JP2014097127A - Medical image measurement method and medical image diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

A medical device capable of accurately and quickly adjusting the position or area of a measurement target while checking a diagnostic image, and capable of reliably measuring the distance, area, and perimeter of the measurement target in a short time. To provide an image measurement method.
Based on a touch operation of a display device, a start point and an end point measurement point for measuring an inner diameter of a carotid artery on a tomographic image are designated, and a cursor indicating the measurement point is placed on the tomographic image. To display. A fine adjustment guide 41 is displayed around the cursor 37 on the tomographic image 31, and the measurement point is finely adjusted by moving the cursor 37 on the tomographic image 31 based on a touch operation around the cursor 37. The inner diameter of the carotid artery 32 is measured according to the position of the measurement point indicated by the cursor 37.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image measurement method and a medical image diagnostic apparatus for displaying a diagnostic image for performing a medical image diagnosis on a display with a touch panel and measuring a distance, an area, and the like.

  Conventionally, as an apparatus for displaying a medical image on a display and performing a medical image diagnosis, for example, an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus has been put into practical use. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays ultrasonic images (for example, B-mode tomographic images) by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves through the body surface of a living body, and can see the state of an affected area in real time.

  Here, for example, when measuring the inner diameter of the carotid artery for diagnosing arteriosclerosis, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus scans an ultrasonic wave using an ultrasonic probe to obtain a tomographic image including a cross section of the carotid artery. Display on the display. Then, a cursor indicating the measurement point is displayed on the tomographic image, and the measurement point of the carotid artery is determined by operating the trackball or mouse on the keyboard to measure the inner diameter.

  In recent years, along with the spread of devices operated with a touch panel such as a smartphone, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with a display with a touch panel has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is possible to directly specify a measurement point on an ultrasonic image displayed on a display with a touch panel. Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of Patent Document 2, a touch pad area for dragging a measurement point is provided in an area different from the display area of the ultrasonic image. With this configuration, contamination such as fingerprints and scratches associated with the touch operation is avoided in the display area of the ultrasonic image.

Japanese Patent No. 3752446 JP 2010-142563 A

  By the way, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is necessary to move the cursor position to a predetermined measurement point by operating the trackball or mouse on the keyboard, so that the operation is difficult, and the accurate measurement point is determined. It takes time to decide.

  On the other hand, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the measurement point can be directly touched and specified, the measurement point can be determined quickly and intuitively. However, since the image is hidden when the measurement point is directly touched, it is difficult to specify a fine position. In this case, it is easier to touch with a finger without using a touch pen, but in addition to the fact that the part hidden by the finger becomes larger, it is ambiguous which part of the pressed finger reacts. Accurate measurement becomes more difficult.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of Patent Document 2, since measurement points can be determined by dragging in an area different from the display area of the ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic image is not hidden by the finger and the measurement point can be designated. Is possible. However, since it is necessary to drag the touchpad area at a position different from the ultrasound image, it is difficult to operate as in the case of operating the trackball or mouse, and it takes time to determine an accurate measurement point. It will take.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to accurately and quickly set the position or region of the measurement target while confirming the diagnostic image. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical image measurement method and a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of reliably measuring the perimeter in a short time.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a measurement method for displaying a diagnostic image for performing medical image diagnosis on a display with a touch panel and measuring a distance of a measurement target on the diagnostic image. And, based on the touch operation of the display, the measurement point of the start point and the end point for measuring the distance of the measurement object on the diagnostic image is designated, and the distance measurement mark indicating the measurement point is A designation step for displaying on the diagnostic image; a fine adjustment guide is displayed around the distance measuring mark on the diagnostic image; and the diagnostic image is displayed on the diagnostic image based on a touch operation around the distance measuring mark. An adjustment step for finely adjusting the measurement point by moving the distance measurement mark and a position indicated by the distance measurement mark The medical image measuring method, which comprises a measuring step of measuring the distance of the measurement object and the gist thereof.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, the fine adjustment guide is displayed around the display position of the distance measurement mark on the diagnostic image. Then, while avoiding the display position of the distance measurement mark, by touching a fine adjustment guide displayed around the distance measurement mark, the distance measurement mark is moved and fine adjustment of the measurement point is performed. In this way, the position of the measurement point can be adjusted quickly and intuitively while confirming the diagnostic image, and the measurement target distance can be reliably measured in a short time.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a measurement method for displaying a diagnostic image for performing medical image diagnosis on a display with a touch panel and measuring the area or perimeter of the closed region of the measurement target on the diagnostic image. A designating step of designating an area to be measured on the diagnostic image based on a touch operation of the display and displaying an area measuring mark surrounding the designated area on the diagnostic image; Based on the touch operation on the display, a fine adjustment guide is displayed around the area adjustment point designated in the area measurement mark on the diagnostic image, and based on the touch operation around the area adjustment point. An adjustment step for performing fine adjustment of the area surrounded by the area measurement mark, and an area indicated by the area measurement mark Flip medical image measuring method, which comprises a measuring step of measuring the area or perimeter of the object to be measured is referred to as its gist.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the display is touched, the fine adjustment guide is displayed around the area adjustment point designated in the area measurement mark on the diagnostic image. Then, while avoiding the area adjustment point in the area measurement mark, touching the fine adjustment guide displayed around it, the area measurement mark is moved and the shape of the area surrounded by the area measurement mark is measured Fine adjustment is performed to match the shape of the closed region. In this way, it is possible to quickly and intuitively adjust the area of the area measurement mark while checking the diagnostic image, and to reliably measure the area or circumference of the measurement target in a short time. .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the fine adjustment guide has a definite area at a position corresponding to the distance measurement mark or the region measurement mark, and the right and left, upper and lower sides around the area. , A position setting frame having position change areas partitioned in eight directions diagonally upward and diagonally downward, and in the adjustment step, the distance on the diagnostic image according to the direction of the position change area touched The gist is to determine the position of the distance measurement mark or the area of the area measurement mark by touching the confirmation area after changing the position of the measurement mark or the area of the area measurement mark.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the adjustment step, a fine adjustment guide having a position change area partitioned in eight directions, left, right, up, down, diagonally upward, and diagonally downward, around the distance measurement mark or the area measurement mark. Is displayed. After the distance measurement mark or area measurement mark is changed, the position of the distance measurement mark or the area measurement mark area on the diagnostic image is changed according to the direction of the position change area touched. Then, the position of the distance measurement mark or the area measurement mark area is confirmed by touching the confirmation area. In this way, fine adjustment of the position of the distance measurement mark or the area of the area measurement mark can be performed accurately while checking the measurement mark, and the distance and area of the measurement target can be reliably measured in a short time. can do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the adjustment step is started when the distance measurement mark or the vicinity of the region measurement mark is touched after the designation step. The gist is to be done.

