Ultrasound diagnostic device and control method for ultrasound diagnostic device

Abstract

To provide a control method of an ultrasonic diagnostic device enabling a user to diagnose easily and accurately, and to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a detection object detection part (24) for detecting a detection object imaged on an ultrasonogram, a detection object analysis part (25) for analyzing the detection object detected by the detection object detection part (24), and a region-of-interest setting part (26) for setting a region of interest including the detection object on the ultrasonogram, and arranged on a position according to an analysis result of the detection object by the detection object analysis part (25).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for setting a region of interest in an ultrasonic image and a control method for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an ultrasonic image representing a tomogram in a subject has been acquired using a so-called ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the subject has been examined by a user such as a doctor based on the acquired ultrasonic image. In order for the user to smoothly perform such an examination of the subject, a technique for automatically detecting or measuring an object such as an organ of the subject shown in the ultrasonic image is known. At this time, in order to smoothly perform processing by limiting the range in which automatic detection or measurement processing is performed, a so-called region of interest may be set in the ultrasonic image. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses setting a rectangular region of interest in an ultrasonic image in order to limit the range for detecting a detection target.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a user such as a doctor confirms a detection target shown in an ultrasonic image and makes a diagnosis, in order to easily confirm the detection target, a region of interest including the detection target in the ultrasonic image may be displayed on a monitor. The region of interest is usually often displayed by a closed rectangular frame line.

[0005] Furthermore, when the target of detection is stool or cysts located in the rectum, it is known that in order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to check not only the target of detection but also whether so-called posterior acoustic shadows exist in areas deeper than the target of detection, or whether so-called posterior echoes are enhanced. Therefore, when the region of interest is displayed with a closed rectangular frame, it can be difficult for the user to see areas located deeper than the target of detection in the ultrasound image, making it difficult to easily make an accurate diagnosis.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the problems of the past, and aims to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a control method for the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that allow users to perform diagnoses easily and accurately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above objective can be achieved with the following configuration. [1] A detection unit for detecting a target image captured in an ultrasound image, A detection target analysis unit analyzes the detection target detected by the detection target detection unit, A region of interest setting unit sets a region of interest that includes the object to be detected on the ultrasound image and is positioned according to the analysis result of the object to be detected by the object to be detected unit. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features. [2] The detection target analysis unit analyzes the characteristics of the back echo of the detection target, The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [1], wherein the region of interest setting unit changes the relative position of the region of interest with respect to the detection target according to the characteristics of the posterior echo of the detection target analyzed by the detection target analysis unit. [3] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [2], wherein the region of interest setting unit sets a first region of interest when the enhancement of the posterior echo of the target being detected, as analyzed by the detection target analysis unit, is at or above a predetermined level, and sets a second region of interest that is in a different relative position to the target being detected from the first region of interest, as analyzed by the detection target analysis unit, when the enhancement of the posterior echo of the target being detected is below a predetermined level. [4] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [1], wherein the region of interest setting unit sets a first region of interest when the detection target analyzed by the detection target analysis unit is feces in the rectum, and sets a second region of interest which is in a different relative position to the detection target from the first region of interest when the detection target analyzed by the detection target analysis unit is an empty rectum. [5] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [1], wherein the region of interest setting unit sets a first region of interest when the detection target analyzed by the detection target analysis unit is a cyst, and sets a second region of interest which is in a different relative position to the detection target from the first region of interest when the detection target analyzed by the detection target analysis unit is a tumor. [6] A mode input unit for inputting the examination mode for the detection target captured in the ultrasound image, A region of interest setting unit sets a region of interest that includes the object to be detected on the ultrasound image. An ultrasound diagnostic device comprising a region of interest setting unit that sets a region of interest to be placed at a position corresponding to the examination mode input from the mode input unit. [7] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to [6], wherein the region of interest setting unit sets a first region of interest when an examination mode for detecting stool in the rectum or an examination mode for detecting cysts is input from the mode input unit, and sets a second region of interest which is in a different relative position to the detection target from the first region of interest when an examination mode for detecting an empty rectum or an examination mode for detecting a mass is input from the mode input unit. [8] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [3] to [5] and [7], wherein the first region of interest is a region having a relative position with respect to the object to be detected such that the object to be detected is located in the upper part of the first region of interest, and the second region of interest is a region having a relative position with respect to the object to be detected such that the object to be detected is located in the central part of the second region of interest. [9] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [3] to [5], [7], and [8], wherein the first region of interest has a length in the depth direction of at least twice and not exceeding five times the length of the object to be detected, and the second region of interest has a length in the depth direction of at least once and less than twice the length of the object to be detected.

