Medical image diagnostic apparatus and medical imaging apparatus

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes image generation circuitry, a touch panel, and control circuitry. The image generation circuitry generates a medical image based on data collected through scanning on a subject. The touch panel displays the medical image, and detects a tap operation, a long-press operation, or a flick operation on the displayed medical image. The control circuitry changes a parameter that affects the display of the medical image in a region relative to a position where the tap operation, the long-press operation, or the flick operation is detected, based on at least one of the strength of the tap operation, the number of times of the tap operation, the strength of the long-press operation, the long-press time of the long-press operation, the strength of the flick operation, the direction of the flick operation, and the speed of the flick operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-168226, filed on Aug. 27, 2015; and Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-102358, filed on May 23, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a medical imaging apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound transmitted from an ultrasound probe travels while being attenuated in a body, and thus a reflection signal reflected from a deeper region in the body is more likely to be attenuated. To equalize image quality, ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses are capable of previously setting various gains in a depth direction. However, the degree of the attenuation in fact differs among organs and persons, and thus varies for each inspection. Such ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses are capable of adjusting a gain in a time direction, that is, the depth direction. This function is referred to as sensitivity time control (STC) or time gain control (TGC).

Furthermore, image quality in an azimuthal direction may differ depending on how to place the ultrasound probe and a condition in the body of a subject. For example, this causes the left side of an ultrasound image to be dark. Thus, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses are capable of adjusting a gain in the azimuthal direction. This function is referred to as lateral gain control (LGC).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to embodiments includes image-generating circuitry, a touch panel, and control circuitry. The image-generating circuitry generates a medical image based on data collected by scanning a subject. The touch panel displays the medical image and detects a tap operation, a long-press operation, or a flick operation on the displayed medical image. The control circuitry changes a parameter that affects the display of the medical image in a region relative to a position where the tap operation, the long-press operation, or the flick operation is detected, based on at least one of the strength of the tap operation, the number of times of the tap operation, the strength of the long-press operation, the long-press time of the long-press operation, the strength of the flick operation, the direction of the flick operation, and the speed of the flick operation.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus and a medical imaging apparatus according to the embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus will be described as an example of the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiments, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiments is not limited to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and may be a medical image diagnostic apparatus, such as an x-ray diagnostic apparatus, an x-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) apparatus, a positron emission computed tomography (PET) apparatus, a SPECT-CT apparatus that is a combination of the SPECT apparatus and the x-ray CT apparatus, a PET-CT apparatus that is a combination of the PET apparatus and the x-ray CT apparatus, and a subject testing apparatus. Furthermore, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiments is not limited to a medical image diagnostic apparatus, and may be a medical imaging apparatus that performs predetermined processing (work) on a medical image or an image display apparatus that displays a medical image.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to a first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to the first embodiment includes an apparatus main body100, an ultrasound probe101, an input device102, a display103, and a touch panel104. The ultrasound probe101, the input device102, the display103, and the touch panel104are each coupled to the apparatus main body100.

The ultrasound probe101is placed on the body surface of a subject P, and performs ultrasound transmission and reception (ultrasound scanning). For example, the ultrasound probe101is a 1D array probe (search unit) that has a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements arranged one-dimensionally in a predetermined direction. The piezoelectric transducer elements generate ultrasound based on driving signals supplied by transmitting circuitry110described below, which is included in the apparatus main body100. The generated ultrasound is reflected on surfaces having mismatched acoustic impedances in the body of the subject P, and is received as reflected-wave signals including components scattered by scatterers in tissues, by the piezoelectric transducer elements. The ultrasound probe101sends the reflected-wave signals received by the piezoelectric transducer elements to receiving circuitry120.

In this embodiment, it will be described that the 1D array probe is used as the ultrasound probe101, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the ultrasound probe101may be any type of ultrasound probe, such as a 2D array probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements are arranged two-dimensionally in a grid pattern and a mechanical 4D probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements arranged one-dimensionally oscillate mechanically to scan a three-dimensional region.

Examples of the input device102include a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a trackball, and a joystick. The input device102receives various kinds of setting requests from an operator of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1, and transfers the various kinds of received setting requests to the apparatus main body100.

The display103displays a graphical user interface (GUI) used by the operator of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1to input various kinds of setting requests with the input device102, and displays ultrasound image data generated in the apparatus main body100and other data.

The touch panel104is a device that displays a medical image and detects a touch operation on the displayed medical image. For example, the touch panel104receives touch operations including operations such as a tap operation, a long-press operation, and a slide operation. In other words, the touch panel104is a device that displays a medical image and detects a tap operation or a long-press operation on the displayed medical image. Specifically, as the content of the touch operation, the touch panel104detects information, such as a position (coordinates) touched through the touch operation by an operator, a time for which the operator is in contact with the position, and the number of times of the touching, and outputs the detected information to the apparatus main body100. The touch operation may be performed using a tool including a stylus, without any direct touching by the operator.

