CN101564309B - Ultrasonic wave imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an ultrasonic wave imaging device, which comprises: an oppression mechanism for oppressing an imaging object position of an examined object, an ultrasonic wave transceiving mechanism for sending ultrasonic wave and receiving ultrasonic wave to the examined object through an ultrasonic wave probe, an ultrasonic wave receiving signal frame data choosing mechanism for choosing a group of signal frame data received by ultrasonic wave from a plurality of obtained ultrasonic wave receiving signal frame data sets based on time sequence, a displacement measuring mechanism for measuring placement of each point based on the group of signal frame data received by ultrasonic wave chosen through the ultrasonic wave receiving signal frame data choosing mechanism, and an image display mechanism for showing elastic images based on the displacement, and controlling oppressing movement of the oppression mechanism according to circling information of the ultrasonic wave receivingsignal frame data.

Description

Ultrasonic imaging apparatus

The application be that October 11, application number in 2005 are 2005800188429 the applying date, name is called the dividing an application of application of " ultrasound probe and ultrasonic imaging apparatus ".

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of ultrasonic imaging apparatus that utilizes ultrasound wave to obtain the faultage image at the imaging object position in relevant tested having a medical check-up, relate in particular to and a kind ofly can, according to receive distortion and the elastic modelling quantity of each point on this image of signal frame data operation by 1 group of ultrasound wave of time series arrangement, be shown as the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the hardness of quantificational expression bio-tissue or the elastic image of pliability.

Background technology

General ultrasonic imaging apparatus in the past, its formation has: ultrasonic transmission/reception controlling organization, it controls hyperacoustic transmitting-receiving; Ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism, it sends ultrasound wave and receives ultrasound wave to tested having a medical check-up; Tomoscan mechanism, it adopts the reflection echo signal from this ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism repeatedly to obtain comprising the faultage image data of motor tissue in interior tested having a medical check-up with specified period; With image indication mechanism, it shows by the resulting time series faultage image data of this tomoscan mechanism.And, tested structure display of having a medical check-up inner bio-tissue is shown to for example B pattern picture.

To this, recently, following method becomes a reality, that is, from tested surface of having a medical check-up, by manual methods, to the ultrasonic transmission/reception face of ultrasound probe, give external force, utilize the related operation of the ultrasound wave reception signal of 2 frames (continuous 2 frames) of adjacency in time series, obtain the displacement of the tested interior each point of having a medical check-up, and then by this displacement is carried out to space differentiation, thereby measure distortion, and this distortion data is carried out to the method for image conversion; And then according to stress distribution and the distortion data of utilizing external force, to take the Young's modulus etc. of bio-tissue, carry out the method for image conversion as the elastic modelling quantity data of representative.According to the elastic image of the distortion based on such and elastic modelling quantity data (hereinafter referred to as elasticity frame data), just can measure hardness or the pliability of bio-tissue and show.Ultrasonic unit as such, has device of recording in " patent documentation 1 " or " patent documentation 2 " etc.

In the computing of elasticity frame data, employing receives by resulting 1 group of ultrasound wave at a certain time interval the method that signal frame data form 1 elasticity frame data, a plurality of elastic image data (especially distorted image data) that obtain in a series of compressing process image quality separately, depends on respectively the compressing speed when acquisition receives signal frame data for forming one group of ultrasound wave of each elastic image data.

And the amount of pressurization of the known elastic image data that are suitable for depicting high image quality or decompression amount for producing the scope of the distortion of 0.5%～1% left and right in be concerned about tissue.

But, in the elastic image method of utilizing ultrasonic imaging apparatus in the past, due to the method for taking with the urgent tissue of being concerned about of hand, so all moment in a series of compressing process, be difficult to continue compressing in being suitable for the compressing velocity interval of higher image quality, in addition because each compressing speed is constantly non-constant, therefore, as a result of a plurality of elastic image data of output are discontinuous in time, become the image that has jump between the frame of elastic image data, be difficult to carry out diagnostic imaging.

And then the inevitable hands that produces vibrates in compressing process, compressing direction constantly can produce change at each, and this also becomes the discontinuous reason of elastic image data of above-mentioned continuous acquisition.And, cause for above-mentioned reasons the image quality of elastic image to depend on unavoidably examiner's skill.

Patent documentation 1: Unexamined Patent 5-317313 communique

Patent documentation 2: JP 2000-60853 communique

Summary of the invention

The present invention is exactly the invention completing in view of the above problems, and its object is, provides a kind of and when any, can stably carry out to the elastic image of high image quality ultrasound probe and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of image conversion mutually in elastic image diagnosis.

The first technical scheme of the present invention is, it is a kind of diagnostic ultrasound equipment ultrasound probe of pressing the tested acquisition elastic image of having a medical check-up, possess: compressing parts, it has to above-mentioned ultrasound probe with respect to pressing the vertically disposed and above-mentioned tested contact surface of having a medical check-up of direction; And compression mechanism, its by make above-mentioned contact surface along above-mentioned press direction move use regulation pressure above-mentioned tested imaging object position of having a medical check-up is oppressed.

By using as in the present invention the ultrasound probe that possesses compression mechanism, can make pressuring piece move up in compressing side with desirable constant speed.Can obtain at any time the elastic image data of high image quality.And then, therefore owing to can keeping the repeatability of pressing action, can avoid the image quality of elastic image to depend on examiner's problem.

The second technical scheme of the present invention is, is insert type ultrasound probe in a kind of body inserting in tested having a medical check-up, and possesses: compressing parts, and it has the contact surface between that be arranged in parallel with respect to direction of insertion to above-mentioned probe and tested having a medical check-up; And compression mechanism, its above-mentioned contact surface along the direction vertical with this contact surface with regulation the above-mentioned tested imaging object position of having a medical check-up of pressure compression.

The same with the ultrasound probe of the first technical scheme, it also possesses compression mechanism in the second body in insert type ultrasound probe.The ultrasound probe of the first technical scheme is oppressed along moving direction, yet in the body of the second technical scheme, insert type ultrasound probe is oppressed along the direction vertical with direction of insertion.

The 3rd technical scheme of the present invention is, is a kind of ultrasonic imaging apparatus, possesses: ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism, and it adopts above-mentioned ultrasound probe to send ultrasound wave and receive ultrasound wave tested having a medical check-up; Ultrasonic transmission/reception controlling organization, it is controlled above-mentioned hyperacoustic transmission and reception; Tomoscan mechanism, it uses from the reflection echo signal of above-mentioned ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism output, and the cycle repeatedly obtains and comprises the ultrasound wave reception signal frame data of motor tissue interior tested having a medical check-up in accordance with regulations; Signal processing mechanism, its carry out by above-mentioned tomoscan mechanism, obtain by a plurality of ultrasound wave of seasonal effect in time series, receive the signal processing of signal frame data; Black and white monochrome information mapping device, it will be transformed into black and white faultage image data by seasonal effect in time series tomography frame data from above-mentioned signal processing mechanism; Ultrasound wave receives signal frame data selection mechanism, and it is from receiving signal frame data set by a plurality of ultrasound wave of seasonal effect in time series of obtaining by above-mentioned tomoscan mechanism, and the ultrasound wave that is selected to the object of displacement measurement receives the group of signal frame data; Displacement measurement mechanism, its group based on receive signal frame data selection mechanism selected ultrasound wave reception signal frame data by above-mentioned ultrasound wave, measures the amount of movement of each point on faultage image or displacement; Pressure measxurement mechanism, its body intracavity pressure to above-mentioned tested imaging object position of having a medical check-up is measured or is inferred; Distortion and elastic modelling quantity arithmetical organ, it is based on by the measured above-mentioned displacement of above-mentioned displacement measurement mechanism and by the measured above-mentioned body intracavity pressure of above-mentioned pressure measxurement mechanism, distortion and the elastic modelling quantity of each point generate the first elasticity frame data on the above-mentioned faultage image of computing; Elastic data processing mechanism, it carries out signal processing and generates the second elasticity frame data above-mentioned the first elasticity frame data that generated by above-mentioned distortion and elastic modelling quantity arithmetical organ; Hue information mapping device or black and white monochrome information mapping device, above-mentioned the second elasticity frame data that its input generates by above-mentioned elastic data processing mechanism are also given hue information or black and white monochrome information; Switch adding mechanism, it is by the black and white faultage image data from above-mentioned black and white monochrome information mapping device, be added or send separately with color elastic view data from hue information mapping device or from the black and white elastic image data of black and white monochrome information mapping device; With above-mentioned image indication mechanism, it shows the view data of switching adding mechanism from this.

It is that a kind of above-mentioned ultrasound probe phase arbitrarily time of using can stably be carried out the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of image to the elastic image of high image quality.

