposed. The setting process is a process for setting an elastic characteristic region of interest on the tomographic plane on which the B-mode image data has been acquired in accordance with an operation by a user. The elastic characteristic acquisition process is a process for acquiring elastic characteristic data for the elastic characteristic-of-interest region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for acquiring elastic characteristic data and attenuation characteristic data of a subject. Background Art

[0002] In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in addition to the B-mode for generating a B-mode image, there is also an apparatus that operates in an elasticity measurement mode for generating an elasticity distribution image or an attenuation measurement mode for generating an attenuation distribution image. Here, the elasticity distribution image is an image representing the distribution of the elastic modulus, and the attenuation distribution image is an image representing the distribution of the attenuation rate. The B-mode image displayed on a display or the like is used for aligning an ultrasonic probe and setting a region of interest, and the distribution of the elastic modulus and the distribution of the attenuation rate are measured for the set region of interest.

[0003] Techniques for generating an elasticity distribution image are described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below. A technique for generating a B-mode image, an elasticity distribution image, and an attenuation distribution image is described in Patent Document 3. There is described an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in Patent Document 4 that excites a shear wave in a tissue of a subject by imparting a pulsed vibration to a probe by the movement of a user's hand.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-99378

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6212160

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-138017

[0007] Patent Document 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-198843

[0008] Generally, when generating an elasticity distribution image, an acoustic radiation force is applied from an ultrasonic probe to a living tissue so that a shear wave used for generating the elasticity distribution image propagates through the living tissue. As a result, the ultrasonic probe generates heat, and thus a cooling period is provided during the period from when ultrasonic waves are transmitted until the next transmission. By providing the cooling period, it is sometimes impossible to obtain a sufficient frame rate when repeatedly generating an elasticity distribution image. Therefore, when a user performs setting operations such as aligning the ultrasonic probe and setting a region of interest while confirming the B-mode image and the elasticity distribution image, it sometimes becomes difficult to perform the setting operations. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to facilitate operations for acquiring ultrasonic images such as an attenuation distribution image and an elasticity distribution image.

[0010] The present invention is characterized in that it includes an information processing unit that performs the following processes: a B-mode image acquisition process for acquiring B-mode image data of a subject; an attenuation characteristic acquisition process for acquiring attenuation characteristic data of the subject; an attenuation distribution display process for displaying an attenuation distribution image formed by overlapping an attenuation characteristic map represented by the attenuation characteristic data and a B-mode image represented by the B-mode image data on a display device; a setting process for setting a region of interest for a tomographic plane for which the B-mode image data has been acquired according to a user operation; and an elastic characteristic acquisition process for acquiring elastic characteristic data for the region of interest, and the information processing unit performs the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the information processing unit repeatedly performs the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process, and performs the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device along with the repeated execution of the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process.

[0012] In one embodiment, the information processing unit performs the elastic characteristic acquisition process according to the user operation when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device.

[0013] In one embodiment, it includes a control unit.

[0014] The control unit determines whether an artifact is included in a region corresponding to the region of interest in the attenuation characteristic map, and the information processing unit performs the elastic characteristic acquisition process when it is determined that no artifact is included.

[0015] In one embodiment, it includes a control unit that determines whether an artifact is included in the attenuation characteristic map, and sets the region of interest in a region on the tomographic plane where no artifact is included.

[0016] In one embodiment, the setting process includes a process of displaying the attenuation distribution image and the B-mode image side by side on the display device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the information processing unit performs the following elastic distribution display process: displaying an elastic distribution image formed by overlapping an elastic characteristic map represented by the elastic characteristic data and the B-mode image on the display device.

[0018] Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the operation for acquiring an ultrasonic image can be easily performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the structure of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a state transition diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram showing the actions when the state transitions from state B or C to state D.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a state transition diagram of the processes related to the application embodiment.

