JP2014207990A - Transportable ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device that can shorten inspection time.SOLUTION: A display device 13 is provided in a case 11. A touch panel 63 is provided on the front side of the display device 13. A transducer module 15 is provided on the rear side of the display device 13, and includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 arranged two-dimensionally.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  In recent years, breast cancer screening by X-ray mammography has been recommended. In the case of a high-density mammary gland (dense breast) having a high X-ray absorption coefficient, the mammary gland and the tumor overlap on the X-ray image, and it is difficult to distinguish the tumor. Therefore, a multi-center study (J-START: To verify the effectiveness of ultrasound imaging in breast cancer) to verify the validity of an ultrasound diagnostic device that is not affected by high-density mammary gland in combination with X-ray mammography (Comparative test) is in progress.

  On the other hand, the ultrasonic inspection is highly dependent on the skill of a user such as an engineer. Therefore, the inspection result of the ultrasonic inspection varies depending on how the ultrasonic probe is pressed against the breast (subject). Therefore, the ultrasonic inspection may be re-executed. In view of this, an automatic mammary gland ultrasound inspection system has been developed that enables diagnostic ultrasound imaging of the breast without depending on the skill of the user. This breast ultrasound automatic inspection system has an ultrasonic scanner unit that supports a one-dimensional array transducer module so as to be mechanically slidable on the breast, and performs volume data reconstruction based on a B-mode image. An ultrasonic image based on the data is displayed on the display device of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

  However, in order to reconstruct volume data, it is necessary to perform ultrasonic imaging by mechanically sliding the one-dimensional array transducer module several times after pressing the ultrasonic scanner unit against the breast, including positioning. is there. For this reason, it is difficult to immediately display an ultrasound image based on breast volume data at a position where the ultrasound scanner unit is pressed. In addition, the user needs to move his / her line of sight between the user's hand and the display device installed in the main body in order to confirm the image while visually confirming the contact of the ultrasonic scanner unit with the patient.

Japanese Patent No. 4825197 JP 2009-119259 A

  An object of the embodiment is to provide a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of shortening the inspection time of ultrasonic inspection.

  The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a housing, a display device provided in the housing, a touch panel provided on a display surface of the display device, and a two-dimensional display on the back side of the display device. And a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in a shape.

The figure which shows typically the external appearance which looked at the tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment from the back. The figure which shows typically the external appearance which looked at the tablet type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment from the front. The figure explaining the functional composition of the tablet type ultrasonic diagnostic equipment concerning a 1st embodiment. AA sectional drawing of FIG.1 and FIG.2. The figure which shows the typical flow of the manufacturing method of the tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the typical flow of the operation example of the ultrasonic inspection performed under control of the system control part of the tablet type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows a mode that the tablet type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment is applied to the patient's body. The figure which shows the example of a display of the cross-sectional image regarding the cross section parallel to the display surface of the display apparatus of FIG. The figure which shows the other example of a display of the depth value GUI of FIG. The figure which shows the user's eyes in the ultrasonic inspection using the tablet type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the template image of the breast regarding the coronal cross section concerning the application example 1 of 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the assistance of the puncture in case the display apparatus is a naked eye 3D display concerning the application example 2 of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance of the tablet type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and console apparatus which concern on the modification of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of an arrangement | sequence of the piezoelectric element in the transducer module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the other example of an arrangement | sequence of the piezoelectric element in the transducer module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating typically the ultrasonic transmission which concerns on the deep part imaging which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating typically the ultrasonic transmission which concerns on the shallow part imaging which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the user's eyes in the ultrasonic inspection using the conventional type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Hereinafter, a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is a portable tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Hereinafter, the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be referred to as a tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment can be applied to any examination site such as a breast, abdomen, chest, and neck. However, for the sake of specific description, it is assumed that the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is for breast examination.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance of a tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the back. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has a housing 11 for housing each component. The housing 11 has a frame shape and is provided with a space for housing each component of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  A display device 13 is provided on the back side of the housing 11. The display device 13 may have any shape such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape. However, in order to perform the following description specifically, it is assumed that the display device 13 has a rectangular shape. Further, the display device 13 may have any size. However, for the sake of specific description, it is assumed that the display device 13 has a size suitable for breast examination, for example, about 7 to 10 inches. The display device 13 may be any existing display such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display. On the display device 13, an ultrasonic image generated by an image processing unit 59 described later is displayed. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display screen 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a transducer module 15 is provided on the front side of the housing 11. The transducer module 15 is equipped with a plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 arranged two-dimensionally. The arrangement surface of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 and the display surface of the display device 13 are in a parallel positional relationship. Each piezoelectric element 151 generates an ultrasonic wave in response to a supply of a transmission drive signal from a transmission unit 53 described later. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 are arranged so that the ultrasonic radiation surface faces the back side of the housing. The ultrasonic waves are emitted from the front surface of the housing 11 toward the outside.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a handle (hereinafter referred to as a handle) 111 for a user such as an engineer to hold the housing 11 is provided on both sides of the housing 11. Each handle 111 is mechanically connected to the housing 11 by a hinge portion 113 so as to be openable and closable around the rotation axis AR. The two handles 111 are provided on the frame portions facing each other on the housing 11. Each rotation axis AR is provided in the frame of the housing 11. In the ultrasonic examination, the user grasps the two handles 111 and presses the front surface of the housing 11 (the ultrasonic radiation surface of the transducer module 15) against the patient's body surface. In order to facilitate gripping of the housing 11, a lock mechanism that mechanically limits the movable range of the handle 111 may be provided in the hinge portion 113. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the lock mechanism may have a configuration in which the handle 111 can be fixed to the display device 13 at a substantially right angle. Thereby, the user can more easily press the casing 11 against the body surface of the patient.

  As described above, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is a tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the display device 13, the touch panel, and the transducer module 15 are integrated.

  Next, the functional configuration of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has a system control unit 51 as a center, a transducer module 15, a transmission unit 53, a reception unit 55, a beam forming unit 57, image processing. Unit 59, display control unit 61, display device 13, touch panel 63, and storage unit 65.

  The transducer module 15 has a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged two-dimensionally. The piezoelectric element receives the supply of the transmission drive signal from the transmission unit 53, generates an ultrasonic wave, and converts the reflected wave from the patient into an analog electric signal (echo signal). When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the piezoelectric element to the patient, the ultrasonic waves are successively reflected by the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance of the body tissue. The reflected ultrasonic wave (backscattered ultrasonic wave) is received as an echo signal by the piezoelectric element. The amplitude of this echo signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic waves are reflected. Further, when the ultrasonic wave is reflected on the surface of the blood flow or the heart wall, the echo signal undergoes a frequency shift depending on the velocity component of the moving body in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. For example, when the display device has a size of about 7 to 10 inches, about 10,000 piezoelectric elements are preferably arranged.

