Patent ID: 8123691
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, comprising: an ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasound to and from, respectively, an examined body to perform three-dimensional scanning to generate three-dimensional volume image data; a first probe position sensor that detects the position and the direction of the ultrasonic probe; an image generator that generates image data based upon the output of the ultrasonic probe; a puncture probe, separate from the ultrasonic probe, to be inserted into an examined body; a second probe position sensor that detects the position and the direction of the puncture probe inserted into the examined body; a position sensing receiver that receives the detected position and direction of the puncture probe from the second probe position sensor; a CPU in communication with the position sensing receiver and configured to convert the detected position and direction of the puncture probe to a relative position of an end position of the puncture probe; a display image generator that generates, from the three-dimensional volume image data, data of a two-dimensional display image in which the end position of the puncture probe is displayed, and that, based on a user activation of a fixed display operation, changes a position and orientation of the image along a two-dimensional plane that has been imaged according to a change of orientation and position of the puncture probe along the two-dimensional plane such that the end position of the puncture probe is fixedly displayed, even when the puncture probe is moved in its position and orientation, and independent of movement of the ultrasonic probe, to a specific position in an image display area according to the detected position and direction of the ultrasonic probe and the detected position and direction of the puncture probe based upon the image data; and a display that displays the display image in the image display area.