Four of technical scheme of the present invention is insert type ultrasonic imaging apparatus in a kind of body, and it possesses: ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism, and it uses insert type ultrasound probe in above-mentioned body to send ultrasound wave and receive ultrasound wave tested having a medical check-up; Ultrasonic transmission/reception controlling organization, it is controlled above-mentioned hyperacoustic transmission and reception; Tomoscan mechanism, it uses from the reflection echo signal of above-mentioned ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism output, and the cycle in accordance with regulations repeatedly obtains and comprises the ultrasound wave reception signal frame data of motor tissue interior tested having a medical check-up in; Signal processing mechanism, its carry out by above-mentioned tomoscan mechanism, obtain by a plurality of ultrasound wave of seasonal effect in time series, receive the signal processing of signal frame data; Black and white monochrome information mapping device, it will be transformed into black and white faultage image data by seasonal effect in time series tomography frame data from above-mentioned signal processing mechanism; Ultrasound wave receives signal frame data selection mechanism, and it is from receiving signal frame data set by a plurality of ultrasound wave of seasonal effect in time series of obtaining by above-mentioned tomoscan mechanism, and the ultrasound wave that is selected to the object of displacement measurement receives the group of signal frame data; Displacement measurement mechanism, its group based on receive signal frame data selection mechanism selected ultrasound wave reception signal frame data by above-mentioned ultrasound wave, measures the amount of movement of each point on faultage image or displacement; Pressure measxurement mechanism, its body intracavity pressure to above-mentioned tested imaging object position of having a medical check-up is measured or is inferred; Distortion and elastic modelling quantity arithmetical organ, it is based on by the measured above-mentioned displacement of above-mentioned displacement measurement mechanism and by the measured above-mentioned body intracavity pressure of above-mentioned pressure measxurement mechanism, distortion and the elastic modelling quantity of each point generate the first elasticity frame data on the above-mentioned faultage image of computing; Elastic data processing mechanism, it carries out signal processing and generates the second elasticity frame data above-mentioned the first elasticity frame data that generated by above-mentioned distortion and elastic modelling quantity arithmetical organ; Hue information mapping device or black and white monochrome information mapping device, above-mentioned the second elasticity frame data that its input generates by above-mentioned elastic data processing mechanism are also given hue information or black and white monochrome information; Switch adding mechanism, it is by the black and white faultage image data from above-mentioned black and white monochrome information mapping device, be added or send separately with color elastic view data from hue information mapping device or from the black and white elastic image data of black and white monochrome information mapping device; With above-mentioned image indication mechanism, it shows the view data of switching adding mechanism from this.

According to the present invention, have in elastic image diagnosis and can stably carry out the effect of image to the elastic image of high image quality mutually when any as mentioned above.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 means the block diagram of the embodiment of ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the figure that general ultrasonic linear ultrasound probe is shown.

Fig. 3 is the figure that the ultrasound probe that plate for forcing is installed is shown.

Fig. 4 is the figure that the ultrasound probe that is built-in with the automatic compressing structure based on motor configuration in the present invention is shown.

Fig. 5 is the figure that the ultrasound probe that is built-in with the automatic compressing structure based on oil sector in the present invention is shown.

Fig. 6 is the figure that outside mounting means is arranged on the automatic compressing structure in original ultrasound probe that passes through illustrating in the present invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates the figure that the ultrasound probe after pressure transducer has been installed.

Fig. 8 illustrates by pressure measxurement of the present invention portion to control the figure of compressing structure automatically according to pressure information.

Fig. 9 is the outside drawing of the per rectum type ultrasound probe in embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 10 means part enlarged drawing and the left side side view of the embodiment of the automatic compressing structure possessing in per rectum type ultrasound probe.

Figure 11 means part enlarged drawing and the left side side view of the embodiment of the automatic compressing structure possessing in per rectum type ultrasound probe.

Figure 12 means part enlarged drawing and the left side side view of the embodiment of the automatic compressing structure possessing in per rectum type ultrasound probe.

Figure 13 means part enlarged drawing and the left side side view of the embodiment of the automatic compressing structure possessing in per rectum type ultrasound probe.

Figure 14 means part enlarged drawing and the left side side view of the embodiment of the automatic compressing structure possessing in per rectum type ultrasound probe.

Figure 15 means part enlarged drawing and the left side side view of the embodiment of the automatic compressing structure possessing in per rectum type ultrasound probe.

Figure 16 means part enlarged drawing, left side side view and the right, side view of the embodiment of the automatic compressing structure possessing in per rectum type ultrasound probe.

Figure 17 means the figure of an example of the action of compressing bag illustrated in fig. 16.

Figure 18 is the figure of other embodiment of compressing bag.

Figure 19 means the figure of the variation of carrying out the expansion of compressing bag illustrated in fig. 13 and the drive division of contraction.

Figure 20 means part enlarged drawing, left side side view and the right, side view of the variation of the automatic compressing structure possessing in the illustrated per rectum type ultrasound probe of Figure 14.

Figure 21 means part enlarged drawing, left side side view and the right, side view of the variation of the automatic compressing structure possessing in the per rectum type ultrasound probe of Figure 20.

Figure 22 means part enlarged drawing, left side side view and the right, side view of the variation of the automatic compressing structure possessing in the per rectum type ultrasound probe of Figure 21.

Figure 23 means part enlarged drawing, left side side view and the right, side view of the variation of the automatic compressing structure possessing in the per rectum type ultrasound probe of Figure 22.

Figure 24 means that the trigger part of application hydraulic giant is as the figure that makes the power source of liquid discrepancy compressing bag.

Figure 25 represents the variation of Figure 24, the trigger part of integrated setting hydraulic giant in ultrasound probe, and oppress the power source of bag as liquid is come in and gone out.

Figure 26 represents the variation of Figure 25, replaces the trigger portion of hydraulic giant, the such structure of the maintaining part of integrated setting squeeze dynamometer in ultrasound probe, and it is oppressed to the power source of bag as liquid is come in and gone out.

Figure 27 represents the variation of Figure 26, and the pipe (tube) till omitting from syringe to compressing bag, utilizes the conduit (pipe) being built in the handle that is attached to the probe on ultrasound probe originally.

Figure 28 represents the variation of Figure 24, replaces the hydraulic giant of available finger manipulation and adopts the foot-operated power source of available foot operation.

In figure: 10-ultrasound probe, 11-ultrasonic transmission/reception control circuit, 12-transtation mission circuit, 13-receiving circuit, 14-phase modulation add circuit, 15-signal processing part, 16-black and white scan converter, 17-switches adder, 18-image display, 19-ultrasound wave receives signal frame data selection portion, 20-displacement measurement portion, 21-pressure measxurement portion, 22-oppresses structure automatically, 23-distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part, 24-elastic data handling part, 25-chromoscan transducer, 101-ultrasonic transmission/reception face, 102-pressuring piece, 103-ultrasound probe maintaining part, 104-support component, 105-switch, 31-plate for forcing, 41-motor configuration, 42-gear (pinion), 43-tooth bar (rack), 44-motor control portion, 51, 51A～51E-cylinder, 511, 511A～511E-piston, 52, 52A～52E-pipe, 53, 53A～53E-pump, 55, 56-oppresses bag, 57-housing section, 60-oppresses structure automatically, 61-ultrasound probe fixed structure, 62-support component, 63-tooth bar (rack), 64-drives structure (motor configuration), 65-gear (pinion), 66, 67-gear, 71～76-pressure transducer, 80-per rectum type ultrasound probe, the 81-handle part of popping one's head in, insertion section in 82-body, 83, 83A～83E-oppresses bag, 84-peristome, 85-brake, 86-fixing band, 87-support component.

The specific embodiment

Below, describe with reference to the accompanying drawings embodiments of the invention in detail.Fig. 1 means the block diagram of the embodiment of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus in the present invention.This ultrasonic imaging apparatus, utilizes ultrasound wave to obtain the faultage image at relevant tested 1 the imaging object position of having a medical check-up and shows the elastic image of the hardness that represents bio-tissue.As shown in Figure 1, this ultrasonic imaging apparatus, its formation possesses: have automatic compressing structure 22 ultrasound probe 10, ultrasonic transmission/reception control circuit 11, transtation mission circuit 12, receiving circuit 13, phase modulation add circuit 14, signal processing part 15, black and white scan converter 16, switch adder 17, image display 18, ultrasound wave and receive signal frame data selection portion 19, displacement measurement portion 20, pressure measxurement portion 21, automatically oppress structure 22, distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23, elastic data handling part 24 and chromoscan transducer 25.

Ultrasound probe 10 is, a plurality of oscillators are arranged in to rectangle and form, adopt machinery or electronics mode to carry out beam scanning, thereby to the tested 1 transmission ultrasound wave of having a medical check-up, and receive the ultrasound wave by tested 1 the internal reflection of having a medical check-up, this ultrasound probe contacts with tested 1 the body surface of having a medical check-up, or is inserted into tested having a medical check-up in 1, according to forming to its tested 1 mode that applies compressing of having a medical check-up around under those states.About the detailed formation of this ultrasound probe 10 as described later.