  The transmission unit 53 generates a transmission drive signal according to the transmission parameter from the beam forming unit 57 and supplies the generated transmission drive signal to each piezoelectric element in the transducer module 15. For example, the transmission parameter is a delay time (hereinafter referred to as a transmission delay time) given to a transmission drive signal to each piezoelectric element because ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric elements belonging to the transmission aperture arrive at the transmission focal point in the same phase. ). The transmission delay time is determined for each transmission focus. The transmission unit 53 controls the supply timing of the transmission drive signal to each piezoelectric element according to the transmission delay time. In response to the transmission drive signal, an ultrasonic transmission beam corresponding to the transmission delay time is generated from the transducer module 15.

  The receiving unit 55 amplifies the electric signal from the transducer module 15 for each channel, and performs A / D conversion on the amplified echo signal. The digitized echo signal is called echo data. The echo data is supplied to the beam forming unit 57.

  The beam forming unit 57 generates reception beam data corresponding to the ultrasonic reception beam by processing the echo data according to a predetermined reception parameter. The reception parameter is, for example, a delay time (hereinafter referred to as reception delay time) given to echo data from each piezoelectric element in order to consider that the reflected wave from each reception focal point has arrived at each piezoelectric element belonging to the reception aperture in the same phase. Called). The beam forming unit 57 generates data corresponding to ultrasonic reception data (hereinafter referred to as reception beam data) based on the echo data by performing phasing addition on the echo data according to the reception delay time. Specifically, the beam forming unit 57 has a memory (hereinafter referred to as a beam memory) for temporarily storing echo data for each piezoelectric element. The beam forming unit 57 stores the echo data from each piezoelectric element in association with the reception time in the beam memory corresponding to the piezoelectric element. The beam forming unit 57 reads the echo data derived from the reflected wave from the single reception focus according to the reception delay time from the beam memory corresponding to each piezoelectric element belonging to the reception aperture. Then, the beam forming unit 57 adds the read echo data. By this addition, reception beam data is generated. The received beam data is supplied to the image processing unit 59. Further, the beam forming unit 57 determines transmission parameters for the ultrasonic transmission beam for each transmission focal point in accordance with the ultrasonic scanning sequence. The transmission parameter is supplied to the transmission unit 53.

  As an ultrasonic scanning sequence according to the first embodiment, B mode, Doppler mode, elastography mode, wall motion tracking (WMT) mode, contrast mode, spatial compound mode, shear wave elastography (SWE: Any existing sequence such as shear wave elastography) mode is applicable. Hereinafter, for the sake of specific description, the ultrasonic scanning sequence according to the first embodiment is assumed to be in the B mode unless otherwise specified.

  The image processing unit 59 generates volume data related to the three-dimensional imaging region of the patient based on the received beam data according to control by the system control unit. Specifically, the image processing unit 59 first performs B mode processing on the received beam data. In the B mode processing, the image processing unit 59 performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like on the received beam data, and generates B mode data in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness. Next, the image processing unit 59 generates volume data related to the three-dimensional imaging region based on the B mode data. Then, the image processing unit 59 performs a three-dimensional image process on the volume data to generate a two-dimensional ultrasonic image. As the three-dimensional image processing according to the first embodiment, existing image generation processing such as volume rendering processing, multi-section reconstruction processing (MPR: multi planar reconstruction), pixel value projection processing, and the like can be applied. For example, the image processing unit 59 performs MPR processing on the volume data to generate a cross-sectional image related to a cross-section parallel to the display device. The generated ultrasonic image is supplied to the display control unit 61.

  In the above description, the image processing unit 59 performs the B mode processing on the received beam data. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the image processing unit 59 may perform color Doppler processing or Doppler processing on the received beam data. In the color Doppler processing, the image processing unit 59 performs color Doppler processing on the received beam data, and generates color Doppler data that expresses blood flow information in color. Color Doppler processing is frequency analysis using an autocorrelation method. The image processing unit 59 generates volume data based on the color Doppler data, and performs the above three-dimensional image processing on the volume data to generate a color Doppler image. In the Doppler processing, the image processing unit 59 performs Doppler processing on the received beam data, and generates a Doppler waveform derived from blood flow or tissue in the sampling gate. The Doppler processing is frequency analysis using FFT analysis.

  The display control unit 61 performs display image processing on the ultrasonic image from the image processing unit 59 according to control by the system control unit 51, and supplies image information of the ultrasonic image after the display image processing to the display device 13. Examples of display image processing include enlargement, reduction, rotation, and the like. The display control unit 61 may add various information to the ultrasonic image. Examples of information added to the ultrasonic image include GUI (graphical user interface) such as various operation buttons, icons, and tabs. The GUI is displayed to be operable by the user via a touch panel 63 described later. In addition, a character string or a symbol may be added to the ultrasonic image. The image displayed on the display device is not limited to that relating to the ultrasonic image. For example, the display control unit 61 may generate an ultrasonic examination setting screen or the like as a display image. The image information of the display image is supplied to the display device 13 and the system control unit 51.

  The display device 13 displays an image corresponding to the image information from the display control unit 61.

  The touch panel 63 is provided so as to cover the front surface of the display device 13. The touch panel 63 is formed of a transparent or translucent member so that the display device 13 can be visually recognized from the outside. The touch panel 63 is configured to be pressed by a user with a finger or the like. The touch panel 63 detects the coordinates of the pressed portion on the touch panel 63 by a coordinate reading principle such as an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetostriction type, and a pressure sensitive type, and generates a position signal corresponding to the detected coordinates. The position signal is supplied to the system control unit 51.

  The storage unit 65 stores volume data and ultrasonic image data generated by the image processing unit 59. The storage unit 65 stores a control program for ultrasonic inspection according to the first embodiment.

  The system control unit 51 functions as the center of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The system control unit 51 reads out a control program for ultrasonic examination according to the first embodiment from the storage unit 65, and controls each unit according to the control program. Further, the system control unit 51 specifies an instruction corresponding to a pressed portion by the user on the touch panel 63 based on the position signal from the touch panel 63 and the image information from the display control unit 61, and sets each unit according to the specified instruction. Control. The system control unit 51 is connected to the web server 200 via a network. A storage device such as PACS is connected to the web server 200 via a network.

  Next, a detailed structure of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 4, a base 21 is provided in the casing 11 so as to bisect the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 in the thickness direction. The base 21 is formed of a material having a relatively high rigidity in order to ensure the rigidity of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The transducer module 15 is provided on one side (front side) of the base 21, and the display device 13 and the touch panel 63 are provided on the other side (back side).

