Ultrasonic diagnostic device

Abstract

To facilitate an operation for acquiring an ultrasonic image such as an attenuation distribution image and an elasticity distribution image.SOLUTION: An information processing part 20 executes a B mode image acquisition process, an attenuation property acquisition process, an attenuation distribution display process, a setting process, and an elastic property acquisition process. The B mode image acquisition process is a process of acquiring B mode image data for a subject 50. The attenuation property acquisition process is a process of acquiring attenuation property data for the subject 50. The attenuation distribution display process of displaying, on a display 42, an attenuation distribution image in which an attenuation property map indicated by the attenuation property data is superimposed on a B-mode image indicated by the B-mode image data. The setting process is a process of setting an elastic property region of interest on a tomographic plane from which the B-mode image data has been acquired based on a user's operation. The elastic property acquisition process is a process of acquiring elastic property data for the elastic property region of interest.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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] Some ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses operate in an elastic measurement mode for generating an elastic distribution image or an attenuation measurement mode for generating an attenuation distribution image in addition to the B mode for generating a B-mode image. Here, the elastic distribution image is an image showing the distribution of the elastic modulus, and the attenuation distribution image is an image showing the distribution of the attenuation rate. The alignment of the ultrasonic probe and the setting of the region of interest are performed using the B-mode image displayed on a display or the like, and the distribution of the elastic modulus or the distribution of the attenuation rate is measured for the set region of interest.

[0003] The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe techniques for generating an elastic distribution image. Patent Document 3 describes a technique for generating a B-mode image, an elastic distribution image, and an attenuation distribution image. Patent Document 4 describes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that excites a shear wave in a subject's tissue by applying a pulsed vibration to a probe by the movement of a user's hand.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Generally, when generating an elasticity distribution image, an acoustic radiation force is applied from an ultrasonic probe to a living tissue, and a shear wave for generating the elasticity distribution image is propagated through the living tissue. As a result, the ultrasonic probe generates heat, so a cooling period is provided after the transmission of the ultrasonic wave until the next transmission is performed. If a cooling period is provided, a sufficient frame rate may not be obtained when repeatedly generating the elasticity distribution image. Therefore, when a user performs setting operations such as alignment of the ultrasonic probe and setting of a region of interest while viewing an elasticity distribution image in addition to a B-mode image, the setting operations may become difficult.

[0006] 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.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention includes an information processing unit that executes 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 causing a display device to display an attenuation distribution image in which an attenuation characteristic map indicated by the attenuation characteristic data is superimposed on a B-mode image indicated by the B-mode image data, a setting process for setting a region of interest on a tomographic plane from which the B-mode image data is acquired based on a user operation, and an elastic characteristic acquisition process for acquiring elastic characteristic data of the region of interest. The information processing unit is characterized by executing the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the information processing unit repeatedly executes the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process, and executes the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device in accordance with the repeatedly executed attenuation characteristic acquisition process and attenuation distribution display process.

[0009] In one embodiment, the information processing unit executes the elastic characteristic acquisition process based on an operation of the user when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device.

[0010] In one embodiment, a control unit is provided that determines whether or not an artifact is included in a region corresponding to the region of interest in the attenuation characteristic map, and the information processing unit executes the elastic characteristic acquisition process when it is determined that no artifact is included.

[0011] In one embodiment, a control unit is provided that determines whether or not 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.

[0012] In one embodiment, the setting process includes a process of arranging the attenuation distribution image and the B-mode image and displaying them on the display device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the information processing unit executes an elastic distribution display process of displaying an elastic distribution image in which an elastic characteristic map indicated by the elastic characteristic data is superimposed on the B-mode image on the display device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate an operation for acquiring an ultrasonic image.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the respective figures. The same components shown in a plurality of drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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, levers, keyboards, mice, etc. The operation unit 46 may be a touch panel provided on the display 42.

