Ultrasonic image processing device, ultrasonic image processing program, and ultrasonic image processing method

Abstract

To select, as a still image, an ultrasonic image of a specific time phase suitable for an imaging part and an inspection content.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnosis device according to an embodiment includes a reference acquisition part, an image acquisition part, and a selection part. The reference acquisition part acquires a selection reference being a reference for selecting a first ultrasonic image of a specific time phase. The image acquisition part acquires a plurality of ultrasonic images in a predetermined period from a plurality of ultrasonic images along a time series. The selection part selects the first ultrasonic image from the plurality of ultrasonic images in the predetermined period on the basis of the selection reference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an ultrasonic image processing apparatus, an ultrasonic image processing program, and an ultrasonic image processing method.

Background Art

[0002] In an examination using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic image may be saved as a moving image or a still image and used for diagnosis or recorded. Since a moving image is a series of frame images, when saved as a moving image, a plurality of ultrasonic images with a time width are stored. On the other hand, since a still image is an image of one frame, when saved as a still image, it is desirable that an ultrasonic image of a specific phase suitable for the imaging site and examination content be selected and saved.

[0003] In order for a user such as an examiner or a technician to save an ultrasonic image of a specific phase as a still image, for example, while referring to the ultrasonic image displayed on the display in real time during the examination, a freeze operation is performed. The freeze operation is an operation for stopping the display of an ultrasonic image acquired in real time. However, there may be a time lag between the timing when the user wants to save as a still image and the timing of the freeze operation by the user, and the still image displayed by the freeze operation may be past the specific phase. In this case, the user uses a trackball or the like to check a plurality of still images back from the still image displayed by the freeze operation, and selects and saves the ultrasonic image of the specific phase that the user wants to save as a still image.

[0004] When saving an ultrasonic image of a specific phase as a still image, if the user needs to perform such a confirmation operation, it takes time for the confirmation operation and the examination efficiency decreases. Also, when the user manually goes back to the specific phase, the user's subjectivity enters into the selection of the still image, and the ultrasonic images saved as still images may differ depending on the user's experience value and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to select an ultrasonic image of a specific time phase suitable for the imaging site and inspection content as a still image. 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

[0007] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a reference acquisition unit, an image acquisition unit, and a selection unit. The reference acquisition unit acquires a selection criterion that serves as a reference for selecting a first ultrasonic image of a specific time phase. The image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period from a plurality of ultrasonic images along a time series. The selection unit selects a first ultrasonic image from the plurality of ultrasonic images for the predetermined period based on the selection criterion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic image processing apparatus, an ultrasonic image processing program, and an ultrasonic image processing method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings in terms of embodiments. In each figure, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0010] (Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 including an ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10, an ultrasonic probe 20, a display 21, an input interface 22, and an electrocardiograph 23. In a stationary type apparatus, the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 may include a display 21 and an input interface 22. Further, the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 may be configured as a tablet type or a smartphone type together with the display 21 and the input interface 22.

[0011] The ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 includes a transmission / reception circuit 11, a B-mode processing circuit 12, a Doppler processing circuit 13, an image generation circuit 14, an image memory 15, a storage circuit 16, a processing circuit 17, and a network connection circuit 18.

[0012] The transmission / reception circuit 11 has a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. The transmission / reception circuit 11 is controlled by the processing circuit 17 to control the transmission directivity and the reception directivity in ultrasonic transmission and reception. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in the case where the transmission / reception circuit 11 is provided in the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10, the transmission / reception circuit 11 may be provided in the ultrasonic probe 20, or may be provided in both the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 10 and the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0013] The transmission circuit has a pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, a pulsar circuit, etc., and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The transmission delay circuit gives the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for focusing the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducer into a beam shape to determine the transmission directivity to each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. Also, the pulsar circuit applies a drive pulse to the ultrasonic transducer at a timing based on the rate pulse. The transmission delay circuit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

[0014] The reception circuit has an amplifier circuit, an A / D converter, an adder, etc., receives the echo signal received by the ultrasonic transducer, and performs various processes on this echo signal to generate echo data. The amplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal for each channel and performs gain correction processing. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the gain-corrected echo signal and gives the delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity to the digital data. The adder performs an addition process on the echo signal processed by the A / D converter to generate echo data. By the addition process of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the echo signal is emphasized.