[0025] Symbol Explanation

[0026] 10 - Probe driving unit, 12 - Ultrasonic probe, 14 - Push wave transmitting unit, 16 - Tracking wave transceiver unit, 18 - Receiving unit, 20 - Information processing unit, 30 - Attenuation measurement unit, 32 - B-mode image generation unit, 34 - Image synthesis unit, 36 - Elasticity measurement unit, 38 - Display processing unit, 40 - Storage unit, 42 - Display, 44 - Control unit, 46 - Operation unit, 50 - Subject, 60 - B-mode image, 62 - Attenuation distribution image, 70 - Region of interest for attenuation characteristics, 72 - Region of interest for elasticity characteristics, 74 - Artifact. Detailed Embodiment

[0027] With reference to the respective drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The same constituent elements shown in multiple drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are simplified.

[0028] In Figure 1 the structure of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 related to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a probe driving unit 10, an ultrasonic probe 12, a receiving unit 18, an information processing unit 20, a display 42 (display device), a control unit 44, and an operation unit 46. The operation unit 46 may include buttons, a lever, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 46 may also be a touch panel provided on the display 42.

[0029] The information processing unit 20 includes an attenuation measurement unit 30, a B-mode image generation unit 32, an image synthesis unit 34, an elasticity measurement unit 36, a display processing unit 38, and a storage unit 40. The information processing unit 20 and the control unit 44 can be constituted by, for example, one or more processors that execute a program stored in the storage unit 40. The information processing unit 20 can constitute each component (attenuation measurement unit 30, B-mode image generation unit 32, image synthesis unit 34, elasticity measurement unit 36, and display processing unit 38) by executing a program. Each component can read the data stored in the storage unit 40, perform calculations, and store the data obtained as a result of the calculations in the storage unit 40. The control unit 44 can control the probe driving unit 10, the receiving unit 18, and the information processing unit 20 according to the operations of the operation unit 46 performed by the user.

[0030] The ultrasonic probe 12 includes a push wave transmission unit 14 and a tracking wave transceiver unit 16. The probe driving unit 10 outputs a push wave driving signal and a transmission signal respectively as signals for generating ultrasonic waves from the push wave transmission unit 14 and the tracking wave transceiver unit 16. The push wave transmission unit 14 transmits a push wave to the subject 50 according to the push wave driving signal output from the probe driving unit 10, and excites a shear wave in the subject 50. The push wave transmission unit 14 can converge the push wave to a specified focal point within the subject 50.

[0031] The tracking wave transceiver unit 16 transmits a tracking wave as ultrasonic waves for observing the state of the living tissue of the subject 50 or the propagation state of the shear wave according to the transmission signal output from the probe driving unit 10. The tracking wave transceiver unit 16 receives the reflected ultrasonic waves generated by reflection within the subject 50.

[0032] The tracking wave transceiver unit 16 includes a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators. The probe driving unit 10 can adjust the delay time of the transmission signal output to each ultrasonic oscillator, and transmit a plane wave as a tracking wave to the subject 50 from the plurality of ultrasonic oscillators. Each ultrasonic oscillator receives the reflected ultrasonic waves generated by reflection within the subject 50, converts them into received signals as electrical signals, and outputs them to the receiving unit 18.

[0033] The receiving unit 18 performs synthesis processing such as in-phase addition on the received signals output from each ultrasonic oscillator to generate a plurality of received beam data in the y-axis direction. These plurality of received beam data in the y-axis direction correspond to a plurality of received beams arranged in the x-axis direction and facing the depth direction (y-axis direction) of the subject 50. The receiving unit 18 sequentially generates frame data as time passes according to the plurality of received beam data in the y-axis direction. That is, the receiving unit 18 generates frame data arranged on the time axis according to the plurality of received beam data in the y-axis direction, and outputs it to the attenuation measurement unit 30, the B-mode image generation unit 32, and the elasticity measurement unit 36.

[0034] The B-mode image generation unit 32 generates B-mode image data arranged on the time axis based on the frame data arranged on the time axis, and outputs it to the image synthesis unit 34. The B-mode image data is data representing an echo image in a tomographic plane in which a plane wave transmitted from the tracking wave transceiver unit 16 propagates.