[0018] 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 may be configured by one or more processors that execute programs stored in the storage unit 40, for example. The information processing unit 20 may configure 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 may read data stored in the storage unit 40, execute calculations, and store the data obtained as a result of the calculations in the storage unit 40. The control unit 44 may control the probe driving unit 10, the receiving unit 18, and the information processing unit 20 in response to an operation of the operation unit 46 by the user.

[0019] The ultrasonic probe 12 includes a push wave transmission unit 14 and a tracking wave transmission / reception unit 16. The probe drive unit 10 outputs a push wave drive signal and a transmission signal, respectively, as signals for generating ultrasonic waves from the push wave transmission unit 14 and the tracking wave transmission / reception unit 16. The push wave transmission unit 14 transmits a push wave to the subject 50 in response to the push wave drive signal output from the probe drive unit 10, and excites a shear wave in the subject 50. The push wave transmission unit 14 may converge the push wave to a focal point defined within the subject 50.

[0020] Based on the transmission signal output from the probe drive unit 10, the tracking wave transmission / reception unit 16 transmits a tracking wave as ultrasonic waves for observing the state of the biological tissue of the subject 50 and the propagation state of the shear wave. The tracking wave transmission / reception unit 16 receives the reflected ultrasonic wave generated by reflection within the subject 50.

[0021] The tracking wave transmission / reception unit 16 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The probe drive unit 10 may adjust the delay time of the transmission signal output to each ultrasonic transducer, and transmit a plane wave as a tracking wave to the subject 50 from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. Each ultrasonic transducer receives the reflected ultrasonic wave generated by reflection within the subject 50, converts it into a reception signal which is an electrical signal, and outputs it to the reception unit 18.

[0022] The reception unit 18 performs a synthesis process such as coherent addition on the reception signals output from each ultrasonic transducer, and generates a plurality of reception beam data in the y-axis direction. These plurality of reception beam data in the y-axis direction correspond to a plurality of reception beams arranged in the x-axis direction towards the depth direction (y-axis direction) of the subject 50. The reception unit 18 sequentially generates frame data over time based on the plurality of reception beam data in the y-axis direction. That is, the reception unit 18 generates frame data arranged on the time axis based on the plurality of reception 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.

[0023] 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 composition unit 34. The B-mode image data is data indicating an echo image on a tomographic plane where the plane wave transmitted from the tracking wave transmission / reception unit 16 has propagated.

[0024] The image composition 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 a B-mode image based on the video signal.

[0025] The attenuation measurement unit 30 obtains attenuation characteristic data in a region of interest for attenuation characteristics predetermined on the tomographic plane based on the frame data. The attenuation characteristic map indicated by the attenuation characteristic data represents the distribution of the attenuation rate in the region of interest for attenuation characteristics. The unit of the attenuation rate is, for example, dB / m / Hz. The attenuation characteristic map may be, for example, an image composed only of colors that represent the distribution of the attenuation rate on the region of interest for attenuation characteristics, where regions with a smaller attenuation rate are assigned colors with shorter wavelengths, and regions with a larger attenuation rate are assigned colors with longer wavelengths.

[0026] The region of interest for attenuation characteristics may be preset on the tomographic plane where the B-mode image data is acquired based on the user's operation on the operation unit 46. For example, in a state where a B-mode image is displayed on the display 42, a setting frame for specifying the region of interest for attenuation characteristics is drawn on the B-mode image displayed on the display 42 according to the operation on the operation unit 46. The control unit 44 sets the region of interest for attenuation characteristics on the tomographic plane by recognizing the setting frame drawn on the B-mode image.

[0027] The image synthesis unit 34 generates attenuation distribution image data indicating an attenuation distribution image in which an attenuation characteristic map is superimposed on the B-mode image based on the B-mode image data and the attenuation characteristic data, and outputs the data 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 the signal to the display 42. The display 42 displays the attenuation distribution image based on the video signal.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the display processing unit 38 may display the B-mode image 60 and the attenuation distribution image 62 side by side on the display 42. The area filled in the attenuation distribution image 62 is the attenuation characteristic region of interest 70.