[0015] The B-mode processing circuit 12 and the Doppler processing circuit 13 are signal processing circuits. The B-mode processing circuit 12 receives echo data from the receiving circuit, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc., and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity of the reflected wave is expressed by the brightness of the luminance. The Doppler processing circuit 13 frequency-analyzes velocity information from the echo data received from the receiving circuit, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) in which movement state information such as flow velocity, dispersion, and power is extracted for multiple points.

[0016] The image generation circuit 14 generates an ultrasonic image based on the data generated by the signal processing circuit. For example, the image generation circuit 14 generates a B-mode image that represents the signal intensity of the reflected wave with luminance from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing circuit 12. In addition, the image generation circuit 14 generates a color Doppler image that represents movement state information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing circuit 13. The image generation circuit 14 stores the generated ultrasonic image in the image memory 15. In addition, the image generation circuit 14 stores the generated ultrasonic image in the storage circuit 16.

[0017] The image memory 15 is composed of a semiconductor memory such as a RAM, for example, and stores the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation circuit 14. The image memory 15 stores a plurality of ultrasonic images along the time series going back from the freeze operation over one heartbeat or more of the subject. In addition, the plurality of ultrasonic images stored in the image memory 15 are used for cine display. Here, cine display means displaying a plurality of still images along the time series at regular intervals like a moving image. In addition, the image memory 15 can store a plurality of ultrasonic images collected in the past, which are read via the input interface 22 or the network connection circuit 18.

[0018] The memory circuit 16 is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a recording medium readable by a processor such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The memory circuit 16 stores various processing programs (including an operating system (OS) in addition to application programs) used in the processing circuit 17 and data necessary for program execution. Part or all of the programs and data in the storage medium of the memory circuit 16 may be downloaded by communication via a network, or may be provided to the memory circuit 16 via a portable storage medium such as an optical disk. Note that part or all of the information stored in the memory circuit 16 may be distributed and stored, or replicated and stored, in at least one of storage media such as an external memory circuit or a memory circuit (not shown) of the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0019] The processing circuit 17 has a dedicated or general-purpose processor and realizes a function of overall control of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The processing circuit 17 reads out the control program stored in the memory circuit 16 and expands it onto a memory, and controls various units of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the expanded control program. Further, the processing circuit 17 realizes various functions described later by reading out and executing the ultrasonic image processing program stored in the memory circuit 16.

[0020] The network connection circuit 18 implements various information communication protocols according to the form of the network. The network connection circuit 18 connects the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 and other electrical devices according to these various protocols. For this connection, an electrical connection via an electronic network or the like can be applied. Here, the electronic network means an entire information communication network using telecommunication technology, and includes a wireless / wired LAN such as a hospital backbone LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a telephone communication line network, an optical fiber communication network, a cable communication network, a satellite communication network, and the like.

[0021] The ultrasonic probe 20 has a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators (piezoelectric vibrators) arranged in an array. The ultrasonic probe 20 is detachably connected to the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 via a cable. Note that the ultrasonic probe 20 may be wirelessly connected to the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10.

[0022] The display 21 is composed of a general display device such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display. The display 21 is a display device and may include, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or a touch panel that can receive operations. The display 21 is controlled by the processing circuit 17 to display various images and various information. The display 21 is an example of a display unit.

[0023] The input interface 22 includes an operable input device and an input circuit that inputs a signal from the input device. The input device is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch screen in which a display and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, an audio input circuit, or the like. When the input device receives an input operation, the input circuit generates an electrical signal corresponding to the input operation and outputs it to the processing circuit 17.

[0024] The input interface 22 includes a circuit that mounts a portable memory such as a USB memory, a memory card, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk and inputs various data recorded in these portable memories. The input interface 22 is an example of an input unit.

[0025] The electrocardiograph 23 is connected to the ultrasonic imaging device 10 via the network connection circuit 18. The electrocardiograph 23 is a measuring device that detects an electrical signal (i.e., an ECG: electrocardiogram signal) emitted in synchronization with the heartbeat from electrodes attached to the subject. Information on the electrocardiogram (e.g., an ECG waveform) based on the ECG signal detected by the electrocardiograph 23 is displayed on the display 21. The electrocardiogram information is used, for example, to determine the timing of a freeze operation and to select an ultrasonic image at a specific phase described later. The electrocardiogram information may also be information on a similar biological waveform obtained by other means of the electrocardiograph 23.