Ultrasonic transmission/reception control circuit 11, controls sending and receive hyperacoustic moment.Transtation mission circuit 12, drives and generates for generation of hyperacoustic transmitted ultrasound probe 10, and hyperacoustic convergent point that the transmission phase modulation add circuit by built-in is sent is set as certain degree of depth.Receiving circuit 13, the reflection echo signal being received by ultrasound probe 10 is amplified in gain in accordance with regulations.The reception signal of the amplified number corresponding with each probe quantity is inputted to phase modulation add circuit 14 as independently receiving signal respectively.

Phase modulation add circuit 14, the reception signal that input is amplified by receiving circuit 13 phase place of controlling them, form ultrasound beamformer to one or more convergent point.Signal processing part 15, input is from signal processing such as the reception signal of phase modulation add circuit 14 revisal that gains, daily record compression, detection, emphasizing contour, Filtering Processing.

These ultrasound probes 10, ultrasonic transmission/reception control circuit 11, transtation mission circuit 12, receiving circuit 13, phase modulation add circuit 14 and signal processing part 15, form ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism, by using ultrasound probe 10 in constant direction, ultrasound beamformer to be scanned, thereby obtain a tension fault image in tested 1 the body of having a medical check-up.

Black and white scan converter 16, possess: adopt from the reflection echo signal of signal processing part 15 outputs of above-mentioned ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism and obtain and comprise motor tissue and receive signal frame data at interior tested ultrasound wave of having a medical check-up in 1 by the ultrasound wave cycle, be used in order to show this ultrasound wave to receive signal frame data by the tomoscan mechanism of the cycle sense data of TV mode and for carrying out the mechanism of the control of system, for example the reflection echo signal from signal processing part 15 is transformed into the A/D changer of digital signal, by time series, preserve a plurality of frame memories that carried out digitized faultage image data by this A/D changer, with controller that their action is controlled etc.

Image display 18, demonstration by black and white scan converter 16 resulting by seasonal effect in time series faultage image data, be B pattern faultage image, by D/A changer and input via switching the view data of adder 17 from 16 outputs of black and white scan converter and be transformed into analogue signal are formed from the analog video signal of this D/A changer the color video monitor showing as image.

In the present embodiment, from the outlet side branch of phase modulation add circuit 14, ultrasound wave reception signal frame data selection portion 19 and displacement measurement portion 20 are set, and be set up in parallel with it pressure measxurement portion 21, back segment in this pressure measxurement portion 21 and displacement measurement portion 20 is provided with distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23, back segment at distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23 is provided with elastic data handling part 24 and chromoscan transducer 25, at the outlet side of black and white scan converter 16 and chromoscan transducer 25, is provided with and switches adder 17.Operators etc. can carry out free control to chromoscan transducer 25 via device control interface portion (not shown).

Ultrasound wave receives signal frame data selection portion 19, by using ultrasound wave that the frame rate of ultrasonic imaging apparatus exports successively by timeliness from phase modulation add circuit 14, receive signal frame data and be kept at successively ultrasound wave and receive in the frame memory that signal frame data selection portion 19 possessed (make the ultrasound wave of current preservation receive signal frame data and receive signal frame data N as ultrasound wave), control command according to ultrasonic imaging apparatus receives signal frame data N-1 from the ultrasound wave of passing by time, N-2, N-3, in N-M, select a ultrasound wave to receive signal frame data (receiving signal frame data X using it as ultrasound wave), and receive signal frame data N and ultrasound wave reception signal frame data X to the displacement measurement portion a pair of ultrasound wave of 20 output.From the signal of phase modulation add circuit 14 outputs, be not limited to ultrasound wave and receive signal frame data, can also be for example to become ultrasound wave reception signal to carry out the I of combined demodulation, the signal of the form of Q signal.

Ultrasound wave receives signal frame data selection portion 19, obtains selected a pair of ultrasound wave and receives the cycle information between signal frame data N, X, automatically oppresses the pressing action of structure 22 according to this periodic Control.One example of this action is below described.

By ultrasound wave, receive the selected a pair of ultrasound wave of signal frame data selection portion 19 and receive the cycle between signal frame data N, X, by from 14 outputs of phase modulation add circuit and to the ultrasound wave that ultrasound wave receives 19 inputs of signal frame data selection portion receive signal frame data cycle, receive signal frame data X with ultrasound wave forming this pair of ultrasound wave and receive the past of signal frame data and determined with the ultrasound wave reception signal frame data number that current ultrasound wave receives interval rejecting between signal frame data N.For example, ultrasound wave reception signal frame data in the output as phase modulation add circuit 14 are the cycle of 40 frames per second, and when the interval rejecting frame number between a pair of ultrasound wave reception signal frame data N, X is 1 frame, the frame rate that a pair of ultrasound wave receives between signal frame data becomes 20 frames per second.Automatically compressing structure 22, obtains this pair of ultrasound wave and receives the cycle information between signal frame data N, X, and based on resulting cycle information, controls the compressing speed of pressing action.

For example, under these conditions, the frame rate that receives signal frame data at the ultrasound wave as from the output of phase modulation add circuit 14 is 40 frames per second, and when the frame rate between a pair of ultrasound wave reception signal frame data N, X is 20 frame per second, suppose be concerned about tissue is oppressed continuously with compressing speed V0, the distortion of this compressing speed V0 generation 0.7% is the amount distortion that is suitable for higher image quality.In this case, by the image-forming condition of change ultrasonic imaging apparatus, thereby when the frame rate that the ultrasound wave of the output as from phase modulation add circuit 14 is received to signal frame data changes to the frame rate of 20 frames per second, the frame rate that a pair of ultrasound wave receives between signal frame data N, X reduces by half as 10 frames per second.At this moment, still with compressing speed V0, oppress, be 2 times of length the interval time receiving between signal frame data due to ultrasound wave, and the distortion of therefore giving be concerned about tissue becomes greatly to 1.4%, has departed from the scope of the amount distortion that is suitable for higher image quality.As a result, the continuous elastic image data of exporting become disorderly image.

Therefore, in the automatic compressing structure 22 of present embodiment, obtain the cycle information that ultrasound wave receives signal frame data, for example, under above-mentioned condition, compressing speed is changed to the compressing speed reducing by half to V0/2.Thus, by the image-forming condition of change ultrasonic imaging apparatus, even the in the situation that of ultrasonic transmission/reception cyclomorphosis, in order to obtain the elastic image of high image quality, can automatically control pressing action to become best compression speed.

In addition, automatically oppress structure 22, can switch arbitrarily compressing speed or the decrement (amplitude) of integration or the setting of the pressing actions such as pressure threshold that pressing action stops in continuous pressure process/decompression process.

Displacement measurement portion 20, based on receiving by ultrasound wave, the selected a pair of ultrasound wave of signal frame data selection portion 19 receives signal frame data execution one dimension or two-dimensional correlation is processed, and measure displacement or the mobile vector (direction of displacement and size) of each measurement point on faultage image, and generate displacement frame data.As the detection method of this mobile vector, for example, there is module coupling (block matching) method and gradient method of recording in patent documentation 1.Module matching method is, image is divided into the module being for example comprised of N * N pixel, the module of paying close attention in search and current frame from frame before recently like module, and carry out predictive coding with reference to this module.

Pressure measxurement portion 21, measures or infers to tested 1 the imaging object position applied pressure of having a medical check-up.Pressure measxurement portion 21, measurement has applied the pressure of what degree to head and tested the having a medical check-up of the probe of ultrasound probe 10 between 1, for example its structure can be the pressure transducer that detects the pressure that bar-like member bears to be arranged on to the side of the head of probe, arbitrarily time, measure mutually head and the tested pressure of having a medical check-up between 1 of probe, and measured force value is sent to distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23.Kind to compressing sensor is not particularly limited, for example, can use the pressure transducer of capacitance type or resistance line style.

Distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23, according to distortion and the elastic modelling quantity of each measurement point the displacement frame data (amount of movement) of exporting respectively from displacement measurement portion 20 and pressure measxurement portion 21 and pressure computing faultage image and generate distortion or the numeric data of elastic modelling quantity (elasticity frame data), by it to 24 outputs of elastic data handling part.The computing of the distortion of carrying out about distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23, for example, just can calculate and obtain by its displacement is carried out to space differentiation, and does not need the data of pressure.And, about the computing of a kind of for example Young's modulus Ym in elastic modelling quantity, can be according to the following formula by the amount distortion with each computing point, just can obtain except the stress (pressure) of each computing point.

Ymij=pressure (stress) ij/ (amount distortion ij)

(i，j＝1，2，3……)

At this, i, the coordinate of the index expression frame data of j.

Elastic data handling part 24, to the elasticity frame data from distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23, the various images such as smoothing processing that impose the time-axis direction between smoothing (smoothing) processing, the processing of contrast optimization or the frame in coordinate plane are processed, and the elasticity frame data after processing are exported to chromoscan transducer 25.

Chromoscan transducer 25, possesses hue information mapping device, its using the elasticity frame data from elastic data handling part 24 output, with order from device control interface portion 216 or from the elasticity frame data of elastic data handling part 24 outputs as higher limit and the lower limit input of the gray processing range of choice, according to these elasticity frame data, give the hue informations such as red, green, blue as elastic image data.Hue information mapping device, for example from the elasticity frame data of elastic data handling part 24 outputs, for measuring the very large region of distortion, this domain transformation in elastic image data is become to code red, on the contrary for measuring the very little region of distortion, by this domain transformation au bleu code in elastic image data.And, chromoscan transducer 25 can be also black and white scan converter, for measuring the very large region of distortion, can make the brightness in this region in elastic image data brighten, for measuring the little region of distortion, can make the brightness in this region in elastic image data dimmed on the contrary.

Switch adder 17, input is from the black and white faultage image data of black and white scan converter 16 with from the color elastic view data of chromoscan transducer 25, by two image additions or switching, only export the faultage image data of black and white or only export colored elastic image data, or switch according to the mode that two view data is added to synthetic rear output.In addition, for example, as described in Patent Document 2, also can in two picture displies, show the black and white elastic image in black and white faultage image and colored or above-mentioned black and white scan converter simultaneously.In addition, can be also translucent overlapping display color elastic image in black and white faultage image for example.The view data of switching adder 17 outputs from this is exported to image display 18.

Fig. 2 is the figure that the outward appearance that represents the general one-dimensional linear ultrasound probe using is shown.In the ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 of ultrasound probe 10, neatly dispose the element group that simultaneously receives the oscillator of reflection echo as hyperacoustic generation source.Each oscillator, generally has the transmitted signal of inputted impulse wave or continuous wave to be transformed into the function of ultrasound wave transmitting and to receive from the ultrasound wave of tested 1 the internal reflection of having a medical check-up and is transformed into the reception signal of the signal of telecommunication the function of output.

Fig. 3 is for adopting ultrasound wave to obtain the outside drawing of the ultrasound probe 10 of elastic image.Ultrasound probe 10, possesses the plate for forcing 31 that is simultaneously combined with ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 and installs.Jagged so that the ultrasonic transmission/reception of the central part of plate for forcing 31 is showed out.When obtaining elastic image, via ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101, carry out ultrasonic transmission/reception, simultaneously in order to give stress distribution to tested 1 the imaging object position of having a medical check-up, and the pressure surface that consists of with plate for forcing 31 ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 1 is contacted with tested having a medical check-up, make pressure surface up and down and oppress and testedly have a medical check-up 1.Although moving up and down of this pressure surface can, by operator by manually carrying out, also can be undertaken by following illustrated automatic compressing structure 22.

Fig. 4 be illustrate as carry out ultrasound probe pressing action automatic compressing structure 22 embodiment and adopt the figure of an example of the driving force that the actuator that comprises motor configuration produces.In Fig. 4, automatically oppress structure 22, pressuring piece 102 is moved up and down, this pressuring piece 102 makes the pressure surface independence consisting of ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 and plate for forcing 31.Automatically compressing structure 22 consists of rack pinion (rack and pinion), this rack pinion, gear 42 and tooth bar 43, consist of, gear 42, is arranged on the rotating shaft of the motor configuration 41 keeping in the probe handle part 103 of the ultrasound probe 10 of being controlled by operator; Tooth bar 43 is arranged on the support component 104 of pressuring piece 102.Motor configuration 41, according to the control command of outside motor control portion 44, probe handle part 103 is up and down relatively via rack pinion, to make pressuring piece 102.That is, operator, control probe handle part 103 and make pressuring piece 102 have a medical check-up 1 while contacting with tested, if actuator makes pressuring piece 102 and the distance change of popping one's head between handle part 103, via pressuring piece 102, to tested having a medical check-up, 1 apply compressing.

In addition, as operate the interface of automatic compressing structure 22 (motor control portion 44) and the position that operator can operate with the finger of controlling the hands of probe handle part 103 for operator, dispose switch (not shown).Operator can adjust opening (ON)/pass (OFF), operating pressure, working cycle etc. of automatic compressing structure 22 via this switch.Relevant to operating the interface of automatic compressing structure 22, be not limited to, by the operated switch of the finger of above-mentioned hands, can also adopt the foot switch that for example can be operated by foot.

Motor configuration 41, also can be by having used the structure of electromagnetic motor, ultrasonic motor etc. to be formed.Power transmission structure from from motor configuration 41 to pressuring piece 102 is not limited to gear and tooth bar, can also be cam to be for example set in motor configuration 41 and at above-below direction, to drive support component 104 according to the shape of cam.And, can be not yet via gear with power transmission structures such as tooth bars and make directly to move motor etc. and be directly connected and drive with pressuring piece 102.

Fig. 5 is the figure illustrating as an example of the driving force that other embodiment employing of compressing structure 22 is produced by pump configuration automatically.In Fig. 5, automatically oppress structure 22, by two ejector half cylinders 51, formed, this pair of ejector half cylinder 51 remains in the probe handle part 103 of the ultrasound probe 10 of being controlled by operator.The piston 511 of this cylinder 51 and support component 104 combinations of pressuring piece 102.The structure of this cylinder 51 is, by managing 52, is combined with air entry and the air vent of pump 53, controls the piston 511 that cylinder 51 inside are possessed up and down by the pressure of pump 53, with gas piston linkage, this makes pressuring piece 102 automatically up and down.Equally, as operate the interface of automatic compressing structure 22 (pump 53) and operator for operator, can, with the position of finger manipulation of controlling the hands of probe handle part 103, dispose switch (not shown).The working fluid of pump configuration is not particularly limited, and can be also water, oil, air etc.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, although show the example that possesses drives structure such as driving the motor configuration of pressuring piece 102 or pump configuration in probe handle part 103 sides, contrary pressuring piece 102 sides also can possess drives structure.And, although be described for the situation of the built-in automatic compressing structure 102 in the inside at ultrasound probe 10, also compressing structure 22 automatically can be installed in the outside of original ultrasound probe.

Fig. 6 illustrates as another embodiment of automatically oppressing structure 22 by the outside at original ultrasound probe, thereby the figure that the embodiment of the action same with the driving of pressuring piece just can be carried out in automatic compressing unit 60 to be installed.Automatically compressing unit 60, possesses: ultrasound probe fixed structure 61, the original ultrasound probe 10 of its fixing maintenance; With drives structure 62, it drives this ultrasound probe fixed structure 61 in rectilinear direction (above-below direction).Equally, as operating the interface of automatic compressing structure 60 and the position that operator can operate with the finger of controlling the hands of automatic compressing unit 60 for operator, dispose switch (not shown).Ultrasound probe fixed structure 61, with the cervical region crimping of the probe handle part 103 of ultrasound probe 10, keeps ultrasound probe 10 to fix.By the fixing ultrasound probe 10 of ultrasound probe fixed structure 61, be just equal to pressuring piece as shown in Figure 4 like this.Employing is by being arranged on the tooth bar 63 in the support component 62 of ultrasound probe fixed structure 61 and being arranged on the rack pinion that the gear 65 in the rotating shaft of drives structure (motor configuration) 64 forms, and the handle part 103 that makes to pop one's head in is that ultrasound probe 10 is up and down.In addition, in Fig. 6, between tooth bar 63 and gear 65, be provided with 2 gears 66,67 that transmission of power is used.The shell that comprises so automatic compressing unit 60 can be arranged on to the shell outside of original ultrasound probe 10 in mode removably.And, if operator controls automatic compressing unit 60, can make ultrasound probe 10 own up and down as pressuring piece.

Then, for measure the suffered pressure from pressure surface of tested 1 the epidermis of having a medical check-up the embodiment that utilizes this pressure data to control the action of compressing structure 22 automatically by pressure measxurement portion 21, describe.

Fig. 7 is the figure that the embodiment of the ultrasound probe 10 that possesses pressure measxurement portion 21 is shown, and the pressure that has applied what degree between the ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 of ultrasound probe 10 and tested 1 the surface of having a medical check-up is measured by this pressure measxurement portion 21.As shown in Figure 7, this ultrasound probe 10, possesses the pressure measxurement portion 21 being comprised of the pressure transducer 71～76 that is configured in the circumference of plate for forcing 31.As shown in Figure 1, adopt such ultrasound probe 10, can arbitrarily time, measure mutually the pressure between plate for forcing 31 and tested 1 the epidermis of having a medical check-up, and this pressure data is exported to automatic compressing structure 22 and distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23.That is, the automatic compressing structure 22 in present embodiment, obtains by the measured pressure data of pressure measxurement portion 21, and controls the pressing action of compressing structure 22 automatically according to pressure data.Pressure measxurement portion 21, the load of bearing by measuring the drives structure of automatic compressing structure 22, and based on tested 1 the suffered pressure from this pressure surface of epidermis of having a medical check-up of this load calculation, thereby obtain pressure data.

For the situation that connects as shown in Figure 1 compressing structure 22 and pressure measxurement portion 21 automatically and control its action, describe.Fig. 8 illustrates the driving force of employing motor configuration 41 as shown in Figure 4 as the figure of an example of automatic compressing structure 22.As shown in Figure 8, by the pressure data of pressure transducer 71～76 of surrounding that is contained in plate for forcing 31 to motor control portion 44 input of automatic compressing structure 22.This motor control portion 44, according to the motor control signal corresponding with pressure data exported to motor configuration 41, and the mode that motor configuration 41 is carried out to desirable pressing action is controlled.

As shown in the embodiment, by using automatic compressing structure 22, thereby in pressure measxurement portion 21, measure in certain the moment of larger pressure more than benchmark, can stop automatically oppressing the action of structure 22, can too not oppress tested having a medical check-up.And, in the imaging of elastic image, there is the pressure limit of the elastic image obtain high image quality, known to when surpassing the pressure of higher limit or the pressure of not enough lower limit and oppress, elastic image can produce disorder.

According to the automatic compressing structure 22 of present embodiment, in certain continuous pressure process, in pressure measxurement portion 21, measure in certain the moment of large pressure more than threshold value, can control the action of automatic compressing structure 22 to switch to continuous decompression process from pressure process, on the contrary, in certain continuous decompression process, in pressure measxurement portion 21, record the moment of certain little pressure below threshold value, can control the action of automatic compressing structure 22 to switch to continuous pressure process from decompression process, by repeating this action, thereby can maintain all the time suitable oppression state.Can in limited imaging time, effectively obtain the elastic image of high image quality like this.

Then, insert type ultrasound probe in the body in the embodiments of the present invention that adopt ultrasound wave to obtain tested 1 the elastic image of having a medical check-up is described., there is the ultrasound probe through forms such as the shape of the mouth as one speaks, per anum type, transvaginal type, blood intracanalicular types at the tested position of having a medical check-up of inserting according to ultrasound probe, and how the present invention can apply regardless of the form of ultrasound probe.Below, take and through tested anus of having a medical check-up, be inserted into intrarectal per rectum type probe and describe as example.

Fig. 9 is the outside drawing of the per rectum type ultrasound probe 80 of embodiments of the present invention.Per rectum type ultrasound probe 80, is equivalent to the ultrasound probe 10 of Fig. 1.Operator control probe handle part 81 by body in insertion section 82 be inserted into tested having a medical check-up during 1 internal rectum, ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 contacts with tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up.The pressuring piece 102 that possesses the pressure surface being formed by ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 and plate for forcing 31, can be in body insertion section 82 and moving, by being built in the automatic compressing structure 22 in insertion section 82 in body, press tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up.Switch 105, be operator operate that automatic compressing structure 22 used interface, be configured in the position that operator can operate with the finger of controlling the hands of probe handle part 81.

Figure 10 (a) means the part enlarged drawing of the embodiment of the automatic compressing structure 22 that per rectum type ultrasound probe 80 possesses, and Figure 10 (b) sees the figure of the ultrasound probe 80 of Figure 10 (a) from left surface direction.In the present embodiment, automatically oppress structure 22, by comprising the effect in interior actuator of motor configuration 41, gear 42 and tooth bar 43, pressuring piece 102 insertion section 82 direction as shown in arrow 30 of above-below direction in the drawings in body is moved.Automatically oppress structure 22, by rack pinion, formed, this rack pinion consists of motor configuration 41, gear 42 and tooth bar 43, motor configuration 41 is built-in to be remained in the interior insertion section 82 of body, gear 42 is arranged in the rotating shaft of this motor configuration 41, and tooth bar 43 is arranged in the support component 87 of pressuring piece 102.

Motor configuration 41, the switch 105 being arranged in probe handle part 81 is controlled, and via above-mentioned rack pinion, makes pressuring piece 102 up and down.That is, operator can adjust opening (ON)/pass (OFF), operating pressure, working cycle etc. of automatic compressing structure 22 by this switch.Operator, controlling the handle part 81 of popping one's head in makes to comprise pressuring piece 102 insertion section 82 in interior body and is inserted into and testedly haves a medical check-up 1 when interior, because actuator makes in pressuring piece 102 and body the distance between 82 surfaces, insertion section, change, therefore by tested the having a medical check-up of 102 pairs of pressuring pieces, 1 apply compressing.; due to insertion section in body 82 with the surface of pressuring piece 102 opposition sides as supporting surface; contact with the face of the opposition side of imaging object institute subtend in tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up; therefore when the distance change causing because of actuator between pressuring piece 102 and supporting surface, the tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up of pressuring piece 102 contacts is applied to compressing.

Motor configuration 41, also can be by having adopted the mechanism of electromagnetic motor, ultrasonic motor etc. to form.Power transmission structure from from motor configuration 41 to pressuring piece 102, is not limited to rack-and-pinion, for example, also can in motor configuration 41, cam be set, and according to the shape of cam, support component 104 is driven along above-below direction.In addition, also can via power transmission structures such as rack-and-pinion, not make directly to move motor etc. is directly connected and drives with pressuring piece 102.

Figure 11 (a) means the part enlarged drawing of other embodiment of the automatic compressing structure 22 possessing in per rectum type ultrasound probe 80, and Figure 11 (b) is for seeing the figure of the ultrasound probe 80 of Figure 10 (a) from left lateral sides.In the present embodiment, by pump 53 and pipe 52, to compressing bag 83, supply with fluid and discharge fluid from it, and make compressing bag 83 directions at four-headed arrow 31,32 expand and shrink, thereby pressuring piece 102 moves along the above-below direction arrow 30 in figure with respect to insertion section in body 82, tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up that pressuring piece 102 is contacted applies compressing.At this moment too, as operate the interface of automatic compressing structure 22 (pump 53) and the position that operator can operate with the finger of controlling the hands of probe handle part 81 for operator, dispose switch (not shown).Working fluid to pump configuration is not particularly limited, and can be water, oil, air etc.

Figure 12 (a) means the part enlarged drawing of other embodiment of the automatic compressing structure 22 that per rectum type ultrasound probe 80 possesses, and Figure 12 (b) is for seeing the figure of the ultrasound probe 80 of Figure 12 (a) from left lateral sides.In the present embodiment, by with Figure 11 (a) and same pump, pipe and 5 opposition sides that are systematically arranged on pressuring piece 102 of compressing bag of the illustrated embodiment of Figure 11 (b), according to making compressing bag 83A, 83B, 83C, a 83D by pump 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D, 53E and pipe 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E, 83E expands respectively and the mode of shrinking forms.By optionally making compressing bag 83A, 83B, 83C, 83D, 83E expansion and shrinking, thereby just can make pressuring piece 102 move respectively in the arrow A as shown in Figure 12 (b), B, C, D, E direction relative to insertion section in body 82.Thus, just can in the desirable direction of operator, apply compressing to tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up.

Figure 13 (a) means the part enlarged drawing of other embodiment of the automatic compressing structure 22 that per rectum type ultrasound probe possesses, and Figure 13 (b) is for seeing the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 13 (a) from left lateral sides.In the present embodiment, by with as Figure 12 (a) and same compressing bag 83A, 83B, 83C, 83D, the 83E of the illustrated embodiment of Figure 12 (b), be arranged on the outside of original per rectum type ultrasound probe 80, the mode that makes it respectively to expand and shrink according to 5 pumps (not shown) by connecting by pipe 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E forms.The surface of compressing bag 83A, 83B, 83C, 83D, 83E, become the supporting surface contacting with the face of the opposition side of imaging object subtend in tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, by optionally making compressing bag 83A, a 83B, 83C, 83D, 83E expand and shrink, thereby just can make insertion section 82 integral body in body move respectively in the arrow A as shown in Figure 13 (b), B, C, D direction relative to tested 1 the rectum of having a medical check-up.Thus, even do not there is the movably per rectum type ultrasound probe of pressuring piece, also can apply compressing to the tested desirable direction of internal rectum oriented manipulation person of having a medical check-up.

Figure 14 (a) means the part enlarged drawing of other embodiment of the automatic compressing structure 22 that per rectum type ultrasound probe possesses, and Figure 14 (b) is for seeing the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 14 (a) from left lateral sides.In the present embodiment, ring-type compressing bag 55 is arranged on to the outside of original per rectum type ultrasound probe 80, by peristome 84 and by managing 52 pumps that connect (not shown) to compressing bag 55 feed fluids and from its drain (such as water or normal saline etc.), thereby make 55 expansions of compressing bag and shrink.Because compressing bag 55 contacts with tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, therefore by making compressing bag 55 expand and shrink, thereby need not make ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 move relative to tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, just can to tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up apply compressing and.Although there is compressing bag 55 between ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 and tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, but because compressing bag 55 is filled up by liquid, therefore can not hinder hyperacoustic transmitting-receiving, the face contacting with tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up in imaging object direction of compressing bag 55, as ultrasonic transmission/reception face performance function.And the face that compressing bag faces 55 and opposition side imaging object institute subtend in tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up contact, as supporting surface performance function.

Figure 15 (a) means the part enlarged drawing of other embodiment of the automatic compressing structure 22 that per rectum type ultrasound probe possesses, and Figure 15 (b) sees the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 15 (a) from left lateral sides.In the present embodiment, the outside at Figure 14 (a) and the illustrated ring-type of Figure 14 (b) compressing bag 55, is provided with the brake 85 that the expansion direction of compressing bag 55 is limited.Thus, because the expansion direction of compressing bag 55 is limited in a direction, therefore can be effectively to tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, apply compressing.At this moment, the surface of brake 85, becomes the supporting surface contacting with the face of the opposition side of imaging object institute subtend in tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up.

Figure 16 (a) means the part enlarged drawing of other embodiment of the automatic compressing structure 22 that per rectum type ultrasound probe possesses, Figure 16 (b) sees that from left lateral sides the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 16 (a), Figure 16 (c) are the axonometric chart that only represents compressing bag 55 and pipe 52.In the present embodiment, by fixing band 86, compressing bag 55 is arranged on to the outside of original per rectum type ultrasound probe, it is configured to, by via pipe 52 pumps that connect (not shown) to compressing bag 55 feed fluids and from its drain (water, normal saline etc.), thereby make compressing bag 55 expand and shrink.Owing to oppressing the periphery of bag 55, contact with tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, therefore by making 55 expansions of compressing bag and shrinking, thereby can directly apply compressing to tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up.Thus, just can be easily in the per rectum type ultrasound probe 80 that does not possess peristome 84 as shown in figure 14 or built-in pipe 52, compressing structure 22 be automatically installed.In addition, although be described for the situation that this compressing bag 55 and pipe 52 are installed with fixing band 86, also can adopt method in addition to install.

Figure 17 is the figure of an example that the action of the illustrated compressing bag 55 of Figure 16 (a) is shown.Figure 18 is the figure that other embodiment of compressing bag is shown.As shown in figure 17, according to shape or the elasticity of the tissue as by compressing bag 55 objects of oppressing, compressing bag 55 produces distortion according to the mode of launching to intermediate lateral as shown in arrow 33,34, and the efficiency of compressing object tissue being implemented to compressing is not high.Therefore, as shown in figure 18, be provided with the housing section 57 of the expansion direction of restriction compressing bag 56.This housing section 57, needs retractility all lower than the other parts of compressing bag 56.Therefore, for example, as the first method, make housing section 57 all thicker than the other parts of compressing bag 56.As the second method, in the part that is equivalent to the compressing bag 56 of housing section 57, stick net etc.As third method, housing section 57 by retractility than the other parts of compressing bag 56 all low different materials form.By forming housing section 57 by these methods, thereby compressing bag 55 produces distortion in prescribed direction, can effectively oppress compressing object tissue.

Figure 19 is the figure that the variation of carrying out the expansion of compressing bag illustrated in fig. 13 and the drive division of contraction is shown.At illustrated in fig. 13, be, by 5 pumps (not shown) that connect via pipe 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, make to be arranged on the situation that compressing bag 83A, 83B, 83C, 83D, the 83E in the outside of original per rectum type ultrasound probe 80 expand respectively and shrink, but in Figure 19, drive division is set, available finger (manually) operates the piston 511A～511E of this drive division, and this drive division forms by the cylinder 51A～51E being kept by probe handle part 81 with at the inner up and down piston 511A～511E of this cylinder 51A～51E.Because the working fluid in cylinder 51A～51E connects via pipe 52A～52E, therefore by operator, use any operated piston 511A～511E of finger, just working fluid can be sent in compressing bag 83A, 83B, 83C, 83D, 83E, therefore can carry out sensitive compressing operation.And, when compressing bag 83A, a 83B, 83C, 83D, 83E are too oppressed, to finger, transmit this strength, just can be recognized by finger the state of undue compressing etc.

Figure 20 is the figure that the variation of the automatic compressing structure 22 that per rectum type ultrasound probe illustrated in fig. 14 possesses is shown, Figure 20 (a) is part enlarged drawing, Figure 20 (b) sees that from left lateral sides the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 20 (a), Figure 20 (c) see the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 20 (a) from side, right side.In the present embodiment, ultrasound probe, possesses the head of 101,103 two probes of ultrasonic transmission/reception face.The head 101 of probe is protrusion type, and the head 103 of probe is linear type.And, according to the mode that these two ultrasonic transmission/reception faces 101,103 are covered, be provided with compressing bag 131 thereon.By making liquid this compressing bag 131 of coming in and going out, thereby make compressing bag 131 expand and shrink, so that compressing object tissue is oppressed.By pipe 132, make the come in and go out power of this compressing bags 131 of liquid, can adopt pump as above, also can adopt syringe etc. manually to carry out.Because compressing bag 131 contacts with tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, therefore by making compressing bag 131 expand and shrink, thereby needn't make ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101,103 move relative to tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, just can apply compressing to tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up.Although there is compressing bag 131 between ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101,103 and tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up, but because compressing bag 131 is filled up by liquid, therefore can not hinder hyperacoustic transmitting-receiving, face contact with tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up in imaging object direction of compressing bag 131, brings into play function as ultrasonic transmission/reception face.And the face that compressing bag faces 131 and opposition side imaging object institute subtend in tested rectum inner face of having a medical check-up contact, as supporting surface performance function.

Figure 21 is the figure that the variation of the automatic compressing structure 22 that the per rectum type ultrasound probe of Figure 20 possesses is shown, Figure 21 (a) is part enlarged drawing, Figure 21 (b) sees that from left lateral sides the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 21 (a), Figure 21 (c) see the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 21 (a) from side, right side.In the present embodiment, ultrasound probe, possesses the head of ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101,103 these two probes.The head 101 of probe is protrusion type, and the head of probe 103 is linear types.And, according to using comprising ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 as the head of probe in the whole mode covering of the leading section of the head of interior probe, be provided with compressing bag 141.By making liquid this compressing bag 141 of coming in and going out, thereby make compressing bag 141 expand and shrink, so that compressing object tissue is oppressed.Via pipe 142, make the come in and go out power of this compressing bag 141 of liquid, can adopt pump as described above, also can adopt the manually execution such as syringe.

Figure 22 is the figure that the variation of the automatic compressing structure 22 that the per rectum type ultrasound probe of Figure 21 possesses is shown, Figure 22 (a) is part enlarged drawing, Figure 22 (b) sees that from left lateral sides the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 22 (a), Figure 22 (c) see the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 22 (a) from side, right side.In the present embodiment, ultrasound probe, possesses the head of two probes of ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101,103.The head 101 of probe is protrusion type, and the head 103 of probe is linear type.And, according to the mode only peripheral part of ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 that becomes the head of probe being covered, be provided with the compressing bag 151 of ring-type.Become and can insert to ring-type compressing bag 151 structure of the leading section of the head of popping one's head in.By making liquid this compressing bag 151 of coming in and going out, thereby make compressing bag 151 expand and shrink, so that compressing object tissue is oppressed.Via pipe 152, make the come in and go out power of this compressing bags 151 of liquid, can adopt pump as described above, also can adopt syringe etc. manually to carry out.Although above-mentioned, the example that only at the peripheral part of ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 ring-type compressing bag 151 is set is described, also can be at the peripheral part of ultrasonic transmission/reception face 103, the same with ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 arrange compressing bag with and structure.By like this peripheral part at 2 ultrasonic transmission/reception faces, compressing bag is set, can selects to obtain the face of elastic image and to its compressing.And, by make 2 compressing bags expand simultaneously, thereby obtain elastic image at 2 sections simultaneously.

Figure 23 is the figure that the variation of the automatic compressing structure 22 that the per rectum type ultrasound probe of Figure 22 possesses is shown, Figure 23 (a) is part enlarged drawing, Figure 23 (b) sees that from left lateral sides the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 23 (a), Figure 23 (c) see the figure of the ultrasound probe of Figure 23 (a) from side, right side.In the present embodiment, although ultrasound probe possesses the head of 2 probes of ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101,103, but according to the mode only peripheral part of ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 that becomes the head of probe being covered, be provided with the compressing bag 151 of ring-type, in the outside of ring-type compressing bag 161, the brake 165 that the expansion direction of compressing bag 161 is limited be installed.By making liquid this compressing bag 161 of coming in and going out, the expansion direction of compressing bag 161 is limited in to a direction, therefore can be effectively tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up be applied to compressing.At this moment, the surface of brake 165, becomes the supporting surface contacting with the face of the opposition side of imaging object institute subtend in tested 1 the rectum inner face of having a medical check-up.Via pipe 162,163, make the come in and go out power of this compressing bags 161 of liquid, can adopt above-mentioned such pump, also can adopt syringe etc. manually to carry out.