[0029] An elastic characteristic region of interest 72 is set on the B-mode image 60 according to the user's operation on the operation unit 46. For example, with the attenuation characteristic image displayed on the display 42, a setting frame 76 for specifying the elastic characteristic region of interest 72 is drawn on the B-mode image 60 shown on the display 42 according to the operation on the operation unit 46 and the processing of the display processing unit 38. In FIG. 2, this setting frame 76 is indicated by a dashed 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 may be set to overlap the attenuation characteristic region of interest 70 on the tomographic plane, or may be set in a region adjacent to the attenuation characteristic region of interest 70.

[0030] Artifacts 74 appear more prominently in the attenuation distribution image 62 than in the B-mode image. Here, an artifact refers to noise that does not represent the characteristics of the subject 50. The artifacts 74 are generated by multiple reflections of ultrasonic waves by substances such as the subcutaneous fat of the subject 50 and the tissue surface, which are likely to reflect ultrasonic waves.

[0031] The elasticity measurement unit 36 measures the elastic properties in the elastic property region of interest 72 by, for example, the following processing. That is, the elasticity measurement unit 36 obtains the elastic modulus distribution in the elastic property region of interest 72 by the following processes (i) to (iii). The unit of the elastic modulus is, for example, N / m 2 is used. (i) For each of a plurality of frame data arranged on the time axis, a shear wave in the elastic property region of interest 72 is detected. (ii) By obtaining the time required for the shear wave to propagate a certain distance for each measurement point on the elastic property region of interest 72, the distribution of the propagation speed of the shear wave in the elastic property region of interest 72 is obtained. (iii) Based on the distribution of the propagation speed of the shear wave in the elastic property region of interest 72, the elastic modulus distribution in the elastic property region of interest 72 is obtained. The elastic modulus may be defined as a value proportional to the product of the density of the tissue of the subject 50 and the square of the propagation speed of the shear wave.

[0032] Specifically, the elasticity measurement unit 36 may obtain the distribution of the propagation speed of the shear wave in the y-axis direction in the elastic property region of interest 72 by the following processing described in Patent Document 4. That is, the elasticity measurement unit 36 obtains the displacement in the y-axis direction per unit 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 by the shear wave. Here, Vy(x, y + Δ) indicates the y-axis direction velocity component at a position separated by Δ in the y-axis direction from the point (x, y).

[0033] 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 further obtains the propagation speed of the shear wave in the y-axis direction at the measurement point P(x, y) based on the time waveforms of the y-axis direction velocity component Vy(x, y) and the amount of movement on the time axis of the time waveform of the y-axis direction velocity component Vy(x, y + Δ), and obtains the distribution of the propagation speed of the shear wave in the y-axis direction in the elastic property region of interest 72. The elasticity measurement unit 36 obtains the distribution of the elastic modulus in the elastic property region of interest 72 based on the distribution of the propagation speed of the shear wave in the y-axis direction in the elastic property region of interest 72.

[0034] The elasticity measurement unit 36 may obtain an elastic modulus distribution based on other general processes following the above steps (i) to (iii).

[0035] The elasticity measurement unit 36 generates elasticity characteristic data indicating an elasticity characteristic map based on the elastic modulus distribution and outputs it to the image synthesis unit 34. The elasticity characteristic map may be, for example, an image composed only of colors representing the distribution of the elastic modulus on a plane, where regions with a smaller elastic modulus are assigned colors with shorter wavelengths, and regions with a larger elastic modulus are assigned colors with longer wavelengths.

[0036] The image synthesis unit 34 generates elasticity distribution image data indicating an elasticity distribution image in which the elasticity characteristic map is superimposed on the B-mode image based on the elasticity characteristic data and the B-mode image data. This image may be an image in which the B-mode image is assigned colors according to the elastic modulus. The image synthesis unit 34 outputs the elasticity distribution image data to the display processing unit 38. The display processing unit 38 converts the elasticity distribution image data into a video signal and outputs it to the display 42. The display 42 displays the elasticity distribution image based on the video signal.

