JP2008188162A - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and ultrasonic probe - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide ultrasonic diagnostic equipment suppressing the heating in an ultrasonic probe when measuring a flow rate of a moving body including a blood flow by continuously transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the reflected waves. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are connected to transmission/reception switching parts 12 respectively. The transmission/reception switching parts 12 are connected to a transmission part 21 and a reception part 22. The respective transmission/reception switching parts 12 switch the connection of the respective ultrasonic transducers to the transmission part 21 or to the reception part 22 according to the transmission/reception switch signal from a control part 8. The respective ultrasonic transducers 11 are connected to the transmission part 21 or the reception part 22 by the switching of the respective transmission/reception switching parts (switches) 12. The temperature rise of the ultrasonic transducers 11 (transmission ultrasonic transducers 11) for transmitting the ultrasonic waves is suppressed by switching the connection of the respective ultrasonic transducers 11 at a prescribed timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe that measure the flow velocity of a moving body such as a blood flow flowing in a subject by transmitting and receiving continuous ultrasonic waves.

  In order to measure the blood flow velocity, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of Doppler scanning is used. Doppler scan is a technique for obtaining blood flow information in a subject based on the principle of ultrasonic Doppler method. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a technique of observing temporal changes in blood flow information by executing a pulse Doppler method (PW Doppler method) or a continuous wave Doppler method (Continuous Wave: CW Doppler method) is generally implemented. ing.

  When executing the Doppler scan, the operator observes a tomographic image displayed on the display device and designates a portion where blood flow is to be observed. For example, a linear sample line indicating the transmission / reception direction of ultrasonic waves is displayed on the tomographic image, and further, sample points that can be moved on the sample line are displayed. The operator designates a portion where blood flow is to be observed by moving the sample line or sample point.

  Then, by executing the pulse Doppler method (PW Doppler method), blood flow information at the sample point is acquired, and by executing the continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method), an observation point that is an ultrasonic beam focus region is obtained. In addition, blood flow information on the sample line is obtained by being superimposed. The Doppler data representing the temporal change of blood flow information has time on the horizontal axis and speed (frequency) on the vertical axis, and is usually displayed on a display device simultaneously with an image such as a tomographic image. The continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method) is executed when measuring a blood flow at a high flow rate.

  When the continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method) is executed, all the ultrasonic transducers are divided into an ultrasonic transducer for transmission and an ultrasonic transducer for reception, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer for transmission. Blood flow information is acquired by continuously transmitting and receiving a reflected wave from the subject by the receiving ultrasonic transducer. Conventionally, in order to improve the sensitivity of blood flow information acquired by the continuous wave Doppler method, the number of ultrasonic transducers for transmission and the number of ultrasonic transducers for reception are different from each other. (For example, Patent Document 1). Also, according to the angle between the ultrasonic probe and the measurement target site, the number of ultrasonic transducers for transmission and the number of ultrasonic transducers for reception were set, and ultrasonic waves were transmitted and received ( For example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-140152 JP-A-10-75954

  However, according to the technique according to the prior art, when the continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method) is executed, since the ultrasonic waves are continuously transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer for transmission, the ultrasonic transducer for transmission is used. The fever continues. As a result, the temperature of the surface of the ultrasonic probe (the contact surface with the subject) rises, and the temperature of the surface of the ultrasonic probe becomes equal to or higher than the regulation temperature defined in, for example, IEC 60601-2-37. Since it is necessary to keep the temperature of the surface of the ultrasonic probe below the regulation temperature, it is necessary to transmit ultrasonic waves while suppressing the transmission power applied to the ultrasonic transducer. However, if the transmission power is suppressed, ultrasonic waves cannot be transmitted to the deep part of the subject, and sufficient sensitivity cannot be obtained in the deep part.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and generates heat in an ultrasonic probe when measuring the flow velocity of a moving body including blood flow by transmitting continuous ultrasonic waves and receiving reflected waves. It is an object to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe that can be suppressed.

The invention according to claim 1 includes an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. Divided into two groups, continuous ultrasonic waves are transmitted by ultrasonic transducers belonging to one group, reflected waves are received by ultrasonic transducers belonging to the other group, switched at a predetermined timing, and the other Control means for controlling the transmission / reception means so that continuous ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the group and the reflected waves are received by the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the one group; and And a signal processing unit that generates blood flow information based on an output from an ultrasonic transducer belonging to the group.
The invention according to claim 11 is an ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged, transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are divided into two groups, and the ultrasonic transducers belonging to one group are arranged at rotationally symmetric positions with the approximate center of the arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers as the rotation axis A control means for controlling the transmitting / receiving means to transmit continuous ultrasonic waves and receive a reflected wave by an ultrasonic vibrator belonging to the other group, and an ultrasonic vibrator belonging to the group when received. Signal processing means for generating blood flow information based on the output of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The invention according to claim 12 is an ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged, a transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, The reflected wave is received by the ultrasonic transducer near the center of the surface on which the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged, and the ultrasonic waves are continuously transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer surrounding the ultrasonic transducer near the center. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: a control unit; and a signal processing unit that generates blood flow information based on an output from an ultrasonic transducer near the center.
The invention described in claim 13 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, receives the voltage supply from the transmission means installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, transmits the ultrasonic wave, and receives the reflected wave. An ultrasonic probe that outputs a signal to a receiving unit that performs reception processing installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body, and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers that transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves; and Switching means for connecting each of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers to the transmitting means or the receiving means, and switching connection to the transmitting means or the receiving means in accordance with a transmission / reception switching signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body; It is an ultrasonic probe characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are divided into two groups, continuous ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the ultrasonic transducers belonging to one group, and reflected waves are transmitted to the ultrasonic transducers belonging to the other group. It is a heat source by receiving, switching at a predetermined timing, causing the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the other group to transmit continuous ultrasonic waves, and causing the ultrasonic transducer belonging to one group to receive the reflected wave Since the position of the ultrasonic transducer for transmission changes at every predetermined timing, the heat generation points are dispersed, and the heat generation in the ultrasonic probe can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to increase the transmission power given to the ultrasonic transducer and improve the sensitivity in the continuous wave Doppler method.