The apparatus main body100is an apparatus that generates ultrasound image data based on reflected-wave signals received by the ultrasound probe101. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the apparatus main body100includes, for example, the transmitting circuitry110, the receiving circuitry120, signal processing circuitry130, image processing circuitry140, an image memory150, storage circuitry160, and control circuitry170. The transmitting circuitry110, the signal processing circuitry130, the image processing circuitry140, the image memory150, the storage circuitry160, and the control circuitry170are communicatively coupled to each other.

The transmitting circuitry110controls ultrasound transmission from the ultrasound probe101. For example, the transmitting circuitry110includes a trigger-generating circuit, a transmission-delaying circuit, and a pulser circuit, and supplies driving signals to the ultrasound probe101. The pulser circuit repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmitted ultrasound, at a predetermined rate frequency. Furthermore, the transmission-delaying circuit gives a delay time for each piezoelectric transducer element to the corresponding rate pulse generated by the pulser circuit. Such a delay time is required to converge ultrasound generated by the ultrasound probe101into a beam and determine transmission directionality. Furthermore, the trigger-generating circuit supplies the driving signals (driving pulses) to the ultrasound probe101at a timing based on the rate pulses. That is, the transmission-delaying circuit desirably adjusts a transmission direction from the surface of the piezoelectric transducer elements by varying the delay time given to each rate pulse.

The transmitted ultrasound is reflected by tissues in the body to be reflected-wave signals, and the receiving circuitry120controls receiving such reflected-wave signals. For example, the receiving circuitry120includes an amplifying circuit, an analog to digital (A/D) converter, an adder, and a phase-detecting circuit, and performs various types of processing on the reflected-wave signals received by the ultrasound probe101to generate reflected-wave data. The amplifying circuit amplifies the reflected-wave signals for each channel to perform gain-correction processing. The A/D converter performs A/D conversion of the gain-corrected reflected-wave signals and gives a delay time required to determine reception directivity to the resulting digital data. The adder performs addition processing of the reflected-wave signals processed by the A/D converter. The addition processing performed by the adder enhances a reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected-wave signals. The phase-detecting circuit converts an output signal from the adder into an in-phase signal (I signal) and a quadrature-phase signal (Q signal) in a baseband. The phase-detecting circuit then outputs the I signal and Q signal (IQ signal) to the subsequent signal processing circuitry130. Data before the processing of the phase-detecting circuit is also referred to as an RF signal. Hereinafter, the “IQ signal” and the “RF signal” generated based on reflected waves of ultrasound are collectively described as “reflected-wave data”.

The signal processing circuitry130performs various types of signal processing on reflected-wave data that the receiving circuitry120generates from the reflected-wave signals. For example, the signal processing circuitry130receives the reflected-wave data from the receiving circuitry120, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and other processing on the received data, and generates data (B-mode data) in which signal intensity is represented by the brightness of luminance. Furthermore, the signal processing circuitry130performs frequency analysis of velocity information from the reflected-wave data received by the receiving circuitry120, extracts an echo component from a blood stream, a tissue, and a contrast agent due to the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) in which moving-object information, including an average velocity, dispersion, and a power, is extracted at many points.

The signal processing circuitry130is capable of processing of both two-dimensional reflected-wave data and three-dimensional reflected-wave data. That is, the signal processing circuitry130generates two-dimensional B-mode data from two-dimensional reflected-wave data and generates three-dimensional B-mode data from three-dimensional reflected-wave data. Furthermore, the signal processing circuitry130generates two-dimensional Doppler data from two-dimensional reflected-wave data and generates three-dimensional Doppler data from three-dimensional reflected-wave data.

The image processing circuitry140generates ultrasound image data from data generated by the signal processing circuitry130and performs various types of image processing on the generated ultrasound image data. That is, the image processing circuitry140generates B-mode image data from B-mode data. Such B-mode image data represents the intensity of reflected waves as luminance. Furthermore, the image processing circuitry140generates Doppler image data from Doppler data. Such Doppler image data is an average velocity image, a dispersion image, a power image, or a combination image thereof that represents moving-object information. Furthermore, the image processing circuitry140can generate a combined image that is a combination of an ultrasound image with, for example, text information of various parameters, scales, and body marks. The image processing circuitry140is an example of an image-generating unit that generates a medical image based on data collected by scanning a subject.

The image processing circuitry140converts (scan-converts) a scanning line signal column of ultrasound scanning into a scanning line signal column of the video format represented by a television system, to thereby generate ultrasound image data serving as a display image. Furthermore, the image processing circuitry140performs various kinds of image processing in addition to scan-conversion, such as image processing (smoothing processing) for regenerating a luminance average value image by using a plurality of image frames after scan-conversion, and image processing (edge enhancement processing) using a differential filter within an image.

In other words, the B-mode data and the Doppler data are ultrasound image data before scan-conversion processing, and the data generated by the image processing circuitry140is display ultrasound image data after scan-conversion processing.