[0037] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in any one of the B-mode, attenuation measurement mode, and elasticity measurement mode under the control of the control unit 44 according to the setting operation of the operation mode at the operation unit 46. The B-mode is an operation mode in which a B-mode image is displayed based on the B-mode image data generated by the B-mode image generation unit 32. The attenuation measurement mode is an operation mode in which an attenuation distribution image is displayed 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 elasticity measurement mode is an operation mode in which an elasticity distribution image is displayed based on the elasticity distribution image data generated by the B-mode image generation unit 32, the elasticity measurement unit 36, and the image synthesis unit 34.

[0038] In the following description, the attenuation measurement mode may be referred to as the ATT mode (ATTenuation measurement), and the elastic measurement mode may be referred to as the SWE mode (Shear Wave Elastography). Any one of the operations of the B mode, the ATT mode, and the SWE mode may be executed, or two or three of these three operation modes may be executed in a time-sharing manner.

[0039] The image synthesis unit 34 outputs one or two of the B-mode image data, the attenuation distribution image data, and the elastic distribution image data to the display processing unit 38 according to the set operation mode, and may display one or two of the B-mode image, the attenuation distribution image, and the elastic distribution image on the display 42. Further, the image synthesis unit 34 may output the B-mode image data, the attenuation distribution image data, and the elastic distribution image data to the display processing unit 38 according to the operation of the operation unit 46 by the user, and display the B-mode image, the attenuation distribution image, and the elastic distribution image on the display 42.

[0040] FIG. 3 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 sequentially updating the B-mode image to be displayed over time based on the B-mode image data sequentially generated over time.

[0041] State B is a state in which the operations of the B mode and the ATT mode are executed in a time-sharing 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 constituting the attenuation distribution image and the B-mode image are sequentially updated over time. In state B, as shown in FIG. 2, the B-mode image 60 and the attenuation distribution image 62 may be displayed side by side.

[0042] State C is a state in which the operations in B mode and the operations in ATT mode are executed in a time-division manner, and the B-mode image and the attenuation distribution image are frozen and displayed. Here, freezing and displaying an image means displaying it as a still image without updating the image of one frame. In state C, similar to state B, as shown in FIG. 2, the B-mode image 60 and the attenuation distribution image 62 may be displayed side by side.

[0043] State D is a state in which the operation in SWE mode is executed and the elastic distribution image is displayed. In state D, instead of the B-mode image 60 shown in FIG. 2, an elastic distribution image may be displayed. That is, an elastic distribution image in which an elastic property map is shown in the elastic property region of interest 72 set by the setting frame 76 may be displayed side by side with the attenuation distribution image 62. While the elastic property map constituting the elastic distribution image is sequentially updated with the passage of time, the B-mode image that is the source of the elastic distribution image may be a still image that is not updated.

[0044] An example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is first set to state A, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in B mode. When an ATT mode operation for operating in ATT mode is performed by the user 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 executes the operation in ATT mode in addition to the operation in B mode.

[0045] When the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B, a freeze operation for freezing and displaying the B-mode image is performed by the user on the operation unit 46, and the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transitions from state B to state C. As a result, 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, a freeze release operation for releasing the freeze of the B-mode image and the attenuation distribution image is performed by the user on the operation unit 46, and the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transitions from state C to state B. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 displays the B-mode image and the attenuation distribution image in real time.

[0046] When the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B or C, a B-mode operation for starting the operation of only the B-mode is performed by the user on the operation unit 46, and the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 returns to state A. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 executes the operation of the B-mode.

[0047] When the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B and, as shown in FIG. 2, the attenuation distribution image 62 and the B-mode image 60 are displayed on the display 42, the user may set the elastic characteristic region of interest 72 by drawing a setting frame 76 on the B-mode image 60 while referring to the attenuation distribution image 62.

[0048] Generally, when no artifact appears in the attenuation distribution image, no artifact often appears in the elastic distribution image in the region where the attenuation distribution image was acquired. Therefore, the user may, for example, confirm that no artifact appears in the attenuation distribution image and set the region where no artifact appears in the attenuation distribution image as the elastic characteristic region of interest.