  The transducer module 15 has piezoelectric elements 151 arranged two-dimensionally. Each piezoelectric element 151 includes a piezoelectric body 153, a signal electrode 155, and a ground electrode 157. The piezoelectric body 153 is made of a piezoelectric material such as PZT. The signal electrode 155 is attached to the back surface of the piezoelectric body 153. The ground electrode 157 is attached to the front surface of the piezoelectric body 153. The signal electrode 155 and the ground electrode 157 are formed of a metallic thin film. A printed circuit board 23 is attached to the back surface of the signal electrode 155. The printed board 23 is formed of, for example, a flexible printed board having flexibility. The printed board 23 has a plurality of wirings connected to the plurality of signal electrodes 155, respectively. A transmission drive signal from the transmission unit 53 is applied to the signal electrode 155 and the ground electrode 157 via the printed board 23. Upon receiving the transmission drive signal, the piezoelectric body 153 expands and contracts in the thickness direction to generate ultrasonic waves. Further, the piezoelectric body 153 that has received the reflected wave from the patient expands and contracts in the thickness direction and generates an electrical signal (echo signal). The echo signal is supplied to the receiving unit 55 via the printed board 23. A back material (backing material) 25 is provided on the back surface of the printed circuit board 23. The backing material 25 attenuates ultrasonic waves that travel backward from the piezoelectric element 151. A base 21 is attached to the back side of the back material 25. An acoustic matching body 27 is provided on the front surface of each piezoelectric element 151. The plurality of acoustic matching bodies 27 form an acoustic matching layer. The plurality of acoustic matching bodies 27 matches the acoustic impedance difference between the piezoelectric element and the patient. An acoustic lens 29 for optically converging the ultrasonic waves is provided on the front surface of the plurality of acoustic matching bodies 27.

  A display device 13 is provided on the opposite side of the transducer module 15 across the base 21. A touch panel 63 is provided on the display surface side of the display device 13. A battery 31 is provided in the space between the display device 13 and the base 21. A main board 33 is provided in another space in the housing 11. A plurality of ICs 35 are mounted on the main board 33. Existing hardware resources such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor unit (GPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM) are mounted on the plurality of ICs 35. The plurality of ICs 35 utilize these hardware resources, and individually function the transmission unit 53, the reception unit 55, the beam forming unit 57, the image processing unit 59, the display control unit 61, the storage unit 65, and the system control unit 51. Run multiple programs to run.

  The battery 31 is a battery or a capacitor that stores electric power from an external power supply facility. The electric power stored in the battery 31 is supplied to each component in the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via a signal line (not shown) to operate each component.

  Next, a manufacturing method of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a typical flow of the manufacturing method of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 5, first, a plurality of signal electrodes 155 are formed on the printed circuit board 23 (step SA1). For example, a plurality of signal electrodes 155 arranged in a two-dimensional manner are formed on the printed circuit board 23 by an electrode pattern creation technique or the like. The signal electrode 155 is formed by a thin film made of metal such as copper, for example. The plurality of signal electrodes 155 are formed at predetermined intervals. Note that the printed circuit board 23 is provided with wiring that can be electrically connected to the signal electrode 155.

  When step SA1 is performed, the piezoelectric body 153 is formed on each signal electrode 155 (step SA2). For example, the piezoelectric body 153 is formed on each signal electrode 155 by an ink jet 3D printer. More specifically, a mixture of a photocurable resin and a piezoelectric material is discharged to each of the plurality of signal electrodes 155 in a predetermined shape and amount. Next, the mixture is exposed to light such as ultraviolet rays and cured. The piezoelectric material is laminated on each signal electrode 155 by repeating the above-described mixture discharging step, exposing step, and curing step, and the piezoelectric material is formed to a predetermined thickness. Thereby, the piezoelectric body 153 is formed.

  When step SA2 is performed, a ground electrode 157 is formed on each piezoelectric body 153 (step SA3). For example, a thin film made of metal such as copper is formed on each piezoelectric body 153 by sputtering or the like. Thereby, the ground electrode 157 is formed.

  When step SA3 is performed, the acoustic matching body 27 is formed on each ground electrode 157 (step SA4). For example, as the acoustic matching body 27, a material having an acoustic impedance value between the acoustic impedance value of the piezoelectric body 153 and the acoustic impedance value of the human body is used. The acoustic matching body 27 formed on each ground electrode 157 is not limited to one type. For example, a plurality of acoustic matching bodies 27 having different acoustic impedance values may be provided on each ground electrode 157 such that the piezoelectric body 153 decreases in a stepwise manner toward the patient.

  When step SA4 is performed, an acoustic lens 29 is provided on the plurality of acoustic matching bodies 27 (step SA5). The acoustic lens 29 is a lens made of, for example, silicone rubber having an acoustic impedance value close to that of a living body. The acoustic lens 29 is bonded to the plurality of acoustic matching bodies 27 with, for example, an adhesive.

  When step SA5 is performed, the back material 25 is attached to the back surface of the printed circuit board 23 (step SA6). Thereby, the transducer module 15 is completed. The above-described method for manufacturing the transducer module 15 is an example, and the transducer module 15 may be manufactured using any existing method. For example, a plurality of signal electrodes 155, a plurality of piezoelectric bodies 153, and a plurality of layers are formed by stacking a plate-shaped piezoelectric material, a ground electrode 157, and an acoustic matching layer on the printed board 23 and cutting the stacked body into a lattice shape. A laminated body of the ground electrode 157 and the plurality of acoustic matching bodies 27 may be formed.

  When step SA6 is performed, the transducer module 15 is fixed to the base 21 of the casing 11, and the wiring on the printed board 23 is electrically connected to the main board 33 (step SA7). In addition, the battery 31, the display device 13, and the touch panel 63 are mounted on the housing 11, and the battery 31, the display device 13, and the touch panel 63 are electrically connected to the main board 33. Thereby, the tablet type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is completed.

  Next, an operation example of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, acquisition of subject information performed prior to ultrasonic examination will be described.

  First, the display control unit 61 displays an input screen for a subject identifier such as a subject ID (patient ID), a subject name, and a birth date on the display device 13. A user such as an engineer inputs a subject identifier using the touch panel 63 on the input screen, and requests acquisition of subject information (patient information). The system control unit 51 is supplied with the position signal of the position touched by the user from the touch panel 63, and the display control unit 61 is supplied with the image information of the input screen. The system control unit 51 reads the subject ID from the position signal and the image information on the input screen. Next, the system control unit 51 acquires subject information from a storage device provided via the network or the storage unit 65 in the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 using the subject ID as a keyword. The system control unit 51 supplies the acquired subject information and subject ID to the display control unit 61. The display control unit 61 displays a predetermined operation screen on the display device 13, and operates the subject information and the subject ID. Display on the screen. On the operation screen, the user sets transmission / reception conditions and the like.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a typical flow of an operation example of an ultrasonic examination performed under the control of the system control unit 51 of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, the user applies the living body contact surface (acoustic lens 29) of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to the patient's body via a gel or polymer gel. When the examination site is the breast, the acoustic lens 29 is pressed against the surface of the breast. When the preparation for the ultrasonic inspection is completed, the user gives an instruction to start the ultrasonic inspection via the touch panel 63 or the like.