Furthermore, the image processing circuitry140performs rendering of volume data, to generate various types of two-dimensional image data for displaying the volume data on the display103and the touch panel104. An example of the rendering performed by the image processing circuitry140is processing that generates multi planar reconstruction (MPR) image data from volume data using an MPR method. Another example of the rendering performed by the image processing circuitry140is processing that performs “Curved MPR” on volume data and processing that performs “Intensity Projection” on volume data. Still another example of the rendering performed by the image processing circuitry140is volume rendering (VR) that generates two-dimensional image data reflecting three-dimensional information.

The image memory150is a memory configured to store therein image data generated by the image processing circuitry140. Furthermore, the image memory150is capable of storing therein data generated by the signal processing circuitry130. The data stored in the image memory150can be invoked by the operator after diagnosis, for example, and serve as display ultrasound image data via the image processing circuitry140.

The storage circuitry160stores therein control programs for executing ultrasound transmission and reception, image processing, and display processing; diagnosis information (for example, patient IDs and doctor's findings); and various kinds of data such as diagnosis protocols and various kinds of body marks. If necessary, the storage circuitry160is also used to store therein image data stored in the image memory150. Furthermore, the data stored in the storage circuitry160can be transferred to an external device via an interface unit (not illustrated).

The control circuitry170controls the overall processing of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1. Specifically, the control circuitry170controls processing of the transmitting circuitry110, the receiving circuitry120, the signal processing circuitry130, the image processing circuitry140, and other circuits, based on various types of setting requests input by the operator via the input device102and the touch panel104, and various types of control programs and data read from the storage circuitry160. Furthermore, the control circuitry170displays ultrasound image data stored in the image memory150on the display103.

The image processing circuitry140and the control circuitry170according to the first embodiment perform processing functions described in this embodiment. The processing functions performed by the image processing circuitry140and the control circuitry170are stored in the storage circuitry160, for example, in the form of computer programs executable by computers. The image processing circuitry140and the control circuitry170are processors that read each computer program from the storage circuitry160and execute it to implement the function corresponding to each computer program. In other words, after reading each computer program, the image processing circuitry140and the control circuitry170have the respective processing functions. The processing functions of the image processing circuitry140and the control circuitry170will be discussed below.

Such functions of the image processing circuitry140and the control circuitry170may be implemented by using a configuration in which several independent processors are combined into a processing circuit and each processor executes the corresponding computer program.

The term “processor” used in the above description means, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor implements its functions by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage circuit. Note that a computer program may be directly incorporated in a circuit of the processor instead of storing a computer program in the storage circuitry160. In this case, the processor implements its functions by reading and executing the programs incorporated in the circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to configure a single processor so as to implement their functions. In addition, the components inFIG. 1may be integrated into a single processor so as to implement their functions.

Time gain control (TGC) and lateral gain control (LGC) will be described. The TGC adjusts a gain in a depth direction and the LGC adjusts a gain in an azimuthal direction.

FIGS. 2 and 3are diagrams illustrating the TGC and the LGC.FIG. 2illustrates a location where the TGC and the LGC are installed, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1. Furthermore,FIG. 3illustrates gain control using the TGC and the LGC. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the TGC and the LGC are placed on an operating panel10of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the TGC and the LGC each have several knobs, and the brightness of an ultrasound image is partially changed by moving such knobs individually. For example, the TGC has eight knobs in a vertical direction. Each of the eight knobs corresponds to each region obtained by dividing an ultrasound image into eight equal parts in the depth direction. The LGC has six knobs in a lateral direction. Each of the six knobs corresponds to each region obtained by dividing an ultrasound image into six equal parts in the azimuthal direction.

InFIG. 3, it will be described that the range of a region11of the ultrasound image is brightened. In this case, the operator performs moving a fourth knob12from the top of the TGC right, moving a second knob15from the left of the LGC upward, or a combination thereof. Such operations brighten the region11, whereas the operations also affect a region other than the region11. Specifically, moving the knob12right also brightens regions13and14in the same depth as the region11. Furthermore, moving the knob15upward also brightens regions16and17in the same azimuth as the region11.

In this way, for operations of the TGC and the LGC, when the operator adjusts the brightness of a desired region, regions other than the desired region are also affected. Thus, for example, the change of the brightness in regions having originally appropriate brightness may affect a diagnosis. That is, operations of the TGC and the LGC may be unusable to change the brightness of the desired region. The above description is made for the brightness of an image, but is not limited to this. This description is widely common in changing parameters that affect the display of images, such as image processing filters, frequencies, and dynamic ranges.

To easily change the image quality of a desired region, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to the embodiment includes the disclosed configuration.

The touch panel104displays a medical image, and detects a touch operation on the displayed medical image. For example, the touch panel104is installed on an operation panel10of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1, and displays an ultrasound image generated by the image processing circuitry140. The touch panel104then receives indication of a position (coordinates) where the operator performs a touch operation (a touch on the image), in the displayed ultrasound image. The touch panel104need not be installed on the operation panel. For example, the touch panel104may be installed as a sub display adjacent to the display103, or may be installed as a main display in combination with the display103. The touch panel104may be also installed with a separate enclosure, as an external device for the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating processing of the touch panel104according to the first embodiment.FIG. 4illustrates the touch panel104that displays an ultrasound image. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the touch panel104detects a touch operation from the operator. Specifically, when the operator taps a single point on the touch panel104, the touch panel104detects the coordinates (X, Y) of the tapped position. The touch panel104then outputs the detected coordinates (X, Y) to the control circuitry170.