[0035] The image synthesis unit 34 outputs the B-mode image data to the display processing unit 38. The display processing unit 38 converts the B-mode image data into a video signal and outputs it to the display 42. The display 42 displays the B-mode image according to the video signal.

[0036] The attenuation measurement unit 30 obtains attenuation characteristic data in an attenuation characteristic region of interest predetermined in the tomographic plane based on the frame data. The attenuation characteristic map represented by the attenuation characteristic data represents the distribution of the attenuation rate in the attenuation characteristic region of interest. The unit of the attenuation rate is, for example, dB / m / Hz. The attenuation characteristic map can be, for example, an image with only colors representing the distribution of the attenuation rate in the attenuation characteristic region of interest by adding a shorter wavelength color to a region with a smaller attenuation rate and a longer wavelength color to a region with a larger attenuation rate.

[0037] The attenuation characteristic region of interest can be preset on the tomographic plane where the B-mode image data is obtained according to the operation of the user in the operation unit 46. For example, in a state where the B-mode image is displayed on the display 42, according to the operation in the operation unit 46, a setting frame for determining the attenuation characteristic region of interest is drawn on the B-mode image displayed on the display 42. The control unit 44 sets the attenuation characteristic region of interest on the tomographic plane by recognizing the setting frame drawn on the B-mode image.

[0038] The image synthesis unit 34 generates attenuation distribution image data representing an attenuation distribution image in which the attenuation characteristic map is overlapped on the B-mode image based on the B-mode image data and the attenuation characteristic data, and outputs it to the image synthesis unit 34. The image synthesis unit 34 outputs the attenuation distribution image data to the display processing unit 38. The display processing unit 38 converts the attenuation distribution image data into a video signal and outputs it to the display 42. The display 42 displays the attenuation distribution image according to the video signal.

[0039] For example, as Figure 2 shown, the display processing unit 38 can display the B-mode image 60 and the attenuation distribution image 62 side by side on the display 42. The filled area in the attenuation distribution image 62 is the attenuation characteristic region of interest 70.

[0040] Based on the operation of the user in the operation unit 46, an elastic characteristic region of interest 72 is set on the B-mode image 60. For example, in a state where the attenuation characteristic image is displayed on the display 42, according to the operation in the operation unit 46, that is, the processing of the display processing unit 38, a setting frame 76 for determining the elastic characteristic region of interest 72 is drawn on the B-mode image 60 displayed on the display 42. In Figure 2 , this setting frame 76 is represented by a dotted line. The control unit 44 sets the elastic characteristic region of interest 72 by recognizing the setting frame 76 drawn on the B-mode image. The elastic characteristic region of interest 72 can be set to overlap with the attenuation characteristic region of interest 70 on the tomographic plane, or can be set to a region adjacent to the attenuation characteristic region of interest 70.

[0041] Compared with the B-mode image, artifacts 74 clearly appear in the attenuation distribution image 62. Here, an artifact refers to noise that does not represent the characteristics of the subject 50. The artifact 74 is generated by multiple reflections of ultrasonic waves by an object having a property of easily reflecting ultrasonic waves, such as the subcutaneous fat of the subject 50 and the tissue surface.

[0042] The elasticity measurement unit 36 measures the elastic characteristics in the elastic characteristic region of interest 72, for example, by the following processing. That is, the elasticity measurement unit 36 obtains the elastic modulus distribution in the elastic characteristic region of interest 72 through the following processes (i) to (iii). The unit of the elastic modulus is, for example, N / m 2 .

[0043] (i) Shear waves in the elastic characteristic region of interest 72 are respectively detected for a plurality of frame data arranged on the time axis.

[0044] (ii) The distribution of the shear wave propagation speed in the elastic characteristic region of interest 72 is obtained by obtaining the time required for the shear wave to propagate a certain distance for each measurement point on the elastic characteristic region of interest 72.

[0045] (iii) The elastic modulus distribution in the elastic characteristic region of interest 72 is obtained based on the distribution of the shear wave propagation speed in the elastic characteristic region of interest 72. The elastic modulus can be defined as a value proportional to the value obtained by multiplying the density of the tissue of the subject 50 by the square of the shear wave propagation speed.