[0026] (First Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the processing circuit 17 of the ultrasonic imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the processing circuit 17 in the first embodiment realizes a reference acquisition function F1, an image acquisition function F2, a selection function F3, a display control function F4, and a storage control function F5. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] In step ST1, the display control function F4 controls to display a plurality of image selection conditions on the display 21 so that at least one of the plurality of image selection conditions that are candidates for the selection criteria can be selected. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the plurality of image selection conditions displayed on the display 21. Note that depending on the imaging site and the examination content, part or all of the plurality of image selection conditions illustrated in FIG. 4 may be controlled to be displayed on the display 21.

[0028] The image selection conditions are candidate conditions for selection criteria that serve as the criteria for selecting the first ultrasonic image (still image) at a specific time phase. The image selection conditions are, for example, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, (a) the time phase when the maximum blood flow area is reached, (i) the time phase when the dispersion information is below the threshold, (u) the time phase when the dispersion information is above the threshold, (e) the time phase when the maximum flow velocity is reached in either the positive direction, negative direction, or absolute value, (o) the conditions related to blood flow information such as the time phase when the maximum blood flow power is reached. Further, the image selection conditions may include (ka) conditions that define performing a trace related to blood flow information in a specified region of the pulsed wave Doppler method (PWD).

[0029] Alternatively, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the image selection conditions may be conditions that define selecting an ultrasonic image with a high degree of similarity to the reference image as the first ultrasonic image. Further, the image selection conditions may be conditions that define selecting the first ultrasonic image from ultrasonic images within a time width including the vicinity of the time phase set based on the electrocardiogram information. Further, the image selection conditions may be conditions that define preferentially selecting an ultrasonic image of a new frame in the time series as the first ultrasonic image. Further, the image selection conditions may be conditions that define not selecting a Doppler image with a positional deviation of a predetermined threshold or more with respect to the B-mode image.

[0030] In step ST2, a user such as an examiner or a technician sets one or more selection criteria via the input interface 22 from among a plurality of image selection conditions that are candidates for the selection criteria displayed on the display 21. Note that the selection criteria may be set for each workflow or each examination.

[0031] In step ST3, the ultrasonic image is displayed on the display 21 in real time during the examination. The ultrasonic image is collected, for example, in the Doppler mode for observing blood flow information.

[0032] In step ST4, a freeze operation is performed during the examination. When an ultrasound image of a specific time phase suitable for the imaging site or examination content is displayed on the display 21, the user performs the freeze operation, for example, by pressing a button for switching between freeze and release. The freeze operation is an operation for stopping the display of ultrasound images acquired in real time during the examination. A plurality of ultrasound images in a chronological order going back from the time of the freeze operation are stored in the image memory 15.

[0033] The ultrasonic image processing device 10 starts ultrasonic image processing according to the embodiment at the timing of a freeze operation during an examination. That is, the reference acquisition function F1, the image acquisition function F2, and the selection function F3 start a reference acquisition operation, an image acquisition operation, and a selection operation at the timing of a freeze operation.

[0034] Whether or not to perform ultrasonic image processing may be set in advance by the user via the input interface 22. When ultrasonic image processing is not performed, for example, the ultrasonic image displayed on the display 21 at the time of the freeze operation is displayed as a still image.

[0035] In step ST5, the reference acquisition function F1 acquires a selection criterion that serves as a reference for selecting a first ultrasonic image of a specific time phase. The first ultrasonic image is a still image of one frame or a plurality of frames.

[0036] The criterion acquisition function F1 acquires one or more selection criteria set from a plurality of image selection conditions that are candidates for the selection criteria, for example. As shown in the upper part of Fig. 4, the criterion acquisition function F1 acquires a selection criterion related to at least one of the blood flow information, (a) a time phase with a maximum blood flow area, (b) a time phase with variance information equal to or less than a threshold, (c) a time phase with variance information equal to or more than a threshold, (d) a time phase with a maximum flow velocity in either a positive direction, a negative direction, or an absolute value, and (e) a time phase with a maximum blood flow power.

[0037] The reference acquisition function F1 may acquire, as a selection criterion, an image selection condition that defines tracing blood flow information in a specified area by the pulsed Doppler method. The reference acquisition function F1 may acquire, as a selection criterion, an image selection condition that defines selecting an image with a high degree of similarity to a reference image. The reference acquisition function F1 may acquire, as a selection criterion, an image selection condition that defines selecting an image from ultrasonic images with a time width including the vicinity of a time phase set based on electrocardiogram information. The reference acquisition function F1 may acquire, as a selection criterion, an image selection condition that defines preferentially selecting ultrasonic images of new frames in time series. The reference acquisition function F1 may acquire, as a selection criterion, an image selection condition that defines not selecting Doppler images with a positional shift of a predetermined threshold or more with respect to B-mode images.