  According to the invention of claim 4, in the designation step, when the position of the distance measurement mark or the area of the area measurement mark is shifted, the vicinity of the distance measurement mark or the area measurement mark is touched, The adjustment step is started. Then, the position of the distance measurement mark and the area of the area measurement mark are changed based on the displayed fine adjustment guide. In addition, if the position of the distance measurement mark and the area measurement mark area can be set accurately in the specifying step, the adjustment step is omitted without touching the vicinity of the distance measurement mark or area measurement mark. By doing so, it is possible to quickly shift to the measurement step.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a medical image diagnostic apparatus for displaying a diagnostic image for performing medical image diagnosis on a display with a touch panel and measuring a distance of a measurement target on the diagnostic image, wherein the display Based on the touch operation, a start point and an end point measurement point for measuring the distance of the measurement target on the diagnostic image are specified, and a distance measurement mark indicating the measurement point is displayed on the diagnostic image And a fine adjustment guide displayed around the distance measurement mark on the diagnostic image, and the distance measurement mark on the diagnostic image based on a touch operation around the distance measurement mark. Adjusting means for performing fine adjustment of the measurement point by moving the distance, and measuring the distance of the measurement object according to the position indicated by the distance measurement mark The medical image diagnosis apparatus characterized by comprising a measuring means that as its gist.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the designation means designates the measurement point of the start point and the end point for measuring the distance of the measurement object on the diagnostic image based on the touch operation of the display, and the measurement point is The distance measurement mark shown is displayed on the diagnostic image. Thereafter, the adjustment means displays a fine adjustment guide around the display position of the distance measurement mark on the diagnostic image. Then, while avoiding the display position of the distance measurement mark, by touching a fine adjustment guide displayed around the distance measurement mark, the distance measurement mark is moved and fine adjustment of the measurement point is performed. Thereafter, the distance of the measurement object is measured by the measuring unit according to the position indicated by the distance measurement mark. When the medical image diagnostic apparatus is configured in this way, the position of the measurement point can be adjusted quickly and intuitively while confirming the diagnostic image, and the distance of the measurement target can be reliably measured in a short time. it can.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a medical image diagnosis in which a diagnostic image for performing medical image diagnosis is displayed on a display with a touch panel, and the area or perimeter of the closed region of the measurement target on the diagnostic image is measured. A device that designates an area to be measured on the diagnostic image based on a touch operation on the display and displays an area measurement mark surrounding the designated area on the diagnostic image. And a fine adjustment guide is displayed around the area adjustment point specified in the area measurement mark on the diagnostic image based on the touch operation on the display and the touch operation around the area adjustment point. An adjustment means for performing fine adjustment of the area surrounded by the area measurement mark, and an area indicated by the area measurement mark. Flip medical image diagnosis apparatus characterized by comprising a measuring means for measuring the area or perimeter of the object to be measured as its gist.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the area to be measured on the diagnostic image is specified by the specifying means based on the touch operation of the display, and the area measurement mark surrounding the area is displayed on the diagnostic image. Is done. Thereafter, the adjustment means displays a fine adjustment guide around the area adjustment point designated in the area measurement mark on the diagnostic image. Then, while avoiding the area adjustment point in the area measurement mark, touching the fine adjustment guide displayed around it, the area measurement mark is moved and the shape of the area surrounded by the area measurement mark is measured. Fine adjustments are made to match the shape of the closed region of interest. Thereafter, the area of the measurement object is measured by the measuring unit according to the region indicated by the region measurement mark. By configuring the medical image diagnostic apparatus in this way, it is possible to quickly and intuitively adjust the area of the area measurement mark while confirming the diagnostic image, and to measure the area or circumference of the measurement target in a short time. It can be done reliably.