(Constitution)
The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a one-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are arranged in a line in the scanning direction, or a two-dimensional ultrasonic transducer in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are arranged two-dimensionally. A sonic probe is used.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 is provided with a transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to the transmission unit 21 and the reception unit 22 of the transmission / reception unit 2. The transmission / reception switching unit 12 is installed in a connector for connecting the ultrasonic probe 1 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. Each ultrasonic transducer 11 is connected to a transmission / reception switching unit 12, and each transmission / reception switching unit 12 is connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11 and the transmission unit 21 or reception unit 22 in accordance with a transmission / reception switching signal from the control unit 8. Switch connection with. Each ultrasonic transducer 11 is connected to the transmission unit 21 or the reception unit 22 by switching each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12. The ultrasonic transducer 11 connected to the transmission unit 21 functions as an ultrasonic transducer for transmission, and generates an ultrasonic wave by an electric signal supplied from the transmission unit 21. The ultrasonic transducer 11 connected to the receiving unit 22 functions as a receiving ultrasonic transducer, receives a reflected wave from the subject as an echo signal, and outputs it to the receiving unit 22. The control unit 8 switches the connection in the transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 at a predetermined switching timing according to a preset arrangement pattern indicating the positions of the ultrasonic transducer for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer for reception. Then, each ultrasonic transducer 11 is connected to the transmission unit 21 or the reception unit 22, and each ultrasonic transducer 11 is switched to transmission or reception.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 is provided with a temperature detector 13. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a back material (backing material), an ultrasonic transducer, and an acoustic matching layer. For example, the temperature detector 13 is installed in the back material. For the temperature detector 13, for example, a thermistor is used. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are installed on the back material, and an acoustic matching layer is installed on the ultrasonic transducers 11. The backing material attenuates and absorbs vibration components that are not necessary for image generation among the ultrasonic vibrations oscillated from the ultrasonic vibrator 11 and the ultrasonic vibrations at the time of reception. The acoustic matching layer is provided in order to improve the acoustic matching between the acoustic impedance of the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the acoustic impedance of the subject. The control unit 8 measures the switching timing of the transmission and reception ultrasonic transducers based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 13.

  A specific example of the arrangement of the transmitting and receiving ultrasonic transducers and the switching timing of the transmitting and receiving ultrasonic transducers will be described later.

  The transmission / reception unit 2 includes a transmission unit 21 and a reception unit 22. The transmission unit 21 is connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11 via the transmission / reception switching unit 12, performs transmission beam focusing with a delay when transmitting ultrasonic waves, and supplies an electrical signal to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Then, an ultrasonic beam beam-formed (transmitted beam form) is scanned at a predetermined focal point. The receiving unit 22 is connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11 via the transmission / reception switching unit 12, amplifies the echo signal received by each ultrasonic transducer 11, performs A / D conversion, and determines the reception directivity. Add the delay time required to do this. By the addition, the reflected wave from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized.

  The signal processing unit 3 includes a Doppler mode processing unit, a B mode processing unit, and a CFM processing unit. The data output from the receiving unit 22 is subjected to predetermined processing in any of the processing units.

  The Doppler mode processing unit generates blood flow information by a continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method) or a pulse Doppler method (PW Doppler method). For example, according to the continuous wave Doppler method, in addition to the main Doppler shift frequency components obtained at the blood flow observation point, all Doppler shift frequency components in the ultrasonic wave transmission / reception direction are superimposed. The continuous wave Doppler method is excellent for high-speed blood flow measurement. The Doppler mode processing unit extracts the Doppler shift frequency component from the signal sent from the receiving unit 22 by phase detection of the received signal on the blood flow observation sample line, and further performs FFT processing to obtain the sample line. A Doppler frequency component representing the upper blood flow velocity is generated.

  In addition, according to the pulse Doppler method, since a pulse wave is used, a Doppler shift frequency component at a specific depth can be detected. Thus, since it has distance resolution, it is possible to measure the velocity of tissue and blood flow at a specific site. The Doppler mode processing unit extracts a Doppler shift frequency component by phase-detecting a received signal within an observation point having a predetermined size with respect to the signal transmitted from the receiving unit 22, and further performs an FFT process. A Doppler frequency distribution representing a blood flow velocity in an observation point having a predetermined size is generated.

  The B-mode processing unit performs band-pass filter processing on the signal output from the receiving unit 22, then detects the envelope of the output signal, and performs compression processing by logarithmic conversion on the detected data. By doing so, the echo amplitude information is visualized. The CFM processing unit visualizes moving blood flow information and generates color ultrasonic raster data. Blood flow information includes information such as speed, dispersion, and power, and blood flow information is obtained as binarized information.

  The Doppler waveform generation unit 4 generates blood flow velocity information based on the signal-processed data output from the Doppler mode processing unit of the signal processing unit 3. For example, the Doppler waveform generation unit 4 generates a graph representing a temporal change in blood flow velocity. Here, a graph generated by executing the continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method) is referred to as a “CW image”. This CW image is a graph in which the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents blood flow velocity.