  When a start signal corresponding to an instruction to start ultrasonic inspection is supplied, the system control unit 51 supplies ultrasonic transmission / reception conditions to the beam forming unit 57 (step SB1). The transmission / reception conditions are determined by the user via the operation unit or automatically. The transmission / reception conditions include transmission intensity, reception intensity, scanning range, ultrasonic scanning sequence, and the like.

  When step SB1 is performed, the beam forming unit 57 determines transmission parameters according to the transmission / reception conditions, and supplies the determined transmission parameters to the transmission unit 53 (step SB2). More specifically, the beam forming unit 57 electronically forms an ultrasonic transmission beam based on transmission conditions, and determines transmission parameters related to the ultrasonic transmission beam.

  When Step SB2 is performed, the transmission unit 53 generates a transmission drive signal according to the transmission parameter from the beam forming unit 57, and supplies the generated transmission drive signal to each piezoelectric element in the transducer module 15 (Step SSB2). SB3).

  When step SB3 is performed, the transducer module 15 receives the transmission drive signal from the transmission unit 53 and generates a beam-like ultrasonic wave (step SB4).

  When step SB4 is performed, the transducer module 15 receives the reflected wave from the patient, converts the received reflected wave into an electric signal (echo signal), and supplies the signal to the receiving unit 55 (step SB5).

  When step SB5 is performed, the receiving unit 55 converts the echo signal from the transducer module 15 into digital data (echo data) and supplies the digital data to the beam forming unit 57 (step SB6).

  When step SB6 is performed, the beam forming unit 57 generates reception beam data corresponding to the ultrasonic reception beam by processing the echo data according to a predetermined reception parameter, and supplies the reception beam data to the image processing unit 59. (Step SB7).

  When step SB7 is performed, the image processing unit 59 generates volume data related to the imaging region based on the received beam data from the beam forming unit 57 (step SB8). Specifically, the image processing unit 59 performs B mode processing on the received beam data, and generates volume data based on the received beam data subjected to the B mode processing.

  When step SB8 is performed, the image processing unit 59 generates a cross-sectional image related to the cross section specified by the user based on the volume data, and supplies it to the display control unit 61 (step SB9). The cross section may be designated in advance or may be designated at the time of ultrasonic imaging. The cross section may be a cross section in any orientation, but for example, it may be specified as a cross section parallel to the display surface of the display device 13 (that is, a coronal cross section). The cross section is not limited to the coronal cross section, and may be a sagittal cross section, an axial cross section, or any other cross section.

  When step SB9 is performed, the display control unit 61 immediately displays the cross-sectional image from the image processing unit 59 (step SB10). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a cross-sectional image (hereinafter, referred to as a coronal cross-sectional image) I1 relating to a coronal cross-section parallel to the display surface of the display device 13. As shown in FIG. 8, the coronal slice image I1 is immediately displayed on the display device 13 provided on the back side of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Since the cross section of the coronal slice image I1 is parallel to the display surface of the display device 13, the user can easily understand the spatial positional relationship of the coronal slice image I1 intuitively. Furthermore, in order to make it easy to intuitively understand the spatial positional relationship of the coronal cross-sectional image I1, the display control unit 61 may display the coronal cross-sectional image I1 enlarged or reduced to an actual size.

  Various GUIs related to image operations and the like may be displayed on the coronal cross-sectional image I1. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a GUI (hereinafter referred to as a depth value GUI) for setting the depth value of the cross section of the coronal cross-sectional image I1 displayed on the display device 13 may be displayed. The depth value GUI indicates, for example, a displayable depth range. The user designates a position corresponding to the user-desired depth within the depth range via the touch panel 63 in order to display the cross section of the depth desired by the user on the display device 13.

  When the position is designated by the user, the touch panel 63 supplies the position signal of the designated position to the system control unit 51, and the display control unit 61 supplies the image information of the operation screen to the system control unit 51. The system control unit 51 specifies the cross-sectional position of the coronal cross section designated by the user from the position signal and the image information, and requests the image processing unit 59 to generate a coronal cross-sectional image related to the cross-sectional position. The image processing unit 59 that has received the request generates a coronal cross-sectional image related to the coronal cross-section at the cross-sectional position specified by the system control unit 51 based on the volume data generated in step SB8. The generated coronal cross-sectional image is displayed on the display device 13 by the display control unit 61.

  Note that the GUI shape and display position are preferably designed by an ergonomic technique so that the user can operate while holding the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the depth value GUI preferably has a shape along the movable range of the thumb with the base of the thumb as a fulcrum. As such a shape, for example, a substantially arc shape is appropriate as shown in FIG. The display position of the depth value GUI may be displayed in the movable range of the thumb with the base of the thumb as a fulcrum. By designing the shape and display position of the depth value GUI in this way, the user can easily operate the depth value GUI while holding the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9, a GUI for holding an image (hereinafter referred to as an image holding GUI) may be displayed within the movable range of the thumb with the base of the thumb as a fulcrum. When the image holding GUI is pressed, the system control unit 51 recognizes the image holding request based on the image information on the display screen and the position signal of the pressing position of the user. The system control unit 51 temporarily holds (clips) the ultrasonic image displayed on the display device 13. Note that the held ultrasonic image may or may not be deleted at the end of the examination. Whether or not to delete can be arbitrarily set by the user. The stored ultrasonic image is stored in the storage unit 65 in the storage device or the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 connected via the network in response to a storage request from the user. The storage device or storage unit 65 stores the ultrasound image in association with the patient information. Further, the storage device or the storage unit 65 may store the ultrasonic image in association with the transmission parameter, the reception parameter, or the image display parameter.

  Note that the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing unit 59 in step SB9 is not limited to a cross-sectional image such as a coronal cross-sectional image. For example, the image processing unit 59 may generate a three-dimensional image by performing volume rendering processing on the volume data. The generated three-dimensional image is immediately displayed on the display device 13 by the display control unit 61. Thus, the quality of ultrasonic inspection can be improved by enabling display of a plurality of types of images.

  When step SB10 is performed, the ultrasonic inspection is completed.

  Next, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 18, a user (engineer) in the ultrasonic inspection using the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment and the ultrasonic inspection using the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. ) Will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a user's eyes in an ultrasonic examination using the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 18 is an ultrasonic examination using a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is a figure which shows the user's eyes in. It is assumed that the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a type in which the display device and the ultrasonic probe including the transducer module 15 have separate structures. In the case of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a user observes an ultrasonic image displayed on a display device while confirming the contact of a biological contact surface of an ultrasonic probe with a subject (for example, a breast) as needed. Therefore, the user needs to shift his / her line of sight alternately between his / her hand and the display device. In the case of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the display device and the transducer module 15 are integrated. Therefore, the user can always keep the line of sight at hand. Therefore, the tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment reduces the movement of the user's line of sight at the time of ultrasonic examination as compared with the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the user's consciousness is ultrasonically examined. Can focus on. Thereby, the inspection time can be shortened.