  As described in detail above, according to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the position or area of the measurement target can be set accurately and quickly while confirming the diagnostic image, and the distance and area of the measurement target can be set. And circumference measurement can be performed reliably in a short time.

1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the measurement process of the internal diameter of a carotid artery. Explanatory drawing which shows the tomographic image in 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the designation | designated step in 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the designation | designated step in 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment step in 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment step in 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the tomographic image in 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the designation | designated step in 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment step in 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the enlarged screen displayed in an adjustment step. Explanatory drawing which shows the fine adjustment guide of another embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the ultrasonic image in another embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as a medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a diagnostic apparatus main body 2 and an ultrasonic probe 3 connected to the diagnostic apparatus main body 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 3 includes a signal cable 4, a probe head 5 connected to the distal end of the signal cable 4, and a probe-side connector 6 provided at the base end of the signal cable 4. The diagnostic device main body 2 is provided with a connector 7 to which the probe-side connector 6 of the ultrasonic probe 3 is connected.

  The ultrasonic probe 3 is, for example, a linear probe for performing linear electronic scanning, and scans a 5 MHz ultrasonic wave linearly. The probe head 5 of the ultrasonic probe 3 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 8 arranged one-dimensionally at the tip, and is superposed with the tip in contact with the living tissue 9 of the affected part. Send and receive sound waves. In addition, as the ultrasonic probe 3, a convex probe or the like for performing convex electronic scanning may be used.

  The diagnostic apparatus body 2 includes a controller 10, a pulse generation circuit 11, a transmission circuit 12, a reception circuit 13, a signal processing circuit 14, an image processing circuit 15, a memory 16, a storage device 17, an input device 18, a display device 19, and the like. The controller 10 includes a known central processing unit (CPU), and executes a control program using the memory 16 to control the entire apparatus in an integrated manner.

  The pulse generation circuit 11 operates in response to a control signal from the controller 10, and generates and outputs a pulse signal having a predetermined period. The transmission circuit 12 includes a plurality of delay circuits (not shown) corresponding to the number of elements of the ultrasonic transducer 8 in the ultrasonic probe 3, and each ultrasonic vibration is based on the pulse signal output from the pulse generation circuit 11. A drive pulse delayed according to the child 8 is output. The delay time of each drive pulse is set so that the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic probe 3 is focused at a predetermined irradiation point.

  The reception circuit 13 includes a signal amplification circuit, a delay circuit, and a phasing addition circuit (not shown). In this receiving circuit 13, each reflected wave signal (echo signal) received by each ultrasonic transducer 8 in the ultrasonic probe 3 is amplified, and a delay time considering reception directivity is added to each reflected wave signal. After that, phasing addition is performed. By this addition, the phase difference between the reception signals of the ultrasonic transducers 8 is adjusted.

  The signal processing circuit 14 includes a logarithmic conversion circuit, an envelope detection circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, and the like (not shown). The logarithmic conversion circuit in the signal processing circuit 14 logarithmically converts the reflected wave signal, and the envelope detection circuit detects the envelope of the output signal of the logarithmic conversion circuit. The A / D conversion circuit converts the analog signal output from the envelope detection circuit into a digital signal.