[10] Ultrasound probe and An image acquisition unit that acquires ultrasound images using an ultrasound probe, and An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of [1] to [9], comprising:

[11] Detect the target object captured in the ultrasound image, The detected targets are analyzed, A region of interest is set on the ultrasound image that includes the target object and corresponds to the analysis results of the target object. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device.

[12] Input the examination mode for the object to be detected in the ultrasound image, A region of interest is set on the ultrasound image that includes the object to be detected and is positioned according to the input examination mode. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprises a detection target detection unit that detects a target imaged in an ultrasound image, a detection target analysis unit that analyzes the detection target detected by the detection target detection unit, and a region of interest setting unit that sets a region of interest that includes the detection target on the ultrasound image and is positioned according to the analysis result of the detection target by the detection target analysis unit. Alternatively, the apparatus comprises a mode input unit for inputting an examination mode for a detection target imaged in an ultrasound image, and a region of interest setting unit that sets a region of interest that includes the detection target on the ultrasound image, and the region of interest setting unit sets a region of interest that is positioned according to the examination mode input from the mode input unit, thereby enabling the user to perform a diagnosis easily and accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmitting and receiving circuit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image generation unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the contour lines of the object to be detected. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an image area including a detection target. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a region of interest set for feces shown in a ultrasonic image. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a region of interest set for the rectum shown in a ultrasonic image. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing another example of a region of interest set for feces shown in a ultrasonic image. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of this invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The description of the constituent elements described below is made based on representative embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range including the numerical values described before and after "~" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value. In this specification, "identical" and "the same" shall include the error ranges generally acceptable in the technical field.

[0011] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 shows the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe 1 and a device main body 2 connected to the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0012] The ultrasonic probe 1 has a vibrator array 11. A transmission / reception circuit 12 is connected to the vibrator array 11.

[0013] The main unit 2 of the device has an image generation unit 21 connected to the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 of the ultrasonic probe 1. The display control unit 22 and the monitor 23 are sequentially connected to the image generation unit 21. The detection target detection unit 24, the detection target analysis unit 25 and the region of interest setting unit 26 are also sequentially connected to the image generation unit 21. The region of interest setting unit 26 is connected to the display control unit 22. The main unit control unit 27 is connected to the transmitting / receiving circuit 12, the image generation unit 21, the display control unit 22, the detection target detection unit 24, the detection target analysis unit 25 and the region of interest setting unit 26. The input device 28 is connected to the main unit control unit 27.

[0014] Furthermore, the image acquisition unit 31 is composed of the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 and the image generation unit 21. In addition, the processor 32 for the main unit 2 is composed of the image generation unit 21, the display control unit 22, the detection target detection unit 24, the detection target analysis unit 25, the region of interest setting unit 26, and the main unit control unit 27.

[0015] The transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 1 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in one or two dimensions. Each of these ultrasonic transducers transmits ultrasound according to a drive signal supplied from the transmitting / receiving circuit 12, and also receives ultrasonic echoes from the subject and outputs a signal based on the ultrasonic echoes. Each ultrasonic transducer is constructed by forming electrodes at both ends of a piezoelectric body made of, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic represented by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element represented by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), or a piezoelectric single crystal represented by PMN-PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate).

[0016] The transmitting / receiving circuit 12 transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 and generates a sound line signal based on the received signal acquired by the transducer array 11, under the control of the main unit control 27. As shown in Figure 2, the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 includes a pulser 41 connected to the transducer array 11, and an amplifier 42, an AD (Analog to Digital) converter 43, and a beamformer 44 connected sequentially in series from the transducer array 11.

[0017] The pulser 41 includes, for example, multiple pulse generators, and based on a transmission delay pattern selected according to a control signal from the main unit control 27, it supplies each drive signal to the multiple ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, adjusting the delay amount, so that the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducers form an ultrasonic beam. In this way, when a pulsed or continuous wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, the piezoelectric material expands and contracts, generating pulsed or continuous wave ultrasonic waves from each ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic beam is formed from the combined wave of these ultrasonic waves.