  Further, when imaging a three-dimensional region in a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the user has to operate the ultrasonic probe while confirming the contact direction and movement direction of the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, even in the same examination region, the image quality of the volume data differs depending on the skill of the user, and the reproducibility is not high. The tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can capture a wide range of three-dimensional regions without moving. Therefore, if the transmission / reception conditions are the same, the user can generate highly reproducible volume data simply by pressing the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 against the patient's examination site.

  In the transmission of ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic transmission beam is sequentially transmitted over the entire three-dimensional imaging region. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the transmission focal point may be matched with only the user-specified cross section, and the ultrasonic transmission beam may be transmitted in order to the entire user-specified cross section. Examples of the user-specified cross section include a coronal cross section, a sagittal cross section, and an axial cross section.

  Further, all the piezoelectric elements are used in the transmission of the ultrasonic waves. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. When the cover range of the piezoelectric element is wide with respect to the imaging region, the ultrasonic wave may be transmitted only to the piezoelectric element specified by the user.

(Application 1)
A template image may be displayed on the display device 13 in order to increase the accuracy of the contact position of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 with the examination site. The template image is stored in the storage unit 65 for each examination site. In the template image, a typical examination region in the same cross section as the display target cross section is depicted. Hereinafter, a template image will be described taking a breast as an example.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a breast template image I2 relating to a coronal section. In the template image I2, a typical breast region RT in the coronal section is depicted. In the breast region RT, a nipple region RN is depicted at a typical position in the breast region RT. The template image I2 is displayed on the display device 13 so that the ultrasonic image can be visually recognized during the ultrasonic inspection. For example, the display control unit 61 displays the template image I2 translucently on the ultrasonic image. Thus, the user can move the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 so that the breast region and the nipple region in the ultrasonic image are aligned with the breast region RT and the nipple region RN in the template image I2. Therefore, the inspection time for ultrasonic inspection can be further shortened. A plurality of template images may be prepared according to the size and depth value of the examination site. The template image to be displayed can be arbitrarily set by the user via the touch panel 63 or the like.

(Application example 2)
The display device 13 may be a naked-eye 3D display in order to enhance the presence of ultrasonic examination. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12, support for puncture when the display device 13 is a naked-eye 3D display will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining puncture support when the display device 13 is a naked-eye 3D display. As shown in FIG. 12, the user fixes the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to the breast of the patient and inserts a puncture needle into a target site in the breast. Under the control of the system control unit 51 of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, ultrasonic imaging of the breast is performed, and volume data is repeatedly generated by the image processing unit 59. The image processing unit 59 immediately generates a coronal cross-sectional image based on the volume data, and the display control unit 61 displays the coronal cross-sectional image on the display device 13 immediately. At this time, the display control unit 61 displays guidance information for guiding the progress of the puncture needle according to the positional relationship between the target site and the tip of the puncture needle. Hereinafter, display of guidance information will be described.

  The user designates a target part in the volume data via the touch panel 63. Further, the image processing unit 59 performs binarization processing on the volume data according to a predetermined threshold value, and extracts the puncture needle region RNd from the volume data. The image processing unit 59 extracts the tip point P of the puncture needle region RNd and the point Q where the puncture needle region RNd and the end of the display surface intersect, and creates a straight line connecting the point P and the point Q. This straight line is synonymous with the expected trajectory of the puncture needle. The image processing unit 59 determines whether or not the target is on the predicted puncture needle and the point P of the puncture needle region RNd is between the target site and the point Q. If the target is on the expected puncture needle locus and the point P of the puncture needle region RNd is between the target site and the point Q, it can be estimated that the puncture needle has traveled to the target site along the correct path. In this case, an “advance” signal is supplied to the display control unit 61. When the “advance” signal is supplied, the display control unit 61 displays on the display device 13 that the puncture needle is advanced as it is. For example, the display control unit 61 displays an “advance” message on a part of the display surface of the display device 13 or displays a green mark.

  When the target is on the expected trajectory of the puncture needle and the point P of the puncture needle region RNd is between the target site and the point Q, if the point P is within a predetermined distance, the tip of the puncture needle will soon be Since the target part is reached, the user needs to be alerted. In this case, the image processing unit 59 supplies a “carefully proceed” signal to the display control unit 61. When the “carefully proceed” signal is supplied, the display control unit 61 displays on the display device 13 that the puncture needle is carefully advanced. For example, the display control unit 61 displays a message “Proceed with care” or a yellow mark on a part of the display surface of the display device 13.

  On the other hand, when the target is on the predicted puncture needle and the point P is not between the target site and the point Q and the point P is between the target site and the point Q, the puncture needle passes through the target site. Can be estimated. In this case, the image processing unit supplies a “return” signal to the display control unit 61. When the “return” signal is supplied, the display control unit 61 displays on the display device 13 that the puncture needle is to be returned. For example, the display control unit 61 displays a “return” message on a part of the display surface of the display device 13 or displays a red mark.

  Thus, the display control unit 61 can accurately support the user's puncture by displaying the guidance information of the puncture needle corresponding to the positional relationship between the target site and the tip of the puncture needle. In the above description of the puncture support, the display device 13 is a naked-eye 3D display, but may be a normal display.

(Modification 1)
In the above description, the transmission unit 53, the reception unit 55, the beam forming unit 57, the image processing unit 59, the display control unit 61, the storage unit 65, and the system control unit 51 are mounted on the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It was. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. A computer device (console device) in which at least some of the functions of the transmission unit 53, the reception unit 55, the beam forming unit 57, the image processing unit 59, the display control unit 61, the storage unit 65, and the system control unit 51 are separate. May be implemented.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 and the console apparatus 500 according to a modification. As shown in FIG. 13, the console device 500 is connected to the housing 11 of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 via a cable 600. Information and signals are transmitted and received between the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and the console apparatus 500 via the cable 600. The console device 500 can receive an ultrasonic image generated by the image processing unit 59 and display it on the display device 550. The tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 has all the functions of the transmission unit 53, the reception unit 55, the beam forming unit 57, the image processing unit 59, the display control unit 61, the storage unit 65, and the system control unit 51. It is not necessary that at least a part of these functions be implemented in the console device 500.

[effect]
As described above, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment includes the housing 11, the display device 13, the touch panel 63, and the transducer module 15. The display device 13 is provided in the housing 11. The touch panel 63 is provided on the front side of the display device 13. The transducer module 15 is provided on the back side of the display device 13 and has a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged two-dimensionally.

  With the above configuration, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 realizes that the display device 13 and the transducer module 15 are integrated. That is, the user can always keep the line of sight at hand. Therefore, the tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment reduces the movement of the user's line of sight at the time of ultrasonic examination as compared with the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the user's consciousness is ultrasonically examined. Can focus on. Thereby, the inspection time can be shortened. In addition, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can image a wide range of three-dimensional regions without moving. Therefore, if the transmission / reception conditions are the same, the user can generate highly reproducible volume data simply by pressing the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 against the patient's examination site.