FIG. 4is only by way of example, and the touch panel104, for example, may receive any touch operation other than tapping. For example, the touch panel104receives operations, such as long-pressing and sliding, as touch operations other than tapping. When receiving long-pressing, the touch panel104outputs a position (coordinates) indicated by the operator as well as a time for long pressing the position. When receiving sliding, the touch panel104outputs the coordinates of a plurality of positions traced by the sliding. For example, when receiving tapping multiple times, the touch panel104can also output the number of times of the tapping.

The control circuitry170changes a parameter that affects the display of a medical image in a region relative to a position where a tap operation or a long-press operation is detected. For example, the control circuitry170changes a parameter that affects the display of a medical image in a region relative to a position where a tap operation or a long-press operation is detected, based on the number of times of the tap operation or a long-press time of the long-press operation.

For example, the control circuitry170changes a parameter in a region including a position where a touch operation is detected. Specifically, the control circuitry170changes a parameter in a square region, a cubic region, a circle region, or a sphere region including a position where a tap operation or a long-press operation is detected.

FIGS. 5A to 5Dare diagrams illustrating processing of the control circuitry170according to the first embodiment.FIG. 5Aillustrates a plurality of scan lines in raw data (before scan conversion). Furthermore,FIGS. 5B and 5Cillustrate the variation of a gain as a function of a distance from a reference (reference point). InFIGS. 5B and 5C, horizontal axes indicate a position (the azimuthal direction and the depth direction, respectively), and longitudinal axes indicate the variation.FIG. 5Dillustrates a plurality of scan lines in an ultrasound image (after scan conversion). InFIGS. 5A to 5D, it will be described that the touch panel104is tapped at the position of the coordinates (X, Y) one time.

As illustrated inFIG. 5A, upon receiving the coordinates (X, Y) output by the touch panel104, the control circuitry170calculates coordinates (Xr, Yr) on the raw data corresponding to the coordinates (X, Y). The control circuitry170then determines a rectangular region20having the calculated coordinates (Xr, Yr) at its center (reference point) to be a region in which a parameter is to be changed. In this example, the control circuitry170determines the rectangular region20having the coordinates (Xr, Yr) at its center and included in x in each of the left and the light directions and included in y in each of the up and down directions to be a region in which a parameter is to be changed. The size of the rectangular region20is set in advance by the operator and is registered in the storage circuitry160, for example.

As illustrated inFIG. 5BandFIG. 5C, the control circuitry170determines the variation of the parameter depending on the distance from the reference (reference point). For example, the control circuitry170determines a smaller variation for the gain as the distance from the reference point (Xr) increases in the azimuthal direction. The control circuitry170determines a smaller variation for the gain as the distance from the reference point (Yr) increases also in the depth direction. The variation of the gain is set in advance by the operator and is registered in the storage circuitry160, for example.

The control circuitry170changes the gain corresponding to each sample point included in the determined rectangular region20in accordance with the determined variation. For example, the control circuitry170changes the gain of gain-correction processing performed by the receiving circuitry120for each sample point in accordance with the determined variation. Specifically, the control circuitry170changes the gain of each sample point registered in the receiving circuitry120in accordance with the determined variation.

Subsequently, gain is changed in the rectangular region20having the coordinates (X, Y) at its center in a generated ultrasound image. The shape of the rectangular region20in the ultrasound image is warped due to scan conversion (refer toFIG. 5D). With this shape, parameters of sample points with the same depth direction are to be changed; therefore, this is suitable for the characteristics of ultrasound image diagnoses, in which reflection signals are likely to attenuate in the depth direction.

In this manner, the control circuitry170changes a parameter in a region based on the position of the touch operation. Note thatFIG. 5AtoFIG. 5Dare only illustrative. For example, the shape of the region in which a parameter is to be changed is not limited to rectangular (for example, a square region), and can be set as appropriate to circular (for example, a circle region) or elliptic, for example. The shape of the region in which a parameter is to be changed is set on the raw data before scan conversion in this example; however, this is not limiting and the shape can be set on an ultrasound image after scan conversion, for example. Because reflection signals are likely to attenuate in the depth direction in ultrasound image diagnoses, this shape is preferably set in accordance with the shape of a contact point between the ultrasound probe101and the subject, for example. The variation of a parameter depending on the distance from the reference is not limited to following a curved line (S-letter variation) as illustrated inFIG. 5BandFIG. 5C, but may be linear or constant irrespective of the distance.

