Ultrasound diagnostic device, control method for the same, and program

Abstract

To perform ultrasound scanning efficiently and appropriately.SOLUTION: An ultrasound diagnostic device according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a scan control unit. The acquisition unit acquires pressure state information representing the state of pressure applied to a living body contact surface of an ultrasound probe. The determination unit determines the scanning conditions in the ultrasound scanning range on the basis of the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition unit. The scan control unit causes the ultrasound probe to perform ultrasound scanning on the basis of the scanning conditions determined by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as ultrasonic probes used for ultrasonic examinations of a subject, a plurality of types of ultrasonic probes having different shapes such as a convex probe and a linear probe are known. An operator scans the subject using an ultrasonic probe having a shape suitable for the subject.

[0003] When scanning the subject, the operator presses the contact portion (i.e., the probe head) of the ultrasonic probe against the subject. However, even when the contact portion is pressed, the shape of the subject does not conform to the shape of the contact portion, so that a non-contact portion between the ultrasonic probe and the subject is formed. The formation of the non-contact portion causes scanning to be performed including the non-contact portion. Performing scanning including the non-contact portion reduces the frame rate and sensitivity. Conventionally, it has been possible for an operator to arbitrarily change the scanning range of the ultrasonic probe. However, even if the scanning range is arbitrarily changed, it is difficult to suppress scanning including the non-contact portion. Therefore, conventionally, it has been difficult to perform ultrasonic scanning efficiently and appropriately.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to perform ultrasonic scanning efficiently and appropriately. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be regarded as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a scanning control unit. The acquisition unit acquires pressure state information representing the state of the pressure applied to the living body contact surface of the ultrasonic probe. The determination unit determines the scanning conditions in the scanning range of the ultrasonic waves based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition unit. The scanning control unit causes the ultrasonic probe to perform ultrasonic scanning based on the scanning conditions determined by the determination unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be made only when necessary.

[0009] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 2, an input interface 3, an output interface 4, and a device main body 5. The ultrasonic probe 2, the input interface 3, and the output interface 4 are communicably connected to the device main body 5.

[0010] The ultrasonic probe 2 is a device that transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject P and receives reflected waves (echoes) of the ultrasonic waves from the subject P in order to acquire an ultrasonic image of the subject P.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of vibrators. The plurality of vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal such as a drive voltage supplied from the apparatus main body 5. Further, the ultrasonic probe 2 receives a reflected wave from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal. That is, the ultrasonic probe 2 scans the subject P with ultrasonic waves and receives a reflected wave from the subject P. Electrodes for supplying the drive signal and inputting the electrical signal of the reflected wave are provided on the vibrators. The vibrator may be composed of, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). An acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens are disposed, for example, on the surface of the vibrator. A backing material is disposed, for example, on the back surface of the vibrator. The acoustic matching layer, also called a λ / 4 layer, is a layer for efficiently transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by reducing the impedance difference between the vibrator and the living body. The acoustic lens is a structure for reducing the friction with the living body surface during inspection and converging the ultrasonic beam to improve the slice resolution. The backing material is a structure for absorbing ultrasonic waves going backward and shortening the pulse width of ultrasonic waves going forward. The ultrasonic probe 2 is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 5.

[0012] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are successively reflected at the discontinuous surfaces of the acoustic impedance in the body tissues of the subject P and received by the plurality of vibrators of the ultrasonic probe 2 as reflected wave signals. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. Note that when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected at the surface of a moving blood flow, heart wall, etc., the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift depending on the velocity component of the moving object with respect to the ultrasonic wave transmission direction due to the Doppler effect.

[0013] The ultrasonic probe 2 is, for example, a 1D array probe that scans the subject P two-dimensionally. The ultrasonic probe 2 may be a three-dimensional probe that scans the subject P three-dimensionally, that is, a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe.

[0014] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 2 is a linear probe in which the biological contact surface 21a on the probe head 21 that contacts the subject P is formed flat along the alignment direction D of the vibrators. The probe head 21 is, for example, the acoustic lens described above. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, a vibrator group 22 is provided in the housing 20 of the ultrasonic probe 2 so as to face the probe head 21. The vibrator group 22 has a plurality of vibrators arranged in alignment along the alignment direction D. However, the ultrasonic probe 2 is not limited to a linear probe, and for example, it may be a convex probe in which the biological contact surface 21a is formed in a convex curved surface shape, or a sector probe in which the biological contact surface 21a is formed in a flat shape smaller than that of the linear probe.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 2 has a pressure sensor 23 disposed in the housing 20. The pressure sensor 23 is an example of an acquisition unit. The pressure sensor 23 converts the pressure applied to the biological contact surface 21a of the ultrasonic probe 2 into a detection signal that is an electrical signal and outputs it to the processing circuit 53. The pressure sensor 23 can output, for example, a detection signal having a signal value corresponding to each position on the biological contact surface 21a. A plurality of pressure sensors 23 may be provided corresponding to each position on the biological contact surface 21a. The pressure sensor 23 may be, for example, a semiconductor pressure sensor that detects a pressure change using a semiconductor, a capacitance type pressure sensor that detects a pressure change as a change in capacitance, or the like.

