JP2000060851A - Ultrasonograph - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonograph capable of realizing the excellent ultrasonic tomographic images of a high resolution by an inexpensive opening synthesis system. SOLUTION: Plural ultrasonic vibration elements 5-1 up to 5-5 provided in an ultrasonic wave probe 2A and arranged in an array shape transmit ultrasonic waves by the impression of transmission signals from a transmission signal generator 7 successively through a multiplexer 6 and also received echo signals are A/D converted or the like, then converted to complex data by an orthogonal detection circuit 15 and temporarily stored in a memory inside a computer 21. Further, a phase rotation processing is performed by a CPU to the complex data and reflection intensity is calculated and displayed on a display screen. Thus, the need of a dedicated circuit for performing the phase rotation processing or the like is eliminated and this ultrasonic diagnostic device 1A is realized at a low cost.

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a supersonic
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining a wave tomographic image. 2. Description of the Related Art Irradiation of an ultrasonic pulse into a living body is known.
By receiving the reflected wave reflected from the living tissue,
There is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image. It is non-invasive
In-vivo diagnostics for obstetrics and gynecology
Has become widely used for medical examinations. FIG. 10 shows a conventional aperture synthesis by the present applicant.
1 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 </ b> G that performs the above. This ultrasound examination
The cutting device 1G includes an ultrasonic probe 2 and this ultrasonic probe
2 and an ultrasonic processing apparatus 3 to which the ultrasonic processing apparatus 2 is connected.
From the monitor 4 that displays the video signal output from the device 3
Be composed. [0004] The ultrasonic probes 2 are arranged in an array.
An ultrasonic sound composed of a plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements 5-1,..., 5-5
Wave vibration element group (hereinafter, ultrasonic vibration element is simply called vibration element)
.., 5-5.
Each is connected to a signal line and connected via a connector (not shown).
Connected to the multiplexer 6 in the ultrasonic processing device 3
You. [0005] A transmission signal is generated in the ultrasonic processing device 3.
A transmission signal generator 7 for transmitting the transmission signal
8, the signal from the timing controller 9
Via a multiplexer 6 which can be switched by an imaging signal
To the selected vibration element 5-i (i = 1,..., 5)
Are converted into electric-acoustic signals, and the ultrasonic waves are output from the vibrating element 5-i.
Emits a pulse. A plurality of vibrating elements 5-1,..., 5-5
The received echo-electrically converted echo signal is
The one selected by the plexer 6 is amplified by the receiving amplifier 11
And a predetermined size by the STC controller 12.
It is amplified. The output of the STC controller 12 is
Passed through the pass filter 13 to remove unnecessary signal components
Thereafter, the signal is changed to a digital signal by the A / D converter 14 and is directly converted.
The signal is input to the cross detection circuit 15. [0008] The quadrature detection circuit 15 generates complex data.
The complex data is stored in the wavefront memories 16-1 and 16-2.
Will be delivered. Stored in the wavefront memories 16-1 and 16-2
Wavefront locus lookup table for complex data
(Wavefront locus LUT) based on the address generated in 17
To synthesize from the wavefront memories 16-1 and 16-2.
The complex data corresponding to the focal point is read out. The read complex data corresponds to the focus
The phase correction coefficient to be calculated is the real component phase correction LUT 18-1 and
Read from the imaginary component phase correction LUT 18-2,
The phase rotation processing is performed by the positive circuit 19. This process
Is performed for all synthesis points, and the result is digital
Output to the monitor 4 through the scan converter 20,
An ultrasonic tomographic image is displayed on the display surface of the monitor 4. In addition,
The timing controller 9 includes a transmission timer of the transmission signal generator 7.
Switching of the multiplexer 6 in synchronization with the
Conversion timing of the / D converter 14,
It controls detection timing and the like. [0010] Such a phase rotation processing by the aperture synthesis method
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-57374 discloses the application of
Is described in Here, the outline of the operation is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the quadrature detection circuit 15.
And the orthogonally detected data is stored in the wavefront memory 11.
The results obtained are shown schematically. The solid line in FIG.
Is the real component, dotted line is the imaginary component, and ● is for any real component
○ indicates the wavefront locus sample for any imaginary component.
A sample of the focus is shown. Then, FIG.
11 (A) sample points Sm1 to Sm5
This is indicated by the vectors P1 to P5. For example, FIG.
The echo signal on the wavefront locus W1 in FIG.
The signal reflected from a point is shown. This wavefront locus W1
Data of the above sample signals Sm1 to Sm5 is a complex vector
When expressed in complex coordinates in FIG.
The torques P1 to P5 are signals having different directions. For this reason, on the center sound ray of the wavefront locus W1
Set the sample signal S3 as a reference for phase adjustment
And perform the combining process. Specifically, the number of the vibration element is n,
When the delay time of each vibrating element is Tn and one cycle of the echo signal
The interval is Ts, and the phase for rotation correction is Φn (degrees).