  The display control unit 5 receives the blood flow velocity information generated by the Doppler waveform generation unit 4 and causes the display unit 6 to display a graph based on the blood flow velocity information. For example, when receiving the CW image from the Doppler waveform generation unit 4, the display control unit 5 causes the display unit 6 to display a graph in which the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents blood flow velocity.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment uses B-mode tomographic image data and three-dimensional B-mode image data representing the tissue shape of the subject based on the data after signal processing output from the B-mode processing unit. An image generation unit (not shown) for generation is provided. The image generation unit generates color Doppler image data based on the signal-processed data output from the CFM processing unit. Upon receiving ultrasonic image data such as 3D image data or tomographic image data output from the image generating unit, the display control unit 5 displays a 3D image based on the 3D image data or a tomographic image based on the tomographic image data. This is displayed on part 6.

  The operation unit 7 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, or a TCS (Touch Command Screen). The operation unit 7 controls the projection direction (line-of-sight direction) of the projection light ray and the region of interest (ROI) with respect to the volume data. Settings are made.

  The control unit 8 is connected to each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and controls each unit. In this embodiment, an arrangement pattern indicating the positions of the ultrasonic transducer for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer for reception is set in the control unit 8 in advance, and the control unit 8 has the arrangement pattern at a predetermined switching timing. Accordingly, a transmission / reception switching signal is output to each transmission / reception switching unit 12. As a result, the control unit 8 connects each ultrasonic transducer 11 to the transmission unit 21 or the reception unit 22 by switching the connection in each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 at a predetermined switching timing. The child 11 is switched for transmission or reception.

(Operation)
Next, an arrangement pattern indicating the positions of the transmission ultrasonic transducer and the reception ultrasonic transducer and an example of switching control between the transmission ultrasonic transducer and the reception ultrasonic transducer will be described. In the following operations, operations using a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are two-dimensionally arranged will be described.

(First operation mode)
First, the first operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of an ultrasonic transducer for transmission and an ultrasonic transducer for reception. For example, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are classified into two groups G1 and G2 based on an imaginary line passing through the center O of the arrangement plane of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 arranged two-dimensionally. As an example, the number of ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 is made equal to the number of ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2. In the first operation mode, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are divided into two equal parts by a virtual line passing through the center O. However, even if the ultrasonic transducers 11 are not divided into two equal parts, the same operations and effects as the first operation mode are achieved. It is possible.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the control unit 8 uses the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2 for reception. A transmission / reception switching signal is output to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 instructs the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (transmission ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G1 to connect to the transmission unit 21. A transmission / reception switching signal is output. On the other hand, the control unit 8 transmits / receives a connection instruction to the receiving unit 22 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (reception ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G2. A switching signal is output.

  The transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connects the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1 to the transmission unit 21 and connects the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2 to the reception unit 22 according to the transmission / reception switching signal. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1, and the reception unit 22 receives echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2. .

  Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 in order to switch between the transmission ultrasonic transducer and the reception ultrasonic transducer at a predetermined switching timing. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the control unit 8 uses the center O of the arrangement surface of the ultrasonic transducer 11 as a rotation axis, and transmits the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. The ultrasonic vibrator 11 belonging to the group G3 is rotated for 90 degrees, and the ultrasonic vibrator 11 belonging to the group G4 is used for transmission. Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 instructs the connection to the reception unit 22 for the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (reception ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G3. A transmission / reception switching signal is output. On the other hand, the control unit 8 transmits / receives a connection instruction to the transmission unit 21 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (transmission ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G4. A switching signal is output.

  The transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connects the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G3 to the reception unit 22 and connects the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G4 to the transmission unit 21 according to the transmission / reception switching signal. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G4, and the reception unit 22 receives echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G3. .

  Here, the switching timing of the ultrasonic transducer for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer for reception will be described.

(First timing control)
First, the first timing control will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph showing a temperature change of the ultrasonic probe. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe.

In the first timing control, the control unit 8 switches the ultrasonic transducer 11 between transmission and reception for a preset time. The control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of transmission / reception. This predetermined time, from the time of starting the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves, the time Δt required for the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe 1 reaches the regulation temperature T _1. The regulating temperatures _{T 1} is a temperature defined by the ultrasound probe standards, for example, corresponds to the regulation temperature of the ultrasonic probe as defined in IEC60601-2-37. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic surface temperature of the probe 1 in the transmission and reception start time t ₀ and the reference temperature T _0, and starts the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves at a predetermined condition, regulating from the start time t ₀ the temperature T A time Δt until a time point t ₁ at which ₁ is reached is defined as a predetermined time. This time Δt is obtained in advance and set in the control unit 8. The control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 when a preset time Δt has elapsed after the start of transmission / reception.

  When the time Δt elapses after the transmission / reception switching signal is output, the control unit 8 outputs the transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the control unit 8 uses the center O of the arrangement surface of the ultrasonic transducer 11 as a rotation axis, and transmits the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. The ultrasonic transducer 11 that is rotated by 90 degrees and that belongs to the group G1 is used for reception, and the ultrasonic transducer 11 that belongs to the group G2 is used for transmission. Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 instructs the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (reception ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G1 to connect to the reception unit 22. A transmission / reception switching signal is output. On the other hand, the control unit 8 transmits / receives a connection instruction to the transmission unit 21 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (transmission ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G2. A switching signal is output.

  The transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connects the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1 to the reception unit 22 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2 to the transmission unit 21 according to the transmission / reception switching signal from the control unit 8. Connecting. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2, and the reception unit 22 receives echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1. .

  Furthermore, when the time Δt elapses after the transmission / reception switching signal is output, the control unit 8 outputs the transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2D, the control unit 8 uses the center O of the arrangement surface of the ultrasonic transducer 11 as a rotation axis, and transmits the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. The ultrasonic transducer 11 that is rotated by 90 degrees and belongs to the group G3 is used for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducer 11 that belongs to the group G4 is used for reception. Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 instructs the connection to the transmission unit 21 for the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (transmission ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G3. A transmission / reception switching signal is output. On the other hand, the control unit 8 transmits / receives a connection instruction to the reception unit 22 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (reception ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G4. A switching signal is output.