  Thus, according to the first embodiment, the inspection time of the ultrasonic inspection can be shortened.

[Second Embodiment]
In Japan, with the westernization of eating habits and the popularization of cosmetic surgery, cases of imaging large breasts (thick breasts) are increasing. However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the conventional example, since the transmission / reception frequency varies depending on the depth of focus, an ultrasonic probe suitable for the depth of the imaging target is selected. For this reason, when imaging from a deep part to a shallow part, it is necessary to exchange an ultrasonic probe according to the depth. The tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment has a structure capable of performing imaging in a suitable frequency band with a single apparatus over a wide range from a deep part to a shallow part. Hereinafter, a tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is provided only when necessary.

  The transducer module 15 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 respectively corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands. Each piezoelectric element 151 has a structure corresponding to the frequency band assigned to the piezoelectric element 151. For example, the frequency band is determined by the thickness or material of the piezoelectric element 151. A frequency band shows the frequency band regarding transmission / reception of an ultrasonic wave.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the piezoelectric elements 151 in the transducer module 15-1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the transducer module 15-1 has a piezoelectric element (hereinafter referred to as a high frequency band element) 151-1 and a low frequency band, which are two-dimensionally arranged, for a high frequency band. Piezoelectric element (hereinafter referred to as a low frequency band element) 151-2. As shown in FIG. 14, the high frequency band elements 151-1 and the low frequency band elements 151-2 are preferably arranged alternately so that the sound field of the transmitted ultrasonic waves is uniform. Each of the plurality of high frequency band elements 151-1 and the plurality of low frequency band elements 151-2 has, for example, a quadrangular prism shape and is arranged in a lattice shape. The intensity of ultrasonic waves is attenuated at a shorter distance as the frequency is higher. Therefore, the high frequency band element 151-1 is used for imaging a shallow part, and the low frequency band element 151-2 is used for imaging a deep part. Each frequency range of the high frequency band and the low frequency band may be designed arbitrarily according to the application.

  The types of frequency bands are not limited to two types, a high frequency band and a low frequency band. For example, an intermediate frequency band may be provided in addition to the high frequency band and the low frequency band. The intermediate frequency band is a frequency range between the high frequency band and the low frequency band. Further, the shape of the piezoelectric element 151 is not limited to a quadrangular prism shape, and may be an arbitrary shape. The frequency ranges of the high frequency band, the low frequency band, and the intermediate frequency band may be arbitrarily designed according to the application.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another arrangement example of the piezoelectric elements 151 in the transducer module 15-2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the transducer module 15-2 includes two-dimensionally arranged high frequency band elements 151′-1, low frequency band elements 151′-2, and piezoelectric elements for the intermediate frequency band. (Hereinafter referred to as an intermediate frequency band element) 151′-3. The high frequency band element 151′-1, the low frequency band element 151′-2, and the intermediate frequency band element 151′-3 are alternately arranged as shown in FIG. It should be arranged. Each of the plurality of high frequency band elements 151′-1, the plurality of low frequency band elements 151′-2, and the plurality of intermediate frequency band elements 151′-3 has, for example, a hexagonal column shape and is arranged in a honeycomb shape. Has been. By arranging in a honeycomb shape, the high frequency band element 151′-1, the low frequency band element 151′-2, and the intermediate frequency band element 151′-3 are more spatially compared with the case of arranging in a lattice shape. Can be arranged uniformly and densely.

  Next, a manufacturing method of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the structure of the piezoelectric element 151 differs depending on the frequency band. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 respectively corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands are manufactured by a manufacturing process corresponding to the type of frequency band. Hereinafter, the production method will be specifically described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the content same as said embodiment, and only a difference shall be demonstrated.

  Specifically, in step SA1, the signal electrode 155 corresponding to each frequency band is formed on the substrate 23. For example, when there are two types of frequency bands, the signal electrode 155 corresponding to the high frequency band element 151-1 and the signal electrode 155 corresponding to the low frequency band element 151-2 are formed by an electrode pattern creation technique or the like. When there are three types of frequency bands, it corresponds to the signal electrode 155 corresponding to the high frequency band element 151′-1, the signal electrode 155 corresponding to the low frequency band element 151′-2, and the intermediate frequency band element 151′-3. A signal electrode 155 is formed. The signal electrode 155 is formed in a pattern corresponding to the shape and arrangement pattern of the piezoelectric elements 151. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the piezoelectric elements 151 having a quadrangular prism shape are arranged in a lattice shape, each signal electrode is formed in a square shape and arranged in a lattice shape. As shown in FIG. 15, when the piezoelectric elements 151 having a hexagonal column shape are arranged in a honeycomb shape, the signal electrodes are formed in a hexagonal shape and arranged in a honeycomb shape.

  In step SA2, the piezoelectric body 153 corresponding to the frequency band of the signal electrode 155 is formed on the signal electrode 155 by a technique such as an ink jet 3D printer. For example, the piezoelectric body 153 for the high frequency band element 151 is formed on the signal electrode 155 corresponding to the high frequency band, and the piezoelectric body 153 for the low frequency band element 151 is formed on the signal electrode 155 corresponding to the low frequency band. And the piezoelectric body 153 for the intermediate frequency band element 151 is formed on the signal electrode 155 corresponding to the intermediate frequency band. For example, the piezoelectric body 153 is formed with a thickness and material corresponding to the frequency band.

  In step SA3, a ground electrode 157 corresponding to the frequency band is formed on the piezoelectric body 153 corresponding to each frequency band by sputtering or the like. For example, the ground electrode 157 corresponding to the high frequency band is formed on the piezoelectric body 153 corresponding to the high frequency band, and the ground electrode 157 corresponding to the low frequency band is formed on the piezoelectric body 153 corresponding to the low frequency band, An earth electrode 157 corresponding to the intermediate frequency band is formed on the piezoelectric body 153 corresponding to the intermediate frequency band.

  In step SA4, the acoustic matching body 27 corresponding to the frequency band is formed on the ground electrode 157 corresponding to each frequency band. For example, each acoustic matching body 27 is formed with a thickness or material corresponding to the frequency band.

  In step SA5, an acoustic lens 29 is provided on the acoustic matching body 27 corresponding to each frequency band, and the back material 25 is attached to the printed circuit board 23 in step SA6. Thereby, the transducer module 15 according to the second embodiment is completed. In step SA 7, the transducer module 15 is fixed to the base 21 of the housing 11, and the wiring on the printed board 23 is electrically connected to the main board 33. Thereby, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is completed.

  Next, an operation example of ultrasonic examination performed under the control of the system control unit 51 of the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the transducer module 15 includes a high frequency band element 151'-1, a low frequency band element 151'-2, and an intermediate frequency band element 151'-3.

  In the ultrasonic inspection, the system control unit 51 transmits transmission / reception conditions to the beam forming unit 57. Specifically, the transmission / reception conditions according to the second embodiment include the position of the transmission focus. The position of the transmission focus is defined by the depth value and direction of the transmission focus. The direction of the transmission focal point is defined by, for example, the angle of the reference axis with respect to the transmission focal axis. The reference axis is defined as an axis orthogonal to the center point of the array surface of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 included in the transducer module 15. The transmission focal axis is defined as an axis connecting the center point and the transmission focal point. Note that the imaging region according to the second embodiment is a coronal section. That is, since the coronal section is scanned with an ultrasonic beam, the position of the transmission focus on the coronal section is sequentially changed while the depth value is constant. Note that the depth values of the coronal section and the transmission focal point are substantially the same.

  When the transmission / reception conditions are supplied, the beam forming unit 57 determines the piezoelectric element 151 to be driven according to the transmission / reception conditions. Specifically, the beam forming unit 57 determines the piezoelectric element 151 to which the drive signal is supplied in accordance with the depth value and direction of the transmission focus.

  FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are diagrams for explaining ultrasonic transmission according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for schematically explaining ultrasonic transmission according to deep imaging, and FIG. 17 is a diagram for schematically explaining ultrasonic transmission according to shallow imaging. 16A and 17A show the arrangement surface of the transducer module 15, and FIGS. 16B and 17B schematically show ultrasonic transmission beams in the body of the subject.

  The beam forming unit 57 determines the frequency band of the piezoelectric element 151 according to the depth value of the transmission focus. For example, when there are two types of frequency bands, a high frequency band and a low frequency band, the depth of transmission focus is divided into two depth ranges, and the deeper depth range is assigned to the low frequency band and is shallow. The depth range is assigned to the high frequency band. Similarly, when there are three types of frequency bands, a high frequency band, a low frequency band, and an intermediate frequency band, the depth of the transmission focus is divided into three depth ranges, and the deeper depth range is the low frequency band. , The shallower depth range is assigned to the high frequency band, and the intermediate depth range is assigned to the intermediate frequency band. For this reason, when the transmission focus depth value is assigned to the high frequency band, the drive signal supply destination is determined to the high frequency band element 151′-1 and the transmission focus depth value is assigned to the low frequency band. In the case where the drive signal is supplied to the low frequency band element 151′-2 and the depth value of the transmission focus is assigned to the intermediate frequency band, the drive signal is supplied to the intermediate frequency band element. 151′-3.

  Further, the beam forming unit 57 determines the range of the transmission aperture (the address of the piezoelectric element 151) according to the direction of the transmission focal point. For example, the beam forming unit 57 sets a point (piezoelectric element 151) passing through the transmission focal point and orthogonal to the transducer module 15 as the center of the transmission aperture, and an area having a predetermined size including the set center is set as the transmission aperture. Is set. The size is determined according to the type of frequency band of the piezoelectric element 151 to be driven. In the case of deep imaging (low frequency band), a relatively wide transmission aperture is required to focus the ultrasonic transmission beam at a deeper position than in the case of shallow imaging (high frequency band). Therefore, in the case of deep imaging, the transmission aperture is set wider than in the case of shallow imaging. The size of the transmission aperture corresponding to the frequency band may be set in advance, or may be dynamically set according to the depth value and direction of the transmission focus.

  The beam forming unit 57 determines the piezoelectric element 151 to be driven based on the frequency band corresponding to the depth value of the transmission focus and the range of the transmission aperture. Specifically, in the beam forming unit 57, among the piezoelectric elements 151 included in the range of the transmission aperture, the piezoelectric element 151 related to the frequency band corresponding to the depth value of the transmission focus is determined as the piezoelectric element 151 to be driven. The For example, in the case of FIG. 16, the low frequency band element 151'-2 included in the transmission aperture among the plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 is determined as a driving target. In the case of FIG. 17, among the plurality of piezoelectric elements 151, the high frequency band element 151 ′-1 included in the transmission aperture is determined as a driving target.

  When the piezoelectric element 151 to be driven is determined, the beam forming unit 57 determines a transmission parameter for transmitting the ultrasonic beam to the transmission focal point. As the transmission parameter, for example, a delay time for forming an ultrasonic transmission beam from the piezoelectric element 151 to be driven toward the transmission focal point can be cited. The beam forming unit 57 supplies the determined transmission parameter and the identifier of the piezoelectric element 151 to be driven to the transmission unit 53.

  The transmission unit 53 supplies a drive signal only to the piezoelectric elements 151 having a frequency band corresponding to the position of the transmission focus among the plurality of piezoelectric elements 151. Thereby, an ultrasonic transmission beam focused on the transmission focus is transmitted from the piezoelectric element 151 having a frequency band corresponding to the transmission focus.

  The reflected wave from the subject is received by a plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 relating to a plurality of frequency bands without distinction of the frequency bands. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 convert the received reflected waves into echo signals and supply the echo signals to the receiving unit 55. The receiving unit 55 converts the supplied echo signal into echo data and supplies it to the beam forming unit 57.

  The beam forming unit 57 generates reception beam data corresponding to the ultrasonic reception beam by processing the echo data according to a predetermined reception parameter, and supplies the generated reception beam data to the image processing unit 59. The image processing unit 59 generates a cross-sectional image (coronal cross-sectional image) regarding the coronal cross-section according to the depth value of the transmission focus based on the supplied reception beam data. The generated coronal cross-sectional image is immediately displayed on the display device 13 by the display control unit 61. Since the coronal section to be scanned is scanned by the ultrasonic transmission beam from the piezoelectric element corresponding to the frequency band suitable for the depth value of the coronal section, the coronal section image has high resolution. Therefore, the display control unit 61 can display a high-resolution coronal cross-sectional image.

  Above, description of the operation example of the ultrasonic inspection which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is complete | finished.

  In the above operation example, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus scans a single coronal section. However, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may alternately scan a plurality of coronal cross sections. For example, when the transducer module 15 has two types of piezoelectric elements, that is, a high frequency band element and a low frequency band element, the transmitter 53 scans a coronal section corresponding to a depth value suitable for the high frequency band. The ultrasonic transmission beam is transmitted from the high frequency band element, and the ultrasonic transmission beam is transmitted from the low frequency band element to scan the coronal section corresponding to the depth value suitable for the low frequency band. In this case, the display control unit 61 immediately arranges the coronal cross-sectional image related to the coronal cross section corresponding to the depth value suitable for the high frequency band and the coronal cross-sectional image related to the coronal cross section corresponding to the depth value suitable for the low frequency band. Display. Further, when the transducer module 15 has three types of piezoelectric elements, that is, a high frequency band element, a low frequency band element, and an intermediate frequency band element, the transmitting unit 53 coronal corresponding to a depth value suitable for the high frequency band. An ultrasonic transmission beam is transmitted from the high frequency band element to scan the cross section, and an ultrasonic transmission beam is transmitted from the low frequency band element to scan the coronal cross section corresponding to the depth value suitable for the low frequency band. An ultrasonic transmission beam is transmitted from the intermediate frequency band element to scan the coronal section corresponding to the depth value suitable for the frequency band. In this case, the display control unit 61 uses the coronal cross-sectional image related to the coronal cross section corresponding to the depth value suitable for the high frequency band, the coronal cross-sectional image related to the coronal cross section corresponding to the depth value suitable for the low frequency band, and the intermediate frequency band. The coronal cross-sectional images related to the coronal cross-section corresponding to the depth value suitable for the image are immediately displayed side by side.