And the following equation. Φn = {(Tn−T3) / Ts} × 360 (1) Then, the phase of the sample Smn is changed to the phase of the sample Sm3.
The process of adjusting the real component of the sample Smn to In,
Assuming that the imaginary component is Qn and the phase rotation correction amount is Φn,
It becomes an expression. (In + jQn) × An · exp (jΦn) = {In · Ancos (Φn) −Qn · Ansin (Φn)} + {Qn · Ancos (Φn) + In · Ansin (Φn)} (2) , An indicate an amplitude correction coefficient. The first term on the right side of equation (2) is a real number component and a second term.
The imaginary component of the term is the real component of the sample Smn after phase correction.
Shows minute and imaginary components. Rotation correction calculated by the above equation (1)
By substituting the quantity into equation (2) and processing it, FIG.
Each phase vector represented by the complex coordinates of (B)
Are synthesized so as to match the phase of the sample Sm3. In practice, the phase correction represented by equation (2) is
Because real-time processing is not possible, as shown in FIG.
Wavefront locus stored in wavefront locus LUT17
Cos (Φn) and sin (Φn) in equation (2)
n) is calculated in advance, and each is calculated as real component correction data,
The component correction data is used, and the real component correction data is complementary to the real component position.
The imaginary component correction data is complementary to the imaginary component in the positive LUT 18-1.
Make a data table and store it in the primary LUT 18-2.
Good. Then, the calculation of equation (2) is performed by the phase correction circuit.
Run. [0016] In the above configuration, the direct
Using the complex data generated by the cross detection circuit 15, the phase
In order to perform the conversion process, the wavefront memory 16-1 for each component,
16-2, wavefront locus LUT17, phase correction circuit 1
9. Phase correction LUTs 18-1 and 18-2 for each component are required.
I need it. In addition, to display the processing results on the screen,
The digital scan converter 20 is required. As described above, the phase rotation processing and the scan code
Requires circuits such as inverters, and these processing circuits are expensive.
The circuit is complicated because of the speed calculation processing. And
When adding functions related to processing other than phase correction,
It is necessary to replace and modify the part of the circuit, and
There was a problem that it could not be easily performed. (Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points.
A good ultrasonic tomographic image with high resolution
Ultrasound diagnostic equipment that can be realized by an inexpensive aperture synthesis method
The purpose is to provide. [0019] To achieve the above object,
In addition, the present invention converts a received echo signal into complex data.
Input the complex data and the complex
Phase data corresponding to the delay time determined by each transducer.
Computer that performs the conversion process and displays the results.
Data. With the above configuration, the signal obtained by the quadrature detection circuit can be obtained.
Imports the complex data
Wavefront location previously stored in the memory of the
The phase rotation processing is performed by the CPU using the dress and the phase correction coefficient.
Process and display the results on a computer monitor.
Good supersonic sound without using complicated circuits
Obtain a wave tomogram. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
An embodiment will be described. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic vibration device, and FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the phase circuit processing in the embodiment.
You. The first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.
The ultrasonic vibration device 1A is a conventional ultrasonic vibration device shown in FIG.
In 1G, the wavefront memories 16-1 and 16-2,
Focus LUT 17, real component phase correction memory 18-1, imaginary
Component phase correction memory 18-2, phase correction circuit 19, DS
C20 and monitor 4 were replaced with computer 21
And the duplicated output from the quadrature detection circuit 15.
Raw data is the timing from the timing controller 9
Input to the computer 21 from the connector in synchronization with the signal
Is stored in the memory of the computer 21 once.
I have to. The first embodiment will be described in more detail.
The ultrasonic vibrating apparatus 1A of FIG.
An ultrasonic processing device 3A to which an ultrasonic probe 2A is connected;
The output of the quadrature detection circuit 15 in the ultrasonic processing device 3A
Connected to the input end via a connector or interface
And a computer 21. The ultrasonic probes 2A are arranged in an array.
Composed of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 5-1,..., 5-5
Ultrasonic vibration element group (hereinafter referred to simply as ultrasonic vibration element
) Is provided.
The cable extending from the ultrasonic probe body 22
,..., 5-5 in the
A plurality of signal lines connected to each other are arranged, and the cable
23 through a connector (not shown) at the rear end.
Connected to the multiplexer 6 in the device 3A. A transmission signal is generated in the ultrasonic processing device 3A.
The transmission signal generator 7 performs the transmission
After being amplified in step 8, the timing controller 9
Via a multiplexer 6 switched by a timing signal
Mark the selected vibrating element 5-i (i = 1,..., 5)
Is added, and the sound is converted from electric to acoustic.
Emits a wave pulse. .., 5-5.
The received echo-electrically converted echo signal is
The one selected by the plexer 6 is amplified by the receiving amplifier 11
And a predetermined size by the STC controller 12.
It is amplified. The output of the STC controller 12 is
Passed through the pass filter 13 to remove unnecessary signal components
Thereafter, the signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 14, and
The signal is input to the cross detection circuit 15. Complex data is generated by the quadrature detection circuit 15.
And the complex data is output from the timing controller 9.
In the memory in the computer 21 in synchronization with the imaging signal
Is stored. The timing controller 9 generates a transmission signal.
The multiplexer 6 synchronizes with the transmission timing of the
Switching, A / D converter 14 conversion timing, orthogonal
The detection timing of the detection circuit 15 is controlled. Also,
The timing signal is also sent to the computer 21. The computer 21 has an internal ROM or
Or software installed in advance on a storage medium, etc.
CPU that performs control and calculation according to
The complex data detected by the quadrature detection circuit 15
Data stored in the memory by the CPU
Performs phase rotation processing on complex data and the processing result
Video memory to store video, data stored in video memory
And a monitor for displaying data. In this embodiment, as described above, FIG.
In the ultrasonic vibration device 1G, the wavefront memory 16-1, 1
6-2, wavefront locus LUT17, real component phase correction memo
Re 18-1, imaginary component phase correction memory 18-2, phase correction
The circuit 19, the DSC 20, and the monitor 4 are replaced by a computer
21 and these functions are
Decompose by performing phase rotation processing by performing on computer 21
High-performance aperture synthetic ultrasound diagnostic imaging at low cost
To be able to Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Real truth
In the present embodiment, first, the multiplexer 6 is switched and the transmission is performed.
A multiplexer is formed by the signal generator 7 and the transmission amplifier 8.
The ultrasonic pulse is generated by one vibrating element 5-1 selected in 6.
Send. Then, the signal is received by the same vibrating element 5-1 and received.
The signal is amplified by the signal amplifier 11 to a predetermined size. At this time, far
Since the received signal decreases as the distance increases, the STC
The gain increases with time by the control of the controller 12.
So that The output of the STC controller 12 is a BPF
13, after removing unnecessary noise components, the A / D converter 1
After conversion into digital data in step 4, the quadrature detection circuit 15
Performs quadrature detection processing. At this time, a transmission signal is generated as a reference signal.
With the genital 7 and the timing control 9,
Use a synchronized signal. Complex data obtained by quadrature detection
The data is sent to the CPU of the computer 21 and this CPU
Is stored in the memory under the control of. Complex data captured by the computer 21
Software is installed on the computer 21 in advance.
Processed by software. The process (procedure) of this processing is shown in FIG.
Shown in First, in step S1, the computer
If the complex data stored in the
A kind of point determined by the positional relationship between the point and each vibrating element 5-i.
The wavefront locus address, which is the address information, is
Is set in the register in the data 21. Then, in step S2, step S1
By the wavefront locus address set in the register at
Through the quadrature detection circuit 15 from the memory in the computer 21
Read the complex data written. Step S2
Is a sample on the wavefront locus W1 shown in FIG.
This corresponds to the process of reading Sm1 to Sm5. In the next step S3, each vibration element 5-i
The phase correction coefficient set for the delay time determined by
Set it in the Vista. This phase correction coefficient is calculated in step S
In a memory in an area different from the complex data read in step 2
Is stored. In the next step S4, the reading in step S2 is performed.
Complex data on the found arbitrary wavefront locus and step
Using the phase correction coefficient set in the register in S3,
The following phase rotation processing is performed. This phase rotation processing is performed at the center of the wavefront locus.
Set the phase of the sample on the sound ray as a reference for phase adjustment
Set to. In the case of FIG. 2, the phase correction coefficient obtained by the equation (1) is used.
This is realized by substituting the number into equation (2). Also in this embodiment, the phase rotation processing is
In order to perform the processing in real time on the computer 21, c in the equation (2) is used.
os (Φn) and sin (Φn) as table data
And stored in memory. Using this data,
The calculation of the equation (2) is processed by the CPU of the computer 21.
You. For example, the expression (2) can be converted into a plurality of data by a single instruction.
Intel MMX Techno with data processing function
FIG. 3 shows a case where the processing is performed by the CPU using the printer. FIG.
Is a product-sum operation instruction paddwd specific to the CPU.
Process data stored in registers mm1 and mm2
The result is stored in the register mm1. Each register mm1, mm2 has four
It is assumed that different data is obtained and stored in units of corners.
You. Note that the left side of each register mm1, mm2 is MS
B, right side is LSB. Cos (Φ) stored in the register mm1
n) and sin (Φn) are the wavefront loci of FIG.
Phase correction coefficient assigned to sample Smn on W1
It is. Also, In, Q stored in the register mm2
n is the data of the real component and the imaginary component of the sample Sn.
You. The results below the dotted line in FIG.
Real number component, LSB on the MSB side of register mm1
The result of the phase rotation processing of the imaginary component is stored on the side. This is it
It is possible to execute the phase rotation processing of equation (2) with one instruction.
it can. In this way, the product-sum operation can be executed at high speed
Any computer 21 equipped with a CPU with functions
For example, real-time synthesis operation including phase rotation
It can be carried out. In the above description, Intel's MMX technology
Similar features were described for CPUs with built-in logic.
The CPU is not limited to this.
Returning to the description of the processing in FIG. 2 again. Obtained in step S4
The result is stored in the memory of the computer 21. In the next step S5, steps S1
The processing up to step S4 is performed for all samples of one wavefront locus.
It is determined whether the process has been completed for the number of files. This step
In step S5, the processing for all samples of one wavefront locus is completed.
If not, repeat steps S1 to S4 for the wavefront
This process is repeated until the processing of all the samples of the focus is completed. In step S5, all the sums of the wavefront locus are
When it is determined that the number of files has been processed, the next step S6
And calculate the power (reflection intensity) of all the samples
Then, the result is stored in the memory of the computer 21. In the next step S7, the row of the one wavefront is
The process up to the calculation of the power of the cas is one sound ray (scan distance).
Judgment) is determined whether or not it has been processed. This step S7
If the processing for one sound ray has not been completed,
The processing is performed from step S1. In step S7, processing for one sound ray
If it is determined that the processing has been completed,
On the monitor screen. Note that the computer 21 performs the calculations and the results thereof.
In addition to displaying the results, the timing control shown in FIG.
Control of troll 9 and control of STC controller 12
A keyboard and a mouse attached to the computer 21.
It may be used to perform from any place. In the above description, the number of vibrating elements and the wavefront local
Although the description has been made on the assumption that the number of samples of the
Often configured with four or more, but limited to that number
Not. According to the present embodiment, the quadrature detected complex
The data is imported into the computer 21 and the computer 2
Performs the synthesis operation using the software of
In addition, the computer 21 also displays the results of the
Therefore, these dedicated circuits are not required,
Providing an inexpensive ultrasonic diagnostic device that can reduce costs
Can be provided. Also, a compact computer such as a notebook type can be used.
Small ultrasonic diagnosis by using Pewter 21
The device can be realized. In addition, synthesis operation processing is
Software is added to the software,
It can be easily handled only by replacement. (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a second example.
1 shows a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to an embodiment. Of this implementation
The embodiment is a modification of the block configuration of the first embodiment.
It is an improvement. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B is an ultrasonic probe
2B and an ultrasonic processing device connected to the ultrasonic probe 2B.
Processing device 3B and a core connected to the ultrasonic processing device 3B.
And a computer 21. This ultrasonic probe 2B is used in the first embodiment.
Provided in the ultrasonic processing apparatus 3A shown in FIG.
Multiplexer 6, transmission signal generator 7, transmission
Amplifier 8, receiving amplifier 11, STC controller 12
By storing it in the ultrasonic probe body 22,
Inside the cable portion 23 extending from the ultrasonic probe main body 22
The number of signal lines to be inserted into the device has been greatly reduced. The ultrasonic processing apparatus according to the present embodiment
The device 3B is a multiple device from the ultrasonic processing device 3A in FIG.
Lexer 6, transmission signal generator 7, transmission amplifier 8, reception amplifier
And the configuration excluding the STC controller 12
I have. That is, the timing controller 9 and the BPF 1
3, an A / D converter 14, and a quadrature detection circuit 15.
Is done. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
You. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.
Has actions and effects. Further, the present embodiment is the first embodiment.
The following points are different from the embodiment. In this embodiment, a group of vibrating elements,
Multiplexer near the vibrating elements 5-1,.
6 is provided in the cable section 23.
Signal line for switching, and timing for driving the transmission signal generator 7
A signal line for transmitting a signaling signal, and an STC controller 12.
Control line (omitted in FIG. 4) and the STC controller
A signal line for transmitting the echo signal output through
The plurality of vibrating elements 5-1,.
5 Multiple signal lines connected to each
There is no need to insert the above. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the transmission with the ultrasonic probe 2A is performed.
Because it has a different configuration from the circuit that performs the reception,
The number of signal lines for the probe 2A is required for the number of vibrating elements.
The time and effort required for wire work and the cost
It may cause toup. However, in the above configuration,
This makes wiring work easier and less
Can be reduced. Further, it is arranged near each vibrating element 5-i.
By amplifying the echo signal with the receiving amplifier 11,
Each vibrating element 5-i and receiving amplifier according to one embodiment
11 through the probe (generally kana
The signal is attenuated by long signal lines
S / N ratio can be prevented from lowering, and the influence of noise from outside
It can be hardly affected by sound. That is, in the configuration of FIG.
Since the vibration element 5-i separates, the signal is attenuated and the ultrasonic wave
Influence of noise etc. mixed into the probe 2A cable
However, in this embodiment, such disadvantages
Can be resolved. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of vibrating elements
It is not necessary to wire only signal lines,
The number can be reduced. Also, place the transmitting / receiving unit near the vibrating element group.
Improve pulse characteristics and improve S / N by placing
There is an effect that can be. FIG. 5 shows a modified ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C.
You. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C shown in FIG.
C and the connector 24 at the base end of the ultrasonic probe 2C
Ultrasonic processing apparatus 3C to be connected and ultrasonic processing apparatus
For example, a notebook type par with 3C detachably connected
Sonal Computer (hereinafter abbreviated as PC) 21C
Consists of The ultrasonic probe 2C is a probe main body 22.
, A cable portion 23, and a cable
And a connector portion 24 which is provided. The ultrasonic processing device 3C mainly transmits
Power supply circuit for generating high voltage transmission pulse from signal generator 7
Power supply unit 25 having a built-in path and the like, and this power supply unit
25 via a cable 26 connected to the PC 21C.
PC card as a connector part detachably connected to the PC
27. This PC card 27 is a personal computer
It is detachably connected to the PC card slot 28 of 21C.
You. A personal computer to which the PC card 27 is connected
Keyboard 21 and trackball 31 etc.
By operating these, the ultrasonic processing apparatus 3C
Control can be performed. The size of the power supply unit 25 is
It is easy to carry, for example, by adjusting the size to 21C. This
Since the PC card 27 is provided in the modification of
Can be connected to a personal computer 21C.
Ultrasonic cutting by aperture synthesis in the display unit 32 by the C liquid crystal element
A layer image can be displayed. Power supply unit 25 and P
The ultrasonic processing device 3B shown in FIG.
Is stored. FIG. 6 shows an example of such a case.
A power supply circuit 35 is built in the
Timing controller 9, BPF 13, A
Housing the / D converter 14 and the quadrature detection circuit 15,
PC card interface (only I / F in FIG. 6) 36
And housed. It should be noted that combinations other than those shown in FIG.
No. For example, the PC card 27 has a PC card interface.
The power supply unit 25.
The road may be stored. Therefore, according to this modification,
Then, it is possible to realize an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C suitable for mobile.
You. As shown by the dotted line in FIG.
The storage section 33 for the PC card 27 is provided in the
An easy structure may be adopted. Also, the power supply unit 25
The structure may be such that the wave probe body 22 can be stored.
No. Further, the ultrasonic probe body 22 is frozen.
Switch to change the status of the output image, such as a switch
A tie 37 may be provided. This change instruction switch
When switch 37 is ON once when switch 37 is a freeze switch
Shows the state of the output image output to the display unit 32 as a normal
If the image is changed to a frozen image and turned on further
Returns to the normal image. Also printouts
Switch, if a printer is connected
Prints and outputs the image on the display unit 32 to the printer.
You. In FIG. 6, the quadrature detection circuit 15
Provide memory or buffer between I / F36
You may do it. Providing memory or buffer in this way
Then, the personal computer 21C synchronizes the complex data with each transmission signal.
Data need not be imported. For example, the timing at the time of the first transmission signal
After receiving a signal, do not necessarily synchronize to that signal,
When other processing is completed, the complex data stored in
Data acquisition may start, or data
Transfer is faster than complex data storage speed in memory
Can also be used. In FIG. 5, the ultrasonic probe 2C has an ultrasonic sound.
P via the power supply unit 25 constituting the wave processing device 3C
Although connected to the C card 27, the ultrasonic probe 2C
To the PC card 27 via the cable section 23,
Power unit 25 connects PC card 27 and power cable.
Alternatively, the connection may be made via a connection. (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a third example.
2 shows a part of the ultrasonic probe body 22 according to the embodiment.
You. The multiplexer 6 shown in FIG.
One signal line from the signal lines connected to 1,.
A signal line that has the function of selecting and is not selected
Had been released. Select in this embodiment
Unconnected signal lines are connected to ground (abbreviated as GND).
That's what I did. In this embodiment, a plurality of vibrating elements 5-1, 5-1
.., 5-5 are multiplexers via signal lines, respectively.
(Or a plurality of analog switches) 41 common contacts
c, and each common contact c is a contact a
Or b and (selection signal from timing controller 9)
) Is selectively connected. The contacts a are connected to each other
Connected to the transmission amplifier 8 and the reception amplifier 11
That is, the contact a is connected to the transmission / reception signal line. one
On the other hand, the contact b is connected to GND. Then, the timing controller 9
In response to the selection signal, one vibration element 5-i (
The common contact c) of the signal line is selected, and the common contact c is
Connected to the transmission / reception signal line via the contact a,
All contact points c are connected to GND via contact point b
I am trying to be. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the vibration element 5-1 is selected.
At this time, the other vibrating elements 5-2,.
Connected to GND. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.
It is. According to the present embodiment, the selected vibration element
Transmission and reception can be performed only with 5-i,
It is possible to obtain few high-resolution and high-quality ultrasonic tomographic images.
And That is, in the configuration of FIG.
,..., 5-5.
Only the selected vibration element 5-i is selected.
When the transmission / reception scanning is performed, the selected vibration element 5
In addition to -i, selected by crosstalk between vibrating elements
The signal from the vibrating element that is not
The transmission signal of the selected vibration element is
Signal and received signal, lowering aperture synthesis accuracy
In this embodiment, such a crosstalk
Can be effectively prevented. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, aperture synthesis
With high resolution and high image quality
A wave tomogram is obtained. Others are the same as the second embodiment.
The effect of is obtained. In this embodiment, the configuration shown in FIG.
Although applied, it can also be applied to the configuration of FIG. (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Of this embodiment
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1D is, for example, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C shown in FIG.
Uses another ultrasonic probe 2D
It is made possible. For this reason, in FIG.
The probe 2C and the ultrasonic processing device 3C are additionally configured.
In this embodiment, one power supply unit 25 may be used.
Is used in common. For this reason, this power supply unit 25 has two
Ultrasonic probe body 2 of ultrasonic probe 2C, 2D
2 and 22 'to the cable sections 23 and 23'
So that the connectors 24 and 24 'respectively provided can be connected.
And detachably connected to the power supply unit 25.
Via cables 26 and 26 'provided with connectors, respectively.
So that PC cards 27 and 27 'can be connected.
You. The PC cards 27 and 27 'are connected at the same time.
PC 21D provided with slots 28 and 28 'for connection
I have to. The power supply unit 25 has two PC cards.
Storage portions 33, 33 'for simultaneously storing the cards 27, 27'
Is provided. In addition, the processing capacity of the personal computer 21D is large.
If not, observe with each ultrasonic probe 2C, 2D
The results may be displayed on the screen in parallel. The processing capacity of the personal computer 21D is two
Process ultrasonic probes 2C and 2D in parallel
If the load is too heavy, select one of the selected
Only the observation results of the wave probe are displayed as live images, and
The image of the other ultrasonic probe may be in a frozen state.
The display layout of the screen at this time is to divide one screen into two
Or a parent-child screen configuration.
It will not be. According to the present embodiment, a plurality of
Ultrasound scanning of different parts of the
It is possible to obtain an ultrasonic diagnostic image more suitable for the surgeon's request.
Wear. In the present embodiment, the personal computer 21D
Can connect two PC cards 27a and 27b.
As explained, the personal computer 21D or the computer 21
3 when there are 3 or more external input interfaces
One or more ultrasonic probes to the computer 21 etc.
You may make it connect and use it. (Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Past implementation
Form was an electronic scan type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
However, the present embodiment is based on the ultrasonic scan of the mechanical scan method.
It is a cutting device 1E. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1E is similar to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1E shown in FIG.
The acoustic wave probe 2A is connected to the motor drive circuit 51 and this motor.
The motor that rotates according to the motor drive signal from the motor drive circuit 51
Motor 52 and the rotation axis of the motor 52
Ultrasonic vibration fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the attached disk 53
An ultrasonic probe 2E including the moving element 54 is employed. The ultrasonic vibration in the ultrasonic probe 2E
The moving element 54 constitutes the ultrasonic processing apparatus 3E via a signal line.
Connected to the transmission amplifier 8 and the reception amplifier 11. Also,
Motor drive circuit 51 is connected to timing controller 9
And the timing signal from the timing controller 9
Synchronously with the motor 52, for example, a step
To rotate. The transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are performed at each minute angle.
In this case, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed for each sound ray.
Work. That is, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the disc 53 is
Attach an electronic scanning type array of vibration elements,
Almost the same processing is performed as when each vibrating element is sequentially driven.
U. In this embodiment, the motor 52 is
An angle smaller than one rotation
To perform sector scanning by reciprocating rotation. For this reason, ultrasonic vibration
The moving element 54 is connected to the transmission amplifier 8 via a signal line having play.
And it should just be connected to the receiving amplifier 11.
It does not need to be used. According to the present embodiment, a simple configuration and
The ultrasonic probe 2E can be configured at low cost. Also book
According to the embodiment, in the case of the mechanical scan method,
Also realized a low-cost aperture-synthesis type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1E.
Can appear. According to the present embodiment, the transmission signal
Output transmission cycle and stepper from motor drive circuit 51
By changing the frequency of the
By changing the number of sound rays according to the requirements etc.
An ultrasonic diagnostic image can be obtained. [0096] For example, an ultrasonic examination is performed on a part near the heart.
When trying to obtain a cut image, the transmission cycle is fixed and
For example, increase the frequency of the tipping pulse by, for example, twice.
If the number of sound rays is reduced to half of the normal speed
Scan the inspection area to obtain an ultrasonic diagnostic image with less blur
Can be made. In addition, a portion far from the heart with relatively little movement
Position when trying to obtain an ultrasound diagnostic image
For example, the transmission cycle is constant and the frequency of the stepping pulse is
The number of sound rays is twice as high as that of normal
Ultrasound diagnostic images can be obtained. The present invention is limited to the above.
For example, the quadrature detection circuit 15 in FIG.
The functions may be performed by the computer 21.