[0046] Specifically, the elasticity measurement unit 36 can obtain the y-axis direction propagation velocity distribution of shear waves in the elasticity characteristic region of interest 72 through the following process described in Patent Document 4. That is, the elasticity measurement unit 36 obtains the displacement in the y-axis direction per time δ based on two frame data adjacent at a time interval δ on the time axis, and obtains the y-axis direction velocity components Vy(x, y) and Vy(x, y + Δ) of the vibration caused by the shear wave. Here, Vy(x, y + Δ) represents the y-axis direction velocity component at a position separated by Δ in the y-axis direction from the point (x, y).

[0047] The elasticity measurement unit 36 obtains the time waveforms of the y-axis direction velocity components Vy(x, y) and Vy(x, y + Δ). The elasticity measurement unit 36 also obtains the y-axis direction propagation velocity of the shear wave at the measurement point P(x, y) based on the amount of movement on the time axis of the time waveform of the y-axis direction velocity component Vy(x, y) and the time waveform of the y-axis direction velocity component Vy(x, y + Δ), and obtains the y-axis direction propagation velocity distribution of the shear wave in the elasticity characteristic region of interest 72. The elasticity measurement unit 36 obtains the distribution of the elastic modulus in the elasticity characteristic region of interest 72 based on the y-axis direction propagation velocity distribution of the shear wave in the elasticity characteristic region of interest 72.

[0048] The elasticity measurement unit 36 can also obtain the elastic modulus distribution according to other usual processes in the order of (i) to (iii) above.

[0049] The elasticity measurement unit 36 generates elasticity characteristic data representing an elasticity characteristic map based on the elastic modulus distribution, and outputs it to the image synthesis unit 34. The elasticity characteristic map can be, for example, an image with only colors that represents the distribution of the elastic modulus on a plane by attaching colors with shorter wavelengths to regions with smaller elastic moduli and colors with longer wavelengths to regions with larger elastic moduli.

[0050] The image synthesis unit 34 generates elastic distribution image data representing an elastic distribution image in which the elasticity characteristic map is overlapped on the B-mode image based on the elasticity characteristic data and the B-mode image data. This image can be an image in which colors corresponding to the elastic modulus are applied to the B-mode image. The image synthesis unit 34 outputs the elastic distribution image data to the display processing unit 38. The display processing unit 38 converts the elastic distribution image data into a video signal and outputs it to the display 42. The display 42 displays the elastic distribution image according to the video signal.

[0051] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in any one of the B mode, the attenuation measurement mode, and the elastography measurement mode under the control of the control unit 44 corresponding to the setting operation of the operation mode in the operation unit 46. The B mode is an operation mode for displaying a B mode image based on the B mode image data generated by the B mode image generation unit 32. The attenuation measurement mode is an operation mode for displaying an attenuation distribution image based on the attenuation distribution image data generated by the B mode image generation unit 32, the attenuation measurement unit 30, and the image synthesis unit 34. The elastography measurement mode is an operation mode for displaying an elastography distribution image based on the elastography distribution image data generated by the B mode image generation unit 32, the elastography measurement unit 36, and the image synthesis unit 34.

[0052] In the following description, the attenuation measurement mode may sometimes be referred to as the ATT mode (ATTenuation measurement), and the elastography measurement mode may sometimes be referred to as the SWE mode (Shear Wave Elastography). The operation of the B mode, the operation of the ATT mode, and the operation of the SWE mode may be performed only one of them, or two or three of these three operation modes may be performed in a time-division manner.

[0053] The image synthesis unit 34 may also output any one or two of the B mode image data, the attenuation distribution image data, and the elastography distribution image data to the display processing unit 38 according to the set operation mode, and display any one or two of the B mode image, the attenuation distribution image, and the elastography distribution image on the display 42. Further, the image synthesis unit 34 may also output the B mode image data, the attenuation distribution image data, and the elastography distribution image data to the display processing unit 38 according to the operation of the user on the operation unit 46, and display the B mode image, the attenuation distribution image, and the elastography distribution image on the display 42.