  The transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connects the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G3 to the transmission unit 21 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G4 to the reception unit 22 according to the transmission / reception switching signal from the control unit 8. Connecting. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G3, and the reception unit 22 receives echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G4. .

  As described above, every time the time Δt elapses (at intervals of the time Δt), the control unit 8 switches between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. Thereby, since the same ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 does not transmit an ultrasonic wave continuously, it becomes possible to suppress heat_generation | fever of each ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11. FIG. As a result, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. Thus, since the temperature rise of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be suppressed, it is possible to increase the voltage (transmission power) supplied to each ultrasonic transducer 11 and transmit ultrasonic waves to deeper portions. It becomes.

In this embodiment, every time the time Δt elapses, the control unit 8 switches between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception, but the time equal to or shorter than the time Δt elapses. The transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 may be switched each time (at a time interval equal to or less than the time Δt). By switching the time following time interval Delta] t, can be surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe 1 is before the regulation temperature T _1, it switches the ultrasonic transducer 11 for receiving the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission It becomes. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of each ultrasonic transducer 11 and to suppress the temperature rise of the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1.

(Second timing control)
Next, the second timing control will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a graph showing a temperature change detected by a temperature detection unit installed in the ultrasonic probe. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 13.

In the second timing control, the control unit 8 moves the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception based on the detection result of the temperature detector 13 installed in the ultrasonic probe 1. Switch. The temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 13 is output to the control unit 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 8, and the temperature T _B detected by the temperature detection unit 13 compares the switching temperature T ₂ which is set in advance, the temperature T _B detected by the temperature detection unit 13 However, when the switching temperature T ₂ is reached, a transmission / reception switching signal is output to the transmission / reception switching unit 12. The switching temperature _{T 2} is, for example, a temperature determined by the ultrasonic probe standard, specifically, corresponds to the regulating temperature of the ultrasonic probe as defined in IEC60601-2-37.

For example, four temperature detectors 13 are arranged at equal angles around the center O in the back material (backing material). Each temperature detector 13 detects the temperature of the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the groups G1, G2, G3, and G4. Since the temperature detector 13 is installed on the back material, the temperature of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is not directly detected. Therefore, the control unit 8 estimates the temperature of the ultrasonic transducer 11 or the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe 1 based on the thermal conductivity of the back material and the installation position of the temperature detector 13. When the temperature T _B detected by the temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission, the switching temperature T ₂ corresponding to the regulation temperature, the control unit 8, a reception switching signal The data is output to the transmission / reception switching unit 12.

As described above, the temperature T _B detected by the temperature detector 13, each time it is switched temperature T ₂ corresponding to the regulation temperature, the control unit 8, for receiving the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmitting ultrasonic The sonic transducer 11 is switched. Thereby, since the same ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 does not transmit an ultrasonic wave continuously, it becomes possible to suppress heat_generation | fever of each ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11. FIG. As a result, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1. Thus, since the temperature rise of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be suppressed, it is possible to increase the voltage (transmission power) supplied to each ultrasonic transducer 11 and transmit ultrasonic waves to deeper portions. It becomes.

In this embodiment, each time it is switched temperature T ₂ to the temperature T _B corresponds to regulating the temperature, the control unit 8, switches the ultrasonic transducer 11 for receiving the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission but the temperature T _B is even switching temperature T ₂ temperatures below may switch the ultrasonic transducer 11 for receiving the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission. By the temperature T _B is switched by the switching temperature T ₂ below the temperature, before the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe 1 is regulated temperature, it switches the ultrasonic transducer 11 for receiving the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission It becomes possible. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of each ultrasonic transducer 11 and to suppress the temperature rise of the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1.

(Third timing control)
Next, the third timing control will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a screen showing a CW image. In the third timing control, the control unit 8 switches between the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 when updating the display of the CW image displayed on the display unit 6. When the continuous wave Doppler method (CW Doppler method) is executed, a CW image representing a blood flow velocity is generated by the signal processing unit 3 and the Doppler waveform generation unit 4. The display control unit 5 causes the display unit 6 to display the CW image (a graph in which the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents blood flow velocity).

  An example of a CW image is shown in FIG. The display control unit 5 moves the scroll bar 105 from the initial position 104 (left end portion in FIG. 5) in the direction of arrow A (right direction) at a predetermined speed, and sequentially displays the CW images 103 after the scroll bar 105. When the display control unit 5 moves the scroll bar 105 to the end unit 106 (the right end in FIG. 5), the display control unit 5 updates the CW image 103 that has been displayed so far, and the scroll bar 105 is initialized again at a predetermined speed. Moving from the position 104 (left end) in the direction of arrow A, the newly generated CW images 103 are sequentially displayed thereafter. In this way, the display control unit 5 updates the display of the CW image 103 at a predetermined cycle.

  The predetermined period is preset in the control unit 8. The control unit 8 switches between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception at the update timing of the display of the CW image 103. Since the display update cycle (time for moving the scroll bar 105 from the initial position 104 to the end portion 106) is set in the control unit 8 in advance, the control unit 8 transmits the ultrasonic transducer for transmission according to the update cycle. 11 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception are switched. That is, the control unit 8 switches between the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 in synchronization with the display update timing of the CW image 103.

  When switching between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception, noise may occur in the received signal at the time of switching. As in the third timing control, when the CW image display is updated, the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 are switched to generate noise in the reception signal. However, noise is displayed at the end of the CW image 103 displayed on the display unit 6 and does not stand out.

  As described above, according to the third timing control, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1 and noise that may occur when switching between the transmitting and receiving ultrasonic transducers 11. This makes it possible to produce an effect that the display of is not conspicuous.