  In the above operation example, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus scans the coronal section. However, the tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may scan a three-dimensional imaging region. In this case, the imaging region is divided into a plurality of frequency bands according to the depth value. Since the transmission unit 53 sequentially scans a plurality of three-dimensional regions respectively corresponding to the plurality of divided frequency bands, an ultrasonic transmission beam is sequentially applied to the plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 respectively corresponding to the plurality of frequency bands. Send it. For example, when the transducer module 15 has two types of piezoelectric elements, ie, a high frequency band element and a low frequency band element, the transmission unit 53 scans a three-dimensional region corresponding to a depth value suitable for the high frequency band. Therefore, the ultrasonic transmission beam is transmitted from the high frequency band element, and the ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the low frequency band element to scan the three-dimensional region corresponding to the depth value suitable for the low frequency band. Further, for example, when the transducer module 15 has three types of piezoelectric elements, that is, a high frequency band element, a low frequency band element, and an intermediate frequency band element, the transmission unit 53 corresponds to a depth value suitable for the high frequency band. An ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the high frequency band element to scan the three-dimensional area to be transmitted, and an ultrasonic transmission beam is transmitted from the low frequency band element to scan the three-dimensional area corresponding to the depth value suitable for the low frequency band. In order to scan the three-dimensional region corresponding to the depth value suitable for the intermediate frequency band, an ultrasonic transmission beam is transmitted from the intermediate frequency band element. Thereby, the transmission unit 53 switches the piezoelectric element to be transmitted of the ultrasonic transmission beam to the piezoelectric element corresponding to the frequency band appropriate for the transmission focus depth value for each transmission focus depth value. Can be scanned. Therefore, the entire three-dimensional region can be imaged with high resolution as compared with the case where only the piezoelectric element corresponding to a single frequency band is imaged over the entire three-dimensional region.

  The reflected wave of the ultrasonic beam is received by all the piezoelectric elements 151 regardless of the frequency band. The reception unit 55 converts the echo signal from the piezoelectric element 151 into echo data, the beam forming unit 57 generates reception beam data based on the echo data, and the image processing unit 59 converts the generated reception beam data into Based on this, volume data relating to the entire imaging area is generated. The image processing unit 59 generates a predetermined cross-sectional image based on the generated volume data, and the generated cross-sectional image is displayed by the display control unit 61. As described above, according to the second embodiment, the ultrasonic transmission beam can be focused to a plurality of depth values. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the conventional example equipped with the piezoelectric element corresponding to a single frequency band is used. In contrast, high-quality volume data can be generated.

[effect]
As described above, the transducer module 15 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 151 corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands. The tablet ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment superimposes an imaging region by selectively transmitting an ultrasonic transmission beam from a piezoelectric element corresponding to an appropriate frequency band corresponding to a depth value of an imaging target. It can be scanned with sound waves. Therefore, the tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment does not change the ultrasonic probe according to the depth value of the imaging target like the ultrasonic probe according to the conventional example, but from the deep part to the shallow part. Imaging can be performed in a suitable frequency band with a single device over a wide range.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tablet-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 11 ... Housing | casing, 13 ... Display apparatus, 15 ... Transducer module, 21 ... Base, 23 ... Printed circuit board, 25 ... Back material, 27 ... Acoustic matching body, 29 ... Acoustic lens 31 ... Battery, 33 ... Main board, 35 ... IC, 51 ... System control unit, 53 ... Transmission unit, 55 ... Reception unit, 57 ... Beam formation unit, 59 ... Image processing unit, 61 ... Display control unit, 63 ... Touch panel, 65 ... storage unit, 111 ... handle, 151 ... piezoelectric element, 153 ... piezoelectric body, 155 ... signal electrode, 157 ... ground electrode

Claims (26)

A housing,
A display device provided in the housing;
A touch panel provided on a display surface of the display device;
A plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged two-dimensionally on the back side of the display device;
A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display surface of the display device and an array surface of the plurality of piezoelectric elements are in a parallel positional relationship.   The portable type according to claim 1, further comprising a plate-like base provided between the display device and the plurality of piezoelectric elements and having rigidity to hold the display device and the plurality of piezoelectric elements. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. A transmitter for supplying a driving signal for generating an ultrasonic wave in each of the piezoelectric elements to each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements;
A receiving unit that receives an analog electrical signal generated in response to reception of ultrasonic waves in each of the piezoelectric elements from each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements, and generates digital data based on the received electrical signals; ,
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The transmission unit supplies a drive signal to the plurality of piezoelectric elements so as to scan a three-dimensional space region distributed on the opposite side of the display device with ultrasonic waves across the plurality of piezoelectric elements. 4. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 4.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit and the reception unit are provided in the casing or a computer device connected to the casing.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a beam forming unit that generates reception beam data corresponding to a reception beam based on digital data from the reception unit.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the beam forming unit is provided in the casing or a computer device connected to the casing.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an image processing unit that generates volume data based on reception beam data from the beam forming unit.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing unit is provided in the casing or a computer device connected to the casing.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing unit generates an image related to a cross section parallel to a display surface of the display device based on the volume data.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display device displays the image immediately.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the display device displays the image in actual size.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the display device displays a template image in which a typical examination site region is drawn so as to be superimposed on the image so that the image is visible.   The portable display device according to claim 12, wherein the display device displays guide information for guiding the progress of the puncture needle in accordance with a positional relationship between a user-specified target site and a tip of the puncture needle region in the image. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display device displays a button for designating a depth position in a scanning region of a display section of a display image.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a grip portion that can be folded toward the display device.   16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the display device displays a button for designating a depth position in a scanning region of a display section of a display image within a movable range of the thumb when the operator holds the grip portion. Portable ultrasound diagnostic device.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements are configured to have a plurality of frequency bands.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is configured to have two different frequency bands as the plurality of frequency bands.   20. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is configured to have three different transmission / reception frequencies as the plurality of frequency bands. A transmitter for supplying a driving signal for generating an ultrasonic wave in each of the piezoelectric elements to each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements;
The transmission unit supplies a drive signal only to a piezoelectric element having a frequency band corresponding to a position of a transmission focus among the plurality of piezoelectric elements.
The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 19.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a lattice pattern.   24. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements have a quadrangular prism shape.   The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a honeycomb shape.   26. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements have a hexagonal column shape.