Furthermore, a description is given of the case where the parameters related to raw data are changed in the example described above, but embodiments are not limited to this. For example, parameters related to IQ signals (IQ data) may be changed. In this case, for example, parameters such as reception frequency are adjustable. This makes it possible to locally set image quality for high frequencies, and this is suitable for a case where a tumor site in an image needs to be observed in higher image quality, for example. Parameters of an ultrasound image after scan conversion may also be changed.

Furthermore, a description is given of the case where the touch panel104receives a single tap in the example described above, but embodiments are not limited to this. For example, upon receiving multiple taps, the control circuitry170may change parameters depending on the number of taps having been made. Upon receiving long press, the control circuitry170may change parameters depending on the time for which the long press has been made. With this configuration, for example, as the time during which the operator is making a long tap is extended, the luminance of the image in the region with the contact point serving as the reference point increases. In this case, the ratio of an increase in the gain to the contact time may be set by the user. Alternatively, the luminance of the image may be set to decrease as the contact time is extended.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a process of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to the first embodiment. The processing illustrated inFIG. 6starts with reception of an instruction to start B mode photographing from the operator while the ultrasound probe101is brought in contact with the body surface of the subject P, for example.

At Step S101, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1determines whether to start B mode photographing. For example, the control circuitry170starts B mode photographing upon receiving an instruction to start B mode photographing from the operator. Note that when the determination at Step S101is negative, the control circuitry170remains in a standby state without starting photographing.

When the determination at Step S101is positive, at Step S102, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1generates a B-mode image and displays the image on the touch panel104.

At Step S103, the touch panel104determines whether it has detected a touch operation. For example, upon detecting a touch operation, the touch panel104outputs coordinates specified by the detected touch operation to the control circuitry170. When the determination at Step S103is negative, the process of the control circuitry170proceeds to the processing at Step S105.

When the determination at Step S103is positive, at Step S104, the control circuitry170changes a parameter in a region based on the position of the touch operation. For example, the control circuitry170determines the rectangular region20centering on the tapped position as a region where a parameter is changed. The control circuitry170then determines the variation of the parameter depending on the distance from the reference (reference point). The control circuitry170changes the gain corresponding to each sample point included in the determined rectangular region20depending on the determined variation.

At Step S105, the control circuitry170determines whether an instruction to end the B mode photographing has been received from the operator. In this example, when the determination at Step S105is negative, the process of the control circuitry170proceeds to the processing at Step S102. In other words, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1performs ultrasound scanning on the next frame, and generates and displays a B-mode image of the next frame.

For example, when the determination at Step S105is positive, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1ends the processing of B mode photographing. Note thatFIG. 6is only illustrative. For example, the processing described above is not necessarily performed in the above-described order. For example, Steps S101to S105described above may be performed in another order as long as the specified processing can be satisfactorily performed.

As described above, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to the first embodiment, the touch panel104displays a medical image, and detects a touch operation on the displayed medical image. The control circuitry170changes a parameter that affects the display of the medical image in a region relative to a position where the touch operation is detected. With this configuration, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1can easily change the image quality of a desired region.

Modifications of First Embodiment

A description is given of the case where the parameter is changed depending on a value set in advance, in other words, the parameter is increased or decrease in the first embodiment, but embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1may change the parameter through a touch operation after allowing the operator to select whether to increase or decrease the parameter.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating processing of the touch panel104and the control circuitry170according to a modification of the first embodiment. The touch panel104illustrated inFIG. 7displays a GUI30for allowing selection to increase or decrease parameters on an ultrasound image. The GUI30illustrated inFIG. 7currently displays “Down”. This display “Down” indicates a decrease in a certain parameter when the touch panel104receives a touch operation in this state.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the touch panel104displays the GUI30. In this example, the display “Down” is switched to “Up” in response to a tap on the GUI30made by the operator. The display “Up” indicates an increase in a certain parameter when the touch panel104receives a touch operation in this state.

Specifically, the touch panel104displays a graphic for allowing a determination on whether to increase or decrease the parameter, and detects a touch operation on the displayed graphic. The control circuitry170then changes setting on whether to increase or decrease the parameter based on the touch operation on the medical image, depending on the touch operation detected on the graphic. With this configuration, the operator can change the parameter through the touch operation after selecting whether to increase or decrease the parameter.

The GUI displayed on the touch panel104is not limited to the GUI30described above. For example, the touch panel104may display an “Undo” button for undoing the last operation. This is useful when the operator needs to cancel the last action that increases the gain excessively, for example.

Furthermore, the touch panel104may display a “Reset” button for restoring the change history of parameters to its initial state. This is useful for changing a field of view (operational range), for example. For example, in a case where a tomographic image of a liver is observed with a part of the gain of the ultrasound image enhanced and a kidney is observed thereafter, the change history of the parameter that was changed before the observation of the liver would be unnecessary. In this case, pressing the “Reset” button one time restores the change in the parameter set for the observation of the liver to the initial setting, so that a tomographic image of the kidney can be rendered in the initial setting.