  The image processing circuit 15 performs image processing based on the reflected wave signal output from the signal processing circuit 14 to generate image data such as a B-mode ultrasonic image (tomographic image) and an M-mode ultrasonic image. Specifically, for example, when the image display mode is the B mode, the image processing circuit 15 generates image data with luminance corresponding to the amplitude (signal intensity) of the reflected wave signal. The image data generated by the image processing circuit 15 is sequentially stored in the memory 16. Based on the image data for one frame stored in the memory 16, the tomographic image of the living tissue 9 is displayed on the display device 19 with black and white shading. Further, when the image display mode is the M mode, the image processing circuit 15 generates image data with brightness corresponding to the amplitude of the reflected wave signal, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing distance in the depth direction. 16 is stored. Based on the image data for one frame stored in the memory 16, the ultrasonic image is displayed on the display device 19 in black and white. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic image displayed on the display device 19 is, for example, a gray scale image, but may be a color image.

  The input device 18 includes a keyboard 21, a trackball 22, and the like, and is used for inputting requests and instructions from the user. The display device 19 is a display with a touch panel having a touch panel 24, and is used for touch operations such as displaying an ultrasonic image and measuring a distance. Specifically, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, at the time of image diagnosis using an ultrasonic image, two measurement points (start point and end point) are designated using the touch panel 24, and each point is between It has a function to measure the distance. Using this function, parameters such as the inner diameter of the blood vessel, the thickness of the adipose tissue, and the heart rate are measured.

  The storage device 17 is a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device, or the like, and a control program and various data are stored in the storage device. The controller 10 transfers programs and data from the storage device 17 to the memory 16 in accordance with instructions from the input device 18 and the touch panel 24, and sequentially executes them. The program executed by the controller 10 may be a program stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, a flexible disk, or an optical disk, or a program downloaded via a communication medium, and is installed in the storage device 17 at the time of execution. Use.

  Next, a specific example of the measurement process in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 3 is a process for measuring the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32 (measurement target) on the tomographic image 31 (diagnosis image) shown in FIG. In this process, for example, a diagnostic operator such as a doctor brings the ultrasonic probe 3 into contact with a part of the patient's carotid artery 32 and transmits / receives ultrasonic waves, thereby obtaining a tomographic image 31 of the living tissue 9 including the carotid artery 32. It is displayed on the screen of the display device 19. Thereafter, when the operator operates a measurement start button (not shown) provided on the input device 18 or the touch panel 24, the processing of FIG. 3 is started.

  First, the controller 10 as the designation means displays a message for prompting the input of the measurement point on the screen of the display device 19. Here, the touch panel 24 is touched by the operator, and two measurement points corresponding to the intima 34 of the carotid artery 32 are designated on the tomographic image 31. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, based on the touch operation of the display device 19 by the operator's finger 36, the controller 10 shows a cross cursor 37 (distance measurement) indicating a measurement point at a specified position. Mark) and a dotted line connecting each measurement point is displayed on the tomographic image 31 (step 100 as a designation step).

  When the measurement point (the position of the cursor 37) is deviated from the intima 34 of the carotid artery 32 (see FIG. 6), the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32 cannot be accurately measured as it is. For this reason, the operator retouches the vicinity of the cursor 37 indicating the measurement point.

  The controller 10 determines whether or not there is a retouch operation by the operator (step 110). If it is determined in step 110 that a retouch operation has been performed, the controller 10 as the adjustment unit displays a fine adjustment guide 41 around the cursor 37 on the tomographic image 31 as shown in FIG. 7 (adjustment). Step 120) as a step. In FIG. 7, for example, the vicinity of the upper cursor 37 that is the starting point of the measurement is touched, and the fine adjustment guide 41 is displayed around the upper cursor 37. The fine adjustment guide 41 is a position setting frame for adjusting the position of the cursor 37. The fine adjustment guide 41 has a fixed area 42 at a position corresponding to the cursor 37, and has eight directions, that is, left, right, up, down, diagonally upward, and diagonally downward. The position change area 43 is divided into two. Note that the display size of the confirmation area 42 and the position change area 43 in the fine adjustment guide 41 is 1 cm or more in length and width (for example, about 2 cm in this embodiment).

  Based on the fine adjustment guide 41, the operator touches the position change area 43 in the direction in which the cursor 37 is to be moved. Then, the operator touches the fixed area 42 in the fine adjustment guide 41 in a state where the position of the cursor 37 indicating the measurement point is moved to a desired position on the intima 34 of the carotid artery 32.

  At this time, the controller 10 performs fine adjustment of the measurement point by moving the cursor 37 on the tomographic image 31 based on a touch operation around the cursor 37. In the present embodiment, the controller 10 moves the cursor 37 in units of one dot on the display screen in response to one touch operation on the display device 19 (touch panel 24). When the controller 10 determines a touch operation on the confirmation area 42, the controller 10 confirms the position of the cursor 37 and erases the fine adjustment guide 41 from the screen.