  The display control unit 5 displays the tomographic image 100 on the display unit 6 simultaneously with the CW image 103. Further, the display control unit 5 displays on the tomographic image 100 a sample line 101 and a sample point 102 for designating a position where the CW image 103 is acquired.

(Notification of switching between transmission and reception)
Further, the operator may be notified of switching between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. For example, the control unit 8 outputs a signal indicating transmission / reception switching to the display control unit 5 every time a transmission / reception switching signal is output to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 at the transmission / reception switching timing. When the display control unit 5 receives a signal from the control unit 8, the display control unit 5 causes the display unit 6 to display characters and figures representing switching between transmission and reception. Thereby, in synchronization with the transmission / reception switching timing, characters indicating transmission / reception switching are displayed on the display unit 6, and the operator recognizes that the ultrasonic transducers 11 for transmission and reception have been switched. It becomes possible. The display unit 6 functions as an example of notification means. In addition to characters and graphics, the transmission / reception switching may be notified by voice.

(Display of ultrasonic transducer position)
Further, the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception may be displayed on the display unit 6. For example, whenever the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 at the transmission / reception switching timing, the control unit 8 displays information indicating the arrangement pattern of the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. Output to the control unit 5. When receiving the arrangement pattern from the control unit 8, the display control unit 5 causes the display unit 6 to display markers representing the transmission and reception ultrasonic transducers 11. For example, the display control unit 5 causes the display unit 6 to display different colors for the marker that represents the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the marker that represents the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. Thus, by changing the color, the operator can grasp the positions of the ultrasonic transducers 11 for transmission and reception. The display control unit 5 may cause the display unit 6 to display the blinking marker of the transmitting or receiving ultrasonic transducer 11. By blinking in this way, the operator can grasp the positions of the ultrasonic transducers 11 for transmission and reception.

  Here, an example of the marker is shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a screen for explaining markers representing the positions of the transmitting ultrasonic transducer and the receiving ultrasonic transducer. The display control unit 5 displays the tomographic image 100 on the display unit 6 and displays the marker 110 representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception on the display unit 6. In the first operation mode, since the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are classified into two groups G1 and G2 and switched between transmission and reception, the display control unit 5 displays the markers 110 representing the two groups. It is displayed on the display unit 6. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, corresponding to the groups G <b> 1 and G <b> 2, the marker 110 includes a marker 111 representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G <b> 1 and a marker 112 representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G <b> 2. It is configured. And the display control part 5 changes the color with the marker 111 showing the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 which belongs to the group G1, and the marker 112 showing the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 which belongs to the group G2, and displays it on the display part 6. FIG. For example, a marker representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission is displayed in red, and a marker representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception is represented in blue. When the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 function for transmission, the display control unit 5 displays the marker 111 on the display unit 6 in red and the marker 112 on the display unit 6 in blue. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2 functions for transmission, the display control unit 5 displays the marker 112 on the display unit 6 in blue and the marker 111 on the display unit 6 in red. Accordingly, it is possible to grasp the positions of the transmitting and receiving ultrasonic transducers 11 based on the displayed color. In addition, the display control unit 5 may cause the marker 111 representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1 or the marker 112 representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2 to blink and display on the display unit 6.

  Each time the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 are switched, the display control unit 5 displays the display color of the marker 111 representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1 and the group G2. The display color of the marker 112 that represents the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to is changed and displayed on the display unit 6.

(Transmission power control)
Further, when transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves while switching between the ultrasonic transducer for transmission 11 and the ultrasonic transducer for reception 11 at a predetermined switching timing (switching mode), the ultrasonic transducer for transmission 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer The control unit 8 increases the voltage (transmission power) supplied to each ultrasonic transducer 11 and transmits ultrasonic waves, compared to the case where ultrasonic transmission / reception is performed without switching the ultrasonic transducer 11 (normal mode). It may be sent. For example, when acquiring a highly sensitive CW image, the normal mode is switched to the switching mode, and the transmission power is set higher than that in the normal mode to transmit / receive ultrasonic waves.

(Manual switching)
In the first to third timing control described above, the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 are automatically switched by the control of the control unit 8. In this embodiment, the operator may manually switch between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. For example, the operation unit 7 is provided with a switch for transmission / reception switching. When the operator depresses the switch, a signal corresponding to the depressing is output from the operation unit 7 to the control unit 8. When the control unit 8 receives the signal, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 to switch between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. Each time the operator depresses the transmission / reception switching switch, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12, so that the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception are switched. Switch. Thus, even if the operator manually switches between the transmitting and receiving ultrasonic transducers 11, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the ultrasonic transducers 11 and suppress the increase in the surface temperature of the ultrasonic probe 1. It becomes possible.

For example, if the temperature detected by the temperature detector 13 is switching temperature T _2, the display control unit 5 to display a warning on the display unit 6, or may be an alarm sound. The operator can press the switch for transmission / reception switching triggered by a warning or a warning sound displayed on the display unit 6, and the temperature rise of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be suppressed.

(Second operation mode)
Next, a second operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating an example of an ultrasonic transducer for transmission and an ultrasonic transducer for reception. For example, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are classified into four groups G1, G2, G3, and G4 by two virtual lines that pass through the center O of the arrangement plane of the ultrasonic transducers 11 and are orthogonal to each other. As an example, the number of ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to each group is made equal.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the control unit 8 includes the ultrasonic transducer 11 that belongs to the group G1 and the ultrasonic wave that belongs to the group G3 that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical to the group G1 with the center O as the rotation axis. The vibrator 11 is used for transmission. The control unit 8 also includes the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2 that are in the 90-degree rotational symmetry position of the group G1 with the center O as the rotational axis, and the 180-degree rotationally symmetrical position in the group G2 with the center O as the rotational axis. The ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G4 in FIG. In the second operation mode, the center O is the rotation axis, but the exact center O may not be the rotation axis. Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 sends the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducers 11 (transmission ultrasonic transducers 11) belonging to the groups G1 and G3 to the transmission unit 21. The transmission / reception switching signal indicating the connection instruction is output. On the other hand, the control unit 8 instructs the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducers 11 (reception ultrasonic transducers 11) belonging to the groups G2 and G4 to connect to the reception unit 22. A transmission / reception switching signal is output.

