Method of composition and calculation of volume in system of ultrasound visualisation

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to means of measuring body volume in the process of ultrasound visualisation. Method of automatic composition of volume in system of ultrasound visualisation contains stages, at which set of data of 3-dimensional object image is collected; user selects first surface of interest in the data of 3-dimensional image, with said first surface containing first cut of object; main axis of first cut on first surface of interest is automatically determined, first set of planes from the data of 3-dimensional image is specified, with said planes not being parallel to main axis of first cut, however being parallel to each other with specified distance between two successive planes along main axis; contour of each second cut is automatically drawn for, at least, two planes from first set of planes, each of which contains respective second cut of object; automatic composition of object volume is carried out by superposition of contours drawn in two planes from first set of planes along main axis and by placement of planes at specified distance. Method of calculating volume in ultrasound system includes composition of object volume, with each plane from set of planes being perpendicular to main axis of first cut, after which partial volumes, contained between two successive planes in set of planes on main axis of first cut are calculated and summed up. Device for method realisation contains means for collecting set of the data of 3-dimensional image by means of ultrasound, means of displaying, at least, image of first cut of object, means of selection by user of first surface of interest in the data of 3-dimensional image, means for determination of main axis of first cut of object on surface of interest, means of specifying first set of planes from the data of 3-dimensional image, means of drawing in, at least, two planes from first set of planes, each of which contains respective second cut of object, contour of each second cut, and means of object volume composition. Composition of device also includes computer-readable carriers, whose software contains commands for realisation of methods.

EFFECT: application of invention makes it possible to increase accuracy of volume determination and reduce human interference in the process of measurement.

15 cl, 6 dwg

The technical FIELD TO WHICH the INVENTION RELATES.

The present invention relates to a method of preparation of the volume, the 3-dimensional ultrasonic imaging. The present invention relates also to the method of calculating the volume image of the object with the help of this system. The present invention relates also to a device and a computer software product, related to the above methods.

The prior art INVENTIONS

In the field of medicine known multiple applications of ultrasonic imaging. Ultrasound imaging is used in obstetrics for acquiring images of the fetus in order to control its development. The system is also used in the fields of cancer diagnosis to determine the size of the tumor. To explore several parts of the body: liver, mammary gland, thyroid gland, etc. of the Ultrasonic imaging diagnostic purposes is also used for control of plaque in the carotid arteries or for the detection of muscle.

In diagnostic applications, there is a need to measure body parts. For example, there is a need to measure the length of the bone volume of the liver or gall bladder, measuring the angle between two bones, etc.

Known ultrasound imaging provides the measure concentration is entrusted functions. In such known systems, the data set is three-dimensional (3-d) image collected with regard to the object that is being rendered using the ultrasonic sensor. Then, several kinds of display object for the practitioner who has to make the diagnosis.

In known systems, the practitioner should review the types provided by the system to determine the main axis of the object. The practitioner conducts manually major axis, for example, using a mouse or pen. Said main axis is used to specify the set of planes containing the slices of the object and for carrying out the contours of the slices.

Plane set perpendicular to the main axis. After the plane is specified, the practitioner moves from one plane to another to conduct the boundaries of the slice of the object depicted in the current plane. Then, the system perpendicular to impose one above the other along the main axis, and in accordance with the predetermined interval, the contours conducted by a medical practitioner in each plane.

Then, for example, to calculate the volume of the object, calculate the sum of the volumes of truncated cones, limited to two consecutive contours along the major axis.

The method used in devices known technical level, places high demands on practitioners BP is Chu, who must manually carry out the contours in each slice. To achieve appropriate accuracy of measurement, the practitioner usually have to spend up to 15 circuits. Therefore, in devices known technical level, the measurement is based on the skill of the practitioner on the exact carrying out the above contours in each plane. In addition, the process of coming to calculation of volume is very long, which is not compatible with the use of ultrasound imaging in hospitals.

In addition, the measurement is based on the definition of the main axis, which is determined manually. Even if the practitioner can choose several levels of zoom of the image, defining the main axis is rife with bugs and, in this case, the result may be inaccurate.

In U.S. patent 6106466 proposes a method of determining the three-dimensional surface, at least part of the patient's heart based on the data obtained by the method of ultrasonic imaging of the heart, with manual intervention.

Therefore, a need exists for method of measurement, which limits the intervention of the user in the system ultrasound imaging.