[0018] The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected from a target, such as a part of the subject, and propagates toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 1. The ultrasonic echo propagating toward the transducer array 11 is received by each ultrasonic transducer that makes up the transducer array 11. At this time, each ultrasonic transducer that makes up the transducer array 11 expands and contracts upon receiving the propagating ultrasonic echo, generating a received signal which is an electrical signal, and outputs these received signals to the amplification unit 42.

[0019] The amplification unit 42 amplifies the signals input from each ultrasonic transducer constituting the transducer array 11 and transmits the amplified signals to the AD conversion unit 43. The AD conversion unit 43 converts the signals transmitted from the amplification unit 42 into digital received data. The beamformer 44 performs so-called receive focus processing by adding each received data received from the AD conversion unit 43 with a corresponding delay. Through this receive focus processing, each received data converted by the AD conversion unit 43 is phase-corrected and added together, and a sound ray signal with a focused ultrasonic echo is obtained.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the image generation unit 21 has a configuration in which a signal processing unit 45, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 46, and an image processing unit 47 are connected in series in sequence.

[0021] The signal processing unit 45 receives the sound line signal from the transmitting / receiving circuit 12, corrects for attenuation due to distance according to the depth of the ultrasonic reflection position using the sound velocity value set by the main unit control unit 27, and then performs envelope detection processing to generate a B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information of the tissue within the subject.

[0022] The DSC46 converts the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 45 into an image signal that follows the scanning method of a normal television signal (raster conversion). The image processing unit 47 performs various necessary image processing, such as gradation processing, on the B-mode image signal input from the DSC 46, and then sends the B-mode image signal to the display control unit 22 and the detection target detection unit 24. Hereafter, the B-mode image signal processed by the image processing unit 47 will be referred to as an ultrasonic image.

[0023] The display control unit 22, under the control of the main unit control unit 27, performs predetermined processing on the ultrasound image etc. generated by the image generation unit 21 and displays it on the monitor 23. The monitor 23 displays various information under the control of the display control unit 22. The monitor 23 may include, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

[0024] The detection target detection unit 24 detects the detection target captured in the ultrasound image by analyzing the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit 21. The detection target detection unit 24 stores multiple template images for each of multiple detection targets, and can search the ultrasound image using these multiple template images in a so-called template matching method to detect the detection target. In addition, the detection target detection unit 24 can also have a machine learning model that has learned from a large number of ultrasound images in which each of multiple detection targets is captured, and can use this machine learning model to detect the detection target captured in the ultrasound image.

[0025] The detection target detection unit 24 can output the contour line C of the detection target A in the ultrasound image U as a detection result, for example, as shown in Figure 4.

[0026] Instead of outputting the contour line C of the target A as the detection result, the detection target detection unit 24 can also output a rectangular image region B containing the target A as the detection result, as shown in Figure 5, for example. In this case, in order to accurately determine the position of the target A in the depth direction, it is preferable that the length of the image region B in the depth direction is at least 1 and less than 2 times the length of the target A in the depth direction.

[0027] The detection target analysis unit 25 analyzes the characteristics of the detection target A and its back echo detected by the detection target detection unit 24, and determines whether a so-called back acoustic shadow exists in a region deeper than the detection target A in the ultrasound image U, or whether the back echo is enhanced, etc.

[0028] A posterior acoustic shadow refers to a low-intensity area located deeper than the detection target A in the ultrasound image U, caused by ultrasound waves propagating from the surface of the subject's body being unable to pass through the detection target A. Posterior acoustic shadows often occur in ultrasound images U, for example, when hard stool is captured. Posterior echo enhancement refers to a high-intensity area located deeper than the detection target A in the ultrasound image U, such as a cyst, where ultrasound attenuation is less pronounced. By understanding the characteristics of these areas located deeper than the detection target A, users such as physicians can accurately diagnose the subject.