[0049] When the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B, a user performs an SWE mode operation for starting the operation in the SWE mode on 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 elasticity distribution image. In the SWE mode, the B-mode image constituting the elasticity distribution image may be displayed in a frozen state.

[0050] FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram of the operation when the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 transitions to state D when a user performs an SWE mode operation on the operation unit 46 when the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state B. In FIG. 4, the time period denoted as "B / ATT" indicates the time period during which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in the B mode and the ATT mode. The time period denoted as "SWE" indicates the time period during which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in the SWE mode. While the B mode and the ATT mode are repeatedly executed, the user refers to the attenuation distribution image displayed on the display 42 and sets, for example, a region where no artifact occurs as a region of interest for elastic characteristics. When the setting of the region of interest for elastic characteristics is completed, by performing the SWE mode operation on the operation unit 46, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 operates in the SWE mode, generates elasticity distribution image data, and displays the elasticity distribution image on the display 42.

[0051] The state transition shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the information processing unit 20 executing the following processes. That is, the information processing unit 20 executes a B-mode image acquisition process, an attenuation characteristic acquisition process, an attenuation distribution display process, a setting process, an elastic characteristic acquisition process, and an elastic distribution display process.

[0052] The B-mode image acquisition process is a process of acquiring B-mode image data for the subject 50. The attenuation characteristic acquisition process is a process of acquiring attenuation characteristic data for the subject 50. The attenuation distribution display process is a process of causing the display 42 (display device) to display an attenuation distribution image in which an attenuation characteristic map indicated by the attenuation characteristic data is superimposed on the B-mode image indicated by the B-mode image data. The setting process is a process of setting an elastic characteristic region of interest (region of interest) on the tomographic plane from which the B-mode image data has been acquired, based on a user operation. The elastic characteristic acquisition process is a process of acquiring elastic characteristic data for the elastic characteristic region of interest. The information processing unit 20 executes the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display 42. The elastic distribution display process is a process of causing the display 42 to display an elastic distribution image in which an elastic characteristic map indicated by the elastic characteristic data is superimposed on the B-mode image.

[0053] Also, in the process shown in FIG. 4, the information processing unit 20 repeatedly executes the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process. The information processing unit 20 executes the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display 42, in accordance with the repeatedly executed attenuation characteristic acquisition process and attenuation distribution display process.

[0054] In the configuration and process of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, the user may set, as the elastic characteristic region of interest, a region where no artifact occurs, with reference to the attenuation distribution image displayed on the display 42. The frame rate when generating the attenuation distribution image data in the B-mode and ATT modes is higher than the frame rate when generating the elastic distribution image data in the SWE mode. The reason is that in the SWE mode, in order to suppress heat generation in the push wave transmission unit 14, it is necessary to make the interval for repeatedly transmitting the push wave from the push wave transmission unit 14 sufficiently long. 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 through trial and error in the operation of the SWE mode, the operation of setting the elastic characteristic region of interest can be performed easily and quickly.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows 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 executes 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 among the regions of the attenuation distribution image indicated by the attenuation distribution image data. This determination may 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 in which ultrasonic waves are multiply reflected, the non-uniformity of the attenuation distribution, and the like. The non-uniformity of the attenuation distribution may be represented by the degree of variation of the attenuation rate, such as the variance or standard deviation of the attenuation rate in the determination region.

[0056] When the control unit 44 determines that no artifact has occurred in the determination region, it changes the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 from state B to state D and operates the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 in the SWE mode. On the other hand, when the control unit 44 determines that an artifact has occurred in the determination region, it maintains the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 in state B. Note that the control unit 44 may execute the artifact determination E when the state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is state C and determine whether an artifact has occurred in the determination region.

[0057] In the artifact determination E, the control unit 44 may execute a process of setting an elastic characteristic region of interest in a region where no artifact has occurred among the regions of the attenuation distribution image. Further, the control unit 44 may execute a process of changing the range covered by the elastic characteristic region of interest set by the operation of the operation unit 46 so that the elastic characteristic region of interest is set in a region where no artifact has occurred.