  Then, the controller 10 as the measuring means measures the distance between the measurement points indicated by the cursor 37 and displays the measured value of the distance on the screen of the display device 19 as the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32 (a step as a measurement step). 130). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance measurement value is displayed in the upper right display field 45 of the tomographic image 31 on the display screen of the display device 19. In step 110, if the measurement point is not retouched even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 10 proceeds to step 130, measures the distance between the measurement points, and determines the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32. Is displayed on the screen of the display device 19.

  After displaying the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32, the controller 10 determines whether or not to end the measurement process (step 140). Specifically, the controller 10 determines whether or not the operator has operated a measurement end button (not shown) provided on the input device 18 or the touch panel 24. In the case of the display examples in FIGS. 6 and 7, the positions of the cursors 37 at the two measurement points (start point and end point) are deviated from the intima 34, so that one of the measurement points (the upper cursor 37 in FIG. 7) An accurate inner diameter D1 cannot be measured only by adjusting the position. Therefore, the operator retouches the vicinity of the measurement point in order to correct the position of the other measurement point (the lower cursor 37 in FIG. 7) without pressing the measurement end button.

  When it is determined that the measurement end button (not shown) is not operated, the controller 10 returns to Step 110 and repeatedly executes the processing of Step 110 to Step 140. Here, when the vicinity of the lower cursor 37 is retouched, the retouch operation is determined in step 110. As a result of the adjustment step of step 120 being performed, the position of the cursor 37 is finely adjusted to the position on the intima 34 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process of step 130 is performed, so that the distance between the measurement points indicated by the cursor 37 is displayed on the display device 19 as the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32.

  Then, the operator confirms that each cursor 37 is at a correct position on the intima 34 of the carotid artery 32, and the inner diameter D1 (measured value of distance) of the carotid artery 32 displayed in the display field 45 at that time. ) Is a normal value, a diagnosis related to arteriosclerosis is performed. After the diagnosis, the operator operates the measurement end button. At this time, the controller 10 determines in step 140 that the measurement end button has been operated, and ends the measurement process shown in FIG.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a cursor indicating a measurement point when finely adjusting the measurement point of the start point and the end point for measuring the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32 on the tomographic image 31 A fine adjustment guide 41 is displayed around 37. Then, by touching the fine adjustment guide 41 displayed around the cursor 37 while avoiding the display position of the cursor 37, the cursor 37 is moved and the measurement point is finely adjusted. In this way, the position of the measurement point can be adjusted quickly and intuitively while checking the tomographic image 31, and the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32 can be accurately measured in a short time.

  (2) In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the fine adjustment guide 41 displayed in the adjustment step has a fixed area 42 at a position corresponding to the cursor 37, and left, right, up, down, diagonally upward in the periphery thereof. And a position change area 43 partitioned in eight directions obliquely below. Then, by touching the surrounding position change area 43, the position of the cursor 37 on the diagnostic image is finely adjusted according to the direction of the position change area 43. In this way, it is possible to accurately adjust the position of the measurement point while confirming the position of the cursor 37.

  (3) In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the position of the cursor 37 is shifted in the specifying step, the adjustment step is started by touching the vicinity of the cursor 37. Thereby, the fine adjustment of the measurement point which the cursor 37 shows can be performed rapidly. Further, when the position of the cursor 37 can be accurately set in the designation step, the adjustment step can be omitted without touching the vicinity of the cursor 37, and the process can be quickly shifted to the measurement step. As a result, the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32 can be accurately measured in a short time.

  (4) In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the display size of the confirmation area 42 and the position change area 43 in the fine adjustment guide 41 is ensured to be 1 cm in length and width. In this case, the operator can surely touch and operate the confirmation area 42 and the position change area 43 with the finger 36, and fine adjustment of the measurement point can be performed accurately.

(5) In the car navigation system, when setting the destination on the map displayed on the screen, the entire map moves so that the set point of the destination becomes the center position. At this time, a guide for setting the position of the destination is displayed, and this guide is also always displayed at the center of the map screen. On the other hand, when performing a medical diagnosis based on a diagnostic image, as in the case of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, a doctor who wants to make a diagnosis with the diagnostic image fixed in order to accurately grasp the state of the affected area or the like. There are needs. Therefore, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the measurement point cursor 37 is moved on the image 31 while the tomographic image 31 is fixed without moving. The fine adjustment guide 41 is not fixedly displayed at the center of the screen but is displayed around the measurement point cursor 37 as a reference. In this way, the measurement point can be finely adjusted quickly while accurately grasping the position and shape of the carotid artery 32 to be measured.
[Second Embodiment]

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the first embodiment, the inner diameter D1 of the carotid artery 32 is measured using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, but in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the carotid artery 32 is measured using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Measure. The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is the same as that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a method for measuring the cross-sectional area and the perimeter of the carotid artery 32 will be described in detail.