The INVENTION

In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, it is proposed a method of automatic compilation volume is in the system, ultrasonic imaging, however, the said method comprises the steps are:

a) perform data collection dataset 3-dimensional image of the object;

b) the user selects the first interest surface data in the 3-dimensional image, and referred to the first interest, the surface contains a first slice of the object;

c) automatically determine, through a system, the main axis of the object on the first interest surface;

d) determine, through a system, the set of planes of data 3-dimensional image, and mentioned plane not parallel to the main axis, but parallel to each other with a given distance between two successive planes along the main axis;

(e) for at least two planes of the first set of planes, each of which contains the corresponding second slice of the object is automatically performed by the system, the contour of the second slice;

f) automatically composing, by the system, the volume of the object by overlaying contours conducted in the above-mentioned at least two planes from a set of planes, along the major axis and by dispersing the above mentioned planes on a specified distance.

Thus, the present invention provides a method, which significantly reduces interference the creation of man, as the contours and the main axis is automatically determined by the system.

The major axis can be determined automatically by applying the algorithm selection borders on the first interest surface for recognition of the first slice and by selecting a segment in the recognized cut as the main axis.

In addition, the selected segment may be the longest segment in the resulting slice. Consequently, it is possible to define a large number of paths, which increases the accuracy of the compilation.

In accordance with a specific embodiment, the method further comprises the steps are:

- display at least a first image of interest of the surface;

receive user input indicating a region of interest surface; and

- run the algorithm selection borders in the area specified by the user.

Therefore, the planning process is accelerated by specifying the algorithm places where you should start sensing circuit. Indeed, the practitioner usually has extensive experience in the field of medical imaging and can quickly identify the area in which is the slice of the object.

Step e) may include the sub-steps, which are:

e1) calculate the center of gravity of the contour, drawn in about the Noah plane from a set of planes;

e2) choose the second interest surface in a different plane from a set of planes, which is contiguous with the said one plane along the major axis, based on the calculated center of gravity; and

e3) run the algorithm edge on said second interest surface, for holding circuit mentioned in a different plane from a set of planes.

Thus, the circuits can be selected in the planes without any intervention practitioner who uses the visualization system. The path selected in the plane, is used to determine the interest of a surface in a different plane.

In accordance with another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps are:

determine a second set of planes containing at least two reference planes in the set of 3-dimensional data, however, referred to the reference plane not parallel to each other;

- display 2-dimensional images from dataset 3-dimensional image, respectively, referred to the reference planes;

- choose one reference plane to select the first interest of the surface in step b); and

- coerce one plane from a set of planes in a consistent position with the other reference plane.

Oporn the e plane can be represented by the practitioner, which uses the imaging system, for convenience. Mentioned reference plane can help the practitioner to present a General conceptual form of the rendered object.

You can define three reference planes, each plane perpendicular to other planes, and the second representing the interest of the surface in at least one plane from a set of planes can be defined by the intersection of the three reference planes. Therefore, the practitioner is not required to specify where to search path, and start the procedure of the selection circuit is facilitated indication of interest of a surface of a first of the considered plane.

In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, it is proposed a method of calculating volume.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention features a computer software product containing commands to perform the method of compiling in accordance with at least one of the above embodiments of the invention, when loading and execution of the computer devices tool for ultrasonic imaging. Features a computer software product containing commands to perform the calculation of volume.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, before alauda device for compiling and calculating volume, containing means for performing the method in accordance with at least one of the above aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION of DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a non-limiting exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, on which:

- Figure 1 - schematic representation of the object and a slice of this object is presented on a given plane;

- Figure 2 is a schematic image of the object rendered in the three reference planes;

- Figure 3 - schematic representation of the object shown in figure 2, visualized by supporting planes aligned along the main axis of the object;

- Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a compiled volume;

- Figure 5 - block diagram of the sequence of the stages of the way, from data collection to align planes;

- 6 is a block diagram of a sequence of stages of the selection circuit; and

- 7 - schematic illustration of the device for ultrasonic imaging to perform the method of composing.

DETAILED description of the INVENTION

When in this description referred to the slice of the object, this means the type of intersection of the given object plane. As can be seen from figure 1, three-dimensional (3-d) object 10 and the plane 11 intersect at region 12 that is visible on the plane 11, called the emnd in a further slice of the object.

As shown in figure 2, the object visualized in the three reference planes. Mentioned plane described relative to the orthonormal coordinate system (O, x, y, z). Therefore, the reference plane (O, x, y), (O, z, y), (O, z, x) are characterized by a set of orthogonal position one relative to another.