[0038] In step ST6, the image acquisition function F2 acquires a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period from a plurality of ultrasonic images along the time series. The plurality of ultrasonic images for the predetermined period are, for example, a plurality of Doppler images generated in the Doppler mode for observing blood flow information, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) described later. The plurality of ultrasonic images for the predetermined period are acquired from, for example, the image memory 15.

[0039] The predetermined period is at least a period corresponding to one heartbeat of the subject. The predetermined period is set based on at least one of electrocardiogram information, blood flow information, and information designated by the user.

[0040] For example, based on electrocardiogram information, a period with a time width in the vicinity of a specific time phase may be set as the predetermined period. Also, depending on the imaging site and the examination content, a period of multiple heartbeats may be set as the predetermined period. For example, in the case of an arterial examination, three heartbeats may be set as the predetermined period, or in the case of a cardiovascular examination, two heartbeats may be set as the predetermined period.

[0041] When setting a predetermined period based on blood flow information, it is preferable that the predetermined period be set as a period of one or more heartbeats during which the traces of blood flow information such as flow velocity, dispersion, and power are stable. For example, when the traces of blood flow information are not stable due to arrhythmia or the like, a period of multiple heartbeats may be set as the predetermined period. When the trace of stable blood flow information is less than a period of one heartbeat, the ultrasonic image processing according to the embodiment may not be performed.

[0042] Further, the user may be able to specify a predetermined period via an input interface 22 such as a touch panel screen or hard keys.

[0043] In step ST7, the selection function F3 selects a first ultrasonic image from a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period based on a selection criterion. For example, the first ultrasonic image is the Doppler image of FIG. 5(a) selected from a plurality of Doppler images (FIGS. 5(a) to (d) described later) for a predetermined period.

[0044] For example, when the image selection condition (c) shown in the upper part of FIG. 4 is selected, the selection function F3 performs a trace of blood flow information based on the selection criterion in each of a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period, extracts a specific phase based on the result of the trace, and selects a first ultrasonic image corresponding to the extracted specific phase.

[0045] In this case, the selection function F3 may perform a trace of blood flow information based on the selection criterion in a designated area specified in a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period. For example, the user designates a designated area at the cursor position (for example, A1 in FIG. 6(b)) or a specific area (for example, B1 in FIG. 6(b)) in the ultrasonic image displayed on the display 21. By designating the area for performing the trace of blood flow information, the first ultrasonic image of the specific phase can be selected with higher accuracy.

[0046] Further, when the image selection condition (Shi) shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 is selected, the selection function F3 may select a first ultrasonic image from a plurality of ultrasonic images within a predetermined period, which is a time width including the vicinity of a specific time phase set based on the electrocardiogram information. By limiting the plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period to the time width including the vicinity of the specific time phase, the first ultrasonic image of the specific time phase can be selected with higher accuracy.

[0047] When the image selection condition (Sa) shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 is selected, the selection function F3 may select, as the first ultrasonic image, an ultrasonic image having a high similarity to the reference image among the plurality of ultrasonic images within a predetermined period. The reference image may be an ultrasonic image of a specific time phase during the examination or an ultrasonic image of a specific time phase collected in a past examination.

[0048] When the image selection condition (Su) shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 is selected, the selection function F3 may preferentially select, as the first ultrasonic image, an ultrasonic image of a new frame in the time series among the plurality of ultrasonic images within a predetermined period. In this case, the first ultrasonic image may be selected while tracing back from the latest (for example, at the time of the freeze operation) frame to the old frame in the time series. Further, a priority index may be added to each of the plurality of selection criteria, and the ultrasonic image that satisfies the selection criterion with the highest priority index may be preferentially selected as the first ultrasonic image. In this case, the first ultrasonic image is selected in the order of the frame that satisfies the selection criterion with the highest priority index to the frame that satisfies the selection criterion with a lower priority index.