[0054] In Figure 3 FIG. shows a state transition diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. State A is a state in which the apparatus operates in the B mode and only the B mode image is displayed in real time. Here, displaying the B mode image in real time means that, based on the B mode image data sequentially generated over time, the B mode image to be displayed is sequentially updated over time.

[0055] State B is a state in which the operations of the B mode and the ATT mode are performed in a time-division manner, and the B mode image and the attenuation distribution image are displayed in real time. In the real-time display of the attenuation distribution image, both the attenuation characteristic map and the B mode image constituting the attenuation distribution image are sequentially updated over time. In state B, as Figure 2 shown, the B mode image 60 and the attenuation distribution image 62 can be displayed side by side.

[0056] State C is a state in which the operations of B mode and ATT mode are performed in a time-division manner, and the display of the B mode image and the attenuation distribution image is frozen. Here, freezing the display of the image means displaying it as a still image without updating the image of one frame. In state C, similar to state B, as Figure 2 shown, the B mode image 60 and the attenuation distribution image 62 can be displayed side by side.

[0057] State D is a state in which the operation of SWE mode is performed and the elastic distribution image is displayed. In state D, instead of Figure 2 the B mode image 60 shown, the elastic distribution image can be displayed. That is, the elastic distribution image showing the elastic characteristic diagram in the elastic characteristic interest area 72 set by the setting frame 76 can be displayed side by side next to the attenuation distribution image 62. The elastic characteristic diagram constituting the elastic distribution image may be updated sequentially over time, and the original B mode image that becomes the elastic distribution image is not updated and is a still image.

[0058] Refer to Figure 3 An example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described. The state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is first set to state A, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in B mode. By the user performing an ATT mode operation for operating in ATT mode using the operation unit 46, the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transitions from state A to state B, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 performs not only the operation of B mode but also the operation of ATT mode.

[0059] When the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B, by the user performing a freeze operation for freezing and displaying the B mode image using the operation unit 46, the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transitions from state B to state C. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 freezes and displays the B mode image and the attenuation distribution image. When the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state C, by the user performing a freeze release operation for releasing the freeze of the B mode image and the attenuation distribution image using the operation unit 46, the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transitions from state C to state B. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 displays the B mode image and the attenuation distribution image in real time.

[0060] When the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B or C, the user performs a B mode operation for starting only the operation of B mode through the operation unit 46, whereby the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 returns to state A. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 performs the operation of B mode.

[0061] The state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B, as Figure 2As shown, while the attenuation distribution image 62 and the B-mode image 60 are being displayed on the display 42, the user can draw a setting frame 76 on the B-mode image 60 while referring to the attenuation distribution image 62 to set the elastic characteristic region of interest 72.

[0062] Generally, when there are no artifacts in the attenuation distribution image, there are often no artifacts in the elastic distribution image in the region from which the attenuation distribution image is acquired. Therefore, for example, the user can confirm that there are no artifacts in the attenuation distribution image and set the region where there are no artifacts in the attenuation distribution image as the elastic characteristic region of interest.

[0063] When the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B, the SWE mode operation for starting the operation in the SWE mode is performed by the user via the operation unit 46, whereby the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transitions to state D. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 executes the operation in the SWE mode. By executing the operation in the SWE mode, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 displays an elastic distribution image. In the SWE mode, the B-mode image constituting the elastic distribution image can be frozen and displayed.

[0064] In Figure 4 is shown a conceptual diagram of the operation when the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B and the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transitions to state D by the user performing the SWE mode operation using the operation unit 46. In Figure 4 the time period marked as "B / ATT" represents the time period during which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in the B mode and the ATT mode. The time period marked as "SWE" represents the time period during which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in the SWE mode. During the period of repeatedly executing the B mode and the ATT mode, the user refers to the attenuation distribution image displayed on the display 42 and, for example, sets the region where no artifacts are generated as the elastic characteristic region of interest. When the setting of the elastic characteristic region of interest is completed, by performing the SWE mode operation in the operation unit 46, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in the SWE mode, generates elastic distribution image data, and displays the elastic distribution image on the display 42.