[0016] The input interface 3 shown in FIG. 1 receives input operations of various instructions and information from the operator. Specifically, the input interface 3 converts the input operations received from the operator into electrical signals and outputs them to the apparatus main body 5. For example, the input interface 3 is realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and an audio input circuit, etc. Note that the input interface 3 is not limited to those provided with physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the apparatus and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit is also included in the example of the input interface 3.

[0017] The output interface 4 outputs various types of information. For example, the output interface 4 includes a display. The display converts information and image data sent from the apparatus main body 5 into display electrical signals and outputs them. The display is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, etc. The output interface 4 may include a speaker. The speaker outputs a predetermined sound such as a beep sound to notify the operator of the processing status of the apparatus main body 5.

[0018] The apparatus main body 5 includes a transmission / reception circuit 51, a storage circuit 52, and a processing circuit 53.

[0019] The transmission / reception circuit 51 is a circuit that supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the processing circuit 53. The transmission / reception circuit 51 is also a circuit that performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate reflected wave data.

[0020] The transmission / reception circuit 51 has, for example, a pulse generator, a transmission delay unit, a pulsar, etc. in order to supply a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. Also, the transmission delay unit gives a delay time for each vibrator necessary for focusing the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 2 into a beam shape and determining the transmission directivity, to each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. The pulsar applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 2 at a timing based on the rate pulse given the delay time. That is, the transmission delay unit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

[0021] Also, the transmission / reception circuit 51 has, for example, a preamplifier, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, a reception delay unit, an adder, etc. in order to perform various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2 and generate reflected wave data. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the amplified reflected wave signal. The reception delay unit gives a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity. The adder performs an addition process on the reflected wave signal processed by the reception delay unit to generate reflected wave data. By the addition process of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal is emphasized, and a comprehensive beam of ultrasonic transmission / reception is formed by the reception directivity and the transmission directivity. The form of the output signal from the transmission / reception circuit 51 can be selected in various forms, such as when it is a signal including phase information called an RF (Radio Frequency) signal, and when it is amplitude information after envelope detection processing.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the transmission / reception circuit 51 is arranged in the apparatus main body 5. The transmission / reception circuit 51 is not limited to being arranged in the apparatus main body 5, and at least a part of it may be arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2.

[0023] The memory circuit 52 is a non-volatile memory device that stores various types of information. For example, it can be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an optical disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), an integrated circuit memory device, etc. The memory circuit 52 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and various types of data used for executing this control program. In addition to HDDs and SSDs, etc., the memory circuit 52 can also be a drive device that reads and writes various types of information to and from portable memory media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and flash memories, or semiconductor memory elements such as RAMs (Random Access Memories).

[0024] The processing circuit 53 is a circuit that controls the operation of the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in response to an electrical signal of an input operation input from the input interface 3. For example, the processing circuit 53 includes an image generation function 531, an acquisition function 532, a determination function 533, a scanning control function 534, and a display control function 535. The acquisition function 532 constitutes an example of an acquisition unit together with the pressure sensor 23. The determination function 533 is an example of a determination unit. The scanning control function 534 is an example of a scanning control unit. The display control function 535 is an example of a display control unit.

[0025] Here, for example, each processing function executed by the image generation function 531, the acquisition function 532, the determination function 533, the scanning control function 534, and the display control function 535, which are components of the processing circuit 53 shown in FIG. 1, is recorded in the memory circuit 52 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 53 is, for example, a processor. The processor constituting the processing circuit 53 reads out each program from the memory circuit 52 and realizes the functions corresponding to the read-out programs by executing them. In other words, the processing circuit 53 in the state where each program is read out has each function shown in the processing circuit 53 of FIG. 1.

[0026] Note that in FIG. 1, the case where each processing function of the image generation function 531, the acquisition function 532, the determination function 533, the scanning control function 534, and the display control function 535 is realized by a single processing circuit 53 is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the processing circuit 53 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may execute each program to realize each processing function. Further, each processing function included in the processing circuit 53 may be appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or a plurality of processing circuits and realized.