[0049] When the image selection condition (Se) shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 is selected, the selection function F3 may not necessarily select a Doppler image having a positional deviation of a predetermined threshold or more with respect to the B-mode image as the first ultrasonic image. Even if there are a plurality of ultrasonic images within a predetermined period, for example, by the correlation relationship with the latest B-mode image in the time series or the extraction of feature points, a Doppler image having a different imaging site from the B-mode image may not be selected as the first ultrasonic image.

[0050] In step ST8, the display control function F4 controls so as to display the first ultrasound image on the display 21. When there are a plurality of first ultrasound images, the first ultrasound images may be displayed as thumbnails so that all the first ultrasound images are visible on the display 21.

[0051] In step ST9, the storage control function F5 controls so as to store the first ultrasound image in the memory circuitry 16.

[0052] Here, an example of selection of the first ultrasonic image in a specific imaging region will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Generally, in a color Doppler image, red indicates blood flow toward the probe, blue indicates blood flow away from the probe, and hues in between are displayed, but Figures 5 and 6 show the red as black on the + side and the blue as white on the - side in grayscale.

[0053] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the selection of the first ultrasonic image of the carotid artery. In the ultrasonic image of the carotid artery, for example, even if breathing is temporarily stopped, the blood flow information changes in sequence according to FIG. 5(a)-(d) due to pulsation. In this case, a time lag may occur between the timing when the user wants to save as a still image and the timing of the user's freeze operation, and an ultrasonic image (for example, FIG. 5(b)-(d)) shifted from the ultrasonic image of a specific time phase (for example, FIG. 5(a)) may be displayed by the freeze operation. Therefore, if the time phase with the maximum blood flow area and the variance information is equal to or less than a threshold is set as the selection criterion, the ultrasonic image of the past specific time phase with the maximum blood flow area and no aliasing is selected as the first ultrasonic image (FIG. 5(a)). In this case, the time phase with the maximum blood flow area in the specified region or cavity structure may be set as the selection criterion.

[0054] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram regarding the selection of the first ultrasonic image in the circulatory organ. In the ultrasonic image in the circulatory organ, for example, the blood flow information changes in order along FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d). In this case, in the ultrasonic image in the circulatory organ, the backflow may be evaluated as a criterion for determining whether the valve function is normal. Therefore, by using, as a selection criterion, the time phase in which the dispersion information is equal to or greater than the threshold value in the designated region or the entire region of the pulsed Doppler method, an ultrasonic image (for example, FIG. 6(b)) of a specific past time phase, which is not the normal blood flow time phase but the backflow time phase, is selected as the first ultrasonic image. In this case, the first ultrasonic image may be selected from a plurality of ultrasonic images having a time width including the vicinity of the time phase set based on the electrocardiogram information.

[0055] According to the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, when the user performs a freeze operation during real-time scanning, the first ultrasonic image of a specific time phase is selected based on the selection criterion. The first ultrasonic image is displayed as a still image by automatically tracing back to the specific time phase, and it is also possible to easily save the first ultrasonic image of the specific time phase, thereby improving the inspection efficiency. In addition, since the variation in the still image selected due to the user's subjectivity, experience value, etc. that occurs when the user manually selects a still image of a specific time phase is reduced, the inspection accuracy is improved.

[0056] (Modification of the First Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to a modification of the first embodiment. The modification of the first embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first ultrasonic image can be selected from the time-series ultrasonic images before and after the ultrasonic image selected as a candidate for the first ultrasonic image based on the selection criterion. In the modification of the first embodiment, after step ST6, the process proceeds to step ST11.

[0057] In step ST11, the selection function F3 selects candidates for the first ultrasonic image from a plurality of ultrasonic images within a predetermined period based on the selection criteria. In step ST7, the selection function F3 selects the "first ultrasonic image" corresponding to a specific phase from a plurality of ultrasonic images within a predetermined period based on the selection criteria. In step ST11, the selection function F3 selects candidates for the first ultrasonic image corresponding to the specific phase. Since step ST11 is substantially the same as step ST7 except for this, duplicate explanations are omitted. In step ST11 of the modification of the first embodiment, tentative "candidates for the first ultrasonic image" are selected by the same process as in step ST7, and the final "first ultrasonic image" is selected in a subsequent step ST13.

[0058] In step ST12, the display control function F4 controls to display the candidates for the first ultrasonic image on the display 21. At the same time, the display control function F4 controls to switch the display of the candidates for the first ultrasonic image to the display of the ultrasonic images in the time series before and after the candidates for the first ultrasonic image in response to the input operation of the user. Thereby, the user can finely adjust from the candidates for the first ultrasonic image to the ultrasonic images in the time series before and after it. For example, it is switched to the display of a desired ultrasonic image which is an ultrasonic image in the time series before and after the candidates for the first ultrasonic image via an input interface 22 such as a trackball.