  In accordance with the transmission / reception switching signal, the transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connects the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 and the group G3 to the transmission unit 21, and the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2 and the group G4 to the reception unit. 22 is connected. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G1 and G3, and the reception unit 22 receives the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G2 and G4. Received echo signal.

  As in the first operation mode, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 at a predetermined timing. In the second operation mode, the control unit 8 newly sets the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception and newly sets the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission. The transmission / reception switching unit 12 newly switches to reception by connecting the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission to the reception unit 22, and newly transmits by connecting the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception to the transmission unit 21. Switch to credit. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducer 11 switched for transmission, and the reception unit 22 receives echoes received by the ultrasonic transducer 11 switched for reception. Receive a signal.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the control unit 8 uses the center O of the arrangement surface of the ultrasonic transducer 11 as a rotation axis, and transmits the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. The ultrasonic transducers 11 that are rotated 90 degrees and belong to the groups G2 and G4 are used for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducers 11 that belong to the groups G1 and G3 are used for reception. Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 goes to the reception unit 22 for the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducers 11 (reception ultrasonic transducers 11) belonging to the groups G1 and G3. The transmission / reception switching signal indicating the connection instruction is output. On the other hand, the control unit 8 instructs the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducers 11 (transmission ultrasonic transducers 11) belonging to the groups G2 and G4 to connect to the transmission unit 21. A transmission / reception switching signal is output.

  The transmission / reception switching unit 12 connects the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2 and the group G4 to the transmission unit 21 and receives the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 and the group G3 according to the transmission / reception switching signal from the control unit 8. Connect to the unit 22. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G2 and G4, and the reception unit 22 receives the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G1 and G3. Received echo signal.

  The switching control is performed by the first timing control, the second timing control, and the third timing control, similarly to the first operation mode described above.

  When the switching control is performed by the first timing control, for example, whenever the time Δt elapses, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12, and transmits the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the receiving unit. The ultrasonic transducer 11 is switched.

Moreover, when switching control is performed by the second timing control, the temperature detectors 13 are installed at four locations in the back material (backing material). For example, the temperature detector 13 is installed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G1, G2, G3, and G4. Since the temperature rises in the transmission group, the temperature detected by the temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the transmission group among the temperature detectors 13 installed at four locations rises. Then, the temperature T _B the temperature detector 13 has detected is equal to or switching temperature T ₂ corresponding to the regulation temperature, the control unit 8 outputs the reception switching signal to the transmitting and receiving switching unit 12. Thereby, the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception are switched.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 and the group G3 function for transmission, the temperature of the temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the group G1 and the group G3 is To rise. Then, the temperature T _B to a temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the group G1 and group G3 has detected is equal to or switching temperature T ₂ corresponding to the regulation temperature, the control unit 8, reception switching unit transmitting and receiving switching signal 12 Output to. Thereby, the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G1 and G3 are switched from transmission to reception, and the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G2 and G4 are switched from reception to transmission. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2 and the group G4 function for transmission, the temperature of the temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the group G2 and the group G4 is To rise. Temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the group G2 and group G4 temperature T _B detected is equal to or switching temperature T ₂ corresponding to the regulation temperature, the control unit 8, outputs a reception switching signal to the transmitting and receiving switching unit 12 To do. Thereby, the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G2 and G4 are switched from transmission to reception, and the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G1 and G3 are switched from reception to transmission.

  When switching is controlled by the third timing control, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 in synchronization with the update timing of the display of the CW image, and transmits ultrasonic vibration for transmission. The child 11 and the receiving ultrasonic transducer 11 are switched.

  Each time the switching timing is reached, the control unit 8 switches between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. Thereby, since the same ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 does not transmit an ultrasonic wave continuously, it becomes possible to suppress heat_generation | fever of each ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11. FIG. As a result, the temperature rise on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be suppressed, so that the voltage (transmission power) supplied to each ultrasonic transducer 11 is increased and ultrasonic waves are transmitted to deeper portions. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, according to the second operation mode, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are classified into four groups, and the transmission and reception groups are arranged so as to be 90-degree rotationally symmetric with the center O as the rotation axis. Thus, since the axis of the transmission beam and the axis of the reception beam can be matched, it is possible to suppress a decrease in sensitivity of the reception signal.

  Further, similarly to the first operation mode, the operator may be notified of the transmission / reception switching timing. Further, the positions of the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 may be displayed on the display unit 6. In the second operation mode, since the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are classified into four groups G1, G2, G3, and G4, the display control unit 5 displays markers representing the four groups on the display unit 6. Display. Then, in synchronization with the transmission / reception switching timing, the display control unit 5 changes the color of the marker representing each group or blinks the marker representing the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission.

  In the second operation mode, transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves may be performed without switching between the ultrasonic transducer for transmission 11 and the ultrasonic transducer for reception 11 at a predetermined switching timing. For example, the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 and the group G3 are used for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2 and the group G4 are used for reception, and ultrasonic transmission / reception is continuously performed. As described above, when the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 are not switched, the same ultrasonic transducer 11 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves. 11 cannot suppress heat generation, but since the axes of the transmission beam and the reception beam can be matched, it is possible to suppress a decrease in sensitivity of the reception signal.