[0027] The image generation function 531 generates an ultrasonic image in response to scanning of the subject P using the ultrasonic probe 2. More specifically, for example, the image generation function 531 receives reflected wave data from the transmission / reception circuit 51, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc., and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is represented by the brightness of the luminance. Further, the image generation function 531 frequency-analyzes velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmission / reception circuit 51, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) in which moving body information such as velocity, variance, and power is extracted for multiple points. Further, the image generation function 531 may be able to process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the image generation function 531 may generate two-dimensional B-mode data from two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional B-mode data from three-dimensional reflected wave data. Further, the image generation function 531 may generate two-dimensional Doppler data from two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional Doppler data from three-dimensional reflected wave data.

[0028] Then, the image generation function 531 generates a B-mode image in which the intensity of the reflected wave is represented by luminance from the B-mode data. Also, for example, the image generation function 531 generates a Doppler image in which blood flow information is visualized from the Doppler data. The Doppler image is velocity image data representing the average velocity of blood flow, dispersion image data representing the dispersion value of blood flow, power image data representing the power of blood flow, or image data combining these. Further, the image generation function 531 generates a color Doppler image in which blood flow information such as the average velocity, dispersion value, and power of blood flow is displayed in color as a Doppler image, or generates a Doppler image in which one piece of blood flow information is displayed in grayscale. Also, for example, the image generation function 531 can generate an M-mode image from the time-series data of the B-mode data on one scan line. Further, the image generation function 531 can also generate a Doppler waveform in which the velocity information of blood flow and tissue is plotted along the time series from the Doppler data.

[0029] The acquisition function 532 acquires pressure state information representing the state of the pressure applied to the biological contact surface 21a of the ultrasonic probe 2. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the acquisition function 532 calculates and acquires the pressure state information based on the pressure detection signal input from the pressure sensor 23. The pressure state information may be, for example, pressure distribution information indicating the distribution of the pressure applied to each position on the biological contact surface 21a.

[0030] The determination function 533 determines the scanning conditions in the scanning range of the ultrasonic wave based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532. The scanning range is the range within the subject P scanned by the ultrasonic probe 2. The scanning range varies depending on which of the oscillators in the oscillator group 22 is used for scanning. The scanning conditions are the scanning conditions of the ultrasonic wave outside the scanning range. In the first embodiment, the scanning condition is the scanning line density of the ultrasonic beam. The scanning line density varies according to the number of scanning lines per unit length (i.e., the number of beams) in the alignment direction of the oscillators.

[0031] The determination function 533 determines the scanning range based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532, and within the determined scanning range, may determine the scanning conditions based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532. For example, the determination function 533 may determine which of the oscillators in the oscillator group 22 to use for scanning (i.e., which oscillator to drive), and thereby determine the scanning range corresponding to the determined oscillator.

[0032] The determination function 533 may further determine the scanning range and scanning conditions based on the set pressure range in addition to the pressure state information. The pressure range may be set by the determination function 533 based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532.

[0033] The set pressure range may be a range where the pressure is equal to or higher than the threshold value.

[0034] In this case, the threshold value may be a value that is half of the maximum value of the pressure indicated by the pressure state information.

[0035] The determination function 533 may determine the scanning line density such that the first scanning line density corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is different from the second scanning line density corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure within the scanning range.

[0036] In this case, the determination function 533 may determine the scanning line density such that the first scanning line density is higher than the second scanning line density.

[0037] The scan control function 534 causes the ultrasonic probe 2 to perform ultrasonic scanning based on the scanning conditions determined by the determination function 533. In the first embodiment, the scan control function 534 causes the ultrasonic probe 2 to perform ultrasonic scanning of the scanning range based on the scanning line density determined by the determination function 533.

[0038] The display control function 535 displays the scanning conditions determined by the determination function 533. In the first embodiment, the display control function 535 displays the scanning line density determined by the determination function 533.

[0039] The display control function 535 may display the scanning line density determined by the determination function 533 together with the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532.

[0040] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that a series of steps shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 are repeated as necessary.

[0041] First, as shown in FIG. 3, the acquisition function 532 acquires pressure state information (step S1). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an acquisition process of pressure state information in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, when the operator presses the biological contact surface 21a of the ultrasonic probe 2 against the subject P, the pressure sensor 23 outputs a detection signal of the pressure applied to the biological contact surface 21a to the processing circuit 53. The acquisition function 532 of the processing circuit 53 calculates and acquires pressure state information based on the detection signal input from the pressure sensor 23. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the pressure state information is pressure distribution information indicating a pressure distribution corresponding to the position in the alignment direction D of the vibrators on the biological contact surface 21a.