  First, the operator brings the ultrasonic probe 3 into contact with a part of the patient's carotid artery 32 and performs transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves, so that a tomographic image 31A including a cross section of the carotid artery 32 is obtained as shown in FIG. (Diagnosis image) is displayed on the display device 19. Thereafter, the operator touches the touch panel 24 and designates a closed region of the carotid artery 32 on the tomographic image 31A. Here, as the region of the carotid artery 32, for example, four points on the left and right and upper and lower intima 34 are designated.

  At this time, based on the positions of the four points designated by the touch operation, the controller 10 serving as the designation means, as shown in FIG. 10, has an elliptical region measurement mark 51 that surrounds the region of the carotid artery 32. Is displayed on the tomographic image 31A (designation step). As a method of specifying the elliptical region measurement mark 51 indicating the region of the carotid artery 32, four points on the intima 34 may be touched one by one. Further, for example, two points corresponding to the major axis of the ellipse and two points corresponding to the minor axis may be touched simultaneously using two fingers 36 such as an index finger and a thumb.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the position of the region measurement mark 51 is shifted from the region of the carotid artery 32, the cross-sectional area and the perimeter of the carotid artery 32 cannot be accurately measured as they are. For this reason, the operator retouches the vicinity of the position (the upper portion of the area measurement mark 51 in FIG. 10) that is shifted from the area of the carotid artery 32 on the line of the area measurement mark 51.

  When the operator performs a retouching operation, the controller 10 as the adjusting means, as shown in FIG. 11, sets the region adjustment point 52 designated by the touch operation on the region measurement mark 51 on the tomographic image 31A. The fine adjustment guide 41 is displayed around (adjustment step). Similar to the first embodiment, this fine adjustment guide 41 also has a fixed area 42 and a position change area 43 that is partitioned in the eight directions of left and right, up and down, diagonally upward, and diagonally downward. Then, the operator avoids the display position of the region adjustment point 52 in the region measurement mark 51, and touches the fine adjustment guide 41 displayed around the position, thereby the position on the intima 34 of the carotid artery 32. After moving the area adjustment point 52, the confirmation area 42 in the fine adjustment guide 41 is touched.

  At this time, the controller 10 moves the area adjustment point 52 on the basis of the touch operation around the area adjustment point 52 and causes the area measurement mark 51 to follow the point 52 to thereby move the area measurement mark 51. Fine adjustment of the area surrounded by. When the controller 10 determines a touch operation on the confirmation area 42, the controller 10 confirms the region of the region measurement mark 51 and erases the fine adjustment guide 41 from the screen. Thereafter, the controller 10 as the measuring means measures the area and the perimeter in the region indicated by the region measurement mark 51, and uses the measured values as the cross-sectional area and the perimeter of the carotid artery 32 and the display fields 45, Display on 45A (measurement step).

  If there is still a deviation of the line of the area measurement mark 51 from the area of the carotid artery 32, the controller 10 repeatedly performs the adjustment step and the measurement step described above. As a result, the region measurement mark 51 is moved and fine adjustment is performed so that the shape of the region surrounded by the measurement mark 51 matches the cross-sectional shape (closed region) of the carotid artery 32. When the region measurement mark 51 coincides with the region of the carotid artery 32, the operator confirms the area and peripheral length of the carotid artery 32 displayed in the display fields 45 and 45A, thereby making a diagnosis regarding arteriosclerosis and the like. Do. Thereafter, when the operator operates the measurement end button, the controller 10 determines that and ends the area and perimeter measurement processing.

  Even in the case of the present embodiment, the region of the region measurement mark 51 can be adjusted quickly and intuitively while confirming the tomographic image 31A, and the measurement of the cross-sectional area and the peripheral length of the carotid artery 32 can be performed accurately and quickly. Can be done. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area and the perimeter of the carotid artery 32 are measured. However, either the cross-sectional area or the perimeter is measured, and the measured value is displayed in the display column 45. It may be configured.

  In addition, you may change each embodiment of this invention as follows.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to each of the above embodiments, when the operator re-touches the screen after the designation step, the fine adjustment guide 41 is displayed by moving to the adjustment step. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the designation step, even when there is no retouch operation, the fine adjustment guide 41 may be displayed by moving to the adjustment step. In this case, when the touch operation in the position change area 43 is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the fine adjustment guide 41 is displayed, the position of the cursor 37 or the area of the area measurement mark 51 is determined, and the measurement step Configure to migrate to Further, the fine adjustment guide 41 may be displayed blinking at the time of shifting to the adjustment step, and the touch operation of the position change area 43 may be prompted. Furthermore, after the fine adjustment guide 41 is displayed, when the position outside the display area of the fine adjustment guide 41 (outside the position change area 43) is touched, the position of the cursor 37 or the area of the area measurement mark 51 is changed. It may be configured to confirm and move to the measurement step. In this way, the position of the cursor 37 and the area of the area measurement mark 51 can be finely adjusted quickly.