(Third operation mode)
Next, a 3rd aspect is demonstrated with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating an example of an ultrasonic transducer for transmission and an ultrasonic transducer for reception. For example, the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception are alternately used to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal indicating a connection instruction to the transmission unit 21 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission. On the other hand, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal indicating a connection instruction to the reception unit 22 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception.

  The transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connects the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 to the transmission unit 21 and connects the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 to the reception unit 22 according to the transmission / reception switching signal.

  As in the first operation mode, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 at a predetermined timing. In the third operation mode, the control unit 8 newly sets the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception, and newly sets the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission. The transmission / reception switching unit 12 newly switches to reception by connecting the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission to the reception unit 22, and newly transmits by connecting the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception to the transmission unit 21. Switch to credit. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducer 11 switched for transmission, and the reception unit 22 receives echoes received by the ultrasonic transducer 11 switched for reception. Receive a signal.

  The switching control is performed by the first timing control, the second timing control, and the third timing control, as in the first operation mode described above.

  Each time the switching timing is reached, the control unit 8 switches between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. Thereby, since the same ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 does not transmit an ultrasonic wave continuously, it becomes possible to suppress heat_generation | fever of each ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11. FIG. As a result, the temperature information on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be suppressed, so that the voltage (transmission power) supplied to each ultrasonic transducer 11 is increased and ultrasonic waves are transmitted to deeper portions. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, similarly to the first operation mode, the operator may be notified of the transmission / reception switching timing. Further, the positions of the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 may be displayed on the display unit 6.

(Fourth operation mode)
Next, a fourth operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a top view showing an example of an ultrasonic transducer for transmission and an ultrasonic transducer for reception. For example, in the fourth operation mode, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 are separated from the ultrasonic transducer 11 (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1) near the center O of the arrangement surface of the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the center. The ultrasonic transducers 11 (the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2) surrounding the ultrasonic transducer 11 near O are classified.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the control unit 8 uses the ultrasonic transducer 11 near the center O (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1) for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducer 11 near the center O. The ultrasonic transducer 11 (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2) surrounding is used for reception. Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal indicating a connection instruction to the transmission unit 21 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1. On the other hand, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal indicating a connection instruction to the reception unit 22 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2.

  The transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connects the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1 to the transmission unit 21 and the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2 to the reception unit 22 according to the transmission / reception switching signal from the control unit 8. Connecting. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1, and the reception unit 22 receives echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2. .

  As in the first operation mode, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 at a predetermined timing. In the fourth operation mode, the control unit 8 newly sets the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1) for reception, and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 (for the group G2). The ultrasonic transducer 11) to which it belongs is newly used for transmission. The transmission / reception switching unit 12 is newly switched to reception by connecting the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1) to the reception unit 22, and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 ( By connecting the ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G <b> 2 to the transmission unit 21, the transmission is newly switched to transmission. As a result, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducer 11 switched to transmission (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2), and the reception unit 22 is switched to reception. The echo signal received by the ultrasonic transducer 11 (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1) is received.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the control unit 8 uses the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 for reception and the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2 for transmission. Then, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to each transmission / reception switching unit (switch) 12 connected to each ultrasonic transducer 11. Specifically, the control unit 8 instructs the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (reception ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G1 to connect to the reception unit 22. A transmission / reception switching signal is output. On the other hand, the control unit 8 transmits / receives a connection instruction to the transmission unit 21 to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11 (transmission ultrasonic transducer 11) belonging to the group G2. A switching signal is output.

  The transmission / reception switching unit 12 connects the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 to the reception unit 22 and connects the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2 to the transmission unit 21 according to the transmission / reception switching signal. Thereby, the transmission unit 21 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2, and the reception unit 22 receives echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1. .

  The switching control is performed by the first timing control, the second timing control, and the third timing control, similarly to the first operation mode described above.

  When the switching control is performed by the first timing control, for example, whenever the time Δt elapses, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12, and transmits the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the receiving unit. The ultrasonic transducer 11 is switched.

  Moreover, when switching control is performed by the second timing control, the temperature detectors 13 are installed at two locations in the back material (backing material). For example, the temperature detector 13 is installed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the groups G1 and G2. In the fourth operation mode, the temperature detectors 13 are installed near the center O and outside. Since the temperature rises in the transmission group, the temperature detected by the temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the transmission group among the temperature detectors 13 installed in two places rises. When the temperature TB detected by the temperature detector 13 reaches the switching temperature T2 corresponding to the regulation temperature, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12. Thereby, the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception are switched.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the ultrasonic transducer 11 near the center O (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1) functions for transmission, the temperature detection installed near the group G1 The temperature of the vessel 13 rises. Then, the temperature T _B to a temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the group G1 has detected is equal to or switching temperature T2 corresponding to the regulation temperature, the control unit 8 outputs the reception switching signal to the transmitting and receiving switching unit 12. Thereby, the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G1 are switched from transmission to reception, and the ultrasonic transducers 11 (the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2) surrounding the ultrasonic transducer 11 near the center O are changed. Switching from reception to transmission. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2 functions for transmission, the temperature of the temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the group G2 rises. Temperature T _B the temperature detector 13 installed in the vicinity of the group G2 has detected is equal to or switching temperature T ₂ corresponding to the regulation temperature, the control unit 8 outputs the reception switching signal to the transmitting and receiving switching unit 12. Thereby, the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2 is switched from transmission to reception, and the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1 is switched from reception to transmission.

  When switching is controlled by the third timing control, the control unit 8 outputs a transmission / reception switching signal to the transmission / reception switching unit 12 in synchronization with the update timing of the display of the CW image, and transmits ultrasonic vibration for transmission. The child 11 and the receiving ultrasonic transducer 11 are switched.