Figure 2 shows the view of the object 20, respectively, each of the reference plane, is displayed to the user. Mentioned species called MPR, short for "multiplanar reconstruction". Each MPR (MPR1, MPR2, MPR3) represents the slice of the object 20.

The user selects between these MPR for selection of interest of the surface in the selected MPR. The specific choice can be an MPR, which has a better resolution. Indeed, as the selected MPR will be executed by the allocation algorithm borders to determine the main axis, the plane with high resolution may be preferable.

One specific MPR may correspond to a plane of data collection. The above-mentioned plane of data collection corresponds to a plane orthogonal to the beams of the ultrasonic system. The plane of this type usually has a high resolution.

In figure 2, the user selects MPR1 to run the algorithm selection borders. For this purpose, the user clicks the mouse on MPR on the slice at the location 21, and, accordingly, the respective inner side from the border. Clicking the mouse causes the start of the algorithm, and a circuit CONT1 slice. For example, the allocation algorithm borders is a pattern recognition algorithm, for example, so-called quick March-algorithm or, for example, so-called, the snake algorithm.

Then, the computer program starts another algorithm to determine the principal axis AX. The longest section, is contained in the slice is selected as the main axis. As usual, rendered objects have ellipsoidal shape, with the major axis may correspond to the main axis of the ellipsoid.

Once you have identified the main axis AX, it is divided into equal parts for radially symmetric compilation. However, parts can have different sizes.

At each division the main axis, is determined by the plane P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, orthogonal to the principal axis. Mentioned plane define a set of 22 planes, parallel to each other, but not parallel to the main axis with a specified distance between two successive planes along the major axis.

As can be seen from figure 3, is rendered the same object, which is shown in figure 2, and also at MPR, but in this case, the MPR level so that the plane (O, x, y) coincides with the plane P1.

After MPR aligned, the computer program runs the algorithm edge-on MPR2, interest behavior of the displacement, detected as crossing MPR1 and MPR3 in MPR2, that is, at the point O. Thus, the intervention of a user of the ultrasound imaging system is not required.

The allocation algorithm borders defines the circuit CONT2 slice MPR2.

Through consistent alignment MPR with each plane P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and by identifying contours in each in each of these planes, carry out the drafting of the object, as shown in figure 4.

Compiling object contains a set of slices SL, limited circuits selected in each plane P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and the distance between two consecutive planes.

If the object has a pointed tip, the main axis passes through the above mentioned pointed tip, and the method further comprises the step of determining the target cone corresponding to the pointed tip of the object. This definition allows an accurate compilation of the object.

Drafting, shown in figure 4, contains two terminal cone C1, and C2. Mentioned cones determine to implement a more accurate compilation of the object. Indeed, in the specific case shown in figure 4, the object has a pointed form.

Then, to determine the volume VOL of the object, calculate the sum of the volumes of truncated cones, limited to two consecutive contours along the GLA is Noah axis. The volume of such truncated cones can be calculated by the formula:where A1 and A2, respectively, mean square two consecutive contours along the major axis, and h corresponds to the distance between two consecutive contours. The amounts mentioned truncated cones approximate the partial volume slices. In fact, the selected paths can be non-circular shape, but any other form.

Then, the volume VOL is calculated by summing all of the volumes of truncated cones, which approximate the partial volume slices, with partial volume terminal cones.

Volume can also be calculated by the method of Simpson, using measurements of the volumes of the heart.

Figure 5 and 6 shows a flowchart of the sequence of steps that are performed in the framework of the method described above.

First, at step S51 data is collected 3-dimensional image of the object by the ultrasonic sensor. Then, at step S52 ask three reference planes of the 3-dimensional data. Each reference plane perpendicular to the other reference planes. At step S53 choose one of these reference planes to define the main axis in 3-dimensional data. Images in three planes can be displayed simultaneously.

At step S54, the user of the ultrasound imaging clicks the mouse on imagine what her interest surface in the displayed image of the reference plane, which is selected. To do this, the user is equipped with a mouse or stylus. Then, at step S55 runs the algorithm selection borders on the selected interest surface to allocate and spend the contour of the object in the reference plane. After conducting path using the allocation algorithm, the main axis is determined at step S56 choice of the longest line segment in the path.

The main axis is automatically set to the set of planes Pi, where i is an integer from 1 to 5. Each plane from a set of planes parallel to other planes, however, are not parallel to the principal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the mentioned plane normal to the principal axis.