[0059] In step ST13, the selection function F3 sets the ultrasonic image after the display is switched as the first ultrasonic image.

[0060] According to the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the modification of the first embodiment, even when the candidates for the first ultrasonic image are different from the desired ultrasonic image that the user wants to display or save as a still image, the first ultrasonic image can be selected. In this case, since the first ultrasonic image is finally selected from the candidates for the first ultrasonic image which are frames close to the first ultrasonic image, the working time can be suppressed and the inspection efficiency can be improved.

[0061] (Second Embodiment) The configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 including the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 including the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the processing circuit 17 of the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the processing circuit 17 in the second embodiment further realizes a reference setting function F6. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that the user sets the selection criteria from the image selection conditions in that the selection criteria are set based on at least one piece of information on the imaging site and the examination content. In the second embodiment, the processing starts from step ST21.

[0063] In step ST21, the reference setting function F6 acquires at least one piece of information on the imaging site and the examination content. Information on the imaging site and the examination content is included, for example, in the imaging condition protocol read from the storage circuit 16 and the imaging conditions input by the input interface 22.

[0064] In step ST22, the reference setting function F6 sets the selection criteria from a plurality of image selection conditions based on at least one piece of information on the imaging site and the examination content. For example, when the imaging site is the circulatory system and the examination content is the retrograde flow evaluation, in the designated region of the pulsed Doppler method, the time phase in which the dispersion information is equal to or greater than the threshold value is selected as the first ultrasonic image from a plurality of ultrasonic images having a time width including the vicinity of the time phase set based on the electrocardiogram information. Note that the present invention is not limited to this example of setting the selection criteria, and selection criteria corresponding to at least one piece of information on the imaging site and the examination content known clinically can be set. Related data associating at least one piece of information on the imaging site and the examination content with the selection criteria may be stored, for example, in the storage circuit 16, and the selection criteria may be set using this related data.

[0065] In the second embodiment, after step ST22, the process proceeds to step ST3. In step ST5 of the first embodiment, the reference acquisition function F1 acquires the selection criteria set by the user. In contrast, in step ST5 of the second embodiment, the reference acquisition function F1 acquires the selection criteria set based on at least one piece of information on the imaging site and the examination content. According to the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, even when the user does not set the selection criteria, the first ultrasonic image at a specific time phase is selected.

[0066] (Third Embodiment) A configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 including the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 including the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Further, a configuration example of the processing circuit 17 of the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration example of the processing circuit 17 of the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period are acquired by an operation of reading data of a plurality of ultrasonic images collected in the past, and a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period are acquired by a freeze operation during real-time examination. In the third embodiment, after step ST2, the process proceeds to step ST31.

[0068] In step ST31, a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period are acquired from the ultrasonic image data collected in the past. The ultrasonic image data collected in the past is acquired, for example, via the storage circuit 16, the input interface 22, and the network connection circuit 18. The ultrasonic image data collected in the past is read into the image memory 15. The reference acquisition function F1, the image acquisition function F2, and the selection function F3 start the reference acquisition operation, the image acquisition operation, and the selection operation at the timing when the operation of reading the data of the plurality of ultrasonic images collected in the past is completed.

[0069] In the third embodiment, after step ST31, the process proceeds to step ST5. According to the ultrasonic image processing apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment, a first ultrasonic image at a specific phase can be selected using ultrasonic image data collected in the past.

[0070] According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic image processing program, and the ultrasonic image processing method of at least one of the embodiments described above, an ultrasonic image at a specific phase suitable for the imaging site and the examination content can be selected as a still image. Thereby, a still image of the ultrasonic image at a specific phase suitable for the imaging site and the examination content can be stored as a diagnostic image.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" means, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and an FPGA), etc. The processor realizes various functions by reading and executing a program stored in a storage medium.

[0072] Also, the function of the processing circuit may be realized by a single processor, or a plurality of independent processors may be combined to form a processing circuit, and each processor may realize each function. Further, when a plurality of processors are provided, the storage medium for storing the program may be provided individually for each processor, or one storage medium may store the programs corresponding to the functions of all the processors collectively.