[0042] After the pressure state information is acquired, as shown in FIG. 3, the determination function 533 determines a scanning range based on the acquired pressure state information (step S2). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a process of determining a scanning range in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the determination function 533 extracts the maximum value of the pressure based on the pressure state information. After extracting the maximum value of the pressure, the determination function 533 calculates a value that is half of the extracted maximum value of the pressure as a threshold value. After calculating the threshold value, the determination function 533 identifies a plurality of vibrators 221 arranged at positions corresponding to a pressure range equal to or higher than the calculated threshold value. For example, the determination function 533 may identify a plurality of vibrators 221 arranged at positions corresponding to a pressure range equal to or higher than the threshold value based on the correspondence relationship among each position on the biological contact surface 21a stored in the storage circuit 52, the detection position of the pressure sensor 23, and the position of the vibrator 221. Then, the determination function 533 determines a scanning range scanned by the plurality of identified vibrators 221. For example, the determination function 533 may read data indicating the correspondence relationship between the position of the vibrator 221 and the scanning range stored in the storage circuit 52, and uniquely determine a scanning range corresponding to the plurality of vibrators 221 arranged in a pressure range equal to or higher than the threshold value based on the read data.

[0043] After the scanning range is determined, as shown in FIG. 3, the determination function 533 determines the scanning line density within the determined scanning range. Further, the display control function 535 displays the scanning line density determined by the determination function 533 (step S3). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the process of determining and displaying the scanning line density in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination function 533 determines the scanning line density such that the first scanning line density corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is higher than the second scanning line density corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure within the scanning range. Specifically, in FIG. 6, the central position in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a. Also, in FIG. 6, the peripheral position in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a. Therefore, in FIG. 6, the scanning line density on the central side in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the first scanning line density. Also, in FIG. 6, the scanning line density on the peripheral side in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the second scanning line density. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination function 533 determines the scanning line density such that the scanning line density on the central side (i.e., the first scanning line density) in the alignment direction D on the scanning range is higher than the scanning line density on the peripheral side (i.e., the second scanning line density) in the alignment direction D on the scanning range.

[0044] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the display control function 535 displays the image I2 indicating the scanning line density together with the image I1 indicating the pressure state information. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the image I1 indicating the pressure state information is a line graph with the horizontal axis representing the position and the vertical axis representing the pressure. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the image I2 indicating the scanning line density is a plurality of linear images in which the height of the scanning line density is represented by the thickness of the line. The image I2 indicating the scanning line density may be displayed in association with the scanning range, the pressure corresponding to the scanning range, and the vibrator 221 corresponding to the scanning range, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0045] After the pressure state information is displayed as shown in FIG. 6, the input interface 3 may receive an input operation to narrow down the display range of the pressure state information. For example, the input interface 3 may receive an input operation to set the minimum value of the displayed pressure. In this case, the display control function 535 redisplays the pressure state information and the scanning line density according to the narrowed display range. By receiving an input operation to narrow down the display range in this way, for example, unnecessary information such as the pressure state information corresponding to the non-contact part can be excluded from the display target, so that the convenience can be improved.

[0046] Also, after the pressure state information is displayed as shown in FIG. 6, the input interface 3 may receive an input operation to specify the highlighting range of the pressure state information. In this case, the display control function 535 highlights the pressure state information and the scanning line density according to the specified highlighting range. By receiving an input operation to specify such a highlighting range, for example, main information such as the pressure state information corresponding to the part with high pressure can be highlighted, so that the convenience can be further improved.

[0047] After the scanning line density is determined and displayed, as shown in FIG. 3, the scanning control function 534 performs an ultrasonic scan based on the determined scanning line density (step S4). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the scanning control function 534 performs an ultrasonic scan such that the first scanning line density corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is higher than the second scanning line density corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure.

[0048] As described above, in the first embodiment, the acquisition function 532 acquires pressure state information representing the state of the pressure applied to the biological contact surface 21a of the ultrasonic probe 2. The determination function 533 determines the scanning conditions in the scanning range of the ultrasonic wave based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532. The scanning control function 534 causes the ultrasonic probe 2 to perform an ultrasonic scan based on the scanning conditions determined by the determination function 533.