Second Embodiment

While the first embodiment describes a case of changing a parameter in a region including the position where a touch operation is detected, embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1may change a parameter in a region defined by a plurality of positions specified by a touch operation.

The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to a second embodiment includes almost the same configuration as that of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1illustrated inFIG. 1, and differs therefrom in part of the processing performed by the control unit170. The second embodiment will mainly describe differences from the first embodiment and omit descriptions on the components that have the same functions as those described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating processing of the control circuitry170according to the second embodiment. The arrow inFIG. 8indicates the trajectory of a touch operation made by the operator on the touch panel104.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, while the operator is performing a touch operation tracing a circle on the touch panel104, the touch panel104sequentially detects coordinates of a plurality of positions on the traced trajectory. The touch panel104outputs the detected coordinates to the control circuitry170.

When the touch panel104detects a touch operation specifying a plurality of positions, the control circuitry170changes a parameter in a region defined by the detected positions. Specifically, the control circuitry170changes a parameter in the region defined by the arrow inFIG. 8. This configuration allows the operator to change parameters in a region of a desired shape.

Third Embodiment

While the embodiments described above describe a case of changing a parameter in two-dimensional ultrasound image data, embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1may change a parameter in three-dimensional ultrasound image data.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare diagrams illustrating processing of a touch panel104and a control circuitry170according to a third embodiment. InFIG. 9AandFIG. 9B, the images on the lower right are images obtained through VR processing of volume data in which a state of a fetus is rendered. The images on the upper right, the upper left, and the lower left are tomographic images of the volume data in the x, the y, and the z directions, respectively.

As illustrated inFIG. 9A, for example, the touch panel104detects coordinates (X, Y, Z) in the volume data through a tap on the tomographic images. The touch panel104then outputs the detected coordinates (X, Y, Z) to the control circuitry170.

The control circuitry170then changes a certain parameter in a region relative to the coordinates (X, Y, Z) output by the touch panel104. With this operation, as illustrated inFIG. 9B, images with parameters changed in regions40,41, and42are displayed. When a region with a parameter changed is not included in a tomographic image, as illustrated in the upper right image inFIG. 9B, an image not including a region with a parameter changed is displayed. In this manner, changing parameters through a touch operation is also applicable to three-dimensional ultrasound image data.

Changing parameters through a touch operation is also applicable to a VR image (the lower right image inFIG. 9A) by setting a certain algorithm in advance. For example, when a tap is made to specify a point (position) on the surface of a solid body, the position can be set even on a VR image. In this manner, changing parameters through a touch operation is also applicable to a VR image, using the processing described above. This example, describing a case of changing a parameter in a sphere region, is not limiting, and parameters can be changed in a cubic region, for example

Other Embodiments

In addition to the above-mentioned embodiments, various different embodiments may be implemented.

Combination of Touch Operations

For example, while the embodiments described above describes a case of individually performing various types of touch operations, such as a tap operation, a long-press operation, and a slide operation, these operations may be performed in combination as appropriate. For example, the operator can increase the gain with the length of time of a long-press operation and then performs tap operations for fine adjustment of the gain, thereby achieving a change in the gain depending on the number of times of tap operations. Parameters to be changed may vary for each touch operation. For example, the operator can change the gain with the length of time of a long-press operation, and change the dynamic range depending on the number of times of tap operations.

In a Case where No Medical Image is Displayed on Touch Panel

For example, the embodiments are applicable to touch panels with no medical image displayed thereon.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1according to another embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 10, touch panel50is disposed in an enclosure that is separate from the display103of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1, includes a region with a positional relation associated with the medical image displayed by the display103, and detects a touch operation on the region made by the operator. For example, while the touch panel50displays no medical image, its position on the display is associated with the position of the medical image on the display103. The touch panel50then detects a touch operation made by the operator. Through this operation, the touch panel50can detect a touch operation on the medical image.

The control circuitry170changes a parameter that affects the display of the medical image in a region relative to a position in the medical image corresponding to the position where the touch operation is detected. For example, the control circuitry170changes a parameter based on the position on the display103corresponding to the position where the touch operation is detected on the touch panel50.

Other Position Input Units

The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1may use other position input units in changing parameters. Specifically, in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1, the input device102receives a non-contact operation for specifying a position in a medical image. The control circuitry170then changes a parameter that affects the display of a medical image at least in a position specified by the non-contact operation.

FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating a position input unit according to another embodiment. With reference toFIG. 11, input of a position made by the operator wearing a head mounted display (HMD) serving as the input device102is described. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the operator wearing the HMD can specify a position (coordinates) on a medical image by gazing at the position. After the position is detected, the control circuitry170can change a parameter in a region based on the position like in the above-described embodiments.

In addition, an input unit that uses virtual contact with a medical image projected in space is applicable as the input device102. This is a unit for rendering an image on a position at which no visible things exist through imaging in space by employing a technology called space display or space projection, for example. By specifying a position on the image through a plurality of infrared sensors, for example, the input of the position can be achieved. For example, the operator can specify a position with his or her finger on a medical image projected in space. Positions that are specified individually are detected by a plurality of infrared sensors. The positions detected by the infrared sensors are converted into coordinates based on the positional relation with the image projected in space, whereby the positions can be detected as being specified in the medical image.