Then, the procedure of selection circuits is automatically started at step S58 by setting i equal to 1, that is, the choice of the plane P1.

First, the reference plane level so that one plane P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 from a set of planes Pi coincides with the reference plane that is different from the reference plane, which defines the main axis. Procedure S60 selection circuits explained with reference to Fig.6.

To launch the release of the first circuit, determine the intersection of the reference planes. The mentioned intersection serves as a "seed" (i.e. starting point) to determine interest surface in the first plane P1, considered on the ora of the planes Pi. Then, at step S62, it runs an algorithm for extracting the boundaries of interest of the surface.

Plane from a set of planes are processed sequentially depending on their position along the major axis. For example, the plane is processed for i from 1 to 5, since, along the main axis, the plane Pi+1 is located behind the plane Pi.

The algorithm carries out the outline of the slice of the object in the current plane. Then, at step S63, the system calculates the center of gravity of the contour.

The above-mentioned center of gravity serves as a "seed" for automatic selection by the system, at step S61 of interest surface for allocation algorithm borders in the next plane in the set of planes along the major axis.

The above selection is provided by the geometric projection of the center of gravity of the previous processed plane on the current plane along the major axis. The above selection, you can also provide conventional coordinate system and run the algorithm at the point, which is in the current plane are the same coordinates as the center of gravity in the previous plane.

Indeed, as the plane from a set of planes parallel to each other, "seed" for allocation algorithm bounds can be easily obtained by the geometric projection of the center of gravity in adjacent planes along the major axis.

On stage T64 meet the tsya definition is there any other planes to highlight contours. If the mentioned plane remain, the position is increased at step S65, and the reference plane level on the next plane to step S66. Then, the procedure returns to step S61.

If the set of planes no longer remain plane for contouring, all the paths selected in step S62, impose along and perpendicular to the principal axis at step S67. And, then, the volume of the object is calculated at the step S68.

The description of the device for carrying out the above method is shown in example 7. The device includes an ultrasonic sensor 70 for emitting ultrasonic waves to the object 71 and receiving reflections of the mentioned waves from the object. The signals delivered by the sensor are processed by module 72 data collection to transform the signal data in the 3-dimensional image. The device includes a processor 73 for processing image data in accordance with the above-described method of composing or calculating volume. The device also includes a display unit for submission to the monitor 75 images, respectively, of the reference plane. The device also includes a module 77 communication to exchange information with the computer 76. The device further comprises a mouse 78 for manipulation type clicks on the displayed image, thereby selecting represent the interest of surfaces.

The invention relates also to a computer program product, which can perform any steps of the method described above, when loading and execution of the computer devices tool for ultrasonic imaging. The computer program may be stored/delivered on a suitable carrier, supplied with other equipment or in its composition, but can also be supplied in other forms, for example, through the Internet or via other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

The invention relates also to an integrated circuit that is arranged to perform any of the steps of the method in accordance with a variant embodiment of the invention.

Although the drawings and above description, the invention provides a detailed illustration and summary of the present invention, the aforementioned illustration and description should be considered illustrative and exemplary and not limiting, and the invention is not limited to the proposed embodiment. In the process of applying the claimed invention, specialists in the field of technology, a study of the drawings, description and appended claims, can be created and implemented other changes to the described embodiment implementation.

In the claims, the wording "comprising" does not exclude the AET of other elements or steps, and singular not plural. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several elements referred to in the claims. Obvious fact that different symptoms mentioned in mutually independent claims, does not mean that, in suitable cases, you cannot use a combination of the mentioned signs. No position in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of invention.

1. Method of automatically compiling a volume in the system ultrasound imaging, with the above-mentioned method comprises the steps are:
a) perform data collection (S51) dataset 3-dimensional image of the object;
b) the user selects (S54) the first interest surface data in the 3-dimensional image, and referred to the first interest, the surface contains a first slice of the object;
c) automatically determine (S56) major axis (S) of the first slice of the object on the first interest surface;
d) set (S57), the first set of planes (22) of the given 3-dimensional image, and said plane is not parallel to the principal axis of the first slice, however, parallel to each other with a given distance between two successive planes along the main axis;
e) for at least two flat the values from the first set of planes, each of which contains the corresponding second slice of the object is automatically carried out (S62) the shape of each of the second slice; and
f) automatically compiling (S67) volume of the object by overlaying contours conducted in the above-mentioned at least two planes of the first set of planes, along the major axis and by dispersing the above mentioned planes on a specified distance.