[0049] As a result, even if a non-contact portion with the subject P is formed on the ultrasonic probe 2, ultrasonic scanning can be performed based on the scanning conditions determined based on the pressure state information, so that it is possible to suppress the scanning including the non-contact portion. Since it is possible to suppress the scanning including the non-contact portion, it is possible to improve the frame rate, which is the number of frames of the ultrasonic image that can be drawn per second, and the sensitivity of ultrasonic reception. Since the frame rate and the sensitivity can be improved, ultrasonic scanning can be performed efficiently and appropriately.

[0050] Also, in the first embodiment, the scanning condition is the scanning line density.

[0051] As a result, since ultrasonic scanning can be performed based on the scanning line density determined based on the pressure state information, it is possible to suppress the formation of scanning lines in the non-contact portion. Since it is possible to suppress the formation of scanning lines in the non-contact portion, the frame rate and the sensitivity can be appropriately improved.

[0052] Also, in the first embodiment, the determination function 533 determines the scanning range based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532, and determines the scanning conditions based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532 within the determined scanning range.

[0053] As a result, since the scanning range can be determined based on the pressure state information, it is possible to suppress the non-contact portion from being included in the scanning range. Since it is possible to suppress the non-contact portion from being included in the scanning range, the frame rate and the sensitivity can be appropriately improved.

[0054] Also, in the first embodiment, the determination function 533 further determines the scanning range based on the set pressure range.

[0055] As a result, it is possible to simply suppress the non-contact portion from being included in the scanning range, so that the frame rate and the sensitivity can be simply improved.

[0056] Also, in the first embodiment, the set pressure range is a range where the pressure is equal to or higher than the threshold value.

[0057] Thereby, it is possible to more easily suppress the non-contact portion from being included in the scanning range, so that the frame rate and sensitivity can be more easily improved.

[0058] Also, in the first embodiment, the threshold value is a value that is half of the maximum value of the pressure.

[0059] Thereby, it is possible to determine an appropriate scanning range according to the pressure state information, so that the frame rate and sensitivity can be more appropriately improved.

[0060] Also, in the first embodiment, the determination function 533 determines the scanning line density so that the first scanning line density corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is different from the second scanning line density corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure within the scanning range.

[0061] Thereby, the scanning density within the scanning range can be made different according to the pressure, so that the frame rate and sensitivity can be more appropriately improved.

[0062] Also, in the first embodiment, the determination function 533 determines the scanning line density so that the first scanning line density is higher than the second scanning line density.

[0063] Thereby, when the display target part of the subject P that the operator wants to display (that is, the region of interest) is a hard part (for example, a liver hardened by a lesion, etc.), the resolution can be improved by increasing the scanning line density formed on the display target part. Also, the frame rate can be improved by thinning out the scanning lines of the parts other than the display target part. That is, the frame rate and the sensitivity to the hard part can be appropriately improved.

[0064] A plurality of modified examples shown below can be applied to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0065] (First Modified Example of the First Embodiment) First, regarding the first modified example of the first embodiment in which an upper threshold value is set for the pressure range for determining the scanning range, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a process of determining a scanning range in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the set pressure range is a range where the pressure is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and equal to or lower than the second threshold value. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the determination function 533 identifies a plurality of vibrators 221 arranged at positions corresponding to the pressure range equal to or higher than the first threshold value and equal to or lower than the second threshold value. Then, the determination function 533 determines the scanning range scanned by the identified plurality of vibrators 221. The first threshold value is a value set, for example, as a reference that can be regarded as the living body contact surface 21a being sufficiently in contact with the subject P. The second threshold value is a value set, for example, as a reference that can be regarded as the living body contact surface 21a being in contact with the surface of the subject P near the bone.

[0067] According to the example shown in FIG. 7, since an extremely hard part such as a bone can be excluded from the scanning range, for example, the frame rate and sensitivity can be appropriately improved during intercostal scanning.

[0068] (Second Modified Example of the First Embodiment) Next, as a second modification of the first embodiment, a modification of the display of pressure state information will be described centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, an example of displaying a line graph as pressure state information was described. In contrast, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the display control function 535 displays, as an image I1 indicating pressure state information, a color bar representing the magnitude of pressure for each position on the biological contact surface 21a in color. For example, the display control function 535 may display a portion with a large pressure in a more prominent color (e.g., red, etc.) or a higher density than a portion with a small pressure. The image shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed together with the scanning line density when the scanning line density is displayed (see step S3 in FIG. 3). Further, the image shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed when the pressure state information is acquired (see step S1 in FIG. 3).

[0069] According to the example shown in FIG. 8, the degree of freedom in the display of pressure state information can be improved.