[0073] Note that the reference acquisition function F1, the image acquisition function F2, the selection function F3, the display control function F4, the storage control function F5, and the reference setting function F6 in the description of the embodiment are examples of a reference acquisition unit, an image acquisition unit, a selection unit, a display control unit, a storage control unit, and a reference setting unit.

[0074] Note that although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 Ultrasonic image processing apparatus 16 Memory circuit 21 Display (display unit) 22 Input interface (input unit) 23 Electrocardiograph F1 Reference acquisition function F2 Image acquisition function F3 Selection function F4 Display control function F5 Storage control function F6 Reference setting function

Claims

1. A reference acquisition unit that acquires a selection criterion serving as a reference for selecting a first ultrasonic image of a specific phase; An image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of ultrasonic images within a predetermined period from a plurality of ultrasonic images along a time series; A selection unit that selects the first ultrasonic image from the plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period based on the selection criterion; An ultrasonic image processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period are Doppler images generated in a Doppler mode for observing blood flow information. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 1. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The selection unit performs a trace on blood flow information based on the selection criterion in each of the plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period, extracts the specific phase based on the result of the trace, and selects the first ultrasonic image corresponding to the extracted specific phase. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 1. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. The reference acquisition unit acquires the selection criterion regarding at least one of the following blood flow information: (a) a phase with the maximum blood flow area, (b) a phase where the dispersion information is equal to or less than a threshold value, (c) a phase where the dispersion information is equal to or greater than a threshold value, (d) a phase with the maximum flow velocity in either the positive direction, the negative direction, or the absolute value, and (e) a phase with the maximum blood flow power. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 1. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. The selection unit performs the trace in a designated area specified in the plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 3. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 3.

6. The selection unit sets the time width including the vicinity of the phase set based on the electrocardiogram information as the predetermined period, and selects the first ultrasonic image from the plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to either Claim 1 or Claim 4. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to either Claim 1 or Claim 4.

7. The selection unit selects, as the first ultrasonic image, an ultrasonic image having a high similarity to a reference image among the plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to either Claim 1 or Claim 4. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to either Claim 1 or Claim 4.

8. The predetermined period is a period set based on at least one of electrocardiogram information, blood flow information, and information designated by a user. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 1. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

9. The selection unit preferentially selects, as the first ultrasonic image, an ultrasonic image of a new frame in the time series among the plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to either Claim 1 or Claim 4. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to either Claim 1 or Claim 4.

10. The selection unit does not select a Doppler image with a positional deviation equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value with respect to the B-mode image as the first ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

11. A display control unit that controls to display the first ultrasonic image on a display unit. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

12. A storage control unit that controls to store the first ultrasonic image in a storage circuit. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

13. A display control unit that controls to display the plurality of image selection conditions on a display unit so that at least one of the plurality of image selection conditions that are candidates for the selection criteria can be selected. The reference acquisition unit acquires the selection criteria set according to a user input operation from the plurality of image selection conditions. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The reference acquisition unit, the image acquisition unit, and the selection unit Start a reference acquisition operation, an image acquisition operation, and a selection operation at any timing of a freeze operation for stopping the display of an ultrasonic image acquired in real time or at the completion of a data reading operation for a plurality of ultrasonic images collected in the past. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

15. A display control unit that controls to display candidates for the first ultrasonic image on a display unit and controls to switch the display of the candidates for the first ultrasonic image to the display of ultrasonic images in a time series before and after the candidates for the first ultrasonic image according to a user input operation. The selection unit uses the ultrasonic image after the display is switched as the first ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

16. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reference setting unit that sets the selection criteria set from a plurality of image selection conditions based on at least one piece of information on a photographing site and an inspection content. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

17. A step of causing a computer to acquire selection criteria that serve as a reference for selecting a first ultrasonic image at a specific phase, a step of acquiring a plurality of ultrasonic images for a predetermined period from a plurality of ultrasonic images along a time series, and a step of selecting the first ultrasonic image from the plurality of ultrasonic images for the predetermined period based on the selection criteria. An ultrasonic image processing program for execution.

18. Acquire selection criteria that serve as a reference for selecting a first ultrasonic image at a specific phase. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Acquire a plurality of ultrasonic images within a predetermined period from a plurality of ultrasonic images along a time series, Select the first ultrasonic image from among the plurality of ultrasonic images within the predetermined period based on the selection criteria, An ultrasonic image processing method.

Images