[0058] In this way, the control unit 44 determines whether or not an artifact is included in a region corresponding to the elastic characteristic region of interest in the attenuation characteristic map. When it is determined that no artifact is included, the elastic measurement unit 36 in the information processing unit 20 executes an elastic characteristic acquisition process. Further, the control unit 44 may determine whether or not an artifact is included in the attenuation characteristic map, and set an elastic characteristic region of interest in a region on the tomographic plane where no artifact is included.

[0059] According to such a process, it is determined by the control unit 44 whether or not an artifact has occurred. In an applied embodiment, the control unit 44 sets an elastic characteristic region of interest in a region on the tomographic plane where no artifact is included. This reduces the burden on the user's operation for causing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to acquire elastic distribution image data.

[0060] [Configuration of the Present Invention] Configuration 1: A B-mode image acquisition process for acquiring B-mode image data about a subject, An attenuation characteristic acquisition process for acquiring attenuation characteristic data about the subject, An attenuation distribution display process for causing a display device to display an attenuation distribution image in which an attenuation characteristic map indicated by the attenuation characteristic data is superimposed on a B-mode image indicated by the B-mode image data, A setting process for setting a region of interest on a tomographic plane from which the B-mode image data is acquired based on a user operation, An information processing unit that executes an elastic characteristic acquisition process for acquiring elastic characteristic data about the region of interest, The information processing unit, An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by executing the setting process when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device. Configuration 2: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Configuration 1, The information processing unit, Repeatedly executes the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process, An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, characterized in that the setting process is executed when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device in connection with the attenuation characteristic acquisition process and the attenuation distribution display process that are repeatedly executed. Configuration 3: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Configuration 1 or Configuration 2, wherein the information processing unit, executes the elastic characteristic acquisition process based on an operation of the user when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device. Configuration 4: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, comprises a control unit that determines whether an artifact is included in a region corresponding to the region of interest in the attenuation characteristic map, wherein the information processing unit, executes the elastic characteristic acquisition process when it is determined that no artifact is included. Configuration 5: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, comprises 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. Configuration 6: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the setting process, includes a process of arranging and displaying the attenuation distribution image and the B-mode image on the display device. Configuration 7: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the information processing unit, executes an elastic distribution display process of displaying, on the display device, an elastic distribution image in which an elastic characteristic map indicated by the elastic characteristic data is superimposed on the B-mode image.

Explanation of Signs

[0061] 10 probe driving unit, 12 ultrasonic probe, 14 push wave transmitting unit, 16 tracking wave transmitting and receiving 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 memory unit, 42 display, 44 control unit, 46 operation unit, 50 subject, 60 B-mode image, 62 attenuation distribution image, 70 attenuation characteristic region of interest, 72 elasticity characteristic region of interest, 74 artifact.

Claims

1. 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 causing a display device to display an attenuation distribution image in which an attenuation characteristic map indicated by the attenuation characteristic data is superimposed on a B-mode image indicated by the B-mode image data, a setting process for setting a region of interest on a tomographic plane from which the B-mode image data is acquired based on a user operation, and an information processing unit that executes an elastic characteristic acquisition process for acquiring elastic characteristic data for the region of interest, wherein the information processing unit, when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device, executes the setting process. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by this.

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, and when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device in accompaniment with the repeatedly executed attenuation characteristic acquisition process and attenuation distribution display process, executes the setting process. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by this.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit, executes the elastic characteristic acquisition process based on the user operation when the attenuation distribution image is being displayed on the display device. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by this.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a control unit that determines whether an artifact is included in a region corresponding to the region of interest in the attenuation characteristic map, wherein the information processing unit, when it is determined that no artifact is included, executes the elastic characteristic acquisition process. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by this.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, comprising 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. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by this.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the setting process, includes a process of arranging the attenuation distribution image and the B-mode image and displaying them on the display device. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by this.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing unit, An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by executing an elastic distribution display process of causing a display device to display an elastic distribution image in which an elastic characteristic map indicated by the elastic characteristic data is superimposed on the B-mode image.

Images