[0065] Figure 3 The state transition shown is achieved by the information processing unit 20 executing the following processing. That is, the information processing unit 20 executes B-mode image acquisition processing, attenuation characteristic acquisition processing, attenuation distribution display processing, setting processing, elastic characteristic acquisition processing, and elastic distribution display processing.

[0066] The B-mode image acquisition process is a process for acquiring B-mode image data of a subject (50). The attenuation characteristic acquisition process is a process for acquiring attenuation characteristic data of the subject (50). The attenuation distribution display process is a process of displaying an attenuation distribution image, which is formed by overlapping an attenuation characteristic map represented by the attenuation characteristic data and a B-mode image represented by the B-mode image data, on a display 42 (display device). The setting process is a process of setting an elastic characteristic region of interest (region of interest) on a tomographic plane where B-mode image data has been acquired, according to a user operation. The elastic characteristic acquisition process is a process for acquiring elastic characteristic data of the elastic characteristic region of interest. The information processing unit 20 performs the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display 42. The elastic distribution display process is a process of displaying an elastic distribution image, which is formed by overlapping an elastic characteristic map represented by the elastic characteristic data on the B-mode image, on the display 42.

[0067] And, in Figure 4 the process shown, the information processing unit 20 repeatedly executes the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process. The information processing unit 20 performs the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display 42 in accompaniment with the repeatedly executed attenuation characteristic acquisition process and attenuation distribution display process.

[0068] In the structure and process of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, a user can refer to the attenuation distribution image displayed on the display 42 and set a region where no artifacts are generated as the elastic characteristic region of interest. The frame rate when generating attenuation distribution image data in the B-mode and ATT-mode is higher than the frame rate when generating elastic distribution image data in the SWE-mode. The reason is that in the SWE-mode, in order to suppress the heat generation of the push wave transmission unit 14, it is necessary to sufficiently extend the interval of repeatedly transmitting the push wave from the push wave transmission unit 14. Therefore, according to the process according to the present embodiment, compared with the case of setting the elastic characteristic region of interest while avoiding artifacts by trial and error during the operation in the SWE-mode, the operation of setting the elastic characteristic region of interest can be performed easily and quickly.

[0069] In Figure 5 is shown a state transition diagram of the process according to an application embodiment of the present invention. In this process, when the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B, the control unit 44 performs an artifact determination E on the attenuation distribution image data. The artifact determination E is a process of determining whether an artifact has occurred in a determination region where an elastic characteristic region of interest is set in a region of the attenuation distribution image represented by the attenuation distribution image data. This determination can be made based on the presence or absence of an image of a blood vessel in the determination region, the presence or absence of an image of ultrasonic multiple reflection, the non-uniformity of the attenuation distribution, etc. The non-uniformity of the attenuation distribution can be represented by the degree of deviation of attenuation rates such as the dispersion and standard deviation of the attenuation rates in the determination region.

[0070] When the control unit 44 determines that no artifact is generated in the determination area, it changes the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 from state B to state D, and causes the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to operate in the SWE mode. On the other hand, when the control unit 44 determines that an artifact is generated in the determination area, it maintains the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 as state B. In addition, the control unit 44 may perform the interference determination E when the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state C, and determine whether an artifact is generated in the determination area.

[0071] In the artifact determination E, the control unit 44 may perform the process of setting the elastic characteristic interest area in the area where no artifact is generated in the area of the attenuation distribution image. And the control unit 44 may also perform the following process: changing the coverage range of the elastic characteristic interest area set by the operation of the operation unit 46 in such a way that the elastic characteristic interest area is set in the area where no artifact is generated.

[0072] In this way, the control unit 44 determines whether the area corresponding to the elastic characteristic interest area in the attenuation characteristic diagram includes an artifact. When it is determined that no artifact is included, the elastic measurement unit 36 in the information processing unit 20 performs the elastic characteristic acquisition process. And the control unit 44 may also determine whether an artifact is included in the attenuation characteristic diagram and set the elastic characteristic interest area in the area on the tomographic plane where no artifact is included.