[0070] (Third Modification of the First Embodiment) Next, a third modification of the first embodiment in which the pressure threshold for determining the scanning range can be adjusted will be described centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a process of determining a scanning range in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 9, first, the determination function 533 acquires a pressure threshold for determining the scanning range (step S21). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the determination function 533 may calculate and acquire the threshold based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the determination function 533 may read and acquire the preset first threshold and second threshold from the storage circuit 52.

[0072] After obtaining the threshold value, the determination function 533 determines whether an adjustment operation for adjusting (i.e., changing) the threshold value is received by the input interface 3 (step S22). For example, the display control function 535 may display the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532 and the threshold value acquired in step S21. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the display control function 535 may display the threshold value in association with the pressure state information. Further, the display control function 535 may display the threshold value in a display mode in which the operator can change the threshold value using the input interface 3. In this case, the operator can perform an adjustment operation of the threshold value by changing the threshold value using the input interface 3.

[0073] When an adjustment operation of the threshold value is received (step S22: YES), the determination function 533 determines a scanning range corresponding to the pressure range defined by the adjusted threshold value (step S23).

[0074] On the other hand, when an operation for adjusting the threshold value is not received (step S22: NO), the determination function 533 determines a scanning range corresponding to the pressure range defined by the acquired threshold value (step S24).

[0075] According to the example shown in FIG. 9, by making the threshold value adjustable, a scanning range reflecting the operator's desire can be set.

[0076] (The fourth modification of the first embodiment) Next, a fourth modification of the first embodiment in which the scanning line density corresponding to a portion with a low pressure on the biological contact surface 21a is increased will be described centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a process of determining and displaying the scanning line density in an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

[0077] In FIG. 6, an example was described in which the determination function 533 determines the scanning line density such that, within the scanning range, the first scanning line density corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is higher than the second scanning line density corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the determination function 533 determines the scanning line density such that, within the scanning range, the second scanning line density corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure is higher than the first scanning line density corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure.

[0078] According to the example shown in FIG. 10, when the display target part to be displayed is a soft part, the scanning line density formed on the display target part can be made higher than the scanning line density of the parts other than the display target part, so that the frame rate and the sensitivity to the soft part can be appropriately improved.

[0079] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment for determining the drive voltage for driving the vibrator as a scanning condition will be described centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the determination and display steps of the drive voltage in the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0080] In the first embodiment, an example of the determination function 533 for determining the scanning line density as a scanning condition was described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the determination function 533 determines the drive voltage as a scanning condition in the ultrasonic scanning range based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532. The scan control function 534 causes the ultrasonic probe 2 to perform ultrasonic scanning based on the drive voltage determined by the determination function 533.

[0081] In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, after the determination function 533 determines the scanning range based on the pressure state information (step S2), it determines the drive voltage within the determined scanning range. Further, the display control function 535 displays the drive voltage determined by the determination function 533 (step S5). In the example shown in FIG. 12, within the scanning range, the determination function 533 determines the drive voltage such that the first drive voltage corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is different from the second drive voltage corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure. Specifically, the determination function 533 determines the drive voltage such that the first drive voltage is greater than the second drive voltage within the scanning range. More specifically, in FIG. 12, the central position in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a. Also, in FIG. 12, the peripheral position in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a. Therefore, in FIG. 12, the drive voltage at the central side in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the first drive voltage. Also, in FIG. 12, the drive voltage at the peripheral side in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the second drive voltage. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the determination function 533 determines the drive voltage such that the drive voltage at the central side in the alignment direction D on the scanning range (i.e., the first drive voltage) is greater than the drive voltage at the peripheral side in the alignment direction D on the scanning range (i.e., the second drive voltage).

[0082] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the display control function 535 displays the image I3 indicating the drive voltage together with the image I1 (i.e., the line graph) indicating the pressure state information. As the image I3 indicating the drive voltage, the display control function 535 displays a strip-shaped image representing the magnitude of the drive voltage by the darkness of the color in association with the scanning range.

[0083] After the driving voltage is determined and displayed, as shown in FIG. 11, the scanning control function 534 executes ultrasonic scanning based on the determined driving voltage (step S6). In the example shown in FIG. 12, the scanning control function 534 drives the vibrator corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with a high pressure with a large first driving voltage, and drives the vibrator corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with a low pressure with a small second driving voltage to execute ultrasonic scanning.

[0084] Note that the various modification examples described in the first embodiment may also be applied in the second embodiment.

[0085] As described above, in the second embodiment, the scanning condition is the driving voltage.