  In the first embodiment, when moving to the adjustment step, an enlarged screen 55 (see FIG. 12) around the cursor 37 as a distance measurement mark is displayed in a separate window, and the enlarged screen 55 is slightly displayed on the enlarged screen 55. The adjustment guide 41 may be displayed and the position of the cursor 37 may be finely adjusted.

  In the fine adjustment guide 41 displayed in the adjustment step of each of the above embodiments, an arrow 56 indicating the direction of position change may be displayed in each position change area 43 (see FIG. 13). In this way, fine adjustment of the position of the cursor 37 can be performed more reliably. Further, the fine adjustment guide 41 displayed in each embodiment has the position change area 43 partitioned in eight directions around the fixed area 42, but is not limited to this. For example, a fine adjustment guide 41 having a position change area 43 in four directions may be used around the fixed area 42. Further, although the confirmation area 42 is provided at the center of the fine adjustment guide 41, the confirmation area 42 may be provided separately from the display section of the fine adjustment guide 41.

  In the adjustment step in each of the above embodiments, the position of the cursor 37 and the area of the area measurement mark 51 are moved in units of one dot on the screen for each touch operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. For example, a change button for changing the movement amount of the cursor 37 and the area measurement mark 51 in the adjustment step is separately provided, and the cursor 37 and the area measurement mark 51 are moved in units of 2 dots or more according to the operation. You may let them. Further, for example, in the position change area 43 of the fine adjustment guide 41, when the side close to the confirmation area 42 is touched, the cursor 37 is moved in units of one dot, and when the side far from the confirmation area 42 is touched, the cursor 37 May be moved in units of 2 dots or more.

  In each of the above embodiments, the B-mode tomographic images 31 and 31A are displayed on the display device 19 as diagnostic images, and the distance and area on the tomographic images 31 and 31A are measured. It is not limited to. For example, an M-mode ultrasound image 31B as shown in FIG. The M-mode ultrasound image 31B in FIG. 14 is an image in which the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates the distance in the depth direction, and displays the movement of a heart valve or the like. For this reason, the heart rate can be obtained based on the periodic interval D2 in the horizontal axis direction, and the maximum diameter of the valve opening in the heart valve can be measured based on the interval D3 in the vertical axis direction. Furthermore, parameters such as the velocity of the heart valve can be measured based on the movements of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis. In this case, at the time of measuring the distances D2 and D3, the controller 10 displays the fine adjustment guide 41 described above and finely adjusts the position of the measurement point (start point and end point). Then, the controller 10 performs a measurement step to measure the distance between the measurement points (intervals D2 and D3), and calculates parameters such as a heart rate based on the intervals D2 and D3 (parameter calculation step). Even with this configuration, accurate parameter measurement can be performed quickly.

  In the above embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is embodied as a medical image diagnostic apparatus, but the present invention may be applied to other diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT scanner, and an MRI apparatus. .

  Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the respective embodiments described above are listed below.

  (1) In any one of claims 1 to 3, the adjustment step is started after the designation step, and a touch operation is performed in the position change area even if a predetermined time elapses after the fine adjustment guide is displayed. If not, the position of the distance measurement mark or the area of the area measurement mark is confirmed and the medical image measurement method moves to the measurement step.

  (2) The distance measurement mark according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustment step is started after the designation step and the position outside the display area of the fine adjustment guide is touched. A medical image measurement method comprising: determining the position of the region or the region of the region measurement mark and proceeding to the measurement step.

  (3) The medical image measurement method according to claim 3, wherein an arrow indicating a direction of position change is displayed in the position change area of the fine adjustment guide.

  (4) The medical image measurement method according to claim 3, wherein a display size of the fixed area and the position change area in the fine adjustment guide is 1 cm or more in length and width.

  (5) In any one of claims 1 to 4, in the adjustment step, an enlarged screen around the measurement mark is displayed in a separate window, and the fine adjustment guide is displayed on the enlarged screen. A medical image measurement method, wherein fine adjustment of a position of a distance measurement mark or an area of the area measurement mark is performed.

  (6) In any one of claims 1 to 4, in the adjustment step, the position of the distance measurement mark or the region measurement in units of one dot of the display in response to one touch operation on the display. A medical image measurement method characterized by moving a mark area.