2. The method according to claim 1, in which step C) includes the sub-steps, which are:
C1) apply the allocation algorithm borders on the first interest surface for recognition of the first slice (CONT1); and
C2) select the segment in the recognized cut as the main axis.

3. The method according to claim 2, in which the selected segment is the longest segment in the recognized cut.

4. The method according to any of claim 2 to 3, additionally comprising stages, which are:
display at least a first image of interest of the surface;
receive user input indicating a region of interest surface; and
run the algorithm for extracting boundaries in the area specified by the user.

5. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, in which step e) includes the sub-steps, which are:
E1) calculate the center of gravity of the contour, drawn in one plane from the first set of dps is scosta;
E2) choose the second interest surface in a different plane from the first set of planes, which is contiguous with the said one plane along the major axis, based on the calculated center of gravity; and
E3) run the algorithm edge on said second interest surface, for holding circuit mentioned in a different plane from the first set of planes.

6. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising stages, which are:
define (S52) the second set of planes containing at least two reference planes (MPR1, MPR2) in the set of 3-dimensional data, these reference planes are not parallel to each other;
display 2-dimensional images from dataset 3-dimensional image, respectively, referred to the reference planes;
choose one reference plane to select the first interest of the surface in step b); and
coerce (S66) one plane from a set of planes in a consistent position with the other reference plane.

7. The method according to claim 6, which define three reference planes, each plane perpendicular to other planes, and interest surface for holding the loop in step (e) in at least one plane from a set of planes specifies the I point of intersection of the three reference planes.

8. The method of calculating the volume in an ultrasound system, comprising stages, which are:
carry out the preparation of the volume of the object by means of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, with each plane from a set of planes perpendicular to the main axis of the first slice;
calculate the partial volume contained between two consecutive planes in the set of planes along the main axis of the first slice; and
summarize (S68) mentioned partial volumes.

9. Machine-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program containing commands to perform steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, when loading and execution of the computer devices tool for ultrasonic imaging.

10. Machine-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program containing commands to perform steps of the method according to claim 8, when loading and execution of the computer devices tool for ultrasonic imaging.

11. Device for the automatic compilation of the volume of the object, while the said device comprises:
means (70, 72) for collecting a data set of 3-dimensional images using ultrasound;
means (75, 74) for displaying at least the image of the first slice of the object;
means (73) for the user to choose the first interest of the surface data in a 3-dimensional image is supply, moreover, the aforementioned first interest surface contains a first slice of the object;
means (73) to determine the main axis (S) of the first slice of the object of interest of the surface;
means (73) for setting the first set of planes (22) of the given 3-dimensional image, and said plane is not parallel to the principal axis of the first slice, however, parallel to each other with a given distance between two successive planes along the main axis;
means (73) for holding at least two planes of the first set of planes, each of which contains the corresponding second slice of the object, the outline of each of the second slice; and
means (73) for the compilation of the volume of the object by overlaying contours conducted in the above-mentioned at least two planes of the first set of planes, along the major axis and by dispersing planes on the mentioned distance.

12. The device according to claim 11, further containing a means for automatically determining the principal axis (AH) by applying the algorithm selection borders on the first interest surface for recognition of the first slice (CONT1) and a means for selecting a segment in the recognized cut as the main axis.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising:
means (75 to display, at least, the image containing the first interest surface;
means (78) for receiving user input specifying the first region of interest surface; and
the tool to run the algorithm selection borders in the area specified by the user.

14. Device according to any one of § § 11-13, additionally comprising:
means for calculating a center of gravity of the contour, drawn in the same plane of the first set of planes;
means for selecting the second interest of the surface in a different plane from the first set of planes, which is contiguous with the said one plane along the major axis, based on the calculated center of gravity; and
the tool to run the algorithm edge on said second interest surface, for holding circuit mentioned in a different plane from the first set of planes.

15. Device according to any one of § § 11-14, additionally comprising:
means for determining a second set of planes containing at least two reference planes (MPR1, MPR2) in the set of 3-dimensional data, these planes are not parallel to each other;
tool to display 2-dimensional images from dataset 3-dimensional image, respectively, referred to the reference planes;
cf is the rotary to select one reference plane to select the first interest surface; and
means for bringing the same plane from a set of planes in a consistent position with the other reference plane.