[0086] Thereby, since ultrasonic scanning can be performed based on the driving voltage determined based on the pressure state information, it is possible to suppress the driving of the vibrator 221 corresponding to the non-contact portion. Since it is possible to suppress the driving of the vibrator 221 corresponding to the non-contact portion, the frame rate and sensitivity can be appropriately improved.

[0087] Also, in the second embodiment, the determination function 533 determines the driving voltage so that the first driving voltage corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with a high pressure is different from the second driving voltage corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with a low pressure within the scanning range.

[0088] Thereby, since the driving voltage within the scanning range can be made different according to the pressure, the frame rate and sensitivity can be more appropriately improved.

[0089] Also, in the second embodiment, the determination function 533 determines the driving voltage so that the first driving voltage is larger than the second driving voltage.

[0090] Accordingly, when the display target part to be displayed is a hard part, the driving voltage of the vibrator 221 corresponding to the display target part can be made larger than the driving voltage of the vibrator 221 corresponding to the part other than the display target part. Thus, the frame rate and the sensitivity to the part can be appropriately improved.

[0091] (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment for determining the transmission / reception aperture as a scanning condition will be described centering on the differences from the above-described embodiments. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the determination and display steps of the transmission / reception aperture in the operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0092] In the third embodiment, based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition function 532, the determination function 533 determines the transmission / reception aperture as a scanning condition in the ultrasonic scanning range. The transmission / reception aperture is the width of a plurality of adjacent vibrators 221 that are simultaneously driven in the scan. Based on the transmission / reception aperture determined by the determination function 533, the scan control function 534 causes the ultrasonic probe 2 to perform ultrasonic scanning.

[0093] In the example shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, after the determination function 533 determines the scanning range based on the pressure state information (step S2), it determines the transmission / reception aperture within the determined scanning range. Further, the display control function 535 displays the transmission / reception aperture determined by the determination function 533 (step S7). In the example shown in FIG. 14, within the scanning range, the determination function 533 determines the transmission / reception aperture such that the first transmission / reception aperture corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is different from the second transmission / reception aperture corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure. Specifically, the determination function 533 determines the transmission / reception aperture such that the first transmission / reception aperture is larger than the second transmission / reception aperture within the scanning range. More specifically, in FIG. 14, the central position in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the first position P2 on the biological contact surface 21a. Also, in FIG. 14, the peripheral positions in the alignment direction D on the scanning range correspond to the second positions P1, P3 on the biological contact surface 21a. Therefore, in FIG. 14, the central transmission / reception aperture in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the first transmission / reception aperture. Also, in FIG. 14, the peripheral transmission / reception aperture in the alignment direction D on the scanning range corresponds to the second transmission / reception aperture. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the determination function 533 determines the transmission / reception aperture such that the central transmission / reception aperture (i.e., the first transmission / reception aperture) in the alignment direction D on the scanning range is larger than the peripheral transmission / reception aperture (i.e., the second transmission / reception aperture) in the alignment direction D on the scanning range.

[0094] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the display control function 535 displays a rectangular image I4 indicating the transmission / reception aperture together with an image I1 (i.e., a line graph) indicating the pressure state information. The position and size of the transmission / reception aperture change as the driving of the vibrator 221 progresses. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the display control function 535 dynamically displays the image I4 of the transmission / reception aperture so that the position and size change over time. Specifically, the image I4 of the transmission / reception aperture (i.e., the first transmission / reception aperture) corresponding to the high-pressure position P2 (i.e., the first position) is displayed with a larger horizontal width than the image I4 of the transmission / reception aperture (i.e., the second transmission / reception aperture) corresponding to the low-pressure positions P1 and P3 (i.e., the second position). As shown in FIG. 14, the display control function 535 may display an image I5 of the ultrasonic beam corresponding to the transmission / reception aperture in association with the image I4 of the transmission / reception aperture.

[0095] After the transmission / reception aperture is determined and displayed, as shown in FIG. 13, the scanning control function 534 performs ultrasonic scanning based on the determined transmission / reception aperture (step S8). In the example shown in FIG. 14, the scanning control function 534 performs ultrasonic scanning such that the first transmission / reception aperture corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is larger than the second transmission / reception aperture corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure.

[0096] Note that the various modifications described in the first embodiment may also be applied in the third embodiment.

[0097] As described above, in the third embodiment, the scanning condition is the transmission / reception aperture.

[0098] Thereby, since ultrasonic scanning can be performed based on the transmission / reception aperture determined based on the pressure state information, it is possible to suppress the setting of the transmission / reception aperture corresponding to the non-contact portion. Since it is possible to suppress the setting of the transmission / reception aperture corresponding to the non-contact portion, the frame rate and sensitivity can be appropriately improved.