  (7) The medical image according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the diagnostic image is an ultrasonic image generated based on a reflected wave signal obtained by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave. Measuring method.

  (8) The medical image measurement method according to claim 1, further comprising a parameter calculation step for obtaining a parameter according to the distance of the measurement object measured in the measurement step.

  (9) In the technical idea (8), the diagnostic image is an M-mode ultrasonic image generated based on a reflected wave signal obtained by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave. In the measurement step, the distance is While measuring the distance between the measurement points of the start point and the end point indicated by the measurement mark, in the parameter calculation step, any one of the heart rate corresponding to the distance, the speed of the heart valve, and the maximum diameter of the valve opening A method for measuring a medical image, characterized by measuring a parameter.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as a medical image diagnostic apparatus 10 ... Controller as designation | designated means, adjustment means, and measurement means 19 ... Display apparatus as a display with a touch panel 31,31A ... Tomographic image as diagnostic image 31B ... Diagnostic image 32 ... Carotid artery as measurement object 37 ... Cursor as distance measurement mark 41 ... Fine adjustment guide 42 ... Confirmation area 43 ... Position change area 51 ... Area measurement mark 52 ... Area adjustment point

Claims (6)

A measurement method for displaying a diagnostic image for performing a medical image diagnosis on a display with a touch panel and measuring a distance of a measurement target on the diagnostic image,
Based on the touch operation of the display, a start point and an end point measurement point for measuring the distance of the measurement target on the diagnostic image are specified, and a distance measurement mark indicating the measurement point is displayed on the diagnostic image. Specified steps to be displayed in
A fine adjustment guide is displayed around the distance measurement mark on the diagnostic image, and the distance measurement mark is moved on the diagnostic image based on a touch operation around the distance measurement mark. An adjustment step for fine adjustment of the measurement point;
A medical image measuring method, comprising: a measuring step of measuring a distance of the measuring object according to a position indicated by the distance measuring mark. A measurement method for displaying a diagnostic image for performing medical image diagnosis on a display with a touch panel and measuring the area or perimeter of a closed region of the measurement target on the diagnostic image,
A designation step of designating an area to be measured on the diagnostic image based on a touch operation on the display, and displaying an area measurement mark surrounding the designated area on the diagnostic image;
Based on the touch operation of the display, a fine adjustment guide is displayed around the area adjustment point specified in the area measurement mark on the diagnostic image, and based on the touch operation around the area adjustment point An adjustment step for performing fine adjustment of the area surrounded by the area measurement mark;
And a measuring step of measuring an area or perimeter of the measurement object according to a region indicated by the region measurement mark. The fine adjustment guide has a definite area at a position corresponding to the distance measurement mark or the area measurement mark, and a position change area partitioned in eight directions on the periphery thereof, left, right, up, down, diagonally upward, and diagonally downward A position setting frame having
In the adjustment step, after changing the position of the distance measurement mark or the area of the area measurement mark on the diagnostic image according to the direction of the position change area where the touch operation is performed, the touch operation of the confirmation area is performed. The medical image measurement method according to claim 1, wherein a position of the distance measurement mark or an area of the region measurement mark is determined by the step.   4. The adjustment step according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment step is started when the distance measurement mark or the vicinity of the region measurement mark is touched after the specifying step. 5. Medical image measurement method. A medical image diagnostic apparatus for displaying a diagnostic image for performing medical image diagnosis on a display with a touch panel and measuring a distance of a measurement target on the diagnostic image,
Based on the touch operation of the display, a start point and an end point measurement point for measuring the distance of the measurement target on the diagnostic image are specified, and a distance measurement mark indicating the measurement point is displayed on the diagnostic image. Designation means to be displayed on,
A fine adjustment guide is displayed around the distance measurement mark on the diagnostic image, and the distance measurement mark is moved on the diagnostic image based on a touch operation around the distance measurement mark. Adjustment means for fine adjustment of the measurement point;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: a measuring unit that measures a distance of the measurement object according to a position indicated by the distance measurement mark. A medical image diagnostic apparatus for displaying a diagnostic image for performing a medical image diagnosis on a display with a touch panel and measuring an area or a perimeter of a closed region of a measurement target on the diagnostic image,
Based on the touch operation of the display, a designation unit that designates the measurement target region on the diagnostic image and displays a region measurement mark surrounding the designated region on the diagnostic image;
Based on the touch operation of the display, a fine adjustment guide is displayed around the area adjustment point specified in the area measurement mark on the diagnostic image, and based on the touch operation around the area adjustment point Adjustment means for performing fine adjustment of the area surrounded by the area measurement mark;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: a measuring unit that measures an area or a perimeter of the measurement object according to a region indicated by the region measurement mark.

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