In addition, an audio input unit is applicable as the input device102. In this case, audibly detectable keywords are associated in advance with positions (regions) on a medical image. For example, the medical image is divided into four sub-regions associated with keywords “upper right”, “lower right”, “upper left”, and “lower left”. With this configuration, for example, in response to an utterance “upper right” made by the operator, the audio input unit detects the keyword and converts the input into the corresponding region in the medical image. In this case, a parameter in the upper right region in the medical image will be changed.

Other Photographing Modes

A description is given of the case where the parameters are set in the B mode photographing in the embodiments described above, but embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the embodiments are also applicable to B mode, M mode, Doppler mode, color Doppler mode, power mode, tissue Doppler mode, and elastography mode, for example.

In this case, the control circuitry170changes the parameter that is any of gain, dynamic range, noise reduction filter level, and reception frequency when the medical image is generated in the B mode; changes the parameter that is any of M gain, M dynamic range, noise reduction filter level, edge enhancement level, and reception frequency when the medical image is generated in the M mode; changes the parameter that is any of Doppler gain, Doppler dynamic range, noise reduction filter level, and reception frequency when the medical image is generated in the Doppler mode; changes the parameter that is any of color gain, motion artifact reduction filter level, low-cut filter level, and reception frequency when the medical image is generated in the color Doppler mode; changes the parameter that is any of color gain, power dynamic range, low-cut filter level, and reception frequency when the medical image is generated in the power mode; changes the parameter that is any of color gain, motion artifact reduction filter level, and reception frequency when the medical image is generated in the tissue Doppler mode; and changes the parameter that is any of persistence level, reception frequency, and a mixed ratio of an elastography image to a mix-target image when the medical image is generated in the elastography mode. In the elastography mode, a semitransparent color image (stiffness image) is superimposed on a two-dimensional image. When a user touches an area around which he or she is going to observe, the transparency of the superimposed image is enhanced in the area around the touch position while the user keeps touching the area. This configuration can enhance the visibility of the two-dimensional image underlying the color image.

Flick Operation

A description is given of the case where a tap operation, a long-press operation, or the like is performed as an example of the touch operation in the embodiments described above, but embodiments are not limited to this. For example, a flick operation may be performed as the touch operation. The flick operation means, for example, an operation made by the operator quickly sliding his or her fingers on the display of the touch panel104. In this case, the touch panel104can acquire information such as a position where the flick operation is detected (preferably a position that a finger touches first), the direction of the flick operation, and the speed of the flick operation. For example, the flick operation may be defined as an operation performed at or quicker than a predetermined speed and distinguished from operations performed at a speed below the predetermined speed (slide operation). Alternatively, the flick operation and the slide operation may be defined as the same operation.

In other words, the touch panel104displays a medical image, and detects a flick operation on the displayed medical image. The control unit170changes a parameter that affects the display of the medical image in a region relative to a position where the flick operation is detected, based on at least one of the direction of the flick operation and the speed of the flick operation.

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating processing of a touch panel according to another embodiment.FIG. 4illustrates the touch panel104on which an ultrasound image is displayed. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the touch panel104detects flick operations in the upward direction, the downward direction, the rightward direction, the leftward direction at the coordinates (X, Y) on the ultrasound image. InFIG. 12, the control unit170changes a parameter in a certain region having the coordinates (X, Y) at its center.

The control unit170determines the variation of the parameter to be changed depending on the speed of a flick operation detected by the touch panel104. As an example, the control unit170determines a larger change (increase or decrease) in the parameter in response to a quicker flick operation.

In this manner, the control unit170changes the parameter depending on the direction and the speed of a flick operation detected by the touch panel104.

Note thatFIG. 12is only illustrative. For example, the types of parameters and whether to increase or decrease the parameters determined depending on the directions of flick operations are not limited to the examples described above. Specifically, the types of parameters to be changed may be any desired parameters described above, such as edge enhancement level and reception frequency. In addition, a parameter may be decreased through a flick operation in the upward direction. When the touch panel104detects a flick operation in a diagonal direction, the type of parameter corresponding to this direction may be changed.

Detection of Strong Press

When the touch panel104is capable of detecting the strength of a touch operation, the control unit170may change a parameter based on the strength of the touch operation.

For example, a touch panel104including both a capacitance detection mechanism and a pressure-sensitive detection mechanism can detect the strength of a touch operation. In this case, the touch panel104includes the capacitance detection mechanism on the outer side on which the operator can touch and includes the pressure-sensitive detection mechanism on the inner side of the capacitance detection mechanism. In this example, the capacitance detection mechanism can detect information such as a position (coordinates) at which the operator touches through a touch operation, the length of time during which the operator has touched the position, and the number of times of touching. By contrast, the pressure-sensitive detection mechanism can detect a touch operation of a predetermined strength or larger (also referred to as “strong press” or “deep press”). The pressure-sensitive detection mechanism includes, for example, a glass plate that curves under a pressure of a predetermined strength or larger, and can detect the curving of the glass plate, thereby detecting whether a touch operation is strong press.

In this case, the control unit170determines the type of the parameter to be changed and whether to increase or decrease the parameter every time a tap operation, a long-press operation, or a flick operation of a predetermined strength or larger is detected.

For example, patterns for the type of the parameter and whether to increase or decrease the parameter are set in advance, and the control unit170switches one pattern to another every time strong press is detected.

As an example, a first pattern “to increase the gain”, a second pattern “to decrease the gain”, a third pattern “to increase the dynamic range”, and a fourth pattern “to decrease the dynamic range” are set in advance. The control unit170sequentially switches one pattern to another between the first pattern to the fourth pattern depending on the number of times of strong press.

Specifically, when receiving no strong press (tap operation), the control unit170presets the first pattern. In this case, when the touch panel104detects tap operations, the control unit170increases the gain depending on the position and the number of times of tap operations.

When the touch panel104detects strong press one time, the control unit170switches the first pattern to the second pattern. When the touch panel104detects tap operations in the state in which the second pattern has been set, the control unit170decreases the gain depending on the position and the number of times of tap operations.

When the touch panel104detects strong press one time thereafter (in other words, strong press has been detected a total of two times from the preset state), the control unit170switches the second pattern to the third pattern. When the touch panel104detects tap operations in the state in which the third pattern has been set, the control unit170increases the dynamic range depending on the position and the number of times of tap operations.

Furthermore, when the touch panel104detects strong press one time thereafter (in other words, strong press has been detected a total of three times from the preset state), the control unit170switches the third pattern to the fourth pattern. When the touch panel104detects tap operations in the state in which the fourth pattern has been set, the control unit170decreases the dynamic range depending on the position and the number of times of tap operations.

In this manner, the control unit170determines the type of the parameter to be changed and whether to increase or decrease the parameter every time strong press is detected. While a description is given of the case where strong press of a tap operation in the example described above, strong press of a long-press operation or strong press of a flick operation can also be detected to adjust the parameter depending on the detected operation. Specifically, the control unit170determines the type of the parameter to be changed and whether to increase or decrease the parameter every time a tap operation, a long-press operation, or a flick operation of a predetermined strength or larger is detected.

Combinations

The embodiments described above may be implemented in combination as appropriate. Specifically, the touch panel104displays a medical image and detects a tap operation, a long-press operation, or a flick operation on the displayed medical image. The control unit170changes a parameter that affects the display of the medical image in a region relative to a position where the tap operation, the long-press operation, or the flick operation is detected, based on at least one of the strength of the tap operation, the number of times of the tap operation, the strength of the long-press operation, the long-press time of the long-press operation, the strength of the flick operation, the direction of the flick operation, and the speed of the flick operation.

Medical Imaging Apparatus

The processing described in the embodiments described above may be executed in a medical imaging apparatus. The medical imaging apparatus described below may be configured as an image display apparatus.

FIG. 13is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a medical imaging apparatus according to another embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 13, a medical imaging apparatus200includes an input device201, a display202, storage circuitry210, and processing circuitry220.

Examples of the input device201include a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a trackball, and a joystick. The input device201receives various kinds of setting requests from an operator of the medical imaging apparatus200, and transfers the various kinds of received setting requests to the processing units.

The display202displays a GUI used by the operator of the medical imaging apparatus200to input various kinds of setting requests with the input device201, and displays information generated by the medical imaging apparatus200and other data.

The storage circuitry210is a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory and other semiconductor memory devices, a hard disk, and an optical disc.

The processing circuitry220is an integrated circuit such as an ASIC and an FPGA or an electronic circuit such as a CPU or a micro processing circuit (MPU), and controls the entire processing of the medical imaging apparatus200.

Specifically, the input device201functioning as a touch panel displays a medical image generated based on scanning on a subject and detects a touch operation on the displayed medical image. The processing circuitry220functioning as a control unit changes a parameter that affects the display of the medical image in a region relative to a position where the touch operation is detected.

Furthermore, each component of each device is conceptually illustrated based on its function, and is not necessarily required to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, a specific mode for dispersion and integration of the devices is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically dispersed and integrated in arbitrary units depending on various kinds of loads, usage conditions, and other parameter. In addition, all or any part of each processing function executed by each device may be implemented by a CPU and a computer program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or implemented as hardware by wired logic.

Furthermore, among the processing contents described in the above-mentioned embodiments, all or part of the processing that is described as being automatically executed can also be manually executed, or all or part of the processing that is described as being manually executed can also be automatically executed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, the control procedures, the specific names, and the information including various kinds of data and parameter described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

Furthermore, the medical imaging method described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented by a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation executing a medical imaging program prepared in advance. The medical imaging method can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the medical imaging method can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and executed by a computer reading the method from the recording medium.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the image quality of a desired region can be easily changed.