[0073] According to this process, it is determined whether an artifact is generated by the control unit 44. In the application embodiment, the control unit 44 sets the elastic characteristic interest area in the area on the tomographic plane where no artifact is included. Thereby, the burden on the user's operation for causing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to acquire the elastic distribution image data is reduced.

[0074] [Structure of the present invention]

[0075] Structure 1:

[0076] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, characterized by comprising an information processing unit that performs the following processes:

[0077] B-mode image acquisition process for acquiring B-mode image data for a subject;

[0078] Attenuation characteristic acquisition process for acquiring attenuation characteristic data for the subject;

[0079] Attenuation distribution display process for displaying an attenuation distribution image formed by overlapping an attenuation characteristic diagram represented by the attenuation characteristic data and a B-mode image represented by the B-mode image data on a display device;

[0080] Setting process for setting an interest area on the tomographic plane where the B-mode image data is acquired according to a user operation; and

[0081] Elastic characteristic acquisition process, acquiring elastic characteristic data for the region of interest

[0082] The information processing unit executes the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device.

[0083] Structure 2:

[0084] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Structure 1, characterized in that

[0085] The information processing unit repeatedly executes the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process

[0086] When the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device along with the repeated execution of the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process, the setting process is executed.

[0087] Structure 3:

[0088] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Structure 1 or Structure 2, characterized in that

[0089] The information processing unit executes the elastic characteristic acquisition process according to the operation of the user when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device.

[0090] Structure 4:

[0091] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, characterized by comprising a control unit

[0092] The control unit determines whether an artifact is included in the region corresponding to the region of interest in the attenuation characteristic diagram

[0093] The information processing unit executes the elastic characteristic acquisition process when it is determined that no artifact is included.

[0094] Structure 5:

[0095] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, characterized in that

[0096] Comprising a control unit, the control unit determines whether an artifact is included in the attenuation characteristic diagram, and sets the region of interest in the region on the tomographic plane where no artifact is included.

[0097] Structure 6:

[0098] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, characterized in that

[0099] The setting process includes the following processes:

[0100] The attenuation distribution image and the B-mode image are displayed side by side on the display device.

[0101] Structure 7:

[0102] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, characterized in that

[0103] the information processing unit performs the following elastic distribution display process:

[0104] An elastic distribution image formed by overlapping the elastic characteristic diagram represented by the elastic characteristic data and the B-mode image is displayed on the display device.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that: An information processing unit is provided, and the information processing unit performs the following processing: B-mode image acquisition processing, acquiring B-mode image data for the subject; Attenuation characteristic acquisition processing, acquiring attenuation characteristic data for the subject; attenuation distribution display processing, displaying an attenuation distribution image formed by overlapping an attenuation characteristic graph represented by the attenuation characteristic data and a B-mode image represented by the B-mode image data on a display device; Setting processing, according to the user's operation, setting a region of interest on the tomographic plane where the B-mode image data is acquired; and elasticity characteristic acquisition processing, obtaining elasticity characteristic data for the region of interest, The information processing unit performs the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing unit repeatedly executes the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process, The setting process is executed when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device as the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process are repeatedly executed.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing section executes the elasticity characteristic acquisition process according to the user's operation when the attenuation distribution image is displayed on the display device.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Equipped with a control unit, The control unit determines whether an artifact is included in a region corresponding to the target region in the attenuation characteristic map. The information processing unit executes the elasticity characteristic acquisition process when determining that the artifact is not included.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A control unit is provided for determining whether or not the attenuation characteristic map includes an artifact, and setting the region of interest in a region on the tomographic plane that does not include the artifact.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The setting process includes the following processes: The attenuation distribution image and the B-mode image are displayed side by side on the display device.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The information processing unit performs the following elastic distribution display processing: An elasticity distribution image in which an elasticity characteristic map represented by the elasticity characteristic data is superimposed on the B-mode image is displayed on the display device.

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