  Each time the switching timing is reached, the control unit 8 switches between the ultrasonic transducer 11 for transmission and the ultrasonic transducer 11 for reception. Thereby, since the same ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11 does not transmit an ultrasonic wave continuously, it becomes possible to suppress heat_generation | fever of each ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 11. FIG. As a result, the temperature rise on the surface of the ultrasonic probe 1 can be suppressed, so that the voltage (transmission power) supplied to each ultrasonic transducer 11 is increased and ultrasonic waves are transmitted to deeper portions. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, according to the fourth operation mode, by classifying the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 11 into an ultrasonic transducer 11 near the center O and an outer ultrasonic transducer 11 and switching between transmission and reception. Since the axis of the transmission beam coincides with the axis of the reception beam, it is possible to suppress a decrease in sensitivity.

  In addition, since the heat generated from the ultrasonic transducers 11 (the ultrasonic transducers 11 belonging to the group G2) installed outside is easily transferred to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 1, the control unit 8 For the ultrasonic transducer 11 (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2), the transmission time is made longer than that of the ultrasonic transducer 11 near the center O (the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1). May be sent.

  In the fourth operation mode, transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves may be performed without switching between the ultrasonic transducer for transmission 11 and the ultrasonic transducer for reception 11 at a predetermined switching timing. For example, the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G1 (the ultrasonic transducer 11 near the center O) is used for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducer 11 belonging to the group G2 (the outer ultrasonic transducer 11) is used for reception. Continue to send and receive ultrasound. As described above, when the transmission ultrasonic transducer 11 and the reception ultrasonic transducer 11 are not switched, the same ultrasonic transducer 11 continuously transmits ultrasonic waves. 11 cannot suppress heat generation, but since the axes of the transmission beam and the reception beam can be matched, it is possible to suppress a decrease in sensitivity of the reception signal.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows an example of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for reception. It is a graph showing the temperature change of an ultrasonic probe. It is a graph showing the temperature change detected by the temperature detection part installed in the ultrasonic probe. It is a figure of the screen which shows a CW image. It is a figure of the screen for demonstrating the marker showing the position of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for reception. It is a top view which shows an example of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for reception. It is a top view which shows an example of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for reception. It is a top view which shows an example of the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for transmission, and the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator for reception.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Transmission / reception part 3 Signal processing part 4 Doppler waveform generation part 5 Display control part 6 Display part 7 Operation part 8 Control part 11 Ultrasonic transducer 12 Transmission / reception switching part 13 Temperature detection part 21 Transmission part 22 Reception part

Claims (13)

An ultrasonic probe comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are divided into two groups, a continuous ultrasonic wave is transmitted by an ultrasonic transducer belonging to one group, and a reflected wave is received by an ultrasonic transducer belonging to the other group. The transmission / reception means is controlled so that continuous ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the other group and reflected waves are received by the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the one group. Control means;
A signal processing means for generating blood flow information based on an output from an ultrasonic transducer belonging to the group when received;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged,
The control means is configured such that the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the one group and the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the other group are rotationally symmetric with respect to the approximate center of the arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers as a rotation axis. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are divided into two groups, continuous ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the ultrasonic transducers belonging to the one group, and reflected waves are transmitted by the ultrasonic transducers belonging to the other group. So that the ultrasonic waves belonging to the other group are transmitted continuously and the reflected waves are received by the ultrasonic vibrator belonging to the one group. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transmission / reception means is controlled. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged,
The control means uses an ultrasonic transducer near the center of the arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers as an ultrasonic transducer belonging to the one group, and an outer ultrasonic transducer near the center as the other ultrasonic transducer. An ultrasonic transducer belonging to a group, a continuous ultrasonic wave is transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the one group, a reflected wave is received by the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the other group, and the predetermined timing To switch the transmission / reception means so that a continuous ultrasonic wave is transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the other group and a reflected wave is received by the ultrasonic transducer belonging to the one group. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.   The control means causes the transmission / reception means to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave by making the transmission time by the outer ultrasonic vibrator longer than the transmission time by the ultrasonic vibrator near the center. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the switching at a preset time interval.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the switching according to a switching instruction from an operator.   The control means displays the blood flow information on the display means along time, updates the blood flow information every predetermined time, displays the information on the display means, and at the timing of updating the blood flow information, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein switching is performed. It further has a temperature detection means installed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer,
4. The control unit performs the switching with the predetermined timing when the detection result of the temperature detection unit becomes equal to or higher than a preset temperature. 5. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.   9. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers on a display unit, and displays the ultrasonic transmission and reception for identification. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in any one.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the timing of the switching. An ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged;
Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
The plurality of ultrasonic transducers are divided into two groups, and the ultrasonic vibrations belonging to one group are arranged at rotationally symmetric positions with the approximate center of the arrangement surface of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers as a rotation axis. Control means for controlling the transmitting / receiving means to transmit continuous ultrasonic waves by a child and to receive reflected waves by an ultrasonic transducer belonging to the other group;
A signal processing means for generating blood flow information based on an output from an ultrasonic transducer belonging to the group when received;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: An ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are two-dimensionally arranged;
Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
The reflected wave is received by the ultrasonic transducer near the center of the surface on which the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged, and the ultrasonic waves are continuously transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer surrounding the ultrasonic transducer near the center. Control means for causing
Signal processing means for generating blood flow information based on an output from an ultrasonic transducer near the center;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: Connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, received a voltage supply from a transmission means installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, transmitted ultrasonic waves, received reflected waves, and installed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body An ultrasonic probe that outputs a signal to a receiving means that performs reception processing,
A plurality of ultrasonic transducers that transmit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected waves; and
A switching unit that connects each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to the transmission unit or the reception unit, and switches connection to the transmission unit or the reception unit in accordance with a transmission / reception switching signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body;
An ultrasonic probe comprising: