JP2003190161A - Ultrasonic scan method and ultrasonic diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve at least either frame rate or sound ray density. <P>SOLUTION: A scan plane P is divided into two subscan planes p1 and p2 and parrallel scanned by different ultrasonic beams. During the first scan, code modulation/demodulation is performed on the first subscan plane p1 with Golay codes A1 and performed on the second subscan plane p2 with Golay codes B1. During the second scan of the same sound ray, the code modulation/ demodulation is performed on the first subscan plane p1 with Golay codes A2 and performed on the second subscan plane p2 with Golay codes B2. A sound ray signal demodulated by the Golay codes A1 and a sound ray signal demodulated by the Golay codes A2 are synthesized into the first subscan plane sound ray signal. A sound ray signal demodulated by the Golay codes B1 and a sound ray signal demodulated by the Golay codes B2 are synthesized into the second subscan plane sound ray signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic scanning method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an ultrasonic scanning method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of improving at least one of a frame rate and a sound ray density. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image is scanned with one ultrasonic beam.

In addition, it is necessary to modulate an ultrasonic beam with one code which constitutes a code sequence composed of a set of n (≧ 2) codes, transmit the modulated ultrasonic beam, and demodulate the received echo signal in order for the same sound ray. A code excitation method (Coded Exci method) for obtaining a compound image by repeating n times while changing the code
tation) is known.

Further, there are a frequency compound method for obtaining a compound image by repeating transmission and reception n times while changing the frequency for the same sound ray, and a phase compound method for obtaining a compound image by repeating transmission and reception n times while changing the phase for the same sound ray. A spatial compound method is known in which transmission / reception is repeated n times while changing the sound ray direction for the same part to obtain a compound image.

[0005]

In the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, if the sound ray density is made rough to increase the frame rate, the spatial resolution is lowered, and if the sound ray density is made dense to increase the spatial resolution. There was a problem that the frame rate decreased.

Further, the code excitation method, the frequency compound method, and the phase compound method have a problem that the frame rate drops to 1 / n because transmission and reception are repeated n times for the same sound ray. Also, in the spatial compound method,
Since the transmission and reception are repeated n times while changing the sound ray direction for the same part, there is a problem that the frame rate drops to 1 / n.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic scanning method and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of improving at least one of the frame rate and the sound ray density.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the invention provides a scan plane m (≧ 2) for obtaining one ultrasound image.
Surface is divided into sub-scanning planes, each sub-scanning plane is scanned in parallel with separate ultrasonic beams, and each ultrasonic beam is modulated and transmitted so as not to interfere with each other, and each echo signal received is demodulated. An ultrasonic scanning method is provided. In the ultrasonic scanning method according to the first aspect, modulation and demodulation are performed so that ultrasonic beams transmitted in parallel and received echo signals do not interfere with each other, and m (≧ 2) sub-scanning planes are scanned in parallel. , Frame rate m
The sound ray density can be multiplied by m times.

According to a second aspect, the present invention uses m (≧ 2) scanning lines for obtaining one ultrasonic image in different acoustic ray directions.
There is provided an ultrasonic scanning method characterized by scanning in parallel with a plurality of ultrasonic beams, modulating each ultrasonic beam so as not to interfere with each other, and transmitting and demodulating each received echo signal. In the ultrasonic scanning method according to the second aspect, modulation / demodulation is performed so that ultrasonic waves to be transmitted in parallel and received echo signals do not interfere with each other, and m (≧ 2) ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions are parallel to each other. Since the scanning is performed, the frame rate can be increased by m times or the sound ray density can be increased by m times.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic scanning method of the above construction, the ultrasonic beam is modulated with one code of a code sequence consisting of a set of n (≧ m) codes and an echo signal is obtained. An ultrasonic scanning method is characterized in that the demodulation is repeated n times with respect to the same sound ray while changing the code in order, and the codes that are orthogonal to each other are used for ultrasonic beams that are scanned in parallel. In the above configuration, "the codes are orthogonal to each other" means that the relationship between the two codes such that the phase difference corresponding to the two codes is "90 °" or the inner product of the vectors corresponding to the two codes is " It means a relationship between two codes that result in "0". In the ultrasonic scanning method according to the third aspect, a code modulation compound image can be obtained and the frame rate can be increased by m times or the sound ray density can be increased by m times.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic scanning method having the above-mentioned configuration, wherein the code sequence is a Golay code sequence. In the ultrasonic scanning method according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to obtain a code modulation compound image with a Golay code sequence and to increase the frame rate by m times or the sound ray density by m times.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic scanning method of the above construction, m = 2 and n = 2, and (1,1), (1, -1 for the first ultrasonic beam. ) Signs are used in this order, and (1,-
There is provided an ultrasonic scanning method characterized by using the symbols 1) and (1, 1) in this order. In the ultrasonic scanning method according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to obtain a code modulation compound image using a Golay code sequence, and
The frame rate can be doubled or the sound ray density can be doubled.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic scanning method of the above construction, m = 4 and n = 4, and (1,1), (1,1) for the first ultrasonic beam. , (1,
−1) and (1, −1) are used in this order, and in the second ultrasonic beam, (1, −1), (1, −1), (1,
1) and (1,1) are used in this order, and in the third ultrasonic beam, (-1, -1), (1,1), (1,-)
1) and (-1, 1) are used in this order, and in the fourth ultrasonic beam, (1, -1), (-1, 1), (1,
There is provided an ultrasonic scanning method characterized by using the symbols 1) and (-1, -1) in this order. With the ultrasonic scanning method according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to obtain a code modulation compound image using a Golay code sequence, and to quadruple the frame rate or quadruple the sound ray density.

According to a seventh aspect, in the present invention, the scanning plane for obtaining one ultrasonic image has m (≧ 2) in different sound ray directions.
There is provided an ultrasonic scanning method characterized in that a plurality of ultrasonic beams are scanned in parallel and the frequency bands of the ultrasonic beams are made different so as not to interfere with each other. In the ultrasonic scanning method according to the seventh aspect, a frequency compound image can be obtained, and the frame rate can be increased by m times or the sound ray density can be increased by m times.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the scanning plane for obtaining one ultrasonic image has m (≧ 2) in different sound ray directions.
Provided is an ultrasonic scanning method characterized in that a plurality of ultrasonic beams are scanned in parallel and the phases of the ultrasonic beams are made different so as not to interfere with each other. 8th above
In the ultrasonic scanning method from the viewpoint of (1), a phase modulation compound image can be obtained, and the frame rate can be increased by m times or the sound ray density can be increased by m times.

According to a ninth aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe and a scanning plane for obtaining one ultrasonic image, m (≧ 2).
Scanning means for driving the ultrasonic probe to scan each sub-scanning surface divided into surfaces in parallel with separate ultrasonic beams, and each ultrasonic beam is modulated and transmitted so as not to interfere with each other. And an modulator / demodulator for demodulating each received echo signal. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to preferably carry out the ultrasonic scanning method according to the first aspect.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, a transducer allocating means for allocating a transducer of the ultrasonic probe to each of the sub-scanning planes is provided. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the tenth aspect, since the transducers of the ultrasonic probe are individually assigned to each sub-scanning plane, it is possible to completely suppress the interference at the circuit stage.

In an eleventh aspect, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and a scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image, which are parallel to each other by m (≧ 2) ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions. Scanning means for driving the ultrasonic probe for scanning, and modulation / demodulation means for modulating and transmitting each ultrasonic beam so as not to interfere with each other and demodulating each received echo signal. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the eleventh aspect can suitably implement the ultrasonic scanning method according to the second aspect.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, the modulation / demodulation means is n (≧
m) Modulating the ultrasonic beam with one code of the code sequence consisting of a set of code and demodulating the echo signal is repeated n times for the same sound ray while sequentially changing the code, and scanning is performed in parallel. Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by using mutually orthogonal codes in a sound wave beam. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the twelfth aspect can suitably implement the ultrasonic scanning method according to the third aspect.

In a thirteenth aspect, the present invention provides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, wherein the code sequence is a Golay code sequence. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect can preferably implement the ultrasonic scanning method according to the fourth aspect.

According to a fourteenth aspect, the present invention is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, wherein m = 2 and n = 2, and the first
In the ultrasonic beam of No. 1, the symbols (1, 1) and (1, -1) are used in this order, and in the second ultrasonic beam, (1, -1),
There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by using the code (1,1) in this order. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect can suitably implement the ultrasonic scanning method according to the fifth aspect.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the present invention provides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, wherein m = 4 and n = 4, and
In the ultrasonic beam of (1,1), (1,1), (1,-
1) and (1, -1) are used in this order, and in the second ultrasonic beam, (1, -1), (1, -1), (1,
1) and (1,1) are used in this order, and in the third ultrasonic beam, (-1, -1), (1,1), (1,-)
1) and (-1, 1) are used in this order, and in the fourth ultrasonic beam, (1, -1), (-1, 1), (1,
(1) and (-1, -1) are used in this order to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect can suitably implement the ultrasonic scanning method according to the sixth aspect.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the present invention, an ultrasonic probe and a scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image are arranged in parallel with m (≧ 2) ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a scanning unit that drives the ultrasonic probe to scan the ultrasonic probe and a frequency dividing unit that makes the frequency bands of the ultrasonic beams different so as not to interfere with each other. To do. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect can suitably implement the ultrasonic scanning method according to the seventh aspect. .

[0024] In a seventeenth aspect, the present invention aims to scan an ultrasonic probe and a scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image in parallel with two ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions. There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a scanning unit that drives the ultrasonic probe; and a phase dividing unit that shifts the phases of the ultrasonic beams by 90 ° so as not to interfere with each other. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect can suitably implement the ultrasonic scanning method according to the eighth aspect.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this.

-First Embodiment- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 1, a transmitter 2 that drives the ultrasonic probe 1 and transmits a transmission pulse in a desired sound ray direction, and the ultrasonic probe 1. A reception unit 3 that receives an ultrasonic echo from a desired sound ray direction and outputs a sound ray signal, a scan controller 4 that controls the transmission unit 2 and the reception unit 3, and a B mode data that processes the sound ray signal. Is provided, a DSC 6 for generating image data from B-mode data and the like, and a CRT 7 for displaying an image based on the image data.

FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the transmitter 2. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a large number of transducers 1e arranged in a convex array and a transducer 1e.
A first selector 1a and a second selector 1a for selecting and driving
And a selector 1b. The first selector 1a and the second selector 1b cyclically repeat the operation of shifting one oscillator by one oscillator from the position indicated by the solid line to the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 2 in accordance with the change in the sound ray direction.

The transmitter 2 includes a first encoder 2a and a second encoder 2d for performing code modulation, and a first beamformer 2b and a second beamformer 2e for transmitting a transmission pulse in a desired sound ray direction. And a first pulser 2c and a second pulser 2f for driving the vibrator 1e.

FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of the ultrasonic probe 1 and the receiver 3. The receiving unit 3 includes a first preamplifier 3c and a second preamplifier 3 that amplify the signal from the vibrator 1e.
f, and a first beamformer 3b and a second beamformer 3 for receiving an echo signal from a desired sound ray direction.
e, and a first decoder 3a and a second decoder 3d for performing code demodulation.

As shown in FIG. 4, the scanning plane P for obtaining one ultrasonic image is divided into two sub-scanning planes p1 and p2. The first sub-scanning surface p1 is scanned with the ultrasonic beam formed by the transducer 1e selected by the first selector 1a. The second sub-scanning surface p2 has the second selector 1b.
The ultrasonic beam formed by the transducer 1e selected in step 1 is scanned.

On the first sub-scanning surface p1, the first encoder 2a transmits the Golay code A1 (1,
The transmission pulse is modulated in 1), and the Golay code A2 (1, -1) is used in the second transmission of the same sound ray as the first transmission.
Modulate the transmitted pulse with. Also, according to the modulation, the first
The decoder 3a demodulates (convolution) the echo signal with the code (1,1) during the first reception and demodulates the echo signal with the code (-1,1) during the second reception. The first sound ray signal and the second sound ray signal are added to output the first sub-scanning surface sound ray signal. Although the code obtained by time-reversing the encode code is used as the decode code, the encode code is used as the decode code as it is and the difference between the sound ray signal of the first time and the sound ray signal of the second time is calculated as the first sub-scanning surface sound ray signal. May be output as

On the second sub-scanning surface p2, the second encoder 2d transmits the Golay code B1 (1,-) during the first transmission.
The transmission pulse is modulated in 1), and the transmission pulse is modulated with the Golay code B2 (1,1) at the time of the second transmission of the same sound ray as the first transmission. In accordance with this, the second decoder 3d demodulates the echo signal with the code (-1, 1) at the time of the first reception, and the code (1, 1, at the time of the second reception.
The echo signal is demodulated in 1), and the first sound ray signal and the second sound ray signal are demodulated.
The sound ray signal of the second time is added and the second sub-scanning surface sound ray signal is output. Although the code obtained by time-reversing the encode code is used as the decode code, the encode code is used as it is as the decode code and the difference between the first sound ray signal and the second sound ray signal is used as the second sub-scanning surface sound ray signal. May be output as

FIG. 5A shows the Golay code A1 at the time of the first transmission on the first sub-scanning surface p1, the transmission drive signal output from the first pulser 2c, and the transmission from the transducer 1e. The transmitted pulse is shown. FIG. 5B
At the time of the first transmission on the second sub-scanning surface p2,
The Golay code B1, the transmission drive signal output from the first pulser 2f, and the transmission pulse output from the transducer 1e are shown.

FIG. 6A shows the Golay code A2, the wave transmission drive signal output from the first pulser 2c, and the oscillator 1e during the second transmission on the first sub-scanning surface p1. The transmitted pulse is shown. FIG. 6B
At the time of the second transmission on the second sub-scanning surface p2,
The Golay code B2, the wave transmission drive signal output from the first pulser 2f, and the wave transmission pulse transmitted from the transducer 1e are shown.

FIG. 7 shows the first sub-scanning plane p1.
The echo signal corresponding to the Golay code A1 for the first time,
The first-time decoder code by the decoder 3a, the sound ray signal as a result of the decoding, and the second ray on the first sub-scanning surface p1.
The first echo signal corresponding to the Golay code A2,
A second sub-scan surface sound ray signal obtained by adding the second-time decoder code by the decoder 3a, the sound ray signal of the decoding result, and the first sound ray signal and the second sound ray signal. It is a conceptual diagram shown. As can be seen from the first sub-scanning surface acoustic ray signal in FIG. 7, pulse compression by the Golay code sequences A1 and A2 is performed.

FIG. 8 shows the first sub-scanning plane p2.
The second echo signal corresponding to the Golay code B1 and the second echo signal
The decoder code of the first time by the decoder 3d, the sound ray signal of the decoding result, and the second line on the second sub-scanning surface p2
The echo signal corresponding to the second Golay code B2 and the second echo signal
The second sub-scanning surface sound ray signal obtained by adding the second-time decoder code by the decoder 3d, the sound ray signal of the decoding result, and the first-time sound ray signal and the second-time sound ray signal. It is a conceptual diagram shown. As can be seen from the second sub-scanning surface acoustic ray signal in FIG. 8, pulse compression by the Golay code sequences B1 and B2 is performed.

FIG. 9 shows the first sub-scanning plane p2 on the first sub-scanning plane p2.
The first echo signal corresponding to the Golay code B1 and the first echo signal
The decoder code of the first time by the decoder 3a, the sound ray signal of the decoding result, and the second line on the second sub-scanning surface p2
The first echo signal corresponding to the Golay code B2 and the first echo signal
A second sub-scan surface sound ray signal obtained by adding the second-time decoder code by the decoder 3a, the sound ray signal of the decoding result, and the first sound ray signal and the second sound ray signal. It is a conceptual diagram shown. As can be seen from the first sub-scanning surface acoustic ray signal in FIG. 9, the signal is canceled and becomes “0”. That is, it can be seen that the echo signal on the second sub-scanning surface p2 does not interfere with the echo signal on the first sub-scanning surface p1.

FIG. 10 shows an echo signal corresponding to the first-time Golay code A1 on the first sub-scanning surface p1, the first-time decoder code by the second decoder 3d, the sound ray signal as a result of decoding, The echo signal corresponding to the second-time Golay code A2 on the 1st sub-scanning plane p1, the second-time decoder code by the second decoder 3d, the sound ray signal of the decoding result, the first-time sound ray signal, and the first sound ray signal It is a conceptual diagram which shows the 2nd sub-scanning surface sound ray signal which added the sound ray signal of the 2nd time. As can be seen from the second sub-scanning surface sound ray signal in FIG. 10, the signal is canceled and becomes “0”. That is, it can be seen that the echo signal on the first sub-scanning surface p1 does not interfere with the echo signal on the second sub-scanning surface p2.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above, an ultrasonic beam for receiving and scanning in parallel the first sub-scanning plane p1 and the second sub-scanning plane p2 and transmitting them in parallel. Since the echo signals to be transmitted do not interfere with each other, the frame rate can be doubled if the sound ray density is the same as the conventional one, and the sound ray density can be doubled if the same frame rate as the conventional one.

In the transmitter 2, the encoder 2
The a and 2d may be provided after the beam formers 2b and 2e. Further, in the receiving unit 3, the decoders 3a and 3b
May be provided before the beam formers 3b and 3e.

-Second Embodiment- The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. However, the ultrasonic probe 1 has first to fourth selectors. Further, the transmitter 2 has first to fourth pulsers, first to fourth beamformers, and first to fourth encoders. Further, the receiving unit 3 includes the first to fourth preamplifiers, the first to fourth beamformers, and the first to fourth
Have a decoder.

As shown in FIG. 11, the scanning plane P for obtaining one ultrasonic image is divided into a first sub-scanning plane p1 to a fourth sub-scanning plane p4. The first sub-scanning surface p1 to the fourth sub-scanning surface p4 are scanned in parallel with ultrasonic beams formed by the transducers 1e selected by the corresponding first selector to fourth selector.

On the first sub-scanning plane p1, the first encoder modulates the transmission pulse with the Golay code A1 (1,1) during the first transmission, and the Golay code A during the second transmission.
2 (1,1) modulates the transmission pulse, the Golay code A3 (1, -1) modulates the transmission pulse at the time of the third transmission, and the Golay code A4 (1) at the time of the fourth transmission. , -1)
Modulate the transmitted pulse with. Also, according to the modulation, the first
The decoder demodulates the echo signal with a decode code obtained by time-reversing the encode code. Then, the first to fourth sound ray signals are added to output the first sub-scanning surface sound ray signal.

On the second sub-scanning plane p2, the second encoder modulates the transmission pulse with the Golay code B1 (1, -1) during the first transmission and the Golay code B2 (during the second transmission. 1, -1) modulates the transmission pulse, the Golay code B3 (1,1) modulates the transmission pulse at the time of the third transmission, and the Golay code B4 (1,1) at the time of the fourth transmission. ) To modulate the transmitted pulse. Also, in accordance with the modulation, the second decoder demodulates the echo signal with the decode code obtained by time-reversing the encode code. Then, the first to fourth sound ray signals are added to output the second sub-scanning surface sound ray signal.

On the third sub-scanning surface p3, the third encoder transmits the Golay code C1 (-1, -1) during the first transmission.
The transmission pulse is modulated with, the transmission pulse is modulated with the Golay code C2 (1,1) during the second transmission, and the transmission pulse is transmitted with the Golay code C3 (1, -1) during the third transmission. The pulse is modulated, and at the time of the fourth transmission, the Golay code C4 (-1,
The transmitted pulse is modulated in 1). Also, according to the modulation,
The third decoder demodulates the echo signal with a decode code obtained by time-reversing the encode code. Then, the first to fourth sound ray signals are added to output the third sub-scanning surface sound ray signal.

On the fourth sub-scanning plane p4, the fourth encoder modulates the transmission pulse with the Golay code D1 (1, -1) during the first transmission, and the Golay code D2 (during the second transmission. -1,1) modulates the transmitted pulse, the Golay code D3 (1,1) modulates the transmitted pulse at the time of the third transmission, and the Golay code D4 (-1 ,,) at the time of the fourth transmission. −
The transmitted pulse is modulated in 1). Also, according to the modulation,
The fourth decoder demodulates the echo signal with a decode code obtained by time-reversing the encode code. Then, the first to fourth sound ray signals are added to output the fourth sub-scanning surface sound ray signal.

FIG. 12A shows encode codes of the first sub-scanning surface p1 to the fourth sub-scanning surface p4 of the first time,
(B) is the encoding code of the first sub-scanning surface p1 to p4 of the second time, and (c) is the encoding code of the first sub-scanning surface p1 to p4 of the third time. And (d) is an encoding code of the first sub-scanning surface p1 to the fourth sub-scanning surface p4 of the first time.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the second embodiment described above, the first sub-scanning plane p1 to the fourth sub-scanning plane p4 are scanned in parallel and the ultrasonic beams to be transmitted in parallel are received. Since the echo signals do not interfere with each other, the frame rate can be quadrupled with the same sound ray density as in the conventional case, and the sound ray density can be quadrupled with the same frame rate as in the conventional case.

-Third Embodiment- The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows an ultrasonic probe 1 and a transmitter 2.
3 is a detailed configuration diagram of FIG. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a large number of transducers 1e arranged in a convex array. Transmitter 2
Is a first encoder 2a and a second encoder 2d for performing code modulation, a first beam former 2g and a second beam former 2h for transmitting a transmission pulse in a desired sound ray direction, and a first beam former. 2g and a second input pulser 2i for driving the vibrator 1e with the sum of the inputs from both the second beam former 2h.

FIG. 14 shows the ultrasonic probe 1 and the receiver 3.
3 is a detailed configuration diagram of FIG. The receiver 3 pre-amplifies the signal from the transducer 1e, a first beam former 3g and a second beam former 3h for receiving an echo signal from a desired sound ray direction, and performs code demodulation. It has a first decoder 3a and a second decoder 3d.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment is
Since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment does not have the selectors 1a and 1b, the code modulation by the first encoder 2a and the code modulation by the second encoder 2d are added to the same transmission pulse. Become. However, since the sound ray direction by the first beam former 2g and the sound ray direction by the second beam former 2h are different, each transducer 1e
In the above, there is a time lag between the code modulation by the first encoder 2a and the code modulation by the second encoder 2d, and they cannot be completely canceled out. In addition, on the receiving side, the first decoder 3a and the second decoder 3d are used to perform the operations shown in FIGS.
The interference is suppressed as described with reference to. Therefore,
Even in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment, 2
The ultrasonic beams can be scanned in parallel, and the frame rate can be doubled if the sound ray density is the same as the conventional one, and the sound ray density can be doubled if the same frame rate as the conventional one.

In the transmitter 2, the encoder 2
The a and 2d may be provided after the beam formers 2b and 2e. Further, in the receiving unit 3, the decoders 3a and 3b
May be provided before the beam formers 3g and 3h.

-Fourth Embodiment- The configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 shows the ultrasonic probe 1 and the transmitter 2.
3 is a detailed configuration diagram of FIG. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a large number of transducers 1e arranged in a convex array. Transmitter 2
Is a first oscillator 2j that oscillates a carrier wave of a first frequency,
A second oscillator 2k that oscillates a carrier wave of a second frequency, a first beamformer 2g for transmitting a transmission pulse of a carrier wave of a first frequency in a desired sound ray direction, and a second frequency in a desired sound ray direction. Second for transmitting the carrier wave transmission pulse
The beam former 2h and the 2-input pulsar 2i for driving the transducer 1e with the sum of the inputs from both the first beam former 2g and the second beam former 2h are provided.

FIG. 16 shows the ultrasonic probe 1 and the receiver 3.
3 is a detailed configuration diagram of FIG. The receiving unit 3 includes a preamplifier 3i for amplifying a signal from the transducer 1e, a first beam former 3g and a second beam former 3h for receiving an echo signal from a desired sound ray direction, and a first frequency as a center. The first frequency filter 3m for extracting only the signal in the frequency band of the above and the second frequency filter 3n for extracting only the signal in the frequency band around the second frequency are provided.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to scan in parallel with two ultrasonic beams that have eliminated interference due to the difference in frequency, and if the sound ray density is the same as the conventional one, the frame rate is doubled. It is possible to double the sound ray density at the same frame rate as the conventional one.

In the receiving section 3, the frequency filters 3j and 3k may be provided before the beam formers 3g and 3h.

-Fifth Embodiment- The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 shows the ultrasonic probe 1 and the transmitter 2.
3 is a detailed configuration diagram of FIG. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a large number of transducers 1e arranged in a convex array, and a first selector 1a and a second selector 1 for selecting and driving the transducers 1e.
b. The first selector 1a and the second selector 1b cyclically repeat the operation of shifting one oscillator by one oscillator from the position indicated by the solid line to the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 17 in accordance with the change of the sound ray direction.

The transmitting unit 2 transmits an oscillator 2m that oscillates a first carrier wave, a phase shifter 2n that shifts the phase of the first carrier wave by 90 ° to form a second carrier wave, and a transmission pulse in a desired sound ray direction. Beamformer 2b and second beamformer for
The beam former 2e is provided with a first pulser 2c and a second pulser 2f for driving the vibrator 1e.

FIG. 18 shows the ultrasonic probe 1 and the receiving section 3.
3 is a detailed configuration diagram of FIG. The reception unit 3 includes a first preamplifier 3c and a second preamplifier 3f for amplifying the signal from the transducer 1e, and a first beamformer 3b and a second beamformer 3e for receiving an echo signal from a desired sound ray direction. , A first phase filter 3m for extracting only the signal of the phase of the first carrier wave and its neighboring phase, and a second phase filter 3n for extracting only the signal of the phase of the second carrier wave and its neighboring phase. It has and.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to perform scanning in parallel with two ultrasonic beams that have eliminated interference due to the difference in the phase of the carrier wave. The sound ray density can be doubled at the same frame rate as the conventional one.

In the receiving section 3, the phase filter 3
m and 3n may be provided before the beam formers 3g and 3h.

-Other Embodiments-Even if the scanning plane is not clearly divided into two or more sub-scanning planes, two or more ultrasonic beams which are different in sound ray direction and do not interfere with each other are used in parallel. If scanning is performed, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0066]

According to the ultrasonic scanning method and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the frame rate and the sound ray density can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe and a transmission unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe and a receiving unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a scanning surface is divided into two sub-scanning surfaces.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a first encoding code, a wave transmission drive signal, and a wave transmission pulse in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a second encoding code, a wave transmission drive signal, and a wave transmission pulse in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of generating a first sub-scanning surface acoustic ray signal according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of generating a second sub-scanning surface acoustic ray signal according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing that the echo signal of the second sub-scanning surface does not interfere with the first sub-scanning surface acoustic ray signal in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing that the echo signal of the first sub-scanning surface does not interfere with the second sub-scanning surface acoustic ray signal in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the scanning surface is divided into four sub-scanning surfaces.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing first to fourth encoding codes according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a detailed configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe and a transmission unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a detailed configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe and a receiver according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a detailed configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe and a transmitter according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a detailed configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe and a receiver according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a detailed configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe and a transmitter according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a detailed configuration diagram of an ultrasonic probe and a receiver according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 transmitter 3 Receiver 4 Scan controller 5 Signal processing circuit 6 DSC 7 CRT

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Takao Chiba             127, 4-7 Asahigaoka, Hino City, Tokyo             GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd.             Within F term (reference) 2G047 AC13 BA03 BC13 CA01 DB02                       EA09 GB02 GF08 GF10 GF11                       GF15 GF17 GF20 GF21 GF32                 4C301 AA02 BB22 EE07 EE10 GB03                       HH01 HH08 HH11 HH13 HH48                       JB43 JB46 JB47                 4C601 BB05 BB06 EE04 EE07 GB01                       GB03 GB04 HH04 HH14 HH17                       HH22 HH26 HH35                 5J083 AA02 AB12 AB17 AC11 AC24                       AC29 AC30 AD13 AE08 BA02                       BA09 BA10 BC02 BD01 CA01

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A scanning plane for obtaining one ultrasonic image is divided into m (≧ 2) sub-scanning planes, each sub-scanning plane is scanned in parallel by separate ultrasonic beams, and the sub-scanning planes are scanned with each other. An ultrasonic scanning method characterized by modulating and transmitting each ultrasonic beam so as not to interfere, and demodulating each received echo signal. 2. A scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image is scanned in parallel with m (≧ 2) ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions, and the ultrasonic beams are so arranged as not to interfere with each other. An ultrasonic scanning method characterized by modulating, transmitting and demodulating each echo signal received. 3. The ultrasonic scanning method according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic beam is modulated with one code of a code sequence consisting of a set of n (≧ m) codes and an echo signal is generated. An ultrasonic scanning method characterized in that demodulation is repeated n times with respect to the same sound ray while changing the code in order, and codes that are orthogonal to each other are used for ultrasonic beams that scan in parallel. 4. The ultrasonic scanning method according to claim 3, wherein the code sequence is a Golay code sequence. 5. The ultrasonic scanning method according to claim 4, wherein m = 2 and n = 2, and the signs (1,1) and (1, -1) are assigned to the first ultrasonic beam. An ultrasonic scanning method, wherein the ultrasonic scanning method comprises sequentially using the symbols (1, -1) and (1, 1) in this order in the second ultrasonic beam. 6. The ultrasonic scanning method according to claim 4, wherein m = 4 and n = 4, and (1,1), (1,1), (1, −) for the first ultrasonic beam. 1), (1,-
The symbols of 1) are used in this order, and (1, -1), (1, -1), (1,1), (1,1) are used in the second ultrasonic beam.
Are used in this order, and in the third ultrasonic beam (-
1, -1), (1,1), (1, -1), (-1,1)
Are used in this order, and in the fourth ultrasonic beam, (1,
-1), (-1, 1), (1, 1), (-1, -1) code | symbol is used in this order, The ultrasonic scanning method characterized by the above-mentioned. 7. A scanning plane for obtaining one ultrasonic image is scanned in parallel with m (≧ 2) ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions, and the ultrasonic beams of each ultrasonic beam are prevented from interfering with each other. An ultrasonic scanning method characterized in that frequency bands are different. 8. A scanning plane for obtaining one ultrasonic image is scanned in parallel with m (≧ 2) ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions, and the ultrasonic beams are not interfered with each other. An ultrasonic scanning method characterized in that the phases are different. 9. An ultrasonic probe and each sub-scanning surface formed by dividing a scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image into m (≧ 2) surfaces are scanned in parallel by separate ultrasonic beams. To this end, a scanning means for driving the ultrasonic probe and a modulation / demodulation means for modulating and transmitting each ultrasonic beam so as not to interfere with each other and for demodulating each echo signal received are provided. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. 10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising transducer assigning means for individually assigning transducers of the ultrasonic probe to each of the sub-scanning planes. Sound wave diagnostic equipment. 11. The ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic probe for scanning m (≧ 2) ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions in parallel on a scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: scanning means for driving a tentacle; and modulation / demodulation means for modulating and transmitting each ultrasonic beam so as not to interfere with each other and demodulating each received echo signal. 12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the modulator / demodulator is n.
Modulation of the ultrasonic beam and demodulation of the echo signal with one code of a code sequence consisting of (≧ m) codes is repeated n times for the same sound ray while changing the code in order, and scanning is performed in parallel. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that mutually orthogonal codes are used in the ultrasonic beam. 13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the code sequence is a Golay code sequence. 14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein m = 2 and n = 2, and the signs (1,1) and (1, -1) are assigned to the first ultrasonic beam. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that the reference numerals (1, -1) and (1, 1) are used in this order in the second ultrasonic beam in this order. 15. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein m = 4 and n = 4, and (1,1), (1,1), (1, −) for the first ultrasonic beam. 1), (1,-
The symbols of 1) are used in this order, and (1, -1), (1, -1), (1,1), (1,1) are used in the second ultrasonic beam.
Are used in this order, and in the third ultrasonic beam (-
1, -1), (1,1), (1, -1), (-1,1)
Are used in this order, and in the fourth ultrasonic beam, (1,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by using the symbols -1), (-1, 1), (1, 1), and (-1, -1) in this order. 16. An ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic probe for scanning in parallel a scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image with m (≧ 2) ultrasonic beams having different sound ray directions. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a scanning unit for driving a tentacle; and a frequency dividing unit for changing the frequency band of each ultrasonic beam so as not to interfere with each other. 17. An ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic probe are driven so as to scan a scanning surface for obtaining one ultrasonic image in parallel with two ultrasonic beams having different acoustic ray directions. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a scanning means for scanning and a phase dividing means for shifting the phase of each ultrasonic beam by 90 ° so as not to interfere with each other.