[0099] Also, in the third embodiment, the determination function 533 determines the transmission / reception opening so that, within the scanning range, the first transmission / reception opening corresponding to the first position on the biological contact surface 21a with high pressure is different from the second transmission / reception opening corresponding to the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure.

[0100] Thereby, since the transmission / reception openings within the scanning range can be made different according to the pressure, the frame rate and the sensitivity can be improved more appropriately.

[0101] Also, in the third embodiment, the determination function 533 determines the transmission / reception opening so that the first transmission / reception opening is larger than the second transmission / reception opening.

[0102] Thereby, when the display target part to be displayed is a hard part, the transmission / reception opening corresponding to the display target part can be made larger than the transmission / reception opening corresponding to the part other than the display target part, so that the frame rate and the sensitivity to the hard part can be improved appropriately.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, an example of the determination function 533 that individually determines each scanning condition of the scanning line density, the drive voltage, and the transmission / reception opening based on the pressure state information has been described. The determination function 533 may simultaneously determine two or more of the scanning conditions of the scanning line density, the drive voltage, and the transmission / reception opening based on the pressure state information. For example, the determination function 533 can suppress image dropout associated with a decrease in the scanning line density by reducing the scanning line density and making the transmission / reception opening smaller for the second position on the biological contact surface 21a with low pressure.

[0104] Note that the term "processor" used in the above description means, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. Note that the processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit of the processor, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to form one processor to realize its functions. Further, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize its functions.

[0105] According to at least one embodiment described above, ultrasonic scanning can be efficiently and appropriately performed.

[0106] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel devices and methods described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. Also, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the forms of the devices and methods described in this specification without departing from the gist of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents thereof are intended to include such forms and modifications within the scope and gist of the invention.

Explanation of Symbols

[0107] 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Ultrasonic probe 21a Biological contact surface 532 Acquisition function 533 Determination function 534 Scanning control function 535 Display control function

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires pressure state information representing the state of pressure applied to the biological contact surface of the ultrasonic probe; A determination unit that determines scanning conditions in the scanning range based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition unit; A scanning control unit that causes the ultrasonic probe to perform ultrasonic scanning based on the scanning conditions determined by the determination unit, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the same. Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanning conditions include a scanning line density.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanning conditions include a driving voltage.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanning conditions include a transmission / reception aperture.

5. The determination unit determines the scanning range based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition unit, and determines the scanning conditions based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition unit within the determined scanning range. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit further determines the scanning range and the scanning conditions based on a set pressure range.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the set pressure range is a range in which the pressure is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the threshold value is a value that is half of the maximum value of the pressure.

9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the set pressure range is a range in which the pressure is equal to or higher than a first threshold value and equal to or lower than a second threshold value.

10. The determination unit determines the scanning line density so that a first scanning line density corresponding to a first position on the biological contact surface where the pressure is high within the scanning range is different from a second scanning line density corresponding to a second position on the biological contact surface where the pressure is low. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the determination unit determines the scanning line density so that the first scanning line density is higher than the second scanning line density.

12. The determination unit determines the driving voltage so that a first driving voltage corresponding to a first position on the biological contact surface where the pressure is high within the scanning range is different from a second driving voltage corresponding to a second position on the biological contact surface where the pressure is low. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3.

13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the determination unit determines the drive voltage such that the first drive voltage is greater than the second drive voltage.

14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines the transmission / reception aperture such that, within the scanning range, a first transmission / reception aperture corresponding to a first position on the biological contact surface with high pressure is different from a second transmission / reception aperture corresponding to a second position on the biological contact surface with low pressure.

15. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the determination unit determines the transmission / reception aperture such that the first transmission / reception aperture is larger than the second transmission / reception aperture.

16. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that displays the scanning conditions determined by the determination unit.

17. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the display control unit displays the scanning conditions determined by the determination unit together with the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition unit.

18. acquire pressure state information representing the state of the pressure applied to the biological contact surface of the ultrasonic probe, determine scanning conditions in the scanning range of the ultrasonic waves based on the acquired pressure state information, and cause the ultrasonic probe to perform an ultrasonic scan based on the determined scanning conditions. A control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

19. A computer, an acquisition unit that acquires pressure state information representing the state of the pressure applied to the biological contact surface of the ultrasonic probe, a determination unit that determines scanning conditions in the scanning range of the ultrasonic waves based on the pressure state information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a program for causing the computer to function as a scan control unit that causes the ultrasonic probe to perform an ultrasonic scan based on the scanning conditions determined by the determination unit. A program.

Images