No. It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments is partially combined.
Embodiments and the like that are configured to be included also belong to the present invention. [Supplementary Notes] Ultrasonic vibration in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements are arranged in an array
Moving element group, selected among the plurality of ultrasonic vibrating elements.
For transmitting an ultrasonic transmission signal to a predetermined vibrating element.
Transmission means and transmission of an ultrasonic transmission signal of the ultrasonic transmission means
According to the timing, received by the ultrasonic vibration element
Complex data that generates a complex data signal based on the echo signal
Data generating means, and an ultrasonic transmission signal of the ultrasonic transmitting means.
According to the transmission timing, each of the plurality of vibrating elements is
Based on the delay time information of the corresponding ultrasonic signal, the complex data
Equipped with a phase rotation calculation program that rotates the phase of the data signal.
Based on the calculation result of the phase rotation calculation program.
Calculation of the reflection intensity of the echo signal
An arithmetic computer having a program and the ultrasonic wave
According to the transmission timing of the ultrasonic transmission signal of the transmission means,
The complex data generated by the complex data generating means is
Input means for inputting to an arithmetic computer.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an array
Solid ultrasonic vibration element group, and a plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements
The ultrasonic transmission signal for the specified vibration element selected in
Transmitting means for transmitting the ultrasonic wave, and ultrasonic transmission of the ultrasonic transmitting means.
The ultrasonic vibration element according to a transmission timing of a communication signal
Generates complex data signal based on echo signal received at
Complex data generating means, and an ultrasonic sound of the ultrasonic transmitting means.
The complex data according to the transmission timing of the wave transmission signal.
Transmitting the complex data generated by the generating means to the transmission timing
Computer operation with timing signals corresponding to
Input means for inputting to the processing device.
Ultrasound diagnostic device. 3. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an array
Solid ultrasonic vibration element group, and a plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements
Sends ultrasonic signal to specified transducer selected in
Transmitting means, and an ultrasonic transmission signal of the ultrasonic transmitting means
Received by the ultrasonic transducer according to the transmission timing of
Generating a complex data signal based on the detected echo signal.
Connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having elementary data generating means.
Arithmetic processing device, wherein the ultrasonic transmission means
The complex data signal according to the transmission timing of the transmission signal
Is input, and ultrasonic waves corresponding to each of the plurality of vibrating elements
Based on the signal delay time information,
In addition to having a phase change operation program for phase change,
Based on the calculation result of the phase change calculation program,
A reflection intensity calculation program for calculating the reflection intensity of a co-signal
An arithmetic processing device comprising: 4. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an array
Solid ultrasonic vibration element group, and a plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements
Sends ultrasonic signal to specified transducer selected in
Transmitting means, and an ultrasonic transmission signal of the ultrasonic transmitting means
Received by the ultrasonic transducer according to the transmission timing of
Generating a complex data signal based on the detected echo signal.
Connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having elementary data generating means.
Of an arithmetic processing program used in an arithmetic processing device
A medium, a supersonic corresponding to each of the plurality of vibrating elements
The complex data signal based on the delay time information of the wave signal.
With a phase change operation program for phase change
Based on the operation result of the phase shift operation program,
A reflection intensity calculation program that calculates the reflection intensity of the echo signal
An arithmetic processing device for storing a RAM. 5. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an array
A solid ultrasonic vibration element group and the plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements
Digitization from echo signals obtained by sequentially driving
A complex data generation circuit for generating complex data of
Takes complex data and delay time determined by each vibrating element
Align the data according to
The reflection intensity is calculated from the obtained data, and the result is calculated.
And a computer that displays the information. (Effect of Appendix 5) Complex data subjected to quadrature detection
The computer software, and
A) to perform the synthesis operation processing, store the result, operate the terminal,
Since the results of the synthesis are also displayed on a computer,
Without the need for dedicated circuits
And an inexpensive ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be provided. Also,
By using a compact computer,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be provided. And synthesis
Software is used to perform arithmetic processing, so additional functions must be added.
Can be easily handled only by replacing the software
You. 6. A plurality of ultrasonic vibrating elements and the ultrasonic wave
A transmitting circuit for driving ultrasonic waves from a vibrating element;
And a circuit that receives the echo signal obtained by
And the output from this probe.
A complex signal for generating complex digital data
A raw data generation circuit and this complex data
Data is collected according to the delay time determined by the acoustic transducer
The phase rotation process is performed, and the
A computer that performs the process of calculating the radiation intensity and displays the result
And an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: (Problem with Appendix 6)
When one transceiver element is sequentially switched to transmit and receive
If the distance between the vibrating element and
Susceptible to noise due to
There was a problem that an ultrasonic tomographic image could not be obtained. (Means for Solving) In addition, the ultrasonic pulse signal
Circuit for transmitting vibration and a circuit for selecting a vibrating element to transmit and receive
And a circuit for amplifying the received echo to a predetermined size.
Provide inside the probe. (Operation) A vibration element and a transmitting / receiving circuit must be provided in the probe.
And the received echo signal obtained from the vibrating element is
Mixed into the probe cable
Noise can be suppressed. (Effect of Supplementary Note 6) Transmission / Reception Circuit and Multiplexer
The probe and the vibrating element
The number of cables output from the
Can be reduced. Also, between the transmitting / receiving circuit and the vibrating element
Can reduce signal attenuation and reduce the effects of noise.
It is hard to receive and can receive good echo signals
You. 7. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an array
Selection of solid ultrasonic transducers and transducers for transmission / reception
And a circuit for connecting other vibration elements to GND,
While sequentially switching the selected vibrating element with the transmission signal
A complex that generates digital complex data obtained by driving
A raw data generation circuit and this complex data
Data is aligned according to the delay time determined by the
After performing a rotation process, the reflection intensity
From the computer that performs the calculation and displays the results
Ultrasound diagnostic device. (Problem with Appendix 7) One Vibrating Element
The configuration of the transmitting and receiving circuit when transmitting and receiving
In addition, unselected vibrating elements are also transmitted and received.
Crosstalk appears between the transducers,
There is a problem that it is not possible to obtain
Was. (Solution) A vibrating element to be transmitted / received is selected.
Select the circuit to be selected and the unselected vibrating element to GND.
And the following circuit. (Operation) The vibrating element that has not transmitted / received is GN
By connecting to D, it is possible to send
Signal leakage is suppressed, and crosstalk between transducers is low.
A reduced echo signal can be received. (Effect of Supplementary Note 7) The selection circuit of the vibrating element
And the vibrating element not selected for transmission / reception
The crosstalk between the vibrating elements
, And a good echo signal can be received. 8. Time series from different positions
Ultrasonic probe with ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving sound waves
Directly with respect to the echo signal received by the ultrasonic vibrator.
A quadrature detection circuit that cross-detects and generates complex data,
Each position of the transmitted and received ultrasonic transducer for complex data
Phase rotation processing corresponding to the delay time determined by
A computer that performs processing for calculating the radiation intensity
Ultrasound diagnostic equipment. 9. In Supplementary Note 8, the ultrasonic probe
Ultrasonic transducers consist of multiple ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array.
Moving elements, which differ depending on the electronic scan
The ultrasonic transducer at the position transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in time series.
Is 10. In Supplementary Note 8, the ultrasonic probe
The ultrasonic vibrator of the probe is the outer periphery of a disk
Mechanical scan by the motor
Time with ultrasonic transducers at different positions
Transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are performed in a row. As described above, according to the present invention, the
Transmit and receive in chronological order with ultrasonic transducers from different positions
Complex data obtained by converting the received echo signal with a quadrature detection circuit.
The ultrasonic transducer that transmitted and received the complex data
Compile the phase rotation processing according to the delay time determined by the position.
Software, and display the results.
So that complicated dedicated circuits are not used and cost
And an excellent ultrasonic tomographic image can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a phase rotation process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply unit and a PC card of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part in an ultrasonic probe main body according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional aperture synthetic ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a phase rotation process. [Description of Signs] 1A Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2A Ultrasonic probe 3A Ultrasonic processing apparatus 5-1 to 5-5 (Ultrasonic) vibrating element 6 Multiplexer 7 Transmission signal generator 8 Transmission amplifier 9 ... Timing controller 11 ... Receiving amplifier 12 ... STC controller 13 ... Band pass filter (BPF) 14 ... A / D converter 15 ... Quadrature detection circuit 21 ... Computer 22 ... Ultrasonic probe body 23 ... Cable section

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventor Kenji Matsunaka             2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside of Opus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasushi Hibi             2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside of Opus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Atsushi Osawa             2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside of Opus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takehiro Yoshimura             2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside of Opus Optical Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 4C301 AA02 EE01 EE07 EE17 GB03                       HH16 HH31 HH54 JB03 JB13                       JB17 JB38 JB50 JC05 LL05

Claims (1)

1. An ultrasonic vibration element group in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements are arranged in an array, and a predetermined vibration element selected from the plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements. Transmitting means for transmitting an ultrasonic transmission signal; complex data generation for generating a complex data signal based on an echo signal received by the ultrasonic vibration element according to a transmission timing of the ultrasonic transmission signal of the ultrasonic transmission means A phase rotation operation for phase-rotating the complex data signal based on delay time information of an ultrasonic signal corresponding to each of the plurality of vibrating elements according to a transmission timing of an ultrasonic transmission signal of the ultrasonic transmission means. A computer having a program and a reflection intensity calculation program for calculating the reflection intensity of the echo signal based on the calculation result of the phase rotation calculation program And input means for inputting the complex data generated by the complex data generating means to the computing computer in accordance with the transmission timing of the ultrasonic transmission signal of the ultrasonic transmitting means. Ultrasound diagnostic device.