[0029] The region of interest setting unit 26 sets a region of interest on the ultrasound image U that includes the detection target and is positioned according to the analysis result of the detection target A by the detection target analysis unit 25. At this time, the region of interest setting unit 26 can change the relative position of the region of interest with respect to the detection target A according to the characteristics of the back echo analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25. For example, as shown in Figure 6, if the region of interest setting unit 26 determines that a back acoustic shadow of the detection target A1 exists in the ultrasound image U, it can set a rectangular first region of interest R1 with a relative position such that the detection target is located in the upper part of the region of interest. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 7, if the region of interest setting unit 26 determines that a back acoustic shadow of the detection target A2 does not exist in the ultrasound image U, it can set a rectangular second region of interest R2 with a relative position such that the detection target A2 is located in the central part of the region of interest.

[0030] Figure 6 shows stool in the rectum as an example of detection target A1 in which a posterior acoustic shadow can be observed. Figure 7 shows an empty rectum as an example of detection target A2 in which a posterior acoustic shadow cannot be observed.

[0031] When the detection target detection unit 24 outputs the contour line C of the detection target A1, the region of interest setting unit 26 sets a rectangular region that includes the contour line C of the detection target A and is circumscribing the contour line C, and while fixing the position of the centroid of the rectangular region, it enlarges the rectangular region by a magnification of 1x or more and less than 2x, for example, a magnification of 1.2x, and further extends the rectangular region toward the depths along the depth direction so that the length of the rectangular region in the depth direction is 2x or more and less than 5x the length of the detection target A1 in the depth direction, for example, 3x, thereby setting a first region of interest R1.

[0032] Furthermore, when the detection target detection unit 24 outputs the contour line C of the detection target A2, the region of interest setting unit 26 can set a second region of interest R2 by, for example, setting a rectangular region that includes and circumscribes the contour line C, and then, while keeping the position of the centroid of the rectangular region fixed, enlarging the rectangular region by a magnification of 1x or more and less than 2x, for example, 1.2x.

[0033] Furthermore, when the detection target detection unit 24 outputs an image region B containing the detection target A1 instead of the contour line C of the detection target A1, the region of interest setting unit 26 can set a first region of interest R1 by extending the image region B inward along the depth direction so that the length of the image region B in the depth direction is at least twice and less than five times the length of the detection target A1 in the depth direction, for example, three times.

[0034] Furthermore, the region of interest setting unit 26 can set the image region B containing the detection target A2 as the second region of interest R2 when the detection target detection unit 24 outputs the image region B containing the detection target A2 instead of the contour line C of the detection target A2.

[0035] The first region of interest R1 and the second region of interest R2, set in this manner, are sent to the display control unit 22 and can be displayed on the monitor 23, for example, by closed frame lines representing the edges of each region of interest. Since the first region of interest R1, which includes the deep region of the detection target A1, is set for a detection target A1 such as feces in which a rear acoustic shadow can be confirmed, the user can clearly confirm the rear acoustic shadow of the detection target A1 and perform a diagnosis easily and accurately.

[0036] It has been explained that when the detection target detection unit 24 outputs the contour lines C of the detection targets A1 and A2, the region of interest setting unit 26 enlarges the rectangular area containing the contour lines C of the detection targets A1 and A2 by a magnification of 1x or more and less than 2x. However, it is preferable to enlarge the rectangular area containing the contour lines C by a magnification greater than 1x, as this makes it easier for the user to confirm the detection target A1 or A2 when the first region of interest R1 or the second region of interest R2 is displayed on the monitor 23.

[0037] Furthermore, the region of interest setting unit 26 can, for example, set a first region of interest R1 when the posterior echo enhancement of detection target A, analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25, is above a predetermined level, and set a second region of interest R2 when the posterior echo enhancement of detection target A, analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25, is below a predetermined level. This allows the user to clearly understand whether or not posterior echo enhancement is present, enabling easy and accurate diagnosis. Cysts are an example of detection targets where posterior echo enhancement is likely to be observed, while tumors are an example of detection targets where posterior echo enhancement is unlikely to be observed.

[0038] Furthermore, the region of interest setting unit 26 can set a first region of interest R1 when the detection target A analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25 is stool in the rectum, and set a second region of interest R2 when the detection target A analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25 is an empty rectum. When the detection target is stool, a posterior acoustic shadow may occur depending on the hardness of the stool. By setting the first region of interest R1, the user can easily and accurately make a diagnosis by checking the ultrasound image U even if a posterior acoustic shadow occurs.

[0039] Furthermore, the region of interest setting unit 26 can set a first region of interest R1 when the detected target A analyzed by the detected target analysis unit 25 is a cyst, and set a second region of interest R2 when the detected target A analyzed by the detected target analysis unit 25 is a tumor. When the detected target A is a cyst, posterior echo is often enhanced, so by setting the first region of interest R1, the user can easily and accurately make a diagnosis by checking the ultrasound image U.

[0040] The main unit control unit 27 controls each part of the main unit 2 and the ultrasonic probe 1 according to a pre-recorded program or the like. The input device 28 receives input operations from the inspector and sends the input information to the main unit control unit 27. The input device 28 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, and touch panel, or other devices for the inspector to perform input operations.

[0041] The processor 32, which includes an image generation unit 21, a display control unit 22, a detection target detection unit 24, a detection target analysis unit 25, a region of interest setting unit 26, and a main unit control unit 27, is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a control program for causing the CPU to perform various processes. However, it may also be composed of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other ICs (Integrated Circuits), or a combination thereof.

[0042] Furthermore, the image generation unit 21, display control unit 22, detection target detection unit 24, detection target analysis unit 25, region of interest setting unit 26, and main unit control unit 27 of the processor 32 can be partially or entirely integrated into a single CPU or the like.

[0043] Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to Embodiment 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0044] First, in step S1, the image acquisition unit 31 acquires an ultrasound image U. At this time, the transducer array 11 of the ultrasound probe 1 transmits an ultrasound beam into the subject and an ultrasound echo is received from within the subject, generating a received signal. The transmitting / receiving circuit 12 of the image acquisition unit 31 performs a so-called received focus process on the received signal under the control of the main unit control 27 to generate an acoustic ray signal. The acoustic ray signal generated by the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 is sent to the image generation unit 21. The image generation unit 21 generates an ultrasound image U using the acoustic ray signal sent from the transmitting / receiving circuit 12.

[0045] Next, in step S2, the detection target detection unit 24 detects the detection target A that appears in the ultrasound image U by analyzing the ultrasound image U acquired in step S1. At this time, the detection target detection unit 24 can detect the detection target A by template matching, or it can detect the detection target by a machine learning model that has been trained on a large number of ultrasound images U in which the detection target appears.

[0046] In step S3, the detection target analysis unit 25 analyzes the characteristics of the detection target A and its back echo detected in step S2 to determine whether a back acoustic shadow exists in a region deeper than the detection target A in the ultrasound image U, or whether the back echo is enhanced, etc.

[0047] Finally, in step S4, the region of interest setting unit 26 sets either the first region of interest R1 or the second region of interest R2 according to the analysis results of the detection target analysis unit 25 in step S3.

[0048] The region of interest setting unit 26 can, for example, set a first region of interest R1 if it is determined in step S3 that a posterior acoustic shadow of the detection target A1 exists in the ultrasound image U, and set a second region of interest R2 if it is determined in step S3 that a posterior acoustic shadow of the detection target A2 does not exist in the ultrasound image U.

[0049] Furthermore, since stool in the rectum is an example of a detection target A1 in which the presence of a posterior acoustic shadow is easily observed, and an empty rectum is an example of a detection target A2 in which the presence of a posterior acoustic shadow is less easily observed, the region of interest setting unit 26 can also set a first region of interest R1 when the detection target A analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25 is stool in the rectum, and set a second region of interest R2 when the detection target A analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25 is an empty rectum.

[0050] Furthermore, the region of interest setting unit 26 can, for example, set a first region of interest R1 when the enhancement of the back echo of detection target A analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25 is above a predetermined level, and set a second region of interest R2 when the enhancement of the back echo of detection target A analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25 is below a predetermined level.

[0051] Furthermore, since cysts are an example of a detection target that is likely to show posterior echo enhancement, and tumors are an example of a detection target that is unlikely to show posterior echo enhancement, the region of interest setting unit 26 can, for example, set a first region of interest R1 when the detection target A analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25 is a cyst, and set a second region of interest R2 when the detection target A analyzed by the detection target analysis unit 25 is a tumor.

[0052] The first region of interest R1 or the second region of interest R2 set in step S4 is sent to the display control unit 22 and can be displayed on the monitor 23, for example, by closed frame lines representing the edges of each region of interest. Since the first region of interest R1, which includes the deep region of the detection target A1, is set for the detection target A1 such as a stool for which a rear acoustic shadow can be confirmed, the user can clearly confirm the rear acoustic shadow of the detection target A1 and perform a diagnosis easily and accurately.

[0053] Once the process in step S4 is completed, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device shown in Figure 8 is finished.

[0054] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the detection target detection unit 24 detects the detection target A captured in the ultrasound image U, the detection target analysis unit 25 analyzes the detected detection target A, and the region of interest setting unit 26 sets a first region of interest R1 or a second region of interest R2 positioned relative to the position of the detection target according to the analysis result. Therefore, even when it is necessary to check the posterior echo of the detection target A, the user can clearly check the posterior echo and easily and accurately make a diagnosis regarding the detection target A.

[0055] Although it is explained that the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 is provided in the ultrasonic probe 1, the transmitting / receiving circuit 12 may also be provided in the main body of the device 2. Furthermore, although it is explained that the image generation unit 21 is provided in the main body 2 of the device, the image generation unit 21 may also be provided in the ultrasonic probe 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the main unit 2 of the device may be a so-called stationary type, a portable type that is easy to carry, or a so-called handheld type, which may consist of a smartphone or tablet computer, for example. Thus, the type of equipment that makes up the main unit 2 is not particularly limited.

[0057] Furthermore, the main unit 2 of the device may also include an image memory (not shown) for storing the ultrasound images U generated by the image generation unit 21 for each examination. In this case, for example, based on user instructions via the input device 28, the processing of steps S2 to S4 in the flowchart of Figure 8 can be performed on ultrasound images U acquired in past examinations and stored in the image memory.

[0058] Furthermore, the main unit 2 may also include an image input unit (not shown) for inputting an ultrasound image U from an external device (not shown). In this case, for example, based on user instructions via the input device 28, the ultrasound image U input from the external device via the image input unit can be processed according to steps S2 to S4 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0059] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the first region of interest R1 and the second region of interest R2 set by the region of interest setting unit 26 are rectangular, they are not limited to rectangles and can have any shape such as circles or polygons.

[0060] In particular, the first region of interest R1 can have two sides E1 and E2 that are aligned with and opposite to each other along the sound ray lines of the ultrasound image U, as shown in Figure 9, for example. Since the back acoustic shadow that occurs in a region deeper than the detection target A1 is usually formed along the sound ray lines, having two sides E1 and E2 that extend along the sound ray lines of the first region of interest R1 prevents the edges of the first region of interest R1 from overlapping with the back acoustic shadow, allowing the user to easily confirm the back acoustic shadow. Furthermore, since the back echo is formed along the sound ray lines, it is preferable for the first region of interest R1 to have two sides E1 and E2 that extend along the sound ray lines, as this allows the user to easily confirm the back echo even when the back echo of the detection target A is amplified.

[0061] Furthermore, the second region of interest R2, like the first region of interest R1, can have two sides E1 and E2 that are along the sound ray lines of the ultrasound image U and are opposite to each other.

[0062] Furthermore, while it has been explained that the first region of interest R1 and the second region of interest R2 are displayed on the monitor 23 by closed border lines representing the edges of each region of interest, the display manner of the first region of interest R1 and the second region of interest R2 is not particularly limited. For example, only a portion of the lines representing the edges of the first region of interest R1 and the second region of interest R2 may be displayed. For example, if the first region of interest R1 and the second region of interest R2 have a rectangular shape, only the four corner portions of the lines representing the edges of the rectangle may be displayed.

[0063] Embodiment 2 In Embodiment 1, it is explained that a region of interest is set to be located at a position corresponding to the analysis result of the detection target A. However, for example, an ultrasound diagnostic device can also set a region of interest to be located at a position corresponding to the set examination mode.

[0064] Figure 10 shows the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 2 is equipped with an apparatus body 2A in place of the apparatus body 2 shown in Figure 1 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 1. In the apparatus body 2A, the detection target analysis unit 25 is removed from the apparatus body 2 of Embodiment 1, a mode input unit 51 is added, and an apparatus body control unit 27A is equipped in place of the apparatus body 2 of Embodiment 1.

[0065] In the main unit 2A of the device, the mode input unit 51 is connected to the region of interest setting unit 26 and the main unit control unit 27A. Furthermore, the image generation unit 21, display control unit 22, detection target detection unit 24, region of interest setting unit 26, main unit control unit 27A, and mode input unit 51 constitute the processor 32A for the main unit 2A of the device.

[0066] The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 2 has multiple inspection modes pre-configured for multiple detection targets A. Here, an inspection mode refers to a mode in which an inspection is performed using a preset consisting of multiple conditions, such as so-called gain conditions and so-called dynamic range conditions, which are set in advance to match a specific detection target A.

[0067] The mode input unit 51 receives, for example, a user instruction via the input device 28, and inputs an examination mode from among the multiple examination modes available to the ultrasound diagnostic device, for the detection target captured in the ultrasound image U.

[0068] The detection target detection unit 24 detects the detection target A that appears in the ultrasound image U by analyzing the ultrasound image U generated by the image generation unit 21. When the inspection mode input by the mode input unit 51 is used, the detection target A corresponding to that inspection mode can be clearly imaged in the ultrasound image U, so the detection target detection unit 24 can easily detect the detection target A.

[0069] The region of interest setting unit 26 pre-stores multiple detection targets A whose posterior echo brightness differs from the surrounding brightness, such as feces and cysts in the rectum, as well as other multiple detection targets A, and sets a region of interest on the ultrasound image U, which is positioned according to the examination mode.

[0070] The region of interest setting unit 26 can set a first region of interest R1 when, for example, an examination mode with stool in the rectum as the detection target A or an examination mode with a cyst as the detection target A is input from the mode input unit 51, and can set a second region of interest R2 when an examination mode with an empty rectum as the detection target A or an examination mode with a tumor as the detection target A is input from the mode input unit 51.

[0071] Below, an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device according to Embodiment 2 will be described based on the flowchart shown in Figure 11.

[0072] First, in step S11, the mode input unit 51 inputs one of several examination modes pre-stored in the ultrasound diagnostic device based on user instructions via the input device 28.

[0073] Next, in step S12, the user places the ultrasound probe 1 at an appropriate position on the body surface of the subject in order to image the target A corresponding to the examination mode set in step S11, and an ultrasound image U is acquired in the same manner as in step S1 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0074] In step S13, the detection target A, which is captured in the ultrasound image U, is detected by the detection target detection unit 24, in the same manner as in step S2 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0075] In step S14, the region of interest setting unit 26 sets a region of interest that is positioned according to the examination mode set in step S1 and surrounds the detection target A detected in step S13. For example, if an examination mode corresponding to stool in the rectum is set in step S1, the region of interest setting unit 26 can set a first region of interest R1 as the region of interest corresponding to that examination mode. Also, for example, if an examination mode corresponding to an empty rectum is set in step S1, the region of interest setting unit 26 can set a second region of interest R2 as the region of interest corresponding to that examination mode.

[0076] The first region of interest R1 or the second region of interest R2 set in step S14 is sent to the display control unit 22 and can be displayed on the monitor 23, for example, by a closed frame representing the edge of each region of interest. Since the first region of interest R1, which includes the deep region of the detection target A1, is set for the detection target A1 such as a toilet where a rear acoustic shadow can be confirmed, the user can clearly confirm the rear acoustic shadow of the detection target A1 and perform a diagnosis easily and accurately.

[0077] Once the process in step S14 is completed, the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device shown in Figure 11 is complete.

[0078] As described above, according to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the mode input unit 51 inputs an examination mode for the detection target A captured in the ultrasound image U, and the region of interest setting unit 26 sets a region of interest that is positioned according to the examination mode input from the mode input unit 51. Therefore, similar to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of Embodiment 1, even when it is necessary to confirm the posterior echo of the detection target A, the user can clearly confirm the posterior echo and easily and accurately perform a diagnosis regarding the detection target A. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1 Ultrasonic probe, 2,2A Main unit, 11 Transducer array, 12 Transmit / receive circuit, 21 Image generation unit, 22 Display control unit, 23 Monitor, 24 Detection target detection unit, 25 Detection target analysis unit, 26 Region of interest setting unit, 27,27A Main unit control unit, 28 Input device, 31 Image acquisition unit, 32,32A Processor, 41 Pulsar, 42 Amplifier unit, 43 AD conversion unit, 44 Beamformer, 45 Signal processing unit, 46 DSC, 47 Image processing unit, 51 Mode input unit, A,A1,A2 Detection target, B Image region, C Contour line, E1,E2 Side, R1 First region of interest, R2 Second region of interest, U Ultrasonic image.