Figure 24～Figure 28 illustrates to make the come in and go out figure of variation of power of above-mentioned compressing bag of liquid.In the above-described embodiment, although for the situation that adopts the machine powers such as motor configuration or pump as power, be described, at this, as its variation, even if can adopt the also manual operation structure of the easily discrepancy of operating liquid of a hands.For example, use the so manual exercisable structure of the trigger of hydraulic giant or the maintaining part of squeeze dynamometer as power source.

Figure 24 illustrates the trigger part of application hydraulic giant as the figure that makes the power source of liquid discrepancy compressing bag.The separated setting of ultrasound probe relatively of this hydraulic giant part.The trigger portion 171 of hydraulic giant 170 is connected with the end of piston rod 172, by with hand operated trigger portion 171, the piston of syringe 173 is come in and gone out, to control liquid discrepancy compressing bag 161.In addition, now, because the counteracting force to compressing bag 161 liquid of sending is delivered to trigger portion 171, therefore can feel on hand the degree (pressure in compressing bag 161) of compressing, can realize sensitive compressing operation.In addition, in Figure 24, although take the compressing bag 161 of Figure 23, be described as example, in above-mentioned various compressings bags, can apply too.

Figure 25 represents the variation of Figure 24, in trigger part and the ultrasound probe integrated setting of identical hydraulic giant, as liquid is come in and gone out, oppresses the power source of bag.Trigger portion 181 is arranged on probe handle part 81 in the mode that can rotate freely, and syringe 183 is arranged on to the peripheral part of the head of probe.Trigger portion 181 is connected with the end of piston rod 182, by with hand operated trigger portion 181, the piston of syringe 183 is come in and gone out, to control liquid discrepancy compressing bag 161.

Figure 26 represents the variation of Figure 25, replaces the trigger portion of hydraulic giant, and the such structure of the maintaining part of integrated setting squeeze dynamometer on ultrasound probe is oppressed the power source of bag using it as liquid is come in and gone out.The active area syringe 193 larger than the syringe of Figure 24 and Figure 25 is arranged on to the side of probe handle part 81, in the end of piston rod 192, be provided with handle part 191, this handle part 191 has the such structure of maintaining part that can oppress the squeeze dynamometer of operation by finger.The grip of pointing to these handle part 191 effects in maintenance probe handle part 81, thus the piston of syringe 193 is come in and gone out, to control liquid discrepancy compressing bag 161.

Figure 27 represents the variation of Figure 26, and the pipe till omitting from syringe 193 to compressing bag 161 is originally attached in ultrasound probe and is built in the conduit 200 in the handle of probe and utilize.In addition, although in Figure 27, be provided with pipe to connect between conduit 200 and the compressing bag 161 of fore-end of ultrasound probe, can be also in ultrasound probe inside, make guiding-tube bend and can with compressing bag 161 direct-connected structures.

Figure 28 represents the variation of Figure 24, and replacement can, by the hydraulic giant 170 of finger manipulation, be used the foot-operated power source of available foot operation.This foot-operated power source 210, ultrasound probe is separated relatively arranges, and owing to operating with foot, therefore exists and can freely make bimanual advantage.Foot-operated power source 210 is connected with the end of piston rod 212 in tread portion 211, by with foot operating pedal portion 211, thereby the piston of syringe 213 is come in and gone out, to control the liquid compressing bag 161 of coming in and going out.In addition, at this moment, because the counteracting force to compressing bag 161 liquid of sending is passed to tread portion 211, so foot can feel the degree (pressure in compressing bag 161) of compressing, can realize sensitive compressing operation.And, also can, for preventing the rotation movable part of the tread portion 211 of undue pushes pedals portion 211, the brake that prevents from trampling use be set.

In addition, in the embodiment of Figure 24～Figure 28, although take compressing bag 161 as example is described, also can be applied to equally in above-mentioned various compressing bag.In the above-described embodiment, although be fixed on for cylinder operating portion, probe is gone up or the situation separated with ultrasound probe is described, yet can be also the form that can load and unload of adhesion type, as long as can be easily by keeping the hands of ultrasound probe to carry out the operation of cylinder.At so measured hydraulic pressure, when certain threshold value is above, by image, show or its alarm such as dangerous of the feedback such as sound.

As mentioned above, according to present embodiment, realize a kind of high diagnostic imaging of repeatability that does not rely on handicraft, can be evenly and the mistaken diagnosis that caused by non-compressing of Radix Rumicis ground compressing object can avoiding, the intensity of feedback compressing, has the effect that can carry out safe diagnosis.

In above-mentioned body in insert type ultrasound probe, by the surrounding at ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101, pressure transducer illustrated in fig. 7 is set, thereby can forms the tested 1 suffered pressure from pressure surface the pressure measxurement portion 21 (with reference to Fig. 1) of output pressure data of having a medical check-up of measuring.Pressure measxurement portion 21, the load of bearing by measuring the drives structure of automatic compressing structure 22, and go out the tested suffered pressure from pressure surface of having a medical check-up based on this load calculation, thus can draw pressure data.

When automatically compressing structure 22 possesses compressing bag and pipe, pressure measxurement portion 21, oppresses bag or the intrinsic pressure of pipe can obtain pressure data by measurements.For measure tested 1 the suffered pressure of epidermis of having a medical check-up by pressure measxurement portion 21, and the embodiment that utilizes this pressure data to control the action of compressing structure 22 automatically describes.That is, pressure measxurement portion 21, oppresses the fluid pressure of bag and measures the pressure that tested 1 the epidermis of having a medical check-up has been applied to what degree by measurement.So arbitrarily time, measure mutually the pressure between plate for forcing 101 and tested 1 the epidermis of having a medical check-up, and this pressure data is exported to automatic compressing structure 22 and distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23.That is, the automatic compressing structure 22 in present embodiment, obtains by the measured pressure data of pressure measxurement portion 21, and controls the pressing action of compressing structure 22 automatically according to pressure data.

For the situation that links as shown in Figure 1 compressing structure 22 and pressure measxurement portion 21 automatically and control its action, describe.An example as above-mentioned automatic compressing structure 22, although shown the example that uses the driving force that motor configuration 41 produces, also can the fluid pressure resulting pressure data based in oppressing by measurements bag have controlled the motor control portion of automatic compressing structure 22.This motor control portion, according to motor control signal corresponding to the pressure data with measured exported and made motor configuration 41 carry out the mode of desirable pressing action to motor configuration 41, controls.

As shown in the embodiment, by adopting automatic compressing structure 22, in pressure measxurement portion 21, record in certain the moment of very large pressure more than benchmark, can stop automatically oppressing the action of structure 22, can too not oppress tested having a medical check-up.And, in the imaging of elastic image, there is the pressure limit of the elastic image obtain high image quality, when surpassing the pressure of higher limit or the pressure of not enough lower limit and oppress, elastic image produces disorderly, and this is known.

According to the automatic compressing structure 22 of present embodiment, in certain continuous pressure process, in pressure measxurement portion 21, measure in certain the moment of large pressure more than threshold value, control the action of compressing structure 22 automatically, to switch to continuous decompression process from pressure process, on the contrary, in certain continuous decompression process, in pressure measxurement portion 21, measure the moment of certain less pressure below threshold value, can control the action of automatic compressing structure 22, to switch to continuous pressure process from decompression process, by repeating this action, can maintain all the time suitable oppression state.Thus, in limited imaging time, can effectively obtain the elastic image of high image quality.

In the above-described embodiment, at the amount of liquid of a stroke (stroke) the institute inflow and outflow of syringe, can freely adjust.And, in vivo in insert type ultrasound probe, when the distance that makes to pop one's head between handle part 81 and ultrasonic transmission/reception face 101 in actuator changes, even if supporting surface does not contact with the face of the opposition side of tested imaging object institute subtend of having a medical check-up, also can apply compressing to tested having a medical check-up.

By adopting the such automatic compressing structure 22 of above-mentioned embodiment, thereby can automatically with desirable constant speed, in constant direction, to tested having a medical check-up, apply compressing, can obtain at any time the elastic image data of high image quality.And then, can keep the repeatability of pressing action.

The automatic compressing structure of present embodiment, obtains by ultrasound wave and receives the cycle information between the selected 1 group of ultrasound wave reception signal frame data N of signal frame data selection portion 19, X, automatically oppresses the pressing action of structure 22 according to this periodic Control.One example of this action is described below.