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects the target object captured in the ultrasound image, A detection target analysis unit analyzes the enhancement of the back echo of the detection target detected by the detection target detection unit, A region of interest setting unit sets a first region of interest on the ultrasound image, including the detection target, when the enhancement of the back echo of the detection target, as analyzed by the detection target analysis unit, is above a predetermined level, and sets a second region of interest on the ultrasound image, including the detection target, but in a different relative position to the detection target than the first region of interest, when the enhancement of the back echo is below the predetermined level. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

2. A detection target detection unit for detecting a detection target captured in an ultrasonic image, A detection target analysis unit analyzes the detection target detected by the detection target detection unit, A region of interest setting unit sets a first region of interest on the ultrasound image that includes the detected object when the detected object analyzed by the detected object analysis unit is feces in the rectum, and sets a second region of interest on the ultrasound image that includes the detected object and is in a different relative position to the detected object than the first region of interest when the detected object analyzed by the detected object analysis unit is an empty rectum. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

3. A detection target detection unit for detecting a detection target captured in an ultrasonic image, A detection target analysis unit analyzes the detection target detected by the detection target detection unit, A region of interest setting unit sets a first region of interest on the ultrasound image that includes the detected object when the detected object analyzed by the detected object analysis unit is a cyst, and sets a second region of interest on the ultrasound image that includes the detected object and is in a different relative position to the detected object than the first region of interest when the detected object analyzed by the detected object analysis unit is a tumor. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

4. A detection target detection unit for detecting a detection target captured in an ultrasonic image, A detection target analysis unit analyzes the detection target detected by the detection target detection unit and determines whether a back acoustic shadow exists in a region deeper than the detection target, If the detection target analysis unit determines that the rear acoustic shadow does not exist, the region of interest setting unit sets a first region of interest including the detection target on the ultrasound image, and if the detection target analysis unit determines that the rear acoustic shadow exists, the region of interest setting unit sets a second region of interest on the ultrasound image including the detection target, but in a different relative position to the detection target than the first region of interest. An ultrasound diagnostic device equipped with the following features.

5. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first region of interest is a region having a relative position with respect to the object to be detected such that the object to be detected is located in the upper part of the first region of interest, and the second region of interest is a region having a relative position with respect to the object to be detected such that the object to be detected is located in the central part of the second region of interest.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first region of interest has a length in the depth direction of at least twice and not exceeding five times the length of the object to be detected, and the second region of interest has a length in the depth direction of at least once and less than twice the length of the object to be detected.

7. Ultrasound probe and An image acquisition unit that acquires the ultrasound image using the ultrasound probe. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

8. The target object is detected in the ultrasound image, The enhancement of the back echo of the detected target is analyzed, If the posterior echo enhancement is above a predetermined level, a first region of interest including the target to be detected is set on the ultrasound image; if the posterior echo enhancement is below the predetermined level, a second region of interest including the target to be detected, but with a different relative position to the target to the target than the first region of interest, is set on the ultrasound image. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device.

9. Detect the target object captured in the ultrasound image, The detected object is analyzed, If the analyzed detection target is stool in the rectum, a first region of interest including the detection target is set on the ultrasound image. If the analyzed detection target is an empty rectum, a second region of interest including the detection target is set on the ultrasound image, but its relative position to the detection target is different from that of the first region of interest. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device.

10. Detects a target image captured in an ultrasound image, The detected object is analyzed, If the analyzed detection target is a cyst, a first region of interest including the detection target is set on the ultrasound image; if the analyzed detection target is a tumor, a second region of interest including the detection target is set on the ultrasound image, but its relative position to the detection target is different from that of the first region of interest. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device.

11. Detects a target image captured in an ultrasound image, The detected object is analyzed to determine whether a back acoustic shadow exists in a region deeper than the detected object. If it is determined that the rear acoustic shadow does not exist, a first region of interest including the detected object is set on the ultrasound image. If it is determined that the rear acoustic shadow exists, a second region of interest including the detected object and having a different relative position to the detected object than the first region of interest is set on the ultrasound image. A method for controlling an ultrasound diagnostic device.

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