Then, the action for the ultrasonic imaging apparatus forming in such a way describes.First, according to ultrasonic transmission/reception, control, by 12 pairs of ultrasound probes 10 that contact with tested surface of having a medical check-up of transtation mission circuit, apply high voltage electric pulse to get ultrasound wave, the reflection echo signal being received from imaging object position by ultrasound probe 10.Then, this receives signal, after inputting to receiving circuit 13 and carrying out preposition amplification, to 14 inputs of phase modulation add circuit.Then, by this phase modulation add circuit 14, make the reception signal that phase place is consistent, receive by ensuing signal processing part 15, compressed, after the signal processing of detection etc., to 16 inputs of black and white scan converter.In this black and white scan converter 16, receive the A/D conversion of signal, and as a plurality of faultage image datas continuous in time series, be stored in inner a plurality of frame memories.

The ultrasound probe 10 that possesses automatic compressing structure 22 in order to adopt is examined the elasticity evaluation at the position of being concerned about soma inside, by adopting the suitable compressing method of automatically setting by automatically oppressing structure 22, while oppressing tested having a medical check-up, ultrasound probe 10 is contacted with tested surface of having a medical check-up, from the continuous ultrasound wave of phase modulation add circuit 14 outputs, receive signal frame data.From the continuous ultrasound wave of phase modulation add circuit 14 outputs, receive signal frame data, being stored in successively ultrasound wave receives in signal frame data selection portion 19, by ultrasound wave, receive signal frame data selection portion 19, from these ultrasound wave reception signal frame data, in selection time sequence, continuous a plurality of ultrasound wave receive signal frame data, and to 210 inputs of displacement measurement portion, obtain the Displacements Distribution (Δ Li, j) of one dimension or two dimension.With regard to the calculating of Displacements Distribution, as the detection method of above-mentioned mobile vector, by for example module matching method, calculate, certainly, even if be not to adopt especially the method to be also fine, can be also that general 2 view data of calculating that adopt are carried out displacement calculating at the self correlation of the same area.And, by receive the cycle information that in signal frame data selection portion, selected one group of ultrasound wave receives between signal frame data at ultrasound wave, to automatic compressing structure 22, export, according to this cycle information, the pressing action of automatic compressing structure 22 is carried out to optimization.On the other hand, in pressure measxurement portion 21, measurement by pressure transducer to surface applied pressure, by this pressure information from pressure measxurement portion 21 to distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23 and automatically oppress structure 22 and send, by controlling automatic pressing action of oppressing structure 22 according to this pressure information in the best, thereby can efficiently and carry out safely measured's elastic image diagnosis.

Then,, by from displacement measurement portion 20 and the displacement (Δ Li, j) of pressure measxurement portion 21 outputs and each measuring-signal of pressure (Δ Pi, j), to distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23, input.Distortion and elastic modelling quantity operational part 23, by Displacements Distribution (Δ Li, j) being carried out to space differentiation (Δ Li, j/ Δ X), calculated distortion amount distribution (ε i, j).Especially, the Young's modulus Ymi in elastic modelling quantity, j calculates by following formula.

Ymi，j＝(ΔPi，j)/(ΔLi，j/ΔX)

Elastic modelling quantity Ymi based on so obtaining, j, obtains the elastic modelling quantity of each point, obtains continuously two-dimentional elastic image data.

The elasticity frame data of so obtaining, then to chromoscan transducer 25 or 16 inputs of black and white scan converter, and are transformed into hue information or black and white monochrome information.Afterwards, via switching adder 17, black and white faultage image and color elastic image addition is synthetic, or not by black and white faultage image and color elastic image addition and to image display 18 outputs, in an overlapping black and white faultage image of picture and color elastic image demonstration.Or, can also on same picture, show by two picture displies black and white faultage image and black and white elastic image simultaneously.And black and white faultage image not only limits to general B picture especially, also can adopt the higher hamonic wave composition of selective reception signal and carry out tissue harmonic (tissue harmonic) faultage image of image conversion.In addition, similarly, also can display organization Doppler (tissue Doppler) as replacing black and white faultage image, in addition, can also from various combinations, be chosen in the image of two picture displies.

In addition, formation about above-mentioned elastic image, although the example of just obtaining distortion or the Young's modulus Ym of above-mentioned bio-tissue and generating elastic image data is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, also can adopt other parameter computing elastic modelling quantity (with reference to patent documentation 1) such as rigidity parameter beta, compression elasticity coefficient Ep, increment coefficient of elasticity Einc.

In addition, above-mentioned embodiment, as insert type ultrasound probe in body, can be applied to Transrectal Ultrasound ripple probe, transesophageal ultrasonography ripple probe, intravascular ultrasound probe etc. arbitrarily in body in insert type ultrasound probe too.

As mentioned above by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of present embodiment, can be easily and obtain safely the high high image quality elastic image of repeatability that does not rely on examiner.And, by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of present embodiment, high-resolution and stably describe elastic image at any time, and realize being used in visual dynamic image and showing the mechanism that doctor attempted in the past palpation is replied, thereby the useful ultrasonic imaging apparatus clinically of a kind of real-time that keeps ultrasonic diagnosis, convenience can be provided.

Above, although the suitable embodiment for the ultrasonic imaging apparatus in the present invention is described with reference to accompanying drawing, the present invention is not defined in these examples.For those skilled in the art person, within the scope of the disclosed technological thought of the application, so long as apparent various modification or fixed case all belong in technical scope of the present invention certainly.

Claims (5)

1. a ultrasonic imaging apparatus, is characterized in that, possesses:

Ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism, it is sent ultrasound wave and receives ultrasound wave tested having a medical check-up by ultrasound probe, and described ultrasound probe possesses: relative to pressing contact surface between vertically disposed and described tested the having a medical check-up of direction and by making described contact surface move in the described direction of pressing the compression mechanism of using the pressure stipulated to oppress described tested imaging object position of having a medical check-up;

Ultrasonic transmission/reception controlling organization, it is controlled described hyperacoustic transmission and reception;

Tomoscan mechanism, it adopts from the reflection echo signal of described ultrasonic transmission/reception mechanism output, and the cycle in accordance with regulations repeats to obtain and comprises the ultrasound wave reception signal frame data of motor tissue interior tested having a medical check-up in;

Signal processing mechanism, its carry out by described tomoscan mechanism, obtain by a plurality of ultrasound wave of seasonal effect in time series, receive the signal processing of signal frame data;

Black and white monochrome information mapping device, it will be transformed into black and white faultage image data by seasonal effect in time series tomography frame data from described signal processing mechanism;

Ultrasound wave receives signal frame data selection mechanism, and it is from receiving signal frame data set by a plurality of ultrasound wave of seasonal effect in time series of obtaining by described tomoscan mechanism, and the ultrasound wave that is selected to the object of displacement measurement receives the group of signal frame data;

Displacement measurement mechanism, its group based on receive signal frame data selection mechanism selected ultrasound wave reception signal frame data by described ultrasound wave, measures the amount of movement of each point on faultage image or displacement;

Pressure measxurement mechanism, its body intracavity pressure to described tested imaging object position of having a medical check-up is measured or is inferred;

Distortion and elastic modelling quantity arithmetical organ, it is based on by the measured described displacement of described displacement measurement mechanism and by the measured described body intracavity pressure of described pressure measxurement mechanism, distortion and the elastic modelling quantity of each point generate the first elasticity frame data on faultage image described in computing;

Elastic data processing mechanism, it carries out signal processing and generates the second elasticity frame data described the first elasticity frame data that generated by described distortion and elastic modelling quantity arithmetical organ;

Hue information mapping device or black and white monochrome information mapping device, described the second elasticity frame data that its input generates by described elastic data processing mechanism are also given hue information or black and white monochrome information;

Switch adding mechanism, it is by the black and white faultage image data from described black and white monochrome information mapping device, be added or send separately with color elastic view data from hue information mapping device or from the black and white elastic image data of black and white monochrome information mapping device; With

Image indication mechanism, it shows the view data of switching adding mechanism from this,

According to described ultrasound wave, receive the cycle information of signal frame data, control the pressing action of described compression mechanism.

2. ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

The cycle information that described ultrasound wave receives signal frame data is that one group of ultrasound wave receives the cycle information between signal frame data.

3. ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

According to described ultrasound wave, receive the cycle information of signal frame data, control the compressing speed of described pressing action.

4. ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Along with described ultrasound wave receives the variation of the cycle information of signal frame data, change the compressing speed of described pressing action.

5. ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

In the continuous pressure process of the pressing action of described compression mechanism, when described pressure measxurement mechanism measures or infers described the body intracavity pressure more than threshold value of regulation, the pressing action of controlling described compression mechanism is switched to continuous decompression process from pressure process, in the continuous decompression process of the pressing action of described compression mechanism, when described pressure measxurement mechanism measures or infers the described body intracavity pressure below the threshold value of regulation, the pressing action of controlling described compression mechanism is switched to continuous pressure process from decompression process.